I'm not sure how to pay a proper tribute to this family, but I'll try. I know the phrase of you really learn to love someone when you serve them, must be true as I truly feel the love this family has for me and mine. I don't know how I got so lucky as to have them in my corner but I am so grateful I do.
The Cleverly's live kitty corner to me. From the time I moved into this house I have had a special relationship with them. It started with Meghan. She was ten when we moved in, in late fall of 2006. Megahn and I would chat lots outside, she would play with my kids. I didn't meet Shauna till the following spring. She was on bedrest with twins and then had bran new twins in January of 2007. I remember the first time I met her. I was outside and she pulled up in her van and introduced herself. The rest is history, we have been fast friends since. I've got her back on her chocolate chip needs, chocolate chips are a staple item at my house, and I buy the good kind. So anytime she found herself baking and was low she knew she could call the Wards. She pretty much has my back on everything else. I guess this is a bit of a one sided relationship, I hope to right this one day. Shauna takes my Andrew everyday before and after school until I get home from work and then has all of my kids every Wednesday. When she originally called and told me of said plan, I was overcome with relief and joy and having my childcare issues resolved. She had also found somewhere (her amazing mother-in-law) for girls to go for the rest of the week. Talk about a friend whose got you covered.
The rest of the family is equally as amazing. I remember Easter of 2009 I was in Utah with the kiddos as Jeremy had headed to Texas a few months before we all went down. I found an Easter Lilly on my porch that morning, with a sweet anonymous card. Upon asking Shauna if it was from her, she informed me it was from Michael her sweet and incredibly smart husband. This was one of those gestures in my life that came at a time I needed it and I know I will never forget it.
I consider Megahn a close friend and am not sure why as a ten year old girl she decided to like me but she did. I'm so glad. We've roller bladed together, she came over and showed me how to roll crescent rolls the other night.
Marta the youngest who is almost 4, is my girls best playmate. I love that they enjoy playing together and am so happy this family is a part of my life. My girls get so excited on Wednesday mornings and will Say, "Yeah it's a Shauna day!"
The boys are all have there great qualities too. Kaleb reminds me so much of his dad. He is smart and loves to read. You've also gotta love the bow tie he wears to church each week. Jacob is the sport lover in the family and is often seen wearing a Jazz jersey. Andrew is the leader of the pack my Andrew rides to school with and I'm grateful my little guy has someone looking out for him. I also love to teas Andrew about possibly marrying my Lexie one day. I know he secretly loves this. Ethan has wormed his way into my heart. His mother is often telling me of his antics and it reminds me of my Andrew. Plus he always want to say hi to me on the phone.
I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but I'm so grateful for this amazing family. They are raising wonderful children whom I admire. I'm hoping to get to heaven through my association with the Cleverly's. I know the Lord answers prayers most often through people, and I'm so grateful they were receptive and open to being an answer to mine. I love you dearly. On Day 15 cheers to the Cleverly's!
I'm not sure how to pay a proper tribute to this family, but I'll try. I know the phrase of you really learn to love someone when you serve them, must be true as I truly feel the love this family has for me and mine. I don't know how I got so lucky as to have them in my corner but I am so grateful I do.
Tonight I took the kids to Temple Square to see the lights. I have always loved this tradition, loved Christmas lights, seeing the Christas, drinking a little of the holiday spirit. It was super crowded, but a good night to go because it wasn't very cold. The grounds were beautiful and it is always fun to be part of a greater whole enjoying the season, partaking of holiday traditions, seeing others with there families and enjoying the festivities. One of my favorite parts of the nights was a conversation I had with Annie. She commented on the pretty temple and asked if I got married in that "big pretty temple." I told her I did and she then informed me she wanted to get married there. For a minute I had a glimpse in my mind of what that would be like and how quickly that time will probably come. I gave her a tight squeeze and just hoped she'd stay little for a long time. They grow and change so fast. It was a fun night; I enjoyed the lights and spending time with my family. It was a large group we went with and we got separated from each other many times, I think because of the crowds. I even found some fun and humor in this. I love this Christmas season!
Today I worked a half day, or even less. I was having the Internet set up at my house finally and they give you a 5 hour block of time to be home. Gotta love that, but hey I got to spend most of the day with my girls. We got a lot done. This is them raking leaves. We never got our fall yard work completed and since it was a bit warmer we tried to get some of the leaves up. I said I was going out to rake and the next thing I know I come across this. They started without me. Today I'm grateful to have Internet access at home. We have foregone this luxury for awhile and it's been fine, but I'm excited to have it back. Hopefully I'll start blogging more. The qwest guy was super nice and he made around 4:30. Sometimes I wonder why they can't give you a little narrower of a window but oh well. Glad it's done, and I'm looking forward to the convenience and of internet at home! Yeah. 
