and Jason and I were married for time and all eternity in the San Diego Temple. it's crazy how seven years can seem like both a short time, and a long time all in one. back then i couldn't have even guessed where i'd be now, in Arizona with three beautiful daughters, all daughters! wow! when i think back to that day, i remember the incredible feelings of peace and joy i felt as i prepared for the sealing. the surprising surge of contentment that swept me up as i became Mrs. Earl. the happiness shared with family and friends, taking pictures and enjoying the remarkably beautiful La Jolla day. the fun "date" we had driving up the coast to our reception. we shared a lovely ring ceremony with family and friends who didn't join us in the temple. remarkably i wasn't hungry or tired as we greeted the guests in our receiving line. in fact, it was exhilarating spending even a brief moment with each guest, even though there were 350. their genuine love and well wishes filled me with excitement for my future. i knew it was something special to have so many people to support us. 
the reception was a blast! i had so much fun dancing with my sisters and friends. hearing sweet toasts from my new husband, his brother, and my best friend! the obligatory cake cutting, garter and bouquet toss were fun. but there was one moment that stood out from all the rest. the moment time stood still. the moment Jason and i walked out on the dance floor for our first dance as man and wife. 
it started off kind of funny, because earlier the DJ had told me he didn't have some of the songs i asked for, and he announced us and started playing classical music. we didn't know if he had "our song" so we just started awkwardly dancing. then he faded in our song, and we relaxed. i'm not sure i can describe what made this moment so wonderful, but just taking that time to look into each others eyes and realize, "we're married!" was so nice. my heart did a couple of flip flops, and i fell even deeper in love somehow. 
not that we were all romance all the time,or anything, we were still our fun loving selves. 
which is why it was the perfect moment. i think i will cling to this memory today as i celebrate my seventh wedding anniversary, with a nasty cold and three sick children, i will have this PERFECT memory to sustain me. happy anniversary Jason. i love you now more than ever. 
Anna had her first day of preschool! see is going to Apples to Zebras at the Chandler Community Center. see woke up a little wary of going to school, but once we were there she just walked right in. leaving me in the dust. 
after walking right in, she sat down, introduced herself to the girls next to her, and started playing. i tried to snap some pics through the door, and everyone kept getting in the way! 
Anna was funny, when she came home she said, "you're not too happy mom right? because you missed me at school?" of course we missed you. good job big school girl! we love you!
i just had to grab the camera when i saw this outfit. 
still wearing jammies, kickin' kicks, awesome bed head, and these ginormous work gloves. 
her enthusiasm is good for letting Jason know he is not disadvantaged by not having a son. these girls can do anything a boy can do, Dad!
lately he's been teaching them boy stuff. like hunting bugs. he found a spider and a cricket in my dining room. yuck! next to Anna, Parker may just be Madeline's best friend. here they are taking a break from playing for a snack! 
i recently read an article about how the state of Utah has cut back many state employee work weeks to just 4, 10 hour days. after our fun Labor Day weekend, i whole heartedly support this move. Jason, are you reading this? (ha, ha, like he's really gonna go from 5-6 12 hour days to 4, 10 hour days! ha, a 40 hr work week! a girl can dream right?) anyway, we had a great long weekend. starting on Friday night when the Johnsons watched our kids and we had a DATE NIGHT!!!!! yummy Texas Roadhouse, and stupid movie, but great night! thanks Johnsons! saturday was stormy, which is pretty awesome!...and our wonderful neighbors the Thompsons welcomed their third child - and 1st GIRL, to their family!!!!!! 
welcome to the neighborhood Jane! sunday we had a lovely time at church, i got to meet my new previously mentioned baby neighbor, and followed that up with wonderful dessert and even better company at the Andrus' house. have i mentioned that we love our neighborhood! Monday was bowling and bbq with Andrus clan! 
there is something so incredibly hilarious about watching these tiny people heft their ball, and then hurl it onto the floor, only to watch it roll...so...slowly...down the lane! 
i love this action shot, it makes it look like she gave it a good toss, which isn't really how things went. thank goodness for the bumpers. 
more hilarity ensued when i attempted to help Maddie with a particularly slow ball, and accidentally crossed the fowl line - this sign is not just for jest. thankfully no one caught me on film slipping, sliding, and eventually falling! and if you can read the score above, you can see that bowling is not my sport. i was bested by my 4 and 2 year-olds. i blame the wrist, but in truth i wasn't that great even pre-op. oh what fun! seriously, Jase, a 4 day work week...think it over. 
