A tribute to all the dads in my life

First of all there is my father. He was an amazing father, the best I could ever ask for. He taught me the value of working hard, family time and loving the Lord. I have fond memories of working in the yard together, I am sure I was complaining the entire time. But looking back I treasure that time together. I spent many hours in the truck with him on the way to jobs, being quizzed with math facts. Sadly, that did not make me any better at math, and I'm not sure if any of it has stuck with me over the years. I loved going fishing and camping with my dad. I never loved baiting the hook, but that is what a father is there for.
I have not always been close with my father, and for that I am truly sad. But I can honestly say as I have grown up and have a family of my own, I have realized how blest I am to have my dad. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful father in my life. He is a true hero! His love for the Lord and for the gospel is so vast and I am in awe of his understanding. He always honors his priesthood and teaches with love. I am mostly thankful that he married my mother in the Temple. Together they have reared six children all of whom are sealed in the Temple and are rearing families of their own. I love my siblings and am so thankful to be part of the Boyd Cardon family. I love you dad! And I miss you so very much.

To my father-in-law, I am thankful to be a member of the Robert Wayne Larsen family. I know that Eric is the man he is today because of my second father! He welcomed me into the family when Eric and I were first dating and for that I am thankful. He loves my children and I know he has a testimony of the Savior and his church here on this earth. I have not always felt at ease around my in-laws, but I have always known that they love me and my family. I am thankful that along with his wife LeeAnne, they taught Eric in love and righteousness, resulting in Eric serving a mission and then coming to Ricks. I love my father-in-law and I could not have asked for a better one. I am so lucky to have him in my life.

Now, to the love of my life...Eric. Words are not adequate for how I feel about this father. Next to my dad I have never seen a dad more dedicated to his family and more involved with is kids. Eric would do anything for his boys, they are his world. It seems that every night he is helping them with some sport or school project. He has always coached them in sporting events. He has always helped with them at night when they were babies...not always happy about it, but he did it anyhow. Eric is in my eyes and in the eyes of his boys the greatest father there is. Eric honors his priesthood and his calling in the church. I know he has a deep love of the Savior and he has great desires to serve the Lord in every way. Eric is the head of our home and he is a wonderful leader. I don't know what I would ever do without him. He is my entire world and my heart and soul belong to him.
He has been gone for a week now and my heart just aches to be with him again. He is a wonderful provider for our family and I am so thankful I'm able to stay at home with our children. I am thankful that Eric wants me home and not out in the work force. For all that know Eric, they know how wonderful he is. He is amazing! I'm blest to be his wife.

Missing Eric

Eric headed off to Texas last Sunday. It has been a busy week and I'm glad he is going to be home Monday night. The boys are in need of some male attention and wrestling...they are going a little crazy.
Robbie and Kamren attended a wrestling camp in Idaho Falls this past week and really enjoyed learning some new moves. Robbie was complaining of a tooth ache for a few days and then on Wed. woke up with a swollen face/jaw. He looked like he had a tumor, of course Eric has the camera so I don't have pictures. It looked painful. I took him to the Dentist and they pulled a tooth. The Dentist was not really sure what was wrong, it looked like the nerve was in knotts and the root was absorbing. So, we pulled the tooth and are praying that is the problem. The swelling has gone down over the past few days and we are thankful.
Eric's sister Katie spent most of the week with us and that was wonderful to have another adult in the house so I didn't go crazy! Today the boys have all been loud and fussy, so I am really ready for Eric to come home. I am not cut out to be a single parent. I just could not do it!

Summer Fun

Boise

State wrestling was held in Boise in May. Robbie and Kamren both participated and did well. Robbie had a tough bracket and did not do well, he mentally checked out and did not perform to his ability. It was a little disappointing to see, but we win some we loose some. Kamren on the other hand was on fire and went in and took first place. He peaked at the right time. Now we are getting ready for Regionals, Kamren will participate in the Bantam Festival and Robbie was petitioned onto the Idaho Wrestling team and will wrestle in Regionals. We are excited for them both and we are sure they will both do well.
School is out and we are enjoying a week of just playing, reading and having fun before we start our summer rutien. It has been fun, but a schedual must start next week! David is loving following his brothers around and LOVES having them home all day. Abraham is growing, he is getting longer and heavier...but still not much. He still hates a bottle and sitting up. He is moving around and thinks he is big.
These are pictures from State, the hotel that the boys had a great time swimming and playing at, and some summer fun.

Finally, pictures from Easter

The boys had such a great time dying eggs, David thought they were toys to play with. It was fun watching them, they were sad when all the eggs were dyed!

Oh, how time passes

So right after Easter Eric took off to Colorado for a week and took my camera, so I did not post photos of Easter. I'll do that soon, I hope! We had a wonderful Easter, we spent it with my sisters and their families in Rexburg. The boys had an Easter Egg hunt and just loved being with their cousins.
The boys and I survived the week without Eric, I even took the boys to wrestle on Friday and Saturday! They both did Greco on Friday and did a good job, I think they both took 2nd. I cannot remember. The next day they did great, Robbid took 5th out of 14 boys and Kamren took 2nd out of 6 boys. We are now getting ready for State in Boise. I am a little nervous for them, Robbie is in a tough weight class and there are some really good boys he wrestle. It is good for him, but I am a mom and I want my boy to win! He handles loosing very well, and as long as he tried his best we are all happy! Kamren has a hard time loosing, he still cries, we are working on that wiht him. He is so emotional and intense that we try to channel that into his wrestling. I am sure they will do just fine.
Eric, Abe and I drove down to Provo last Friday to see Katie, Eric's sister, graduate from BYU. It was a long drive there and back in the same day. Abe was good and we are glad we were able to go and suport her in her accomplishment.
Sunday we woke up to snow...I think spring will never come!

Pinewood Derby

This was our first car, last year we did a rocket! Robbie called and asked the Bishop to help him cut his car out. We painted it and did the decals. All the boys had a great time. I am glad it is over!