Christian turns 12...

When I look at this picture I don't just see Christian, I see Chris. They look so much a like and have very similar mannerisms. One thing I love about Christian is he's such a gentleman to me. He holds the door...carries stuff in...and is always saying "Mom, do you need help?" Now those words are music to my ears, because I almost always do. 

He's 12 today and I feel truly blessed to have this sweet, handsome, caring young man in my life.

Scarlett turns 7...

This beauty turned 7 today. Her birthday requests were crepes for breakfast, and strawberry shortcake for her birthday cake. These were small gifts for a beloved child. I would give her the world if I could. I love you my little letter bug...

Hold on...

I walked in on Christian tonight at 11:30pm (I keep My kids up late in Summer so we can all sleep in...it's marvelous.) I then noticed his choice of reading. I said "Wow, you got caught praying AND reading your scriptures?Good move." He smiled. He and I both know he was doing both of these things out of the sincerest part of his soul. My heart as a mother was touched. If I could make one wish in this world, I can honestly say that it would be that my children hold on to the legacy of the gospel. Because if they do...I know they'll be happy. And isn't happiness what every parent wants for their child...

Scarlett and Christian...

June, June, June...I swear, you break the bank every year. 3 June babies, but two of them agreed to combine their birthday dinner which was super fun and nice. I love these kiddos...

DNA...

One thing I love about family's is DNA. It shows in tiny details. I see Chris when I look in Scarlett's eyes...I see myself when I look at Austin. I see little details of all of us intertwined together. We have the same blood, and for whatever reason...that makes my heart swell.

Boo...

Halee and I went to see the scariest movie ever tonight. Scary enough to jump out of our seats a few times. I just love her friendship. The older my kids get the more I find myself wanting to spend time with them. Not just parent/kid time but friend/friend time. 

Epic relay, 2016

6 years in a row, of running with terrific women. I feel Blessed to know so many good people and am truly amazed by the determination you find in yourself doing hard things. These ladies are epic in more ways than one.

16...

My sweet 16 year old boy...except Chris says it's not a sweet 16 because he's a boy. But whatever, it's sweet to me. He's sweet to me. Being his mom is sweet to me. Life is sweet with this boy in it. The end.

Namesake...

What's in a name anyway? To me, for whatever reason...it's everything. When I became a "Chapman" I didn't really know what was in store for me. I had faith that it was the right thing, and that was it. That faith truly paid off. My life has been so blessed ever since. I love being a "Grizzard." It's a name that means hard work, honesty, faithfulness, determination. It means so many lovely and wonderful things. Being a Chapman means so many wonderful things, too. What stands out to me the most is loyalty. I can honestly look at my father in law, brother in laws and husband and be so proud to belong to a family where the women in their lives are truly cherished. My heart swells with joy to know that I have the privilege of belonging to this wonderful family and having two names that I can honestly say I wouldn't change for anything. And every time my boys ask if I need help with anything, or hold the door open for me I think to myself "You are a Chapman." And my heart swells.

Pure joy...

When Grace was born I was set on naming her Shelby. I had been for several months. When she came out I couldn't bring myself to call her that. It didn't fit. It wasn't her. I knew she was a grace within a few short hours of this little internal name battle. Grace is so fitting for this sweet and accepting smile. She brings pure joy to my heart. I can't help but feel so blessed to have children that to me, are unique...lovely...priceless...and the epitome of pure joy. I am so very blessed...

8th grade graduation...

This sweet boy of ours graduated 8th grade today. His teacher, has been the kindest teacher you could ever hope for your child to have. Patient, loving, and the kind of teacher that genuinely loves her students. Connor had a splendid year, and I have no doubt that high school will bring many great more memories. We love you our sweet boy.

Uphill climbing...

I remember when Halee turned 14 and it was her first year of seminary. She was the youngest in there with no other kids her age. She was so quiet and felt very out of place. She begged me to let her do seminary at home. Her tears broke my heart and for a second I considered it. But we received great advice from my parents and Chris' mom and they all incouraged us to let her go through this hard experience. I'm so thankful for their wisdom because she did it, and today she graduated 4 years of seminary. She has a testimony that shines like a beacon in the dark. 

My handsome boy...

Just because you're handsome...and I like posting handsome pictures of super special, handsome boys. Love you mister Christian...

Garden...

I haven't had a real garden in two years due to my heavy load of studies so you can imagine the joy I felt knowing we could plant this year. The kids were so excited too. I can't wait to eat fresh vegetables. Nothing compares to a home grown tomatoe sandwich. My mom fed us these regularly growing up. Makes my mouth water just to think about it...

102 degrees...

Our first boating trip of the season and guaranteed it won't be our last...I love making memories.

P.S our sweet Halee has a job now, and boy oh boy did we miss her today.

Insanity...

Because running in 90 degree weather is a lot more fun when you have other crazies to run with...

90 degrees and counting...

Hello, Summer...

Those eyes...

Connors 8th grade graduation is approaching and I've been gathering photos that his school has requested for a slide show. This baby boy is so precious to my heart...those eyes could melt any girls heart, but this Mama's heart is bursting at the seams.

Paint nite...

Okay, I'm not a painter...but my friends convinced me that paint nite is easy and fun. So, I jumped in a did it. It took us 2 hours to do these and I won't lie that up close they aren't quite as pretty. But we all came to the same conclusion that our children would think they were AMAZING. And our prediction came true. My kids were so excited and wanted to hang it up, or sell it (um...couldn't get $1 out of it I'm sure) but, WOW what a great cheer team I have.

Memorial Day...

I'm so grateful for those who have and still do, fight for my freedom. I truly admire those who willingly serve our country. It's a personal service to me...and a personal service to you. There's a special place in heaven for these earthly Angels...

Family time...

We had such a wonderful time visiting my parents over Memorial Day weekend. We took the kids roller skating and it was kind of a break through moment where you realize that all your kids are old enough to do the same, fun activity. That doesn't happen very often with the varying ages of our kids.

Chris and my dad ran off to breakfast and left us all in the dust...just kidding, I'm actually super happy they had some man time. After all...they are my two most favorite men alive.

The kids all loves squishing in the hot tub built for two. Luckily Halee didn't get in on this idea. 5 was enough...

I love family time...