Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Plewe

They truly did look this happy ALL day. I couldn't be more excited for Laurel and Ryan. They truly are each others perfect match!

My tribute to Laurel and Ryan...

Laurel moved to Walnut Creek in 7th grade and had no trouble making immediate, lasting friendships. She was the new girl in town, the one I’m sure most of the 7th grade boys couldn’t stop thinking about. Can you blame them? She has always been her charismatic, funny, bubbly, talented, dramatic at times, accepting, athletic, beautiful, magnetic, kind, and spiritual self that we all love her for. In high school we became best friends. We lived quite different lives. She was the good mormon and I was the crazy one. She and a couple of friends seemed different to me. I admired that, I was attracted to their faith, a lifestyle of purity and light that shone from within. Much because of Laurel I too found that light and faith in Christ. I will forever be indebted and grateful to Laurel for sharing that with me. We did everything together, once even choosing best friends to date to ensure we could hang out together. We were in the same freshman ward at BYU, swam and dove on the same college team, complained about tests, cried over boys yet continued to grow though it all. It was in high school where we first starting to discuss and dream about growing up, getting married, having kids, living in the same town, even at times practiced signing our names with different last names. Are we sufficiently embarrassed yet? As we grew up, the style of the gown changed from lace to shiny, as did the amount of hairspray needed to style a brides bangs. The perfect man switched from a TV heartthrob to the cutest guy, to the nicest guy. The details differed from year to year but the dream always remained the same: to find the one who was perfect for you and who you couldn’t wait to declare your love and devotion to for time and all eternity. Several times Laurel has told me, “this could be the one” and several times I was probably the first to burst that bubble. I guess I was being the overprotected best friend who held Laurel on a pedestal. I knew how amazing she was and knew that the man she would marry would have to be equally as amazing to lift, honor and cherish her. Don’t get me wrong, the guys of the past were great but each always seemed to be missing something. Someone has to be pretty witty, funny, spiritually centered, driven, hard working, charismatic, have a sense of humor, enjoy life, athletic, outgoing, be a good listener and charitable to lift Laurel to a higher plain. As soon as she told me about Ryan I knew he was the one. He was perfect. He understood Laurel. He understood what made her happy. For the first time I found myself convincing Laurel that the waiting game to be a bride was over. He was everything you could want for your best friend and more. He was her perfect match and for that I can’t be any happier to see my best friend more fulfilled and become a better, happier person each day that she is with Ryan. Danny, my husband, and I have a picture of Christ over our bed. I love what it symbolizes. One of my favorite scriptures reads, “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you. Marriage is full of great times, times of laughter, love and harmony. It is also full of challenges, times that you might disagree over something, financial, emotional, and physical stresses. In the four years of our marriage we have had wonderful times as well as hard times. Times that the only person who was able to lift and help us understand each other or the greater plan was the Lord. This knowledge has made the good and the hard times worth it, full of growth, given us a greater appreciation for the atonement, eternal families and greater love for each other. I know that your marriage will also be one of fulfillment, growth and love because it too will have Christ at the center of your relationship. I feel honored to be part of such a miraculous event. Congratulations. I love you both.

Stay tuned for more pics ....

Happy Birthday Tyler

So many family and friends came to celebrate Tyler's birthday. It was such a fun party and reflection of how blessed we are to have Tyler in our family. He has filled us with love, hope, faith and reminder to enjoy and cherish each day. We love you Tyler. Happy 1st birthday.

Psalms of Ascent

So I am doing a bible study with one of my friends at Walnut Creek Presbyerian. It is on Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore, a Christian based bible study for women. We get together once a week for about two hours, divide into tables and discuss our feelings on chosen psalms. We come together from all different churches, backgrounds, each on our spiritual journey, striving to grow closer to the Lord. This week one of the psalms is 122.

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together."

I love how I get to reflect on passages from the bible. This psalm gave me time to reflect on how I treasure the temple. It is sacred to me. It is a time I can leave the world behind and remember the covenants I have with the Lord, why we are here and where we are going. This is a picture of the Bountiful Temple, where Danny and I were sealed. What a special day! I can't believe it was almost 4 years ago. We have been through so much toghether, grown, had good times and bad, days of kindness and days that we should have done differently. One thing I am grateful for is that we have the common goal to become a little bit better, grow a little closer to the Lord. The lesson had us reflect on our church community, our 'city that is compact together'. It was one of those times of reflection that I felt overwhelmingly blessed. In the LDS church, we refer to others as 'brother' and 'sister' for we truly feel we are all brothers and sisters, children to a loving Heavenly Father. I feel I could call anyone in our ward to help, comfort, uplift, listen and guide me and my family. Our ward truly shows my family the love of Christ. I think that is something that first intrigued my about the church. My friends in high school that were mormon were kind, faithful, Christlike. I admired that. The trials this year have been lighter because of my ward family. Although the workbook discussed specifically your own congregation, I reflected on all those who are of other denominations and faiths who I consider to be my 'brothers' and 'sisters' as well. Those who have prayed for Tyler, helped lift me to be a better person, teach me through example and wisdom how to be a better mom, friend and wife. To my friends, thank you!! I have much to be grateful for. I couldn't have a greater Church community.

First Day of Co-Op

We decided to wait a year before preschool. I, Scott and Tyler started on a rough week and decided to let things settle down a little. He had a really hard time and it was just one of those feelings of this isn't right. After I made the decision I felt soo much better and am excited for some things we are doing instead. One day we are doing a co-op with three of my friends. I am also going to try to do a bible study that has a complimentary playgroup which I hope Scott will do well at. We do a park day and music time at a senior home with my church that I am excited about as well. If anyone wants more information on Friday music time or our park day let me know. All are welcome and it is great for toddlers. Anyway, for our co-op once a week, one of the moms does playtime, a lesson, snack and project at there home. It was a lot of fun and the kids did great.

Elli playing on the slide Carter playing with trains.

The art project of the day.

Carter was excited to show Heather what he made.
Robynn & Miss Elli looking cute as always. Have fun next week, Robynn.

The 5 McMillans

We went to someone's house who had a fish. All Scott talked about was the fish.

So we decided to let Scott go shopping at Petco. He chose really cool gravel, a fish and plenty of food to feed his fish.
Scott preparing the tank. He is very careful not to spill, put the right amount of chemicals and food.
He loves to watch, kiss, watch some more and tell us how his fish is eating the gravel. He also likes to show Tyler his fish but gets frustrated when Tyler tries to put his hands in the water.
Scott named him "Goldfish"Looking at the fish some more. It is very cute to see how he treats his fish. We shall see how long he is interested in the fish. I figure this is the perfect pet for a 2 year old & condo.

Thought you might like to see

Some vids

Congrats Mrs. Kelley

One of my good friends from high school, Emily, got married this weekend in Colorado. Here is some of the fun that I missed out on. Sorry Em! All you girls look beautiful.

Walking with her dad down the isle.

Emily & Chris. I LOVE how she is looking at him in this picture.

Getting ready to toss the bouquet. Isn't the dress gorgeous!! Love you Emily.

Our Saturday

Saturday was a relaxing day with Scott and Tyler after a hectic week. We walked to Jamba Juice and enjoyed a Jamba.

Scott saying thank you! This is what makes life as a mom great.

Tyler trying to figure out a straw.

He managed to get it in in his mouth as you can tell from the smile. I swiched it to a sippy cup later which he loved. It was fun to see them so happy on our outing.

Scott insisted on taking a bath with his brother. Can you believe they fit in the sink together? It was very cute. They played with their little cars and splashed in the tiny space they had. Scott chose some really cool presents for his brother at the store. It was nice having a relaxing day with my boys after such a crazy and hard week. We went to movies under the stars and watched Harry Potter at night. It was fun to have Danny home for that. I love my boys.

Ashley & Blake Tie the Knot

Ashley was a STUNNING bride. We have been family friends with the Eins since we were little. I love weddings. It is such a beautful, happy celebration. They got married by a rabbi and the ceremony was so deep and rich in culture and faith. It was beautiful.

Heather, my mom and me awaiting the ceremony. The Beaulieu Gardens, BV winery, in Napa were beautiful. We were very appreciative of the lemonade, umbrellas and fans to cool us off.
Me and Danny. I love my hubby. He is so good to me. We had a great night and were appreciative of the Pentlands who took the boys even when Tyler was sick.
The tables were set under an awning of trees. The colors were gorgeous and ambiance was amazing.
Our table.

Dancing to Hava Nigila, "Let us Rejoice and Be Glad". I would like to steal this tradition for all future celebrations. Everyone is happy, dancing and celebrating gladness.
The fam.

Do you like the fake moon. Pretty cool. There names were also lit on the bottom of the pool. Danny even had cabanas to take a nap. He didn't need one since he was busy dancin up a storm on the dance floor. Where was my video camera when I needed it?

My Week

Do you ever feel like you are barely surviving? That has been my whole week. We spent the day at the doctors on Saturday like many of you know. Tylers sats were in the 70's which basically means he is not doing well. I felt like crying. Tyler went home on augmentin due to staff & ear infection and pneumonia. Well, two days later he was like this...

and looked like this...

Any guesses? He is allergic to penicillin. They didn't want to give him another antibiotic since administering one after an allergy sometimes results in a second allergy, however, his ear infection was still pretty bad and needed treatment. So he is now on xithromax and hopefully will start feeling better soon. Mommy and Daddy are feeling tired. At times like this we wish we still had great nurses to help with the nights. Actually, we are more grateful Tyler is home. Tyler is 1 tomorrow and I am thinking of his first surgery and hundreds of people who helped and loved him and us. Eric was one of the them. A really special nurse. I love this picture.

If that wasn't enough, Scott feels like this...

which breaks my heart. He started pre-school today and had such a hard time. He had a hard time sharing, hard time being away from me, and I just felt so bad for him. This year has been so hard on him with so much instability and I just don't know what is best for him right now. I am sure some of the behavior would be present regardless, but he has been through so much this year. I thought pre-school twice a week would be good for him to become a better sharer, have something special that was his and overcome some of his separation anxiety, but who knows. I am going to call Judith, our WONDERFUL social worker at UCSF and get some suggestions. I feel blessed to have such great resources. People who know what Scott has gone through and how to help them in situations like this.
Well, there has been good that has come out of this. We were touched by a great doctor. Dr. Bergen was so willing to help. I knew Tyler was in good hands. He called to check up on us and was willing to fit us in several times to check up on our little mans progress. I realized the importance of being compassionate to others while they are having hard times. Especially with little kids. Everyone is just trying there best. Some kids are tougher than others. Scott used to be the easiest child and this past year has been tough. I appreciate those who try to understand and help. I strive to be a little more like them each day. There were some moms who made a little extra effort today to show me they cared, they understood, that it would be alright. I appreciate that. I want to be more like that. It made my week a little bit easier.