March

Life.. it keeps going. I doubt that things will ever be the same. My family is forever changed. I know I look at my little family a bit differently now.

On a particularly hard day, I just wanted to take the kids and have a fun day.

We got lunch at Thanksgiving point before going over to check out the new musem.

Lilly liked the tornado simulator. 

I live with a bunch of weirdos.

I love Jack as a mouse. He's not thrilled. I guess he was a grumpy mouse.

There was an outside area. I was surprised at how well Lila did everything!

Lila also wasn't at all afraid of anything.

On our way out I spotted Alex Boye!!

A movie to top off the night and I was feeling much better. Family time always is the cure.

While I was in Wisconsin Ryan set up the trampoline the kids got for Christmas! They love it!

I swear, half of the people in our family have their birthday in February and March. 

Neinah's turn! Happy Bithday Ninne!

My son turned hillbilly! Look at those teeth! Goodbye cute baby teeth smile, hello nasty big teeth!

The leprechaun was a little lame this year. I hope the kids appreciate that he came at all ;)

I hope this boy never gets tired of me stopping in for lunch!

It's finally starting to feel spring-like around here!!

That calls for play-doh

The kids are loving the tramp, great investment. Jack's a crazy man!

My parents have good days and bad. I made my Dad cry. That made me cry. Someday our hearts wont sting so badly.

Now that the weather is warming up I decided that we needed some more outside activities!

It's a good first try.. ;)

Have you been to the puppy barn!? It's so fun! The kids loved it.

Where's Lila?? On the tramp in nothing but a diaper.. sounds right.

It's so hard to take this ladies to the store now days! I feel like I'm the one who's going to have the meltdown!

We went to a new dentist and found a friend! Jamie's sister in law Emily!
I even sat by her and her husband at the funeral. Such a sweet lady. They helped Lilly hold still for her appointment. The first of many to come...

Because she was good at the dentist they have her a kite! She couldn't wait to try it out!

She's actually really good at it!

While walking in town there are so many pretty blossoms! It smells so good and fresh everywhere.

Jack thought it was fun that we matched!

Lila is a master fit thrower. Sometimes she's just got take some rest time in her crib. She loves her "baby bunny".

A nap always makes me feel better too.

Late night, girls night. Age wise it goes Ella, Avorie and then Paige. You would never guess that by their height!

Lisa and I decided to have a little early Easter egg hunt. The kids loved it!

Lila totally got it!

Ryan and I went on a date. I need it, he needs it.. really, the kids need it too. So that we don't go crazy on them. Why do Ryan and I always go to the same like three restaurants? We need to get a little more creative!

Ella played an orphan in a community production of "Annie"!

She did so well, we are so proud of her! She had a great time!

Her friends came to support her! Thanks ladies!

After the show we all got some ice cream. Perfect way to end the night

Closing night Grandma, Anna and Neinah went too. 

Thank you to everyone for your support!

This is a reoccurring problem. Over and over and over... that stinker!!

While shopping with Lisa this weekend I somehow ended up with some workout wear. I've decided I really like it! Bonus.. Maybe people will actually think I workout. The Big Mac might give me away.

This little stinker! She's always keeping me on my toes!

Seriously? This kid lives the life..

Baby by day, stunt baby by night!
She also does this.....

The Memorial and Family

The ONE silver-lining to all of this is that I got to see my Uncle and Grandma.

I have only seen them once in almost 20 years.

When I say it out loud it feels worse. I'm not even sure how it happened. We moved from California when I was 13 and only went back to visit a couple of times. Although Grandma went to visit in Wisconsin it wasn't ever at a time I could go too. So the last time I had see her was Aaron's wedding. And now I'm seeing her at his memorial. I've always loved my Dad's side of the family. 

I have wonderful childhood memories of my Grandma. We were pretty good about sending each other cards, letters and packages though. My kids grew to call her Grandma Swedish as she always sends us fun Swedish things.

Uncle Aaron is my Dad's only true sibling (they have half and step-siblings) and has always been my Dad's hero. It was amazing to see my Dad's interaction with both of them. Such joy.

All of us ladies went and saw that new Cinderella movie. It was wonderful and a great start to the weekend. 

Because there were so many people here in Utah who weren't able to make it to the funeral we had a memorial here for Aaron.

Both of my parents spoke. They talked about what a wonderful person Aaron is and how thankful they are for him. They then opened it up for others to get up and talk about Aaron.

Poor Adam, I knew what he was trying to say. But holding back the tears made saying anything hard.

I didn't get up.. I just didn't feel like I had anything to share.

But thinking about it now, what I would have said-

I looked up to Aaron so much. He was such a strong, independent person. Although he was my younger brother, he was always my bigger brother. I wish that I had spent more time with him as a teenager. I had moved out of the house by then. I think that we would have been friends.

As adults we were friendly. He could be hard on me. He didn't like that I didn't have any college education and that Ryan did real estate. 

The last time that I ever really "talked" to him was this last Christmas. He was over at our parents, it was Christmas time and everyone was busy. Except me. I was able to sit and talk with him and Jamie for several hours. We talked about our kids, church, work.. everything. It was the nicest conversation I've ever had with him. He really opened up to me and I to him.

I know understand that his "teasing" about things like school and work are just because he is worried about me and wants us to be successful. Because he loves me.

I will cherish that time with him forever.

Many friends and family came. Again, it was wonderful to see everyone and remember Aaron.

Loved these little girls drawing on the chalk board. Lilly's the far left.

I guess when Neinah was little, like 5 years old, Uncle Aaron came to visit and Neinah just loved him. All these years later he still has little drawings and things she made for him.

It's sweet!

A man and his Mom

There aren't that many pictures of my Grandma, especially with her two boys.

I HAD to take the opportunity to try and get some.

What's with these people and not being able to look at the camera!? I guess I know where Jack gets it from now.

Seems right...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these two pictures of my Grandma!!

She has always looked the same to me. Same haircut, same type of clothes.

I will cherish these pictures always.

No matter how old you get, take advice from your Mom.

With so many cousin's in town my kids had a blast.

Little cousin Aaron (there are a LOT of Aaron's in our family!) Loves Lila and she loves him.

Of course Jack and Liam are two peas in a pod!

Sarah loves Grandma too!

Anderson doesn't love everyone, but he sure loves his Papa!

Look at that face!!

All of the cousin's watching a movie.. I LOVE Lila's face! "what the heck!?"

So many fun visitors!! Love all of those brothers in law!!

Did I catch someone smooching on the front porch.. maybe..

This lady is 81. But she's cooking, cleaning and watching kids!

I always knew she was one tough cookie! I hope that I've inherited her strength and determination!

Kissing cousins :)

Seriously, I don't know another son who loves his Mom the way my Dad loves his.

Celebrating all of the March birthdays! There are just a couple.. 

One afternoon some of us drove up the canyon to show Grandma and Uncle Aaron.

They were pretty impressed.

Dad has always talked about his brother with such regard. I hope that my children love each other like my Dad loves his brother.

Seriously, the only up side to any of this is that we were able to spend so much time together as a family lately.

A picture of me and my Grandma. Do we look alike?

Again, 81 and holding me kids!!

After being away for a bit I come back to see that Lilly had been given a makeover!

She loves make up and was totally in heaven!

Thank you Aunt Mary! Now she's going to want you to do that every time you come to visit!

I walk up to the back door to find these three little munchkins...

Before everyone went home they all went and played football and 3 flies up in memory of Aaron.

Even Ella got in on the fun

One more picture with my Grandma. We sat and talked for hours. I wanted to soak up every second. I wanted to get to know her and understand her. It was wonderful to have that opportunity and hope that we can get together again soon.

The last day that Mary was here she finally got Jack back into the water to get golf-balls- one of his favorite things to do until he found a leach on his foot!

I love my family, I'm so thankful for them. 

Families are forever.

Aaron's obituary

Aaron Matthew Orr passed away on February 26, 2015, with his wife Jamie by his side, due to a severe brain injury sustained in a snowboarding accident. He was a seasoned snowboarder and had been wearing a helmet.

Aaron was born November 25, 1985 in Sacramento, California, to Matthew and Kimberly Orr. He was their third child. He would soon be joined by seven more brothers and sisters. The family moved to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in 1998, a farm they would call home for many years. Aaron was an active child and daredevil who enjoyed many sports as early as five years old. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School, where he was a member of the track and football teams. He had a kind heart, often taking the blame for something one of his siblings had done, or comforting team mates when mistakes were made.

Aaron served as a missionary for the LDS church in Jamaica. He then met and married Jamie Christensen in 2006. They worked hard to finish their college degrees, and had three beautiful children who were and are their pride & joy. Aaron was a devoted father and husband who always found time to show his children fun and love, and was adored by both them and his wife.

Aaron graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh with a degree in Computer Science. He was in the beginning stages of a successful career as a software developer at JJ Keller in Neenah, Wisconsin, and was admired by co-workers for his humor and leadership abilities. He was involved in his community, spending countless hours with youth groups as a scout and church leader.

Known for his intelligence, good nature, and uncanny ability to tease his friends, family and co-workers, Aaron touched many lives and will always be remembered.

Aaron was an organ donor, and his passing has already provided life-saving transplants to many in need. He is survived by his wife Jamie, his children Lucy (7), Benny (4) and Elenora (4 months); his parents Matthew and Kimberly Orr; grandparents Douglas and Delores Lewis and Bill and Peggy Mashburn; nine siblings; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church in Neenah, Wisconsin (115 Castle Oak Drive). Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral, beginning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to college funds for the children.

Aaron Matthew Orr passed away on February 26, 2015, with his wife Jamie by his side, due to a severe brain injury sustained in a snowboarding accident. He was a seasoned snowboarder and had been wearing a helmet.

Aaron was born November 25, 1985 in Sacramento, California, to Matthew and Kimberly Orr. He was their third child. He would soon be joined by seven more brothers and sisters. The family moved to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in 1998, a farm they would call home for many years. Aaron was an active child and daredevil who enjoyed many sports as early as five years old. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School, where he was a member of the track and football teams. He had a kind heart, often taking the blame for something one of his siblings had done, or comforting team mates when mistakes were made.

Aaron served as a missionary for the LDS church in Jamaica. He then met and married Jamie Christensen in 2006. They worked hard to finish their college degrees, and had three beautiful children who were and are their pride & joy. Aaron was a devoted father and husband who always found time to show his children fun and love, and was adored by both them and his wife.

Aaron graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh with a degree in Computer Science. He was in the beginning stages of a successful career as a software developer at JJ Keller in Neenah, Wisconsin, and was admired by co-workers for his humor and leadership abilities. He was involved in his community, spending countless hours with youth groups as a scout and church leader.

Known for his intelligence, good nature, and uncanny ability to tease his friends, family and co-workers, Aaron touched many lives and will always be remembered.

Aaron was an organ donor, and his passing has already provided life-saving transplants to many in need. He is survived by his wife Jamie, his children Lucy (7), Benny (4) and Elenora (4 months); his parents Matthew and Kimberly Orr; grandparents Douglas and Delores Lewis and Bill and Peggy Mashburn; nine siblings; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church in Neenah, Wisconsin (115 Castle Oak Drive). Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral, beginning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to college funds for the children. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/na8v80 (the Aaron Orr Memorial Family Fund.) - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thenorthwestern/obituary.aspx?pid=174300713#sthash.UeR11QOY.dpuf

Aaron Matthew Orr passed away on February 26, 2015, with his wife Jamie by his side, due to a severe brain injury sustained in a snowboarding accident. He was a seasoned snowboarder and had been wearing a helmet.

Aaron was born November 25, 1985 in Sacramento, California, to Matthew and Kimberly Orr. He was their third child. He would soon be joined by seven more brothers and sisters. The family moved to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in 1998, a farm they would call home for many years. Aaron was an active child and daredevil who enjoyed many sports as early as five years old. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School, where he was a member of the track and football teams. He had a kind heart, often taking the blame for something one of his siblings had done, or comforting team mates when mistakes were made.

Aaron served as a missionary for the LDS church in Jamaica. He then met and married Jamie Christensen in 2006. They worked hard to finish their college degrees, and had three beautiful children who were and are their pride & joy. Aaron was a devoted father and husband who always found time to show his children fun and love, and was adored by both them and his wife.

Aaron graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh with a degree in Computer Science. He was in the beginning stages of a successful career as a software developer at JJ Keller in Neenah, Wisconsin, and was admired by co-workers for his humor and leadership abilities. He was involved in his community, spending countless hours with youth groups as a scout and church leader.

Known for his intelligence, good nature, and uncanny ability to tease his friends, family and co-workers, Aaron touched many lives and will always be remembered.

Aaron was an organ donor, and his passing has already provided life-saving transplants to many in need. He is survived by his wife Jamie, his children Lucy (7), Benny (4) and Elenora (4 months); his parents Matthew and Kimberly Orr; grandparents Douglas and Delores Lewis and Bill and Peggy Mashburn; nine siblings; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church in Neenah, Wisconsin (115 Castle Oak Drive). Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral, beginning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to college funds for the children. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/na8v80 (the Aaron Orr Memorial Family Fund.) - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thenorthwestern/obituary.aspx?pid=174300713#sthash.UeR11QOY.dpuf