Black-Eyed Girl

Poor M got a black eye the other day. She was at her cousins' house while we were all out to dinner. The kids were all outside playing Ghost in the Graveyard. She went to tag S and at the same time, he turned around and they ran into each other. When we got home her poor little face was so swollen and she got a black eye almost instantly. She was a good sport about it. And, of course she got her black eye just in time for picture day!

BYU Museums & Brick Oven

The kids were out of school on Friday, and DH was surprisingly able to get the day off. So, we got up in the morning and headed out for a day of fun! We took the kids to BYU to go to all the fun museums there. We also went out to eat at Brick Oven. The kids were well behaved, we ate good food, made great memories, had a wonderful time, and enjoyed our family time together!

The "boys" waiting for their pizzas.

Me and my girlies!

Standin in front of a Liger at the Bean Museum.

Inside the mouth of a giant crocodile at the Earth Science Museum.

My foot next to a T-Rex.

In front of the Art Museum.

There was no photography allowed inside so we took pictures outside instead.

Jumping off the wall. These were so fun to take.

J at the Museum of People and Cultures.

I'm A Workin' Woman

So, last week was my last week babysitting. And today I started a new job. I got a job at my kids' school working as a math and reading tutor. Today was busy and a little bit crazy. I think it'll be that way for a while until I get into a routine. I will only working part-time which is perfect.

This is a big change for me, and I had quite a bit of anxiety over it. I LOVED watching Corbin and being home, but DH felt like I needed to be done. I cried every day last week trying to figure out what to do. First, I decided to be a substitute teacher for the district. But that didn't feel right. I had a sick feeling in my stomach, and every time I thought about it something didn't click. I was worried about way too many things.

So, then I decided that I would just keep babysitting. But, then I felt guilty like I wasn't listening to what DH was saying. He told me he wanted me to do what would make me happy. I thought babysitting was that thing.

Well, a few days later I remembered that the school was hiring a tutor. I went and talked to the principal and he hired me the next day and asked if I could start on Monday (today). I said yes, and here I am.

This decision was the only one that didn't either make me feel like I would puke all day, feel guilty or anything else. This decision felt right. It'll be an adjustment for sure. But, I think it'll be for the good. I will miss Corbin terribly, but he won't be out of our lives. We will still pick him up and let him come play or take him to McDonalds, or whatever. I didn't think my life would take this turn right now, but it sure did. I hope it'll be a good turn and what our family needed.

Have You Ever. . .

I saw this on my sisters' blog and thought it would be fun!! You should do it too! Just copy and paste the 200 statements then bold the ones you have done!! Hope you enjoy it!! (and make sure you use a lot of exclamation points, it makes everything more fun)

The idea is to highlight the things you have done out of the 200 items on the list.
The things I have done are in yellow!

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone - verbal not physical
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe.
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in a historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Ran a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunch box
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a camp fire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

What have you done?

Praying Mantis

What is it with kids and bugs?

My kids have had a huge fascination with bugs lately. They played with that tomato worm a while ago. And then we were at the park a little while back and they caught this praying mantis. They played with it for a long long time. Even the girls who were a little bit curious. S was the brave one and let it crawl all over him. He did get a little freaked out when it started to climb up his neck. At one point, he did a little freak out dance and the praying mantis went flying off. Then he picked it back up and did it again. He was hilarious. I think after a little bit though he realized that he liked it much better when he just held the praying mantis in his hand. That little bug kept the kids quite busy for a long time.

Who knew kids could be so happy and content playing with bugs?

My Two Neices!

We've had 2 beautiful additions to our family in the last 2 weeks. Two of DH's sisters had babies. Alexa Jane (on the right) was born Aug. 28 and Sidney Jo (left) was born just 10 days later on Sept. 7. Both moms and both babies are doing well. Aren't they so cute?! You can't tell I'm a proud and excited aunt can you?

My Two Little Friends

These are my friends' kids, Sammy and Avery. I love them to pieces. They are such cuties. I'm not sure why, but they always want to come play at my house, even if my own kids aren't there. And of course, I'm kind of a sucker and always let them. Who could say no to these two cute faces? The other day we had both their families over, and they came out with lipstick all over their face. They thought they were so cute, and so did we. I had to get a picture!

Sidney Jo

This is my SIL Brenda who let me go to the hospital when she had her baby. I was SO excited. I've been to one previous birth, but didn't really get to see the entire delivery. So, to be able to see this one was amazing. I've always been very interested in the whole birthing experience. I think the whole thing is such a miracle.

This is sweet little Sydney Jo, who came into the world at 9:10 last night, weighing 6 lb. 15 oz. and was 20 inches long. She is such a cutie, and looks like her sister. She has 3 older sisters, and 1 older brother who are all going to love her so much.

Proud mom, sweet little baby, and excited aunt!

This was such an amazing experience for me. I'm so glad that Brenda let me come and witness the miracle of life. There is nothing like it.

Cold Stone Girls Night

My cute friend Denice called last week and asked if I wanted to go out to ice cream with her. I of course said yes because I can never pass up a chance to get some ice cream!! Well, it didn't end up working for that night, but we finally went last night. Two of our other friends' April and Lena came along too. I LOVE Cold Stone! It is so yummy! We had fun hanging out and enjoying our treats without little ones crawling all over us. It was a nice break. Yeah for good friends and yummy treats!

Chocolate Croissants

I saw this yummy recipe and made it for breakfast this morning.

It was so delish! We loved it.

12 unsliced croissants

2 c. milk chocolate chips

1/3 c. sugar

1 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. milk

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 c. half-n-half

3 tsp. vanilla

~Cut a slit in each croissant. Fill with 2 Tbsp. chocolate chips. In a shallow bowl combine sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Whisk in milk until smooth. Whisk in eggs, cream and vanilla. Dip croissants in egg mixture. Place in baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes.

Tagged, Twice

I got tagged twice. The first one was from my SIL Amanda. And the second from a good friend Mikelene, who thanks to the blogging world I was able to get back in touch with!!

Tag #1:

How to play this game of tag: Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.

3 joys: My kids, my hubby, and my family

3 fears: Losing a loved one, something horrible happening to one of the kids or DH, the dark.

3 goals: lose weight (duh), become debt free, go back to school

3 current obsessions: Edward, blogging, decorating my house

3 surprising facts about myself: I have a very low self-esteem. I try not to show it and I try to get over it, but for some reason I can't. I think I'm a little OCD with my house. I love for it to be clean. Sometimes I don't sleep well if the house is dirty because I'm too busy making mental lists of what I need to get done the next day. I love to dance. I wish there were more opportunities for adults to take dance class around here.

I know this isn't 5 people, but I tag anyone who wants to play along.

Tag #2:

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not that I know of.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? About an hour ago. I read a story that someone emailed me, and I got teary eyed. I'm a big cry baby.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Somedays yes, others no.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I don't really have one.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes! 2 daughters & 2 sons.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I would hope so!!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Me? Never! hahaha

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep:)

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I'd like to say I would, but I might chicken out once I got up there. But, if I were on the Amazing Race, I would totally do it!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? That's a tough one. I really like Cracklin' Oat Bran, but don't get it that much. I'm not a huge cereal eater.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Only if I can't slip them off.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically: I'm not too bad. But I know I could be stronger. Hubby says I'm wimpy. But, I did give birth to 4 kids without drugs! Spiritually: It's a work-in-progress for me. I think I'm strong, but there is always room for improvement. Emotionally: Depends on the day, but mostly yes. Mentally: I would like to think so!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Probably Half-Baked by Ben & Jerry's. But, if you put a bowl of ice cream in front of me, I'll probably eat it. I also love Mint 'n Chip. Yummy!!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Not sure teeth or maybe hair? I don't know.

15. RED OR PINK? I love to wear pink, but I have a lot of red decorations in my house. I really like both!

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My weight.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Lots of people: family and friends from all over.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Sure, if they want to. It's always fun to read answers!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS & SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Pink pajama pants with white polka dots and no shoes.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Peanut Butter Striped Delight dessert that my friend made. It was fabulous!

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Hubby is watching the UCLA vs. Tenn. game right now while I'm blogging.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Maybe turquoise, that was always my favorite crayon to use for some reason.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Laundry, anything baking (bread, brownies, cookies), babies right when they get out of the bath, my hubby's cologne.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sister Anna!

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Love her, even though I haven't talked to her for years.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Probably gymnastics, swimming, and diving during the summer Olympics. During the winter Olympics I like to watch ice skating. Other than that I like to watch my kids play sports, and I watch whatever sport the hubby is watching at the time.

27. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown with red highlights.

28. EYE COLOR? Very dark brown.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes. I totally wish I could get Lasik. Maybe one day.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? This is a hard question. I love food. I love to cook it, and I love to eat it. Mostly I like everything, there are only a few things I don't like

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I like a good suspense, but nothing too scary. I get all freaked out and then can't sleep. I mostly like happy endings, I'm a typical chick flick movie girl.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I can't even remember.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Gray. It's one of my hubby's old softball shirts. I love to sleep in his shirts because they are so baggy!

34. FAVORITE SEASON? Don't know. I love summer for many reasons. But, I also like fall!!

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who they're from. I love both!

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Do I have to pick just one?

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ???

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ???

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? A Marriage in December

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? A rerun of Friends, cooking network, and sports.

42. FAVORITE SOUND? My kids playing nicely together.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? France, although I was only 14 months, so I don't remember it at all.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I love to decorate, do crafts, scrapbook, and cook. But, whether I'm good at it or not, is up for debate.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? California.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who wants to play along!

...so if you want to play let me know and I'll come check out your answers!

My Hubby!

We went out ot dinner last night for J's birthday.

This is just a fun picture of me and my sexy hubby!

Boy do I love him!

My Baby is 6

I can't believe that my baby is 6. I know she isn't a "baby", but she will always be my baby. J has been waiting and waiting for her birthday. I was looking back to her previous birthday posts to link her birth story and realized that I never posted one for her. Probably because right around her birthday school is starting, or we were moving, or sick, or something. So, here goes.

We were living in California with my parents, and I was dying in the heat. I remember that day we were just kind of hanging out around the house while DH was at work. Nothing out of the ordinary. I can't remember if I had gone to the doctor that morning or the morning before. Anyways, they checked me and I was at like a 3. Yeah! I was so glad. The end was in sight.



At around 3 or 4 I started to feel uncomfortable. I had a few contractions here and there but never paid much attention to them since they weren't constant. Plus I had contractions off and on for the last month. When DH got home I needed a break from the kids. So, I went in the room to lay down in the quiet. He came in a little while longer to let me know dinner was ready. So, I went out to eat. I couldn't eat (not a common thing for me). So, I laid back down. I started to get a little anxious and irritated and needed to get away. Hubby needed to run an errand, so we left the kiddos with my parents. For some reason I told DH that I thought he should grab our bag just in case.



Well, it was a good thing because maybe half an hour later, I told him that I thought we should probably go to the hospital. He asked me if I was sure, and I definitly was. By that point my contractions were constant, strong and hard and only 1-2 minutes apart. We got to the hospital and I swear it took me 10 minutes to walk across the parking lot. Then, of course I had to pee. I almost peed my pants.



So, we walked up to labor and delivery and they told me that they check everyone into triage first to make sure that it really is labor. Fine, whatever. So, we check in there, get in the room and the nurse does all the prep stuff she's supposed to do and then checks me. I'm at a 7. I'm thinking hooray, let's do this. She then tells me that she wants to keep me there for a little bit to see if I progress so she can tell if I'm really in labor. What? I'm at a 7! I was thinking how crazy this was. But again, whatever. Maybe 20 minutes later I tell DH that I think I have to push. So, he goes to get the nurse. She walks in practically rolling her eyes, telling me I couldn't be going that fast. She checks me and I'm at a 9 1/2. Stupid nurse. Then, she tells me yep, you can go and walk to labor and delivery again. I'm thinking are you kidding me? I can't even stand up. If I walk the baby will be born in the hall. The nurse leaves the room and does NOTHING. DH had to walk the halls to find me a wheelchair to take me to labor and delivery. I was ticked.



So, we get in there and the nurses are getting the room and bed ready for me. They were SO nice, completely opposite of my lame-o triage nurses. We told them what was up and even they were mad. We get in there and I have to pee again. The nurse was nervous for me to go to the bathroom because she didn't want the baby to be delivered in the toilet. But, I was somehow able to pee, get up, and make it to my bed. I did need a lot of help. Like 2 people helping me.



When I got on the table, the nurse checked me and I was at a 10, but there was a small lip around the head. At this point, my water still hadn't broken. She told me that legally she wasn't allowed to break my water, but if her fingernail happened to break it, would I be mad? Of course not. So, my water broke and she told me to do a little practice push to see if that lip would go away. I did a little half push and she immediately told me to stop. She practically jumped up on the table and was holding J's head in, while telling the nurse to hurry and get the baby, and telling me not to push. How I didn't push I don't know.



So, in comes the doctor and he barely manages to get gloves on and slip into his gown. He didn't even have time to do his gown up when I said "uh oh", or "oh no". Luckily I said that because he had just enough time to turn around and literally catch her as she was coming out. I didn't even push her out, but out she came. He later told us that that was the closest he had ever come to dropping a baby. He's darn lucky he didn't drop her.



She was a hefty 9lbs. 2oz. Big girl! She was so cute and so alert right away. I was so happy to finally have her here and to have her join our family. Her brothers and sister were also so excited. They all wanted to have their turn holding her when they came to visit.



J is such a beautiful, fun-loving girl. She has a very contagious smile. She is eager to learn and try new things. She loves to dance and I'm sure will love dance team this year. She plays the shy card when you first meet her, but after that she's very talkative and won't give you a break. She is a big helper when she wants to be. She can be a little stinker if she doesn't get her way, but we love her all the same. I'm grateful everyday that she was sent to our family. I love her with all my heart. She is such an amazing little girl. I love you J! Happy 6th Birthday

Caterpillar or Worm?

We were at my SIL's house the other day and the kids were all outside playing. Then several of them came running in telling us about the cool caterpillar they found. They told us it was green and huge and fat and squishy and.... We then told them that it was probably a tomato worm and not a caterpillar. They didn't believe us for a while. Finally we convinced them, and then added that they shouldn't play with it.

When I went to download pictures onto my computer I found this lovely picture. So my instructions to not play with it were obviously ignored. What is it with kids and gross, creepy- crawly things? They all want to touch it and hold it. Gross. I on the other hand prefer to stay far away from such creatures.

Safety Fair

On Saturday, our community had a safety fair that we went to. The kids got to check out the inside of a cop car, fire engine, and ambulance. They each got to honk the horn in the fire engine which I think was one of the highlights. They also got to lie down on the stretcher inside the ambulance. We got a lot of coloring books and pamphlets all about safety. I thought the information was very good and was presented in a way that was interesting and fun for the kids. We took a mini "Rad Kids" class that taught the kids a little about protecting themselves. There was popsicles, snow cones, scones, sandwiches, drinks, treats, a bounce house, and so much more. I think we were there for about an hour. It was a good way to burn some time on a Saturday.

Sup?

Sunday morning the kids were having a great time playing together. I don't know what made them think to do this, but they thought they were hilarious. They got into their dad's clothes and were running all over the house throwing signs and asking "Sup?" to everyone.

"Yo Baby Sup?"

School Is Here

I can hardly believe that school is here. It seems like summer went by so fast. I'm not sure if I'm ready for school, but ready or not here it is. The kids are excited so that's good. I'm ready for them to be on a better schedule (we've been so super lazy this summer), but I'm not ready for the homework battle and bedtime battle. Maybe we'll have a great year and my worries will be for nothing. I can only hope.

My big 5th grader! Not quite sure how that happened. Time sure goes by so fast. He is excited for this year. I hope it's a good one for him. He is a smart boy and very athletic.

M is in 4th grade this year. She is so eager to learn. She loves school, loves socializing, loves learning.

I can't believe S is in 2nd grade. He is also excited for this new school year. He is always full of energy. Hopefully he'll use that energy in a positive way!!

And, my little J is in 1st grade. This I really can't believe. I can't believe my "baby" is in school all day now. She was a little nervous, but also very excited.

I hope that they each have a successful school year.

That they will all learn and grow and enjoy doing it.

Ward Swim Party

We went to our annual ward swim party a few weeks ago. Like always, we had a great time. We had a BBQ at the park first, and then headed over to the pool for some late night swimming.

We had hamburgers and hot dogs and corn on the cob which was provided by the ward. The rest was potluck: salads, fruit, veggies, chips, desserts, the works!! It was good eats!

The kids had a blast in the water. DH and I got in as well, but didn't last too long. The water was freezing. How is it, that the kids don't seem to mind the cold water when we are freezing? They enjoyed playing with their friends, jumping off the diving board, going down the slide, playing in the spray park, and all that fun stuff.

Sadly our night was cut short because of some major thunder and lightning. But, the kids definitly had fun while it lasted! It was another successful ward party:)

School Haircuts, Soccer Camp, Dance Tryouts

Wow, we have been super busy. I can't believe that the end of summer is here. I'm not sure if I'm ready for school, but here it comes.

These two beauties both had tryouts for dance team, and we got the letter a few days ago saying they both made it! M will be on the Pre Company and J will be on the Minis. They were both thrilled and I'm excited for them and this new adventure. Crazy times here we come!
They also both got haircuts. J was supposed to just get a trim, but "really, really, really wanted a haircut", so she got one too.

These guys have been just as busy. They had soccer camp last week and practice this week in preparation for the season that starts next week. They also had haircuts. T just got his cut around his ears because he wants the "shaggy" look. S got his famous mohawk. Watch out girls!

Homemade Pico

We went and got some fresh veggies from our friends' garden. He had SO much and said for us to take what we need. I got tomatoes, onions, green peppers, sweet peppers, zuchinni, cucumbers, lemon cucumbers, carrots, and turnips. He has an amazing garden and it was so nice of him to share. I offered to pay him, but he wouldn't accept. When I got home I made some yummy fresh pico de gallo. Tomorrow I need to make zuchinni bread, lots of zuchinni bread! I love fresh veggies right from the garden. So delicious!