First Day...

So today was a different sort of first day of school for us. Jarom is taking early morning seminary this year (something that we groaned and complained about as a teenager and now he is doing it willingly!!) so we have to leave the house at 6:30 to get him there! So Jarom and I left at 6:30 and then I headed to work after dropping him off. As I was leaving Robby was getting up to get ready for his first day of Middle School!! He got himself ready and then headed out to catch the bus. He took us on a tour of his classes last night and he is excited to start! As Robby was leaving, Tim and the other two kids got up and got ready for school. In the past they have always gone to school with me, but 7am is just tou early for them to hang out in my office. So Tim brought them to school this morning. About 8:10 I realized that I wasn't even going to see my youngest 2 before they started their new school year, so I hung around outside until they got to school so that I could give them a quick hug before they rushed off!! 3 shifts but we all made it! No pictures this morning - was going to try for this afternoon But... I'm sure I'll make up for it taking a zillion pictures on another day!!


Post script (added the next morning...)
So when you see me this year and my eyes are glazed and I look a little frantic - just know that its normal and I only have nine months to go until next summer vacation!

Today I Touched the Temple

Today I had the amazing opportunity to attend one of the dedication services for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and to sing in the choir. It has been a summer full of rehearsals as we prepared for this sacred event and the chance to contribute the the spirit that was felt there. I was a little nervous, and feeling very humble, but most of all just wanting to really feel the spirit of our Savior as we sang. As soon as we took our place in the temple I could feel my eyes water and then began the battle to keep my emotions under control. Luckily, during the songs I did ok and only leaked a little during some of the talks. That is, until the final song, the Hosanna Anthem. The song is a combination of a prayerful request that the Lord would accept our offering and singing praises to Him. I did okay until the line that says we'll sing and shout with the armies of heaven. I know that we were not alone! I also know that my Dad was close by. I smile to think that maybe he was part of the Heavenly Choir that joined us! No wonder I had a hard time with my emotions! I am proud to say that it was only a few tears and no actual sobs! One of my favorite things was when President Monson spoke to the children that were in the temple and told them to reach out their hand and somewhere near them touch the temple. Then they could say "Today I touched the Temple and the Temple touched me." Truly today I may have briefly touched the temple, but it left a permanent impression as the temple touched me.

Moose sighting

While returning from our trip to get shakes (a must when camping at Bear Lake), we saw a moose up on the hill. Of course when we returned on foot with cameras and binoculars the moose had disappeared. While we were looking for him Hari was diligently searching with the binoculars. I always have trouble with binoculars and Hari is probably better at them then me, but he was a little frustrated that he could not find the moose. Lincoln, being the good big brother that he is, promptly stepped in front of Hari and provided the moose for Hari to look at! The moose did return and was joined by two others, but I have to say as exciting as that was, Lincoln's moose was truly a highlight for me!

Bear Lake

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Behind on Pictures

Disclaimer to my family...

I WILL post all of our pictures from camping to a link so that you will have access to them. Meanwhile, today I went back and finished the lessons from my photo class that I hadn't finished and, well, that took up all my time today! So camping pictures to come - but here's a sneak peak at a couple...

Comfort or more Work... That is the question.

I walked into Kayleen's room this morning to find this...

Apparently sleeping on the floor is better than having to remake this...

Star Scout

Robby has been working hard on his merit badges and requirements and Sunday received his Star Scout level.. I am glad that he is so enthusiastic about it!!! The rate we are going he may beat Jarom receiving his Eagle. Of Course Jarom turns 15 next month and we are holding the driving thing over his head!

The duck, the bird, and the goldfish...

Early one morning last week (though not as early as planned) we headed out to the Murray fishing pond to spend a few hours. It was an absolutely fabulous morning and while the kids and Tim fished, I took pictures.
The lighting was amazing and the reflections of the pond were so clear. I brought a book, but I never put my camera down!It was fun to watch the kids. They were a little disappointed because there were only little fish in the pond and we forgot our worms so they were only nibbling at the hot dogs. While Tim was helping Spencer cast, we got our first catch!!! Unfortunately it was a duck. Fortunately it didn't snag him too hard and he was able to get away! I love to watch Tim with the kids. Life is so busy and it seems like there are only rare moments that we are not in a hurry and really get the chance to interact in such a relaxed way!In my wanderings, I came across this duck. I circled him several times, walked away and came back, and swore that he only had one leg. I was a little obsessed with it. He watched me as I watched him - staring me down... and then when he had had enough - down came the other leg and he walked away. I was so mad! I dislike being tricked! (or maybe I just dislike feeling like a fool!)This is one of my favorites of Tim. I look at this picture and just see.. Tim. This is who he is and what he loves. One of the reasons that I love him!

Spencer made the second catch of the day. Unfortunately while he was casting, a little sparrow flew right through. The poor little bird was terrified. We thought that the hook had lodged in his stomach, but when Tim finally got it picked up and calmed down a little we realized that he was only tangled in the line. By the time we got him untangled he was hardly moving at all - we think he was in shock. We placed him down in some shade and just had to hope that when we cleared out that he would fly away!

Robby officially was the only one to catch a fish! Unfortunately it was a little gold fish... and no one saw him... Oh well - It was still a great morning!
This last set came from my fascination with the reflection in the water of the kids. There is no way that if I had decided to try and find this effect that I would have, I just had to be in the right place and slow down and see it! So this is officially my first digital scrapbooking page in honor of a relaxing morning!

Belated 24th Pictures

Our annual 24th of July block party is growing! We love this chance that we get to see and visit with out neighbors, both those we should see all the time because they live in our circle, and those that venture in from across the neighborhood! We had some new things this year like live music! And our new neighbors in our circle starting face painting with the girls. It was a hit and they patiently spent THREE HOURS painting little girls (and some boys) faces, arms, legs etc.

Of course, it wouldn't be a block party if we couldn't play a little cul-de-sac kick ball. Tim gets very into this. I just have to point out that in the center picture it looks like he is throwing the ball as hard as he can at a five year old, but in truth the ball is going to the kid on 3rd who is 15 and as competitive about it as Tim. Sometimes we have to remind the dads and teens that the little kids get freebies...

And of course... Fireworks! - Thanks to all for a fabulous evening!