Girls

Having three boys before my princess, I have gotten used to the wacky things boys do. I have to even admit that I enjoy my boys and their wacky humor and their wacky friends. I don't have to worry so much that my own sense of weirdness is going to come out and someone is going to be offended by something random I do or say.



That being said... I sometimes forget what it means to be girly...

As I looked out my front door today I was reminded clearly of the way a girl's mind works.


Yes, in case you are counting, that is a total of 13 blankets and 7 pillows adorning my front lawn while the girls play "sorry" sitting on pillows on the sidewalk. And yes, those are the pillows from her bed. Of course I'm not complaining because the weather is still nice enough that they can be outside! Just taking a moment to reflect, and to smile!

Spencer's Principal's Pride

Spencer's teacher allows them to pick their own work to be honored at Principal's Pride. He is often frustrated with art projects so I am proud of him that he chose an art project of an "Awesome Explorer Ship" to quote his teacher. Way to go Spence!

Chasing Sunflowers

While the men went to priesthood, I took Kayleen out and we took some pictures. The conditions weren't ideal, but at least I have a willing model when I'm in the mood to play a little. Two weeks ago the field where I took her was covered in Sunflowers! Unfortunately I waited too long and they were almost all gone.



Then I came back and spent the rest of my evening playing with editing. I remember why I haven't done it since summer ended. Once I start I can spend hours! Probably because I don't really know what I'm doing so it takes me forever!

Still, it was fun and I love to try new things! We did find a second spot that had some sunflowers that were still blooming.

Now I just need to figure out a time in the next few weeks to take pictures of all four of them for their annual portraits!!

Thanks my beautiful Kayleen for putting up with my whims!

Soccer on a Cold Saturday Morning

Although it was chilly - we loaded up the entire family to watch Spencer's soccer game this morning.He played hard, though the team was a little off this morning... He's playing with a good friend of his from school.
No, this is not his friend. One of the parents dressed their dog as a mascot, so I snuck a picture.(I could complain here that later the same parent was smoking a cigarette - really the kids are playing and running and you're blowing smoke - but I shouldn't)Spencer has the famous tongue that was inherited from me. When concentrating it must be hanging out of the mouth. Hmmm... That could really hurt in soccer!In this picture we were trying to figure out where the call is that they all seem to be fighting over!Air Spencer! Team Pics

Chatting again with his friend. Gotta love Soccer in the cold!

Happy 15th Jarom!

I should probably dig up some pictures, but since I am already overdo on this post, I thought I'd just pick one that I like. Wednesday was Jarom's 15th birthday. While I could wax on about the fact that I have a 15 year old, that is not the point of this post. I'll keep this simple and just say that I am so grateful that I have such an amazing son. He's grown and matured, physically, emotionally, and spiritually and I am in awe at the young man he has become. Granted, he is still a 15 year old and that means that at times he is wacky beyond description and occasionally moody (but not too bad). The fun part is that I can now be wacky with him and he gets my sarcastic humor. It blows my mind that time is moving so quickly. I have basically 4 years left that he is "mine" and I can hope that we continue to be friends as we have become. Happy belated birthday Jarom! Love ya tons!

Highs and Lows

Life is crazy - I don't really have anything to post because we are just doing the "regular" stuff. School mainly, then throw in soccer starting, dance starting, scouts, social, house... Well you know. But as my kids are growing, we are developing a new kind of communication. We started something this week (we'll see how long we keep it up) but we are trying to say family prayers together in the evening and I asked the kids the other day to tell my their Highs and Lows for the day. It has actually turned into a fun time to talk and visit and laugh. My kids have a very sarcastic side (hmm... I wonder where they get that - and NO it's not all me!) and they spend a lot of time giggling and laughing at each other. But its fun for me to hear a little more about their days.

My low this week is work. It is just crazy and hectic, scheduling new kids, 8 new referrals already, testing and next week we are being audited!!! The district comes in and goes through our files to make sure we are in compliance with all of the laws and mandates. FUN!

My high though, tops all of the lows. I had the opportunity last night to be present for the Patriarchal Blessing of my oldest son. I won't share any details, but I will share that the spirit was amazingly strong. It is one of those experiences as a Mom that just pierces your heart as you hear about the love that Heavenly Father has for your child and the amazing opportunities and gifts that he has and will be blessed with. I am in awe.

We need highs and lows. Here's hoping your highs are good ones and your lows - not too bad.

August?

Attention! Attention! Does anyone know where August went? It was here, and now it's gone. I'm still looking for it. Let me know...