Where In The World Is Brian Going?

We started a contest today, thanks to my sister's great idea. We have a globe, a cup full of slips of paper, and a jar full of notes. The idea is to guess where in the world Brian is going on his mission...Why would we ask that you say??
Because Brian submitted his mission papers to the Bishop on Tuesday, who submitted them to our Stake Pres., who has an appointment with Brian on Sunday, who will then submit them to the church mission dept. SO WE ARE EXPECTING A MISSION CALL SOON!This is really nerve racking for everyone especially Brian. We are all so excited! Lately the word on the street is that papers are coming back within a week and a half or two weeks. We are wondering if the holiday may slow them down.So were thinking at the very least two weeks. Either way we will be thrilled to know where and start preparing for him to go.
So what's the prize for this game???Well- we are taking suggestions,post me your guesses & prized suggestions. Whoever gets the closest wins!!

Is Summer Over Yet?

Chloe is sad that there are no pictures of Max on the blog so here you go!

Today was a rough day. It started out great Debbie & Pat, Johnna & Clyde stopped by, then Brittany came over- I forgot to take a picture. After that Trent was bored and followed me around the REST OF THE DAY. Lily his best friend was here but he just was obsessing about everything. First he wanted to build an office building in the backyard??Then he wanted to build a bridge to the tree fort-the girls were watching Bridge To Tarabithia.After too long discussions about that, he thought of the brilliant idea to paint his room - he found paint in the garage. So after about an hour of that, he settled for making his own quilt & desperately wanted to use my rotary cutter- I was cutting out quilt squares. Brett came home & took me to dinner. Thank goodness a break.He wears me out.Don't worry I hid the rotary cutter.

Trent is a Karate Star

I took these pictures yesterday. Trent didn't want his picture taken so I had to sneek them-hee hee. He is doing so good this summer. I was really worried he would be bored & into mischief. We are working on his reading most mornings, the reading specialist gave me a ton of stuff to do over the summer. I was really worried that it would be a daily fight. But, it's been great & I am seeing a real improvement. Yesterday the neighbor kids were selling a bunch of old toys & he bought a child's laptop so all night & this morning he has been "working like dad." Brett came upstairs last night & trent had gotten into brett's computer bag looking for cables to connect his new laptop to email- not good. He had turned on brett's laptop & the battery was wearing down. Hailey had been babysitting of course while we were at activity days & YM. He has a huge imagination & a sweet disposition. But, he keeps us running!

Ten Things I Like About Ruthie

Today was the last day of cousin's camp. By the time it was time for the cousin's to go I was really tired & crabby. Just too many late nights/early mornings. I don't do well on not enough sleep so I was really snappy as they left. In ruthie's family if you are not nice you have to say 10 nice things about the person you were not nice to~ so I thought I would give my list of 10 things I like about Ruthie~ maybe she will want to come back next year.
10. She has cute freckles
9. She has the auburn hair I always wanted or at least wanted one of my girls to have. (Maybe I don't like that about her)
8. She reminds me of what I used to look like when I was skinny.
7. She has a husband who looks like my husband & whenever we're together people think they are brothers. One time he kissed her goodbye in the front yard, then noticed someone waved as they drove by. That could've been great gossip. I wasn't too worried.
6. She shares her gum-now.
5. She has really cute kids & most importantly one on the way!
4. She makes me go to Women's Conference every year which I never have time for but I 'm glad I went after I get there.
3. She always remembers my birthday & we go out.
2. She thinks I can sew just cause I do simple things & acts like I have great ideas.
1. I love all our sister memories & I know I can always talk to her.

Day Two Cousin's Camp

Today we went swimming at the new recreation center then got slurpee's at 7-11. Last night we ended up sleeping on the tramp in the back yard & I have the headache to prove it. We are working on crafts later today. Fun times!

Cousin's Camp Has Started

Baskin & Robbins- yummy!


Aimee & Cole- two cuties!

BEFORE

AFTER
Two summers ago Ruthie & I started Cousin's camp with our kids. We've had so much fun now it's a tradition. This year it is two nights & two days at our house. Sarah & Chloe made a spa & have treated us all to our choice of spa treatments-LOVED IT! I had the foot & back rub, with a hair brushing. I highly recommend it. We just had our official kick off meeting where we voted on activities and now we are having a DDR tournament. We are heading off to Baskin & Robins or as Trent calls it "Basket of Robins" at 2:00. Happy Day- Aimee & Cole came to join us- I can't believe I'm a great aunt!?. Our newest cousin Cole is arguably the cutest, even though they are all cute. We are doing a boys craft- making bird feeders. A girls craft- homemade scrapbooks. Hailey is in charge of making & teaching the girls how to make taco salad for dinner. Then, we're watching an outdoor movie with roasted marshmallows later tonight.

Dayley Family Reunion

Today we went to a Dayley family reunion. I haven't been to one for years. This year it was close to our house and so everyone but Megan, who couldn't get off work was there. Mom & dad couldn't come because they are moving next week. The top picture is Jack, Braiden, & Brian. Next is Hailey & Lauren who were trying to be funny. Then Chloe & Sarah- cuties.

It was great to see some of my cousins I haven't seen since I was a kid - like my cousin Bobby. We used to pal around. These are a few of my dad's 11 siblings! Chloe saw my Uncle Norman & said ~I thought that was Grandpa. It's cute how they look alike.

Girl's Night with Shannon Hale

Last night was so much fun. Megan, Hailey, Chloe & I went to Barnes & Noble and met Shannon Hale. One of our favorite authors. She has written the Goose Girl series and the Newberry winner Princess Academy. They are fabulous! It has been a real great connection for us to read all the books. She has a new book out titled Austenland. We waited in line quite a while but it was so worth it. She was really sarcastic and funny, very personable. The girl's had some questions for her, she was great to answer them and let us take a picture with her. Afterwards we went to dinner at MiMi's Cafe and on the way home Hailey said- thanks for taking us mom, I'm never going to forget this. Hailey wants to be a writer someday.

Jack is playing football

Anyone who really knows me will be shocked to know that my Jack is playing football. I love to watch college football- GO COUGARS- but I hate that football mentality. You know what I am talking about. I think it is especially bad with the highschool and younger leagues. Well he has persisted in begging then finally just signed up. I talked to a friend of mine who lives by the H.S. coach and she had nothing but positive things to say about him, plus he was Brian's favorite teacher for the last two years (spanish). So what can I do? He is playing football. I am trying to embrace it. He looks good in the uniform I must admit. I am excited to go to the games in the fall. He's a good boy.

Hailey is home from camp!

Hailey is going to be so mad because she doesn't like this picture. Isn't she cute! She is sunburned a little but you can't tell in this picture. We missed her. Welcome home Hailey!

This is her camp journal-cute!

Found these great pictures & wanted to share them

Brian with his grandfathers.
Beth sent me these pictures last September after Brian's Eagle court of honor. I was looking through pictures last night & I love these so much I added them today. Thanks beth!

Brian with G&G Messer

chloe & me

beth, brittany, ruthie, me & megan~thanks beth for sending me these great pictures!

Last Day of School

Trent & Ms. Cravens

Chloe & Mrs. Wiser

Just thought some of you might want to see some pictures from the last day of school. Every year the elementary school has a patriotic program in front of the school on the last day. They have a short speaker, sing the school song and lower the flag. I always try to run over and get a few pictures. I couldn't make it this year so Brett took these. June 1, 2007

crazy jake

Brett is away at girl's camp with Hailey. Last night Max my 7 mo. old schnauzer woke me up at 2:00am to go potty. Jake our 3 year old Jack Russell terrier went out with him. Little did I know that Brian's friends had been over last night and left the gate open. Max came right back in but after a few minutes I began to worry when Jake was no where to be seen. I ran to the front door went out and saw the gate open. I called for Jake both in the front and back as discretely as possible-it's 2:15 am now- no Jake. Finally I saw him on the next door neighbor's side walk-we made eye contact- I called him and he ran the other direction. I frantically ran to the basement and called for Brian. Brian came up, went outside to the sidewalk, called him and he ran right into the house. I could kill that dog. I don't know why he won't come for me but he was not allowed on my bed for the rest of the night.

Chloe's ballet recital

Hailey & Chloe

Chloe with mom & dad

Every June for the past five years Chloe has looked forward to her ballet recital. This year was no exception. The theme was HOLIDAYS and her dance was for Valentine's day. She was so excited and did a fabulous job. She is so fun to watch because she loves it so much and puts her whole heart into ballet.

Brian Graduated!

May was a really busy month for our family, as usual. This year it is extra special because Brian graduated from High School. We are so proud of him! He is a great young man with so many talents. Just before he graduated he was made an elder and will submit his mission papers next week. I am so excited~ and nervous. I was really unsettled about it a month or two ago. As a mother I have been trying to prepare him for this his whole life. But, am I prepared to give my son over to the Lord for two whole years? I finally came to the conclusion that yes I am (almost) ready and it is a priviledge not a sacrifice. I love him and he will still be close to me no matter where he is. I will always be his mom and he will always be my sugar boy. Congratulations on your graduation Brian!!

Who are the Messer's?

I am PJ, my husband is Brett. We have six children Megan19, Brian 18, Jack 16, Hailey 13, Chloe 10, and Trenton 7.

my new adventure

Today I am starting my own blog! I was introduced to blogging by my friend Karen and have been truly inspired to by all the amazing blogs out there. I decided I too wanted to start "blogging" the happenings in my life. Thank you to all you bloggers I don't even know for starting me on this adventure.