summer baptism

Today I got up at 6:30 am to get these two & myself up & ready to go to my sister's house.
It is a very special day. My nephew's baptism. He lives 1 1/2 hours away & the meeting started at 9:00 AM. There is something so wrong about getting up that early the day after school's out.
Luckily we have redbox, we rented this & headed out of town.

Trent & his cousin here are only about 9 months apart. They are the same grade in school & I hope they are always friends. What a couple of cuties!

Chloe & her cousin- the baptism boy's sister- are only six weeks apart! They are great friends- what a joy to have at least one set of cousins not a million miles away!

Ruthie has been really sick but insisted on having the baptism anyway. She's a trouper... and look at that fussy peanut! He's growing up, especially in the cheeks. Man, he is so cute, still a little fussy but nothing like before. I got to hold him the whole service :)

This family is growing up! What a bunch of cuties.

Congratulations Baptism Boy!

last day of school

Today was the last day of school 08'. Pretty darn exciting. Trent could hardly sleep last night. He woke up in the middle of the night- I laid down next to him- he turned over & in a sleep state of mind said, "guess what mom?- tomorrow is the last day of school." I know, go back to sleep sweetie. Our school has a tradition. Every year the whole school goes outside. They sing the school song, have someone play or sing the national anthem, say the pledge of allegiance, the sixth graders lower the flag- then the principal declares school out for summer! It's darling & sweet & I even started to tear up there for a bit. There is this great patriotic proud feeling in the air. I love this school.

You could have heard a pin drop- the kids were so respectful.

Here is trent with his FANTASTIC teacher! She has made such a difference in his life. Teachers are so important- especially when it comes to kids like trent. He cried & cried when we left. This is his resource teacher. She gives the extra help he needs. She is also FANTASTIC. Oh boy, I feel like I owe so much to these women. They are my hero's this year.

Chloe & one of her best pals were so sad to see the year end. Their teacher made a scrapbook at least an inch & a half thick for every kid in her class - amazing!Trent & Lily

Trent can be a tough but he's really just a softy. He insisted on walking home with me arm in arm crying. He did the same thing last year. I asked one of the neighbor kids to take our picture. Something tells me this won't last.

So- to start off our summer right we are having a little bit of easy bake oven time!

Brownies-YUM & BBQ tonight

*is school out at your house?

scared

: thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic from knowing the kids will soon be home for the summer

Am I the only one feeling this way?

This week alone...

Trent has-

*rammed into the back of brett's car breaking a tail light.

*mixed cement in the wheel barrow & left it to dry

*put a big scratch in the side of my car with his bike

*almost gotten ran over multiple times

*tried to mortar & brick the tree house

(I am ready to kill my remodeling neighbor for giving him such good ideas & cement?)

*had his bike hung up in the garage for not putting it away & it almost getting run over

(maybe I should run it over?)

*had his bike put up for not wearing a helmet- any minute he is going to get ran over, we are trying to be prepared here.

*cried (seriously?) because he couldn't find anyone to play with for like 10 seconds at a time

*after finally finding a friend- walking off to the neighbors house & forgetting said friend

*proclaimed he hates the library & doesn't want to go there anymore

*bawled because he lost a school book & Yes I am making him pay for it with his own hard earned three dollars- "WHAT? that's my money?? I hate you!"

*begged me for money over & over..... news flash: the ice cream man is a rip off

Oh man- it's going to be a long summer.......................................

6th grade celebration

Today was chloe's sixth grade graduation!

It's really a celebration of making it this far & now moving on to the pit of evil- oops I mean jr. high. (actually I really like our jr. high- just not all the hormones swimming around in there)

Anyhow, it was her last official program in elementary- dang it! I happen to know from experience that the next 6 years will go pretty darn fast.

It was kind of a tear jerker type program. Lots of cute video & pictures of them all as babies, singing & funny skits. Oh my they grow up so fast. It's so hard to believe she is 1/2 way done with school!!??

We were pretty thrilled that chloe's cousin brittany came- we just love brittany. You know it's a really special occasion around here when Brittany comes.Chloe's teacher is the BEST EVER & actually won the Huntsman teacher of the year award 2 years ago. She is over the top AMAZING!These posters - wow! Wende the photographer took everyone's picture- they are fantastic. Wende is such an amazing photographer & so willing to share her talents- thanks wende!

Here's chloe & bunch of friends after the festivities. Later in the day they were having a big party & dance.... wo. Chloe assured me it was only group dances that they learned- she was NOt about to dance with one of the boys- no way.

I know this video is a little long, but darn it I wish I wish I could have posted the whole program! It was only an hour.... it was just so darling!

Chloe's favorite things about sixth grade-

1. her teacher

2. all the treats they get

3. science was so fun

4. being the oldest in the school

5. everything!

the funnest day of the year

Our school's field day carnival is truly the funnest day of the school year.

Every year for the past 5 I think I have been painting faces... which is a fun but weary job.

I painted a lot of kittens, snakes, lizards, names, butterflies & flowers. I didn't paint a cougar, giraffe, alligator- I'm good, but not that good (actually I'm not really even good- but whatever) I refused to paint many phrases such as-- kiss me I'm single, hot & sexy, & dumb blonde-( I almost talked this gal into blonde & college bound- but she didn't go for it.) 6th graders, do you think they just watch too much TV or what.....?

Here's chloe getting BYU across her face- ? Hey- it's a cool school! I love to give the UofU kids a hard time. At one point I said, I don't paint Uof U on faces & a bunch of kids started to leave my line. I was just joking..... hee hee. These kids are apparently pretty serious.

Here's wende & Lily.
And.. .Ethan who later in the day had the cutest nemo painted face! I should've gotten a picture of that too!
I did a terrible job taking pictures because I was stuck painting for
THREE HOURS
except for the one coke induced potty break.
the line just never let up.... I wish I would've taken a photo of the swarms of kids waiting to get their turn. It was non stop.

Around the corner from here were three HUGE blow up toys & a dunking booth. To the left snow cones, cotton candy, drinks, cookies, chips, carnival heaven basically. There were loads of games where you won tickets & could take them to the prize station!! Woo Hoo trent got a hot wheels watch- does anyone know how to set the time on a cheap ol' hot wheels watch? Side walk chalk, a parachute guy & one of those sticky balls that's like a yo yo. fun stuff.
I don't have any photos of trent because he was out having too much fun! At one point he came up to me completely soaked to the skin. He had been visiting the dunking booth quite a bit. Luckily it was 80 degrees & gorgeous. This is big progress for t-bone. Last year it was really hard for him. He spent most of the day standing next to me begging to go home- it was just too much stimulation, too many choices, & the crowd was way to overwhelming. (it broke my heart) This year- he just went with it- PROGRESS- gotta love it!

2B2B

(us at trent's program a couple weeks ago)

2busy 2blog

may is always the busiest month of the year around here.

adding a wedding really put may 2008 on the map for being the busiest ever.

it's a good busy- but busy non the less.

in my almost- giving- up- quest for balance i keep thinking i don't have time to blog, but then I keep coming back to it. I guess I am officially blog addicted

today is field day & we are so excited!

Our school has the best field day carnival ever- I can't wait to post some pictures later tonight. Every year Wende & I paint faces. It's the most popular booth & I'm usually wiped out by the end. Not this year- I'm going prepared.

*I have my own chair

(sitting on the edge of a metal chair for 3 hours- not good)

*snack

*diet coke with lots of ice

*I'm taking ibuprofen with breakfast since my hands are still swollen from the library project I finished last night.

*hat & sunscreen

*water bottle- also with lots of ice

It's gonna be a great day!

memorial day

We had a really good Memorial day. Even though it rained the whole day.

In fact it was super rainy. It reminded me of every single fourth of July we spent in Seattle. Pouring rain. No let up.Brett has been working with scouts in our area for years. They've been putting up flags for a fund raiser on patriotic holidays. It's a great thing! Every year on Memorial day he prepares an inspirational message about patriotism, valor, it's great for the boys. Tonight we used the same message for family night.Then we watched the National Memorial Day concert I had taped the day before on.

It was amazing!

Also, look at this, Brett fixed my bike so I'm up & running for the summer!!

Woo Hoo- I'm excited to ride to the library with Trent & Chloe next week when school is out.

Only 4 days left & school's out for summer.

*did you have a great day?

grateful

Thank you to all the service men & women out there.

Freedom isn't free.
Four years ago we came here - Arlington National Cemetary- to put Brett's grandfather to rest. He was 94 when he passed but had been a Navy Commander. It was the thrill of a lifetime. Our kids will never forget it, neither will I. Last night as Brett & I were talking about today we were thinking what an amazing experience it would be to be there on Memorial Day.

do rats go to heaven?

I'm trying not to be crabby.

something just put me over the edge today.
I'm not sure what--- but maybe it's the rat my husband caught in our backyard- in broad daylight- in a trap- while jack was watching like a hawk & saw the whole incident- during lunch- then proceeded to described the incident in full detail- over & over even though I pleaded with him to stop.

Now it's 11:30 PM & there's another one in the trap. Oh hell-

it's over- woo hoo, did you hear me?... IT'S OVER

Last fall us community council parents (aka blogger moms) started planning our spring fundraiser, a benefit concert.

Last night it was finally show time!

Our guest artist was McCall Clark-who by the way - couldn't be a nicer girl.
There are a lot of details that go into putting a show like this together, more than it would seem. Even though we had some real setbacks in the process- it turned out great. We will know on Tuesday just how much money was raised for technology- a very worthy cause!

After the show McCall & her back up dancers stayed & signed an auto graph for every kid who wanted one--- which included trent's sweet darling friend who we love (she was so excited)

And Trent! He even stood in line (after it got short) for the autograph! Funny guy. McCall was one of the "Sharpets" (i'm sure I'm spelling that wrong) in H.S. musical II. She even gave out autographed pictures of her with Zach Ephron & his girlfriend what's her name?

Afterwards us gals went out for dinner to celebrate!

I'm glad it's done & let me just say---

Thank You Karrie for all your hard work!

Karrie really stepped in when the wedding plans started getting heavy.

(I didn't know I was going to have a wedding when we started this process) I really appreciate all you've done to help me & help with the concert- you're a lifesaver!!

22 years

Today is our anniversary. I can't believe it, but it's true- married 22 years now. What a blessing my marriage has been in my life, beyond words. With my newlywed daughter in mind here is my list of 22 things I have learned about marriage-

1. Be kind.

2. Take time out everyday to talk & be together, even if it's just a few minutes before you fall asleep.

3. Pray for & with your spouse & family everyday.

4. Work to make your life together good- pull your own weight- don't expect him to do everything.

5. When you can't pull your own weight, you'll be glad that you usually do.

6. A reasonably clean home just makes everyone feel better - I'm not talking perfection, but you know what I mean. It doesn't matter who cleans it- but if you have more time at home then you should do the best you can.

7. Make goals together & work together to achieve them.

8. Make your expectations clear, don't assume he should know or already knows anything. This is especially true for holidays & birthdays. Trust me on this one- be specific if it is that important to you.

9. You HAVE to have a sense of humor- if you can find the funny in even irritating situations it will lesson the stress immensely, but sometimes you have to keep the laughter to yourself. (at least for a while)

10. Don't take yourself too seriously.

12. Be loyal- always.

13. Intimacy really is important.

14. So he leaves sock on the floor or hair in the bathroom- just be glad it's there, if it weren't he wouldn't be there.

15. risk it- give yourself completely- don't go half way- it's a risk you have to make.

16. children make marriage harder.

17. and better- it's work though- no doubt about it.

18. Don't EVER get so busy that you lose touch of the love you share.

19. That means date nights- no matter how busy you are & no matter what the kids are doing- no matter how much money you have- make your time together one of your biggest priorities.

20. The best thing you can give your children is an example of a good relationship/marriage to their father. You can find a qualified babysitter. I've known two different couples where the wife refused to leave the kids with a sitter- they're both divorced now.

21. Go on vacations with & without the kids/family. Yearly if you can.

22. If all else fails, refer to #1.

Happy Anniversary Brett- I love you!

missionary update

Yesterday besides getting a fabulous email from the missionary, he sent some pictures!!

This is Brian with Elder Cuevos (the bird catcher.) I love that bird catcher story. Anyhow, Elder Cuevos is home now but here is a picture of the two of them. Love it!

Also, you'll NEVER believe this one, here is Brian & a friend Nadia from H.S. Yep, she was in Chile??? She was there with one of BYU's international dance teams doing a show that the missionarys got to go to. Brian said he couldn't believe it. He thought he would never run into anyone from home- it's truly a small world.

And most importantly... here he is baptizing an 11 year old boy in a lake last Saturday! He says it was freezing like you can't believe. This boy's parents have been baptized & going to church for quite some time but wanted to wait until they thought their son was ready before they let him make this commitment. Brian was thrilled to teach him & have the opportunity to baptize him. I have to say that I busted out in tears when the picture came up. I love it!

The missionary is well-

*says his companion is a "lazy butt who won't work very hard" - that was nice

* he was sick with a fever last week, but is okay now-

*he got my package with girl scout samoa cookies in it & nearly had a heart attack he was so happy (we love those babies)

Then added this: I was talking the other day with a member about the gifts that Heavenly Father has given. I love how ever person has been given a gift but not everyone has all the gifts. I was thinking when i was talking with this member because she told me that she didnt have a gift. I realized, because it says that we, obviously, make up the church of Jesus Christ. If we as people make up the church of Christ then each one of us has importance and part of it is because of our gift. God gives gifts to edify and to uplift or help others and to help uplift and edify the church as well. (i hope i´m making sense) What i´m trying to say is that each of you is very important. You have a gift that is important to you and is important for others. I would invite you if you dont know what you gift is to find it and to cultivate it. To make it stronger and more apparent and by doing so you will bless other with you gift. This is in Doctrine and Covenants 46. There is a list of possible gifts that people have and all that. Each of you is important. Salvacion is personal, but with your gifts you can help others to acheive their goal. Even if you don´t realize it.

Having a son as a missionary is proving to be an absolutely amazing experience. It was so hard to see him go- like one of the hardest things I have ever done- but let me tell you the paybacks, their incredible. I love this kid, love my family, love the gospel- I know it's true & that he is doing exactly what his Heavenly Father wants him to do.

life

I was doing so good- but that's all over. I didn't go to WW this morning, didn't even pretend I was going to go... I am just burned out. I think in the last two days I have eaten anything & everything that has been in front of my face & now I want to puke. Why is this so hard for me? Maybe with the wedding over & every other busy thing winding down I just need a release? I don't know, but I do know I am out of control.

Also, I am sick, sick, sick of being busy. REally this is a life changing for me. I don't want to do it anymore. I am tired of it. I just want to create something & go to lunch with friends (there's that eating issue again.) I guess I am way out of balance. I am even thinking maybe balance is just too strong of a word. I bought a new necklace for 2008 that says CREATE on it... but stopped wearing it out of pure frustration. maybe I should buy another new one that says... sleeping in. Ya that's what I want. My new phrase is SLEEPING IN & NO COMMITMENTS. That is after the... benefit concert & concessions, council PTA, teacher appreciation booklet, decorations for 6th grade graduation, other teacher gifts, field day face painting, getting the missionary newsletter started, primary music- father's day songs, potluck for brett on friday, work on friday....... I'm doomed.

crazy busy day

Today I had a crazy, busy, really good day!

After running multiple errands including buying 8 tomato plants for our garden (our garden... a whole other post.) I met up with my blogging buddies & we drove down to CPK.It was time for our monthly lunch & we invited Jill & Michelle to meet up with us. The food was fantastic & the company the same. I had this DElicIOus pizza- pear gorganzola- it's not on the menu, I had heard of it but couldn't remember, then michelle ordered it- so I copied her. I Love gorganzola- this pizza did not dissapoint & by the way it's coming back to the menu soon according to our waitress.

I was the lucky one who got to sit across from Michelle & Eva. That Eva- wow, she's a doll & was so good. We had some great fun eating & visiting. I'm not sure Jill & michelle knew what they were getting into going to lunch with us? We're a little loud plus the restaraunt was really loud. Maybe I'm getting old but as much as I love this place, I don't like loud restaraunts.

Afterwards we stopped by here & I got brett a piece of his favorite candy- oh ya -it's still in my purse... then I came back to my town, ran some quick errands (there's a lot to do the last week 1/2 of school) then went home to meet the kiddos. Everyone is good- & guess what I got a great email & some pictures of the missionary-- love it. I am going to blog that later.


During my errands I picked up some stuff for good mail, put together some packages for the missionary & the newlyweds & more. I just finished putting together 3 more packages for 3 other great missionaries- brian's friends. I hope they are really surprised & happy to get them.


Crazy good day.
Tomorrow I am going to do a missionary update...

trent & me spring field trip

Trent & I had so much fun on this field trip. We even ran into chloe on a sixth grade field trip. To my surprise the weather was Just Right!

life catch up

It's been a busy weekend. I wanted to do a little update on what's been happening in my life.

(karrie & I ran into Wende's brother- funny huh?)

Friday I went to my second day at the PTA convention at BYU. Man, I love that campus... anyhow, blogger mom Karrie came with me. I was so thrilled she let me drag her along. We went to a class, looked around, picked up some important information for next year
then went to lunch at ZUpas!
All I can say is-- why, why isn't there a ZUpa's near my house??
The food is delicious & healthy.
It was so fun to go with Karrie & get the chance to talk & get to know her better. She is amazing, she has a great family & she's a fantastic tennis player.
Saturday I took Trent to karate, ran errands & yep- cleaned the painted floor. It's an all day project. Only because I hate it so bad that I have to do a little- take a break & do something else, like laundry- then go back & scrub a little more-- yada yada yada. I got it done! woo hoo. Brett & I went to dinner with blogger mom Wende & her husband rich- really cool guy.
Brett took Hailey to her two lacrosse games- me being mother of the year, didn't go. I feel terrible that I haven't been to one game yet. Someone has to get other people other places- it's just been me lately. Besides, it was really hot- like HOt. I can't do HOT. Seriously, I just about die in slow painful misery when it's too hot- which for me is anywhere about 85 degrees. Maybe it's my Northwest upbringing, but I hate hot.

Today was another missionary farewell. Out of the missionary's closest six friends three are left still at home waiting for their 19th birthdays. These farewell's are fantastic- but the homecomings are going to be even better!!

This is Cory (corn chip)- going to Guatemala in July- Ryan (rye bread) who has to get his wisdom teeth pulled & the doctor's okay before he puts his papers in - and Spencer he's the one who is leaving in two weeks for Leeds, England. I am so excited for him- he is a wonderful young man & will make a fabulous missionary!

Tonight Brett put the kids up to testing the smoke alarm in the family room. This of course, put Trent into a tizzy deluxe.

Jack of course, was willing to do whatever he needed to help. It of course went off immediately?? What- I swear the house was FULL of smoke last week. Don't you hate it when you tell your husband something- like the house was full of smoke & the alarms didn't go off- then when he tests it they do??? I know he thinks I was exaggerating.

This is going to be a really busy week around here. Only 9 more days of school.

Oh my, you know what the good book says...

if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

I'm not prepared. I guess that explains my fear.

I will be though!!!

I'm gonna start working on it right away, starting with my attitude. Actually, it's gonna be a great summer!