The Family Reunion

We got back last night from a family reunion at Ensign Ranch in Cle Elum, WA. It was a reunion of Bretts mom's family & most of his cousins were there. I could tell he really enjoyed being with them, plus the kids & I got to meet so many great people. One morning at breakfast I counted 68 people & I know everyone wasn't there. We camped in a cabin, played in canoes & paddle boats, walked through streams with the most beautiful river rock, played family softball, had a talent show & auction, ate wonderful food-thanks to Brett's sister Lyn, & many other fun things. I would like to have a reunion with my parent's family. My parents us siblings & our kids & their kids...

Are any of you out there reading this?
What do you think?
I would even be willing to make a lot of the plans. Post or email & let me know.

The Fourth Of July 2007

Notice there is one extra kid in the line-up.Neighbor, cute huh!


This year we had a really great 3rd & 4th of July. Where we live on the night of the 3rd there is a children's parade followed by a live concert in the park then fireworks. Then on the 4th a big parade & carnival at the park. We had to leave on the 4th for a family reunion in Washington state so we missed the carnival, mostly but here these are pictures from all the fun!

Outer Darkness

I think I have found out what Hell is. Being in a car with your family on an extended car trip. I am being dramatic for those of you who are judging now. In our family the older boys cannot be together for more than 30 seconds without discussing bodily functions & past ones. Of course, I can't help but laugh (loud) at them which keeps it going. Trent has such a hard time sitting still- Brian was driving & he kept yelling up to him- Brian pull over I want to go for a walk! I tried to quilt my lap quilt, it's almost done but that was a big mistake. What was I thinking? I forgot my camera cord & I have dozens of great pictures from the 4th. I will post them on Saturday. check out my PG-13 funny quote for the day. :)

It's Not Too Late To Enter The Contest

We have come up with a prize for our Where In the World Is Brian Going? (Three blogs ago.) A gift certificate for a DQ Blizzard!!Hurry post or email today! sixandholding@msn.com

Little Miracles

Yesterday I got an email reminding me that I was supposed to bring an item for auction to the family reunion that we are going to on the 4th. It was just 3 1/2 days away at that point. So I got some material together and made a little lap quilt. I pieced it on the Sabbath-eeek. But machine quilted it today. I had to be at the fabric store as the doors opened to get some filling & a back. The only things left to do are some hand stitching & binding- which I will do in the car. It's a ways away.
Okay I have 10 million things to do & last week at a R.S. service auction I gave a basket of ironing. Well, guess what, the basket showed up today so add that to the list. Even though it has been a busy day it feels great to get things done & even something creative- just what I needed.
Just now as I have been posting this Brett came in from the backyard with something in his hand.An apricot!! Our apricot tree was absolutely loaded this year with fruit until we went to NY in the spring. While we were there, a big snow storm hit at home. When I got back I went out to check on the tree & sure enough all of the tiny fruit had withered up and was falling off.I have been so sad not to have apricots. Apricot freezer jam is our favorite and some years I make tons. Oh well- I am happy to have this little miracle.

Can You Believe The Guy on the Right is Going on A Mission?

Brian met with the Stake president today & his papers are officially in. He told him calls are coming back in around a week & a half. Because of Independance day it could be longer so we'll see. It has been an emotional couple of months for me. I have so many feelings, fear, worry, happiness, saddness, pride. The biggest one is probably confusion. When did this happen? I have tried to teach my kids about Christ since they were little. I thought I would want them to go on missions. Not that I don't want him to go now,I guess it's true they grow up fast.I always feel like there is going to be more time. More time for learning, more time for fun, more time as a family. Life is short. All the family home evening lessons, Sunday struggles, it all adds up to something- if your lucky. I guess the real problem is that I actually like this kid. He's a lot of fun to be around. He will be missed.I know it will never be the same. I am proud of all my children. They are good people.What more can a mother ask for? Right now I am feeling blessed.

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.