Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime?

Oh what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is . . . HOT! Hot, Hot, Hot! This summer more than ever before, the kids have loved being outside in the backyard with any kind of water toy they can get their hands on. Sprinklers, slip n slides, balls ... you name it, they love it. Popsicles must be included, of course! If I'm being honest, I have also loved this spring and summer, actually having a backyard to enjoy. I just don't find myself dripping wet as often as the kids do!

The Graduate!

Tuesday night Garrett graduated... from preschool, that is! He turned 5 years old last month and now he's a preschool graduate! WOW! All he can talk about is when Kindergarten is going to start! He is so happy and excited to go. I'm working up to it. I'm a little nervous about having him ride the school bus and get to his class by himself. I'm nervous to have him out of my care every day. I'm kind of sad that my time with him at home with me is quickly coming to an end. On the other hand, I'm very excited for him to make new friends. I'm happy for him to gain some more independence. I'm grateful that he won't be bored and that he will continue to learn new things every day. I'm so appreciative of his cute preschool teacher, Miss Wendi, who made school so much fun. Garrett loves her and always felt so happy and safe when he was with her. She has made school such a fun experience and is largely responsible for Garrett's excitement and positive feelings about school next year! Thanks, Miss Wendi! What would we do without you?

Eight is Great!

It's hard to believe that my little girl turned 8 years old this weekend! What a big day. I can remember like it was yesterday holding her in my arms for the first time and what the first few sleepless nights were like. I can't believe that was 8 years ago! Then I look at the 3 cute little boys I have and it gives perspective to me. I can see exactly how much has happened in the past 8 years! It's hard for me to accept the truth ...that I'm growing older right along with them. Grace had a party with her friends and with the Moore's and Smith's - it was a Very Busy weekend! We are so grateful to be so close to all of them. It's always fun to gather with cousins, aunts and uncles. We have been so blessed! For Grace's birthday, I wanted to list 8 of the MANY reasons I love her so much.

1. She has the cutest, most contagious giggle!

2. She is an excellent student- Straight A's (let's hope it stays that way!)

3. She is the BEST big sister and a Huge help to me.

4. She likes to read her scriptures and tries to do what's right.

5. She likes to do crafts, just like I do!

6. She loves to help out in the kitchen with any baking, cooking, or cleaning I'll let her help with.

7. She loves to play games and is very patient with the boys while we all play.

8. She reminds us to have FHE each week and even helps out with the lessons.

I am one lucky mom to have such a TERRIFIC daughter. I am so proud of her! I love you my sweet Gracie girl!

View from my Kitchen Window

Every now and then things get quiet. There is no whining. There is no crying. There is no fighting. This is usually when I begin to worry and wonder where everybody is. This happened the other day. It was sunny outside, and as I looked out the kitchen window, I saw all three of my boys outside playing NICELY together. The key word being NICELY! I stood at the window and watched as they took turns pushing each other on the swing, as they played pirate ship on a big rock, and raced around the backyard. It was great! They are such good friends, (Most of the time), and it was so nice to see them play. I won't kid you, it didn't last forever. In the blink of an eye one of them was crying, two were arguing over their weapon of choice, and it was back to noise as usual. But for that brief moment, I loved the view from my kitchen window.