Stinking kid!

My mother is in town for her weekly summer sleepover! This is seriously the highlight of my kidlin's week! The McDonald's drive through...repeated ice cream cones...slit eye stories...good memories!
Tonight mom was sitting on the couch with Eli in her lap, and Kolbe snuggled in beside her. Kenna brought down two bowls of popcorn for us to watch a movie...and of course Eli confiscated one of them. Now, in my house growing up, being the 'keeper' was a right of passage. It meant you were in charge of the treat...in charge of determining how much other people got...or didn't get! So, for obvious reasons...Eli is a HORRIBLE keeper. He's a piglet! But, he still gets his turns, because its fair. Anyways, he usually barks at anyone who dare stick their hand near his food...I'm hoping that this ends. The point to being 'keeper' is that you learn if you share, others share...if not, others won't. He hasn't learned this yet...mostly because his siblings are WAY too kind! So, again, back to the story: he was sharing with my mom. She took a few handfuls...and then he took her chin in his hand and seriously said, "Grandma, you need to say no!" Needless to say we laughed ourselves silly. So, we have our own little slogan....its not 'just say no!' but....'you need to say no!' Oh, yes I do...how true!
I also bought a new swimming suit today, which is as cute as a swimming suit will ever be on me. Nothing to post home about...heeehehee! Definitely NO pictures to come! But, on the way home...he was holding it for me and it came on one of those plastic 'bodies' that holds its shape(SAMS CLUB) and in the car he proudly announced, with a SUPER naughty sparkle in his eyes...."momma, I yike dis swimming suit...it has nice boobs!" Whattttttt????? Did my 3 year old just say that? Yep...and then he finished with, 'mom....(very thoughtfully) you have a hoooog bum...and I have a yittle one."
I personally can't wait to wear my swimming suit. I mean....I'm essentially gonna have a hoooog bum! Lets face it, I need to say no!
Eli is my daily reminder that Heavenly Father does in fact have a wickedly funny sense of humor!

Happy Fathers Day

Couldn't leave today without taking a sec to post tribute to the great fathers of my life. First of all, my own father. Love my dad so much. As I've gotten older and experienced different things with my own children I realize how grateful I am for my dad. I know I often thought he was overly strict...HE WAS! But I know that I avoided alot of stupid mistakes because he kept me from it. He taught me to work hard...and I spent many days tearfully learning new things on the court with dad! He says my stubborness did not come from him...but I think just maybe....I have always known my dad loved the church and has an incredible testimony. What a strength he is. There have been many desperate times when I've called him needing advice, or a blessing. Thanks to my dad...I love him so much!
The other obvious tribute is my sweet husband. Love you more with every year. He is the best father to our children...the first thing he does when he gets home is a quick kiss for me, and straight the the floor with the kids for a quick wrestle. Everything he does he does with our family in mind. I love him for honoring his priesthood...I love him for working hard...for being the best husband and best father I know! Love you babe!

Baptism Day

Kenna, Kolbe, Taylor and Derrik...our good friends who came to the baptism!

Trouble in the making: Kenna and Taylor

Hoot with grandma and grandpa!

Kenna and Calvin(4 days before entering MTC)

Our family, growing so fast, so big and tall!

Papa and grandma Neicy

My angel...she looked so beautiful, so very much like a little angel!

Daddy and Kenna!

All in all, what a perfect day! We loved having family and friends to share in this special day for Kenna. The weather was beautiful...and Kenna's baptism was beautiful...perfect, a glimpse of what we're working for!

wIPe-Oww...T!!!

Kenna getting comfort with Uncle Brett...she quite likes uncle Brett!

Kolbe and Kenna had their first wreck on the four wheeler yesterday. Nate's parents, brother Calvin, and sister Felice/husband Brett and us went to the field with the four wheeler. They were really rodding around...Brett is very experienced with 'quads'...it was fun. But the kids got a little cocky...and they attempted to take a big jump that they'd done with uncle Brett on their own. Not surprising to us onlookers, they hit the jump, bounced once and flew off the 4 wheeler. Nate and Brett took off down the field, and by the time mom got there, blood and tear were everywhere! Kenna has a few scuffs and bruises, Kolbe's knees were pretty messy...but most of all, I think they were humbled at the danger of the 4 wheeler! A good lesson learned...and, some good giggles at our tough tough Kolbe! I love him...but pain tolerance is not his gift(Nate!?!) Eli got the camera out this morning and was looking through pics and was repeating Kolbe's rants...it was hilarious...'OHHhhhh.....the Pain! Kill me now!!!" Oh, my sweet Kolbe is gone to football camp at BYU this week. He left this morning, and I miss him already...

Random pics

Yah...cause I'm gonna give you anything you want when you fold your arms and pout. The stupid thing is....it cracks me up and usually, depending on my mood, IT WORKS! And, I'm not exactly a pushover mom. But the monster works his magic on me!

Kolbe and me on his 10th birthday...I look HOT! Ewwww....I was miserable sick with the flu, so this was as close as it got to party time! Thanks to my parents for saving the day with dinner and cake! Kolbes thinks granma Neicy and Papa are about the best!(which, they are!!!)

TA Da! Strike me a pose!

Ohhhh....I know there's more in there!

HOw do I resist these eyes??? They are his saving grace!!!

I'm so thankful for a big old backyard. Room for the monkies to run and scream...it makes for quiet nights!!!

Hmmmm....'I'm NOT getting wet!" Ms. Avery is making me nuts! She isn't used to the kids being home so the additional pestering/interfering is making her really really whiney. Hoping she adjusts soon, mommy may lose it!

The weather finally cooperated today and it was the perfect day to work outside...planting and mowing...WEEDING...and watching our tiny strawberries grow! Eli is most excited by them! After a few hours, we turned on this goofy hose/ball thing and the kids laughed themselves silly. It was all fun and games until I booted it and it popped a seam...darn thing leaked like a siv...bummer! Oh well, who cares how you get wet when you're playing with water! The kids are loving their swing set...can't wait to restain it dark chocolate brown/blackish. It will look shnazzy with the green roof!

Oh rats....

its too dark to get a good pic! But I'm WAY excited...this is the fruit of my labors! I've worked my bum off this week, and over the last few to get this project running! I should have taken before and afters, but I didn't! And my 'after' picture is dark, but it works for now! We started with a straight, 3 foot wide flower bed that was trimmed in that ugly red rounded brick stuff. Nate and I chizzled off the sod a few weeks ago and kind of hooked it out on the one end. Then, on Tuesday, to surprise Nate the kids and I hauled rock(shale/sandstone stuff) and broke it, stacked it around the edges to form my flower bed. I've planted TONS of flowers(went WAY over my budget for plants/flowers) but I'm in LOVE LOVE LOVE with it!!! It just makes me happy. We also planted pretty flowers in my other little flower bed...but this side is most impressive! Wish you could really see it....my bleeding hearts are gigantic!!! I also am thrilled that my cheap-self finally gave in and let Nate hire out the spraying of the lawn. I can't believe what its done for our ghetto grass! Its thicker...and all the once lovely dandelions are DEAD. He's trying to use this same rational to convince me to let him buy a new putter....he thinks once I let him do it I'll realize what a good idea it was....hmmmmm....not likely!

Yah...the pics make me sad...I'll take a good one tomorrow!

And the verdict...

Holy crap!
'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.' Deal with today. Stop fretting over the possibilities of tomorrow. The reality of today is all that we can change.

Calvin's farewell

We saw quite a bit of this face this weekend. Pouter!

Calvin hugging the neices/nephews. Right now he's got Kenna!

The imfamous barbies...they just trash this room playing barbies...but oh they love it!

Olivia and Eli outside...Eli's emptying the water cooloer

We recently went to Canada to Nate's baby brother's missionary farewell. He's going to New Zealand...

Here are some pictures that we got up there with cousins and all. The cute girl with Eli was Calvin's 'friend' Brooke. She was super cute, and we all loved her, especially Eli! Thankfully she was very patient with him.

Kolbe: "At the farewell they served really really really good food."

Avery:" Ummm...I had fun with you."

The carpet...

Yeah...its soft, and quiet, and warm! And, while I know that the same amount of crap that was on my wood floors that required I sweep 5 times a day is still there...at least I don't have to see it! I love our new carpet; its our favorite improvement yet. Wood floors are pretty, but they're not my choice! So, we've covered 'em up and are loving it! Eli slept on his floor the first 3 nights. He didn't want to sleep in his bed, 'the floor is soft!' Its hard to get a pic that shows the real color...its a carmel brown, dark enough to cover some kiddy-dirt!

Getting a bit frustrated!

We're having to reschedule Kenna's baptism again...just move it a few hours. Its now Saturday morning, I HOPE! The building was double booked, so since the other event is a wedding, they trump! Its actually Nate's new employee, so they went to his work to see him after church and explain the problem and Nate called me with them listening. Heeeeheeeee....I asked him to ask them to take one for the team, and move theirs back. When I could see that wasn't working, I asked them why it mattered, were they decorating the baptismal font too? These people don't know me at all, so after the quiet pause I begged Nate to tell them I'm kidding...and then the panic started as to how in the world will we ever get her baptized. My family has a few conflicts, which is understandable. I think Nate's family is coming the night before, so no biggie...we still have to re-confirm the church building, but hopefully this is the FINAL change to the big event! Kenna is little Miss Event Coordinator, and she's ridiculously impatient when things aren't precisely on time. So, she's getting grumpy about all the change! Say a prayer this time actually works...

Happy Happy Birthday!

So, I missed the opportunity to post last night for Kolbe's birthday, because I was still recovering from being nasty sick! What a bummer, but I think he had a good day. Mom and dad came to the rescue and drove in and got a lasagne and cake from SAMS and had a party with the kids. I didn't leave the couch.

Can it be real that he's ten??? I still remember the day I brought him home....to the mortuary! That's where we lived. And I remember the absolute panic that a knock on the door brought...wondering who was bringing what cooties into my home! He was the easiest, happiest baby! And, thankfully, he still requires no special attention. He is happy, confident and such a fun kid. He's getting a bit cocky...but I'm told its part of the growing up thing! I am so thankful I chose him to be mine(that's the story I always told him).

Sweet Kenna is 8 today! Yikes...she was sitting on my bedroom floor at six to open her presents. AGgggh.....since I'd been so sick I really could have slept ALOT longer. Oh well....I love her eagerness. She is the kindest, funnest person. Though there were many times I thought I'd kill her as a toddler, she is 98% perfect now. I'm desperately hoping we don't have to cycle back to that nasty phase as a teenager! She's fun to hang out with and I treasure our quick trips to the store together!

Life is good today. My toilets are clean...my fridge is full...and the kids are quiet. What more could I ask for?