1st day

Anna started 2nd grade and her 4th school since kindergarten. Poor girl. Luckily we don't worry about moving any more so that is nice. She was very excited to start at her new school and ride the bus, both ways!!!  The bus picks her up at the end of our street which is so convenient.  Things have gone great the past couple of days and I know it will be a great year.

 Brooklyn also started kindergarten this year. She is in afternoon and I drop her off about 11:30.  She rides the bus home with Anna which is nice. Anna has been great about making sure that she is taken care of on the bus. Brooklyn is a bit of a home-body so I was/am a little nervous about how she'll do, but the last couple days have been great and she is having a lot of fun! 

Chipper felt the need to get in on the photo op: You can also see the evidence of Chipper's bad behavior in the welcome mat. Dumb dog :)

The house has been delightfully quiet. Is that bad to say? I love watching them get off the bus and hurry home to tell me about their days. We go from peace and quiet to chaos is seconds flat!  I wouldn't have it any other way though. I love being my children's mother!

our anna

Our little fire cracker turns 7 today!

Boy does she keep us on our toes. 

Anna, We love your energy and spunk.  You love to ride your bike and play with Brooklyn and Carter.  You've recently become very picky. You informed me the other day that you don't like cake and so you wanted pie on your birthday. Like your dad, you don't like chocolate. You almost always have an egg and toast in the morning for breakfast. Not a dippy egg though (You remind me of this every morning) You started 2nd grade yesterday and it seemed to go very well. You make friends easy and like to write stories.  I was a little emotional watching  you get on the bus but I knew that you would do great.  Sometimes it is hard to watch you grow up. We live in a scary world and I pray each day you'll make good choices so that you can be truly happy!

You love to color and create things.  Just last week I found you in the garage tracing dads tools on pieces of paper. You came in moments later with a paper tool belt full of your "tools"  You also took a large piece of cardboard and created a little city with roads and buildings and parks.  We love to watch you create!

We can't wait to watch you grow another year. We love you!

intrigued

Has anyone ever ordered clothing from THIS online company.  I love that you can customize the clothing for a resonable price and even had sleeves to dresses. Awesome!

flee market creation

 

Last weekend there was a small flee market in town.  I found a few great things and this old, empty window frame was one of them. I scored it for $10! oh ya I knew that I wanted to make it into a bulletin board for our office.  I have seen similar things in Pottery Barn and such for upwards of $150 dollars! What!?!

 

Our Walmart carries a 4 pack of 12 X 12 cork tiles (Surprisingly it is hard to find cork board loose; as in not already made into a bulletin board)  I started by cutting out a thick poster board to the size I needed to cover the back of the window.  Then using spray adhesive I glued the pieces of cork board to the poster board, cutting (not prettily I might add) the cork to fit. 

Note: It didn't matter how the cork looked because it was going to be covered any way!

Last I bought burlap at my local fabric store and covered the cork board using a staple gun, (Thanks A... he did that part) and then attached a metal wire across the back to be able to hand it.

Ta Da!  I love it!  Anna informed me that it was ugly and we needed to paint it. I explained to her the reason it was love at first sight when I spotted her, was because of her old, rustic, peeling paint. Go figure!  

Grand total: $21.00

morning harvest

 

Insight from a child

"Mom, gardens are like grocery stores except everything is free!"

Anna: 7 years old

guns, and being the "fun mom"

In a feeble attempt one day to be a "fun mom" I told the kids (My two nephews were over) that they could play in the mud while enjoying the hot day.  I came out to a huge mess .... reinforcing to me why I say no more than yes in these types of situations, and had to take a few pictures of these crazy kids.

I told the kids to make a funny face and laughed out loud when I uploaded the pictures. 

Behold, Ryan kissing his guns!

I can't wait to show him this picture when he is 16.

temple square

The 10 grand-kids

On the way home from our Wood family reunion in Park City, Aaron and I decided to make a pit stop in Salt Lake and take the girls to Temple Square. The kids had never been and we're not in Salt Lake often so it was the perfect time. It was a very very hot day, (about 95 degree at 11 am) so we quickly made our way throughout the beautiful grounds to the air conditioned buildings. First we headed to the old tabernacle, then to see the statue of Christ, and then over to the conference center where we had a short tour.  Then we walked around the grounds a bit and took a few pictures.  I am always in awe of how beautiful the flowers, trees, and the general landscape are. It must take so much time and energy to keep it looking the way it is, but I know it makes a huge impression on all who come to visit. I also loved overhearing those not of our faith, asking the many, many missionaries questions about the gospel that I love and know to be true. 

 Anna just had to take a picture of this fountain. She kept commenting that it looked like a temple.

the party

 Jason, Noema, Emily, Anna, Isaiah, Joshua, Carter, Ryan, Carson, and Brooklyn

Carter was so lucky to have so many cousins over for his 1st birthday!  We had strawberry shortcake and opened presents. We are so grateful to have this sweet boy in our family. He is easy going and mello and a complete joy!  We can't wait to watch you grow until a little boy this year. I hope we're ready. 

More Summer fun

 Sweet Noema

 Isaiah and his smore... yum yum!

In July right after Angela and her family were here, Amanda and the kids were able to come up to Idaho and visit.  We had them over one night for a camp fire and smores.  The night was beautiful and we ate until we were sick.  Aaron also put up the tent that night and slept outside with the girls. They were so excited. I didn't think they would make it out there all night but sure enough.... they did! Thank goodness for "fun dads!"

1

Our sweet Carter, you were born a year ago today.  Your daddy and I were so excited to find out we were going to have a son, and your big sisters were so excited to have a baby brother.  You came two days after my due date in Portland Oregon. My labor was relatively quick and I was overcome with emotion when you finally arrived. The first two things I noticed were that you had redish hair, and that you had a little dimple in your chin, just like your daddy. You were a champion nurser from the very beginning and were just an Angel. You were content and happy and slept great.  Anna and Brooklyn could not get enough of you. 

Family of 5

Blessing Day

Discovering your reflection

Your Papa loved you so much. I will cherish this picture forever.  I wish so much that you would have been able to grow up knowing this amazing man.

Carter we can't imagine life without you.  In the last few weeks I've seen the little boy in you come out. You are walking so much more, and it just looks funny because you are so tiny. Your hair always looked a little redish blond but after we cut it you look more blond.  You have the sweetest baby blue eyes and content disposition.  You love milk in your sippy, toast for breakfast and watermelon.  You also sleep great which makes for a happy mom. My favorite thing in the world is to go get you in the morning. You're always standing on your bumper, on your tippy toes, smiling from ear to ear.  When I get close you raise your hands up and reach to be picked up. You are a joy and light in our family!

Happy Birthday Carter boy!

Huntsman Springs

 Over the 4th of July weekend, Aaron and I headed to Driggs, ID to Huntsman Springs. It is a beautiful golf coarse that is run by the billionaire John Huntsman. (He invented Styrofoam)  The only reason I mention how much stinkin' money he has is that the whole event was free, and it was also mentioned there that any money he makes at his resort goes directly to his Cancer Research Center in Utah. Glenn Beck was the featured guest and he was great. Some people really don't like Glenn's politics, but that night it was just about our great country, and its history. Politics aside.  

We were extra lucky too because our good friends, that we have not seen in  a long time, were gracious enough to save us great seats. It was wonderful to see Adam and Audra and catch up.  The weather was beautiful and the firework show at the end was the best I have ever seen. (and I've seen a lot of great fireworks) Thanks to Gary and Lynette for watching the little one's so we could go!  I think next year though we'll being the family.

backyard fun

The day of the 4th it was over 90 degrees! The slip and slid was the best remedy for the heat! Dad sure got a work out pushing the girls down the slide over and over.

                                                        Even Uncle John got in on the fun!

                                                                      Ellie

 Paigy-Waigey

 Carter enjoyed hanging out with Aunt Angie in the hammock

 The girls spent days preparing for a 4th of July parade that they put on. There were refreshments, songs, and even a surprise water balloon fight. It was adorable!

 Festive cupcakes they decorated

 Every year we go to the Madison county Rodeo.  It was a little crowded and a bit longer than we remember so we only stayed for a few hours but it was fun. The girls were so excited to chase the calve this year.

(They attach money to a calve and then let all the kids chase the cow through he arena until the money is gone. It is quite comical) 

I was actually more worried that the girls would be trampled by the other children but everyone was fine. After we left we headed to Nana's for fireworks. Phew.... what a day!