Picture time

Just some pictures from the summer so far with my water camera.

I LOVE this picture of Mason,
is she darling or what???

FHE

A couple of weeks ago we met up with one of my most favorite people, Onehm & her crew, and my sister Mimi & her crew for FHE. We were going to do a picnic at Tempe Beach park, but Onehm & I were on the same page, and we just met up at In-N-Out (our favorite), then headed over to the park. When we got there we realized that the park was about to close, so we made lemonade out of lemons, and headed over to the little splash zone in front of the Cinemark Theater. The kids didn't care. So we got to chat, while the kids ran around. It was a great night, and I can't wait to do it again!

Wicked

Dinner at Pei Wei

I love these girls!
Don't they look darling?

I took my mom & girls to see Wicked last night. It was AMAZING! I knew it would be, it kills me that it has taken me this long to see it! I wish I could go see it again before it leaves. The girls loved it, on the way home Chloe told me how she hopes to be in musicals one day. Just like her momma, hopefully she will get the training at her school, so maybe it can actually happen for her! Then I can live vicariously through her. The only bad part, was that we were 3rd row from the top. I swear I was dizzy, it was so high. Oh well, the music still sounded the same!

Weekly Photo

It's been a while since we've done one, so long I bet you didn't
know I had my right arm amputated, did you?

Happy 4th of July

We had a great time swimming and BBQ-ing with Jon's brother, and his wife's family. We were able to spend about a half hour with my family before we headed over to Doug & Holly's. We swam, and ate, then it got dark & the fun began. My kids have never played with sparklers, or done any sort of firecrackers, so they were super excited. Even Macy did great, I was worried the noise would bother her, but she did fantastic. Then we timed it just right, and we were on the 202, just in time to have the Tempe TownLake finale go off above our heads. Perfect. The only downer is I still have heard my favorite song. I may have to head over to I-tunes.

Hope you all had a fabulous day!

Hilarious

~ Don't ~

Don't ever give a marshmallow to a baby. This was a mess that was no fun cleaning up by myself! At least it kept her happy long enough for me to finish my care package for Chloe at camp!

(P.S. Buffy was the photographer, just in case you were wondering...)

Too Funny not to post

An old Italian lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it
was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent,

I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days.

Love,
Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Pop,

Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried.

Love,
Vinnie

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left.

That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Pop,

Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances.

Love you,
Vinnie

Manic "MOM"day

Chores...

Start'em when they're young!

By the time my kids are 2 1/2 or 3, they have chores they can do. They may not be done perfectly, but they are done. Simple things like putting away their own laundry, unloading the silverware, setting the table, washing windows or walls. The earlier you start them, the better it is for them.

Now this will by no means make your Saturdays wonderful & happy, because most kids still don't like doing chores, but it helps them know what needs to be done if they have started when they were little. You have to give up a little control also, Cooper's drawers (and Chloe's for that matter) drive me crazy. I fold their clothes all neatly, and then they shove them into balls as they put them away, but it is better than putting all the laundry away by myself, after having washed it, dried it & folded it by myself! The silverware is sometimes in all the wrong slots in the drawer, but it got done. Start small, but see how it works.

We also have a reward system for chores. Next week I will explain how it works for us.

Photos

I am actually draped in black cloth & holding her,
she just wasn't cooperating. Nothing like sitting
in a hot garage, covered on cloth, holding a
uncooperative baby. Good times...

Yesterday we headed over to Ashley's, of Sunshine & Shade Photography , to take some pics. It was kind of last minute, so I had Ashley used my camera, so I could do the editing for her. Have I told you how darling she is? I love her, I am so glad my sister introduced us, I really enjoy her friendship!

Macy was a stinker, what's new? Didn't get as many shots as I was hoping, but at least we got one good one! I love the single shots, can't wait to get them up in my front room.

Chloe heads off to girl's camp next week, I am blown away I have a child old enough for Lomia. She is excited, I am half & half. Lots to do this weekend, hope you guys have a great weekend!!!

Tempe Beach Park

We went to Tempe Beach Park last week. Not the most exciting thing for the older kids, but it got us out of the house, and it kept us cool. Here are a few pics, next time the kids want to ride the lightrail out to it. Sounds good to me!

Kingman

The front of the house

The back of the house

The Pool House

Shooting Guns

They have grapes, apples, peaches, pears,
almonds & apricots in their orchards.
They will have Kiwi soon, and they
also have a huge garden. They are 80% solar,
and they have their own water well.

Inside the pool house

Clyde showing them how to set traps for the varmints (bunnies)

Going for a ride

Camilla & Cooper picking apricots

Andy LOVED the apricots,
Cooper loved picking them.

Sorting the apricots

Kendra, Delon & Andy

Mom & Lola

The Clan before we left:

Devon, Cami, Chloe, Camilla, Delon, Clyde, Me & Macy
Andy, Delon, Jocelyn, Buffy, Myreel, Lola, Kendra
Cooper & Tommy

Of course I had to stop and take a picture in front of the sign!

We had the most amazing weekend. Jon was on a campout, and we headed up to Kingman to stay with our friend's The Pease's. They are the most amazing family. The kids played so well, we relaxed, ate food, laughed, swam, enjoyed amazing weather. It was perfect. I didn't want to leave. Neither did my kids! I can't wait to get up there again!

My dad taught Delon's (the mom) Sunday School class when she was a teenager. She became one of our regular babysitters, and went on vacation with us every summer. When she married Clyde, they were our favorite people to stay with when my parents went out of town. Clyde eventually became our Bishop & Stake President. Their home has the most amazing spirit, and I am always so willing & excited to learn from them. They have raised amazing children, and mean so much to me. I can only hope that I can raise my kids to be as great as theirs!