Why I loved this summer

This has been probably one of the funnest most enjoyable summers that I have had with my family. I have been contemplating it and trying to figure out while I have loved this summer. I have dug deep and hurt my brain coming up with some anwers and this is what I came up with. So, here it is, my list of why I loved this summer (not in any particular order).

1. I hired a cleaning lady

2. Our oldest is twelve and he was my built in babysitter

3. I actually found (thanks to Mariah) and purchased a swimming suit that I loved being in all summer. http://www.hapari.com/

4. I set no expectations or goals this summer, ie: my kids will read this many books, or we will finish this project, so when I actually DID have the kids help me clean out our master closet I was absolutely thrilled and excited for myself.

5. I just enjoyed my kids and HAD FUN!

Some of my favorite things we did this summer, waterpark, adventure park, pismo beach, a night at Sundance with my husband, Utah trip, Dodgers game, Fresno Zoo.

And they're off......

Abigail started first grade, she was so excited last night that she couldn't go to sleep until 10 pm!

And they were off to the first day of school. I think this is the only day of the year that they get ready in record time. I think it took them all of five minutes to get ready this morning. With brand new backpacks, shiny lunch boxes and brand new school supplies I dropped them off at their brand new school, (Tyler and Abigail are attending a newly constructed elementary). Jacob is in seventh grade at the middle school. Things were very quiet around here today, but very busy. I started potty training Aaron so we were going to the bathroom every 20 mins. today.

The Last Lecture

Has anyone else read this book? It is amazing. My sister-in-law gave it to me for my birthday. It's about life's lessons and how to do your best, how to stay positive and enduring to the end. The author had been given a 6-9 month life sentence due to pancreatic cancer. He passed away at the end of July.

http://www.thelastlecture.com/

Zoo! Zoo! Zoo!

I'm trying to do a few more fun activities with the kids before they go back to school next week. So we called a few friends and we were off to the zoo yesterday. We went to the bird show and it was amazing. They showed off all kinds of parrots, owls, and parakeets. So the host of the show asked for a volunteer, but they had to have a camera, so immediately I raised my hand. It was awesome, he called on me. So of course I gladly marched down there with my Nikon D80. He had me sit on a small stool. This owl then flew up to the end of the bleachers and as I was sitting there he flew right over my head and I was able to snatch this photo. It was amazing and it was huge! I had so much fun, my kids thought it was cool that I would be called out of the audience. Really, a photographic oppurtunity of a lifetime.

Where has the time gone?

Our oldest is 12!

Wow, our oldest child is 12 years old, I can hardly believe it. Where has the time gone.? This is Jacob having apple crisp for his birthdy dessert, which he requested. He came into this world screaming and he has never stopped, which is a positive trait. He is a vibrant, beautiful 12 year old who I love with all my heart. Today August 10th he was ordained a deacon. He has grown up way too fast. We were living in Altoona, PA when he was born. JD had just started his residency in family medicine. I love him because he is smart, he has a wonderful sense of humor, and he has a very compassionate side, he cares about those around him, he is a strong role model for his younger brothers and sister. He knows what is right and wrong and stands up for what he believes in. He is constantly asking questions and is a walking trivia book. My hopes and dreams for you are that you will use your talents wisely, love those around you and never give up, presevere and hold on to what you believe in.

Last Sunday Jay Dee was ordained a high priest because now he is second counselor in the bishopric.

I've had a real emotional time lately realizing that I am old enough to have a 12 year old boy and old enough to be married to a high priest. Ugh......

THE best free find ever.....

I love small simple surprises in my life that just brighten my day. This is the best free find ever....a In-N-Out burger bookmark. It's the best. They were handing them out at our local library. And I just had to grab (snatched) a few from the table. I LOVE to read and I love In-N-Out, two of my favorite things.

http://www.in-n-out.com/default.asp

This really makes me hungry.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Stop. Whatever you are doing and pick up the phone and call your friend, sister, mother, grandma and GO see this movie. This movie is about love, friendship and lasting relationships. I LOVED it. I cried, and laughed. This is a must see!