150

That is the number of cakepops that I have made over the last couple of days...my back hurts, my fingers are sore, and I don't want to see another cakepop for a while. But they were made out of love for my baby sister who is getting married this weekend. I am so excited for her and her fiance, Clay. I will post pictures when I get home. Can't wait!!

Braeden, some bees, and a briar patch

** written by Braeden
On Friday I went camping with some of my friends. The next day just before we were about to leave, we went exploring in the forest. A couple minutes later our scout leader called us to come out of the forest. Me and my friend Josue were trying to get out of the forest through some thorns, but in the progress we stepped in a nest of underground bees. As they flew up, Josue shouted, "BEES!!!" We both ran for our lives like little sissy girls! We both went in different directions . The majority of the swarm chased after me. I don't know which way Josue ran, but the path I took was blocked by some briars. I tried to get through them, but I fell into them. The bees kept stinging me while I was on the ground and in the briar patch. After a lot of scratches to my arms, face, hands, and ENTIRE bodyI finally got out of there and took off running. A bunch of scout leaders came running. One of them told me to take off my clothes. So I did. We finally got away from the few bees that were still flying around us and got to relax... for a few seconds. Then the First aid teacher came and counted our stings. Josue had two, but I had seven! He said I might have to go to the hospital! Now that got me worked up. I think I was more scared of the hospital then I was of the bee stings. They called my parents and they said unless I was swelling up I didn't need to go to the hosipital. So... that's my story. Now I'll probably be scared of bees for the rest of my life.

So Disgusting

I picked up Braeden from football last night and he was disgustingly filthy. He looked like he had been mud wrestling instead of practicing football. His coaches placed trash bags over the seats in my car so he wouldn't get every thing dirty....it didn't help. He left a trail of dirt, mud, and grass everywhere. He was covered from head to toe in mud and he was soaking wet. This morning I am on my second washing of his pants...they use to be white.... and I still need to figure out what to do with his nasty shoes. I am leaving his helmet, pads, and the car to him to clean when he gets home today. So gross!!

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London

* I wish Cary was writing this because he is the one that went to London...not me.

Cary went to London for work last week. I really wish I could have gone but in the end it was good that I did not. He didn't get to do any sightseeing. He spent his days in the office working and by the time he got out of work everything was pretty much closed.

This is the hotel he stayed in...nothing fancy, just a regular old hotel.

He had to have some fish and chips while he was there...but he said they weren't any good. He doesn't like vinegar and the the fish was fried in batter with the skin left on it. I like vinegar, but no skin for me....ewww!

He mostly took pictures while he was driving...sad, right?

A cute little British taxi...just like the one on Super Nanny.

This is how he spent his days in London....working. If you want to know what he does you will have to ask him. It's way to complicated for me to understand let alone explain it to someone else. I can say that he is SUPER smart and he loves his job.

Cary might have to go back in a few weeks. Maybe then he will actually be able to do some sightseeing...but probably not.

He loves us

This morning while I was bathing Kate we had this conversation:

Kate: Who is the Lord?
me: Heavenly Father
Kate: oh yeah, I forgot....(thinking)....Does everyone know Jesus?
me: Well, some people don't believe in Him.
Kate: Every night when I am in my bed I pray and tell Heavenly Father that I believe in Jesus.
me: That is really good. That makes me happy to hear.
Kate: I love Jesus and I know he loves me.
me: You're right, He does love you very much.
Kate: Jesus is our older brother.
me: Yep, and just like your Dad is your father here on Earth.....Heavenly Father is your Father in Heaven.

Kate then went right back to playing with her alligators.

I love these kinds of conversations with my children. They sometimes come at the most random times, but it makes me so happy to know that they are thinking about the things that we teach them and are building little testimonies of their own. This conversation I had with Kate this morning was just another confirmation to me of how much our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do indeed love each of us.

Bright Spot

I have had a rough last couple of days. And to make things worse Cary is in London for the week. It really couldn't be a worse time, and I know he feels bad about having to be there now. But when I got home today a black box was waiting for me at the front door. I had no idea what it might be until I saw the FTD logo on the box. That definitely brought a smile to my face. It was a box of these beautiful pink flowers with the sweetest note from my most fabulous husband. He is the greatest!! Thanks, Honey!! Love you so much!!

a little bit sad

Today I was released from my calling at church. I served for almost 4 years with the Young Women in my ward. That is a long time as far as callings go. It was very busy at times and the Young Women were always on my mind. They truly had become a part of my life in a way that I never imagined that they would. I had so much fun with them and loved hearing about their teenage dramas. We shared secrets, inside jokes, crushes, creepers, and so much more. It warmed my heart today to see many of them waiting with tears in their eyes to give me huge hugs. I hope that in some small way that I have been an example to them and that I have taught them the love that I have for my Savior. These girls will never be forgotten by me as they have been an example, and friend, and have had a great impact on my own life.
I was never one of those people who when asked, "What is your favorite calling?" had an answer. I always enjoyed the calling I was in at the moment, but never had a favorite....until today. I have loved working with these young girls so much!! And so even though I know it was the right change...today I am a little bit sad.

Double 6's

I didn't realize until today that not only are Kate and Joshua's soccer uniforms very similar but they also wear the same number. So cute!!

After all the rained out practices and games, Kate finally had her first soccer game today. It took her awhile to get into the game but by the 3rd quarter she woke up. She was exhausted and very red faced by the end of the game. It was very warm and humid!

Typical Josh

Joshua cracks me up! He is the clown in our family. He is always doing something funny or says something hilarious and he isn't even trying. That is just him. The other day I went into the kitchen and I found him with a pillow on his head. He was sitting at the computer playing away and not saying a word. Just being him....with a pillow on his head. Silly kid!

Love it!

<a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2009/" target="_blank">New 'New Moon' Trailer</a>

New 'New Moon' Trailer

It's Always Fun When Grandma Comes

My mom came to visit this weekend and of course the kids LOVE when she is here. They get spoiled as usual and don't want her to leave. I am grateful that she is only 6 hours away, but I also hate that she is 6 hours away. We are already counting down the days when we get to see her again next month.

Black and Blue

Poor Braeden...He is covered in bruises from playing football. He looks like an abused child, but I promise you he is not.

Are you ready for some football?....and soccer

Another football and soccer season is upon us. Braeden and Josh both had their first games this past Saturday. Braeden played every single play in his football game. He was exhausted by the end of the game. Joshua started soccer this season after taking a long break for a couple of years. He got right in there like he had never missed a season. They both played hard but still there teams got creamed. It was not a great start to the season but hopefully things will just get better from here.

Kate's Pool Party Birthday

Kate wanted a pool party for her 6th birthday so that is exactly what we did. It was super fun and easy. I love planning that kind of party. We held it at one of community pools and it worked out perfectly.

Kate and Brooke

Olivia
Chandler and Ben
Brooke

Olivia, Ava, and Brooke enjoying cupcakes and Blue Bell Ice cream
Kara and Adria

Kate, Chandler, and Ben

The whole gang