Pictures from Grandma's House

We had such a good time at Grandma's house like we normally do. I was lazy and the kids were spoiled. I figure that is what going to see Grandma is about. The kids had way to much soda to drink and even more Popsicles to eat. I tell them to enjoy it while they can because back at home I ration all the sweets.


All the grand kids love to make smores when they come to Grandma's house. Grandpa made a fire in the pit at least 3 times while we were there so they could all enjoy smores.

Braeden and Joshua were recruited to pick up all the rocks in the backyard to earn some money. They both worked so hard in between swimming and jumping on the trampoline. They each earned 10 dollars.

These three were inseparable during our visit. Sophia, Kate, and Heather spent a lot of time on Webkinz sending mail back and forth to each other.

Joshua so excited to play on the Wii.

Grandpa was back from Kuwait for a 2 week visit. We were so happy to be in Missouri during this time to see him. All the kids love him so much!!

Braeden just chillin' on the playstation. This is the way he likes to play Guitar Hero.

Norman is my mother's baby. He is about 12 years old and is really starting to gray. This is how he spent most of the week we were visiting.

Joshua followed Grandpa around almost everywhere he went. He was over his shoulder always asking him questions about anything and everything. He loves his grandpa sooo much!!!

My nephew Owen...He is sooo cute!!!
Braeden showing off his t-shirt and cap that Grandpa brought back from Kuwait.
Kate eating another Popsicle. I don't think we left any in Grandma's freezer.....
This is my favorite picture I took while visiting in Missouri. One day Sophia was staying the night with us and both she and Kate wanted me to put their hair in pigtails. This was there reaction as they were admiring themselves in the mirror.


We had a fabulous time but are so happy to be home and have our own beds to sleep in. :)

Off we Goooooo!!!!

We are off to Missouri for a week to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lots of pictures to post when I get home.............

Kate Lost a Tooth

Kate is not even 5 yet and she has already lost a tooth. When we went to the dentist back in September of last year the dentist said her two bottom teeth were a little bit loose. Kate was so excited to hear this. She was thrilled to think she may get a visit from the tooth fairy soon. So over the last 9 months or so, she would wiggle and wiggle her little, bottom, front tooth until yesterday. I noticed that it was hanging by a thread. She did not want me to pull it out fearing that it would be painful. I asked her if I could wiggle it and I pulled it out instead. It didn't hurt, but she was a little frightened (because of the little bit of blood). After the shock though, she was so excited! She put her tooth under her pillow last night and when she woke up this morning she had 2 whole d0llars under her pillow. Now she is planning her shopping trip to spend her earnings from her little white tooth.

Girls Camp 2008

I'm Goin' Campin'

I am leaving to go to girls camp tomorrow. I don't know if you can technically call it camping, but it is about as out doorsy as I want to be. I am so excited though! We have lots of fun things planned and I always have a blast with the girls. Here are some of the things I have been working on for camp......

This is a handout for the devotional I have to give. The camp theme is "Once Upon a Time". My friend, Emily, found me these tiny wands and I came up with the rest(well...with some help from my mom). This is what it says, "Magic is everywhere if you know where to look, but if you are only watching for a Genie in a lamp or a Fairy Godmother with a magic wand you're probably missing a whole lot of magic. There's more to magic than pixie dust or bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. WE can find something truly magical by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This true "magic" is found by living your life the very best way you can, by staying true to yourself, and by being good to others. And most of all it comes from remembering who you are.....a daughter of your Heavenly Father with unlimited potential and Divine Worth." It turned out so cute!!

These are secret sister gifts for girls who forget to bring their own. We don't want anyone left out.......I love the Dollar Tree for this kind of stuff.
These are just a fun hand out to put on the girls bunk beds. We love to put little treats here and there when they are least expecting it. This one says, "Yoo-hoo"......You are "EXTRA" special!!! And of course, I put a chocolate Yoo-hoo and a pack of Extra gum. I hope they like it! :)

Last Day of School

Lots of fun was had on the last day of school. The PTA put together a water day with all kinds of games and relays. They had a slip-n-slide, a dunk booth, water limbo, and so much more. The highlight for the kids though was the fire department. They sprayed all the kids down from the top of their truck.

It was a very windy, cloudy, and muddy day. I don't know how these kids could stand the cold water, but they loved every minute of it. This is how Joshua always poses: arms straight down, chest puffed out, and standing as tall and straight as he can.
Joshua and all his buddies
If you look closely you can see Braeden in the mist from the fire hoses. The playground was drenched after this. It was a swampy mess.

Water Bucket Relay Race

Watch out!! Braeden on the slip-n-slide. They were covered in mud after a turn on this.

Can I have your autograph,Please? After the water activities they went back to their classes for more fun and food.

The Three Musketeers.....Nicholas, Andrew, and Joshua. These guys do everything together.

Braeden and his football friends.
Joshua and Mrs. Fahrney
Braeden and Mrs. Fulmer

Both Braeden and Josh had great teacers this year. They both got straight A's all year long. Braeden was even commended on all parts of the TAK'S test. We are so excited for school to be over though. We are ready to sleep in and hang out at the pool all day. Hip, Hip, Hooray for 81 days of summer vacation!!

FRUSTRATED!!!!!

I have been trying to upload a video clip onto my blog for 3 days now, and it's not working. Every single time I have tried it begins to process and then an ERROR window pops up. What am I doing wrong? Can anyone shed some light on this? I need help!!

Pool Party

Joshua's teacher, Mrs. Fahrney, had a pool party at her house for all of her students. Her backyard was so beautiful. Only 7 kids showed up, but they still had so much fun. Her pool has a diving, which Joshua absolutely loved. I was worried about him diving off into a 10 foot pool.........so the first few times I had him jump off with a noodle, but he is such a little fish that I learned very quickly he didn't need it. He swam all over that pool with out any problems. Thank you, Mrs. Fahrney for a great year.... we will miss you!!

Kate's New "Do"

Kaitlyn finally got a haircut after talking about it for months. She kept changing her mind. One day she wanted it all cut off and the next day she wanted to keep it long. It really needed to be cut, so I bribed her with a trip to McDonalds. Her hair is so fine and thin that it just looked stringy. With her new "Do" it looks so much fuller and thicker. We love her new cut!

Before the Cut

We really wanted to donate her hair, but the lady told me it wasn't long enough. I should have done my research before we went because it was long enough. All she needed was 9 inches to donate to Pantene. She had at least that.
Kate was so tired of me taking pictures that I couldn't get her to smile for me for her "after" shot. So this picture will have to do for now. Her hair is so cute!!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake-Off

My friend Jeni is doing a bake-off to find the best Chocolate Chip Cookies. I don't know if mine are the best but we sure do like them!! Happy Baking, Jeni!!

4 1/2 c. flour

2 t. baking soda

2 t. salt

1 c. shortening

1 c. margarine or butter

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

4 eggs

1 t. vanilla

12 oz. chocolate chips

Mix together flour, baking soda , and salt. In large mixing bowl cream together shortening and butter. Add sugars, then the vanilla and eggs. Add flour mixture. Blend in chocolate chips. Drop unto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes.

This makes a lot of cookies. The recipe can be divided in half....but what I do is make the whole thing and then divide the dough in half. I bake up half of the cookies and freeze the rest of the cookie dough for another time. Delicious! :)

36 Minutes 20 Seconds

This is how long it took me to run/walk 3 miles today. Cary and I have set a goal to run a race in October. He is running a marathon. I am going to run a 5k. I have never been a runner so I am not sure why I have decided to do this. To many 3 miles isn't that big of a deal but it has been a huge challenge for me every time I do it. I have found though that once I am in "the zone" I actually enjoy it. What I hate is that I am completely drenched in sweat and my face is bright red when I am done.........but I do hope that by October I can accomplish this goal and that I don't kill over at the end of it. Wish me luck!!

Last Disney Post......I Promise!

Pooped Out!!

The kids were exhausted after our 6 days at Disney World. We all had a fabulous time but were happy to get home to our own beds. We look forward to making another trip in the next 2 to 3 years. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Disney World it is well worth it!! We love Disney!!

Down Time

This is what we did when we were not at any of the Disney Parks. The house we rented had a fabulous pool. It was to cold for me to get in, but the kids absolutely loved it. The pool was totally screened so we didn't have to deal with any yucky Florida bugs. While the kids would swim I just lounged around and ate. It was so relaxing and peaceful.