....Summer Vacation

This past Summer we spent a month in Utah visiting our family.We had an AWESOME time. Being there for so long meant that I would dump my pictures onto my mother's computer. I received these pics recently and wanted to post some of our fun memories.

We spent quite a bit of time at my Dad and Mom's. Hopefully they will want us back again. We had a great time. Cousins came over for a Fathers Day Celebration and played games out back with water and sponges, always great to get one in the face. My sister Cristy came over all the time with her three little ones and my little Claire loved her two big girl cousins Alli and Morgi. They all couldn't get enough of holding baby Corbin. We enjoyed playing games with Grandma and Grandpa too!

The Ross Family Reunion was a real highlight. Brad and Corine and their ever growing family filled our days with fun and family. The first day we made these humanitarian kits. I thought this was such a extraordinary opportunity to really serve with those we love to help those in need. Service really binds people together and what better people to bond with then our family.

We were able to see Ty play football in a tournament at BYU, which my boys thought was awesome. The Hannay kids are something of a wonder to my kids. They are just in awe of their stature and abilities. Come to think of it so am I. We love hearing about them on the family Blog. After football it was off to the BYU bowling ally and the book store. Bowling is always fun with little ones. Blake had a blast trying to match his real world skills against his Wii bowling skills. He decided reality is a little harder. Ain't it the truth!

We spent the better part of a day at the "This is the Place Pioneer Village" . I thought the whole village was done pretty well . The kids enjoyed it. We made arrowhead necklaces, rode ponies and wagons, we made rope, learned about the stars, had a train ride and carded wool. The kids also tried there hands at some pioneer games. I loved seeing the Monument and reading about the history. There is just something about our church history that moves me; frequently to tears.

We also went to Seven Peaks water park. I hung out with Blake and Claire in the kiddie pool for most of the time. Towards the end of the day I was able to go on some of the fast slides and crazy slides with Sam and Jack. It was so fun to go with them and see the fright mixed with joy on their faces. There is nothing like dropping off a ledge, on a float, straight down, staring at your eight year old across from you, seeing the horror and excitement in his face, knowing or thinking you know this is going to be fun. I loved It!

On Sunday we went to the Salt Lake Temple to take pictures and enjoy the sweet Spirit that resides there. Both Sam and Jack were touched by the Spirit as they gazed up at the Temple.

All Week Long.....

We started school this week and we are having a little bit of a struggle to get into the groove. The boys are doing well though, I think the structure does something for everyone. I feel, just a bit more in control. I love my kids so much and want them to grow up happy and confident.

I have been watching as my friends send their kids off to school and sometimes I second guess my decision to keep them at home. It is hard because you feel this enormous pressure to educate them on a high level, plus you feel like all eyes are on you and your kids to see if they are normal and SOCIALIZED{ I despise this word}. I make every effort to get my children involved in all sorts of groups and sport activity's. Does this help them know how to deal with their peers? Maybe. I feel that my example as to how I deal with them and others in life is the best teacher. { I need to stop shouting}.

Home schooling is a big life changing choice. A friend of mine e-mailed this article to me and it was pretty much on target for how I feel about home schooling. Read it if you dare. I hope our house is full of the love of learning.
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/why-some-kids-arent-heading-to-school-today/

YEA!!! 'Whole Foods' is here in town. Blake and I went on a little outing to by produce, blue corn tortillas and chick peas. We had fun. "Trader Joe's" will be opening in the next month. I will keep you posted. Maryann come and visit, better yet move here.
I was grinding wheat for bread and when I turned around someone, I am not sure who left a calling card of sorts. I guess they are happy about the bread?
My good friend Beth had her baby. We went and visited. The boys thought the baby was so cute. As we were about to leave and I was gathering the kids up. Claire piped up and said," Let's take the baby home." I said,"No, this is not our baby. Say Good-bye." She was not happy.

This is Claire's friend Riley. They play really well together.

Beach..again

Just a couple more things about our week at the beach...

History behind the pictures....

My sister Maryann used to live in DC with her family. She had a group of friends that has been going to the Outer Banks for about ten years. Well, in the past couple years several families have moved out west. Maryann's family is one of those families, but loved going to the beach with their friends so much that they have continued to go. They have been flying out to VA from UT for the past five years. Last year a family cancelled and left a slot open. We live close, so Maryann invited us to spend a week in a beach house with four other families that were strangers to us. Being the adventurous types that we are and knowing Shane and Maryann, we said,"Sounds like fun."

My children had never even seen the ocean. We were not sure how they would respond. How would the other families respond to us? Maryann is fun, interesting, and hilarious. Allot to live up to. We found out quickly that everyone one was great. All the kids get along. We share the house with 22 kids and twelve adults. Everyone shares food and chores. No one has to tell anyone what to do , we all just pitch in and get it done. Each family takes one night to make dinner for the whole group. We spend all day at the beach. The house is about 2 minutes from the beach so you can walk back and forth pretty easy. Each family goes home in 15 minute increments to use the showers. Sometimes your shower is a little cool, but it is also 90 degrees outside, so you don't seem to mind. We pack a lunch together with drinks, snacks and take that to the beach. The awnings provide great shade.

The beach is a private beach. This is wonderful as there are only about two to four other groups in our area. The water is warm. Skip says 75-80 degrees. I am not sure. It is nice to get into and very refreshing. Last year you could surf some what and defiantly boogie board. This year the waves were minuscule and the boogie boarding wasn't that great. This worked well for my kids. The fear they had last year left and they enjoyed the easy waves.

Sadly, this year Maryann's family did not make the trip. She was missed, they were all missed. A new family was invited and once again the group dynamic worked beautifully. I am not sure if being the same faith makes a difference or that we don't know all the little intricacies of each others life that you would if it were family that makes it works, but it is fun. Thank you to all that go and make it so memorable.

All these people in one house. Wish you could have been there with us.

OBX...The Beach

We left yesterday for our drive to the beach. Leaving at 2 pm we planned on a 3-4 hour trip. Traffic was terrible at all points north of the tide water bridge and our drive turned into a 6 hour trip. I was not prepared. No snacks. No extra games. No toys. NO CHOCOLATE!!! {I did however, have Motrin and I needed it.} We were almost to our destination and Claire was extremely cranky. Claire needed her fix and so did I. I remembered Jack packed the DVDs and yes BLUES CLUES was in the mix. Thank you Jack.



We made it to the beach house and we were all very happy. Sad also, because Aunt Maryann and family were not there. Would it be the same with out them?

The first day the water was calm, really calm, lake like. The weather was warm and muggy slight breeze from the land not the sea. The flys and jelly fish were biting. Never the less, we made the best of the day. All my boys went into the water. Claire did not want to at all. She played in the baby pool and was quite content.

Now the adults are playing "Loot". Me, I am blogging, anti social that is me.I need to join in the pirate fun.

1.Ocean

2.lighting

3. sunscreen

God's Gift

Last night, before I went to bed, I checked my E-mail. I received a sad news from a good friend of mine. A child of another good friend past away a week ago following a tragic car accident, while on vacation. This kind of news is so devastating. She was Jack's age. A beautiful girl with a sparkle in her eye and a jump in her walk. She was cheerful, kind and loved life. Her name was Sidney.

I served in the primary and was able to get to know Sidney a little. You never know what life will deal you. Sometimes we miss opportunities to truly know others because, life happens and we are just barely hanging on as we fly by and miss the moment. I try to watch people and glean what I can from them, as I am flying by. One thing I did notice about Sidney, was her ever present smile. She seemed to be enjoying life.

I was pretty sad last night as it all soaked in. I thought Jeff and Cassie and the overwhelming sadness they must be experiencing. I wanted to do something to help them. My thoughts turned to my own children sleeping safely in their beds. It could easily be one of my children. I thought of how much I love them, what my hopes and dreams are for them. It is times like these that you see a glimpse of what life would be like without them and what a huge void it would cause in your life.

I don't know exactly how Cassie and Jeff{ Sidney"s parents} feel. I can only empathize with them and send my love and prayers to them. Then take all the moments I have, to hug, cuddle, listen and play with my kids. They are truly gifts from God. They are his children and I have the privilege of teaching and more importantly being taught by them. Each day I have with them is a gift.

I hope I can try harder to enjoy others, old and young a like. We are all Gods children passing through this life, in different ages and stages. I need to speak less, listen more and appreciate all that each has to offer me and how I can, in exchange offer a kind word, a hug or service. Each exchange being a gift to everyone involved. Enjoy the moments that our life's books are written from. Each moment tells a story and each experience can lift us to a higher plain if we let it.

Red Door

For my birthday in Feb. received a gift certificate to the Red Door Spa for a pedicure. My good friend Marissa, who happens to be born on my birthday, received the same gift. We decided to finally go. It was a little early in the morning, and no there will be no before and after pictures. We were both happy to have someone else treat us to a massage and scrub.{not that we do this ourselves} We both would have fallen asleep, except for the fact that we talked the whole time. {there was a sign that indicated our spa experience would be better if we kept conversation to a minimum, Sorry we did not comply}

Marissa and I were nice and relaxed, after some well deserved pampering, Thank you Beth and Pam, you are awesome.

OK, this is an after picture. It's nice, right? There are no terrible scars from the weed whacker they used on my legs to get to the skin.

When in Rome Do as the "Romans"

Last night we had a great time at my friend Suzi house. {I hope she doesn't mind I borrowed this Picture} She is one of my favorite people. She makes me laugh, and oh those stories. Suzi is very caring, devoted, and smart. She was the first person to make me feel like I could be myself, without hesitation, in VA. I love her dearly. She is a great friend, {even though I had to sit at the kids table.JK:)}

Thank You

Beth is an awesome friend. She has helped me yet again. Today When I had my DMV debacle and traffic court experience, she watched , fed, cleaned, played and generally took care of my kids. It took like all day and she did it with a smile. Then she listened to me complain about my day. She is devoted to her family and her beliefs. I admire her and am grateful to the Lord for sending us both to the same place at the same time. What a blessing she has been to me and my family. Thank you Beth!

I Have An Angel

Her name is Sherry Whyte. She saved me from going to the store and saved me from dinner. Lucky for me she is always prepared and was able to bring my family some delicious chicken soup and homemade applesauce. Now you know my kids are picky, Augh! But here is the tally.

Jack one and a half bowls.

Sam one small bowl .

Blake four bites.

Claire two bites.

The Applesauce was another story. Everyone gobbled it up!!

Start Rough..... Rough End

I said hopefully and that was wishful thinking! Skip was quite sick with major cramping in his stomach. We were not sure what it could be so we took off to the emergency room at around 5:00am. Skip ended up with the stomach flu Luckily { It could have been worse } The rest of the day ended up pretty good, we got through our studies and laughed. I also went out with some friends to the movies and ice cream, that was a highlight... on the way home however, I was pulled over again{ I know slow down } this time not so lucky... I received a ticket. .........Chocolate makes it all better. Thanks Suzie!

I LOVE YOU!

Claire is now at the point in her short life that she is saying I love you freely. It is so fun. She just comes right up to me and says"I love you Mom". Sometimes she even shouts it,I LOVE YOU!!, in a voice that sounds painful and sweet at the same time. I am not sure where she picked this up. I think she got it from this website Hallmark E-cards

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category4%7C10001%7C10051%7C-102034%7C147551;-102001;11443;-102034%7Cecards%7Choops&yoyo

It pretty much cracks my whole family up. A good friend of mine, Suzie, sent me the SWEETEST Valentine card and my boys and I watched it and others like it for an hour. Maybe you too can enjoy some laughs.

Surprise

Last night as I cooked dinner for my family. I called my Husband to tell him I Had a Presidency meeting at the church and that I would be leaving as soon as he walked in the door { no dinner for me, poor planning} He acted kind of strange,asking who would I be having the meeting with- I was like the Relief Society Presidency how many presidency's do you think I am in? He said oh yea I know and then hung up. Weird I thought. Then I get a call from one of my close friends to say they are surprising me with an early birthday dinner and will be at my house in five minutes. What fun !! I love surprises. I had to miss my meeting, hopefully they will understand. I love my friends.