Monday, July 27, 2009

water conservation - what is that?

1. I try not to waste water: I water in the evening, turn the water off while brushing my teeth, no unnecessary flushing of the toilet. My boys on the other hand, would have the hose running every waking minute of the day, if permitted. I know that A) it's summer, and B) kids naturally LOVE water, but I'm pretty sure that with my boys (especially Isaac) it's an obsession... an unhealthy one. I can't seem make him understand that the water doesn't have to be on every time he is outside.

Isaac creating a river, and Luke laying in the dirt... awesome!

2. Now, an update: my garden is growing! My zucchini, pea, and pumpkin plants have little zucchinis, peas, and pumpkins growing on them. I hoped something would grow, but I didn't really expect it to... after all, this is my practice garden. I also didn't expect success to be this exciting. The peppers and melons are still too small to produce anything... I think summer will be over before they have a chance to.




3. On the 24th, I (Adam worked) had some of my family over for a bbq. My boys were thrilled to have some of their cousins over to play with. They played in water, chased each other around, and covered my back porch with poppers. To top off the night we lit some sweet fireworks. I went all out and purchased a $15 package... totally worth every penny. At least the kids appreciated them... except the older ones, who kept saying, "They all look the same". It was a fun evening, though.


4. Isaac had his first money making experience. He decided he wanted to do a lemonade stand - we had no lemonade, so it ended up being a kool-aid stand. So, in the blazing heat of the day (I wanted to wait until the other 2 were taking naps), we set up shop. We had two generous customers and a few cups of nice, refreshing kool-aid ourselves.


5. Adam took Isaac "scouting" for mountain goats the other morning. Isaac was SO excited to wake up early and go hike around with his dad. I love how much he enjoys being with Adam, and how much Adam enjoys taking him.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

girl's camp 09

This week I had the opportunity to go to my ward's girl's camp for a few days (I'm second counselor). I am so glad that I was able to go, because I truly had a blast! I loved the chance to get to know the girl's even better and I came away very uplifted. It was amazing to see how inspired everything was... GREAT speakers, fun activities, and awesome camp directors and leaders (I'm not speaking of myself. Although...). Our ward is so blessed to have such amazing girl's! They are all genuinely nice and non-clickish, so we had very little drama (but, still a little... it is girl's camp). Best of all, I came back determined to be a better mother - I missed my boys SO much! Of course, that high wore off within 3 days, and I'm back to my old self. Well, here are a few pictures. I tried to make sure that I am in most of them so that they are visually pleasing :)
Me, Melody (our AMAZING camp director), and Jenny (her AWESOME assistant)

Our first day... notice how clean everyone is.

Me and Becky (our INCREDIBLE YW's president) on a sweet paddle boat - the girls got stuck with the ever-so-stable canoes.

Group shot after canoeing... nobody got dumped.

Me and the 4th year girls who did the overnighter... it was so much fun!

A scene from our killer skit... it was pretty much the best skit of the night.

And finally, some of our group playing a little game before testimony meeting. I'm sure they would all love me for this picture.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

my favorite stage... climbing

1. It's something that can't be avoided. Eventually babies learn to climb, and they love to practice their new skills. Asa has discovered that he can climb and now tests his abilities on everything. And, it's a bit surprising/alarming what he has been able to conquer thus far: he's gotten up onto Isaac's bed, his walker, dishwasher racks, shelves. I almost forget how un-fun certain accomplishments in a babies development are... and then I am reminded.

Just look at how proud of himself he is. And, yes Luke is 3, and in the walker... he likes it more than Asa does.

2. The other evening, I went to get Isaac ready for bed and couldn't find him. Then I noticed the front door was open and he was sitting on the front steps. So, I go sit down by him and ask him what he is doing. Isaac: "I'm just sitting here enjoying this nice day. I saw a pretty girl ride by on a bike. A really pretty girl. She was pretty like you." He must have sensed my need for a self esteem boost after Luke told me my bum was "huge, big".

3. The other morning Isaac comes up to me and says, "Guess what, I can ride my bike on the grass! Well, I dreamed I could ride my bike on grass, so I think I can." So, later that day he gave it a try. It must have been a bit easier in his dream, because it wasn't really working out at first. After a few pointers, he got it down and asked me to take a picture of him:

I like this one of Luke

4. Okay, so Isaac has never given his clothing much thought/notice. It's always quite interesting to see what he chooses to put on in the morning... usually whatever is on top. Well, the other morning he came out beeming. He had put together an outfit and he was feeling cool. He couldn't wait to show daddy. And, again, he wanted me to take a picture of him:

Camo hat, green hoodie (I think, he thinks it's considered camo), and camo shorts... can you say 'redneck'. And, as usual, he's wet within minutes of getting dressed... LOVES the water.

5. We did the usual this 4th of July: Adam worked, and me and the boys went over to my brothers house for a bbq and fireworks. Other than Adam not being there, it is always nice. The boys got to play with Kate and Emma (the 2 most requested names of every day) and some other boys (from the Feller family), so they were in heaven. As we were sitting outside watching the fireworks Emma went over and sat on her grandma's lap. Then I noticed Isaac go over and sit on Emma's grandpa's lap. It makes my heart ache that he doesn't have a grandpa... I know how much he would love one. That's when I miss my dad the most: when I think of what a great grandpa my boys have missed out on. I know that my dad would have adored my boys. I can imagine the smirk on his face along with his unforgettable chuckle as he looks down at the struggles these 3 angels give me.

6. And, here are some pictures of the boys enjoying an awesome summer rainstorm: