Rebecca and Mimsy

I wonder how long Rebecca will drag her Mimsy rabbit around?

I wonder when she is going to stop snuggling Mimsy at night?

I remember the DATE that dad and I took you on when you got Mimsy.

That seems like yesterday. 

It also seems like just yesterday when you were born, and we got you.

I don't think that I'm ever going to stop snuggling you!

What are we Gonna Do? FHE

With only a couple days left of school and summer around the corner, I decided that it was time to get the kiddos input of what they want to do this summer.  I started out with a clip from the Jungle Book.  This link here from youtube is a lot shorter than what is in the movie.

We then talked about how much time the vultures wasted by not having a plan.  We talked about how boring it is when you don't have a plan of what you are doing.  You basically sit there waiting for something to come along and who knows how long you will have to wait.  I then asked what can be done so that we don't act like vultures sitting in our tree.  The kids were awesome with their answers.  They suggested making a schedule, pull an activity out of the bored jar and making a list of things to get done, like Grandma Charla does.

We then threw out ideas of activities and things that we want to do this summer.  I'm going to take them and mix them with mine to create a plan.  In summers past we do our chores and school work in the morning and then go have fun in the afternoon.  I try to set Fridays aside as all day field trip days because Stephen can usually go with us.  It was just good to here what THEY want to do this summer.

At the end Stephen brought up no screen days.  These are days where they can't watch TV or do computer, they can't be turned on.  I don't want them relying on media to entertain them.  Of course the kids were all mad that dad remembered this little detail of summer.
Anyway, WE know what we are gonna DO this summer!

Silhouette Swords

Yesterday evening I told all the kids they had to go outside and STAY outside until dinner was ready.  Nathan came running out with all the foam swords and a huge sword battle ensued with the girls and boys.  It was right as the sun was going down and I couldn't resist using the sun for some fun silhouette pictures. 




I LOVE having boys. They might tease and fight with the girls, but I think that it sure makes my girls tough.

The Weekly Update

Friday was filled with field trips and true to life days.  Kaylee went to Fountain Creek, Jacob went to Cheyenne Falls Canyon, and Rebecca had Immigration Day at Ellis Island.  She had to do a pedigree chart of where all of our ancestors had come from.  They had lots of fun stations that depicted how it would be if you were trying to come to the United States.  She was from France and couldn't wait to tell everyone Bonjour.

My parents came up on Thursday and then Doug and Bethany came to stay with us on Friday with this cute little one.

He has such pretty blue eyes.

We went out to eat with them and my parents and then came back and played a fun train game.  My boys played with us and are now begging to get this game.  Ticket to Ride


The girls played in The Pride of the Rockies soccer tournament on Saturday.  Each of the girls had fun team shirts for the tournament.  I really liked Kaylee's.

Kaylee's team didn't have subs, which made for quite exhausting games.  Her legs usually hurt at the end of practices and games because of all her hustling.  She was amazing in her second game and this is how she left the second game.

  It was sooo hot and windy this weekend.


Rebecca's coach had these cute sweatshirts for the girls after their second game.  On the back it says "Eat our Pixie Dust".  Their team is the Pixies.  They didn't do very well either.

Dad worked on my wood project.  It looks amazing.  I'm dying to finish it, but this will be such a busy week.  He also went around fixing scooters, soccer goals and seeing what we can do with the trampoline after the wind took it for a spin.  Thank you so much dad!  Mom went to all the soccer games and kept things organized here as well.  She brought Ashley a pretty little tea pot, fruit punch and invitation cards for a tea party.  Ash was excited to say the least.  We sure appreciate all you two do for us!

A CowGIRL

Do you know how you tell a cowgirl from a cowboy?
It's NOT how they look out across the horizon ...

It's NOT how they "whoa" in their horse ...

It's NOT even found in the prettiness of their face ...

You can tell a cowGIRL from a cowboy in what they use as the reins.  A cowGIRL always uses her

 PEARLS!

( As soon as I heard the yeehaw and saw the hat and pearls I knew I just couldn't resist taking a break from cleaning the basement and instead take a few pictures.  I'm just grateful that Ash enjoys taking pictures as much as I enjoy taking them! )

Summer Buckets

Towards the end of the school year as I'm getting excited for summer, the kids start getting a little sad that school is over.  Now this makes ME sad because I want them to be as excited as I am for the summer.  SOOOO I made these little summer buckets to have on the counter when they get home on the last day of school.

They are filled with things that I usually buy for summer, like new swimsuits, flip flops, water balloons, sunglasses ....  Target's dollar section was filled with fun summer toys and had these buckets.  I also stuck in flyers about sport camps, circus, reunion agendas, family field trip places we are going ... you get the picture.
You know how you have teacher appreciation baskets, well these are my student appreciation baskets.

My favorite part of this is their letter to each of them about their school year.  Both Stephen and I write in the cards.  We try to highlight some of their strengths in their various subjects or field trips that we went on this year.  It just lets them know how proud we are of them.

Here is a picture of last year's buckets.

Looking back at last years I remember giving them flashlights for campouts and also had pop and candy in there too.  Anyway, I wanted to check this off before next week and as I was fixing the buckets today Ashley asked where hers was.  I guess I better get two more whipped up.  

Why did I have SIX kids!?!?!

Nathan's Room

So I have been working here and there on the kids' bedrooms.  Nathan has been asking for a soccer room.  Can you guess what the theme in his room right now is ... here are a few of the magnets on his dry erase board

Here is the ledge above his door. 

Yes, you guessed it, it is a Star Wars theme.  I loved the vinyl that Charity did on the ledge.  I loved the fact that Nathan woke up each morning reading that phrase. 

However, now we are switching gears a little.  I think that the new vinyl I will put up will say, "Don't go through Life without GOALS".  It has the soccer theme yet a little deeper meaning for setting goals.

ANYWAY, he has been begging me to put up some of his medals.  He has even went as far as telling me that HE was going to nail a row of nails to hang them on.  SOOO, I finally put up a little something to display them.  I took an old wood shelf and had Stephen drill some long wood pegs into it so that the ribbon would fit nice on the peg.  Painted it all black and WHA- LA...

Of course as soon as he saw it he had to trade out medals and trophies and put on all his favorite tournament ones.  I liked the ones that I picked out for their color combinations, but they obviously weren't the "good' ones.

He told me that I need to make a couple more of these trophy shelves.  Uh, ya Nathan, look how long it took to get this one out of me!!!

My latest little project is a desk.  The kids have desks in their rooms, either actual or built in desks.  Except for the little girls room.  I have had a hard time finding one the right size OR getting Stephen to build one in the little space made for one in their room.  Well, I happened on to a find for $10.  It is the perfect dimensions to fit the spot.  It is actually a sewing machine table but I thought that it could easily be made into a desk.  I just need to put a piece of sheeting over the top to cover the flip out.  He needs painted white and the fun handles on the drawers need to be painted silver to match the rest of the room.  I'm quite excited about it, but obviously not so excited that I actually have it all finished.

Oh there is just always a project!!!

Choose THEIR Friends

When we first moved to Colorado Springs I was very impressed with a family in our Ward.  The mother was MaryAnn McConkie.  Every one of her kids (and she has quite a few) were incredible.  They were all strong leaders making choices that were placing them were they needed to be in life.  One day while I was chatting with her I asked what her secret was to raising such good kids.  (I only had my boys at the time and they were toddlers) 

She told me that her secret was that SHE chose who their friends were.  I thought that was silly since you CAN'T choose someone else's friends, but then as she kept talking I could see the wisdom.  She asked me if my toddlers called their friends to set up their play dates.  (Of course I did)  She then pointed out that as my kids get older it is me saying yes or no to whether they can go with certain friends.  She told me that as I continually say yes to those friends who would be good examples to mine, I'm essentially "choosing" their friends. 

Then as they grow older they know what good friends are like and what values they have because they have been around so many.  It will be a stark contrast to those who are not strong friends.  Oh the wisdom from an older mother!

I think what got me thinking about this today was this quote that I read.  It is soooo true!

"While you should be friendly with all people, select with great care those whom you wish to have close to you.  They will be your safeguards in situations where you may vacillate between choices"  President Gordon B Hinckley

Friends are SO important.  They have such a strong influence on our lives.  I'm grateful that I CAN choose my kids' friends.

Blink

We LOVE this game.

We have a few decks because we only do two player games.  Then switch off losers with losers and winners with winners.  The games only last a minute so it goes really FAST.

I am sure that it has to help hand eye connection.  I  WAS the reigning champ until Steve beat me a couple of times.  I have been finding decks in the boys bedrooms.  I think there might be a few games going on when we actually think they are fast asleep.

Anyway, you can check it out Blink Game

Brace Face

We have a couple of brace faces in our family now.

I think that they look really cute ...

I felt sad at dinner tonight as they had their heads crooked to the side trying to chew food.  It's going to take a little getting used to.

They shouldn't have to have them on too long.  They just need a little tweaking here and there.  Nathan has perfect teeth.  I don't think there is one little thing that could be adjusted!  Kaylee says that it's a waste that HE has the perfect teeth because he never smiles.  I'm just grateful to not have THREE in braces!

Outfits

Ashley LOVES to put outfits together lately, much to my dismay.  I am a little anal about matching.  I can't even stand for their pajamas to not match.  Anyway, Ash always pulls out a slew of clothes from her drawers, then layers them on herself, and proceeds to think that she is all that.

She refuses to wear long sleeve shirts and HATES to wear jeans.  It pretty much has to be a dress or skirt or she is NOT wearing it.  Lately the new galoshes and the pink tutu have been hot items.  It just cracks me up to see her climbing on our rocks and rolling in the sand in her tutu.

Don't worry on this last one.  I told Ash to look up at me and of course she thought that Oreo needed to look up at me and smile as well.  Why does that cat like her?  Why is he always by her side?

Weekend Update

We had soccer games.  But one of the pictures I took looks like Nathan doing ballet and his opponent doing karate.

I had this really HOT guy clean my windows on Saturday and can I just say that I LOVE clean windows.  Everything outside looks so crisp and clear.  Thanks again Stever!

Friday night we took a trip to the Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory and then we went to a phenomenal dance festival.  When they started with the Sound of Music You Tube clip I knew it was going to be fun.  I was blown away by the costumes, choreography, and dance accessories.  My kids LOVED it!  I sat there so grateful for others talents and their willingness to share, whether it was through sewing costumes, teaching dance or just working with all of those youth.  How fun for the youth AND how fun for us to get to see the performance.

We worked out in the garden and flower beds over the weekend.  I love seeing all the green.  The kids each planted their own hill of pumpkin seeds.  It's always a contest who can grow the biggest.  I sure could work outside all day, but the house doesn't like when I do that.

This week the kids also had their field day.  Each class wears their own unique T-shirt that has the same design and color.  Kaylee's teacher is Mrs. White thus the "The Great WHITE Shark" shirt.  Stephen spent the day with them watching their events.  I stayed home with the little girls because it was sooo cold.  Thanks again Stephen for going!

Also, this week Nathan crossed over from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts.  He received his Arrow of Light.

Those were some of our highlights.  Mix in a couple birthday parties and a couple end of season soccer parties and it was quite busy, BUT productive! 

Inspiration

My marathon sister is trying to do a grand slam this year in Utah and starts her first marathon this Saturday.  Everyday this week she has sent an inspiring quote and video clip to friends and family.  I think she is just trying to inspire ME to get out of bed.  Anyway, I've always loved this Nike commercial that she shared today.  Since it's stuck in my head I thought that I would get it stuck in yours.

 

The 5 P's

5 P's of Parenthood:
1. Priorities. (remember God and Family First)
2. Positivity. (it goes a LONG way)
3. Persistence. (the only way to raise a child.)
4. Pondering. (a MUST if you are to grow as a mother.)
5. Patience. (its hard to have, but a virtue as a parent.)
A friend recently sent me this list of the 5 P's of Parenthood. I LOVED it! 

Each is so important but the "Positivity" one caught my eye.  Isn't that so important with kids to always be positive.  I see it when I teach piano lessons and start out complimenting some aspect of the song, they beam ear to ear and think that they are a young Mozart.  However, if I start out reaming them for all that wasn't correct you can see their face fall and countenance change.  Their confidence will fall and the other songs will not be played as well as they could be.
You can see this in sports as well.  I have seen parents ream their child and then watch as the child plays hesitant and without confidence.  I think it's scary if you are worried about every move you make because you know your dad is their on the sideline ready to jump on you.  Then you see those parents shouting out assurance, "That's OK, you're alright!"  those kids can shake it off and keep playing strong.
Tonight at dinner we all clapped and praised Jerrica about something going on in her little life.  I wish you could've seen her face.  It was filled with pure joy!
Now believe me there are plenty of times when I am grappling to try and find something positive to praise, but there is ALWAYS some aspect to be positive about. 

And you know what, I don't think it's just the kids that need the praise.  I sure love to hear, "Mom this dinner is delicious!" .... and many other mom like praises.
Praise someone today and just watch their expression.

She may seem ...

She may seem a little shy ...

Or maybe a tad bit sweet ...

But she is NOT, she is FILLED with mischieviousness, wildness, orneriness, and yet ....

We still LOVE her! 

She came with me to volunteer at the kids school today.  She walked around Becca's class introducing herself and shaking hands.  Then she proceeded to "oo and aww" over what the kids were making and doing.  They loved her and she loved them.

When we finished and were walking out to the van she said, "I can't wait to go to school".  I thought to myself, " I bet your teacher has no clue what she is in for!"

Bright Idea Page

Are you just loving these new posters in the Friend magazine this year?  They remind me of Mormonads in the New Era. 

I get the new issue.  Rip out the Bright Idea page and put it up on the fridge for the month.  I figure that we will see it A LOT more plastered on the fridge instead of hiding in the magazine. 

I have been adding them to our Memorizing Book.  Anyway, just loving the Bright Idea pages and thought I would share!

Little Artist

Jerrica has been drawing her little people.  I have always enjoyed seeing toddler's art.  She is 2 1/2 years old now and here is a current masterpiece.  I like the hair that she adds to each one.

She also likes to draw spiders, which is ironic because they scare her to death.

They look a little more like centipedes to me.  I have never been scared of spiders, so I think it's weird to have a kid that is scared.

Body FHE

We did a fun FHE tonight.  We had done this years ago at our old house, but all the girls were too young to remember it.  I started the evening by laying the kids' PJ's on the living room floor.  I left them there and just told everyone that it was for FHE to get their interest.

We then started by all going up the stairs to the loft and looking down on the pajamas.  I asked them if the pajamas had moved at all down there.  I also asked questions like if Nathan's PJ's wanted to kick a soccer ball, could they?...  Then I told them to pretend that we were in heaven.  Their PJ's were bodies waiting to have a spirit inside of them.  We continued to talk about what they, as spirits, weren't able to do without a body.
I then let them all go down to "Earth" and get their body.  I made them go and change into their body (pajamas).  Then I had different ones do different things "IN" their bodies, like Ashley dancing ...
We then read and discussed this amazing TALK.  It is filled with facts and appreciation for our bodies.  We discussed how we are only given ONE body during this earthly life and how we need to take care of it.  We talked about ways to take care of our bodies.
Then Rebecca shared her little Plan of Salvation that she colored and cut out.  Her little spirit girl and paper girl were really cute.
We ended with the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and I reiterated and testified one more time how important and lucky we are to have bodies and the need to take care of them.

Classic

After basketball I went in to get Ashley, but she was jumping in the big blow up house.  I kept saying impatiently, "Hurry Ashley I'm waiting on you."  Finally she emerged with a disgusted look and shouted,

"MOM, I'm tired of YOU waiting on Me!!!!"

Uh ... ya, me too!

Weekend Update

We started off Friday afternoon over at the Wright Family's for a play date.  They have seven kids that match up to the ages of mine.  The older ones were loving the outside tire swings, hammock, and other toys

The Wrights have an elevator in their house.  Can you guess what the little kids did?  You're right, up and down and racing each other- stairs vs. elevator.

It was also a temple weekend.  Stephen and I went on a temple dinner date night on Friday night.  Then Jacob went the next morning with the youth.

Of course it was Mother's Day and I was spoiled with sweet cards that made me smile AND wayyyy too much chocolate.  Stephen did get me a real fun photography toy, a new purse and some of my favorite snacks!  Thank you for a sweet day!