Main Event

What a good sport!

Primary Carnival

Fun in the sun for the primary kids at the church. Savannah helped out with the penny toss. I think the game was rigged.

Jordan liked the clown and enjoyed the parrot balloon until it popped on the ground. Poor Jordan!

Jack enjoyed a cool snowcone in the heat.

Emma and her friend decided to cool off with the waves.

Flowers

So when Dave and I had been married for about two years we were living in Monterey, CA. On the way home from work Dave would pass this little flower stand and he started stopping and buying me flowers. So every few days he would bring me flowers. I loved the flowers but as I sometimes tend to be a brat I started getting a little tired of always getting flowers. I know your saying to yourself what is her problem. Well have you ever had a favorite candy bar and after you eat it a lot you just want something new. Okay, so even I can't make myself sound better. So one day I told Dave that it might be nice if he got me something different every once in awhile. Well as I'm sure you guessed I hurt his feelings and that was the end of the flowers. He didn't buy me flowers again for 7 years and then only under extreme duress. Well I just want to say he has forgiven me and as you can see from the picture he showers an ungrateful wife with beautiful flowers again.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Dave and I are celebrating 16 years together. Now in that 16 years there have been a lot of trials , heart aches, and downright bad times. I have to admit I have thought about trading Dave in for a newer model a few times but I didn't and here are 16 of the best reasons why I keep him around.

16. His mischievous grin. How can you stay mad at that?

15. He's a Great Catch! He also loves the outdoors.

14. He's traveled the world and shares it with me.

13. He loves the Lord and willingly serves Him.

12. He married me and took me through the temple.

11. He made St. Louis a wonderful place.

10. He's good at Twister, enough said.

9. He comes from a long line of Great Men!

8. I love a man in uniform. Meeoow!!

7. He serves and loves our country.

6. He's a great friend

5. He fights bad guys. My Hero!

4. He's an 80's man

3. He encourages me to try new things

2. He's a GREAT DAD

The #1 reason I love Dave is because he loves me. After 16 years he hasn't traded me in for a newer model and I've given him plenty of reasons to. 16 years down and only an eternity left.

I LOVE YOU DAVID!!

HOX

First Day of School

So last week was the first week of school. Sorry no pictures. I am a slacker this year but in my defense I was starting the day off at 5:15 am. That's right. Ren is now in High School and his bus comes at 6:20. First day of high school was pretty traumatic for Dave and I. Dave gave Ren a blessing and drove him to the bus stop and waited with him until the bus arrived. I don't know how cool that is but sending your child into a den of lions isn't cool either. We were both relieved when he came home in one piece with a smile on his face. Savannah was a little easier. It's her 2nd year at middle school but she's the only one there now and without Ren to look after her we were still a bit concerned. So Dave again laid his hands on her head for a father's blessing and sent her on her way out into the world. Last but not least came the 3 little monkeys. Emma being a 5th grader is an old pro at the elementary scene and Jordan and Jackson have been there and done that being a 2nd and a 1st grader. We were more concerned about the little boys behavior than anything. They have installed cameras on the buses now so now they will have proof of the chaos they cause. My husband lovingly sat his boys down and talked to them about being a good example and well behaved for their teachers. He then blessed the 3 youngest before sending them to school on their first day. So no I didn't get pictures for their first day of school but I do have a lasting memory of the sweetness of the morning. I love all my children and I love that I have a wonderful husband that cherishes them and protects them.

Birthday Week

For those who don't know I have 3 birthdays in 2 days. Ren was born on July 31st and Emma and Jackson share July 30th. That makes for one crazy week every summer. Despite the fact that I tell myself every year that I will tone down their birthday celebrations every year I can't help myself. It's their birthdays and I went them all to feel special. So this year started out with a girls day out with Emma.

I forgot my camera so this is the only birthday one I have, sorry Emma. Alisha joined me as I took Emma, Savannah and a friend Avery to Tucson. 10 is the magic age in our family to get your ears pierced so that's what we started out doing. The girl making the holes made her 2 purple dots on the ears to make sure the earings were even. She then proceeded by piercing one ear well below the purple dot. Emma assured us that they were fine the way they were but Alisha and I vetoed her so Emma got 3 holes for the price of 2. No pain, no gain. We had lunch, saw a movie, and of course did some shopping. I love spending time with my girls. Happy Birthday to my favorite Emma in the whole world!!!

Ren had a surprise party this year. The kids seemed to have fun swimming and taking underwater pictures. Ren loved it. He loves to be the center of attention. He gets that from Dave. He's a freshman this year and I wanted to send him off with a bang. Good luck at high school Ren. I love your guts and ribs!

We finished out the week with a BBQ and swim party for Jack. It started with a bit of a hiccup because we had to change locations at the last minute but it ended up being a better party for it. Good food, good friends and a great kid! I couldn't ask for a better end to the summer. A HUGE thanks to Heidi for providing a killer location for Ren and Jack's parties!!!

I couldn't end without a special note to Lisa. Once again she came through with an amazing cake. The kids loved the smoking volcano. You never cease to amaze me Lis! Thanks for everything.