What's Better Than a Finished Backyard?

Sometimes I need to remind myself of my blessings. I have been known on occasion to complain of my unfinished backyard that was started close to 3 years ago. As I look outside at the still unfinished backyard I have to consciously remind myself why it is unfinished.

We always plan to spend our extra $ on the backyard but here is where Dave and I have decided to spend it instead.

1. School clothes for 5 kids
2. Trip to Indiana when my mom was going through Radiation Therapy
3. Braces
4. Christmas for a family of 7
5. Ski trip with the kids
6. Taking the family to Rocky Point
7. Hospital visit for Jordan's accident in Rocky Point
8. School clothes for 5 kids
9. Spending the summer with my kids instead of working
10. Trip to Indiana to see my mom whose battling cancer
11. Trip to Utah to visit Grandma Bodily for her 90th birthday
12. Did I mention school clothes for 5 kids
13. Polar Express trip

I don't think the kids will remember that the backyard that they played in everyday didn't have the trees, grass, and flowers that their mom worries about all the time. They will remember the trips, family time, clothes that fit, and the wonderful Dad that reminded their Mom daily that there are more important things than an immaculate backyard. So when you see my unfinished backyard just picture my happy family instead.

9 year old math

So Jordan is in 3rd grade and he comes home today and says, "Mom I'm starting on division in math." Me being the observant mother that I am ask, "You mean you already know multiplication?" He has never practiced multiplication at home so I had no idea he knew it. I quizzed him a little bit to make sure he knew what he was talking about. I started with the more simple problems like 2x6 and 3x4. Then I hit him with a hard one. All of my older children have had problems with their 6's so I asked him what 6x7 was. He couldn't remember so he says, "well 7x3=21 and 3+3=6 so 21+21=42, 6x7=42." WHAT? How the heck did he figure that out. I'm going out on a limb here and guessing that he is not going to be coming to me for math help much longer. Wait, actually I don't think he's asked me for math help since kindergarten. Little smarty pants!

School Drop Off Line

So I have had 4 birthdays, soccer, and plenty of family news to post but it takes being really annoyed to get me to finally post. What can I say I'm a bit of a complainer and I need an outlet.

Anyway, I have 5 kids so I know that it's not easy to get them ready and out the door for school in the morning, but the drop off line is NOT the place to get them ready. Seriously, this car in front of me stops and out comes 2 boys with their arms full of stuff. Then comes the backpacks that they are trying to stuff. Next the door opens again and another boy comes out. Then another backpack, of course they all needed water bottles and mom needed to sign something. Meanwhile the line is getting longer and longer and everyone is boxed in. Show a little courtesy people. Park your car and get your crap together.

Okay I'm done. Hopefully I'll get my crap together and post some more important stuff!

Savannah Banana

Savannah had a birthday and I've been slow to journal it. We now have 2 teenagers in the house. Our little Savannah Smiles is now 13!!

She spent her actual birthday without us having fun with her cousins up in Phoenix. We had to make up for it when she got back with a trip to Texas Roadhouse and a ride on the saddle with Emma and their friend Alyna in tow. They also had a blast swimming together at Alyna's grandparents where they spent most of June soaking up the sun.

We had a smaller cake for her and the family to celebrate another year of our Sweet Savannah. She's headed off to her second year of Girl's Camp tomorrow for a week. I just can't believe how fast she is growing up. It's only a week but we are going to miss her tons. We love you Savannah!!