More kindergartening

I broke away from my kindergarten volunteer duties to the snap these of my purple handed cutie. 

They were learning about the combinations of primary colors to make secondary. So fun!

She's a full head taller than most kids in her class. It's funny.
I'm teaching her to -*hopefully*- embrace it!

Stylin

No 2 year old should ever be without her shades.

And stuffed elephant.

And fly swatter.

CRAZY carrots!

More walnut harvesting

Brian apparently thought it was pretty comical to see me outside before church knocking down walnuts with a bonfire roasting stick while standing on the hot tub.  

I don't know why. 

Perfectly normal thing to do. 

MUST GET WALNUTS BEFORE SQUIRRELS STEAL THEM *ALL* !!!

Heading to the party

Mom and Dad have spent the last few months really making some grand improvements to their (already beautiful) country estate. With it now more party-ready, they volunteered to host a wedding reception for a family/ward friend, the Phillipys. The kids really enjoyed getting dressed up and heading out to the festivities! We parked at the bottom and hiked up, which is probably my favorite part. Cuz that's me.  And the chocolate vanilla cookies rolled in powered sugar and dark chocolate. Cuz that's also me. Unfortunately. 

These two are just the best. Brianna is an attentive, loving big sister. More than I ever imagined. It's fantastic, and I hope she keeps it up. And I wish she was this sweet to Courtney! Too close in age, I guess. One of the (many) things I'd do if I could go back in time would be to be kinder to my little sister. More loving and inclusive. Not that I was really UNkind, but I could've been so much better. And I think it would've made a difference. I listened to a TED talk recently and read an article both taking about the cause of addiction NOT being simply biological/neurological/physiologic....but more in the feeling of CONNECTION. Everyone needs to feel like they are loved, needed, and connected to their family & community, or they seek that feeling from elsewhere. Bad places. Or escape their feelings entirely with substances. I'm probably not stating this as eloquently or factually as the research and presentations did, but that's what I got out of it.  Anyway, I'm rambling. Story of my life.  YAY for sweet sisters :)

Mult-tasking for Mom

 Everyone plays on their phone while ironing, right?!

Apparently mom found this very entertaining to see, so took this picture and sent it out to people. 

Little does she realize (or maybe she does), that the funniest part is simply that I'm ironing at ALL.  I do not iron stuff. So pointless, superficial, and time consuming. Just pull it out of the dryer and hang it up right away. Done. 

But she wanted these tablecloths looking pristine for the party, so I obliged!

Telling Sammy Stories

Last Saturday we stopped by Sammy's after the Stake Potluck out in the Valley.  I just love....LOVElovelovelove....the look she gives me when I first walk in. It's just so special. Like she really KNOWS me and is so happy I've come. She starts "talking" to me - and even made a few audible noises today!! That's HUGE - the girl has a TRACHEOTOMY - she shouldn't be able to make noises! But she does! Just barely, and rarely. But I have witnesses. It happened. So cool.  It's SO hard leaving her at the end of our visit. Like SO hard. I want to stay there until she falls asleep so she doesn't have to see me leave. I feel like it makes her sad. 

But wanna know what makes her HAPPY?

Apparently... talking about running with her sisters!!

I started telling her about how Lindsay is coming to visit next weekend and will run a half marathon with Meredith and I. I told Sammy that someday SHE will get to go running with us. And it will be awesome. All 4 of us out running together. With Sammy being the speediest, of course.  

And how did Sammy react?  SHE SMILED SO BIG!!! She was INTENTLY listening to me, and absolutely smiling in response!! It was so awesome.  I can't wait til that running date. It will be the best group run ever. 

HomeTeacher

We have a really nice, dedicated Home Teacher. David Dorius is a really nice guy, and he brings his 2 awesome kids. Today he left us with some amazing books to borrow - 200 yr old journals from LDS pioneers! He bought these (expensive!) rare books online.  Very interesting to read about all the miracles they experienced!
Now I just gotta work on teaching my kids to be more reverent/calm/respectful when we have someone over. These monkeys' behavior is embarrassing. They were jumping all over.
Duct tape is the obvious solution, right?

How to show mom love on her bday

A video full of clips featuring greetings from every one of her children, their spouses, and grandchildren! Took a bazillion hours and was worth every one of them!

Link to it: https://youtu.be/tQA4s3BzK4Q

Volunteering in the class!

Ohmyword. One afternoon in Kindergarten and I'm just in AWE at what these teachers do!!!
Managing a room full of 20 5-6 year olds is a pretty incredible feat...day after day... wow. 

I'm so glad I get to be in there volunteering weekly!
Gotta do it while the kids still love having me around, right?!

They've got an awesome teacher (in her 30th year of doing this!!) and are all set to have a spectacular year!

Volunteering in the class!

Ohmyword. One afternoon in Kindergarten and I'm just in AWE at what these teachers do!!! Managing a room full of 20 5&6 year olds is a pretty incredible feat...day after day... wow. 

I'm so glad I get to be in there volunteering weekly! Gotta do it while the kids still love having me around, right?!

They've got an awesome teacher (in her 30th year of doing this!!) and are all set to have a spectacular year!

Our "nuggets"

It begins...

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Ready to rock Third!

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Just the two of us

Where did her siblings go??! 

I miss our usual parade!
Sadly , they escaped off to Seattle with Papa for some wild cousin adventures. 

Gone for a full 2.25 days. 

Life is too quiet easy and calm with just one child to hang out with!

SpecialSisters

Had a sweet visit with Sambam on my way home from the temple.
I love that she lives just 4 minutes from it.
 And I love how her face lights up with recognition when she first sees me.
But I hate how I feel when I have to leave... it's heartbreaking.
I want to stay there forever to keep her company.
I wonder if she gets bored.
She doesn't get to go out much, I think.
I wish so badly she could go swimming.
Or get in a walker of some sort to get her body moving more.
Or sprint around through a grassy mountain field singing the Sound of Music with me.... But we'll probably have to save that for after this life.
And I know that there are great things in store for Sammy then.
 I love my sister!

When Charity plays with Bethany....

 Got this text pic from Meg: 

Looking beaut-i-ous!

Phunny hubby

Sometimes I find selfies like this on my phone....and I'm not sure whether I should laugh, or be concerned....

Not sure if this is Quality Time or not....

Hot tub safety?

Creative little twins, eh?

First heartbreak

She found out her bff Olivia is not in her 3rd grade class ....she didnt take it well....

An hour later she was fine. Convinced her they'd have plenty of time together at lunch, recess, etc.

She might be more upset that I took and posted this picture :)

Dear Grandma Oneita...

She loves writing letters to this Great lady!

Firepitting

We spent a lot time and money building this sucker....we need to get more use out of it! Summer was too hot and bright in the evenings to feel like igniting and roasting, so I'm grateful for a cool day like today to enjoy it. Meg and kids came over to join.

My gym buddy

She's too old for the childcare, so she follows me around! 

Occasionally jumping in and doing some exercise, but mostly just working on her Summer Study packets. 

It's really cute. 

Love my sidekick and our summer routine!

6 yr old vacuumer

This dude's room is all organized and clean- ready for the new school year!