Why I love my garden

Despite severe neglect to my poor garden this summer, this is what I'm harvesting every couple of days. Anyone want any zucchini???

1st Day of School!

I can't believe I sent my kids back to school today! I swear it was just yesterday that my kids came running down the street yelling and screaming "school's out, yea!" I have no idea where this summer went but it went way too fast. But seeing how ultra excited Jordyn has been for her first day of school has gotten me in the back to school mood. For the last 3 months she's been running up to everyone she sees excitedly saying, "guess what? I'm going to school really, really soon, " with the hugest grin and high pitched squeal you've ever seen and heard. You can't help but smile watching her enthusiasm. Anyway, the girls were up and going early this morning despite getting to bed pretty late because of a weekend trip to Nevada for a mission farewell. (another 14 hours in the car) more on that trip to come, I hope. Anyway, all the girls looked so adorable and all were excited and a bit jittery for their first day although they spent breakfast time giving Jordyn the big pep talk about what to do and what not to do at school. I got Regan and Morgan on the bus around 8:00 and then drove Jordyn to the school where I left her for her very first day of school. I swore I wouldn't be sad but I actually had a lump in my throat seeing her sit at the table so excited yet so nervous for the day she's been anticipating for so long. I get to drive her for the next two days and then she'll get to ride the bus with the girls so Thursday will be another big adventure for her.

Regan is in 6th grade this year, her last year of Elementary school. YIKES!!! I think she left feeling a bit nervous today and I can't say I blame her although I know she'll have another great year. Morgan's off to 2nd grade and was excited but a bit apprehensive about leaving home. She's my one kid who asks me from time to time why I won't home school her. I can name 3 reasons at this point (Kaleb, Kamryn, and Porter.) When I went to pick up Jordyn from school today, Morgan came running down the hall and gave me the biggest squeeze ever that just melted my heart. I love that they get to go to school but I hate that they have to trust them with someone else for a better part of their day. I'm so gladd that DJ gave each one of them a father's blessing last night. Each one was beautiful and unique to each child. I appreciate so much having a husband who honors his priesthood. I hope our kids know how fortunate they are to have such a great dad!

I just love her grin in all of these pictures. I hope the enthusiasm sticks!

Best Buddies

Porter & Kamryn are really starting to have fun together. They've always had a cute little relationship starting with their snuggling as newborns but it's been fun to watch them really start to interact and play with one another. I caught a cute moment on video this evening that has caused me to have "perma-grin" all night. I love these moments!!

I'm kind of embarrassed that I was totally ignoring Kaleb while videoing this. I didn't realize it until I played it back and he's trying to get my attention the whole time. Woops!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

South Dakota Trip- Part 1

Last week our little family enjoyed an awesome trip to South Dakota! I have so many fun pictures and stories to tell about our trip but this week has been completely busy with preparations for school, Regan's 11th B-Day and just trying to settle back in to life after being gone for 7 days. I'm hoping that I can actually make sense of the daily log I kept while on the trip of all the days happenings. Because at this point, all I recall is non-stop action with lots of fun and tons of craziness. Six kids in a van for 25+ hours makes for lots of hectic moments but I would do it again in a heart beat. Hopefully my hubby feels the same way or I may be doing this w/out him next year!! Let me just say, there was an unbelievable amount of list making, packing, shopping, food preparing, etc. before we actually pulled out of the driveway and it showed by the looks of our van by the time we backed out of the garage. Thankfully, DJ's sister, Ann, let us borrow her luggage carrier which was the only way we could've fit everything we needed. With 2 cribs, huge cooler, bags enough for 8 people, towels, swimming gear, car entertainment, jackets, extra shoes, snacks, DJ's laptop, okay...you get the picture, we were packed in like sardines. Sure wish I would've taken a picture, darnet!

funny and not so funny

Yesterday I could here Porter fussing upstairs so I ran up to see what was the matter and there was Kaleb blocking him from going in to the kitchen area. I asked him why he wouldn't let him go through and he says, "mom, he's STINKY and he's going to get his stink in the kitchen!!"

Porter has had a rough week. Wednesday he followed the girls downstairs and Jordyn quickly slammed the door behind her not knowing how close Porter was. I knew immediatly what had happened but didn't quite know the severity of it. Regan ran down to grab him and brought him screaming his head off to me where I noticed his whole fingernail hanging by a thread and the back side of the finger was sliced as well. Regan said his finger was still caught in the door when she got him. He was obviously in tons of pain and didn't calm down for a good hour the poor little guy. Jordyn was so upset and feeling so terrible that she had caused the accident. She kept saying, "when everyone hears about this, they are going to think I'm the worst sister EVER." Does that sound like Jordyn, or what?? Anyway, 2 days later, Porter seems fine, the finger looks pretty nasty but doesn't seem to be bothering him.

Happy 11th B-Day, Reg's

August 1998

August 2009

Today we celebrated Regan's 11th B-Day! I can hardly believe that it's been 11 years since I held my first little baby in my arms. In fact, exactly 11 yrs and 3 hours ago I gave birth to her...where does the time go?? After the party tonight I sat in the closet looking through old photos of Regan and bawled like a big baby. I can remember like it was just yesterday holding her in my arms and feeling so totally overwhelmed and inadequate as a mother (some things never change) but also feeling and knowing that she was a gift to DJ and I straight from our Heavenly Father. I don't think I could possibly express all my love to this sweet little girl with words but I hope she knows how much joy she's brought in to our family and I look forward to another great year of joy and laughter with her. Love you, love you, love you, Regan!

We started the day with a yummy birthday breakfast of "Crepes" and the moved on to the cake making party! Regan found the pattern for the cake on the internet and after 3 hours of decorating with a little help from me, this is the finished product. Not too shabby for an 11 year old!

She got to have a few of her best friends over for a party. They played tons of games, ate donuts, opened presents, and giggled tons! Then it was time for the family party with Grandma & Grandpa Rose, Jared and Richelle, and a quick visit from Grandma Johnson and her sister Maralyn.

G&G Rose gave her two adorable dresses and she was pretty thrilled, in fact, I think she was jumping up and down squeeling. G&G Teichert gave her the most adorable plaid shorts and matching shirt as well as $20.00. She continued the squeeling and jumping up and down! DJ and I gave her shoes & a shirt, and I made her a magnetic board to hang in her room.

Jared and Richelle decorated the cutest doodle book for Regan. She has always loved to draw, color, doodle, etc. so this was the perfect gift. Morgan gave her lip gloss a mirror and a headband with a silly homemade card. Jordyn made a cute card and gave her a card making kit. She also wrapped all sorts of items around the house including the little hair thing that Regan is wearing. My kids love to make a big deal out of their siblings birthdays and it always includes wrapping tons and tons of old things from around the house.

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE!

Happy 11th Birthday, Regan!