So Cool

Novelty Neckties

This is how Dad takes the boys to bed.

G will start crawling on his shoulder before family prayer is even over.

They love it.

Two stories about Nate

The other day Nate was sitting on the couch watching a soccer game between Spain and South Africa. I was sitting with B.A. on the other couch. She asked Nate what ESP meant. Without hesitation, and hardly taking a breath, he went into a full explanation of extrasensory perception. He described what it was, how it worked, and how people debate its reality. This sermon lasted a good 5-10 minutes. When he was done, she said, "Okay. But what team is ESP?" (On the little scoreboard on the soccer match they had Esp, short for Espana).

I thought this was hilarious. This is something I love about the fatherly father in Nate. He will never hesitate to answer the kids' questions fully and completely. He loves the chance to teach them something.

+++++

A friend of Rhon's parents are divorced so I was talking about it with the girls a few days ago. They were thinking and wondering where they would live if Nate and I got divorced. Some of the things that were said...

Daddy is so funny. He makes us laugh all the time.

Daddy makes such good food.

Dad is so fun.

Daddy makes the best salsa. (This was said by B.A.)

... and I quote, "But Mom. You are a good Mom" said in a conciliatory way.

I am getting worried over here. Nate has all kinds of things going for him, but all I have is being a "good mom".

It's okay. I'm glad they like him. I'm glad he is a good dad.

Rhubarb

Mt. Rainier

brought to you by Southwest Airlines : )

Nate and I spent a whole 3 days alone together over the weekend.  It was perfect.  Nate is as funny as ever.  In Seattle, we did all the touristy things.  And we had amazing food.  If I ever go to Seattle again, I will for sure go to Piroshky Piroshky, and the Doughnut Company again.  And again.  And again.  There was also a boat ride and kayaking.  My mom was amazing and took care of all 5 of my kids!  That couldn't have gone better.  And because of my super awesome BIL, Justin, we were able to save a ton of money.  Thanks!

1999 - 2009

Today really feels special.

Chippity

Why can't he just eat a cookie like a regular human?

Maybe he is not entirely human?  I guess I need to teach him to say, "Kowabunga!"

Seven

There aren't many people who can pull off the missing front teeth look.  But I think Rhon does it really well.

Rhon is funny, dependable, and caring.  I know if I ask her to keep an eye on G for me, she really will.  She loves to ride her bike.  She loves to do the monkey bars at school.  School is not her favorite, but she does really well.  I think she would just rather sleep in everyday.  Even though she is a great artist, history is her favorite subject.  She loves food and bolognese is her favorite meal.  She has developed quite the attitude.  She rolls her eyes and glares like a pro.  She hates to clean up.  And she is terrible at it.  I suppose she probably gets that from me.  She still has a very inquisitive nature, which means there are always lots of questions.  She is starting to show an interest in boys, and she thinks Wayne Rooney is cute (ugh!).  I love this little girl.  I don't know what I would do without her.  

Two Stories, One Piece of News, and a Dinner

                                              

All this because I said I wanted guacamole.  "That man is incorrigible!"  said in a southern accent  He made 9 different things.  Rice, beans, chicken tacos, spinach & grapefruit salad, grilled corn, salsa, limeade, chorizo dip, and, of course, guacamole.

Another tooth lost.  Another slacking tooth fairy moment I'm sure I will have.  But this tooth has a special story.  The girls were in their room playing.  Rhon had a bag of candy that B.A. apparently thought was hers.  She tried to grab it, and Rhon played keep away for a minute or so.  Then B.A. grabbed it.  They each had a hand on it.  Finally, B.A. was able to get it away from Rhon.  As her hand flew back with her reward, she knocked Rhon's tooth out!  It just popped out and flew across the room.  I don't think it was 100% ready because there was more blood that any other tooth so far.  She wasn't mad or sad.  They both thought it was funny and cool.

G cried as I got in the shower today.  He always does.  Every single time, unless I let him in with me.  But today I wanted to take one by myself.  I wish I had my camera!  First he screamed at me.  Then when he realized he wasn't getting anywhere with that, he threw himself on the floor and hid his face in his hands.  Then he got up and started banging on the shower door.  That didn't work either, so he took a couple paces backwards and got a running start and rammed his head into the glass door.  He rammed it.  As if he were a goat.  He rubbed his head in disgust.  Then he did it again!  This time he just stayed there and kept banging his head.  Crack crack crack!  He must of realized that that was hurting him more than anyone else because he began his trouble making phase.  He crumpled up my rug into a pile, emptied out my drawer, and preceded to the toilet.  He lifted both seat and cover, and got on.  He looked like he did in the picture above.  Saying, "Pee pee.  Pee pee!" all the while.

We went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house last night.  I felt more like a cow being herded than a person walking through a temple.  That's okay.  It was still cool, and I am glad my kids got to see another temple.  I think the chandeliers were their favorite this time.

Following 6 and Preceding 8

Rhon's 7th birthday party

The bandannas were to help me keep track of them, and they worked as great party favors too. Oh, and I told them to make grumpy faces. 

This picture cracks me up because she is totally faking it.  I couldn't light the candles because it was too windy.  When we were done singing, she made a wish and pretended to blow out candles.

Letter

Dear Tomato Gods,

     In a small garden, in a small town, in a big state, in western United States, there are 20 or so sprightly, happy tomato plants that we ripped from the comfort of their birth containers and stuck them in the infertile, clay-like soil of our back yard.  We do what we can for these new, and still very fragile, plants.  The rest is up to you.  We have 5 very eager children that wish to eat of the fruits that these plants could produce.  We have much salsa to be made.  Many neighbors' summers wouldn't be the same without the joy of Nate's fresh salsa.  And just thinking about our BLTs makes my mouth water.  Not to mention all the salads that will be had, if our tomato plants are prolific.  We are only asking for kindness and grace.

                                                 Thank you,

                                                     Tomato Planters

 

Make Space For Me

Last weekend we had the best camping trip EVER!  Here are the top 10 reasons why...

1.  We didn't have to pack.

2.  We didn't have to put up a tent.

3.  Nate didn't have to chop wood.

4.  We got to skip church.  (heehee)

5.   We had running water and a toilet. 

6.  We didn't have to cook.

7.  We didn't have to clean up.  

8.  We didn't have to spend the night. 

9.  We didn't have to take a tent down.

10.  We didn't have to unpack.

Nice.

Trailers rule.

Hiking.

Hiking II (from the backside)

I swear this boy falls more than any human I have ever known.  He fell at least 6 times on this hike.  He just doesn't pay attention.

Hiking III (getting over the muddy bits)

The girls.

Mads chucking rocks into the lake.  There is nothing better than seeing standing water and making it splash.

My squirts and the Hirschi squirts.  (Don't roll your eyes.  It was funny to me).

Andrew, Mads, Rhon, G, Dare, B.A., and Gracie is in the back.  If G's face doesn't crack you up, it should.