Beautiful Disaster

The title is dedicated to my die-hard-311-fan-brother.

Oh Naomi.

You are my beautiful disaster:)

In the last few weeks you've managed to skin the same knee 5 times in the same 48 hrs, develop 2 goose eggs on your noggn, thanks to the tile floor, and let's not forget your black thumb that mommy accidental pinched in between the fridge doors. whoopsies.

At one point you could be seen sportin a Dora helmet around the house. Safety first:)

And that's just the damage to your cute little body. We won't mention the play food you gag on then vomit all over or the number of times you poo in the tub. Oh wait I guess we will mention those:)

You are my fearless wonder...Always in to something, climbing something, chewing something, or doing all 3.

You certainly keep our hearts healthy.

4 going on 16

Last week while I was teaching piano lessons Daniel snuck out with Olivia to get a feather in her hair. I was thinkn' my preschooler was a bit young but my high-school-teacher-hubby assured me that she needed one.

When I asked Olivia how much it cost she said, "um 50 bucks"

I said "No way. You mean 10 bucks?"

She said, "Well I don't know, it was all of daddy's green money".

I assure you that could barely be 10 bucks:)

Here's my 4 yr old going on 16.

You Rock!

Not sure where my kids obession for rock stars comes from but I gotta admitt I think its hillarious!

paper guitars are even cooler than air guitars:)

So glad Daniel and I happened to both be home and set our work aside to enjoy these clips:)

summer savings

Olivia-

monthly allowance + a couple odd jobs = $18 Barbie

Kolby

monthly allowance + odd jobs+ watering neighbors plants all summer = $75 bike

watching my kids learn to work and save and enjoy their rewards =priceless

Phineas and Ferb and the Back-yard Beach

aka...Kolby's Birthday Party

The cupcakes the kiddos helped me make

The party favors: beach bucket, lei, perry, phineas and ferb fruit snacks The set-up

Our adopted gpa, Mr. Jim

The gang

The Games:

Hot "coconut"

fill the bucket relays

Limbo

a chocolate face makes a good game face too:)

Sorry ladies, he's all mine.

really what can be better than a belly covered in chocolate?

Present time Loved this party.

set up and clean up were minimal.

location was fabulous and free.

All the hard work, as usual, was worth the smiles from my boy!

The Hoop

Kolby finally got his real b-day present.

I think he likes it even better than the happy meal toy:)

Only took him 3 shots before he started swooshing every one.

9-11

I caught a bit of the Today show on Friday and all the memories of 9-11 came flooding back.

I was moved to tears.

I have a lot to learn on politics but I couldn't help but be saddened at what our country has become.

If only we could remember our God.

Then today I watched our ward's primary program. The chapel was surrounded by over 100 children holding a paper chain that represented each week they have read the scriptures. They each raised the chain high and proclaimed, "I know the scriptures are true!".

I couldn't ask for a more powerful display of hope.

6

Dear Kolby- You turned 6 years old today!!!

It was the first birthday I didn't get to spend all day with you and the first birthday that daddy didn't get to see you at all. We still made the most of it though. Dad gave you the traditional donut, chocolate milk, and card on the breakfast table. Olivia and I met you for lunch at school and ate happy meals. You told me that you were so excited for us to come that you couldn't even sit still :)

The feeling was mutual I assure you. That afternoon Olivia and I came back to read to your class. I was so proud of what a good student you are. Then we spent the evening eating your favorite dinner "big chips" (chicken tostadas), baking cupcakes, and watching The Emperor's New Groove. I realized as I tucked you in that I hadn't explained that we'd open presents tomorrow at your party and when dad could be home. You just smiled and held on to your happy meal toy and told me how much you loved your new toy and how you had the best birthday ever! You really are the sweetest, kindest, smartest, 6 year old kid I know! You are so obedient, helpful, grateful, artistic, and best of all you are mine!!! love you kolbs! -mama

Rain Rain...

This would be "another day"

Still prayn for rain here in Texas...

We were supposed to have lunch with a friend on Thursday but cancelled because she was asked to evacuate her home (30 miles away).

Don't feel like I'm in danger but the constant campfire smell and ashes the size of quarters are a little concerning.

Last 3 photos are ones my friends took in the nieghborhood.