BBQ!

Our official start of BBQ season kicked off with our neighbors, the Bryan's. Great times had by all in their back yard. The trampoline, lots of little ones, the kiddie pool, and Carne Asada! YUM!

Thinking of Tom

My friend Andy lost his dad, Tom, last week. Andy was a great support to me when my own father died. My prayers are with this entire family.

Tom was someone who embodied one of my life goals, to leave things better than when you found them. I was thinking of him as I worked out in the yard this weekend. We have some plants that have come back from last year, some new ones that are going strong, even some from Ellen's yard that we transplanted. It always feels overwhelming but it was nice to look around and see the progress.

And to think of Tom, a life well lived. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/idahostatesman/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-dale-bettger&pid=127650089

Payette Apple Blossom Festival 2009

$90.00 later... 6 sunburns, 4 very happy, wiped out kiddos & Mom wondering, "is that what admiring nature's beauty runs these days?"

9 Year Anniversary

I have been experimenting with substitute teaching this past school year. I love to get out of the house & know that I will shower & get dressed at least one day a week. I like that it is flexible & that a lot of the time I am at the school Parker & Kaleb go to. This time of year there is great demand for substitutes. I think everyone is burning what is left of their personal days or just feel the sunshine & can't resist a day off. I say all this because I did not feel that I did the Anniversary post justice in all my busy-ness. So, without further adieu, I give you the top 10 reasons I would pick Matt again.... yes, this will be sappy....

10.) He has the World's best behind ;)
9.) He makes beautiful children. ( I am just a little biased.)
8.) He actually LIKES to sweep!
7.) He is an eternal optimist.
6.) He is not afraid to laugh at Himself & is very quick to apologize. (Essential for marriage!)
5.) He loves kids, prefers them to most adults.
4.) He met me at 13 when I had too much hair dye, too much attitude, & NO fashion sense, & married me anyway.
3.) He is a foodie.
2.) He could out dance Beyonce any day.
1.) He is the love of my life! For better or worse. There are days we are miserable but there is no one I would rather be miserable with!

I love you Babe!

FYI, we went on a train ride to celebrate the big 9 years we have been married. Super fun gambling the night away on the Casino Train!

Preach

“Feeling screwed up at a screwed up time in a screwed up place does not necessarily make you screwed up.”- Mark Hunter, Pump Up The Volume

My 3 Stooges and a 4th in the works

Sunday was a day of relaxing, feeding ducks, and a BBQ cooked by the boys. After dinner, Parker, Kaleb, and Aden put on a show, their version of America's Funniest Home Videos. It was seriously so funny and ridiculously well thought out. They had names for all the synchronized stunts. I think they may have a future in slapstick comedy, either that or we will all be carnies :)

Without Fail

Of course there are always a few Mother's Day hiccups. Aden was not thrilled with having to celebrate all day. He was thinking he would present me with the super stylish purse and shoes he picked out and then get on with life as usual. Collin had a special Mama's Day black eye to show off. Ahhh...motherhood.

Mother's Day

My Favorite Part of Mother's Day

...my kids smile for pictures! The greatest gift for a mom that is obsessed with photos.

Momma

Happy Mother's Day to my mom. Thanks for not letting me drown, I am sure there were days it was tempting :)

I love you Mom.

9 Year Anniversary

The Haps

Our Summer Plans. (read the shirt)

OCD Bliss. :)

The Fabulous, Faux Finished, Furnished, Front Porch! (Thanks Ellen)