Birthday Girl!

It is exciting and sad at the same time watching your children grow, especially when it is your last. It is hard to believe how quickly time passes. That is why it is to crucial to make the most of every minute of every day.

All of our children have been infertility babies with the exception of our first and last. Who knew that turning 40 would be the key to my fertility? It was an interesting pregnancy. I didn't quite fit in with the younger mother's to be and most of the women my age had raised their children. I was the "Mother of the Bride" at seven months pregnant for my daughter Brianna's wedding. I had gestational diabetes and so I was monitored very carefully. The doctor induced Brigitta two weeks early because of complications. After 16 hours of labor she was delivered cesarean because she did a somersault right into breech position. No matter how difficult the pregnancy was, the outcome was well worth it.

We are so blessed to have Brigitta in our lives.

She is the sunshine that brightens our days.

Happy Birthday Brigitta

We LOVE You!

Quick Get-Away

When the temperature is soaring and your stress level is high, it's time for a quick get-away. We took the family up the mountain today to enjoy the cool temperatures and had a great time.

Believe it or not, Padme and Trooper are brother and sister.

Everyone was there except Brianna and her girls.

We missed you Brianna and hope that

you will be able to make it next time.

Oh Be Wise...Please

Do you ever get tired of being the 'mean' one

who is contantly ordering your children around?

Make your bed

Clean your Room

Practise the Piano

Is your homework done?

Do the dishes

Water the plants

Feed the dog

Etc.....

I tell my kids time and time again that

"It is not meet that I should command them in all things..."

They should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and

do many things of their own free will."

I know that my life would sure be easier

and maybe I wouldn't be called the

"Mean Mom!"

With the help of my daughter-in-law Aimee,

I created this for my home.

Do you think they will get the hint???

Oh Where, Oh Where Have I Been?

Once upon a time.....there was a young boy who desperately wanted a dog. You see, all of his brothers were grown and gone, and he felt alone. He had spoken of a puppy often in hopes that his parents would change their minds and allow him this request. When news reached him of abandoned puppies he begged his parents to just look at them. His plan worked perfectly. The boy knew of his fathers weakness for new puppies. Once his father held the new puppy his heart melted, and so it was decided that when the puppy was old enough she would come to live with the boy.

In great anticipation for her arrival, a doghouse was built. The boy saved and saved to be able to purchase food, a collar and other necessities. A countdown began and soon the day arrived. The young boy accompanied by his father went to pick his puppy up. In no time a special bond was formed between the boy and his dog.




I wish I could say that they lived happily ever after, but the young boy had a mother who was not a lover of dogs. As a young child she had been traumatically dragged down the street by a stray dog. But as mothers often do, she set her feelings aside out of love for her son. Little did she know the price she would pay.

All of her beautiful flower gardens were completely demolished in a matter of months.

Most disheartening of all was her beautiful vegetable garden which had been protected by a fence.

But the dog was too clever. Not even a fence could deter her from the mother's garden. "The dog must go!" the mother insisted. The boy tearing up replied quite dramatically, "If she goes, I go." The mother did not answer right away, she had to weigh her options. Alas, the love for her son won and she set forth a plan to start anew and protect her gardens.

A sturdy fence was built surrounding the only surviving plants which included 2 basil, 1 oregano, 1 tomato and 1 bell pepper plant.



The impenetrable fortress now stands guard over the mother's newly planted garden. Hopefully this is THE END.

And now you know where I have been

every spare moment this past week. :)

Happy Birthday Dallin!

Today we celebrated Dallin's first birthday

in the Wild Wild West.

Dalllin, Uncle Kendrick and Ty-Kell.

Happy First Birthday Dallin.
We love you!

His other grandmother took over 200 photos of his first birthday which we are anxious to see on Cameron and Michele's blog in the next few days.

Short Cuts

I am frequently asked how I am able to accomplish so many things each day. My first response is that I have a wonderful support system behind me, my husband and children. My second response is that I have learned quite a few short cuts through the years to make my life a bit easier.





Today I packaged my tortilla recipe into freezer zip-lock bags, labeled them and put them in the freezer. I also made a few extra to give away just for fun. Now all I have to do when I want to make delicious homemade tortillas is to add oil and water to my already prepared mix.

Baker, Baker Cookie Maker

When homeschooling you have to come up with creative things that will keep your children interested, not to mention yourself. One of the best ways I have found to keep learning fun and exciting is to bring the lessons to life. What better way than through good books. I have a sister who also home schools and she blogged a few months ago about how she has brought books to life for her children. Check it out, she is inspiring.

This is one of my children's favorite books,

when they are first learning to read

because it means "COOKIE TIME".

I learned a few things today:

• I LOVE spending time with my children/grandchildren.
• Keep an eye on Tatianna at all times and NEVER eat of her cookies, chances are they have all been licked.
• Make sure the sprinkler top is on tight before letting the children have them.
• The book is true. There was No cookie left for the baker and so...
• Make sure you set a cookie aside for yourself.