Labor Day Weekend in Cedar Breaks, UT

Our Camp Site

Easton wore this back pack the whole trip.

We camped with the Broderick Family!

The Fisherman (this is all John wished for during the break)

The Pond

The Scenery

The friends we caught and ate!

It poured on us the first night. We woke up to 2 inches of rain and soaking wet everything. It took all day for everything to dry out. It was an adventure to say the least!

We had so much fun and there is nothing like being in nature!

And what is it about sitting by a fire?

We did crafts and the kids explored and chased around the neighbors dog "Minnie".

The adults played games and night and laughed and laughed.

I love creating family memories.

Arizona Part II

Safford : The Herringtons

The little valley they live in is so green.

It's like a little oasis in the middle of a barren dessert.

Bella Dawn

We spent most of our days with this little character.

Look at all her faces! She is 100% adorable personality.

She tells stories about herself using her name is 3rd person.

It is so funny! I think I laughed constantly when she was around!

I always love going home. This time was especially wonderful because I prayed before I left and tried so hard when I was there to better my relationship with each person. It's amazing what the Lord will do if we ask for help. I felt a special love for each person and was so happy to spend time with them all.

I am so grateful for eternal families!

Arizona Part I

Flagstaff with the Richardsons!

Alan, Cara, Nathan, Charlotte, Clayton (on Alan's back)

Can you believe they live in this place?

I took some pictures of Charlotte Ilene.

Isn't she gorgeous?

SWINGING

PLAYING

SWIMMING

Indoor Aquatic Center...... AMAZING!

CAMP OUT!

Easton got a little bit dirty.

The first leg of our trip was with my sister Cara and her family.

We had so much fun! I have always loved Flagstaff and my love was replinished again.

Because of some of the pine trees the crispy air smells like butterscotch.

We got to do so many fun things. And it is just so peaceful there.

It could just be that it wasn't 110 degrees!

Thanks Richardsons for a magical visit!

FIRSTS

The first day of Kindergarten came and went.

Isaac was excited (kind of he said).

He took apple cupcakes to his teacher. Courtesy of Amy.

He came home and said he had fun and said he wished he could go everyday.

I told him he was in luck.

His next words were all to familiar to his mother who has always had a pinch of A.D.D.

"It was so long though mom. We had to sit down and draw and I wanted to just jump out and leave. I didn't want to sit there any more!"

Sorry Isaac....this is only the beginning!

FIRST MISSING TEETH

He actually lost them a couple of months ago. But it was kind of a big deal to me.

It's funny how everything I am experiencing as a first time mom I have thought other moms were just a bit dramatic about. And now that I am here.....I eat all my words.

Those little baby teeth that he has had since birth fell out! They are gone!

And he walked into his classroom into another world away from my loving care!

And yet..... ALL is WELL!

HOME

I came home to a lonely house.

I came home to 2 weeks with out a husband.

I left my childhood home full of wonderful people.

I miss them and that magical place already.

And yet, it is exciting to be home.

Isaac starting kindergarten tomorrow.

Easton starts potty-trainging.

I have unbelievable friends and ward family.

There are so many pictures I want to post and I can't bring myself to post them. So I don't know when I will.

So, here's to 2 weeks with out cooking meals....

Watching lots of movies.....

Going on lots of outings....

Spending some one on one time with Easton while Isaac is at school.

(Dena and Lela at Mt. Charleston in June)

Off to AZ

John is leaving for 3 weeks to recieve his "jump wings" at Jump School for the Army. He will be officially AIRBORNE!

I am leaving for 9 days to break up the time.

No blogging til I get back.

Good luck Johnny! I am glad one of your biggest dreams is coming true!

Shout Out

For 3 years different people have mentioned to me a certain miracle parenting book.

For 3 years I have wanted to get the book and read it.

Why did I wait sooooooo long?

Good question.

Now, I can not be silent. I will send my shout out for LOVE and LOGIC.

Not only will I give a shout out...... I will go as far as to say that this is the most amazingly simple book full of beautiful truths. I urge all parents everywhere to read these books. No matter how old your children are. You will shape wonderful adults!

I am CHANGED. My home feels different. My children are different.

I feel that I never have to loose my patience, because the knowledge and tools this book provides works......Every time.

That brings so much confidence and peace in what I am doing everyday.

Buy it so you can have it as a reference! It will be the best $20 you ever spend!

(I found mine on Amazon.com)

The Magic Secret

Isaac: 1 yr. old

I am in love with this boy...

Have you ever seen such a face?

I want to consume him and never let him go!

My little baby is starting Kindergarten in less than 2 weeks.

Big deal you say?

That is what I used to think... "Calm down moms.....

your kid isn't moving out."

Well, here I am and I feel like I am turning him out to the wolves.

And yet, those who get to spend every day with him don't know how lucky they are.

This boy has a BIG heart.

He is down right good.

Easton couldn't ask for a better big brother.

His imagination is out the roof!

His compassion is compelling.

Tonight for F.H.E we talked to Isaac about a magic secret.

I told him a story of a boy who held a magic secret in his heart. NO matter where he was or what happened to him, no one could take it away. If something bad happened to this little boy or his feelings were hurt or he made a bad choice and got in trouble.... it was ok, because he had a magic secret.

Do you know what that magic secret is?

"Heavenly Father and Jesus love me." Isaac whispered in my ear.

He was right. That is the magic secret.

"Mom, will you remind me that every day before I go to school?"

Alright, twist my arm.

Are these moments real?

I came upon this the other day.

There's a first time for everything....

Amy let me take Wyatt's 6 months pictures.

(I would suggest clicking on the pictures to view it bigger.)

The one in the top right corner is just a snap shot. I couldn't get the flag off his shirt.... my program isn't that fancy. But Amy loved his open mouth smile.

The pictures also look more pixely (is that a word) on my blog than they do

on my computer and iphoto. Don't know why....

Will I ever do this again.......

maybe.

But I have a long way to go.