Here we go again

Connors last day of extended school year was on Monday, June 29th. Since swim lessons are over, we were all able to go to the free movie day. Since we had so much fun last year, we decided to go tubing in Helen on Friday since the men had a day off because the 4th was on a Saturday. We had a bigger group go this year. We started out early. We wanted to get there as close to opening time as possible because being a holiday weekend we figured it would be crowded. This year the Tady's, Bugee's (minus Morgan because she has summer schedule at BYU-Idaho and Taylor because she was in Provo, Utah for EFY and Basketball camp), Edward's, and a friend of Christa's and her kids.

Most of the tubing group minus Christa's friends and Christa and Preston

This year we were able to do the longer route since we have had a good amount of rain fall lately. I went with Hayden on my lap. Brenton went by himself and the other kids were tethered to an adult. It took us about 1 1/2 hours to float down the river. It was very relaxing. When we got out of our tubes at the rental place, we took one look at the line and it was crazy long. It was a real hot day mid 90s. We were so glad we went first thing with no wait to pay, get your life jackets and tubes, and wait for a bus to take you up stream. After tubing, we ate some lunch and some headed off to Cheri's house while the others went to the main part of Helen to grab some fudge and look at a few of the cute shops. Then we all headed over to Cheri's house to celebrate Olivia's 9th birthday. We had dinner over there followed by watching their neighborhoods fireworks. Not sure why they were doing it a day early but it was fun. We got home way late and we were all exhausted.

4th week of June

I have been dreading this post not because it was a bad week just the opposite. We had Father's day, 2 birthday's, and an anniversary to celebrate on top of everything else. So to start the week off was Father's day. Since Jon had started joining me jogging Mon-Fri, he has been complaining of his shoes bothering him while running. His shoes are just regular sneakers nothing special. So he said one day over a week earlier he wanted to get some running shoes. So next time I was in Kohl's, I looked at their shoes. I didn't realize how many variety and brands of running shoes there were. I thought they would have about 4 to choose from after all this wasn't a shoe store. They had about 20 to choose from. So I bought a pair and had the kids give it to him a week before Father's day. Being Jon and just going out and buying things without an occasion I didn't want to take that chance so I bought them early before he did. It is hard enough to find the perfect gift for whatever the occasion may be and now I have the perfect gift I wasn't gonna let him ruin it by buying the shoes. On Tuesday, we had the missionaries over for dinner. It has been months since they have come for dinner. Since I am in Primary they hardly ever pass the calender around to us so that is why they haven't been over. So on that rare Sunday we got the calendar in Primary I jumped at the chance to have them over.
Wednesday was Payton's 9th birthday. She has been waiting for this day ever since Kennedy had her birthday which was 10 1/2 months ago. She has been talking about getting an American Girl doll since Kennedy got one for her birthday last year. She wanted Chrissa who is the girl of the year so once 2009 is over Chrissa will no longer be available. I think she wanted her because she looks the most like her.

Payton with Chrissa


It has been a tradition of ours to let the birthday person pick the place they want to eat for dinner. Payton picked the American Girl Bistro. So I called and made a reservation for the two of them and me to go their for dinner. Then I got the price of the meal. Each person gets an individual appetizer, main course with 2 sides all for the low price of $15.00 per person. Are you kidding me? Yes, kids over 5 pay the same as adults. I forgot to mention that that price didn't include drinks they were another $1-2. Luckily with the help of my sister Christa we were able to talk her into going to a fast food restaurant for dinner and the Bistro for dessert and if she picked that option Christa would come with her 2 girls. It didn't take her long to decide that was a great choice 2 restaurants, and her cousins could join her for dessert.

Payton and Kennedy at Steak N Shake

Sonoma, Payton, Kennedy, and Eliza

American Girl Bistro

Payton with her Smore ice cream dessert

Since we were having a girls birthday night out, Jon got McDonald's (Connors favorite restaurant) and rented a movie for the boys to eat and watch for Connor's birthday which was in 2 days.

Thursday was Jon and my 15th wedding anniversary. Holy cow has it really been that long. Looking back it has and feels like that long. After Talmage's swim lesson, Jon and I decided to celebrate during lunch. We went to the Peachtree diner. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into their yummy cakes so that is why we went for lunch. After lunch, we went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a wedding present for this Saturday. It was a nice get away from the kids.

Friday was a busy day. Besides being Connor's 11th birthday Jon and I went to the temple in the morning to do sealings. My parents, Christa and Aaron, and Cheri and Preston were also there. We were doing sealings for family members. The past couple months we have been getting all the names we had ready for this day so we could do all the sealing in one sitting. The most special one was my great grandparents on my dad's dad side were sealed to their son which was my Grandpa and my dad's dad. The spirit was very strong in that room. This will be the last time for 15-18 months that we will be at that temple. Our bishop wanted each member to go every week if they could this month. Jon went four times and I went three so I feel great about that. After the temple and lunch, since Cheri and her family were already in town we decided to do a family birthday party today for Connor and Payton. Payton doesn't really like cake. She wanted me to make Yo Yo cookies like the ones at the bakery at Publix. So I bought the chocolate chip cookies from the Kroger bakery so they could be all the same size. I did make the yellow frosting and frosted two cookies and smashed them together. Then dipped half the cookie in melted milk chocolate. They are so yummy. She loved them.

Connor opening presents

Payton and Connor with their cookies instead of cake

This week was Talmages last week of swim lessons. He did awesome and listened and did everything Miss Andrea wanted him to do. The thing he was most excited about was being able to swim down to the bottom of the pool and pick up things off the bottom. I will miss taking the kids over to Christa's pool four days a week and just kicking back with the Ensign while the kids play with their cousins and have a great time. Yes, I am still keeping up with my goal even after school has been out to read the Ensign cover to cover. I don't know when I am going to find the time now that swim lessons are over.

Talmage doing the back stroke

Talmage with Miss Andrea

Saturday, we decided to bring the whole family with us to a wedding reception. It was at the church and wasn't only for adults so we thought why not. The kids had a great time playing with the bubbles and eating the yummy food.

First day of school

Connor starting middle school-6th grade

Brenton starting 7th grade

Payton going into 4th grade

Kennedy starting 2nd grade

Talmage first day of Kindergarten

Wow this summer break just flew by. I thought I would have lots more time to get things done. Boy was I wrong. With having all the kids home all day long everyday and keeping them entertained I could barely get the house cleaned and laundry done. Some weeks the bathrooms would be still waiting for me to clean them while the laundry although clean would be waiting in baskets for me to fold them and put them away.

The first day of school for us was a week ago Monday (August 10). I have spent the last week catching up on all the cleaning and laundry and grocery shopping. It was so nice to have all the laundry done the same day I started it and the floors stay nice and clean all the way till the weekend. Now that I am all caught up on cleaning I can now catch up on my blog and hopefully be able to start/finish some of my projects.

The first day of school went great. The kids were all excited even Brenton was excited mainly because he hadn't gotten his schedule yet so he was excited about that and about seeing his friends again. We woke up 5 minutes earlier than we have in the past. Which we didn't have to because the kids were so excited they all jumped out of bed got dressed, combed their hair and ate breakfast with lots of time to spare. I wake up Payton, Kennedy, and Talmage at 6:27 am (I get up at 6:25 and by the time I get to their room it is about 6:27) since Hayden sleeps in the same room with Talmage he wakes up to. Then I make sure they are all getting dressed and are brushing their hair. Jon goes down stairs and waits for the kids to come and gets them their breakfast. Then at 6:53 am they head out the door to wait for the bus. Yes, they get up and are out the door in less than 30 minutes. Jon and I are both morning people when it's time to get up we just jump out of bed. Our kids are the same way except Payton is the one who has to lay in bed for a few minutes before getting up. Jon takes the 3 I mean 4 (Hayden thinks he has to go backpack and all) to the bus stop. On the first day Hayden was crying after the bus left because he really wanted to go to school. We told him he has to be 5 to ride the bus and go to their school but that didn't really help because he thinks he is 5 he tells everyone that when he is asked how old he is. We have to keep reminding him he is only 3. Then at 7:00 am. I go down and wake up Brenton and Connor. They have a little more time than the other kids in the morning. Brenton to leave our house at 7:40 am to catch the bus. Connor's bus has been coming at different times all week. I think the bus driver finally got things figured out. So the past 2 days has been coming between 7:40-7:45 am.

Once all the kids are gone except for Hayden Jon and I (Lately it has only been me since Jon has been gone to work by the time all the kids are on the bus) go to the park and jog and then on Mon, Wed, and Fri. go to my parents house and lift weights. I am not enjoying pushing a double jogging stroller with a 3 year old in it. It is kicking my butt. That extra 75 lbs to push while trying to jog in the already mid 70s with lots of humidity is hard work. Luckily, this will be the final year I have to push a stroller.

The only downfall to school besides homework is the kids waking up early on the weekends. Why is it that I have to go in their rooms every morning to wake them up because they are sound asleep but come 6:30 am on Saturday and Sunday they are wide awake waking me up? It is not like it is light outside because it is still dark.

June week 3

On Sunday June 14th our stake had a gourmet food storage fireside. This was way beyond the rice, wheat, beans. They showed us how to can meat (yes you can have meat in your food storage other than tuna, chicken, and that gross fish in a can). You simply add the meat (raw) to a mason jar and pressure can it and the meat comes out cooked ready for any meal. It doesn't store as long as the canned rice, wheat, and beans. They recommend using it up in 3 years but they say isn't a problem because it is so yummy. I'm definitely going to look into this because of the endless possibilities. They also had a great idea for those who have food savers collecting dust like mine. The food savers come with a hose to vacuum out the air in a container well you can buy an adapter that fits over a wide mouth or regular mouth mason jar lid and then you fill your mason jar with things that wont can well because of the oil content, like chocolate chips put them in your mason jar and put the metal lid on and then the food saver attachment and it will suck out all the air so now your chocolate chips, dried fruit, candy etc last at least 3 years. I already bought the food saver attachment but haven't done this yet have to buy some jars first, but my mom has done brown sugar, chocolate chips, salt, nuts. They don't recommend anything floury because that will get sucked up in the straw and clog. I'm so excited to try these new things because the idea of me and my family eating out of our one year food storage of rice, wheat, beans, oats and things like that is not very thrilling and my kids will be major complainers. So this sounds like a great thing to add to those not so yummy long term food. Brenton is back home from scout camp and had the time of his life. Connor is still in extended school and is loving being back into the routine of school and I think it helps knowing his teachers from last year are right next store to his classroom. Talmage started swimming lessons this week. He took them Tues-Fri from 10:00 am-10:30 at my sister Christa's neighborhood pool. Miss Andrea from our ward was his teacher she is friends of my sister Morgan so she is teaching private swim lessons and working at the YMCA as a swim teacher/lifeguard. We had four swim lessons going one after another at Christa's pool one was her kid, my kid, and the others from our ward. I was thinking of having Talmage take swim lessons last year he was 4 1/2. He didn't want anything to do with it. He wanted his arm floaties. So when I mentioned swim lessons this year I wasn't sure what his reaction would be. He was very excited and was ready for no more floaties. His first week was awesome. He did a great job and listened and did everything she asked without any complaints. He loved it. The best part about doing more relaxed private lessons at Christa's pool was the other kids could swim and play in the pool at the same time. The downside is we weren't able to go to the free movie this week. No biggie since we have the movies they were showing this week. On Friday, the primary had an activity. They did a family home evening activity. We all met in the Primary room and the kids were split up into 3 different groups. After practicing some songs, we headed to the gym for a sack lunch. After lunch, the kids separated into their groups and prepared a whole family home evening lesson. They made sure the families with more than one kid in them were in separate groups so they would each do a different lesson. So we came home with 3 different lessons and Talmage is the only one left to do his. The leaders did a great job at organizing this. Then the kids played a game and ate ice cream sandwiches. My kids had a fun time. Later that day Jon and I went to the temple to see a family Jon home teaches get sealed. I never realized the wife had never been to the temple. The husband went on a mission when he was 19. It was awesome to see them get sealed and then have their 2 children join them. The best part was that the Brother who was doing the temple prep classes in our ward was the one that sealed them he is a sealer at the temple. His name is President Scott and he is the brother of Richard G. Scott of the quorum of the twelve apostles. Pretty cool. We also went to the pool a few time in the evening for Connor since he was at school while Talmage was doing swimming lessons. I will have plenty of pictures on the next post since there were lots happening that week.

June Happenings Week 2

O.K. Week 2 of June was less hectic for me. Brenton headed off to his first year of Scout camp. He left on Saturday, June 6th and didn't come back until Friday late afternoon. Jon spend Sunday evening threw Tuesday late afternoon at Scout camp. Connor started summer school on Monday, June 8th. The bus picked him up at 7:23 am and drops him off at 3:00 pm. So this week I was down one kid for the whole week one kid during the day and one hubby for 2 days. It was quiet and weird only having 4 kids at home during the day. They all played well with each other all week. On Monday, my visiting teachers invited me and my kids to her subdivision pool along with the other sisters they visit teach and the kids swam while we talked. It was nice for a change to only have to count to 4 when keeping track of my kids. Since I was down 2 kids this week we went to the free movie days both days. They are every Tues and Wed at 10 am and they offer 2 movies a G and PG rated one. We went to Tale of Desperoux on Tues. and Alvin and the Chipmunks the next day (Even though we already own this one. According to the kids it is always way better at the theatre.). On Thursday, my visiting teaching companion and I visited one of our ladies at the park. With my 4 I had this week and my companions 4 we thought we better do our visit other than their house. We went to the park closest to us that happens to be the best one to go to during the summer because it has lots of shade. We still made the appointment for 9 am though because shade only keeps you so cool. Lastly, on Saturday Jon and I went to a Primary dinner. It was put on by the Primary presidency for all the primary workers as a thank you for being awesome teachers. We had pizza, salad, and root beer of course. Then we did a little get to know you game. It was fun.

June happenings Week 1

Wow has it really been 3 weeks since I last posted. I know all 5 people who actually read my blog are wondering wow I can't wait till she blogs again since it has been 3 weeks and she must have been out on some fantastic vacation like going back to the World of Disney. All I have to say is I WISH!!

No I have been home all summer and let me tell you things have been crazy. My next few post I will highlight each week in June.

Week one of June we swam, went to the park for our ward play group and was the only people there for play group and at the park for that matter. The park they hold play group at has no shade whatsoever on the play ground and a couple trees around the playground that shade 2 benches. Even though we meet at 10 am it is in the low 80s already. So that was the last time we have been to playgroup. We went to the free movies at our local theatre. Brenton and Talmage saw Shrek the third and I took Payton and Kennedy to see the Kit Kitridge movie. They have been wanting to see it ever since it came out on DVD but never did. It was a great movie. Connor and Hayden stayed home with Jon while he worked. Jon and I also went to our ward temple day during this week since this is the last month the temple will be open. We went with my parents and Christa and her hubby Aaron. This was an extra special session for us because my dad was doing an endowment session for his dad who passed away almost 1 1/2 years ago (same one Brenton did the baptism for the dead for in April). The week before Jon started joining me on my exercise routine. I set a goal the beginning the year that I wanted to continue my exercise routine but wanted to jog everyday not just on Tues and Thurs. I just haven't added that part but did when school got out. So this is our routine. On Mon, Wed, and Fri, Jon and I go to the nearby park just over a mile away. and jog the trail. They have 5 different trails to follow (same trail just tweaked by how far you want to walk or jog) ranging from 1 mile all the way to 3.1 miles. So on those three days I jog 1.5 miles and Jon jogs/walks 1.25 miles and we get done just about the same time. Then after that we go to my parents house and lift weights. One day I will focus on arms and the next legs but I do abs every time. Then on Tues and Thurs, I will jog 3.1 miles and Jon will jog/walk not quite 2.5 miles. Fast forward 1 1/2 months and Jon went from jogging just over 1/4 mile at one time to over 3/4 mile at one time. He is doing awesome considering we live in hotlanta. We go around 7:30 am so it is the coolest time of the day, but I am here to tell you it's not too cool at 7:30 am. Most days it is already past 70 degrees outside and add the major humidity and it is pretty miserable. I was also able to pick the first veggies out of our garden.

I thought I would give the upside down planting a try these are cucumbers and yellow squash

Bush beans way easier to plant than pole beans

starting closest 2 jalapeno, 2 green pepper, 1 cherry tomato, 1 Roma tomato, 1 regular tomato, and 2 zucchini in the pots

first pick of the season and they were delicious

Yes, not a huge garden but it is the perfect size and just the right variety for our family. Any bigger and I would need another fridge to put all the veggies in.

Activity Day Girls

Oh how I wish they had activity day girls when I was 8-11 years old. They do some really cool things and I think it is great to have the girls get together and become friends with each other and get to know each other better than just on Sunday's. I mean most of these girls all go to different schools.

On May 28th I was able to attend the stake activity day girls activity. They wanted each ward to have a couple adults to help out. I was glad I was able to go. These ladies did a fabulous job. When we got there, the girls got to decorate their own draw string backpack that had the theme of the activity (Stay on the Path) on it. That was basically something for the girls to do while they were waiting for all the late people to come. After that, the stake Primary leaders did a little skit about staying on the path of the hike they were on and they likened that to how we need to stay on the spiritual path. Then they divided the kids up into four groups. The first group I went to was about being a princess a daughter of our heavenly father. The sister talked about modesty and dress and how we need to act. She did a great job. Then we went to another room and she talked about the Scriptures and how we can liken them to our lives and gave a couple examples. Then the girls make Scripture cootie catchers. Remember those oh how I loved making those and doing that with my sisters. These cootie catchers had a scripture on it which you are to read then a question and the answer. Very cute. Then we broke for lunch which was Domino's pizza, strawberries, and carrots. Then it was off to the last two classes. One was on David and Goliath she had a big laminated poster of Goliath which we were in the Primary room and the ceilings aren't even as tall as he was so part of his legs and feet were on the ground. The girls got to take a sling shot and try and hit him in the head. Then the sister talked about how we all have Goliaths in our life (something we shouldn't be doing or we need work on). So she had all the kids write some of their Goliaths on pieces of paper and then she gave the girls some stones and they wrote how they could overcome these Goliaths in their life. How cleaver is that. I don't know where they come up with these ideas. Then we headed off to our last station which was on prayer. This sister gave some examples of different ways people say prayers and receive answers. There are the people who say their quick prayers while pausing their i pod (with head phones still on) and then getting up and quick pressing play to return to listening to their music. Then they had a divider in the room with a brother being the Holy Ghost giving her the answer to her prayer but she was too busy listening to her music that she missed the answer completely. Then she gave another example when she said her prayer and receive an answer but was to busy to do anything about it right then then went about her way and then later couldn't remember it all. Then lastly, she said a prayer then waited by her bed (chair) for the answer and then right when she got up went to her prayer folder she had made and wrote down everything right then. Then she had the girls make their own prayer folders. All these classes were amazing and the sisters who taught them are amazing and did such a great job. I am so glad I was able to attend and I learned a lot.