Swimming with friends

This summer we have spent many hours swimming. Swimming with our friends Abby and Ethan. There is something about kids and water! Hannah is perfecting her dive and blowing bubbles under water and not holding her nose. Porter is swimming under water the width of the pool with the right arm working and the left arm doing this flipper thing. Claire is just sporting her bikini and staying out of the sun. Mom likes is because everyone had fun and is sooo tired when we get home.

Pics of Claire June 2006

These were taken in June. Apparently after the bow was put on we made that sad face. Love the polka dot bikini?


Grandma Ila these are for you! Hugs and Kisses

"Mamas Boy"

Today I had to go to work and so the kids were dropped off at Nancy's. They both didn't want to go which makes it hard on me. So on the way there I am trying to sike them up for going and that they will have a great time. I think a lot of it is Sara and Rachel are "teenagers" now and they like to sleep, eat, watch TV, and talk to friends. So little kids are not really on their summer agenda. Anyway, as I was leaving Porter kept kissing me goodby and hanging onto me. The look on his face as I drove away killed me. I sure hope he can do Kindergarten this year. I would keep him home forever if I could but I can't. I know he will love it. I just hate letting go. I realize once school starts I will not be his only teacher and influence. I hope what I've taught him will help him make good choices and choose good friends this coming year.

My Day Off!!

I have finally decided after last week of not working because the office was shut down for vacation that I NEED to work. I went to work today and felt energized. Yes, I did miss my kids and No, I don't want to work full time but, I felt like I had a day off. So, if I go to work and get paid for sanity I think that is good. I am happy and the kids were happy and I guess that makes one big happy family. ( Jimmy is always happy.) Thank you to those that watch my kids (Andrea, Eric,Lisa,Nancy and Betty) and put up with them.

A Little Something To Brag About

Last night Jimmy picked up some Chinese food and of course at the end is always the fortune cookie. Porter said, "Dad what's that cracker with the paper in the middle?" Anyway, Porter's cookie said You are a good natured person.... And Porter asked me what good natured meant. I told him someone that people want to be around. He said , "mom that's because I am a happy boy." I said you are so right and deep inside I was so glad that he is happy and has no worries.
Ok, my point about bragging is this.... Hannah has been mowing nana and papa's lawn and making money this summer. Each time she has an opportunity to go shopping (which she loves) she ends up buying a present for everyone. She is quite the bargain shopper. We shop mostly on the sale racks. Smart girl!! I am so pleased with her willingness to share and think of others. She says it makes her feel good.

Then there's Porter... I bought 3 Lord of the Rings guys and a big catapult thing with 2 soldiers. One guy would be for Cris and the big thing and the other 2 guys were for Porter. I had Porter choose which one he would pick for him and which one he would pick for Cris for his b-day. After a lot of "I want all of it and I can't decide" he choose one of the better guys for Cris because he said that is Cris favorite. I told him how happy I was for the decision he had made. At these times in my life I realize what good children I have been blessed with and that they have good charitable hearts.

Its All Relative

I felt so uplifted when I came home from the stake enrichment last night. I went to three classes. One was on teaching the gospel to small children. I had heard these things before, (be a good example,be consistent ect.) but it was good to hear them again and to hear others stories they shared. The second class was on not doing too much and taking time for yourself. Hmmm. I think this one was for me!! Sister Pepper was so funny on how she taught the class. Laughing is good and we all laughed. I learned a vaulable lesson that night from her. She had mentioned that math was not her thing she tried it twice in college and couldn't do it. I finally found someone like me and not embarrassed to admit it. I haven't tried twice, only once but I am so afraid of not suceeding. My husband says I don't give myself enough credit and I do have it in me. I guess we will see one day. Thanks Terri. The last class brought us to tears and some good laughs too. It was a marriage class. At the end the husband sang this song along with a slide show with pictures starting from dating -marriage-having kids-growing old and then at the very end he talks about loosing that special one and there were pictures of President Hinkley and his wife Marjorie. I think it hit me really hard because my grandma died right around Sister Hinkleys death. Anyway I really enjoyed it and really appreciated all the long hours, thought, and prayer that went into this night.

Claire "Bear"

Heres to all those wanting pictures. I did it! Yea!!

My little family

Summer 2006

Ok, here it goes, my first post with Claire on my lap and I'm typing one handed. I'm not quite sure if summer is considered a punishment to those of us that stay home or if it's something we are to enjoy. Now don't get me wrong I have had some good times but... It seems to Hannah that we don't do enough. According to her, swimmimg,shopping,friends spending the night,going to Nancys,Stephanies,Lisas,Nanas and Andreas I guess is not enough in her mind. Then there is Porter who says who's coming over today? Then there is sweet Claire, who can't be in the sun too long and eats every 3 hours. Not to mention the house that is a mess almost all of the time. Oh the pantry never has enough snacks in it for those hungry vultures! The summer company that comes from out of town. Enough complaining. I love my kids and we have had fun and I hope someday they will look back and thank me for trying to make it a fun summer. I love those teachers at school. God bless them all. See you in a month.