No more school, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks

The last day of school is a big deal for everyone. But this year it is especially significant for our family because it marks the end of what started off as a tough school year. We had just moved 45 minutes away from everything the children could remember as home. But it might as well have been to a different planet for how different things were.

When school began they hadn't really had a chance to get to know any of our neighbors or church friends. The kids were nervous and felt friend-less and out of place at their new (huge!) school. Can't you see the insecurity written on their faces on that first day?




Now look at them: happy and confident. They met their challenge and came out conquerors! As much as I would have taken their beginning of the year struggles from them, I'm pleased that they had an opportunity to be stretched and grow. They know for themselves now that they can do hard things.

{Let's see if I can get them to remember that when it's time to scrub toilets}

#1 and her 2nd grade teacher

#2 and his Kindergarten teacher

Today is the first day of summer break. We slept in.... until 7. I'm looking forward to having my babies at home. I love their games and forts and dancing. I'm not looking forward to dragging the three of them to Coscto with me today.

Goodbye to a beloved friend (of the mechanical kind)

Sad, sad news, folks. My beloved red Kitchen Aid mixer finally pumped out its last batch of bread. After eight years of love and toil, I am really missing my dear appliance.

At least I am comforted knowing its in Kitchen Aid heaven (it certainly earned its place). It served its purpose here on earth, teaching me how to make bread, showing me the joy of beating butter and sugar into stiff white peaks without my arm falling off, treating my family to whipped potatoes and whipped cream.

I can't count the batches of cupcakes, bread and other delightful goodies the red mixer produced for us. Wait, maybe I can. Let's see. Oh! Here we are: 1664, roughly.

Goodbye, my special kitchen friend.

As always, working behind the scenes.

By the end of this post you'll be convinced that 4 is the perfect age

Four years old is a pretty sweet age. Here's why:



1) Even though you're old enough to be potty trained and be independent you're still a little bit of this: ... which is great for mom who still wants a baby to snuggle but no poopy diapers.


2) You're not annoyed when you're woken up prematurely:




3) You're little enough to ride around on one of these...

...even if you're four pounds over the weight limit.




4) You're thrilled to open birthday presents .....

...even if it's just a box of band aids from your brother.



5) When your mom calls a few friends at the last minute and blows up some balloons...

.... you still think its a birthday party.





It's a good thing that four is such a great age because that is as far as this one is going to get. She doesn't know it yet but I've flipped her growing switch to off; she's going to be my precious four year old forever.

Mother's Day

For me the best parts of mother's day are 1) getting the precious handmade stuff from my kids and 2) Spouse making dinner.



Precious Handmade Stuff From my kids:

{from #2}

My mother is: 34 years old (33. Ok, now you all know.)

Her shoe size is: 22 (minus 12 1/2)

Her favorite food is: nachos (I do enjoy a good nacho... once a year)

Her biggest wish is: to kiss me (Yep, that's all I think about.)

Her best friend is: me (So sweet!)

{from #1}

My mother weighs: 125 pounds (So close! Only off by a pound!)

Her favorite food is: Salad and porridge (Maybe I would be 125 pounds if I ate more salad and porridge.)

Her biggest wish is: to have the world made out of salad. (And I will rule with my deadly salad tongs!)


Spouse Making Dinner:

Oh, yes.

Forget a sharp dressed man, I need me a potato mashin' man.




Isn't this the way God intended things to be? Fathers passing down their gravy stirring skills to their sons?


Look how happy they are in that kitchen! Maybe I should put them in charge every Sunday.





These are the three best kids in the world:

Guess Where I Went

Alone. Without kids. {I guess that's what alone means.}

It was windy and cold.

Haven't guessed yet? I'll give you a hint. It's the only place I (we) ever go.

You got it! Utah! {or Nutah! as #2 calls it}

To see my little sister enter into marital bliss.


See:







I told you it was windy! This picture makes me laugh. Look at my wings! I know my mom isn't going to be a fan of this picture.




How's this Mom? Better?





Check out my sister's hair. Fan-see! I definitely got the short end of the hair gene in my family. Feathers, that's all I have.





My awesome brother in law, Bra. I didn't come up with that online alias, he did. He got new glasses. Aren't they awesome?

PS. They're fake. But he fooled everyone.




Brother Brig and his wife. Poor Brother Brig, he can't take a decent picture even when he tries. But I'm pretty sure he doesn't try.




Now here are some women who know how to smile for a camera!

sister Cait and Mom

After seeing the "wings" picture I insisted upon a second take, this time behind the wind. Much better, no?

Sisters. Sisters. There were never such devoted sisters.

It's not very often I get to be with my siblings, minus the many children among us. When I got home, #1 wanted to know everything we talked about. I told her the few uplifting stories that were shared then I had to censor the rest because we had stayed up way too late, and laughed way too hard to produce content appropriate for my 8 year old. Happy times.


I'm pleased to report that although I was missed much at home, Spouse took exceptional care of our children. He even managed to iron the pile of shirts that had been lurking on the ironing board for a week. Hooray for Spouse!