Tucker's Treasure

We celebrated Tucker's 7th birthday in Washington this summer. I can't remember the last time we were actually at home for his birthday, but luckily it hasn't seemed to bother him. The "treasure theme" was a last minute choice because I wasn't sure where we would be celebrating his birthday and even though I had less than 24 hours to put it all together, I managed to get it done.

I put together a little treasure hunt for all of the kids to do together and this video shows them finding the cake at the end.

Singing happy birthday

Mason's photo collage

I can't believe how quickly Mason is growing up!  He starts preschool at the elementary school after Labor Day, but every day he asks when it's his turn to leave with the big kids. I'm glad I get a couple of more weeks with him because he can be really sweet when he's not trying to "stake his claim" when the other kids are around.

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Mason's Birthday, July 23rd

      Our family celebration for Mason's birthday was pretty low key. We did cake and presents with just our immediate family and it was really nice and laid back. Mason loves dressing up so a lot of his presents were geared towards imaginary play. To my joy they have kept him happy and occupied.

Backyard Carnival

Mason's birthday party invitation

    In celebration of Mason turning four, we hosted a backyard carnival for his friends and their families.  It turned out almost as good as I had imagined it and everyone had a blast!  Brianna and her friends helped out with the games, some of which were Bean Bag Toss, Penny Pitch, Balloon Burst, Shoot the Hoop, Ring Toss, Topple the Tower and Clown Catch.  In Lieu of a "creative cake" I made four dozen popcorn cupcakes, which were a big hit. Link for Popcorn Cupcakes

I was lucky to have Elizabeth, my sister-in-law, help out with a lot of the preparations, otherwise I would have had to pull a couple of all nighters.

Miracles Around Us

Three weeks ago one of Mason's playmates, a five year-old boy in our neighborhood, fell out of his 2nd story bedroom window onto the driveway below.  He cracked his skull and was life flighted to the children's hospital in Salt Lake.  After three weeks in the ICU he was told that he could come home on the 4th of July.  I wanted to share the latest update his mother posted on our neighborhood facebook page.

From Kim: Conversation I had with Slater last night...Slater do you know why you are here in this hospital? 'Yes, because I live here.' Do you remember our house in Spanish Fork? (Puzzled look) Do you remember the accident you had? 'No' Do you remember falling out of the window? (Scrunches his face) 'The big window?' Yes, your bedroom window. 'No' Do you remember falling onto the driveway? 'No' Do you remember the ambulance and riding in the ambulance? '(scrunched face as if annoyed with me) 'No' Do you remember the helicopter you got to ride in? (Wide eyed) 'No' Then I showed him all the pictures I took from day one. He looked at them so puzzled and confused, couldn't believe that was him. I asked, Do you remember this pictures or being asleep? 'No' Do you remember talking to Jesus and Angels that came to visit you? (with a smile) 'YES' I left our conversation at that. He has a story to tell and will share it someday....'nuff said :)

There are miracles around us, everywhere.  Some big, some small, I just have to remember to look for them and recognize them and be grateful for a loving Heavenly Father.

Brianna's Room Makeover

Brianna's main birthday present this year was a bedroom makeover. It took me a week longer than I had expected, but she says it was worth the wait. I hadn't calculated all the interruptions that five children would create : )

I gave her walls a fresh coat of "apple-green" paint.

I spray painted 12 in. wooden letters and decorated them with vinyl wall stickers.

To create a reading bench, I moved her foot bench behind her head board and made the red and white cushions. Adhesive velcro was a must- have for this project.

Her "custom" bulletin board was the most elaborate project. I bought a roll of cork then cut strips of colored foam and arranged them so they would match the opposite side of her comforter.

I arranged vinyl stickers on her wall to mimic the patterns of her new comforter.

Omelet Underwear and a Black Eye

I've been busier than usual since the kids are out of school, so I haven't had as much time to update our blog.  Here is a collage of some of the events from the past month:

 Omelet Underwear - When Mason and I were sharing an omelet, half way through eating, he pointed out that it looked like his underwear.  And it does, well the shape of it that is : )

Black Eye - Gage slipped in the tub and got his first shiner.
Lap Time - Gabe has been working really long hours this month, so when he came home both little boys didn't want to wait a turn, so they shared his lap. 
Birthday- Brianna turned eleven on May 29th, I used fondant for the first time on her cake and it turned out great (if you don't look too close).
Firetruck - For a preschool activity the kids were given a box to make a vehicle, I may have gone a little overboard, but it beat doing the dishes!  Pretzels - My boys love pretzel rods, it's a main staple at our house.
Everyone Duck - Gabe took the kids camping the first weekend in June and they also got to do some target shooting.

 These black and white photos are of the boys from their camping trip

That's a top ramen noodle dangling off of Tucker's hat

First bloom

         Three years ago my mom bought this lilac bush for our backyard.  It has survived multiple transplants, numerous collisions from kids and being chewed down to almost nothing by our fleeting ownership of a black lab puppy. This bush has thrived despite, or perhaps because of the challenges life has presented to it. This Spring it bloomed for the first time! I am amazed at this plants vitality and persistence to grow.

         It may seem silly, but I have learned a valuable lesson from my lilac bush. Now when I pass it by, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes, "That which we persist in doing becomes easier - not that the nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Operation: Get Well Catherine

For family night yesterday, the kids helped make a Get Well Video for Catherine.  Hopefully this will raise her spirits a bit, but if laughing is counter productive to her health, then we probably just made things worse... but you can decide for yourself.

Happy Mother's Day!

The only thing I really want on Mother's Day, is to be able to sleep in without kids banging on my door every 30 seconds and to not have to clean anything all day : )

For my mom, I love you and am so excited to see you in 2 months!  Enjoy this slide show made just for you.