Summer Joys

Summer evenings in Utah are an absolute pleasure.  Perfect temperatures, gorgeous sunsets and the sounds of crickets everywhere.  I love them.  And I am especially enjoying them this year under my new pergola with subtle lighting for ambiance.  It makes me happy.  The only regret is that they don't last year round :(

Thanks Aunt Missy for the idea of making your own frosted laterns.  So fun and beautiful.

"If you fill it, they will come!"

Look at our impromptu swim party . . .

Brianna and I filled her pool.  When I came back outside a little while later it was full of energetic, sun-kissed, happy children.  I guess summer is officially here :)

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school.  The kids were excited, a little sad and a little unsure of how to kick of the fun.  So I decided it would be great to go and do a photo shoot at an old abandoned house.  I have been wanting to take them there for awhile but just haven't been able to find the time.

Well the kids were thrilled to go (not really) and I had to bribe them.  We first went to Applebees for lunch and had an enjoyable time reminiscing about the year.  Then it was off to take the pictures.  Of course, they still weren't thrilled, but after an offered bribe of shakes from JCWs they complied.

I was pretty pleased with the outcome of the photos in spite of the terrible, windy, cloudy weather and mismatched clothes.  The kids don't realize how lucky they are to be able to have such nice quality photos (if I do say so myself).  Maybe someday they will appreciate it.  I have really started to master my camera and maximize the many options that is has available to use.  Plus I received some good help and tips from Katie Price, a lady in our ward, that takes excellent photos.  I am feeling pretty good about my skills.  Now if I could just have willing models :)

Anyway, it was a nice day and the kids loved their huge shakes.  Afterwards we went and visited Grandpa's new kitten which is so exciting in their opinion. 

I enjoyed this day with my children and I hope that it is a glimpse of things to come this summer.  I anticipate having a lot of fun going to new places and doing fun and creative activities.  I value this time with my children and realize that it won't last forever.  As much as I love school, I am looking forward to summer. 

Summer Reflections

The weeks after our fun trip to Ohio were filled with readjustment to "normal" life and 90+ degree weather.

Since I was so enthusiastic about "life", we spent day after day in the yard playing with water balloons and the hose. Various friends and cousins came over and soaked up the water and the sun for many days in a row.



I even did some reading in the shade of our tree. ( I don't know which is more amazing; that I actually finished my first novel in many months or that we actually have a tree in our yard that provides enough shade for me to sit in). Either way it was wonderful.

Brianna wore her swimsuit day after day all day. It caused me to reflect on the freedom and innocence of children. How would it be to run around in a swimsuit without worrying about what others thought? And to enjoy the sun on your back and yet still remain cool enough to be perfectly content. Oh the life.

To see the contentment and joy in my children has brought me such a peace and happiness. My life is good and I know it.

Summer Fun

Right now it is 8:30 at night and I am sitting outside on the deck enjoying a perfect summer evening. Ryan is in the backyard playing wiffle ball with the neighbor kids and Brianna is with the other Brianna petting the neighbor's dog. There are sounds of laughter mixed with the sounds of crickets and I couldn't be more content.

I just got back from visiting a neighbor who has pancreatic cancer. She has been fighting it for a year and I think she is finally nearing the end of her battle. I sat and talked with her and her husband for awhile and realized how fragile life can be. I came home somewhat somber and yet so full of gratitude for my life and the good health of my family. This life is a guessing game and you never know what might come your way. I know that I need to enjoy those wonderful moments that seem so simple and yet are so meaningful. At this moment I am so content that I am just enjoying soaking in all the good around me.

Today was the first day in weeks that I haven't had to leave the house for some school event, church obligation or kid commitment. It was so nice to be home and relax during this day. I got a lot accomplished around the house and also had some fun with the kids. It was the perfect balance.

The kids have so much fun doing the simplest things. They are lucky to have so many kids in our neighborhood. They never lack in companionship. Even though my door was constantly being left open and numerous empty water cups were left on my counter top I didn't mind. This is what summer is all about.

One of the highlights of the day was when local firemen came and opened the fire hydrant in front of our home to clean it out. The kids screamed and giggle and loved getting wet. You would have thought it was Christmas. Many kids followed the truck as it moved from hydrant to hydrant. Boy it was fun.

I am sure someday I will look back and long for these times. I am doing my best to appreciate what I have while I have it.

Sunshine, Summer Fun, Silliness, and Smores

I have a dear friend that I met over 16 years ago on my mission. She was one of my companions (twice actually) while I served in Oakland. This friend is Juli Schiess, but more commonly known as "Tippets". I have been fortunate to maintain and develop this friendship over the years. We went from being single, to newlyweds, to mothers, to exercise partners over this time period. We have discussed everything from child raising, to meal cooking, to scrap booking, to being a wife, religion, clothes, the mission, and even what we will be like as grandparents. She has been part of my life for so long and I can't imagine life without her.

Since we are friends, our children are friends simply because of our circumstances. Ever since Alyssa was 3 1/2 years old we have gotten together for play dates, field trips, park visits and even sleep overs. Our kids our getting older now and there visits are farther apart and yet they still love to get together.

Today, we were able to go to their house to "hang out". I was a little curious about how it would go. Juli has a 13 year old boy and Alyssa is 12. We have wondered how long they would still enjoy getting together or when it might start to get a little awkward. Well it took them a little while to warm up but by the end they were up to their silly antics as usual.

They have a wonderfully huge yard with so many fun things to do. We built a fire and had a cookout for lunch. My kids thought it was great to roast marshmallows in the middle of the day and I swear it was the best smore I have ever had. (Maybe it was because I could actually see it and didn't end up with marshmallow in my hair).

The kids are quite creative and this time was no exception. They created their own "country" called deathopotemia complete with a bill of rights, laws, declarations, costumes and even a flag. It was quite unique.

They had a wonderful time and always hate when it is time to say goodbye. Maybe they will maintain their friendships even after they have grown. Only time will tell.