TEN THINGS TUESDAY!!!

It's that time of the week again, where I reflect on the blessings in my life. I've been so behind on blogging that I will have to update, during my list. This week, I am thankful for:


1. My brother who was so sweet, when I was a little sad today and had to get off the phone with him. He sent me such a sweet text message. Siblings are the best and I have two of the best ones!!




2. A fun get-together at my Godfather's (Bobby) house. We have been so close to them, all of our lives and it's so special to get to spend time with them. The weather was beautiful, the sun was hot, the pool was ice-cold and refreshing, the food was delicious and we couldn't have asked for better company, or a better day. I love for my children to be surrounded by the people who I was surrounded with, growing up. Here is a picture of Muffin (my godfather's wife), Lorie, Mom, Me, Kelli, and Kathy (Bobby's sister) relaxing on a float. What a fun day.



3. My Godfather and his wife's new puppy. They had just recently lost their beloved dog, and it was so nice to meet the newest addition to their family. The kids loved playing with "Cookie."

4. The way that Emily still says things that are not quite the right words to use, even though she is 10! They were putting on sunscreen and we had run out of the "spray" kind, which is way easier to apply. She said, "Mommy, should we just use the old fashioned kind since the spray one is out?" The "old fashioned" kind is the regular kind that you squeeze out of the bottle! hahahaha! So precious!!!

5. Spending the day with my sister, at the pool, while she was off from work. We were able to catch up on a lot of things and it was so nice to just be with her.

6. My brother, who is such a great uncle to our children. The girls love their Scott!



7. Rob, Emily, Ryan, and Hunter for cleaning out and vacuuming my van, this weekend. What a wonderful surprise!

8. The joy of three different girls, with three different personalities, all getting along and playing so nicely! Which can be a rarity, so I take it when I can get it! LOL!!



9. Unlimited texting! This has opened up a whole new world of communication for me. I am a talker and this frees me up quite a bit to chat with several people at once!

10. For Worship Art Camp for the girls this week. For skateboard camp for the boys. It's been nice to get a little free time, while they are having fun at their camps.

11. I'm adding an "11th" one today, because I just feel so blessed! Lastly, I am thankful for the life that I have and to be given another day on this earth. Thank you, Lord! Life is too short and precious to take any day for granted.

Thunder Storm ~~~

~~~~ cut our pool-time short yesterday!! We were having such a fun day. I picked Sarah up so that she could swim with us and my brother met us there, with Brandon and Joshy. We were having so much fun, when all of a sudden --- BOOM!!! --- went the thunder and the lightning followed shortly after. We hung around at Nana and Poppy's for a little bit, hoping that it would pass. But, we ended up heading home, with the rain in tow. We do need the rain, though, so my flowers and plants are loving this.

Slurpee's ~~~~~~

~~~~~~ it's what WE do on hot, no pool-going days!!!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY!!!

It's that time again. A time where I reflect upon the blessings in my life. This week, I am thankful for:

1. Four children (my own 2, 1 niece, and 1 nephew) who are playing so nicely today.


2. The beauty of a new friendship -- thanks, Steph!

3. My cool, air-conditioned house. It's so hot outside today.

4. Our "down" day. We are on the run constantly! And, it sure has been nice to have a relaxing day at home.

5. Almost catching up on our laundry. I'm almost there. :-)

6. For the precious gift of life -- I am blessed every single day.

7. A day with no headache. The past few days I have had a headache every single day. Today, I don't. It may have something to do with staying out of the sun today. hahahaha!

8. My sweet Emily, who took care of my sister's cat this weekend, while she was out of town. She was so responsible and took her job as "cat caretaker" very seriously. I am so proud of her.

9. Family day on Sunday. Rob works so much and it's always so much fun to have him with us. We had a nice day at the pool and ended it with a delicious cook-out.

10. My friend, Jenn, who always leaves me the nicest comments and messages. She is such a blessing to me.

New Friendships!

It's always so nice to meet new people and I really enjoy it, because I consider myself a "people" person. What a wonderful week that I've had, getting to know Steph. She was one of Myra's roommates and it's really been great talking to her. In the midst of such tragedy and heartache, with losing Myra, it has been such a pleasure meeting Steph. Have you ever met someone that you just "click" with? Well, I have and I feel that way about her. We have lots in common and I look forward to our daily talks. Thanks for a wonderful week, girly!!

Family Day!

We another fun day at the pool. It seems like that is our entertainment of choice, these days! Well, with the price of gas, and with Rob's parents having a pool, and living so close to us, it just seems the natural thing to do. We all love the water. Also, after all the yard work that the boys did, a refreshing dip in the pool, was just perfect. Emily still has to keep her head above the water. And, for a child who is the first one, of the season, to get into the pool and is always in the longest out of everybody, she is doing a great job with self-control. I really thought that she would have "accidentally" slipped under by now, but she hasn't. I'm so proud of her. Emily and Ryan got out all the fake food, pots, pans, cups, and plates from the garage and played "restaurant." They cooked Rob and I some yummy food. Then, Rob got out Poppy's remote control boats and they played with them. It was a lot of fun. We had a great family day!

Ryan helping Daddy!

Yard work -- and what a ton of it we had!! Rob and Ryan did so much work this morning. Our grass and front flower beds look so pretty now. Thanks for all the hard work, boys!! You both are the best! I love you so much.

Emily and Tiger!

Kelli went out-of-town for a few days and Emily has been taking care of their cat, named Tiger! He is the sweetest cat ever. She has been walking down the street a few times each day to feed him, play with him, let him outside, and clean the litter box (yucky -- and, she's washed her hands every time she's scooped the litter). Kelli will be back tomorrow, so today was her last day being responsible for that sweet cat. She has really loved taking care of Tiger.

Tiger coming out from their backyard -- he loves when Emily shows up.

One last picture of Emily and Tiger.

Pool Fun and Cooking Out!

Yesterday, we went to Nana and Poppy's pool, again, because it was so hot! Before we got into the pool, Emily and Ryan fed the fish in the pond. Nana and Poppy went out of town and left food for the kids to feed the fish.

The fish swimming to the top of the pond. They are hungry!

Emily feeding them!

Ryan feeding them!

Look how hungry those fish are!

My sweet babies -- Emily and Ryan!


Since Emily still has swimmers ear, she couldn't go under water. So, my precious girl just floated around all day and stayed in the shallow end. She did go off the diving board once, in a big float, but she almost went under water, so she couldn't do that again. Ryan stayed inside for a little bit playing a video game. Then, he joined us later.

Emily, keeping hydrated, on the float!

Ryan playing video games!

Ryan finally getting in the pool!

Self-portrait of me, before I got in the pool!


After Rob got off work, he came over and went swimming with us. It was a wonderful day. I ran home later and got food so that we could cook-out. The weather was so nice that we decided to stay at Nana and Poppy's, for dinner. They don't mind that we "borrow" their house, while they are gone. They are sweet like that! LOL! After we watched the Avatar movie (a Nickelodeon animation that Rob LOVES -- hehehehe), we went home for the night.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Early this morning, Caitlynn got picked up to go camping, with South and his family. So, after I got her off for her trip, Emily woke up with her ear still hurting! Poor Emily, her ear had been hurting for the past few days and I didn't really think that it was anything to be concerned about. Well, I was wrong. When she woke up, she told me that she was up a lot throughout the night. I called the doctor and they told us to come in at 9:40am -- yikes -- we had to rush, but made it! Luckily, Rob went into work a little bit later, so he dropped Ryan and Hunter off, at skate camp (their last day). I took Brandon and Joshy with us. Well, after waiting for an hour and a half, we were finally seen! Dr. Holman told us that Emily had swimmers ear. We were sent home with a prescription and instructions on Emily NOT going underwater for SEVEN days!! He told her that the length of her hair was perfect for "cutting a little deal." He said that she could still get in the pool, as long as her hair didn't get wet! So, at least she is still able to get in the pool and "cool" off. Nana and Poppy have tons of floats that she can enjoy. So, we plan on going tomorrow (Saturday).

After we picked the boys up from camp, we took Hunter to a friend's house to spend the night. Then, we went to IcePlex for Emily's private lesson! She did such a great job and passed to the next level -- Freestyle 2. So, this means, that she can practice on the ice, during Freestyle sessions, without her coach present. What a huge accomplishment. She has only been taking lessons for 10-months and has just soared through the levels. She is quite the natural and I just love watching her.

Nana and Poppy came over tonight, to visit. They are heading out of town and wanted to say "goodbye," before they left. It was nice seeing them.

Thursday, July 17, 2008 - Our American Girls, with their American Girl Dolls!

While the boys were at skate camp, I came around the corner and saw this, in the living room ............



I just love that our girls still play with their dolls. I think that children grow up way too quickly these days, and it's so refreshing to still see the innocence of girls playing with their dolls.


We didn't go to the pool today, because Emily had her Edge Class and Learn To Skate class tonight. Plus, Caitlynn had cheerleading practice. So, it's always too draining for them to be in the sun all day, then have to go and exhaust themselves at their evening activities. Rob took Ryan and Hunter skating, at Mike's, tonight.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

While Ryan and Hunter were at skate camp, Emily and Caitlynn invited two of their friends, to the pool. Emily had a great day with Gabby; and, Caitlynn had a great day with South. It was a perfect day for swimming, as it was very hot! Here are some of the pictures, from the day.

Emily and Gabby ~


South and Caitlynn ~


Raft Races (Caitlynn and South) ~


Emily and Gabby diving for dive toys ~

Happy Things!

Just a few things that make me, oh so, Happy!!!


1. New friends!

2. Meet me in Montana, by Marie Osmond!

3. A new People Magazine, arriving in the mailbox. I love this part of the week.

4. Diet Pepsi! Sad, but true. Hey it's about the little things in life that bring happiness!

5. My sweet family!


I hadn't posted about "Happy Things" in a long time. So, I thought I was long over-due on a "happy" list!

Skateboarding Camp!

Before Camp ~~~



After Camp ~~~


I took the above pictures yesterday! I just love the difference in BEFORE camp, versus AFTER camp!! Look at those dirty faces (especially on Ryan) and disheveled hair. LOL!! They skate hard for the four hours they are at camp, and are so ready
to jump in Nana and Poppy's pool afterwards!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY!!!

It's that time of the week again! The time where I give thanks for the blessings in my life. If you'd like to join in on all the joys of "Ten Things Tuesday," please click on the cloud picture above. It will take you to the right spot!! This week, I am thankful for LIFE!!!!! With the passing of a dear friend, on July 4th, and her Memorial Celebration on July 12th, it just makes me thankful for being alive!!!

This week, I am thankful for:

1. The wonderful Memorial Celebration of Myra's life. Her services were private, as she wanted to have her ashes scattered on her Mother's grave, up in New England. Her roommates held a beautiful bonfire memorial celebration, at their house. Myra loved bonfires and we shared stories of our sweet friend. There were no doubts that she was with us, as we celebrated her life!


2. Myra Alexandra May! She came into my sister's life many years ago and they shared a very special bond! Therefore, I had the wonderful opportunity to call her my friend. When she was diagnosed with cancer and given a pretty grim prognosis, she continued to live her life -- to the fullest!!! She enjoyed each day and has made me more aware of just how short and precious life is! Because of my sweet friend, I now wake up each day, with a new-found appreciation for life. I have vowed to ALWAYS have GREAT days ~~ don't sweat the small stuff!! Thank you, sweet friend! I will never forget you! Here's a picture of Myra and my sister, Kelli!


3. For the health of my entire family! Thank you, Lord, for blessing them all with good health! And, by my entire family, I mean, JUST THAT -- Rob and I, our children, my parents, Rob's parents, my brother and sister, their children, Rob's sister and her family!! The list could go on and on, we are all blessed with good health!

4. For another day that I am alive and am able to enjoy all the things that God created! Thank you!

5. For the smiles on my children's faces, each and every morning, when they wake up! I actually NEVER get tired of looking at them and all of their expressions! Thank you, Lord, for that blessing!

6. For my marriage and the happiness that it brings! Thank you, Lord, for bringing Rob into my life so many years ago ~~ almost 12-years of marriage, to be exact!

7. For friends -- near and far -- they are always there no matter what!

8. For a promise of eternal life in heaven. We will see you again, Myra, and all of our loved one's who have gone before us!

9. For the ability to love and be loved!! The human spirit is an amazing thing!

10. For life!!!!! I know that I mentioned this already, but am just so thankful that all of my loved ones are still with me today. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Party at Nana's and Skateboard Camp!

Today, Ryan and Hunter started a week's worth of skateboarding camp! This is Ryan's second time this summer and Hunter's first time. While the boys were at camp, Emily, Caitlynn, and I went to Nana and Poppy's house, for a pool party. Nana invited all the ladies from her shop, and their children and/or grandchildren. It ended up raining quite a bit, but we still had a lot of fun. We let the children continue swimming, until we heard thunder. Poppy came home and cooked hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. While it was thundering, all the kids went into the den to eat and watch a movie. Luckily, the rain and thunder stopped and after I picked Ryan and Hunter up from skate camp, they were able to swim again. It was such a fun day. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Look at all those children!!!

Closets??? ~~~

~~~ not so much, today! I had grand plans of pulling EVERYTHING out of our closet, this afternoon, and having Rob put our closet organizers in. Well, with Emily getting invited to a pool, with her friend; Ryan playing nicely on his own; and, Rob wanting to have a relaxing day, I just decided that I wasn't up for the task of closet organizing. Plus, it was really nice to be able to read my book, with nothing pressing going on.

Maybe next weekend, we will tackle the closet project!! But, until then, I will enjoy the rest of the evening, with my precious family.

Myra's Memorial Celebration!

Tonight (Saturday, July 12, 2008), was Myra's Memorial Celebration! Scott and I rode together and met Kelli there. She went really early to help them get ready. Her roommates, Michelle and Stephanie, had the memorial at their house. It was really nice meeting everyone, who loved and cared for Myra. We had a bonfire and toasted our sweet friend! Another friend, Heather, made a beautiful photo DVD, with music that brought tears to my eyes! It was so special that she shared these DVDs with everyone. She worked so hard on this wonderful tribute to Myra and I am so thankful to have been given a copy. Rest in Peace, Myra, you are finally home! I will never forget you!

I tell you what, I have really been thinking about how SHORT, life really is, lately. In the blink of an eye, it could all be over. I think this is such a great reminder that NONE of us, are promised tomorrow. We need to live our lives, each day, as if they are our last. Make sure that you hug your children. Make sure that you kiss your spouse good-bye, as they head out the door, to go to work. Make sure that you live your day, with kindness and love ~~ have fun and enjoy family time together. I know that looking back, over Myra's life, one of the things I admired most about her is the fact that she LIVED!!! She lived her life to the fullest. She didn't sweat the small stuff. I really, really, really, admire her for how well she handled all the obstacles that were set before her. What a fine example of how to live your life. I think from this day on out -- I will always have "GREAT" days! I will choose to make sure that each new day, that the Lord gives me, will not be wasted!!!

Isn't She Wonderful??

Emily, after her bike ride!! I love her beautiful green eyes -- I think they are pretty magnificent, too!! I love how Rob and I both have brown eyes (and, so does Ryan), and Emily ended up with these gorgeous green ones!! I love it!

Isn't He Lovely??

Ryan, after his bike ride!! I love his beautiful brown eyes -- I think they are pretty magnificent!! It's hard to believe that my little boy has longer hair, than his sister!! But, I think it's beautiful!

Pool Time!

As you can see from our previous posts, we went to the pool today. It was so much fun. There's nothing like a couple of days of rain, to really make you appreciate the pool again!! It was really warm and the water was super cold, because of ALL of that rain. But, that made it for a really refreshing dip, when you got in. Here are some more pictures of our day.


Jenn, this is for you! Emily is making this doll go "potty" just like the doll that Nicole was playing with! LOL!! In fact, it's the same exact doll!


I love the fact that my niece and daughter still play with dolls!!! Children grow up too quickly these days!


Ryan in mid-air! I love when I am able to capture these action shots!

The Anatomy of a Relay Race ~~