Birthday fun

Michael and the kids made me a big "Happy Birthday Mommy!" banner.

The kids wanted to take it down the next day but I am insisting it stay up at least a week.

With the help of Daddy, the kids each made me a coupon card--Clara's was for 12 hugs upon request, and Robbie's was for 3 living room clean-ups upon request. I am going to cash them in for sure. Michael gave me a new scripture bag which I'd asked for, and he also watched the kids for much of the day (even taking them grocery-shopping). We (Michael and the kids) went swimming at our friends' house, the Whiting's, over lunch, which was fun as well. Another gift was painting the kitchen for me and hanging up curtains. But more on that in a future post.

Hooray for another happy birthday!

Back to school

Clara is now in the fifth grade, amazingly.

 Ready to go, no fear. Double peace signs all the way. She was very pleased to have Mrs. Morris as her teacher. She was Clara's aide for a little while in Kindergarten, so they have a good relationship already. Hope it stays that way!

Bunny ears for little brother.

Robbie also got "school clothes" and a bookbag that is over half the size of him. He'll have to grow into it. I was stressed for several months about if and which preschool to put him in, but eventually I realized that the reason I didn't feel good about it was because I shouldn't put him in this year. We are enjoying doing "Teach Me Mommy" with my mom's book two mornings a week.

 My favorite guys.

This year's front entry school decor. Courage, my child, and on, on to the victory.

Thirty-three things that make me happy

As of yesterday, I have been on this beautiful earth for thirty-three years. That's a pretty good amount of time. I am so thankful for my parents and older siblings who raised me and loved (love) me. Birthdays should really be the day to thank parents, not Father's and Mother's days, you know?

In honor of this day, here are 33 things that make me happy:

1. My husband and best friend, Michael
2. Clara and Robbie playing nicely and laughing together
3. Good naps from Henry
4. Getting to bed by 9:30pm
5. Waking up early and having a good scripture study session
6. Green, trimmed grass
7. Warm, breezy days without much humidity
8. Laughing about movie quotes with Michael
9. Good listeners who validate my feelings
10. Sweet young women at church who are brave and make good choices
11. The temple
12.Vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookies or candy bar pieces
13. Good salad
14. Fresh tomatoes from the garden
15. Gardens that actually produce produce
16. YA/youth lit that sucks you in (enjoyed reading Brandon Mull this year)
17. Clean floors
18. Having (making) the time to practice voice and piano
19. Singing
20. A good workout and stretch
21. Breakfast--I look forward to eating it every day
22. Newly-trimmed nails
23. Homemade whole wheat bread
24. new Crayola markers
25. A full tank of gas
26. A clean car
27. Henry smiles and laughter
28. Talking with friends who inspire and uplift me and help me feel adequate
29. Blogging and journaling
30. Being outside, especially with my family
31. The mysterious scent I sometimes smell outside walking that I love but cannot place; some sort of herb or plant that grows wild but I can't ever seem to figure out what it is
32. A fully-stocked refrigerator and freezer
33. The blessings and promises of the gospel of Jesus Christ

Fun with the Superbabes

Last month, we drove to Richmond and enjoyed a day with my BYU roommates Joy, Chelsey, and Karisa and their awesome families. Karisa took these and shared them.

 Joy got water balloons for the kids. Big hit.

 Robbie really wanted Karisa to take a picture of him, and I think he thought he was smiling.

 Robbie and Annie, Joy's little cutie.

 The menfolk.

 Sugar Shack donuts!

I feel super blessed to have these folks as friends.