365+1 Week 27

Photo's #183-189:

"Half" These Perler beads have been a favorite pass time for many years.  This week they were rediscovered and lived in an open mess on our kitchen table for days.  I am always amazed at the hours spent as they meticulously place each bead one by one onto the forms without getting bored of it!

The girls love love LOVE to sell things in a "stand" on our front lawn.  As soon as school was out they started begging to have one again.  Really, what is summer with out it, right?  They decorated their stands and made the signs while I baked- because you can't just sell lemonade- it is the baked goods that really draw in the crowds!! It was decided that after the success of cookies in previous ventures they wanted to try cupcakes this time.  It was also decided that since it was July 3rd we would go with a patriotic theme (girls that we are!). Let it be known that we have some FABULOUS neighbors that are always willing to succumb to the smiling giddy faces of my girls!! In under 45 minutes they had sold out!! So it was back to the kitchen to make brownies this time- which too sold out and they came in with $19- not too bad for one afternoon!!!

Abby's soccer team competed in the Freedom Festival Soccer Tournament again this year.  It is a two day event and they did really well considering the competition.  They finished in fourth place overall, but first place out of the U9 girls- So way to go Abby!! I like this picture because you know it was HOT- near 100 degrees both days- when there are this many umbrella's lining the field seeking some bit of relief!!

Happy Fourth of July!!! We went up to the Davis' to celebrate this year with family and we had a wonderful time.

I did the girls up in this patriotic "Star" hairdo

and they wore the fun shirts I had sewn (following this example) and were sporting these terrific light up glasses!! Don't ever tell us we don't love our country!!! P-L-EASE!! The patriotism oozes out of our bones!!!

And this one is for my mother-in-law- just in case she wants it :)

The next morning we awoke to rain- and lots of it- a downpour really the entire day.  It came to much relief for several of our friends and family that live close to the Alpine fire that was scorching the mountain next to their homes.  Also- who doesn't love a summer storm bike ride through puddles?

Several months ago I introduced Abby to the fine art of Latch Hook.  I remember with much enjoyment when I learned how to do this in 5th grade.  I had to dig deep into the recesses of my brain to remember the correct procedure, but once it was tapped, it was like being transported in time!! Today she had one canvas completely finished and was now ready to make it into a pillow.  We had a little sewing machine 101 and sat together while she learned how this was done.  I think it is pretty cute, and she is already more than half way done with another one.

Abby's seeds have been growing like crazy over in grandpa's garden and today he picked her first batch of Sugar Snap Peas! She was much pleased and we have been dipping and dunking and enjoying them ever since. YUM!!

365+1 Week 26

This last Sunday I hit the half way mark in my photo a day project!!! 183 photo's!!! When I first started, it was such a chore to get that photo taken each day.  I had to really think about what I wanted to document.  Now, it just seems like a part of my everyday life.  My camera now lives on the counter in my kitchen, instead of packed away in it's case downstairs.  My day doesn't seem complete until I have snapped and captured at least one thing.  As I was contemplating this change in my life, so small, so simple- how it has changed my outlook on my life. It really is a "gratitude" journal.  Each and every day I look, and always find, something in my life that makes me happy. Something that I am grateful for right then.  It has made me look on the bright side so many times these last six months and it really has made me a happier person!  I never thought when I started that this would be the outcome when I hit the half way mark, but I am having such a good time!  I already know now that these next six months are going to be a blast!!

Thanks for coming along for the ride!!!

Photo's #176-182:

As you already know, every Sunday evening we are over at my parents house having piano lessons.  This has given me the opportunity to visit and check in on them every week and it really has been a great thing.  Now that the garden is in full swing we all went out to check on all of Abby's plants and to see if the eggs in that nest we found while picking the strawberries had hatched.  They had not, but we did scare that poor mother to almost death again- and we were able to captured a beautiful photo of all her hard work!!

Olivia, bless her little heart, has a fear of animals, especially dogs of any kind.  Paul and I like to say it is an over-irrational-phobia-beyond-measure type of fear!! We came to the conclusion that the only way she was ever going to make it through life in any sense of a normal fashion she needed some exposure therapy.  And so, our kind neighbors down the street agreed to subject their sweet little Maggie to the terrified hand of our little Olivia!  Bless them really, for trusting me that she could do it!!! It was decided that Olivia would take Maggie on a walk a couple times a week- and while doing so, we would stop every so often for her to sit and pet this dog and get her to eat treats from her hands- this was ALOT to ask.  But do you know what?  After only ONE time she has learned a new confidence within herself and developed a love for this little animal, and now Olivia is asking ME if she can take her Maggie for a walk!! Way to go LIV!!!!

Today was yet another soccer practice for Abby as she prepares for her upcoming tournament at the Freedom Festival in Provo.  It happened to be running right during dinner time, so we packed up a picnic and sat under a shady tree and enjoyed the evening air while munching away. I have said it before and I will say it again- I don't think Liv can take a bad picture-

 well she did start doing this with her chocolate covered pretzels and making her sister roll in hysterics!!!

One of the greatest additions to our little town is the Manila Pond!! Oh, how the girls adore this place with it's sandy beach fronts and cool waters! Truly, we could play there for days, digging in the sand, swimming out as far as possible, gliding around on kick boards and floating on chairs while the sun warms our skin.  We usually pack a picnic dinner and head over in the late afternoon (just as people are starting to clear out) and then stay until well after 8:00 pm as the sun begins to set in the sky- GLORIOUS!

Today a friend of mine was having and birthday so we headed to our favorite spot- the Sweet Tooth Fairy- to pick her up a birthday treat.  Naturally we couldn't come away without something for ourselves too!! My favorite, Toasted Coconut- YUM.

This afternoon I set to work on the holiday wear for the girls- I am very pleased with how they turned out- stay tuned for the annual 4th of July photo shoot next week!!! I know you can hardly stand the suspense!!!

My sister and I are ramping up our cycling training in preparation for the 100 mile race we have our sights set on in August.  Saturday's from here on out will pretty much be starting with a nice long ride.  Today was our first on our training plan- 30 miles, from my sister's house to Saratoga Springs- the lakeside out there really is beautiful. Next week it will be 40 miles.

365+1 Week 25

We had another fun week of summer activity.  We said goodby to my siblings and cousins just as we were all becoming good friends again :(  It was sad, but we now look forward to the Fourth of July and you all know that I love me a good holiday!  I am in the works for some darling homemade shirts for the girls!!

 Here are the photo's from last week!

Photo's #169-175:

"Father's day" Paul does not like to have his picture taken, I don't know why! But I did need to document these cute tie's that the girls made in Primary the week before. (Thanks for humoring me, sweetums!) I was in charge of the holiday celebration with the church children and thought it would be great fun to see all the father's wear their child's creations proudly, front and center.  It was so wonderful to see the smiling faces of my girls as Paul wore all three to teach his class that day!!

As we were leaving Bear River Camp ground last Saturday the girls captured a cute and fuzzy little caterpillar.  They put it in a cup with some native leaves and brought it home with us in hopes that it would turn into a butterfly.  The next morning I came down and wanted to photograph the little critter only to discover that it had already cocooned!  Man, they caught that little guy just in time!! Now we just have to wait and see what magnificent transformation takes place- so exciting!!

On the final day with my family in town it was decided that we would rondevu at the Hogle Zoo together for some animal exploration and fun.  Sadly, I didn't get very many good pictures- full sun and just too much discovery- but I did get this shot of the cousins looking with delight at the sea lions swimming around in the newly opened Polar habitat.

I also captured these cute faces as we rode the Zoo Train together.

"Flying" The neighborhood friends captured this magical dragon fly this afternoon.  That evening mercy overcame the girls and they decided to release it back into the hands of nature- only it didn't seem to want to leave, quickly flying out and landing on Eva's stomach!! It sat there for quite some time before it flew away. I suppose it was in shock that it had in fact survived it's capture!!

"Summer Time" The heat has descended on our desert lands.  It is sunny, hot, and sweaty.  The only way to beat the heat is to get wet! Today we set out our new friend, the gecko sprinkler and it was a total hit with many of our little friends.  Eva LOVED running up and jumping as high as she could over and threw the water for the cool refreshment it was giving out. This girl has got some hops!

"Strawberry Days"  All year long the girls await the arrival of the City of Fun Carnival to our town.  It is fun- I can't blame them- the lights, the sounds, the foods, paired with the highlight of Abby and Louisa riding the Fire Ball for the first time ever!!  Abby was so determined to conquer this ride! They were so scared and wouldn't stop talking about it for the rest of the evening!! You know it was a good night when amid the glowing lights and sounds of prizes being won and music lofting in the breeze, the sun has set and Eva is crying the whole way to the car because she just can't let her tired self leave :)

Tonight Paul and I went out on a date night.  We have been doing this once a week for awhile now.  These pancakes have become the staple weekend night dinner for the girls because I know they will eat them without debate and they are easy to make. Who wants to cook a dinner when you are leaving to have a stress free meal of your own prepared so kindly by someone else?!

365+1 Week 24

Photo's #162-168:

"Best part of your weekend" Well other than our camping trip already documented- Seeing Eva in her new favs for her cute little tootsies to ride in as we headed off to church was pretty grand!

We have started doing our "Summer Stations" after our morning chores and daily routine.  On days when we have no plans and nothing scheduled, we rotate through 6 different stations for 30 minutes a piece after lunch is cleaned up.  The Stations that we have settled on are as follows: art, piano, Computer/Webkins, reading, puzzles, learning (ie. math games on ipod, phonics reading cards, etc.). Today the art station was water colors. In the past it has been play dough, markers and coloring books, and finger painting. So far so good- it eats up a lot of time in the "I'm bored" afternoon and it is totally quiet!! Not to mention that we have been doing so much better on keeping up the piano practicing- last summer was terrible!  Hildie you're a genius!

On our way home from story time Abby looks out the window of our car and says "Mom, look at that cool rainbow!"  I in turn say "there couldn't possibly be a rainbow- it hasn't rained in days and it is 85 degrees outside."  She disagrees and makes me pull the car to the side of the road, lean over to her passenger window and wouldn't you know it- a totally cool horizontal rainbow in the clouds!! Awesome! Who else saw this that day?

After going to several dance performances this last couple of weeks the girls have been totally and completely inspired by the movements, music and showmanship!  They began practicing and putting together their own performance- including MANY costume changes, group, and solo performances MC'ed by Abby herself and music selections by all the girls.  Paul and I were given hand drawn invites and programs- but the piece of resistance was upon arrival to the performance hall (ie. our front room) our phones were sequestered as to not distract ourselves or others during the performance!! I'm not sure what this says about us exactly but I do know that we are KICKING ourselves for not recording the dancing on camera for future blackmail!!


My family was having a reunion this week.  Three of the 8 children live out of state and were traveling in.  This was the first time in over two years that we have all been together at once! All the siblings, all the spouses, all the children! I was so happy to see everyone and spend several days camping with many of them down at Bear River on the south end of the Nebo Scenic Byway Loop.  Being that I have great photo's from this three day adventure of nearly all the 43 people that were in attendance I had much trouble nailing down just one photo for each day.  It wouldn't truly show what fun we had together- so this is the best I could do! I am still sad that I can't share all the goodness here- it would just be too overwhelming, I guess it will just have to go in the scrapbooks instead. :)

This is all the pop-ups lined up together (there were several tents as well)- and it wouldn't be complete without some card playing by the youngins!!

The next day we drove the loop up into Payson Lake to do some rafting, lounging and outlook jumping.

Yes that is Abby on her first ever jump- it was pretty high and I was so impressed with her bravery!!

On Saturday we did some hiking and then packed up and went over to my brother's house for a family picture taking adventure followed by a fun BBQ  and lots of playing in his backyard.

I also have to include this photo's of my sister and sisters in law- all due within a couple of weeks of each other this summer (they didn't want me to take it, but they WILL thank me later right!),

and this fantastic picture of my Brother and his little boy having the time of their lives!! (we were laughing so hard at this shot, joking with each other that it should be put up on the church's website promoting happy families!!)

And our night ended with the spectacular Cedar Hills Fireworks celebration shooting off right behind my brother's house! (Thanks Rand for the low light photography tips!) Thanks family for a wonderful time spent together- I hope it isn't that long before we can do it again!

365+1 Week 23

I can't believe how the time got away from me last week and I didn't get my photo's posted.  Don't you worry! I haven't missed a day yet!!  So here are the photo's from two weeks ago and tomorrow I will post up the ones from last week.  There is just too much goodness going on and I am having a hard time narrowing down all the photo's from our last couple of outings!

Enjoy!!

Photo's #155-161:

"On your plate" Today was our first official Summer 2012 BBQ with Grandma and Grandpa D.  As always Paulene put on a great party and the table setting was perfect for a perfect evening spent together.  Aside from all the lovely salads, fruit, and grilled corn on the cob, we enjoyed grilled teriyaki chicken and pineapple kabobs. Yummy!

"Up close" This is one of the flowers in a pot resting outside my front door.  It is my favorite flower in my favorite color, so you can see why I am in love with this photo right now!!

"Descend" After attending story time at the library, we made our way over to the nearby park for a little picnic lunch and play. The girls always love to swing as high as they can reach the tips of their toes and then let themselves fall back to the earth bringing with it jumping tummies.

We were in charge of my Father's garden while they were on vacation.  The number one task was to pick the strawberries and eat them so they wouldn't go to waste.  There was no complaining upon accepting this responsibility- Delicious! (Remind me to tell you later about the bird we discovered nesting in the berries and how it nearly scared us all to death trying to protect it's nine little eggs! The girls faces as they screamed and took off running- so, so, funny!)

We went back over the next day to continue in our house watching duties and while I was watering the plants and picking up the mail the girls decided to leave a little surprise for the Grands return.  I LOVE that they left drawings of themselves just in case they wouldn't know who had left the sign!!

A couple of weeks ago we were finally able to get our hands on a "new to us" pop up camper!  We have been looking and saving all our spare change in a jar since last fall.  We quickly snagged the last available site in the Granite Flats campground up American Fork Canyon and went away for the weekend.  Family time together, a glowing fire, roasting dogs, gooey melty smores and perfect temperatures made our evening outstanding!

The next morning we were in no rush to get ourselves home and back to the grind, so we went on a little hike together.  We ended up with a lesson in proper rock climbing technique and the girls felt like they were on the top of the world!

See you tomorrow with last weeks photo's!!!

365+1 Week 22

School is out and we are having some fun!  The weather has been beautiful, the girls are in good spirits and we are out and about.  I know that it has only been 5 days, but I am just so happy to have a break from all the shuttling to and from places!! How has your summer been going so far?

Photo's #148-154:

"Tradition" Every Sunday Paul and Abby cook a pasta lunch together.  She gathers the ingredients and preps most of them.  Paul cooks the pasta and supervises the prepping.  They have this little saying that they always recite while getting everything out:  "If you want to eat it, you gotta help.  If you want to help, you gotta eat it!"  Needless to say, Olivia does not participate!!!

"Memorial Day"  Aside from getting together for a street neighbor BBQ we met up with Grandma and Grandpa D. over at the cemetery.  We have been doing this for several years and it is always good to go and see the Greats, and this year Paulene's dear sister, leave beautiful flowers and then roam the lawns looking at all the beautiful things.  We always like to find the most interesting stones, or the oldest dates.  This monument is one of our favorites- it is just so beautiful marking the final resting place of a dear child.

Today Olivia had her field day.  She wanted me to make sure and come pick her up early so that we could snap a picture of her dear friends together.  One of these girls has been her very best friend since her first day of school in Kindergarten.  She was moving the next day to Illinois and Olivia was desperately heartbroken over it.  She will be missed, but we wish her the best on her new adventure!

I just feel as though this photo perfectly captures the beckoning of Summer! Beautiful weather, cute sundress, sun kissed skin and bubbles.

"Last Day of School"  All of my girls had a wonderful year of school this go around.  They had great teachers who really loved and cared for them.  They had great friends.  They were happy and content.  They excelled beyond measure.  These pictures document the awards they received from their school and teachers.
I wasn't able to attend Abby's last day of school but she came home and told me that she was called up on stage with several others to be recognized as scoring in the 95% or higher on the state standardized testing!! They gave her this medal and we couldn't have been more proud! Although I am very sad that I missed the presentation :(

Olivia was awarded the clean desk, most self governed in the class, physical fitness, Top Artist in 1st Grade, Top Scientist in 1st Grade, passing the entire 1st grade level reading list, and the Most Creative Award from her teacher!! It read: Olivia, you never ceased to amaze me at what you came up with in your presentations.  From Thanksgiving books to state reports, you always shined with your visual aids and thoughtfulness.  Your sweet personality only exceeds your creativity.
 Way to go Olivia!!

We went to the Ward BBQ Friday night.  We had lots of fun with all our ward family, but this was by far the jewel of the night.  Several of the kids trying to lift Paul off the ground on the teeter-totter!! They were only successful when one of the other dads finally came over to help them!!

Abby had tryouts for the U10 Celtic Storm Club competition team a couple of weeks ago.  It was INTENSE to say the least!! There were no less then 50 girls trying to achieve one of the 20 spots available.  I was a nervous wreck the entire 2 day, 4 hour a day tryouts!  But our talented little girl wowed the coaches and was selected onto the team amid my great relief.  Today was the soccer team get-to-know-you kick off pool party- such a great picture of all the excitement to be a part of the team!!! It should be another great year of soccer with these fun girls.