How I do my job(S)...

...one in one hand, one in the other. It's tricky bizness.

Fall pictures.

Doin' some mini-sessions if anyone wants them!

Boo.

Summer went WAY too fast. Way. I thought it might be hard. And long. But it wasn't. Well, there was definitely some hard, but for the most part, we had fun. Doing a whole lot of nothing. Just hanging out. Me and the kids. And now, tonight is a school night. And we had to come in from the warm summer evening early. And take showers. And set alarm clocks (BOO) which I don't even do for church. And we have to get up "early". And pack lunches. And calm nerves. And start a brand new adventure of ALL DAY SCHOOL. What? A day I thought I'd been waiting for, but now I'm not quite ready. And I think it might be nice to keep her home just a little bit longer.

But it's time. And so tomorrow, we wake. And we kiss her goodbye. And enter a new chapter of life.

I remember bits and piece of first grade. Guess it's time to start being more careful what we do and say around here. Cause now she might remember. :)

Good luck in the first grade Jaida. Don't talk to strangers. Never get in someone else's car without MY permission. Be kind to your friends. Always stay with a "buddy" after school. Make lots of friends. Meet new people. Listen to your teacher. Don't tease. Enjoy recess. Be yourself. Don't worry what everyone else is doing. Finish your homework. Stand up for the kids who get picked on. Stand up for yourself. Read every day. Don't kiss boys (yet anyway). Share. Look both ways when you cross the street. Have fun. And please, please, please, still be excited to come home.

Moods.

Oh how quickly this.....

...can go to this. Such a tempermental little boy.

Happy Birthday. A little late.

Back in April my dad had a milestone birthday. The big 7-0. So he of course needed a big party. We invited a few of his closest friends and some family. And did a Hawaiian theme (since he lived there for several years and it's more fun than no theme). And we ate. And watched a little slideshow. And reminisced. He's had quite a life. And I haven't met anyone more genuine or caring than him. He'd do anything for anyone with expectations for nothing in return. He's the most un-selfish person I know (sometimes too unselfish).

He also officially retired from surgery this year so technically, he's not working. But he still has plenty of calls from neighbors and family to keep him busy. Something he honestly loves.

It's tough to sum up my dad in a little blog post. Nothing could be said to give him justice.

I just pray he's around long enough for my kids to really get to know him and remember him. Because he's one of the most remarkable people you'll ever meet.

4th of July!

Once upon a time we celebrated the Independence of our country! It's one of my favorite holidays. And this year, it happened to fall on a Sunday. So I had the family over for dinner. And then we did fireworks with patriotic music blaring from the car stereo. On the Sabbath (gasp). In Utah County (double gasp). Because in my world, God is patriotic too!

Happy Birthday America. We sure love you.

Three year olds and bikes.

There's a reason 3 year olds shouldn't be riding bikes without training wheels. Lots of reasons. Mya ate it on her bike yesterday. Ate it as in she turned too sharp and her face smacked the pavement. Our neighbors pavement. And now they have a nice little bloodstain on their driveway. And Mya has a pretty sweet scrape on her nose and a fat lip to show for it. There was blood. Lots of blood. And I'm pretty sure I'm the worlds calmest mom when it comes to blood thanks to the amount of it I saw growing up (thanks Dad and all the neighbors who showed up at our doorstep bleeding from all areas of the body).

After getting her cleaned up, lots of kisses and reassurances that she wasn't going to die, she looked up and said "Can I ride my bike?" Um, nope, we're done for the day. Your nose and face will thank me later.

After a good month of no-training-wheels-bike-riding under her belt, Mya has now moved on to trying to ride with no hands (yes, she seriously tries), turning her handle bars around backwards, looking backwards or up at the sky while riding, and throwing both legs onto one side (side-saddle) while gliding. She rides WAY too fast and refuses to keep her helmet on. It's terrifying to watch. I usually just have to go inside.

But maybe one day all the tricks and thus scrapes, bruises, and blood will turn her into a hard core BMX biker who earns us lots of money. :) Maybe. Just maybe.

Yep. I'm a professional.

Most people would probably look at this picture as an "out-take". For me, it's perfect! And I think I'll be blowing it up big and hanging it somewhere in my house. Because this....this is who they are. Jaida being Jaida. Mya pulling her usual faces. And Carter--crying. This is my life. These are my kids. And this picture is going on a wall!

Uh-Oh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAIDA!!!

My first born turned SIX today! Six.

Happy Birthday Jaida! You already know we love you!

She's a keeper.

What would I do without her around to make me smile?!

"Mom. Can I wear my goggles in the house?"

Sure thing Mya. Sure thing.

Mya on the fast track to dancing star!

Just ran across this gem while organizing pictures and movies (a daunting task). This girl makes my heart happy. And if it doesn't make you smile, there's something wrong with you. Stick with it to the end. It's worth it. Don't mess with Mya's camera time. :)

Carter's hide out.