Coach Herston

Every time Grant goes to the weight room as a football coach, Herston begs to come to "help" coach and lift weights.

He takes his job very seriously.

Goodbye Shark Tooth

"Yeah, that wasn't coming out." - Nice Dentist

Never a dull moment

This is what happens when you ask a child to replace the toilet paper roll at the Skinner House.

My partner

When I was looking for my life partner and soulmate, I didn't know what questions to ask. I was only concerned with two things: Do you like me when I am having a bad day? Are you committed?

It wasn't until I was married that I realized I should have asked more questions. What is your parenting philosophy? Do you participate in family chores? What will you do if your checking account hits zero?

After answering these questions, I know I got lucky.

He is an involved parent, changing our oldest diaper for nearly a week before I did my first one.

We are equally yoked in the household chores. If one is in school or its football season, the other picks up the slack.

When the account drops, he praises the extra money that we did receive "just in time".

Grant, I love you. Happy Father's Day.

Pit Stop

Building a fort after a family bike ride

On two wheels

Yesterday he said he was too young to try. Today he woke up at 6:30 to prove he could do it.

(He was going so fast I struggled to get a good picture.)

Canyon Lake

We just returned from one of the best family days at Canyon Lake. It was days like today I understand why people buy boats.

I was so impressed with my little five year old daughter! She rode behind the boat like a champ forgetting she was the youngest one allowed out there. And when she flipped off, she would patiently wait for the boat to return and ask for another.

We also ate a little birthday cake and watched Grant and friends jump off the huge cliffs.

A child's prayer

I smelled it first.

Then I saw the smoke. Coming from a crumpled car.

Airbags deployed. Driver unresponsive.

The site was more than my kids and I could handle.

The gravity of the situation went straight to my heart.

My daughter offered the prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please bless the rest of the day. Please help that girl get out before the car blows up. Please bless that she has insurance, so she can get a new car.
Amen.

The big pink chair

Downtown.

The kids told me they were dictators. Their word, not mine.

Worn out

On days I know I will exhaust my kids, I pack their blankets in the car and enjoy a peaceful ride home.

I love sleeping children.

First Fridays Free at the Museum

Just enough kid chaos to keep my kids chatty for hours.

Not for the uptight mother.

Urban Picnic

We found a great organic café in downtown Mesa on our way home from the library. (Cheers to the library reading program!)

I had the turkey and stuffing sandwich. The kids enjoyed Mac and cheese or Nutella sandwiches.

Donut Day

We are a sucker for anything free... And good... And entertaining.

Best summer ever!