Ethan's first loose tooth

If Ethan looks scared, it is because he is. I consider it parent neglect to let you kid go to school with a tooth that loose, so here he is, seconds after his mother attacked him.

It is a little anti-climatic when there is a tooth already waiting.

Mother and Sons

So... when it is Father and Daughters' campout, it is Mother and Sons' chillout. I was so grateful we were able to do it this year. I took the boy's to the new aquarium at Arizona Mills.

Ethan wanted to take a lot of pictures.

And Ethan loved that he was able to hold a real starfish.

Herston... not so much.

Happy Birthday, Raea!

My oldest turned nine this weekend. It is amazing watching her turn into such a wonderful young lady. Hard to believe its true.



Raea and I had a heart to heart a couple months ago. She asked that I no longer post things about her. She doesn't understand the beautiful, simplicity in her words and actions. I have respected her request, but I still get holidays.

First Day of School

Kindergarten, Fourth Grade, First Grade

And just like that, another one leaves.

My Big Little Man

I am a sucker for a man in a suit and a good deal.

Every other Saturday our Goodwill has everything in the store for half off. I couldn't resist this Polo sports coat for $1.98.

Larissa is 5

Happy Birthday!

She will not be proven wrong. At Goodwill, we got Larissa rollerblades. The peanut gallery was very quick to point out that she was only five. Rollerblading is too hard for five year olds; let alone 7 year olds. We went home, and she immediately put them on. (Yes, I am one of those mothers that didn't protest her wearing them inside the house.) She even experimented going down our little driveway hill.

In case you didn't know, she is amazing.

Independence Day

Have I mentioned how much I love my kids? What they say and what they do!?

Makes any holiday loving and great.

4 little monkeys sleeping in my bed

While Grant was gone, I allowed a different kid to sleep with me in his place each night. After everyone had their turn, I just let everyone pile in.

prayer changes everything

For summer fun, my kids spent some time painting wooden cars. I lined the kitchen table to prevent accidents.

As I was returning from the bathroom, I saw three kids diligently scrubbing a kitchen chair. Ethan had spilled the water cup used for cleansing the brushes onto the fabric chair.

Ethan saw my [not happy] face and froze.

"Get cleaning now!!"

Now Ethan is a very unique individual. Sometimes I feel like he is in his own world, so I wasn't too surprised when he just got on the floor and on his knees hunched over the water bottles for a couple seconds. Then he popped right up.

And then it hit me.

With tears in my eyes and now in my throat I said, "Did you just say a prayer?!?"

"yes."

I couldn't be mad anymore. I grabbed a magic eraser and started helping out. We then took the chair outside to spray it with the hose.

So... if you come to my house and literally see a rainbow on my kitchen chair, you will know that you are seeing the love of Christ.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.

children are perceptive

Raea: Mom, can I go to a friend's?
Me: I guess.
Raea sits down next to me, hugs me, and then rubs my back.
Raea: Is everything ok?
Puzzled.
Me: I guess.
Raea: I have known you for eight years. You only say "I guess" if you are sad or tired.

I love Raea and her caring soul. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Grant does come home tomorrow.