How did it happen? Well, Halee was created a little over 12 years ago, and now she's at girls camp for the very first time. I'm still trying to "get" how it happened. How is it that I have a girl old enough to go to camp, when I was just there yesterday??? I need an answer, but know I will never get one, because it's just the way the world turns. I'm sort of freaking out though, because in a few short years, she'll be leaving home. I know it's 6 years away, but like I said, I was JUST 12 myself, so 6 years will fly by without a doubt.

The boys and I have kept busy raking and trying to get our new yard under control. They worked with me for 2 hours yesterday while Chris was at Priesthood. I told them I would pay them each $5 an hour. When we finished they started talking about what they would each buy. Austin said he'd think about it. Connor said he wanted a giant lollipop, and Christian said "I am going to save mine." I said "YOU'RE GOING TO DO WHAT?????" This is something I rarely hear out of my kids.. He again said "I think I'll save mine." Connor then him asked how long, and Christian replied "Until I die." I looked at him and said "You are one SMART boy."

Half Marathon At Smith Rock

The 1/2 marathon my friend and I started training for 2 months ago came and went yesterday. We drove up near Bend Friday night and stayed the night. It was me, my good friend Tammy and her sister in law Lauren...also my friend. We ate out and stayed up way later then we should have, and then couldn't sleep even when we tried. It was a loooong restless night to say the least. But thank goodness for adrenaline! We all have good run days and bad run days, and we felt very blessed to have a "good" run day, meaning we were able to breathe, had very minor side aches, and not too much pain (except the last mile.)We met our goal on time too which was all I asked for! It's such a good feeling to accomplish something you have worked your tail off for. Finally the hard work and training came through and I felt so grateful for the experience. I have to thank Tammy for always pushing me and being a fast runner because it inspires me to be ther best I can be, which is really hard at times. I'm thankful we all did it!!

Spending Time...

This past weekend we went to Wallowa Lake for 5 days. We have sort of made it a yearly tradition, but this year was the best yet. We didn't bring any electronical distractions...meaning, no T.V. I never realized how much fun we could have without the normal chaos of life. Most of the time we just spent at the cabin and on the 2 acres that comes with that. Thank goodness for the outside space, because the inside is only a living room, small kitchen and one bedroom/bathroom. But we made it work!! Every morning and night Chris and I would rotate taking a few kids at a time on bike rides. I have determined that I could be a good ol' country girl, and nothing could make me happier. I LOVE the beauty there, and the people there seem so simple and happy. I had a seriously hard time coming home to this busy life. I'm thankful to own our own business, but with that comes loads of stress...however I am also thankful we can come and go as we please. I love this family I have. I love creating memories like this weekend. I'll never, ever forget these good times.

This and that...

The weather has been better which has put all of us in much better spirits! Little Scarlett had a birthday on the 25Th. The big 1!! She is such a sweet child. I love having her in my life. She is all smiles, and even though she's into everything under the sun, she is most definitely worth it.

Halee dressed Grace up in makeup today. Grace is all girl. She begs to wear lipstick. I think she See's Halee and I wearing it, and it makes her want to be all grown up. She cracks all of us up.

I love having the kids home for Summer. They are awesome company, and I love them!!

Summer is no where

The kids got out of school on June 3rd and we had a terrific 1st week off, but then it got cold and started to feel more like Christmas vacation because the kids don't want to go outside at all and there is a whole lot of boredom going around. We have had our boat cleaned and ready to go for 2 weeks now and the weather is ruining everything! So on the positives, we have celebrated some b-days lately. Grace turned 3 in May, and Halee turned 12 in May also. CRAZY 12!!!!! I'm starting to feel a little older now too. Austin turned 10 yesterday. Christian and Scarlett have b-days this month too. June is the insane b-day month for us. And yes I know there are only 3 candles in Austin's b-day cake. This is what happens when you have tons of kids and no time to prepare for these events. Thank goodness for forgiving little souls. I'm thankful for all these little people. Happy b-day beautiful people!

Las Vegas

Just after Scarlett was born, my husband surprised me with the opportunity to take two friends and myself on an all girls trip. I planned for Las Vegas wayyyyy back in July of last year, and have been anxiously awaiting ever since. We were finally able to go over this last weekend, and let me tell you, it was wonderful. I love my job as a mommy and wife, but am thankful to have a husband who understands that I have to be able to have my own identity along with these wonderful roles. It was only for three nights, but I have come home completely refreshed and with so much gratitude for my husband and kids and also wonderful friends!! This wouldn't have been possible with out these great girls to go with me. Below are pics of what we did, and the fun we had. I must say though, the lights and atmosphere was fun, but laying around the pool doing nothing was the best part of all. Thanks to my honey for letting this happen.

This is our normal...

Does anyone really and truly realize how difficult it is to get a good photo of two adults that claim 6 dependents?? I was sitting here bored and ran across this picture of us at Connor's baptism. This was the scary part I wouldn't normally share, but I personally love nothing more than knowing that other families live in INSANE chaos. So I wanted to share, in hopes that this gives other mothers a warm fuzzy "Oh good, I'm not alone" feeling. Enjoy.