Love...

Fact: Chris tells me every single day...EVERY SINGLE DAY, that I look "pretty" or "beautiful" or maybe it's "you smell good" or it could be "your hair looks nice" and the list goes on. I've done nothing...NOTHING to deserve this kind of love other than loving him. But apparently love is enough. ❤️

Explosion...

Homemade volcano's...because summer wouldn't be summer without imagination, creativity and siblings.

The fair...

I remember years ago (I was around 8 years old) waking up early to watch the movie Charlotte's Web. I'd never seen it and couldn't wait. It turned out to be one of my most favorite movies. Whenever I go to the fair it reminds me of this movie. Seeing the 4H animals and eating elephant ears...riding the rides. It all reminds me of that beautiful pig named Wilber and his devoted spider.

Today was a success at the fair and I loved being with my children to enjoy every minute.

My biggest and oldest child...

When Chris gave his talk in church today, I kept seeing this lovely little unicorn on his papers. This is what happens when you have kids. Somehow it got inserted onto the paper and he never could get it removed so he proceeded with it. Every time I looked at him as he spoke I could see that big unicorn and wondered if anyone else saw it too. Maybe they'll just think he's a big kid at heart.

Growth...

Chris and I spoke in church today. Yay for us. Thankfully that little piece of stress is behind us...little Grace left me this sweet message after church today, and it completely warmed my heart.

I may not enjoy speaking but Austin said to me today..."there's no growth in the comfort zone." I'm so thankful for the example of children.

P.S I'm also thankful

For heart eyed emojis...

Temple weddings...

We had the opportunity to go the Chris' nephews temple wedding this weekend. It was absolutely beautiful. I told Chris that the girl he was marrying probably doesn't even know quite yet, how well she scored. She was the first girl he's really dated. Chapman's aren't players and I consider that a true quality. His parents (whom I consider to be true examples) must be so happy.

It made me super excited to see my own sweet boys go to the temple one day. And my girls too.

That song we all know "I love to see the temple?" It's true, in every sense.

Sextuplets...

When you go just a little crazy in the party store...

My hot date...

Date night was always a priority in my parents house growing up. Friday night meant that mom and dad were going to get Mexican and that we'd be watching a movie and eating neopolatin ice cream on a blanket so we didn't get it on the carpet. Some of my favorite memories.

We have kept the tradition going and always have our Friday night date night. Thank you mom and dad for teaching me the priority of "time" with your spouse.

Selfie with a sister...

Nothing can beat that..

Miracles and thank goodness for the priesthood...

A very scary thing happened to Conner while we were in Arizona. He was swimming in the pool goofing around when one of his cousins jumped on him. His knee ended up becoming completely dislocated. His kneecap was literally on the outside of where it normally would be. Pushed completely to the outside of his leg. He yelled for his uncle Justin to help Him. Justin lifted him out of the pool and poor Connor was in excruciating pain. We thought we'd have to take him to the ER but I worried sick about the pain he'd experience being transported. As Chris lifted him to take him to the hospital his knee (by a tender mercy from heaven) popped back into place on its own. I've never been so grateful and relieved.

He's been wearing a knee brace and after having received a priesthood blessing has healed quicker than we ever could have imagined.

Scarlett's baptism...

Our sweet little girl was baptized while we were visiting Arizona. It was absolutely beautiful being able to have her surrounded by so many family members during this special event in her life. Chris gave a talk on baptism. He spoke about his father who passed away nine years ago. He talked about how his dad always said that he didn't want any "empty chairs" in the next life. We all felt his presence strongly during the baptism and I have no doubt whatsoever that he was there.

Austin and Scarlett are basically best friends. He baptized her (at her request) and Chris confirmed her. What an opportunity this was for Austin who will soon be serving a mission. He did such a great job.

Scarlett wore the dress I was baptized in 31 years ago. The same one Halee and Grace wore.

I wish my parents could have come too but they were so understanding to the fact that Chris' family hasn't been able to be at any of our children's baptisms due to geographical distance.

Scarlett said she felt "fresh and new" when she came out of the water. 

We are so grateful for this sweet little girls decision to be baptized.

Chapman family reunion...

We spent the past week with my husbands side of the family for a family reunion. It.was.wonderful. 

The boys rode 4 wheelers. All the kids swam all day long. They spent time getting to know cousins. We had a family home evening where each family shared something spiritual and there were lots of happy tears and memories shared. Chris has a remarkable family. It's good for me to see this because it illustrates to me why he's so special. I wish all of his siblings could have been there because it would have been that much better. I love them all.

The last two days we spent alone (everyone had left) so we stayed in Scottsdale and the kids had a blast swimming once again. I will say this. I missed the green in Oregon! I never realized how dry Arizona is. We will always remember this trip. Great, great memories.

Halee and Jared adventures...

I just these two to pieces...and they apparently love each too, which makes me super duper happy. The fact that they are making their own memories is truly a beautiful thing.

Play me some Hawaii...

My ever loving Connor has once again taken on a new challenge. The ukulele. He's already learned three songs in two short days. This young man never ceases to amaze me...

Pedi time...

We had ourselves some "girl time" today and headed to get pedicures. I am a nickname kind of girl and the girls are my sugar plums. It may sound cheesy but it's true. Pure sugar and happiness and I love spending time with them.

Beautiful sunshine...

If I could freeze time and make summer last forever, I might just do it...

A family that runs together stays together…

This is been a fun summer, I haven't had to run by myself. If you know me well, you know that I hate to run alone. The kids of been asking if they can run with me and at first I wondered if it would be an inconvenience. But it has actually been absolutely and positively wonderful. Seeing their strengths makes me happy. 

Freedom...

Happy Independence Day. Freedom is a true blessing and gift from God...

My daughter caught a fish...

There's no one in the world who

Could get Halee to go fishing with the exception of Jared. He can get her to do outdoorsy stuff that no one else can. 

P.S I love seeing them happy...

Old faithful...

My husband has been making taquitos for me for the past 15 years. Unfortunately for him the kids are also in love with this tradition and even our new son in law looks forward to Chris' taquitos more than actually visiting with us. True story.

They are truly the best. He's truly the best. We can always count on him to treat us every Saturday night. 

And yes. I should have been born a Mexican.