You can do hard things...

I have been the wicked witch of the Northwest for around 6 months now. Around the month of January we found out our church would be taking the youth (ages 12 through 18) on a pioneer trek. They would be pushing handcarts for many, many miles. There would be about 300 kids involved. When Halee found out about it, she said there was no way on earth she would be going. She was afraid. Unfortunately for her, she has a very mean, nasty mother that said she was going, whether she liked it or not. Ever since that day, she has been mad at the fact that we were making her go. And the closer it got, the more she worried her little head off. There were times where I questioned our decision in making her go, but I prayed about it tons, and the feeling I got, very strongly...almost like a slap in the face, was that for some reason, heavenly father wanted her there, and Satan did not.

I have asked my parents many times the question "If you could do anything different in the way you raised us, what would it be?" They always say, they would have found ways and situations in which to strengthen our testimonies on a greater level. I personally think my parents did a great job in raising us, but I have taken them saying that, and am trying to apply it to my own life and family. Plus, when it comes to the pioneers, and all they sacrificed, my heart swells like no other. I truly love these people I have never met, and feel a connection with them, in mine and their love for the gospel.

Halee left for the trek yesterday and comes home tomorrow. I am so relieved she is there. I am so relieved that I don't have to be viewed as the evil wicked mother anymore. I can't wait to have her home. I am going to have her post on our blog some of her experiences tomorrow or the next day. I have a feeling it's going to be a really good update.

Boating makes me smile....

Our boat is the greatest family time investment we have made. I have no regrets about getting this lovely little piece of heaven. It is something we can all do, and have fun together. Plus, it was a great price. This is our third Summer with it, and we were finally able to take it out last Saturday. The kids had so much fun. We spent about 5 hours on the water. Our favorite thing to do, isn't tubing or skiing, but just parking the boat in the middle of nowhere and letting the kids play on the tube in the water. We just kick back and eat lots of yummy food, and get a little vitamin D. The getting tan part is actually kind of nice too. Now if only we could get some more sunny days...

Judge me if you want...

But I am just not ready to take Scarlett off a bottle. Yes, she did turn two on June 25th. But the bottle is the love of her life, and once it's gone, she won't be my baby quite as much, and neither of us are ready for that. So, cut me a little slack...after all, she IS my last.:)

I like you...I like you a lot.

I have been thinking a lot about my brother in law that lost his wife six months ago. I have been thinking about how hard it must be to keep on living. How much his girls must want to see their mother. It breaks my heart. I know there is a purpose in it all...but, boy oh boy, it is hard to see it sometimes.

It makes me feel grateful to have Chris in my life. He is my rock...and I know at any time, I could be asked to go through the same thing. Losing, a husband, or even a child. I need these reminders so I remember to tell my family I love them. To forget about the little messes the kids leave. To not get so mad at Halee for leaving her hair straightener and makeup out for the millionth time. For not caring that the boys are so loud sometimes, I want to chop my own ear off. To pick and choose what I feel the need to argue about with my husband.

I am thankful for all these little dears in my life. And more grateful that I can be with them forever...no matter what happens today or tomorrow.

Christian's Birthday...

My little boy turned 7 on the 29Th. One more year until the big baptism. He is a cowboy at heart, just like his dad. This is why we got him play guns for his b-day. Yep, you heard me right....and next year, maybe even a BB gun. We love you little man.

What would I do without you??

I love having a little testosterone in this house. I don't know why, but lately I have felt so grateful to have boys. I now they can be messy and loud, and break everything I own, but all that pales in comparison to what they bring to the table.

Just the other day we went on a drive that I was unfamiliar with. After driving for a good 1/2 hour, I went up another road...stopped to look at some kittens for sale, and went back the way (or so I thought)I came. After about 5 minutes Austin and Connor say "Mom? Where are you taking us?" I said "I'm going back home." They said "Then why are we getting closer and closer to the mountain?" Oops...they were right. It was like a had little compasses hanging out in my car. I love feeling protected. Not only do I have this luxury in my husband but also in three wonderful boys that love me so much.

Scarlett's enchanting b-day...

My baby is now two years old. I got it in my head somewhere down the line that once a child turns two, they are no longer a baby. Is this true?? Tell me it's not, please. In the words of Scarlett O'Hara.."I'll think about that tomorrow."

We took the kids for a day trip to see the Enchanted Forest. They had so much fun. We haven't been in 5 years, and I worried that the bigger kids would be bored. But they were not. Even I wasn't. I guess our whole family is just a bunch of kids at heart. The weather was perfect and the kids were awesome.

We got home and had chocolate cake and celebrated Scarlett's big day. It was a perfect day.