What's the Deal?

Here is a picture of all the school supplies we were required to purchase for our 3 kids starting school in less than 2 weeks - kindergarten, 1st grade and 3rd grade. In addition to all these items, which are all considered "community property", in otherwords, not necessarily to be used just by our children, but to be used by all the school kids, we're required to pay a $5.00 (per child) school activity fee, and a $10.00 (per child) class fee. What?? Where does this money go? To subsidize the out of pocket costs incurred by the teachers themselves? When there are field trips or other activities during the school year, we're asked to pay additional fees, so with all the supplies provided by the kids' families, what's the deal? Has it always been this way and I was just oblivious to it as a child? It seems like I remember going to the first day of school with a backpack containing a new notebook, folder or two and a few pencils. Our 3rd grader was asked to bring 48 pencils, not to mention all the other stuff - kleenex, ziploc bags, snacks,etc. - seems a bit much to me.

August 3, 1999 in the Salt Lake City Temple

It started with a kiss and an eternal promise...

...9 years, four kids and many experiences later, we're still hanging in there and growing stronger every year.

Happy Anniversary!

(Can't wait for number 10, it's going to be a doozy. Woohoo!)

Baby O' Mine

I came out of our excercise room this morning and this is what I saw. I guess someone's been watching as his older siblings have been getting ready to go back to school in a few weeks. I mean, come on, jeeze, could this kid be any cuter?? Not that I'm biased, or anything...

Opportunity knocks.

There are days when I feel like my life is passing by so quickly, and I haven't contributed much, if anything, to the world around me. I mindlessly multi-task, cutting the crust off a PB&J, attempting to answer a barrage of questions about life's mysteries from one child, mediating sibling tiffs between two others, all while the fourth clings to my leg making a whining noise that resonates and agitates, pushing me that much closer to insanity. Today I felt encouraged while reading a couple of articles in this month's Ensign. If nothing else, I have the most lofty responsibility of helping build the character and laying the foundation for the future lives of four little souls with which I have been entrusted. Reminding me that the legacy that I am creating with my life, is directly affected by how I react in those moments of near insanity. When I go to bed at night, do I feel guilty for how hard I was on the kids that day, or do I sleep easy knowing I was as patient and loving as I am capable of being? Honestly, most of the time I feel like I fall short of what is expected of me, but I resolve to wake up the next day and do better. When I try to keep in perspective what I want my children to feel - loved, respected, encouraged, trusted - then it's a little easier to be the mom I want to be. Note I said easier, not easy.

So, any of you mothers who may feel this way at times, you're not alone! And if you have any tips on how to curb whining in 5 and 6 year olds, pleeeeaaaasssee... I'm all ears! My knowledge base is tapped and dry.

Family Trip Number...?

Earlier this week we received a visit from one of Chris' cousins and her husband as they were traveling through on their way up to Island Park. They let us know they would be blessing their new baby on Sunday and invited us up to Chris' aunt's cabin for the family gathering. A trip to the mountains, surrounded by beautiful scenery, scouting wildlife, and visiting with family we haven't seen in awhile - we decided we were up for the adventure.
So on Friday we packed up the kids, hitched up the trailer and headed up to Island Park, taking the Mesa Falls scenic byway en route. Once we were there, we set up our "camp", next to Donna and Duane's cabin, spent some time with the cousins and their kids, and explored a few of the area highlights - Henry's Lake, Big Springs, West Yellowstone, Montana, and Island Park Reservoir. We ended our trip today (Sunday), by attending church for the baby's blessing and then making the long drive home. We're all tired, but it was so fun to visit another area of Idaho we'd yet to discover!

Welcome to the "Bake-ry"!

Today's specials include cocoa-chocolate cake, brownies with frosting, and cupcakes with pink frosting and sprinkles. My favorite thing about these pictures? The kids are all playing nicely together - it's a home-baked miracle!

My sleeping beauties.

Don't you just love a good afternoon nap? Unfortunately, it never seems to be me that gets to partake in the actual sleeping aspect, but I do enjoy a moment's peace as a couple of the kids do.