{Tea}

We haven't hosted a tea party for at least a year, for more than two anyway. With Maisey's broken foot now seemed like the perfect time. We bought this fun new game (a very young child's game) because we love tea parties (Maisey has 6 or so tea sets she's collected), and we embellished by using real food.
Afterwards the girls watched an American Girl Movie and did some doll hair.

They had a great time and I decided I am the next one to have the girls for tea!

{This Week}

The weather has been SO beautiful this week- FINALLY!

So we went out with some friends for a nice evening. They did slolam skiing, wake boarding. Chad and I stick with the tubes and it was a wild ride. I honestly thought I was going to break my nose after getting hit really bad on 2 occassions. I had to call uncle and stop because the 25 MPH felt like 200 and I wanted to leave that night as I came!

Obviously the kids don't got so fast, but it's fun to watch their happy little faces!

Maisey, was good sport, although she wanted so badly to get in the water!

Her cast has been on for 5 days, but it seems like longer.

To keep busy, she has been reading (not too much however), playing games (electronic and board), watching some flicks, painting some faces, and doing some serious American Girl Doll hair with a new book and video she bought with "sick- get better" money. This week she's been great and still managed to have some fun at birthday parties, and the Stake Pioneer day.

{The Breaking Point}

This beautiful, brave little girl finally realized her summer fate on the way home from getting casted today! It was a breaking point, and a few tears and a big frown was displayed.

She's happy because we signed it!

***

It was a little sad when she realized she would miss most of the soccer season, and summer season which included lots of swimming, bike riding, boating, and pretty much everyone else summer!

But, there is no good time anyway with lessons all the school year long.

So, we will make the best of this down time. And a friend pointed out (A), this will slow us down a bit- okay A LOT!

Dang those Razor scooters!!! But, Maisey has informed me several times, she LOVES the pink cast!

{Greek Girls}

Ciara won the Greek hair contest and she should have! She was sporting some awesome heels (not pictured) and other cool accessories (beads and polyester)!Lisa, Carly, Me, Adrianna, Stephanie (back row)

Kristy, Ciara, Julie, and Naomi

These are my lovely gals. I don't actually know Stephanie, and Michelle is missing, and Jamie moved, but is always in my heart, but nonetheless, they bring light into my life.

I recently read a story about the release of oxytocin in the female brain. The study shows women are actually "happier" when they are with other women. Sometimes I think I am WAY too social (is there such a thing, I will check the DSM), but I really don't care as long as life stays fun!

And my gal pals keep it that way! I am connected to each and everyone of them in a different way, and we all respect each others differences. They love me for who I am, uniqueness and all!

They sure are special and I wish everyone the happiness I have when I am with them.

I always thank my husband for my "me-girl time." I am so lucky!

{Random- without pictures}

I've been back in school for 2 weeks now. As disciplined as I am, it has been a difficult adjustment with an extra family member home!

Along with the usual work and school, we have still managed to have some together at fountains, the pool, ice skating, etc....

Chad has also been great at taking the kids to the usual places (Zoo, Omsi, children's Museum, Pump it Up) at least 2x a week to keep them busy and out of my hair. Honestly, Maisey HAS to be busy every moment, and rather than wish she would entertain herself, we just go with it. And really, with a mom like me, it's no wonder she loves to be socializing. I can't stand not being busy, although a little down time would be nice!

I managed to get strep throat, a sinus infection, and a nasty eye infection (in one eye of all things)! It isn't bacterial, and it is less swollen today than it has been, which is really lovely. I scared myself when I looked in the mirror!

That's the update for now!

P.S. I am down 66 lbs and the neighbors are still reaping the rewards. Sometimes we go to the store and I agree we can buy something... Then we get home and I think it is too much of a temptation. SO, their waste lines are probably expanding!

Pictures to come in a week at my 5 month mark...

I do need to lose 16 lbs. in the next 3 or so weeks so I can horseback ride in Sun River. It's been my goal since I started so wish me luck!

I MISS BAKING!

{Cousins}

Cousins Peyton and Colby moved a little further away but they came to stay the night while their folks got some stuff moved. The kids painted
Sculpted cookies out of neat, already dyed dough. made picture framesand played beauty pageant and photo shoot. Okay, I "played" too! They just enjoyed being together!

{4 months}

Saturday was my 4 month milestone.

I don't feel so pleased right now (and I hate pictures of myself) because as you can see, this skirt isn't fitting right. Nothing fits right. My giant muscle calves have barely changed while the rest of me has gone down 5 clothing sizes. They keep saying I will be proportioned, but I'm not so sure!

59 lbs, 64.5 inches.

I concentrate on the inches when things are moving slower than I like and the fact I am moving forward! I will conquer this!

Just 112 lbs to go, or so... I am more focused on a size than the scale!

{Independance Day}

The day started out with the local parade. We are usually out of town with family, so this was a first in our town, and the kids loved it! The police department had some cool moves.The fun and entertaining rodeo. Overall, our 4th was a blast!

{kiddos}

Will this kids ever give me a nice smile, rather than a cheesy grin?

This is better!

A girl who never passes up a photo op!

{Smith Farms}

We went to pick Raspberries, but came home with Logan berries (which weren't fully ripened, and strawberries, oop)!

Nonetheless, the frozen yogurt shakes were to die for!!! I even had one...

{Omsi}

It was a BEAUTIFUL today and oddly we spent it inside due to prior plans.

We visited Omsi since our membership is due to expire in 2 months.

We have been members for years but we may take a little time before re-joining. With Maisey in school all day and the other countless places to visit, as well as our other memberships (Zoo, Children's Museum, Pump it Up Passes), we didn't visit as much as we thought this time around.

Cute Maisey and her adorable friend Lexie holding hands. The girls like so many of the same things and were ecstatic when we picked Lexie up because they both has the same tank tops on from Justice and jean skirts (we even tried to buy the same jean skirt but they didn't have Maisey's size). Ryley in the rocket.Ryley loving the construction equipment.

The girls loved the Narnia exhibit, although Maisey has seen it all before. They even asked to go back after spending a ton of time in there. I love the movies too and seeing everything up close is even more enchanting!

{9}

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary!

Time has gone very quickly. Like with all relationships or seasons in life, that can be seen as both good and bad!

In 9 years of marriage and nearly 11 years in our relationship we have:

gained weight and lost weight

moved 6 times

were sealed in the temple (6 1/2 years ago)

spent 7 years in college at full time status

changed majors from nursing to social work

completed the first year of a masters program in marriage and family therapy

changed jobs several times

made Chad a stay at home dad

had 2 children (1 which was born 2 weeks before our first anniversary

LOVED being parents

never spent the night away together without children

never forgotten our love for each other.

{Cousin Time}

Cousins Peyton and Colby came to stay the night.

The girls wanted to sew pillows and blanket for their American Girls. Peyton

They did a great job too!
The kids didn't sleep much. They changed locations a couple of times. Poor Colby didn't get much room in the end.
It was fun to listen to them giggle late into the night. One moment (11:54 PM) I hear chuckling and the next (11:59 PM) there is dead silence- and snoring!

The next day they all wanted to swim- there favorite pass time!

This little guy is a riot to watch. He spends most his time under water!We love their company. They are the sweetest, most polite kids!

{Skate World}

Maisey LOVES to skate! She also loves her friend Lexie!All I can say is these girls are adorable...

And, there's nothing like writing a talk on baptism while AC/DC is being blasted in your ear and the disco lights are going!