Mini Breakdown

 Towards the end of the summer at home with the kids got really difficult.  I believe it was a lack of routine, kids bored, me grouchy and who knows what else was going on but it made for the perfect break down.  I expressed  my extreme displeasure towards the kids one night to Mike and he knew that I needed a getaway.

So for the sake of my family, I left part of them behind...it felt great to get away!  Although I was not completely by myself I had the two easier kids...Mo and Tater.  The first night we drove to Logan and stayed a night there.  Morgan and I treated ourselves to some girl fun, we painted nails, took a long hot bath and just relaxed.

The next day we headed to Idaho...it just so happened the Call family reunion was going on.

 It was good for Morgan to see Bella and good for me to just have to worry about two kids for a little while.

 Tatum was a little off but still a good riding partner.

 My Grandma Carol is an amazing woman.  She is such a great example of kindness, patience, and so many other Christ like attributes that I hope to develop one day.

 My Aunt Kathleen is such a pretty lady and so fun to talk with.  There is never enough time it seems to catch up.

 Here is my beautiful sister Cort again!  So crazy that she is in so many family pictures again.  Did I write that I believe in miracles?  Well I do, and she is one for sure!

While I was off with extended family Mike and the boys decided to go have a fun boy weekend without the wicked witch around...(those are my words that I am sure the boys would use to describe me during that period... and still probably today too when I have to tell them no, or go do chores, or get your homework done...etc. )

 Mike being the AWESOME dad he is took them to Park City!  They climbed this huge rock!

 I am so proud of them...how brave!

 Carson always seems to have a smile on his face.

Cole is really concentrating in this one.  I was so pleased to hear that Mike took them to do something fun too.  I need to have him write about that trip because I am not sure all they did..but I know they had a blast.

It is so weird that life can really just start to pile on you if you are not careful. So much so that you start looking at the ones you love and all the blessings in your life in a negative, ungrateful way!

 I am so thankful for the time out I got  to clear my head and regroup.  I am so thankful for my boys and all the lessons they are teaching me about myself and what love really is and how much I still need to improve.  I am so thankful for a husband that loves me even with all my shortfalls and temper tantrums.. I am so thankful for Heavenly Father for all that I have.  I would not have my beautiful family if it was not for HIM and His loving plan to provide us with a SAVIOR so we can repent when we mess up!  I am so THANKFUL for FAMILY and the love, security, and happiness I experience with it.

Idaho Trip to Remember

 This just melts my heart to look at...all the little nieces together. Harley is 6, Bella is 3 and Morgan is 3.  ADORABLENESS

 This group of kids are really something special.  They play together so well and they are so fun to watch and be around.

 At Grandma and Grandpa's house they have a fun little play house. This trip Grandpa had put a pool of water at the bottom of the slide, which made for many fun hours of outside play.

 Cass couldn't miss out on any of the fun!  She is so good with the kids!   I was so happy with this trip home.  The highlight was playing bad mitten (sp) with everyone.

 Here is Jared having fun on the slip and slide.  I tried it I think a couple of times.  I don't slip and slide like I used too...it hurts a little now that I am getting older!  Jake and Jared didn't have any trouble getting after it...

 Cole and Daisy.  He has always just loved that dog.

 This may look like I am not having any fun but I actually was.....Mike was messing with me!

 Here is Cort and me!  That is a story that I am going to need to document in the very near future.  She has gotten clean and has been coming back to the family since last December now!  I can't even begin to express my feelings of joy about that little fact.  We have not had fun like this for at least 10 years....God does work in mysterious ways and I need to remember to never give up on anyone!

Here is my beautiful little Morgan...such a joy.

I had such a great time with my family this past summer.  We were all together.  Jake and Jared came down for this trip so it was so fun to have all my siblings together with our kids and have fun.  I love family time.

Carson's Tooth at Grandparents House

 This past summer we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a visit.  When we got there Carson told Grandpa about his loose tooth.   And Grandpa being Grandpa told Carson he could pull it out.... totally reminded me about how he would pull some of our teeth out when we were younger!

 Carson is just the bravest little kid ever...he was totally okay with Grandpa going in there and wrapping some fishing string around his tooth and pulling it right out!  See he is even doing it with a smile...

 Carson is the BEST!  He is so happy and easy going.  I love watching this little boy grow up.

 Grandma and Grandpa getting a little Tater time in.

Mom you make one good looking Grandma!  

the little things

 Its crazy to me how right my life feels at times...  When I think that I have a husband that loves me and the kids, and makes it possible for me to stay home I just feel so overwhelmed with gratitude.  

 Rasing a family is tough but when I can slow down and see the special moments taking place it makes all the tough times worth it.

Michael was sweet (or crazy) and bought Cole a BB gun.  He took the boys out to show them how to do it.

 We have a stray cat that came and had kittens in our backyard.  There are four little ones and this little black one lets Morgan play with it.  I can't even put into words how cute it is to see Morgan cuddle the kitten and pack it around.

Here is our 4-H group.  We got together to make really decorative and fun cupcakes for our sponsor.

This is a great group of kids and we are happy to be involved with them.

Over conference weekend I heard some talks that really stressed the point to take time and have joy.  To not wait for the if onlys to come but have joy in the hard times as well as the good.  I really want to make more of a conscious effort in applying that advice because my joy is really found in the small things that are in my life....if I choose to slow down and see them!

Just a day

 The boys get home from school around 4 . This is one of those days last week when they got home.  I was just lookin around at all the kids and thought to myself...I want to remember this..so I pulled out the camera and this is what they were all doing.

Carson is hard at work on his homework.  (He is doing excellent in school!)

 Morgan just all dressed up in her jewelry putting on a show for Tatum.

 Tatum just doing his normal I love you to death smiles at everyone that walks by.  ( I have started brushing his hair over like the boys and I think it looks so cute! )

Cole felt like playing in the tub when he got home so here he is wondering why mom is walking around taking pictures of everybody!

Things are good on the home front here.  I am very content and happy with life right now.