Chicken Pox???

Nope!!! Last week my sister and her daughter came to visit. The kids definately take after me and Love having family around- thanks for coming guys!! But... the last night they stayed, the kids decided to sleep on the trampoline ( which I must add that cousins have quite the influence or my kids are just growing up- I was shocked that Jessie would be willing to sleep out there without an adult- ). I thought a few times that I should spray them with bug repellent, but... let the thought go. OOPS!!! The next morning they each came in covered with tiny red dots- like someone had taken a marker to them. Tyler's face, ears, arms were covered. The next day they were swollen almost like mosquito bites. I have no idea what it was, but we did get some cream from the dr to help. It did get them out of church- we decided other parents might be a little upset- at least until they heard the story. It is a week later and the bites are fading nicely. When asked if they will sleep outside again.... what do you think they said.... YES!

* Jessie is going to be thrilled that I posted this picture of her- I am starting every once in a while to see signs of caring what others think-- it's too bad.

Love/ HATE situation

One of the things I have loved about my home this year is the raspberry bush that is at the back of our garden. I can usually go out every few days and pick 2-3 cups full. It reminds me of going to bear lake and picking them when we were young, and sneaking a few into our mouths, so that mom could make raspberry jam. Yummy!! The kids waver with their love of the fruit, but the boys enjoyed picking some.

The kids were enjoying time in the yard- sprinkler/trampoline/pool with their friends when Jessie yells the word that strikes fear in every fiber of my being. "Snake". I have always had a phobia- Always!! Before we moved in (I noted the big field behind, and am not sure I was aware of the canal- can't imagine I was- but I was 7 mos pregnant with twins- anyway) I remember asking if they ever saw snakes. No was the answer. Unfortunately within a month or two of moving in- their lie was unmasked. It has been the undoing of my love of having a home of my own. It is pathetic I know- but... it causes such anxiety in me.... I can't even explain it. I pray 1st for the horrible things to stay away, and 2nd to ... I don't even know what to pray for. I try to do things to keep them away, but... So on this day, I called my mother- fearing that I was having a panic attack- then cried- then looked out to see the kids (good thing we had a brave neighbor here) holding the horrible thing- they even named it Flicky. Yeah!! Don't get me wrong, I am thankful that they were able to do this and that they may, God willing, not have my intense fear, BUT.... it changes nothing for me. As many of the things that I enjoy about this house- this trumps them all. And so.... in the future (due to this wonderful economy)... probably way into the future- I will call somewhere else home. Unless the snakes decided to call somewhere else home first. Let's all pray for that to happen sooner rather than later!

Random photos

Yummy!! Dad washed the car, and the boys..... helped- .... and then got thirsty????

Great neighbors in our ward hosted a party the last day of school- Jessie did the dunk tank, Tyler threw the ball.

It has been a long time since I posted- I am creatively challenged- and to put it out there for everyone to see is hard for me- but... when you have such cute kids- you want to share a little. And I must add- I love my kids. They are so challenging, but... they are soooo amazing, and I love them with all my heart- so much that it hurts. I love the time I have with them- and wish I cherished every moment more- even when I have locks on every door and drawer possible, and I vacuum my floor more than once a day, and I sweep up broken bowls, cups, etc. (This is easy for me to say at the moment- they are asleep- but.... none the less. It is true!)

Hanna!!! 4th of July!!!

We absolutely Love this place. It is quiet, relaxing, beautiful- we love being with family and the memories we create here. And we are so thankful for the freedoms we enjoy!

Grandpa came through with a box of fireworks for the kids to enjoy. I just love the look on Justin's (nephew) face.

The swing has found a new home. YEAH!!! It brings back so many memories-

I had to add this picture because it is one of the only pictures I can remember of Andrew actually smiling at the camera. He is impossible to photograph.

One of the favorite activities for the kids is riding the 4 wheelers. Their love of the activity starts VERY young. Jessie learned to drive one of them this year so she could take one passenger along with her- nice for everyone!