What's going on here

This blog has been a quiet place lately, except for lots and lots of photos, and although I think my kids are pretty spectacular and cute, I'm sure you would like to know a bit of what's up around here, besides parties, and family time.  I have been doing something way out of the box for me.

I have been exercising. 

There. I said it.  I am putting it out there.  For those of you who know me, or have asked me "are you pregnant?" (that is a whole different blog post) can understand that this is a huge deal for me.  I hate to sweat.  Hate it more than anything.  But it has been brought to my attention (those "pregnant" comments were a contributing factor, but not the whole reason) that I need to get in shape.  Now, don't get me wrong, I have not changed my diet, or given up the (sluuurrrrrp, AHH!) coke drinks, which I know I need to, but I can feel a change.  It's not like I am going crazy: it's 2 times a week with some great friends from church and school.  But I can feel more energy, and I do enjoy feeling like I am taking care of myself.  To be honest, I can see why people get hooked on exercising.  And of course, I have to have the right outfits and accessories to wear.  I am completely hooked on these Sweaty Bands to keep my hair out of my face.

No, that's not all I have been doing.  I have been doing my share of nitpicking.  Literally.  The last week of school gave us some unwanted house guests (I use the term "guests" very lightly).  Emma got lice.  (admit it, your head is itching now just at the mention of the word.)  Everyone has been complementing her on her new haircut, which I gave her that very night.  My boys are now sporting a VERY close summer 'do, and we are washing, washing, vacuuming, and picking, and treating.......it's been long.  I won't bore you with all the details of the nits and whatnot, but it's a very long process.  The kids have been very calm about it, and it seems the adults are the ones that are freaked out (rightfully so! it's GROSS!!) and get the heebie-jeebies when you mention it. 

Patrick and Tommy just returned from Scout Camp, another week long camping trip that was so much fun.  Hiking, swimming, shooting, archery, and lots and lots of singing.  Tommy said he barely saw Patrick, he was so busy with all the fun.  The biggest news from camp was that he passed his swim test!  It was a huge deal to pass the test and get his swim badge (75 yards on his chest and 25 yards on your back), and this momma was so proud that he is swimming so well.  We did some swim lessons in April and May, and I wasn't fully aware of how well they did, until we went to the pool and I watched my kids feel comfortable in the water and go off the diving board with no fear!  For this lady who is NOT a good swimmer, it was a pretty big deal to me.  I had a more relaxing pool trip, and it was such a great feeling.

Otherwise, we are enjoying summer, and getting ready for the start of school, at the end of August.  There will be 3 (yes, I said three!) of my children at school!  My William will start Kindergarten!  I am hoping he gets the right teacher for him, and will work hard and be a good kid.  I know the teacher will have some great stories to tell about him in the teacher's lounge, but I am hoping he does well.  It will be an adjustment, as any kid going to school will be, but he's a lefty, and very stubborn when it comes to letting me teach him anything.  Here's hoping all goes well.  I can't wait to see him in his little uniform.  It's going to be so cute!!

James is definitely in his "2" phase, and is saying soo much!  He repeats the last couple words of all that you say, will play "hide and seek," pretend to sleep and snore, and imitates William and his big siblings non-stop.  He understands so much, and is very willing to help and eat at all times.  One of his favorite things to do is to call somebody on the phone.  He especially likes to call my mom and dad, and they don't understand anything he says but I know that they love it. 

Yee-haw!

Vacation Bible school was called "Sonwest Round-up" and I decided to volunteer in the music station this year.  I have to admit that I was super nervous, and was not sure that I would do a good job.  We listened to the VBS CD in the car and were singing all the songs, as well as learning all the hand motions.  I had 3 of my kids looking up at me as I am singing and dancing, and I wanted to do the best.  I had no idea what to expect, and I am happy to say that we had an amazing week.  We had a few bumps with William, but he was doing well by the end of the week.  He got into the western theme the most, and was super cute with his bandanna and hat.

As you can see, we have some happy for pictures, and some not.

We had some really great songs that were super catchy, and one day while I was driving I hear this little voice in the backseat singing and doing some hand motions!  I had to get it the next time I heard him and wasn't driving.

4th of July

Busy, busy July

I realize that this month of July is only about half over, but the amount of family and fun that we have packed into these weeks will be remembered for such a long time.

My brother and his family arrived at the beginning of the month.  He has 5 beautiful and sweet girls that just seem to bring out the best in each of the kids in this area.  I realized that my kids seem to be the most similar in ages, and that made for great bonding!  It has been such a special family time to be with them, and to have all my children just as happy to see them.  They drove from Vermont to visit, and only planned on one week, and by the second day they were here, decided to prolong their stay an extra week, to include my Dad's (real) 70th birthday!  My heart has been so full, and the tears that were shed when the goodbyes began were not only from the kids.  It is such a blessing to have our family close, and a little of our hearts left with those girls and went to Vermont with them.  I am going to share just a snippet of the photos that were taken, and they will not do justice to these weeks.

This picture only shows part of the grandchildren with Papa and Mani for his birthday.  We have 29 grandchildren in our family!