Over the Hills and Through the Woods

The first week of June Don has off so we went to visit my parents in Redding California.  The boys had a blast spending time with their grandparents. Our events included a visit to Turtle Bay, walking Sundial Bridge, swimming in Whiskytown Lake, a picnic, a fabulous park, visiting the institute, eating out, and the highlight for them all swimming!

It was really wonderful to see them and see the area in which they are serving.

Where are the Lego men?

Landon. Need I say more?  Death to the legos!

Nothing is as Constant as Change

That's right, nothing is as constant as change.  This is something that I remember President Monson saying a few conferences ago and I have to be honest, change is hard.  But then life is meant to be hard.  We are here to grow and become something that God intended for us to become.  And that something is often not what we had in mind.  And a lot of the times becoming something great hurts a little.  We don’t see in ourselves what he sees.  He sees such great potential and if we allow him to, he will help us achieve our potential.

In May we got to attend Brittnee’s and Carlie’s graduations.  As I saw them moving on in their lives I got to see what Heavenly Father must see. They are both such wonderful women!! Those girls both will/can do amazing things with their lives. It made me remember that life is short and sweet so to make the most if it.  Don’t waste time wishing you were somewhere else, somebody else, dreaming of a different life; BECOME what you know you should be.  If you don’t know what you should be . . . ask.

Building, School Program, & Mother's Day

Landon is at that stage of life where he does the cutes things.  He was helping his dad outside with the chicken coop and put on Don’s work gloves.  Don was also mowing the lawn and the three older boys went out to watch. So Landon put on the only shoes he knows how and his “work gloves” which are snow gloves and a hat. He looked so cute.

Landon and Eldon try to exercise like me.  It is really funny to watch.

Jaron’s end of year school program was on May 9^th.  He was so excited to have his Gram and Great Grandparent’s there.  He did a wonderful job.  He knew all the songs and action.  He seemed to really enjoy himself too.

This one makes me laugh.  Look Asher and Eldon.

Mother’s day weekend I am still recovering from.  I really enjoyed spending time with Don’s family but they all sure wore me out.  It started with making a cake for my niece Courtney.  I love making flowers and cute pink cakes so I was super excited to make one for her. I dropped that off on my way up to the zoo to meet Aaron, Marilyn, Asher, Cathy, and Lisa.  It was a warm day, but the boys really did well and always enjoy a trip to the zoo. Don’s brother Aaron and his wife Marilyn and son Asher were with us for a night.  It was fun to hang out with them.  Don’s sister Stacey also came down to spend the night with us.

Sunday morning Don made waffles, eggs, and bacon for all of us.  He was rather proud of himself.  It did taste wonderful.

Our church’s floors were refinished during the week and hadn’t aired out yet so we were told to just attend sacrament meeting.  I went with Don’s brother Jared’s family to our ward.  The smell was so strong that we were excused after the sacrament.  It was really strong.  I left with watering eyes, a tingling tongue, and a headache. 

The next event for the weekend was lunch with the whole Hughes/Gray clan.  There were 15 adults and 7 kids in attendance. We had café rio and then spent the evening playing games and just having fun together. Family sure is great.

Loosing teeth, Zoo, Grams & Easter

 

One evening while brushing Jaron's teeth I realized that he had two permanent teeth coming up behind his baby teeth.  The next day I called the dentist and they fit us in.  They had to extract the two baby teeth. Jaron was such an awesome kid. The numbing feeling of his mouth worried him a little but he didn't cry or panic like I expected.

We are so glad we have a zoo pass again.  We went to the zoo on the 13th of March and had a blast. It was the perfect zoo weather. The boys were so excited to see the polar bear.  We were able to see the seals training, the bears playing, and the otters swimming right up close to the glass.

Then it was off to Gram's for a visit while Mom and Dad had a few days alone. Erick got some really good pictures while they were there.

A word or two about Landon.  At the beginning of March Landon completed his masterpiece with Sharpie marker on his grandparents wall.  He was so proud of his accomplishment.  Sharpie is hard to get off, so there are a few spots where the paint is a little thin.  Maybe my parents will think twice next time before letting 4 small children occupy their home. We have since located all the markers and put them on lock down.

 For St. Patrick's Day I made green eggs and ham with green milk.  any chance to color their food I take, the boys just love it!
 

Happy Easter all!!  I really love to host events and so offered to host Easter with Don's family.  We celebrated Gram and Cathy's birthdays too.  This was the only Easter egg hunt the boys did this year and I didn't feel one bit bad about that fact.  I think holiday's are getting blow up way too much with gifts and candy. As I walked through the store the day before Easter and saw all the people I just thought, this is way out of control! So as long as the kids don't mind then we keep things simple.
On Easter our family also started a fun adventure.  The Eater bunny brought baby chicks.  We have 6 total. The Golden Sex Links are named Riley (Jaron's) & Kaylee (Bryson's).  The Black Autra Lorps are named Tiny (Eldon's) and Gina (Don's).  The White Leghorns are named Shinny (Landon's) and Sally (Mine).  It has been fun to watch them grow the past few weeks.  Bryson's responsibility is to take care of the pets around the house.  I help him a lot but he takes his responsibility very seriously.

4.10.13

Eldon: "I put my M&M's in the blue cup but there was poo in there.  Now they are all pooish!" That is something you never want, lol.