Being Left Out...SAD!

My neice was so sad....All the kids were on the trampoline so I wouldn't let her get on to play. Look at her sad face...I love this little girl!

StAy aT HoME mOm!

What does stay at home mom mean? I always thought it meant, have a clean house, reading, volunteering, a little ME time, being organized etc.etc.etc.....
Well, I have yet to find time for all the things above..my house is still a mess, laundry still not caught up, reading? ME time? But I have to say I have a new found respect for Mom's who stay at home and Mom's who work. How I ever got anything done before I came home is amazing. I now know how organized working Mom's are, making the best life for their families while still being successful a work..finding balance never an option! But perseverance and hard work a must! Stay at home Mom's are the same. I have learned to organize my time in a different way. To be productive, remembering to play with my children more (I have more time now), and be successful in my other responsibilites, and still no balance! I don't know how I ever did it before but HATS OFF to Mothers wherever you are!

Day 4...a little catch up!

I thought since here I am on day 4 of being unemployed (still trying to figure out what to do BESIDES clean), I would try to catch up on my blog, a little. We have had a lot of fun activites since I posted last (September?), I thought I would share a couple. Allen ran the Provo Half Marathon. Anna and Matthew both performed in their School Talent Show and wowed the crowds. Matthew's piano secret is out...and the ladies could not get enough of Anna's singing. Daniel is 'rippin it up' on the soccer field. We have had a lot of fun!


Daniel is ready to finish Kindergarten, field trips are the only thing keeping him going!



Anna had an awsome choir concert...her solo was the first verse of Edelweiss, made me cry!



Matthew earned his Star rank advancement and is working on Life Scout! Way to go!

ME

It is done! As of yesterday I am not employed. It is the weirdest feeling. I did not choose to leave my job at this time but due to consolidation of offices someone had to go and I did not accept the fulltime position they offered me, so here I am. I am excited to be home this summer with my children, the days are filling up quickly. I am nervous about finances, we will be tight. I am going to miss my good friends I have worked with for the last 16 years, fabulous women. But, I know that everything happens for a reason. I have always wanted to be home by the time my children went to Junior High, Matthew starts in August. I have felt the need to be more available to my husband and children, I am now available. I know Heavenly Father is aware of me and my family and I am thankful to be HOME! And now the new journey begins!

Scouts

Matthew has been in 11 year old Boy Scouts since February. He loves it and they have had a ton of fun. This last week they had a their end of summer Court of Honor, Matthew was awarded his tenderfoot and first and second class rank advancements. Thanks to GREAT leaders! He is now ready to work on merit badges, two more rank advancements then EAGLE. I can't believe it has moved so quickly...as we were leaving I told Matthew..."2 1/2 years and you should have your Eagle". I got the 'sure, Mom' look, I love my boy!

Summer

Okay so I have been terrible about keeping up my blog...so I thought a summary of our families summer would be the place to start (if I can remember everything)!

This summer we didn't travel a lot. We were busy with a lot of activites going on, Anna's 4-H and choir, Matthews Scouts and friends, Daniels playdates and getting ready for K, Allen's running and my managing everyone else :)! We went camping, hiking, swimming, met with old friends, enjoyed family and enjoyed the sun! It felt like every other week we were going someplace overnight, I'm sure my job felt like it was every day. The children had a blast. One week we didn't see Anna for 4 days, a sleep over at grandmas turned into a mini vacation for her ans Syd, pedicure, crafts, treats, movies. Matthew took his first vacation without his MOM. He went with my parents and his cousin Brett for 8 days up in Washington to see his great grandmother and hang out at the beach. My dad was the chaperone & Tour guide. Daniel had a blast with his cousins, he is a very engergetic boy and keeps everyone moving.

The biggest highlight of the summer was...I turned 40...AHHHH! I am still not sure that I am OK with my aging another year....but I had a wonderful birthday with my wonderful family!

Here are some random pictures from the summer!

4-H

Anna has had the opportunity to be in a 4-H program this summer. One of Allen's co-workers, Susan has a ranch and has a 4-H group with her grandchildren. She invited Anna to join and donates about 5 hours a week teaching her to show a horse and how to ride. This week was a practice show for the county fair. Anna was excited and nervous since she has only been riding since the first week in June. The children compete in 6 events. Ann looked really great on the horse, the weather was beautiful (considering all of the rain). We did have one little accident when Anna fell or was thrown..I say fell Allen says thrown...during the Western Showmanship event. I was in shock, it happened so fast. Allen jumped up hopped the fence and ran over. Susan insists the riders wear helmets, and thank heaven for helmets, Anna flew from the horse and hit her head on the metal fence landed on her side at Susan's feet. Susan is a longtime neuro rehab nurse and was by her side in a flash. When I heard Anna's cry I felt better, when they got her up I felt even better..Later when she was back on her horse although very timid I felt so happy for her. She finished out the day and still wants to continue with 4-H! Way to go Anna! XOXOXO