Time

I watched the sunrise this morning.

Not because I got up for that very purpose....not because I'm suddenly a morning person...and certainly not because I had the will power to get up for myself.... but because I have to get my Freshman out the door for seminary.

But whatever the reason, I was up. And it was good. And I wondered again..."Why do I never do this?"

I think about her in high school. I think about what she will face. I wish I could save her from all the bad. I realized again, for the upteenth time, that this is what Heavenly Father must feel for His children.

15 minutes later, I got up my sweet middle schooler. My middle schooler who is a middle schooler for the first time. Unlike her sister, she has to ride the bus in the morning. I sometimes wonder if she feels shafted. Last year Doug took Teaghan to school in the morning. Teaghan didn't have to get up really early to get on the bus. But my Britt does. Does she mind?

I watched her get on the bus and I felt like I was watching my kindergartner take her first baby steps. Never had to do that so I'm wondering if that is where all this nostalgia is coming from. Britt has risen to the occasion. She is organized, at least for the time being, and one can always hope that it will only get better. I worry about her making friends. I have such opposite personalities in my girls.

With this early morning comes a lot of time... time to read my scriptures...time to think and ponder... time to blink away the tears as I watch my girls head for school where I am not. Time to wonder where all the time went.

Now onto getting our boys ready, first and second grades respectively. It's almost like starting over. I feel like Doug and I get the best of both worlds.

So yes, I think I will enjoy this time in the morning. :)

Paul and Amee Engagement Photos

Paul and Amee....

.....two AMAZING people who have overcome so many obstacles to be together...

..asked me to take their engagement photos. Amee said that she just wanted a picture, but for anyone who knows me, I can't do JUST a picture. :)

So while we kept it simple, it was so much fun to hang out with these two. Amee I have known for a few years now. I saw her go through difficult times in the last year or so, and whether she wants to admit it or not, she went through it all with GRACE. And longsuffering. To see her so happy now... well there really isn't words. And though I like Paul anyway, I like him all the more for putting a smile back on her face.

So Amee and Paul, I hope you like them. And Paul, I hope Amee talked you into a buying a suit. :D

Here are my favorites.















Congratulations to the two of you!! I know you will be so very happy together!

Zak's Birthday Party

My baby turned 6.

I still think he's five. We went to a soccer meeting for Zak's team to meet the coach and some of the other players, and I almost said he was five. When did he suddenly get so big? I know that's maybe the most redundantly used statement, but it truly is fitting. He's in first grade and I still have no idea what to do with all my time. Either my house will be IMMACULATE because I have nothing else to do, or it will be a disaster cause I've finally found a hobby.

Time will tell I suppose.

We, (okay it was Doug's idea..he's always trying to minimize my sometimes over the top ideas) decided to have a water party at the spray park behind Lowe's. Super fun! We borrowed an EZ up, brought a couple of tables and then let the kids play croquet and run through the water. Pretty simple party but it was a lot of setting up. Phew!







I made these sponges for the kids to play in the water. Cut them up into strips and tied them with dental floss. Super easy and super cute! The kids loved them.



I also made sugar cookies in the form of sea life. There was a manta ray, a starfish, and a goldfish. And I am no baker. It took me two times to get the recipe rolled just right. I also decided to try my hand at royal icing cause it's prettier, and it floods better on the cookie. HOURS later I finally got it, but it was a MAJOR PAIN! But a tasty pain!





For some reason, the shower was a hot spot to play.















Busting out a move!! Andon is famous for this. :)





Playing croquet...



Eating goodies....






Sunbathing....









and lunch....








Then came pinata time. Zak wanted to make sure we had a pinata. The kid is all about candy!







Zak was the first to hit. Obviously, he's the birthday boy, and boy did he LOVE that.







Hindsight is 20/20. We should've wrapped the pinata cause it kept breaking, and Doug kept having to find ways to tie it up again.





After a few hitters and another few breaks, Doug just decided to rip it open like King Kong and scattered the candy everywhere. Everyone seemed fine with that:)







On to cake and ice cream, or as I do it, on to cupcakes.





Gift opening is the best!









It was a fabulous day!! Zakry felt special and we're so glad that all our friends could be there!

Look at the mischief on that face! Mhmmm, mhmmm, mhmmm.