Thursday, May 31, 2012

Graduation Day



Time seems to be rolling by faster and faster these days.  I remember when my kids were young,  time seemed to stand still.  We had 4 kids in 7 years so it seemed like I could never keep up with the diapers, snotty noses, throw up sessions, teething, potty training, laundry and dishes.  

Unfortunately, I didn't really stop to enjoy them more often.  I admit it, I was not really the "get down and play with them" kind of mommy.   I figured that as long as they were playing nice, that was my time to "get something done".  I did take them on lots of road trips and daily adventures to museums, libraries, parks, and such, but when we were home, I'd get my stuff done while they played. Frankly, those years are kind of a blur.  It's a good thing I was pretty good at taking photos or I might not remember it at all. 

For me, time really sped up when Sarah got into middle school (6th grade).  I remember the day she started at her new school in Mesquite.  We moved there in September, shortly after school started.  Amanda was in 4th grade, Jeffrey was in 2nd grade and Becca was still at home.   From that point on, time was in warp speed.  Between concerts, games, homework, swim team, girls camps, scout camps, driving lessons, etc, life got very busy for us.  I blinked and Sarah was graduating from high school. 

This is Amanda on the huge screen when she walked out


Amanda and Jayci

More friends...

Celin and Amanda



Now, it seems that I just blinked again and Amanda has graduated!  This parenting thing is a funny business.  When they get to be teenagers, they can be really fun and easier in some aspects and way more difficult in other ways.   I actually enjoy them more now than I did when they were small.  Weird, I know.  They require less physically but tons more mentally!  You have to be at the top of your game when dealing with teenagers or they will eat you alive and spit out your bones!   They think they are smarter, wiser, and way more capable then you, so one must stay several steps ahead of them or at least "brainwash" them into thinking that they aren't now and never will be smarter than you.  It also helps to have a very large husband who will stand behind you and puts them in their place!  Fear is a wonderful thing!!   Oh and by the way, I'm still dealing with laundry up to my ears and dishes to the ceiling!  Now it's just more annoying because I have full sized people around that should be helping more.  Some things never change!

Amanda's graduation was very good...long, but good.  She had 494 fellow graduates!!  It was held at the UVU Events Center so it held tons of people.  She graduated with High Honors which means that she carried anywhere between a  3.70 -3.99 GPA throughout her time there.  She held hers at 3.85 while taking college courses.  Okay, I admit it.  She is smarter... but not wiser then me!!   She will be heading to BYU Provo in the fall and then who knows from there.  She has dreams of going to law school so we'll see.

It was a wonderful family day.  Of course we wished that more family could have joined us but we understand that life has it's limits and we can't always be where we want to be.  

So now we have two graduated from high school and two to go.   I'm gonna try not to BLINK! 
  

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

We had such a great day!!  First, some of our dearest and bestest friends came to play.  We love the Jones' because they are laid back but always up for adventures.  We (by that I mean NOT me) played a friendly game of kickball.  I took photos.  Well, someone had to do it!

Team #1
Team #2
I'm not sure how team #2 got BOTH of the dads on it but that how it went.  Dave ended up switching teams near the end because it was kind of a blow out.

Cooper was Sarah's designated runner

Jeffrey doing the high kick


Becca's high kick
One of Amanda's favorites!

After the game...now time for food!!

Coop borrowing some shorts from Jeffrey to go on our hike

They fit so well, don't you think?
 This water was FREEZING COLD!!  




Sarah, Chris and Baby "Owen"

Roasting marshmallows in the fire pit that Jeffrey made at school




A special thanks to those who have served our country so that families like ours, can have days like this!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Camp Koholowo

 Welcome to Camp Koholowo!


This morning Dave, Sarah, Chris and I woke up early and headed up Payson Canyon toCamp KoholowoWe've lived here, in Utah,  for nearly 2 years and I am just now pronouncing it right.  It turns out that it actually means something...go figure.  

We've never been to this camp before and since we will both be helping with girls camp (surprise, surprise), we figured we'd better go to the meeting that they held this morning.  Oh, it was also a cleaning "party".  Today was the day that those who will be using it were required to open it up and clean out the cobwebs and mouse poop.  My favorite!!



This is outside the lodge
This is inside the lodge.
Chris and Dave moving a wood pile from the inside to the outside

No more wood pile in the "room"

Lodge fireplace

The mess hall part of the lodge

Now THIS is a kitchen!!



Umm, a walk-in fridge!!

And deer, and elk and Moose, oh my!
This are the "dorms" where the girls stay.  Each side can sleep 18
Inside the dorm

GIANT fire ring
From top of amphitheater

Dave and our stake leaders

The meadow


Saturday, May 19, 2012

Senior Ball

So tonight is Amanda's Senior Ball.  This is a new custom for our family because when Sarah was a senior, they didn't do this.  Well, they had a "Senior Ball" but it was basically Prom.  This is a night JUST for Seniors.  You don't go with a date, you just go with your friends.  You dress up and get all Glam, they have a catered dinner (from Tocano's Brazilian Grill) and then they get to just hang out and mingle/reminisce with friends.  It's kind of like a nice farewell dinner for the Seniors.

A couple of days ago Amanda hinted around about me buying her a nice dress for the occasion and I just couldn't fork out any more $$$ so I told her no.  This month has been CRAZY expensive.  I'll tell you what, getting kids out the door is not for the weak kneed.  Every time I turn around I'm handing out money!!

Today she came to me and made this proposal...If she could find a (modest) dress for $20.00 would I buy it?    After I quit laughing, I told her to ask her dad, which she did.  He agreed to the challenge at which point I couldn't help but go along for the ride, just for pure curiosity sake.  I'm a doubter!  I admit it!

Well, Sarah came along too and we went to Ross...(dress for less).  We walked over to the dress section and Sarah pulled a dress off the rack and then then we spotted some more.  Amanda tried on 6 dresses but she ended up with the very first one she tried on.  And the price?  $26.99!!!!  Unbelievable!   It is perfect!


My cute girls: Amanda, Sarah and Celin

Sarah felt VERY short!

I felt VERY short!!

I love this picture!

Amanda, Grace and Celin

Three Beauties!!