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At the Car Wash

Our car was in need of a car wash in a bad way.  And what better activity for a warm summer morning?  The boys had a good time.  James was actually content to do his own thing (as usual). 

Occasionally he did come over to help.  

William (as usual) was a great help... but mostly because he couldn't wait to play with the hose when we were all done!

 

James wasn't too keen on the idea of getting wet himself... but he had no problem spraying Mom and William!

Because what says summer like playing with the garden hose?

Happy Father's Day to my two favorite dads!

 
Today at Stake Conference Elder Lynn G. Robbins said that we don't say "I love you" enough.  He asked that everyone tell their dad "I love you" today.  I'd encourage you to do the same.

ps. Check out a beautiful photo essay on fathers here.

Go Dad!

William loves baseball.  This is most likely because Rich loves baseball.  The two of them enjoy going in the backyard and playing their own version of baseball.  Recently, William recieved his first baseball mitt (Rich's old one).  He loves playing catch every night before bed.  He carries the mitt around with him everywhere.

Rich is playing softball with some of the other guys in the stake.  Last night was their first softball game of the summer.  William has been beyond excited about the fact that Rich will be playing baseball.  Yesterday morning William made signs for the game (which we of course forgot in the car!  Stink!)

William was non-stop baseball talk all day.  I'm pretty sure that Rich became 100 times cooler in the boys' eyes last night.  

William enjoyed watching the game, cheering when the other team missed the ball, and playing in the dugout with James and Grandpa.  (He wouldn't let me take a picture... and this one the only one of his face!)

James liked playing in the dugout and finding little rocks to throw (what a boy!)

I think that Alex would have just loved it if we let him crawl around in the dirt... but that just wasn't going to happen.  And I tried to get a picture of Rich pitching... but that darn sun was right in the way!

On the way home from the game William went on and on about how he wants to play baseball.  We discussed finding a team for him to play on.  However, when we got home he told me that he really likes just playing at home... because if you play on a team you have to follow the rules, but if you play at home with Dad and James then you can play however you want.  and that's more fun.  That's alright by me!

This morning William is already talking about next Thursday when we get to watch Dad play again.  This should be a great summer!  Because nothing says summer quite like baseball.

The great thing about the Church is how we rotate callings.  One day you could be a primary teacher and the next you could be Relief Society President.  You just never know what the Lord has in store for you.  I've never really been sad about being released from any calling that I've had.  In fact, I've always looked forward with anticipation to what lie in store for me.

Until today.  Today I was released as our ward Young Women President.  The day I found out I cried. I couldn't sleep.  I was in a funk for days. Girls that were Beehives when I was first called to Young Women are now Laurels.  The past three years have been incredible as we have taught each other... and really, they have taught me so much.  I have been blessed to work with the best Young Women around.  You might think the Young Women in your ward are great--but you haven't met my girls.  The.  Best.  I will miss working with them.

The Lord did grant me a tender mercy this week.  Tuesday morning I was checking Facebook when Lizzy popped on.  "Guess what?" she asked.  "I finished my personal progress!"  I am so proud of her.  She accomplished so much in a short period of time.  (She decided in January-ish that she wanted to finish before she left for college in the fall.)  It was the bright spot of my week.  However, we didn't have the new medallions in... so I thought we'd have to wait until they arrived.  Tuesday evening the bishop came over to the house to break the news that I was being released.  (If I really would have admitted it to myself I "knew" Sunday evening that I would be released... but I was in denial because it wasn't what I wanted.) Then, lo and behold, Wednesday at mutual the bishop tells me that the medallions came that day!  And so, minutes before I was released today Lizzy was awarded her Young Womanhood recognition.  It felt fitting.

 Lizzy's mom brought a cake with the new Young Woman Medallion on it.  She also brought flowers for me... so sweet.

I love working with the youth... and I'm sure my time will come again in the future.  I feel good knowing that I left them in the loving, capable hands of the new presidency.   And I know that the Lord is watching out for me... and I wait with anticipation to see what He has in store.

"Mom, Come here!"

James and William tug at my arm.  "We have a surprise for you, Mom!"  As I finish typing at the computer they run back to the living room.  They have been playing so nicely together all day.  As I emerge from the hallway into the living room I hear shouts of "SNOWBALLS!" followed by a shower of wadded up paper snowballs.  Oh those boys.  How did they know that a snowball fight was just what I needed?

I just can't get enough...

... of Mr. Alexander.

Especially when he falls asleep so crazy.  Is he not the sweetest baby ever?

Lesson of the Day:

Never leave a 3-year-old alone with an ink pad--even for a minute!

Yesterday we pulled out the stamping stuff for a late afternoon distraction.  I explained the rules and then left the room to check on something.  When I came back, no more than 5 minutes later, I found James covered in orange ink.  Lovely.  I really should have known better.  Especially since this is the first time I've pulled the stamps out with James.  Lesson learned.

madness in may

May always seems to be a busy month at our house.  Toward the beginning of the month I was able to go with William on his class field trip to the zoo.  Since so many parents came I only had to watch William and his friend, Wyatt.  It was perfect... and we had a lot of fun.  Occasionally we'd run into some other friends as well... these boys all get along so perfect.  It's too bad that they won't all be at the same school next year!

Later in the month we took the boys to the 'Touch-a-Truck' event.  We were prepared for all the noise this year and the boys had a much more enjoyable time than last year.  The noise didn't even seem to bother Alexander.  And I think Rich's favorite part is the free chocolate milk from the Borden truck!

This month also brought our favorite town event: Brisket at the Barn.  Always good food.  Always fun people.  Always fun entertainment.

William is out of school now and we are enjoying the summer so far.  We have lots planned for these next few weeks until our vacation!