have I fallen off the earth?

NOT HARDLY!

I have just had a wonderful summer. We have done tons of fun things and been gone lots. So, don't worry, summer will die down soon enough and then I hope to be back. :)

Here's to wishing my DH a wonderful Father's Day! You amaze me continually! I Love you!




Also this weekend, DH and I took some time alone and headed to Cascade for three days. We had a wonderful time celebrating our 11th anniversary.

Can I just say that I am so totally frustrated with my docking station? I would so love to upload some pictures, but alas, I can't.
Summer... although I haven't heard the dreaded "i'm bored", I have seen evidence of it, and it's only day 3 of summer break. That boy ({A}) is going to see the time out corner indefinately here shortly if he doesn't change his attitude toward me. Mom says it's the age, and if so, I am amazed that any boy has made it to live past 6. He is getting good at throwing temper tantrums and crying like a baby, and really good at pushing my buttons!--which makes me want to cry like a baby! :)

I do have to say though, that he seems to be maturing just a bit cuz he is playing really well with {K} lately, and I am really enjoying seeing that!

Albertsons and Rite Aid deals

So, Alb has a few good deals this week. I got some grated cheese, eggs, easy mac, Tree Top apple juice-finally! tortillas and granola bars. I paid 9.88 and saved 47.54. Rite Aid really caught my attention--they have Aveeno b1g1 1/2 off. Plus they have Single Check rebates going for Aveeno. So, here's what I got. 6 bottles of Sun lotion for 39.18. I will get $30 in rebates and I will get 2 tote bags full of free samples and coupons! Yeah! Not bad. :)

coupons

so, I have a new hobby. Couponing... I love it! It is such fun to see the savings fly off the screen! I have been tracking my savings since May 12. I have spent $234.28 and saved $202.65. I know that doesn't sound all that great, except when you look at it this way: Not including my one actual grocery shopping at WinCo, I have spent $96.75 and saved $198.65. So, some of what I bought were necessities like mustard and Kraft dressing. and some were wants like Capri Sun and S'Mores stuffs. But, the way I see it, is that summer is here and this will make summer a bit more exciting. It's been quite a challenge to pick only the best deals and not just buy to save, ya know??? :)

Tribute to my Mother (via photos)

Thanks for all you do and have done for me! I am amazed at the strength and courage you portray! Always remember that I love you!

Also, thanks to all the women in my life and in my children's lives! You amaze me with your patience, love, honor, respect...

book giveaway

There is a wonderful book entitiled "Living Debt Free on One Income". and there is a giveaway for one lucky person to win! Go here to learn all about it!

zoo

So we went to the Zoo on Friday with our neighbor friends and had a wonderful time! It was perfect weather and we had fun enjoying the animals. I think we'll hit the zoo in the afternoon every time, cuz all the animals were out. :)

Little Miss {a} had desided she enjoys posing for the camera. Every time I pull it out she cracks this cheesy grin! and then she puts her arms together. Fun!

Last night we went on an "umbrella walk" for FHE. It was raining, not pouring, thankfully, and we all had an umbrella. We went quite a ways trying to find the gutter drain. We figured the water followed the gutters for over 1/2 a mile before it hit a drain. The boys had a fabulous time splashing in the puddles and walking in the gutters. Allie had fun watching the boys. I'm bummed I didn't take my camera. :) They were soaked when we got home. We even gave the kids baths to wash all the gas off of them. The gutter water was a suspicious color.

low key

we had a very lazy, low key weekend, which I think was just what we needed. We didn't have breakfast until 9:30 sat morning, and just kinda hung out for most of the day. DH ordered windows for the basement and I took {A} to a friend's bday party. He had lots of fun! I went to a sister in my wards b-day party. I visit teach her and she hosted her very own 90th birthday party! She amaze me! DH and I went on a date Sat night and met up with a friend for dinner. We went to Rub River Steak House. If you want a steak that you can *literally* cut with your fork, go there! So good! Sunday I took an hour nap and we headed to my folks house for a bit of Wii! Fun!

A busy week is planned this week, so hopefully I will get some pictures taken.
JaDell

sand dunes and pants

so we went to the sand dunes over the weekend and had a wonderful time. We first tried a spot that was WAY too windy, but then moved to another hill and had fun sliding down on the sleds. Here are a couple of picts. Also, I had to share the little pants I made for {a} recently. Aren't they cute??? :) Check out the details at the bottom of the legs. Awww! :)

summer plans

so starting the first of June, I will officially be my own boss! :) I have told the mom of the two little boys that I tend that I am done tending the end of May. I am really ready to be done. So, with this decision made, I have been busily making plans for this summer! I have registered {A} in swim lessons, and since {K} is too young for swimming, he is signed up for "Amazing Atheletes". A cute little class for 3-5 year olds and they get to learn about half a dozen sports through active play. I think it will be fun! I also have our Zoo pass, and I signed up for free bowling passes at the local bowling alley. The movie place usually offers free movies all summer long. We have a couple of reunions to go to and one big vaction planned. We're heading to gma's for a week and nestled in the middle I hope to hit the pool and library lots. This is the first summer I have had with just my kids. I am so excited! Any suggestions of more to squeeze in?

Easter

Please take a moment when you hve no other distractions an watch this. It is part of my favorite talk at Conference and it is so appropriate for this Easter Season.

You can watch it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

bej-tabowes

so we planted some Peas quite a while ago, and they have just started peeking through the dirt the last couple of days. {K} and I were walking the rows and I was showing him all the new litle starts. He says to me, "it's neat!!". Then a minute later he says in a cute little squeeky voice, "I'm so excited!!" "We need some bej-tabowes".

Cute!

a whole lotta nothin....

today is Monday. I am once again feeling a bit of spring in my heart. Not spring like boing, boing spring. Spring like renewal, rebirth, fresh, new... I love my family.

Yesterday, I enjoyed a wonderful holiday with my family. I was keenly aware that H&L and their kiddos weren't there, but I was also grateful that the rest of us are healthy, nearby, we enjoy each others company enough that we WANT to be together. I don't feel an obligatory "showing" from anyone. I am especially grateful for C for picking up the location assignment last minute. Again, grateful. I know that we all have our trials, but I also know that with Jesus Christ, His atonement and His resurection all things are possible.

I made mention at the dinner party that we need to do this more often. Well, we do! I don't see my brothers often enough, and I need to. I feel a deserate need to reconnect with them and their wives. I am SO excited for summer when H&L come to visit. I can't hardly stand it! I miss them desperately.

I look out the window and see a beautiful blue sky peeking out from behind fluffy white/grey clouds. I plan to gobble up every spring day that is offered me this year! I have a strong desire for lots of "sweater weather".
I am feeling something deep within me. A change, perhaps? I hope so. I long for closer friends, deeper relationships. I dream of friends that don't move away. Or that I don't move so the friendships I do have don't wrinkle a bit out of lack of convenience. I am not sure that any of this is poinant to anyone but me, but today I feel a soul bearing is in order. I am now going to leave this post at that, and head off to hug my beautiful 3 year old!