Much to be Grateful For

We have so much.

I need to try harder to be more appreciative and thankful for what we have.

I am going to do better.

For Ronald McDonald and his great invention of a Playland.

Ice cream cones that make kids smile.

My Dad who taught me

"What matters is that you do the right thing."

Finding out what that is can be quite a journey.

Kids who never let life get too dull.

Sisters who love you, no matter what.

Pinkie swear.

A family to learn and grow with.

Curious Cousins and an adorable Aunt.

Chubby cheeks and a sassy attitude.

A husband who will:

do the chores

make great dinners

read with the kids

support me in anything

even...

pose for cheesy pictures with me.

Hooray for School!

I can't believe summer break is at an end and the kids are back in school already! They both have great teachers and aids and we are excited for a great year ahead of us.

Royce was super excited about having lunch at school and getting to go to recess 3 times each day. Syd just likes school and is really good about coming home and getting her homework done. Royce has a much harder time, and I'll admit I am not above bribing my kids. In fact, right now everyday they come home and do their homework right away (with a good attitude) they get one homework point. They are saving for Frightmares at Lagoon which is 40 points, and it is totally working! I am ever so sneakily establishing habits and routines, hopefully instilling these in them so that when they are older they already know "how" to do homework or to study. The best part is that they have a great attitude while they are doing it and don't seem to get so frustrated when something may be difficult.

Yup, I'm Officially OLD!

I had a great 30th birthday last week complete with "Welcome to the Old People's Club" comments and the like. I am not super excited to be 30, but I must say I feel as though I have earned it. I have done enough in my life that I can feel good about being 30. (30!)

Just wanted to thank the donors of all the birthday wishes!

Freaky Nightmares!

So Royce has been having some freaky nightmares, and I do mean freaky ones lately. So we looked up some stuff on the lovely internet, and of course decided to make him a dream catcher to help him "catch" his bad dreams. I did not think it would work, but so far so good. If this stops working we are going to try to spray for bad dreams (squirt bottle with water and vanilla). All this stuff seems so weird to me, but it is just heartbreaking to have to see him go through this. I'll do hokey stuff if it helps my little man. Anyone have any good ideas? What do you do when your kids have nightmares?

Fantastic Yellowstone

We decided to go to Yellowstone for a couple of days before Ty's surgery. It was beautiful!
The kids were tired, but had a fun time seeing all the sights.



The view from the front of our Hotel. The place was old, but I'd stay there again just to sit outside looking at this all day.

It is so nice when they are not fighting. =)

The kids participated in the Junior Ranger program and passed off their stuff with this Ranger for a fancy badge that I sewed onto their backpacks. Great program for kids!
Just hanging out, enjoying the view.

Tyler's Surgery

Tyler just had surgery for plantar fasciitis on both of his feet so I had to post a couple of funny pics before he told me not to. He was kinda nervous before the surgery but he sure was a good sport posing for pics!

Look how proud he is of the IV - and he didn't even faint. Good job Ty!

The surgery went well and now he is enjoying his convalescence at home. He will be getting his fill of movies and Wii games for at least another week or so. Thanks for all the well wishes, visits, and support from family and friends! He is still accepting treats. And visits. =)