Thursday, May 31, 2012

Back-handspring Bathing Suit

 Rachel has wanted a new bathing suit this year even though she has three others; although they are small and stretched out they did the job.  I made a deal with her that if she could land her back-handspring without a spot I would get her a new one.  She tried so super hard that even though James still technically spotted her she still did it 98% by herself so we went to Sears to get her a Land's End suit and lucky for me they were 50% off.  She fell in love with the pink polka-dots and ruffles of her new swim suit and looks adorable in it.
  
Rachel posing in her cute new bathing suit by my beautiful pink tiger lily.


My garden snack this morning while watering; first ripe blueberry I've picked from my garden.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Mother's Day FHE with Brandon, Cami & Zoe


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Mom,

I hope you know what a wonderful mother you are to me.  I probably haven’t told you enough, but you are.  Being the oldest, I was able to watch you raise my other brothers and sisters as I grew up.  You showed me exactly what to look for in a wife.  I think I did a pretty good job finding a woman that had many of the same qualities I saw in you.  She makes me a better person for being with her.  She has so much love to give.  She has enough patience to put up with me.  She is forgiving.  She is a wonderful teacher and caregiver to our daughter.  These were all things I saw in you as I grew up.  I am so blessed to have two women like that in my life, so close to me. 

Thank you for continuing to love me despite my many imperfections.  Thank you for always being there for me any and every single time I have ever needed you. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandmother to my daughter.  Thank you for being you.  I love you whole bunch.

Happy Late Mother’s Day.

Your Eldest and most Handsome Son,
Brandon 

Saturday, May 12, 2012

"Dad Helped Me Face My Fear!"

When we first moved into our house in August of 2008 David had only just turned 3 and loved going down the pool slide with his life jacket and floaties on.  At the beginning of the next summer the kids helped him climb up the stairs and pushed him down the slide; his feet went up in the air as he slid down on his back.  He was totally terrified as he slid into the pool basically head dunked- feet up.  He has been afraid of big slides ever since.  Even when we would go to the park he quit going down the slides...he was too afraid.  It has been three summers since and finally he was able to overcome his fear of the pool slide today with his Daddy's help.  I got home from a Walmart trip and David couldn't wait to show me that he wasn't afraid to go down the slide. It was so cute when he said, "Dad helped me face my fear!"

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

David with his new "swimming" haircut.
 Amanda came over and brought some new pool toys with her.
 David had tons of fun with his new pool ball.
Love this little boy so much; that tan little nose is so kissable!
 Amanda relaxing in the pool.

Rachel Tumbling April 30, 2012

 Rachel worked really hard at tumbling yesterday to land her standing back handspring,    
                                                                                         
Then she worked on a tumbling run; this was the last one she did for class when James her coach told her if she did one more good effort she could be done.  She has really improved over the last few month with James as her coach.