Sweet 13

Miss E turned 13 this week - a teenager!  She's been planning and preparing for her party for a long time -- making decorations, food, invitations. . . . and I was so happy that it was everything she hoped it would be.  She has such a nice group of friends - it was lovely to watch them interact together.  They swam , ate, and watched "Mirror Mirror" on the "big screen" outside.  (My camera broke a couple of months ago, so unfortunately these pics don't do the party justice).

So far I love having a teenager (I've actually been thinking she's 13 for 6 months already).  We have our teenage moments, but really she is such a joy.  I love spending time with my E.  One of my favorite things to do is take her on errands with me and just chat while we're out and about.  I love planning with her and creating together.  I am so thankful for her too - she is such a big help around the house and with C especially.  I love my E!!  Happy Birthday!

Miss C

It's been a while since I've updated on our littlest one.  She is growing by leaps and bounds!!  She is one busy baby!  She loves to climb the stairs (don't worry - we gate the stairs unless she has a "spotter" to follow her), she loves to pull herself along the couch, she loves to go in the pool and tub - dunking her head in every chance she gets.  She loves music -- she loves to play guitars with Daddy -- which basically consists of pulling herself onto his lap and muting the strings for him.  B has started playing saxophone in the school band, and she loves to listen to him and try to match the note with her voice --she's actually quite good!  She has 6 teeth now and wants to eat everything. She's a ton of fun!

Playing in the water with sissy at the AZ Science Museum

FHE Pool time!

Look where we found baby -- dismantling -- I mean playing Daddy's instruments

Number 11

B turned 11 this week!  What can I say about him? He's just a really super guy!  It was wonderful to be able to celebrate him.  We celebrated this weekend with friends -- he created a really cool treasure hunt for them which ended in the "room of gold" (our kitchen table laden with gold coins - plastic and chocolate - and platters of pizza and cake).  After partaking we went outside and watched National Treasure on the "big screen."  

So thankful for this boy -- so thankful to be  his mom -- so fun to watch him grow up! 

Back to School

I can't believe the kids are back at school.  The summer has come and gone, the first day of school as well . .. and still no post from me.  So, here goes -- we had a wonderful summer break!  I just loved being with my kiddos.  We had a few camps and at least one structured activity each day - plus a last minute trip up to Utah - but really quite low key and just right:)  Last Monday, August 6th, the kids headed to school.  We have a new middle schooler this year as well as a kindergartner . . . and one emotional mama.  I miss having the kids here.  C wasn't sure what was going on the first couple of days and kept looking for everyone.  I think she has adjusted to the new schedule now and I'm getting there, too.  Everyone is really enjoying their new classes (for the most part -- today was the first day S said she did not want to go to kindergarten -- but big brother took her hand and she agreed to walk into the school with him).

Memories from the first day . . . (why do these photos insist on being crooked??)

Another Special Day

 BR was baptized last Saturday.  It was a very special day for him and for our family.  As he came up out of the water he had a super big smile on his face - so touching.  We were so grateful to have Nana & D and Grandma all come to be a part of  his big day, and thoroughly enjoyed their visits.  At the end of the day we gave him his Baptism Book with notes from many family members, and he sat and read it and wrote his own memories from  the day -- which I think went something like "the water was warm and I am happy."  It was a day we'll always remember!

It was really sunny -- I'm not sure how many eyes are actually open for this pic:)

Mom's Art

Some of you may know that my mom is an artist.  She has wanted to start up a website for a little while now and as of TODAY she has!  You should go check it out -- right now she has black and white prints of every state flower as well as 5 different water color limited addition floral prints.  Go to robbiedrewesart.com and check it out -- could be a great Mother's Day gift idea!! 

An Easter Birthday

 
Today was an extra special Easter for us because it was also BR's birthday!  We celebrated on Friday with friends -- BR asked for an AIR FORCE birthday.  We had beautiful weather and Daddy was the hit of the party by dropping "explosive eggs" and paratroopers from his radio controlled airplane in very difficult winds!  (BR yelled "take cover" when the eggs started dropping and dove under the jungle gym!)

So many things to love about this guy -- here are just EIGHT in honor of his 8th birthday:

1- I just love BR's SENSE OF HUMOR -- just thinking about him makes me smile.  I wish I could remember one of the jokes he's made up recently, but none are coming to mind right now -- but they're clever, trust me!
2 - I love BR's AFFECTIONATE nature - he's always quick to hug me and tell me he loves me - makes a mama feel good!
3- I'm so proud of BR's PERSEVERANCE - at the beginning of the school year he was struggling with his reading. He has worked really hard and is now right where he should be and feeling so confident in his reading ability!
4 -  I love BR's COMPLEX mind -- he keeps me hopping.   A few weeks ago I had a little cold and had lost my voice.  I was trying to talk to him and not much was coming out.  I said, "I can't speak, I've lost my voice."  He thought for a minute and said, "So . . .you're dumb-- that's what they called it on the olden days."  I explained that no, this was just a temporary inability to speak, etc . . .He came right back with, "OK, so you're temporarily dumb."  He was not being unkind, he just really wanted to use that term I guess :)
5- I am touched by BR's FAITH - whenever he bears his testimony I feel the Spirit so strong.  I'm excited for his decision to be baptized in a couple of weeks, and look forward to sharing that day with him.
6 - I love that BR is so CONTENT with life - he can play for hours with or without friends or siblings.  He loves to be with people, but he's perfectly content to hang out alone as well.
7 - BR is so FRIENDLY - he's always been the most outgoing of our kids, I think.  He can start up a conversation with just about anyone.
8 - BR is a wonderful BIG BROTHER - he just adores little C and loves to talk to her and rub her little cheeks.  He's also a wonderful playmate for S, and is learning to be patient with her and to enjoy their make believe games together.

 

I'm so thankful for this Easter day, for the time to reflect upon the greatest gift the Lord has given me and each of us.  I hope it has been a beautiful day for you as well! (Just had to add that last pic --did it make you smile, too?)