"Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view." ~Elder Neil L. Andersen

Summer of the Monkeys

This is a picture of peter in his burned hand bandage, He had to wear that for a while, then he had a bandaid on his head from another incident. I just thought how pathetic he looked, so I took his picture.

Jeff went on our stake youth trek. When he came back, I could not recognize him.

Cole made this teddy bear rock creation. Can you see how he made a body for his teddy bear's head?

Our Pathetic Thingy. That is said with much adoration and love.

Natalie and Jason came and visited us. It was their anniversary, and I didn't even say happy anniversary!!!! Darn. Isn't my sister a beauty!!! She is very nice to me. And Jason too. He tried to help Jeff fix one of our lights, it has some sort of short in it.

this week from a "week"ling

I have been very lonely this week. Jeff has been gone to our stake youth trek since early tuesday morning. And I am pretty sure he won't get back until late saturday. The boys make the time fly by. I don't really think I needed to learn the lesson of how special jeff is to me, and to not take him for granted, or how much I need him, or how much he does for me. I already knew all of that. He really spoils me. He really has my back, even though his life is hectic and busy. Getting ready for this trek, like it is every time for every stake that has ever done it, is a huge ordeal. It is almost like you are sick of trek before you even go on it. But once there and afterward, it is amazing and you are glad you did it. Jeff and I and good old brother macdonald cut out 300 pieces of leather, for these youth. Jeff got a thumb injury and it broke my favorite pair of scissors. I wish I was there to see what the outcome of these leather pieces (journals) had. So in a nutshell, I like jeff, I can't wait till he comes home, I hope I get to go on trek next time, and I should have went this time. I just couldn't stand the thought of leaving peter that long. (what a little wingle-hopper of cuteness).

life is worth living

This is what I have decided about life. There is much to freak out about, that is what I do a lot. Jacob was running around the house playing with his brothers and I stopped him, and asked quite urgently and annoyanced, "what is going on?" and you know what he replied, he smiled and said,"I am just having fun." So even though there is much to get annoyed about and feel sad about and feel angry about ... there is much to be happy about. When I remind myself about this, I see my boys in a whole new way- it makes me giddy and happy about how lucky I am to have them. Muchly blessed. I wish I could dig out that high strung clot I have in my chest so I don't have to keep reminding myself to just enjoy life.

Here is what we have been up to. With school out, we just like to indulge in our freedom. We went on a hike and picnic at Moulten Falls.

Peter burned his hand on our barbecue. This is his hand after 6 days of healing.

This is the book wreath I made. I have been enjoying crafts these days. This only cost 2 dollars to make. I wish I lived by The Craft Warehouse, but then I know for sure we would be in the bankruptcy land for sure.

I left my husband and boys and traveled to Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois to see my family and be present for my niece Alexa's wedding in the Nauvoo temple. I thought every bit of it was awesome and joyous, except for getting the tick, and having to sit in the seats that wouldn't tip back on the airplane ride home. Boo Hoo.
I got to see my brother Jordan who I haven't seen in 4 years. ANd I got to see my parents, my sister Emily, and my brother brock.
I truelly missed my Jeff and boys, particularly peter who I thought might have an end of the world experience by having his mom leave him... turns out he was happier than he had been in a long time. Interesting. These are my pictures...

My 2 brothers, and my sister

my mom and sister

On my parents property

Covered bridge of Madison county

Guess what, I like being a mom

Being a mom is a very hard task, which makes it so rewarding! I just got over having mastitis for the 8th time since being a mom... let's just say that when you have to pay a high price for something, it makes you appreciate it that much more. So my little men are like jewels to me, treasures that are un-replaceable.





I had to take these pictures, and I had to put them on the blog!

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PETER TURNED 1

His cake was frosted yellow, because Peter is our Ducky Replica.



A mini pillow pet from Grandma and Grandpa Stout

EASTER...

Jacob and his pinewood derby

Ben's Kindergarten openhouse

eye candy

PICTURES...

Doesn't this one seem very sad, that peter has to get around in a gunny sack. Don't worry it doesn't stop him, and it is only when it is time for bed.

Reading together as cousins

Jacob dressed up as harrry potter for book character day at school

Cole made this "sand castle" out of pieces of leather that belong to the church for the stake youth trek... I put them up high after that.