October

I haven't been a very good blogger lately.  But the last little while has been great.  My mom and dad came to visit, and so has my little sister Jana and her family.  We have a great time playing games, and just hanging out. 

Isabelle has been taking fieldtrips, and having a great time in school.  We had our first parent/teacher conference.  It was great.  I've started preschool with Jimmy Joe, and soon will have everything  on my website:  hometots.com 

I've started a poetry wiki page:  dailysolace.com   I'm putting all my poetry and any other I find along the way that I like. 

James is sooooo cute and wonderful.  He loves to sing: popcorn popping, the wise man and the foolish man, bow chica bow wow (phinius and ferb), and a song about vamires that he made up himself.  We like to play catch and make cookies.

Isabelle is both smart and beautiful.  She is a pleasure to talk with, be with, and thinks she is so funny when she makes up jokes.  I LOVE HER.

My garden is about ready for winter.  I have a little more clean up to do.  I need to cover the onions, and water the broccoli and cabbage.  They are still growing, and I'm so proud of my little garden spot.

August ... Now September

School has began, and it certainly keeps me on a schedule.  Isabelle LOVES kindergarten.  She is having a great time:  making gingerbread cookies, having recess, art, P.E., music, library, and show and tell.  She even had her first fieldtrip to the "kinder" tree.  James was invited to come too, but he just wanted to go home, so Aunt Beverly came and played in the park for awhile, and took us all home. 

It's been fun getting into the groove of school.  James and I enjoy the few hours together (Isabelle's only 1/2 kindergarten).  We still hit the aquarium every now and then, and love the parks.  We are a little sad about the  pool closing for the season, but really had a great time swimming this summer. 

The Thomason's have a new puppy, Rocky, and he is a cute little thing.  James wore himself, and the puppy out the other day playing and playing, and chasing chickens.  :)  Lot's of fun with the cousins.

Sewing for School

I have decided to sew Isabelle some clothes to begin school.  I know, I know, I'm crazy.  I have only begun and I've already cried.  I finished the first dress last night, and while I was picking out the mistake (the 3rd time) I began to cry!  It did work out in the end, I think.

I hope to do more, but I haven't the gumption yet.

UPDATE:  Aunt Beverly saved me.  She didn't want me to cry about it, so she had fun and bought Isabelle some school cloths:  CUTE.  I finished: 2 dresses, 2 pairs of pants, and 1 shirt.  I think that is pretty good. 

Carnival

vroom vroom

Add caption

We went to the Larimair County Fair  Isabelle and James were excited.  I did get yelled at 3 times and swore at too, while driving there, and I was not doing anything wrong!!!!  PEOPLE are CRAZY!!!

There were so many things to do.  We loved looking at the 4H exhibits.  The kids road rides at the carnival.  James wanted to go on all the big rides, and he was too little, but Isabelle would get in lines for the big rides, and when it was her turn to get on she would change her mind.  She doesn't like big rides.

James ran over to a carney game and grabbed the darts.  They guy had him throwing darts before I could stop him.  I payed for the "game" and James got a little stuffed snake.  I was not happy about the guy enticing my 3 year old to throw darts, and the only cancellation, I guess, it James almost hit him when he tried to throw it.

We got ourselves a "tank" of lemonade, and ate at the 4H exhibit building.  We had a great time together.  Just the kids and me.

Temple Trip

Just a little blurry

Keeping it cool

Handsome Husband!!!

While we were on vacation we visited two temples.  We visited the LDS temples in St. George, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada.  We had a great time.  The grounds at St. George were beautiful.  The flowers were vibrant, and the water fountain was pretty.  It was pretty hot though, and so our favorite parts were visiting the visitor centers.

The first part tells all about the building of the St. George temple.  There was a nice sister missionary there to tell the kids stories and answer questions, and Isabelle had many questions.  She liked the stories and pictures about the baptismal font and was very excited to know she could go in and do baptisms when she gets older.  We found out that the legs of the oxen holding the font are underground so that the font is still below ground level.  Jimmy Joe saw the tools they used and decided they were his to build with; we left soon after that announcement, as he tried to climb into the exhibit and use them.

   The visitor center is beautiful.  They have a display of Books of Mormon of all languages.  There are missionaries to help you, tours to take, and movies to watch about many things pertaining to temples (in history), and the church.  My favorite part was the art they had on display.  I don't remember the artist, but it was about pioneers and it was like a little art gallery.  BEAUTIFUL.

Jimmy Joe was pretty tired by the time we left, and I think they were glad to see us go, but we had a wonderful time.  LOVED IT

Summer Swimming

Cheese

She Painted her nails at the pool.  Some girls and there mom were painting their nails, and she introduced herself and joined right in.

We have had a great time swimming this summer.  Our community pool is at the end of our street, by the playground.  I feel blessed to be in such a great little community.

  We have wonderful neighbors:  Juan and Susan bring us fresh fish, popcorn, and slushies.  They have made us sopapillas, funnel cake, and menudo.  Juan helped build our garden, cuts our grass, trims our trees, and does anything else he sees we might need.  There are many days I wake up and look out our window, and see Juan on his hands and knees working in our yard.  They are incredible.  When they went on a trip, they brought Isabelle and James each a cute outfit. James says that Juan is one of his "guys".   We just love them.
 
   Robin is also great.  She  lets the kids pick strawberries, and gave Isabelle a sunflower "all her own".  She comes over to talk while I'm outside, or working in the garden.  She always has a smile and a helping hand, and is really sweet with Isabelle and James.  She brought them over little toys the other day, just for fun.

  Chris and Alicia are fabulous too.  They just got married, and have a cute family.  They are soooo great with the kids, and Chris loves to garden too.  We have a great time talking plants, and he gives us starts of all kinds to plant.  I just planted a strawberry plant today.

   Luz and her husband (I can't pronounce his name correctly yet) are fun too.  He makes the most beautiful tables, planters, and most anything else out of ROCK.  they are amazing. 

We have many other wonderful neighbors, and I see that I could go on and on.  I continue to feel blessed to be where I am.

ORDERVILLE

For the rest of our Cameraless vacation we went to Orderville.  It is always perfect when going home.  We had a great ride home, and the kids were cute.  They are alway excited to see their cousins, and their Grandma and Grandpa Glover.  We were extra blessed because Jana and Britney were there too.  We got to play with DeAnna's family, Jana's, and Britney's all in the same weekend.  YIPEE. 
    Amid all the fun was the funeral for Susan's husband Neil.  It was a wonderfully, well done occasion.  I cried a lot for the loss that Susan and Neil's family are experiencing.  I cried for the loss of a solder that was so obiously admired and cared for.  We did get to see a lot of family, and enjoyed  seeing Misty and Jaclyn.  I got to play with Lexi for awhile, and that was great. 
     We had a birthday party for Kye and Jimmy Joe.  Jer and Casey and hung out a lot this weekend, and I LOVED that.  I got to spend some great time with Dexton and James, and Kye.  One of my favorite moments of the whole trip was when Kye crawled over to me, and snuggled with me.  I took him to the back bedroom, and sang him to sleep.  OHHHHHH what a cutie pie!!!  Another of my favorite moments was when Dexton took time out from his running and playing to some and sit on my lap and just tell me stories.  His is such a sweetheart.  Thanks everyone for all your time and effort.  I love you guys.
    We played games, did a pinata, watch all the kids play and Bobby and the kids slept out on the trampoline and loved it.  Jimmy Joe talks about sleeping on Grandpa's trampoline.  We had homeade rolls from Grandma, Homemade rolls from Jana (great by the way), and corn from the garden.  Deanna made train birthday cakes for the boys. 
   I am greatful for the miricle that Jana experienced, and for the love of my family.  I is always a pleasure and a  blessing to be home with you all.  Thanks for the nights of games and cards and love and friendship.  I LOVE and MISS YOU ALL.

Cameraless Vegas vacation

We went on a fun and crazy vacation; my camera broke.  I would have loved to put tons of pictures of our adventures, but no such luck.  But, I'll write all about it.  We spent several days in Las Vegas.  It was a great trip down; the kids were great.  We made a stop in Richfield and got a motel room.  They went swimming, and we went to dinner. We went and checked out a river that had flood water, and lots and lots of little black bugs.  James LOVED the bugs.
   We got to stay at Aunt Liz and Uncle Brett's house in Vegas.  They were at girl's camp.  We love staying there.  The kids already have their rooms picked out, and it is peaceful and feels comfortable.  Lots of memories in that house.  This time we didn't even break anything; Yea us!  We even got to water their tomato plant.  :)  Here's another big thanks to the Chititers for letting us stay in there home.
    We enjoyed Grandma V's cooking!!!  Verna is a wonderful cook, and I love going to dinner because she always puts on a feast.  Even her broccolli and cheese is better than mine.  We we able to look at some of her art work, and she is a master.  Her art is so beautiful, I would love to have her decorate my home.  WOW!  I can't even tell you how exquisite her work is.  The kids had a blast playing together, and it was great to get to know little Robert.  He is a cutie.  The kids loved painting with grandma, and doing a pinata, but when asked what their favorite part was, they said it was playing with their cousing Robert. 
    Thanks to Andrea and Todd, we all got to go to the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus.  Andrea is a marvel.  She can do everything!  We had a great time playing with cousins, and I truely enjoyed talking with the adults.  Thanks so much for the fun.  Grandma brought food, thanks Alex for that too, and we ate and talked, and played.  James and Robert LOVED the little train ride.  The kids really had a great time on all the rides, the lasor tag, and the motion theaters.  Thanks again to Andrea for the fun and exciting adventure!
    We had a great picnic in the park, and got to see Uncle Jack and Aunt Coralee.  It was fun to be together. 
    I also got to spend some time with my friends.  Kami came and we went to Applebees and had a great conversation.  I love spending time with her.  She is inspirational.  Thanks for being such a good friend.  I also got to spend some time with Julie.  We even made a late night/ early morning sonic run.  Good conversations, and great memories.  Thanks everyone.

Family Fun and Composting

My kids and husband are having a great time composting this year.  It's out behind our shed, and we are excited to have our own compost for next year.

Movie night with Dad.  Isabelle didn't get what she wanted.  Look at that face!

James tries to climb everything.  He is pretty strong, but not strong enough to climb the light pole.

Activity Day activity.  They also made a wonderful decoration for our front door.

LOOK MOM, A WORM!  They loved that there were worms in the compost pile.  Isabelle ran into the kitchen to show me hers, and James danced with his.

Composting: They love to help Dad water and moisten and move the compost pile. 

Garden again July

The empty squares have been dug up by the cat!!

I LOVE the pumpkins growing up the trellis.

That pumpkin is soooo cool.

vertical gardening

tomatoes and peppers and onions

Carrots

Potatoes, cucumbers, peas, and flowers.  Also some random corn Jimmy Joe planted.

Look at that corn, squash, and melons.

Isabelle and her sunflower

My first 2 cucumbers

Love and food

I love my pasta press

homemade wheat bread; I love my mixer.

Wonderful garden vegetables.

We are having a phenomenal time eating from our garden.  We have little carrots, and when James pulls one he gets so excited.  He wants to pull them all.  Kirsten came over the other day, and she was so surprised then she pulled the carrot, and there was a carrot on the end.  It's like a surprise every time. 

I made homemade spaghette, and sauce.  I used basil from the garden, and ground my own flour for the pasta and sauce.  I also made a great salad.  We've had eggs (from Bev and Scott), carrots, lettuce, peas, cherry tomatoes, and even a couple of cucumbers.  What a salad!!!

I made a wonderful vegetable stir fry: early potatoes, carrots, yellow squash, zucchini, and green beans.  I even plan on making fresh vegetable lasagna this week. 

I have enjoyed making bread, banana bread, and I even spent the day with Beverly, and Joslyn and I made her Great Grandma Ruth's famous orange rolls.  They are delectable.  It was a joy to have Grandma Ruth there to do a little instruction as we made her rolls. 

Joslyn and I went out to lunch and had a wonderful time singing songs and talking about Harry Potter. 

I got to spend all day with the Thomason's because my wonderful husband took the kids on an outing to the Denver Zoo and Aquarium.  He really is a sweet man. 

Fun Fourth

We started our celebration last night; DRIVE IN!! We watched Brave, and Avengers, and loved them both.  The kids had a fabulous time.  James loves to be able to run, and dance.  He LOVES the hotdogs, and drinks.  Isabelle wants the popcorn, and to be with the family together. We like to be outside and sit in our chairs, and even the car.  We snuggle and eat, and watch fun movies.  It is a late night for the kids.

Today, Bobby didn't go to work.  It is a holiday. We did work around the house, in the garden, and the yard.  Bobby has a great compost pile going on, and we are excited about gardening. The kids loved having Dad home to play with, read with, rough house with, and they laughed all day long.  It was beautiful to watch.  I love my family.

Day at the Lake

We are having such a fun summer.  Isabelle, James, Robert, and I packed a lunch (and got sandwiches from Subway) and took all our stuff to the park in Windsor.  They loved it.  I sat on the "beach" front and made friends with Monique, and fed my family lunch, relaxed and watched them swim in the lake.  Had a fabulous day at the park.

Look at me MOM

Isabelle wanted to go out in the deep; James close to the shore.

I'm Superman!!

My wonderful husband and kids.  I love them.

Isabelle is the most adorable little girl ever.  She looks at me and say, "Mom, you're beautiful, I love to look at you." She loves to dance, and sings all day long.  She made a wonderful 3 page treasure hunt that we all went on today, and then they went swimming.

James is my sweet little boy.  He loves telling jokes at the dinner table.  He has to be busy all the day.  He still loves Scooby Doo, and loves to wear a cape and pretend he is scrappy doo."puppy power" And "James Power".  He loves to snuggle, and read books.  His favorite song is popcorn popping, and he loves to dance. He loves to laugh, and he loves to play.  He also can through a good fit.  LOL 

My children make life more enjoyable than I could ever have imagined.

Bike riding

We have been bike riding, and visiting parks.  I'm just putting this all together for time's sake.  We went to a park in Winder that has a beach.  You swim in the lake, and they have a sandy beach area to play in along the shore, and you can take your boat, and other vehicles out on the lake.  We will go visit again and swim.
James talked to Bobby on the phone one afternoon, and said, "Daddy, I want to go eat and play basketball with you."  So, we went to eat and to the park to play a little basketball with Daddy.  They are so cute.
We have gone to the splash park a few times at Spring Canyon Park "the giant park" by our house, and we love to just ride around the trailer park (really this is a little nerve racking for me because of the cars that might come up the street), and the kids love to go swimming.  It has been a great summer so far, and we are having fun together.

Summer School Africa

We finished our Africa projects.  We finished working on the Deserts, and Jungle activities.  Our sand paintings are beautiful.  What a fun time we had making a big mess with colored sugar and salt.  The kids loved learning about the trees that bleed poison, how some tribes fish using poisoned laced tree bark, and eagles that eat monkeys (take them in flight from the trees).  I know they loved the desert spider that cooks his food before eating it, and the one that turns itself into a wheel to escape from the wasp.  We had a great time. 

Lion pattern art

Desert Sand painting

Favorite places in Africa

African pullouts in our journal

Aquarium Day

deep sea diving

Isa and the mermaids

riding the shark

BIG BITE

James' way of riding the shark

playing with the lights

They loved the mermaid show



posing for the camera

shining shoes

Fun times

Today, after I took the Thomason's home, we went to the aquarium.  The kids just love it there.  James asks everyday is we can go.  He took a little nap as we drove, and that was fabulous!  When we walked in Isabelle said she REALLY needed to go potty, so I told her that the bathroom was just around the corner, to go and I'd hurry in and meet her.  So, off she went.  I was already talking to the ticket lady, and James was holing on to my dress when she went around the corning.  The ticket lady handed me my tickets, and before I could put them in my purse I look around and James had stepped onto the elevator and the it was going up.  The ticket lady said, "I'll run upstairs and get him, you go get your daughter".  So, with a little in trepidation, I ran into the ladies room and told Isa to hurry, we had to go find James.  She rushed out of there with me, and we saw the ticket lady leading James out of the elevator.  OH MY GOODNESS.  We had a long talk about staying with Mommy. 

The kids loved the big map of the United states and ocean and lakes.  They like to see the otters, and our favorite spot is a little beach area where they have live birds, and the water is clear.  You can spot many types of fish there, and we like to watch them play and chase each other.  Today we got to see the mermaids doing their show in the big tanks with the fish.  They played "under the sea" from the Little Mermaid, and the kids danced and danced.  It was so much fun to watch my little ones dancing to that song, and the mermaids were pretty cool too.  We made it to the end of the tiger show, so they got to see the tiger too.  Oh my kids are perfect.  They got an airbursh "face paint" on their arms, and petted the rays.  We got our soda, and went to visit a play area we hadn't seen before.  They had a great time climbing on the apparatuses that looked like sea animals.  A boy, probably 8 or 9 years old ran right up to Isabelle when he saw her and said, "Hey, you chase me ok?"  He ran while she chased, and he kept changing the rules as they went so where ever he got tired, was automatically safe.  Isabelle played for awhile, then she got the 2 girls that were there and convinced them to play games she made up.  It was cute.  I gathered them up, and off we went to the 4D theater.  they always have a great time at the aquarium.