Memorial Day

 We left the cabin early on Memorial Day so we could celebrate with a BBQ and swim at Ian's parents' house.  Josh came with us.

 I love spending time with Ian's family and especially with my niece Matthea.  She is such a bright, adorable girl.

 Watermelon!  I don't like watermelon so the boys were thrilled to be getting it at Nana and Papa's.

 Xander tried on my glasses.  I think he look pretty awesome in them.

 It was such a fun way to spend the day.

Memorial Day Weekend

We traveled up to the cabin for Memorial Day weekend.  The Friday before was Max and Ben's last day of school.  It was a half day and we spent it getting ready for the cabin.  I can't believe I only took a few pictures.

Ian played UNO with the boys alot.  He had to help Evan and it was hilarious.  Evan really does not grasp the concept of UNO.

 Of course Ben caught a caterpillar.  And a lizard.  And Max caught a lizard.  I love that the boys spend so much time outside when we are at the cabin.

More UNO.

It's always so relaxing for me to be up at the cabin.  I'm so thankful that my parents are always such gracious hosts and happy to see us.

Insane

I really don't feel like doing a blog but I made a goal to do at least 3 a week so if you are reading this and don't want to hear me complain then stop right now.  I MEAN IT!  And no picture with this post...so there!

This week has been insanity.  I have had to work a lot and try to get my boys all ready for school next week, which starts on Monday.  I hate it that the school summers are so short.  I have been running around frantically trying to get each boy ready - only buying the minimum of what they need because I can't afford any more than that.  I had to get all new uniforms for Xander since the name of his school changed.  Lame.  Xander and I spent most of Wednesday afternoon waiting to change his schedule.  And then there is the whole nightmare of where he will go to seminary.  Fun times.

Thursday was spent getting Ben ready for school and going to his new school to get his schedule.  My awesome friend Christy picked us up and we went over there with her son, Ian who is also starting jr high.  I have been so stressed out and worried about jr high.  Well folks, miracles do happen because Ian and Ben are in all of the same classes but one!  They are on the same "team" and have lunch together too.  It is such a blessing.  I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  Just that morning Ben had told me how worried he was about starting jr high.

Later I decided to take the boys to Hamilton to celebrate.  Ian was able to come too. I love it that my boys are content just spending time with each other.  It makes my heart happy.  Evan and I jumped off the diving boards while Ian laughed at my diving form.  Whatever.

I have spent so much money this week on school stuff.  It stinks.  We went to meet the teacher for the younger boys on Friday morning.  I was so excited about their teachers and the classes they are in and so NOT excited about the supply lists.  After purchasing most every thing, I am broke.  I had to take some of the boys school clothes back today so I could put gas in my car.  Ben's going to have to wait a few weeks for the shoes he desperately needs.  And even after being so stressed about money, I can see all of the blessings of this week.

My dad nearly died on Monday.  He had carbon monoxide poisoning and passed out twice - once for 45 minutes.  He is only alive because Trina insisted he go to the hospital.  I saw him today and started to cry.  I am so thankful for my dad.  For the wonderful father that he is.

I am so thankful that Ben and Ian are in the same classes.  I am thankful that Xander is going to a school where I know he will excell.  And I'm thankful I finally figured Seminary out!  I am thankful that Evan got the teacher I requested and that one of Ben's good friends brother is in his class.  He keeps insisting that he's going to Miss Lisa's (his preschool teacher) on Monday, but I know he will love his new teacher.  She is awesome.  Max is in the class I requested.  He has 3 good friends in that class plus Kim is his aide.

I am so grateful for my sister Kim.  That she is willing and able to help me with my boys and be there when I can't.  Amidst all of my worries about money and other things, I am thankful for the things that really matter.  For my family especially.

Wow, this post turned out better than I thought :)

End of the year

Ben's friend Camden had a birthday/end of the year party at AirWorx on the last day of school.  The kids had a blast running around and acting crazy.  Ben has such a great group of friends - I'm sad they are all going their separate ways for Jr High.

We had

these Tom Ford sunglasses forever at my work.  We stopped carrying the line and cut the price in half and they still didn't sell.  Finally one of my bosses said I could have them!  So I gave them to Xander.

 He makes them look good.

 I have so many ups and downs with this kid.  He can be frustrating in one instance and hilarious in the next.

My mom pointed out that he is alot like his father.  True words have never been spoken.

Working has made me a much more patient mom.  I can't waste my time getting frustrated or mad at the little things.  It has helped my relationship with Xander.  I understand him better.

And even though he likes to drive me crazy...he is awesome.  I'm lucky to call him mine.

8th Grade Graduation

 I never knew there was such a thing...or at least I don't remember there being 8th grade graduation when I was in jr high.

 It was a fun night.  My favorite part was the slide show.  One of the teachers had requested a baby picture and a recent picture of each kid.  It was fun to hear all the kids guess who was who.

 These three goofballs spent the last two years together.  They will each be going to a different school next year.

I hope they will remain friends.

I was

laying in bed this morning.  Thinking about how fast this summer has flown by.  I thought how it's been one of the best summers of my life...for me and for my children.  One of the main reasons is my friendship with these three gals.  They have made me feel loved and accepted.  And they have made my family feel the same way. I am so grateful for their friendship.  For their sense of humor.  For always being up for anything.  And mostly for accepting me and my family.

They are proof that Heavenly Father answers prayers.

Buddies

 Evan loves his dad.

 Ian plays with him.  Draws with him.  And Ian lets Evan stay up late with him.

I love watching the bond between these two grow.

Suessical

 Every year the 6th grade at the boys school put on a play.  This year it was Suessical.  Ben doesn't like to be the center of attention so he was happy when he was cast as a Who and a circus animal.

 It was such a cute play.  They all did a great job.  Ben's friend Max was the Cat in the Hat and he did an awesome job.

 Max met up with his friend Jackson.  Those two boys have been inseparable this year.

 I had to include this picture of Michael and Xander.

I was so glad that our friends the Chings came to support Ben too.  I love seeing them.

Afterwards Ben's friend Max had a party at his house.  I love the friends Ben has and am going to be sad when they go their separate ways to junior high next year.

Errrgg! Max's birthday addendum

I went back to edit my birthday post for Max because I realized I forgot to write some things and I couldn't edit the post either because of my stupid computer or because of bloggers new layout.  I think I need your help Christy.  Anyhow...

Sunday after church Ian took the boys over to his parents house.  They had pizza, brownies and fun!  Sean, Meg and Matthea were there too.  Nana and Papa gave Max a really cool bubble gun that is GIGANTIC and some money.  He has already spent some of the money on a nerf gun and enjoys shooting me in the butt.  I guess it's a big target :)

I was glad he got to celebrate over there and party since we didn't throw him one this year.

On Sunday

 Max turned 9.  Wowza...where has the time gone???  He couldn't wait to open his presents.  He got a

 card game and an Xbox game that he's wanted forever.  Xander tried to talk me into giving it to him early since Xan was going to be gone, but I didn't cave.  I did let Max play a little Xbox before church.  He was stoked about that...especially since Ben had to venture out to do fast offerings.

 The day before he went on a "date" with my mom.  He bought a full Batman outfit.  He.  looked.  awesome.  This kid seriously cracks me up.  He is in full Batman mode right now and can't wait to see the new movie.  I love that he isn't too cool or old to dress up.  And I love that all of the older boys thought he looked awesome.

Later Sunday night I did an impromptu photo shoot with him.  

How can you not LOVE that face?  

Favorites:

color:  blue

movie:  Avengers

food:  pizza

sport:  football

thing to do:  play video games and jump on the tramp...but not at the same time

treat:  skittles 

song:  We are Young

band:  the Format

Happy birthday to an awesome kid!