Bird Business

We have had hundreds of birds in our backyard! There has been an infestation of grasshoppers and the birds are in heaven eating all of them off our lawn. The other day it started raining hard and one of the birds came in a vent on our roof and ended up in our little utility closet. We could hear it flapping around in there every once and awhile. Sophie was especially curious about it but I told her not to open it because the bird might fly at her face and peck her nose. I thought I scared her enough not to open the door but awhile later she came to me and told me the bird was black. After trying to figure out what to do with it over night, I came up with a plan. I got a laundry basket and a baby gate and I was going to trap it and then let it go outside. When I opened the door it started flying into the basket and then decided to go higher and flew right past a squealing Jimmy into Conner's room. It flew to the window and smacked itself and then I opened the window and it flew into the back of my head as I was trying to get the screen off. (that's when I screamed) When we got the screen off it flew right out into the field behind our house and I'm sure it had a great big breakfast of grasshoppers.

Spooning

When we were in Bear Lake last week, Conner stubbed his toe in packed down sand while playing football. After it didn't feel better and was bruised and swollen we took him in to the Dr. when we got home. Sure enough he had broken it. So he has a orthopedic shoe that he runs around it (he is getting around great and tries to still do as much as he can).

A few mornings ago, I saw he was laying in his bed awake. So I walked in his room and asked him how his toe was feeling. He said good then said, "Is Scotty still sleeping?" When I told him yeah, he then said. "Will you cuddle with me for a minute?" So of course I cuddled right up to him and wondered how much longer until he'll think he's too old for that. I need to take advantage of it as long as I can. He is so sweet and I don't want him to get any older. I look at Scotty, who at moments looks so much like Conner to me, and think how fast it's gone since Conner was an infant. Time goes by so fast!

Challenger Soccer Camp

The second week of summer vacation, Conner and Kali had a British Soccer camp I signed them up for. British pros come to the US and teach camps all over the states. They both loved it and were so sad when the week was over. They had a crazy hair day one day and the last day of camp they had a world cup tournament. Conner was on the Brazil team and Kali, England. They spent time the day before getting their uniforms just right. They both learned new skills and improved throughout the week.

Sophie's Wardrobe

Sophie is so silly when it comes to clothes. She has three things she likes to wear- her purple pajamas with the flower, her red velvet Christmas dress and her swimsuit. Her pajamas and her velvet dress are both long sleeve and meant for cold weather but she still sports them in the summer. Her swimsuit seems more normal to wear now although it has nothing to do with her actually getting wet. It also seems like she has a constant weggie as she is wearing it. The only time she is not wearing one of these things is when we go to church or when I take her out of the house with me somewhere (lately I haven't been doing that much). Usually, the minute we get home she wants to change back into one of her 3 favorites. I hid the red velvet dress from her up in her closet, it's been out of site for weeks, somehow today it reappeared though! Dang it!

Down and Derby

Conner had his pine wood derby for Scouts a few weeks ago. This was his last year participating. His first year, we had some car troubles and his didn't even make it to the end of the track. Not the best way to start his pine wood derby experience. The next year, ('08) Conner and Jimmy spent more time on his car and he came in 5th place. He was so excited his car made it down the track and even more excited that he placed. This year, he brought home the gold! He came in 1st place- way to go!

The Happiest Place On Earth

No, I'm not talking about Disneyland- I'm talking about the Temple. Yesterday, my little sister, Steph, got married in the temple. What a wonderful experience it was. We had a big surprise while we were in the sealing room. Bryant and Steph came in and while we were waiting for the sealer to come in, our prophet, President Monson, came to the door. I nudged Jimmy because I saw him first, and we were both in awe. We all stood up and he came in and started shaking hands of those in the front row. He shook Ken's hand (my bro) and commented on his pink and black tie, he said he liked it. He then moved on and when he shook, Aaron's hand, (my brother-in-law) he said, "you must be related." (because he had the same tie on) Then he noticed most of the guys in the room had that tie- all the brothers and brother-in-laws were wearing them. He said he has been to many sealings and this was a first- the pink and black tie wedding he called it. I thought he was just popping in but then he just kept on staying and no other sealer was coming in. It was amazing being in the same room as him. He was so great- just like I thought he would be. He told funny stories and touching stories. He knew Bryant's grandma- they went to High School together and I think they went on a date or dates together. And they each still have a quarter that they exchanged; President Monson said his was in his sock drawer and he had just seen it that morning. I'll have to get the story from Bryant when they get back from their honeymoon. His advice to them was the same advice he got when he was sealed to his wife- to kneel in prayer everyday together taking turns offering the prayer. He said he has been doing that since he was married in 1948 (61 years). It seems like such simple advice but so important. How can you stay angry after a disagreement if each day you kneel together in sincere prayer. They were sealed together in room B- which used to be rooms 13 and 14 until they were combined to make one larger room. He made the comment, "who would want to be sealed in room 13? Especially, if it was Friday the 13th. So he made the suggested to use letters instead of numbers. It was so neat listening to his stories and taking in the Spirit that he brought to the room. I was so excited for Steph to be sealed to Bryant by the Prophet! What a great way to start a marriage and what a great story to tell their kids someday! He said he was going to write in his journal that night about the pink and black tie wedding.

After Steph got into her dress, they came out for pictures. It was so neat watching all the little neices swarm around her. She has been the best Aunt to them. They all think she is so beautiful, like a princess and they admire her and look up to her so much. I am so thankful that she is not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. She is such a great example to them and I can't think of a better role model for them.

We got pictures taken and then went to a luncheon at the Joseph Smith Memorial building. Very yummy! Jimmy and I went and got the sheet cakes from Costco that my parents ordered and then back to the JSM building for family pictures with Steph out of her wedding dress. And then it was time for the reception. It was a nice night and fun to see relatives that I haven't seen for awhile.

I'll never forget what a neat day it was yesterday. Seeing the Prophet so close was one of those life changing experiences for me that makes me evaluate my life and where I want to be compared to where I'm at.

Love is in the Air

This summer we have a couple of family weddings. My little sis, Steph, is getting married this Saturday to Bryant. On Thursday, we have her bridal shower. I can't believe it's getting this close! Time sure has flown by these past few months. We sure like Bryant a lot. Steph was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Bryant has been so supportive and loving to her. I know he'll take good care of her and she'll take care of him too. We are looking forward to the new addition to the family! Now I just need to find a black skirt and top (dresses aren't so great for nursing)- that will be a project for the week. I also have my sister from Idaho coming to stay with her 6 kids for 5 days so I need to figure out meals and get the house all ready.

Here's the invitation I made for Steph-

Jimmy's, younger brother, Jason is also getting married in August. We've enjoyed getting to know Kassie and her daughter Arianna (6 years old). They got set up by Jimmy's aunt and the rest is history. We are so happy for them and look forward to adding Kassie & Ari to the family! I am going to be doing their flowers for the wedding (which I love to do)- I just hope my two littlest ones will be supportive of the time it will take to do that.

Here's the invitation I made for them-