I swore...

...i wouldn't attempt another shirt-dress for a while , but, i couldn't help it. it did go faster the second time around and....i didn't ignore my kids this time! yeah!again for this GREAT website and the free tutorial for this dress go here

speaking of swearing ...here are some other things i swear by lately...

A. old and dear friends to brighten up my birthday . thanks girls and everyone else that came. ( and to my thoughtful husband who planned the party)B. my beautiful little guy that makes me smile every time i look at him...

C. cousin sleepovers- tiring- but fun to watch the kids thoroughly enjoy every minute (plus, then we trade with their parents and take an overnighter ourselves)...Liam HAD to sleep next to Willa on the floor even though his bed was right next to her. then he ended up taking over the mat and shoving his poor cousin off. signs of the time...watch out future wife!

D. letting my husband go on a mountain-biking excursion with some buddies...talk about coming home a new man! i didn't recognize him with all the dirt- and - he was so totally enthused!

E. having Liam on silverware duty. i HATE unloading the dishwasher...just like my Mom does...and i always think Liam is too little to help but found out he does a great job! F. i don't swear by this... the midnight showing of eclipse. i think the movies and books are entertaining- but i definitely don't need to stay up till 2 or 3 am to watch it the first night. i had fun with these girls - though i don't know how i got talked into it by Ingrid!- i was so so tired waiting for it to start. don't know if i'd do it again. i guess there is always a first and last time for everything. !

the back rolls...

the thunder thighs...

the rubber band wrists...

whats left to be desired?

birth announcements...

so i never got around to printing and sending these out...Charlie was 3 months old when they were made and i was just in a warp/time freeze for the first several months of his life- had no idea what was up or down! anywho a friend of a friend made these for me and she does a fabulous job! if you need any announcements or anything crafty look her up, it can be done all online.! you can go HERE for her blog or HERE for her etsy shop.

To Ride, Run or Swim...

There was a really great car show in downtown Ogden the other weekend and we took the kids. It was a blast...free and spontaneous. It felt so nice outside...I absolutely love summer nights. Little Mr. independant trying to fish thru the crowds... Marty had a great time. This is his ultimate secret pleasure...cars. Never take him on a car lot just for fun...wild thoughts start forming in his mind...like "we could actually use a third car!" or "I think we'd be a happier more spiritual family if we upgraded our van!"

I think Liam really enjoyed this mini- like father like son...

We ran a 5k in Morgan last weekend. My goal was to beat my time last year and I did by 10 seconds! hooray! 5k's are not so fun because you just run hard the whole time and it hurts and you want to cry, it's not over fast enough for me...esp. when I'm in it to win it.

I love having a husband that will run with me ...what a man.

Liam graduated from his swimming lessons! He really does have a great backfloat for a beginner. Mommy/me classes are not so fun though, everyday for 2 weeks straight gets a little redundant.!

Speaking of Liam graduating...how do I graduate him into underwear?! I hate potty training!! Seriously ...it's hard for me to not get frustrated and yell at him when he has accidents -yet I know this is all new to him and I can't just expect him to 'get it'. But I need to let him know that it's not okay to pee on the floor when he had sat on the toilet just seconds before and NOTHING. Please someone give me a secret that is fast and painless!! Are there services out there that will take a child for 2 weeks and potty train ...I'll dish out the cash if that's what it takes! anyone?

summer fever

seriously it is going on- that summer fever thing. i love it! we got out of swimming lessons today for Liam and the air was warm and that distinct smell was abounding-chlorine/grass/warm summer smell- it is amazing when this season comes. that is why i love the seasons in utah. here is some things we've been doing lately...we went to the aquarium in sandy last week. the penguins are so fun to watch. we were at the zoo yesterday (no pics) and the penguins, there, just lay still for the most part...probably too hot. but at the aquarium they are active 'little' buggers. (wait -is that a swearword?)

ruby had her gymnastics olympics...it was so fun to watch her.! i think she might be a future olympian...we are going to try her out in a 'hotshots' class this summer and see if she's ready for 'real' competing and practicing.

this lovely picture of marty and i ...ha! we were so red and sweaty from hiking to the 'M' over memorial weekend. pretty view though. morgan is a beautiful place - it's nice to have family living there.

this big baby of mine keeps me busy and gives me sore arms...why do baby's not walk until they are a year or more! whats the logic in that?

can you see mini-marty (liam)...where did charles come from?

ruby's been begging for a 'pretty' apron like mine. i was going to make her a twiner one with mine but then found this fabric i already had...now i want one like hers. pooh pooh.

we like to bake -ruby and i- i have no self control though. so it's not a smart thing to be doing as summer/swimsuit season is upon us. ha!

ahh the weekend..!

this is what happens when Gpa's and Gma's are involved over Memorial Day weekend...
Charlie get's his first fill of ICECREAM! what the?! Look at the guilty look on Gpa's face.! ha!

but we forgive you Grandpa cuz you make all the kids smile and laugh with your jolly ways...

kids get taken on CRAZY 4 wheeler rides...

though they may show fear during the ride...it's smiles all around when they're done!

of course there is always lots of love and kisses from Grandma. Even with 22 grandkids she makes sure to hold or talk to each one when we get together...

We love you grandma's and grandpa's! Wish we had some pics with you DI! We did think about you as we set up the AMAZING tent you gave us. RUBY had a blast sleeping out with Dad. Can't wait to see you soon!

dough to go around...

you might not think he's got a sensitive side...but this 'bad A' can bake cookies like nobody's business.

with the help of his siblings of course...

oh, the joys of baking with kids...such a messy (but fun(for them)) process...

nothing beats eating cookie dough right off the mixer!

and i mean, really, nothing beats it...poor Charlie-in the background- is just wishing for a taste!

totally unrelated, but here is all my beautiful sisters and in-laws and mom on mothers day! we missed you Jami B.! it's not complete without you...notice how we didn't put a blonde 'filler' in this time to try to replace you! ha!