Well today has been an interesting day. I've just kinda felt emotionally unsettled lately, who knows. I think I've either having an emotional breakdown, or emotional breakthroughs. Impossible to put into words on a lighthearted blog. All I knew about today was that I needed to do something different than just drop offs, pick ups, laundry, dishes, diapers, feedings, etc, etc. How could I ever feel bored with a list that just never ends. But somehow I was (am). So I did some shopping in the morning. I picked up some scriptures for my friend Tracey who is getting baptized on Sunday(need a whole other post for that wonderful story), then Luke and I went to Target. I always know it is time to leave a store when the only thing that I can do to keep Luke in my arms is holding him upside-down. I got a few weird looks, but he just wants down so bad, and is throwing, and twisting himself out of my arms the whole time. So needless to say I wasn't really feeling refreshed after this excursion. I went home for a few hours to send Dane off on a two day hiking trip with the scouts. I have to say the timing didn't feel ideal. The idea of spending the weekend home alone with the kids was making me feel claustrophobic and irritated. I decided that getting a babysitter, and doing something was my only hope. It evolved that I went out to eat with four wonderful friends. Now this was what I needed. Adult conversation with girls who are feeling exactly like me. Thank you friends!!! This put a little fuel back in my tank to get through. So the kids did fine with the babysitters, except I noticed Lindsay tummy looked a little bloated. She admitted eating everything in sight. the kids were being watched at Jamie's house by baby sitters. I don't think the babysitters ever said no to anything the kids wanted to eat. I put her to bed with a huge tummy ache. So coming home as I pulled up to my house I noticed the front door wide open. It is around 8:00 so the door has been open for 4 hours!!! I wasn't sure I left it open, and was really creaped out. Lindsay refused to get out of the car (smart girl). I felt dumb calling 911, but I wasn't going in the house alone. I decided to ask our neighbor to walk through with me. Jim is a really nice retired guy in his 60's. He grabbed his hammer and we started walking through every room. I was embarrassed that the house was so cluttered from a couple days of not caring. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed something white following Jim, and had a quick thought that it looked like t.p. stuck to his shoe. I ignored it and kept looking around. When I turned around Jim was laughing and handed me my bra!!! Oh my gosh!!! He got my bra hooked around his ankle and was walking around with it for awhile before he noticed. Could that be more embarrassing. I couldn't believe he would hand it to me, instead of just tossing it aside. We both laughed it off, but inside I was horrified. So all was well no boogie man in the house. I'm just going to go to sleep and pretend Dane is laying by my side keeping me warm and safe. I hope I wake up tomorrow feeling refreshed! I hope I can remember how precious my kids are, and that they don't deserve a crazy mom. My search for sanity today ended well. I think when it's all said and done I do feel better.

Well I think we have lucked out two years in a row. Lindsay's first grade teacher seems to be very good. Lindsay loves her, and really wants to please her. She often comes home and pretends to be her when she is playing school. Today Lindsay wanted to bring her an apple, and picture. I think it is so cute the relationship that can develop. Thank goodness for good teachers in this world. I can't imagine the level of patience it must take. Thank you to all the teachers who love our children, and enjoy their jobs!

On a good day I would say, "I got the most wonderful package in the mail today", on a bad day, "I've had enough! I'm packaging them up and shipping them out ." Luckily most days are good. I let the kids play in the peanuts. Boy did I pay for it. Usually messes are worth it for me to buy me some time, but I realized that doesn't apply to foam peanuts. I'ts been a week, and I"m still finding them in random places.

Jacob has his best friend Lexi. They have been playing with each-other since they were babies. They have a very special, and unique friendship. It has always amazed me how they play together. With other friends Jacob always has had a lot more problems with play flow, sharing etc, but with Lexi they never fight. They have this little understanding and respect for each-other. Jacob is always prince Eric, and Lexi always Ariel. They stay in character for hours. I love their friendship. Jacob's pretty sure Lexi is the one. This is a picture of them after running in the sprinklers. They look a little guilty because I didn't know they were doing it.

This is us at Shaver. It is rare that we get all of us in a family shot. I need to do better at that. Jamie created this to be a possible blog header. I love it, but Dane doesn't think he looks buff enough, and I'm never fond of the swimsuit shot. Thanks Jamie for the beautiful design.

There has been an empty hummingbird feeder hanging from our tree for 2 years. I finally put some sugar water in it, and I can't believe the response! There is always 1-3 hummingbirds in the tree at all times. In a few days the water is almost gone. The kids love it, and I love watching them while I do my dishes. Then for a pumpkin update. We currently have 4 pumpkins from 2 plants. We had several promising blossoms until Jacob decided the leafs were looking dead, he went nuts and chopped the plant to pieces. I felt like crying because we have been babying, and watching these pumpkins since June. So after the episode, part of the plant survived. Maybe we will get one more pumpkin. I just love our front yard.

A few nights ago when I was getting ready for bed, Dane was no where to be found. I discovered him in the garage carving on a huge stick/log that he got up in the mountains. When I asked what this project was going to become, He said I would just have to wait to find out. Okay, so I headed off to bed, and must have fallen into a deep sleep. In the morning I noticed Dane was struggling to get dressed. I put two and two together, and realized he must have cut himself. Yep, shortly after I went to bed he slipped with his knife and sliced his thumb. Then he proceeded to stitch himself up with our pathetic supplies. He had to redo it a few times because we didn't even have the right thread. I couldn't believe he would just sit there by himself and stitch himself up. If it was the other way around I would have for sure needed some moral support. Wow we must think differently in every-way. I'm glad he is okay. He is one tough guy.

Lindsay loves her picture taken. She is always up for a glamour shot!

Following me around
Please pick me up! Luke's normal position.


Loves to play on the brick

The feet that never want to walk
Just some pictures of Luke today. He is 11 months going on one year. Could that be true that he is going to be a 1 year old. He is just my sweet little baby. To me and especially Dane he could never do any wrong. He is still pure innocence and preciousness! He is such a fun little personality in our home. In some of these pictures you will notice a blue band on his head. Just something Lindsay thought was so funny to put on him. He didn't mind it a bit, in fact it really added to his whole outfit today.

The boys have been playing a little more lately. Jacob is very territorial of his toys, and goes out of his way for Luke not to touch them, but every once in a while they have a cute play moment. Moment being the key word. They do play chase, and Luke laughs the hardest at the silly things Jacob does. I'm excited to see how their relationship develops, and I also know that there could be a lot of wrestling and fighting in our future. I'm enjoying Luke's easygoing days.

At least once a day I walk in a room and find Luke in a new semi-scary place. But this is one of his favorites. Not to high, just right. He can also reach the near by dresser to remove anything that might be on the top. Look out below!

Jacob wiped out from a fun day!
3 sleepy kids!






We went to the lake just for the day, with our friends Jamie, Tucker, and kids. We decided to rent a boat, and just tool around the lake for a couple hours. We pulled into a few beaches for BBQ, and swim. The kids had a blast on the boat, even though Jacob was reluctant at first. Lindsay took her first inner-tube ride, and loved it. Luke enjoyed feeling the breeze on his face. Luke was pretty excited about the new territory, especially that he could crawl up on the seats, and try to jump overboard. We had to keep such a close eye. A fun day, and nice escape from the valley heat!

Lisa this one is for you!
Luke being patient
Dane preparing for lift off
Lindsay waiting for the big blast
Jacob's favorite past time

Lindsay
Dane and the kids put together a rocket, and tonight it was finally ready to blast it into space. (600 ft) After a few false starts it finally went off when none of us were looking. Then it would come down with a parachute. We saw that part. Then we had one take off where we were all watching. It was really exciting. As we were cleaning up to leave a cop car showed up. Jacob had the rocket in hand. I wish I could have captured his face. He was really worried they would haul him off to jail. The police car pulled right next to me, and rolled down the window. What I saw inside was the cutest retired couple. A sweet little old lady was one of the officers. We didn't get in trouble they just wanted to check out the action. Jacob and Lindsay played in the dirt field (Jacob's dream) while Dane worked on the rocket. Luke watched from his stroller. He is pretty intrigued by everything Jacob does these days. He is in watch and learn mode.