House Update

They just finished putting the sheet rock up inside the house, so now I am going to start doing inside pictures!!  ;)

Work BBQ

As one of the Sales Mentors, Stephen was in charge of putting together their annual summer family picnic/BBQ.  Recently we had heard about these things called "Bubble Balls".  Stephen was immediately drawn to them and researched them out.  Then rented them for the picnic.

They even had bubble balls for the little ones to climb in to.  The "adults" aka "big kids" were in the back playing different games that the Rentees had planned.

New Besties.

SUPER CUTE ACCIDENTAL PICTURE!!  Even when I pushed the shutter down to take the picture, Maycee wasn't smiling or looking at me.  THEN.  I got this!!

New bestie, Talie, trying to keep Maycee up in her ball.

After this picture I had to leave to a meeting.  Apparently, Cooper also got in a ball.  Maycee careened into him and he cried.  Then wanted out.  He wasn't a fan.  Maycee became the terror of the field.  She knocked over every kid she could find.  Kids are seriously, so much fun.

Soccer

We have started a child in sports.

Surprisingly, I am super excited.

I have never been "into" sports.

I'm not the athletic type.  I was a band nerd and then a drama geek.  Never played any sports.  Except for that one rebellious year when I played softball in 6th grade.  I was awful, so I gracefully bowed out after the season was over.

Maycee is in soccer.

Wednesday was her first practice.  She was elated.  I think a lot of her elation came from the face that Stephen is helping to coach.

Watching these little girls try and do these techniques and drills was so cute.  They worked those girls for an hour.  I was impressed.  Maycee was red-faced and sweaty when she was done.

Here are cute pictures of soccer until the boys noticed there was a playground right next to soccer practice.

Check out Maycee's action shot!

The first time Cooper went over this bridge, he was completely weirded out by the wobbly-ness. Then, he loved it.  He kept going back and forth and forth and back.

Cooper's new pjs

This was my favorite Saturday morning cartoon when I was a kid.  However, Donatello was my favorite turtle.

Tender Mercies

Maycee is now five years old.

I know, I stated that in my previous post.

For most five-year-olds, this is a time and season when they ready themselves for school.  A time full of excitement, fear, uncertainty, and a whole bunch of other emotions.

About six months ago, we decided that we were going to home school our kids.  This decision has been in the making for over two years.  I never thought I was going to be a 'home school mom.'  I know that this is what is right for our family.  It has been a difficult decision to come to, that has a lot of nervousness attached with it.

Yesterday I took all three kids to Kohl's, by myself, to get them shirts that I could take pictures of them in.  We were in a fairly long line waiting to purchase our items.  As we were waiting, the kids were, well, being kids.  A lady, in her 40's, asked me how close all of my children were.  My reply was quick, "Too close."  I immediately regretted my response because I LOVE how close my children are in age.  They are best friends, even when they are hitting one another or pulling hair, but friends none the less.

The woman in line next to me smiled knowingly, as all women of her age and knowledge do to me, and said, "It get's easier, I promise."  As I have heard numerous times before.

Again the woman questioned, "Does your daughter start school this year?"

"She just turned five, and would normally be going to school, but we have decided to do home school."  I said.

The woman's eyes lit up and she eagerly replied, "We did home school with all of our children."

"I just hope we can do it."

"You can definitely do it!" She responded enthusiastically.

Our clerks were then ready for us to make our purchases and we parted ways.

After I bought the kids' clothes, the woman was waiting for me near the door.  "We have been doing home school for 15 years," she told me, "one year I was frustrated and I sent my kids to public school.  After they started school I knew that public school was not what God wanted for us." She gave me a piece of paper with her name and number on it.  "If you ever feel frustrated and are ready to give up, call me and I will take you to lunch."

As I walked away from the woman, my heart was full.  Following this path that is against our customs and culture has been met with difficulty and concern.  I know that Heavenly Father puts people in our paths to help and support us.  I don't know if I will ever see that woman again, but for me, she was a message from my Heavenly Father telling me that I can do this.

Cute picture that I captured

The kids were sopping wet from playing in the water while I was washing the car, so I sent them to dry off.  This is how I found them.  So cute.

Happy Birthday, Maycee Donna!!

Maycee is now five years old.

It feels like it has been five years, but it is just odd to think that she is five.

Last night Stephen blew up a ton of balloons and we put them in Maycee's room so that she would wake up and see them.  I love birthdays.  Maycee requested a Frozen cake this year.  I was pretty proud of my final product.  Making these cakes and figuring things out have been so my fun.

My mom came up to be a part of the celebrations.  Since she was watching Lexi, we also had her participate in our funness.  Here are the kiddos finishing off my frosting.

That afternoon we went to the Lakeview Waterpark.  It is a really cool kid pool with a lot of splash pad additions.  Most of the pool is about two feet deep.  A little section of it is four feet deep.  The part the slide dumps in to.  The kids only lasted 45 minutes there.  I was quite surprised.  Maycee's favorite thing is to go swimming.  I gave her about six different options of things we could go do for her birthday.  She chose swimming.

We came home and had a BBQ.  Grandma and Grandpa Post was added to our party then.  After the BBQ it was time for cake and ice cream.  Then we added the Rays and Marc and Avery.

I love watching these pictures of Maycee when we are singing to her.  She loves the attention. 

Happy Birthday Maycee-girl.  I love you.

Family Home Evening

Last night was my absolute favoritest family home evening ever.

For the first time, we handed out assignments to the kiddos.

Maycee was assigned the lesson.  Stephen the activity.  Cooper treats.  With my help.

I talked to Maycee during the day about what she would like to teach.  She told me a story that she had heard in primary, that she would do for her lesson.

That night we gathered in the piano room for FHE.  Maycee started her lesson with a question, "What does it mean when you are blind?"  We answered dutifully and she asked another question, "Who helps you when you are blind?"  Again we answered, and she asked a third question, "Is the Holy Ghost a spirit or a human?"  With every question we answered she would solemnly nod her head and say "good job" in such an emotionless tone that it was quite humorous.  Before we could answer her question about the Holy Ghost, Stephen let out a small laugh.  Maycee immediately turned her head and glared at him.  "DON'T LAUGH at my lesson!" She said, then continued.  She told a VERY detailed story that we had a hard time connecting, but was amazing to listen to.  So fun.  I can't believe how much she picks up at primary.  We finished the evening with hide and go seek.  Then Cooper "helped" me with the paleo chocolate mousse.  Super yummy.  Super easy.

Call Family Vaca/Reunion

Our gathering began on a Wednesday night, July 29th, at the farm.

I was a slacker.  We were supposed to set up a tent and sleep outside...we got there at midnight, then slipped our kiddos onto the couch and then we crawled into a cozy bed in the house.

Thursday morning started with breakfast from Kory and Charisse.

And an air show from the airplane that was dusting Dad's fields.  He got SO low!! It was really cool to watch!

Then Krystal started the "Minute to Win it" games.

 

Here is where Boston decided that Grandma shouldn't win...(he kicked over her tower) he he he

This one got a little violent.  Shane was in everyone's M&M's, except for his own. ;)

Thursday afternoon we played water dodge ball. SO MUCH FUN!!  I really wish I hadn't been too lazy to go get my camera.  However, Krystal's pictures rescued me.  Mom and Dad had set up four little kid pools at all of the bases and then connected the bases with plastic.  It was really slick trying to run to the bases.

Then we got to spend the afternoon/evening playing at the infamous Steadman's water slide.

That night, after the kids were in bed, we played wally ball.  I have really learned to love that game. We have so much fun out there!

Friday we got up and headed out to go white water rafting.  There were children involved and therefore the "white" part of "white water rafting" was removed.  Again, Krystal saved me with pictures.  Basically all Friday and Saturday was spent on the water.

Then my pictures skip to Saturday...I lost focus on taking pictures.  These are the kiddos on the tailgate.  All the grandkids are starting to be squished on this thing.

Then we had Maycee take a picture of us.  She did a really good job!

Kory always needs a special invitation to come be a part of the picture.

We went to check out the hot springs that Krystal had heard about up near Banks.  This is what we found:

I'm not sure who it was, but one of our crew burned their fingers in the water.  SUPER HOT!!

Thanks for the gathering Calls!!  One day I will get back into taking pictures of everything again.