Happy Birthday Brigham!

What do you get when you combine a Clone Trooper helmet, The Clone Wars movie, a new fish (named Blue Jazz), and getting "checked out" to go to Super Sonic for lunch? A very happy 9th birthday! Last night at about 10:45 pm he said, "I'm just so excited. Tomorrow is the best day of the year!!" Brigham has always looooooved his birthday. He has been known to plot and plan all year for the next birthday celebration.



Brig I hope you had a great Birthday! Dad and I love being your parents and feel blessed to have you in our home. Thank you for your many notes and loves. We can't wait to see what new things this year will bring. We love you!

First Day of School

Yeah! It's finally here... and now I'm not sure I'm ready. At first thinking of summer vacation with all my kids home 24/7 and trying to only do things that were free had me shakin' in my boots. But my kids really stepped up. Brig gets bored easily and in the past it has been difficult to keep him entertained. Not this summer. He tried so hard to come up with things to do on his own. We really kept things simple this summer and I know it was hard for my kids not to complain when their friends were off doing fun things, but I gotta say they were AWESOME! My kids are the best.

So this morning before the kids left for their first day of school Mallory said our family prayer. Part of it went like this, "Please help Mom not to feel sad and lonely while we are at school all day." Oh if she only knew. As if I could feel lonely with Quin, Cole, and Haydyn still home. I would love to feel lonely for just a few minutes. Please. No really.

Anyway, Brigham and Mallory both had a great day. Brigham's biggest news was that his teacher Mrs. Evans, who he wasn't quite sure about, has a prosthetic eye. He thought that was the coolest thing ever. Mallory has Miss Braswell and loooooved eating lunch at school and can't wait to go to computers tomorrow. I really am going to miss her during the day. I know they are both going to do great.

Todd Rocks!

What kind of husband takes 4 kids 8 and under camping by himself? Mine does! He was even brave (or crazy) enough to take them hiking up to Stewart falls and back. I'm not sure if he would do that part again but ya gotta love him for trying. Haydyn and I went up Saturday night and had dinner and made smores with everyone. The kids were having a blast. Brigham gets a little home/mommy sick so he came back with me and looooooved having me all to himself for a little while. As for me, I enjoyed the rare time to myself by staying up until 3:00am totally engrossed in Breaking Dawn. Heaven! Thanks Babe - for giving me some much needed "Jeanne time."

Quiny Quin

Quin LOVES Haydyn!

Each morning for the last month or so Quin would wake up and say, "How many more days until my birthday now?" He has been so excited to turn 5. I asked Quin what he wanted to eat for his birthday dinner and he said "bacon."

Some things we love about Quin;
He is always saying funny things that make all of us laugh.
I love listening to him talk. He annunciates everything. (Quin would say "evvrrrythingg.")
He gives great hugs.
His prayers.
His shy smile.
His laugh.

This was our conversation the day after his birthday.
Me: "What was the best thing about your birthday?" Quin: "Camping in the backyard, eating cake, and opening presents."
What excites you most about being 5? "Everything."
Like what? "Coming up with fun ideas."
Why is being 5 better than 4? "Because you get to do big kid stuff."
Like what? "Like get something for somebody that they want and it's to high.

"We love you Quin!!!!! XOXOX