Finally

Finally, I'm able to sit down in front of the computer and hopefully have two minutes to myself. Ever since school has been out we have been busy and on the run. Mike is out of town working his 2nd clerkship, so it's just me and the kids. Could it be possible that what I am feeling is exhaustion? Maybe I'll get a little R&R when the kids and I head to Idaho for awhile. Oh, wait, the kids will be with me, no rest happening there. Anyway. . . we are looking forward to a good time.

Since Braeden's little tongue clipping we've tried and tried to get him to stick his tongue out. After 3 weeks he finally did it and now he won't stop.

Before After

Kinder Grad

This morning was Hadley's Kindergarten Graduation. All six classes walked up to the stage to "Pomp and Circumstance". They sang the cutest songs and then each individual child was called forward and given a certificate. Then it was off to the classroom to say goodbye to friends and teachers. Sweet little Hadley held her tears until we got home. When we walked in the door she darted to her room, so I went to check on her and found her sobbing. She said she loves her friends and teacher so much and already misses them. So sad. We had a long talk about moving on but being able to still keep our friends and stay in touch. Later, I asked her if she was doing okay and she said she's fine, she just needed to get the tears out. She's a dear heart.

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school for the girls. Last night and this morning have been nothing but an emotional roller coaster for them. Logenn loves school and the thought of not going for 3 months just kills her. Both of the girls love their teachers, learning and of course, the social aspect. One of their favorite things to play at home is school, lining up their dolls and animals and teaching them. They both did awesome in school this year. During the week they have come home with certificate's and all kinds of coupon's for food and summer fun.

Straight A's all year long and on to 3rd grade.

Mastered all the Kindergarten skills and on to 1st grade.

Quack!

Mike and Logenn went fishing down at the pond a couple of weeks ago, and afterwards told us about all the turtles they saw. Had and I wanted to see them too, so after school we decided to go for a little walk around the pond to see what we could find. Well, the turtles were nowhere to be found but we did see some baby fish and this family of ducks.

These ducks are quite friendly and come right up to the trail. Braeden was so excited, he loves the ducks. Whenever we ask him, "What does the duck say?" He responds, "Bwack, bwack!" (Every sound he makes starts with "B").

Isn't it cute how all the ducklings are lined up to follow mommy. Oh, if it were only that easy, with the sound of one "quack". ;)

Recipe Exchange

My recipe was Apple Strudel Muffins.

A gal in our ward occasionally hosts a Potluck Recipe Exchange. On her invites she announces the type of dish to bring and then you take your item along with recipes to share. It's fun because you get to try new things, but best of all you get to visit and take home new recipes. The exchange I went to today was for "Brunch". In the past, other exchanges have been. . . Main Menus, Soups & Breads and Salads & Desserts. These are especially helpful when you are in a slump and in search of new recipes.

Not Welcome!

This morning as I was opening the blinds in the kitchen/dining area this is what I saw. I know hate is a strong word...BUT that's truly how I feel about these creeps. I hate cockroaches with a passion. It was in between the screen and the window. So if I opened the window it would be in the house. (YUCK, I don't do bugs!) While I was driving the girls to school I was trying to think of ways to get rid of it without opening the window. I tried to get Mike to do it but he just wanted me to call the bug man. (If I see one more I'm totally calling). In the past, when I haven't had bug spray, Windex has come to my rescue. So that's what I grabbed. I went outside and sprayed that dirty bugger through the screen. Within seconds it gave up and fell and I haven't seen it since. Might sound weird but Windex kills bugs, cockroaches anyway.

Sun Dog

This past Wednesday, after school, Logenn pointed out this Sun Dog. On the way home she taught us what she had learned about it. It's caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere that form a rainbow colored halo around the sun. It was hard to get a good picture. We tried. The rainbow around it was really pretty, but that sun was hard on the eyes. (Polarized sunglasses came in handy). Supposedly, Moon Dog's are more common than Sun Dog's.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all mom's.

Breakfast in Bed . . . This morning when I woke up I was instructed to stay in bed. I could hear occasional scrambling and every once in a while Mike would come in if he couldn't find something in the kitchen. About 30 minutes later Mike came back and told me to act like I was sleeping and when I "wake up" to act surprised. The girls were so excited to serve me breakfast in bed. I was greeted with hugs, kisses and store bought, homemade and school made gifts and cards.

Me and my kiddies.

These are the cards Logenn and Hadley made in primary today. Inside they read, "God took the fragrance of a flower... The majesty of a tree... The gentleness of morning dew... The calm of a quiet sea... The beauty of the twilight hour... The soul of a starry night... The laughter of a rippling brook... The grace of a bird in flight... Then God fashioned from these things a creation like no other, and when his masterpiece was through, He called it simply -- Mother."

A while back we were walking through the gardens at an Arboretum and came across this quote. I loved it and took a picture so I wouldn't forget it. It rings so true. We love our mom's and wish you a Happy Mother's Day. We can't thank you enough for all you do.

Happy Anniversary

Happy 10th Anniversary, Hunny. Ten years, always to remember, with an Eternity to look forward to. I love you forever and always!

"Patient"ly WAITING

When Braeden was born his pediatrician brought to our attention that he had a short frenulum (tongue tied). For eleven months we have gone back and forth on whether or not we should get his tongue clipped. Our main concern was delay in speech and we were apprehensive about the anesthesia. We sought the advice of his pediatrician, family, friends, speech and occupational therapists, dentists and pediatric surgeons. We researched the pro's and con's. To say the least we did our homework. Prayerfully, we came to the conclusion that it needed to be done sooner than any later. So, we mustered up enough courage to move forward and have the 2 MINUTE procedure performed.

This is how our Tuesday morning was spent......WAITING!!

We arrived at 7:20, ahead of schedule, only to WAIT.

7:45, WAITING in the wagon for the nurse to come in and take temperature with a $1000 thermometer.

8:00, still WAITING, Brae hasn't had anything to eat or drink since 3:30.

8:30, a nice nurse brought a teddy bear to keep and toys to play with while we WAITED.

8:50, watching "Handy Manny", while WAITING.

9:00, while we are still WAITING, Braeden wants another ride in the wagon.

9:10, finally. They send us to the WAITING room to do nothing better, but to WAIT.

9:20, we WAIT for Braeden to wake up.

9:55, Brae wakes up and we WAIT for the nurse to come and unhook him from the monitor.

10:20, we WAIT for the valet to bring our car around.

11:00, we arrive home to find our pillows WAITING for our heads to hit them.

Good Luck, Dad

Mike has the opportunity to work three clerkships this summer. Today he begins work for the first firm. When all is said and done, we hope and pray his hard work will pay off and he will receive an offer from (at least) one of the firms.

Decked out in Attourney Attire

We wish our dad and hunny the best of luck.

We love you so much!!!