Blessed

As I grow older, and maybe a little wiser, I have come to realize that one of my greatest blessings is my grandparents. I still have all four of my grandparents living and I knew 3 of my great grandparents. What a BLESSING! I not only know my grandparents but I have a relationship with each of them that is so important to me. They are my role models, mentors, examples and friends. Now that I have children of my own, my grandparent's legacies are being passed down to them as well. My children recognize each of their great grandparents and know and love them. And I also know that my children are greatly loved by their great grandparents. I don't know that you could ask for much more. I love you Papa and Grandma and Grandpa and Grandma!

Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow!

BEFORE

I am feeling like a new woman. Actually I am feeling like the real me. The me that I prefer. I have had short, and I mean short hair for about the last 4-5 years. (Which is quite a drastic change from my high school hair which was down to the middle of my back.) I was feeling the need for change and began the laborious task of growing it out. Well, I lasted 6 months before I folded! (And that is actually really good for me. ) I was feeling so frustrated with my hair as it got longer. I didn't like that one hour after doing it, (which takes much longer than short hair) I looked like a rag-a-muffin. I didn't like it touching my face, so I would tuck it behind my ears. I didn't like that it got sweaty at the gym. It bothered me to have to take the time to blow dry it after showering. I didn't like that I had to "touch it up" during the day. I didn't like that it made me feel less "spunky." Basically, I didn't like it. One day my friend asked me WHY I was growing it out. I had no reason other than to prove to a girlfriend and my hubby that I could do it. (they knew I wouldn't last and my stubborn streak got the best of me!) So, I was being silly and they were right. I couldn't do it. I didn't want to do it. And after spending way too much time agonizing over my "longish" hair, I chopped it off and haven't looked back!

AFTER

The Last Few Days in Pictures

We have had a fun few days. (Though it is summer time around here and that is basically all we do...have FUN!) Here is a little recap in pictures. (and a few words cause I can't help but say how cute I think my kiddos are!)

Family Home Evening at the range. Having a picnic and roasting marshmallows. Can you say, "STICKY!"

Garden Time. We planted some of the seeds for our garden. I was all ready to make it a fun project that the kids could help with me. I was even prepared to be extra patient as I knew they would want to eat the seeds, dump the dirt, water all by themselves etc. etc. Well, they weren't even interested. All they wanted to do was play with the pitcher I had water in. Okay. Suit yourselves!

Look at that girl go! She eats corn on the cob so well. She hardly misses a bite! She has loved the stuff since she was itty bitty.

Corn on the Cob. Or as I would call it...heaven! Connor, on the other hand is not too interested. He really wasn't eating his, just posing for the picture. Mister GQ!

Connor chasing the ducks who weren't too hungry today! He was bound and determined that they would eat our bread.

Sisters Sisters!!!
Notice Sirri is in her swimmer suit. She had an accident at the club. Thank goodness Jaci had this suit that she found for Sirri while shopping yesterday. Sirri never has accidents so I was unprepared. So, here is the question? Does it make me a bad or good mom that I didn't care if she wore her suit to the park? I did lube her up with sunscreen! I guess I should listen to my husband who just the other day told me that I should have extra clothes for all the kiddos in the car for just in case. Hon, I guess you could say, "I told you so!"

Too Funny

Last night we were headed out to meet Kendon at the Archery Range. They are having a weekend shoot there and Kendon was there helping set up. When Connor woke up from his nap I told him we were getting ready to go. He didn't seem as excited to go and had a funny little look on his face. I asked him if he wanted to go. He said, "Yes, I can shoot my bow?" (Cute how he phrases his questions huh?) I told him that he could. He then said, "I have to take these off?" Pointing down to the ground. I wasn't sure what he meant and asked him. He pointed down again and said, "I have to take these off?" Scroll down to see what he was worried about having to take off.













Sirri and Meg and I painted our toes yesterday while Connor was napping. Naturally he wanted his done as well. I told him that was okay but he had to wear a "boy" color. He thought that was alright and chose black. When Daddy got home and saw what we had done he told Connor (half joking) that boys who paint their toe nails don't get to shoot their bows. Connor didn't really react and the conversation ended there....or so we thought. I guess that poor Connor had been worrying about his cute little toes all day! His was willing to lose the polish to get to hang out with his dad and shoot his bow. Bless his little heart! I of course told him that he could shoot his bow AND wear nail polish. It was okay by me. AND his DAD!

Sirri and I painted our toes like this for Easter. Yesterday when I asked her what color we should choose...this is what she wanted again. I just may have Easter Egg toes for the rest of my life. Or at least until Sirri decides it is not cool to be "same same" as her Mommy anymore. I think I'd choose Easter Egg toes forever over that! On a side note....Please take notice of Megger's chubby little legs. Aren't those just the cutest things ever. Just makes you want to squeeze them huh!?!?!?

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

Congratulations on 33 years Mom and Dad! I am so proud of the marriage that the two of you have. I feel blessed and thankful for your marriage. You have been incredible examples to us girls of what a partnership truly is. With the example of your marriage I feel like I can be more successful in my own. Marriage doesn't come with a handbook (just like raising kids) so it sure is nice to have a great example to watch and learn from. Some of the things I have learned from you are:

1. You have always enjoyed being in each other's company. You have always done things together and with your children as well. Being together as a family was a priority.
2. You don't always have to agree on everything. It is okay to have our own opinions. It's alright to agree to disagree.
3. Calling names or being degrading is not acceptable. I have never heard either of you ever call the other a name or put one another down.
4. Finances is a team responsibility. I can't ever recall one of you being solely responsible for the finances. I can see you sitting together at the kitchen table at tax time working on the taxes and a yearly budget together.
5. Being affectionate in front of your children is important. You guys were always dancing to Unchained Melody in the kitchen, kissing in the kitchen, Dad slapping Mom's bum in the kitchen. What was it with the kitchen?!?!? It used to gross me out as a little girl, but now I am so thankful that I always knew you loved each other.
6. Sharing household duties. Dad never hesitated to do dishes, make dinner, do laundry, etc. and mom was willing to take out the garbage, work in the yard, etc. There never was a feeling of his jobs, her jobs. You worked as a team.
7. You support each others hobbies. Dad was always happy for mom to go to her tole painting classes, or in her endeavor to learn to quilt. Mom will always let dad take the scenic route for a photo op. or drive downtown to see the new scaffolding that he designed.
8. You are happy for each other when the other succeeds or has something exciting happen. It has been such a joy watching you build your new house. This is something that Mom has wanted for a long time. Just knowing that Mom is so thrilled and elated over the house makes Dad so happy. I think that it so sweet.
9. Love is a verb. You both do little things for each other all the time. Random acts of kindness are an everyday occurrence at your house.

These are just a few of the things that you have taught me about marriage. (Maybe you guys should write the manual!)I could keep going on but the kiddos are going to be up and I still have laundry to fold, so we can go outside and play when they do wake. It is another beautiful day! I just want to thank you for your incredible example! I love you both so much. I hope you have a wonderful day! Enjoy each other!!!

Loves,

Lisa-Marie

P.S. I feel like I should congratulate Papa and Grandma Weldon and Grandpa and Grandma Bigelow as well. For it is because of their great marriages that I believe Mom and Dad have a great marriage. What a neat Legacy! I love you guys!!!!

Here Comes the Sun...

Tuesday was such a beautiful day! I think the temperature darn near reached 80 degrees! Hooray! My kids and I have been excited for the nice weather to get here. Sirri and Connor's best little buddies, Brooke and Koy came over and the kids had a blast. They wore their swimmer suits (as we call them) , ate popsicles and jumped on the tramp with a sprinkler on. I just love this time of year. I always feel like a better mom in the summer. WE PLAY PLAY PLAY. We spend all day every day at the park, Rigby Lake, the Spray Park, or just in our yard. The house either stays clean all week, or is trashed all week, depending on how it started because we aren't ever inside to change it. So, I guess that I might be a better mom, but not such a great house wife in the summer!!! Let the fun begin! Sirri and BrookerBoo .


Connor Man


Four Peas in a Pod!


Click on this link to hear the greatest sound ever...HAPPY KIDDOS!

Giggles

On a side note....I am posting this today as it POURS rain outside. Boo hoo hoo! I guess that is what we get for living in Rexburg. As they say... "Don't get too used to the weather because it will change in five minutes!"

I hope....

I hope that my Sirri and Connor will always be as close as their pant size! When you have two pre-schoolers that are less than a year apart you are presented with your own batch of challenges and joys. One of the challenges is that they always have someone to fight with. On the flip side...one of the joys is that they will always have a friend. I truly hope that they can remain good buddies as they grow up. It seems to me like it is so hard to be a kid these days. There are so many scary challenges and trials. It sure would be great if Sirri and Connor could always boost each other up, and help one another through life's tricky times. I hope that as their Mom I can foster that friendship in them. I hope that I can encourage them to encourage each other. I hope that they will look back on their growing up years and have lots of great memories together and consider themselves to be dear friends.