Stubborn Photoshoot

Are you really making me do this?

Okay, I'll try and be reverent.

I'm sick  and tired of this!

So you want to bribe me?

Okay, I'll give you a smile

This is much better!

As I was getting Josh dressed for church this morning, I set him on the dresser and thought I'd snap a couple of cute photos with the excellent window lighting.  After almost 20 somber shots, some bribes and entertainment from Jacob,  he finally cracked a smile.  He was much happier when I let him look at the cute family photobook from my sister Melinda.  He loves it.  Thanks Mel!

Book Nook

I spotted Emily reading this thick chapter book in the window sill that she received from her 2nd grade teacher.  Looks like she's starting to take after her sister Becca and I love it!

Hangin' with the Boys

 Our house was unusually quiet this weekend.  Becca headed off to Youth Conference and Jared took Daniel, Emily and Alyssa down to visit grandparents while he went to a training for work.  I thoroughly enjoyed cleaning house and seeing it stay clean for more than an hour.  After a thorough cleaning of Jacob's room and some math problems we enjoyed watching some episodes of Granite Flats.  Then we headed out for some clothes shopping and an outing to Artic Circle.  When he left to camp in a cave for Scouts I spent some alone time with Josh reading books and playing in the yard.
The next day we had a blast ice-blocking at the park while Josh hung out at the play equipment.
Jacob remarked, "It's kind of fun doing this for a few days, but I wouldn't want the house to be this quiet forever."  I loved being able to spend one on one time with him, but I am so grateful that we are blessed to have a big family, even though it can be overwhelming much of the time.

Garden Bonfire

Last week for family night we had a "bonfire" in our weed patch garden. After roasting some marshmallows on coathangers for smores we had a short lesson about testimony.
Jared and I recently went to the movie "God is Not Dead" and although the college student who was asked to "prove" that God exists came up with some compelling logical arguments, to me the strongest evidence comes from numerous spiritual experiences where I have seen His Hand in my life. 

Weekend Performances

 This week felt like a whirlwind with so many activities to end the school year.  Joshua often says 'I'nna come" with tears in his eyes as the kids head off to school.  This week he spent plenty of "nap"time at the school.  I taught a music lesson and played a Music Cranium game with Daniel's class on Wednesday and Jared met me there to play with the two youngest.  On Thursday we headed to Jacob's State Float Parade. Emily auditioned for the second grade talent show and was chosen as one of the top performers in her class. On Friday, for the final number in the talent show, she played "Green Frog Hop" and a piece called "The Acrobat" and then did a back walkover before heading offstage.  She reminds me so much of myself at that age in her desire to do things perfectly.

  Jacob headed to a scout overnighter while the rest of the kids performed at my annual piano recital.  Although Alyssa was too scared to announce her pieces, I was pleased that she overcame her fears and successfully played a couple of short duets with me for her first real recital which I wish I had caught on video. 

 

After enjoying some ice cream floats, we headed off to Rebecca's choir concert which sounded amazing.  It was a long day, especially for the little ones!

State Report

Jacob finished up his State Report this week on Maryland and took some "Black-Eyed Susan" (State Flower) Cookies to share.  It was crazy taking him to the open house for Middle School this week... hard to believe he is that old.

Hair

Last week I went to a fun Mother Daughter Wacky Wednesday activity with Becca for Young Women's.  We were supposed to dress as each other, so she wore some of my old flare leg pants & my shoes and I actually fit into one of her baggier shirts.  The thing I really couldn't imitate is her super long, thick gorgeous hair.