A Thousand Wild Horses Photoshoot

 We took some snapshots while waiting for our family reunion photoshoot by the river.

 A few weeks prior we had gone to Mack's Inn Playhouse and been put on the spot to "kiss with the passion of a thousand wild horses" once someone leaked that we had recently celebrated our anniversary.  Although I love Jared with more passion than a thousand wild horses - I'm not a fan of public displays of affection.  He brought up the joke again and got me laughing with his attempts to make a move.

I thought some of our cell phone shots turned out amazingly well and am excited to see the professional photos Aunt Tiff. took for us soon!

Bowling FHE

 We took advantage of the summer special at the local bowling alley to go have a fun family night. Unfortunately Rebecca was slaving away washing dishes at her job :(  Joshua almost scored as much as me with his crazy technique- run drop and hope it makes it to the end and Daniel was excited to surpass Jacob!  Jacob's arm surgery definitely took a toll on his bowling luck because he usually beats everyone but Jared.

Football Camp

 Jacob was so excited to go to football camp this week.  I'm thrilled that he chose to stay at his current school so I wouldn't have to deal with his transportation needs. He has grown a lot lately and according to Daniel (who wishes he could catch up to him in height, he "looks like a man"

Voices From the Dust

As I was growing up I loved how my dad would post inspirational quotes on the basement door and all around his office.  He is an example to me who is always striving to improve, to overcome weaknesses and seek daily inspiration.  When I was young, he shared with me stories and experiences of many of our ancestors who overcame incredible hardship, blessed others through their generosity and expressed their faithful convictions even in the most dire of circumstances.

For Father's Day I decided to compile the words of some of our ancestors into a quotebook for him using these images I designed on picmonkey.  It was so inspiring to read through letters, histories and talks they had given to pick out these words of wisdom and encouragement that speak to my heart.

by Amanda Melvina Higbee (McEwan)

 

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House of Happiness

This weekend while my generous husband allowed me to have a "mom vacation" I found inspiration in the words of my great grandmother regarding the sometimes seemingly elusive "house of happiness" I strive to create. While he took most of the family on vacation, I have been able to stay home (my favorite place) and recharge by doing some of my favorite things... family history, temple work, piano playing and turning clutter and chaos into a home of order. It has also been a pleasure to spend some fun one on one time with Emily redeeming all of her free restaurant coupons that she got for being nominated "Student of the Year."  And I ate way too many of the scrumptious cookies that she made:)

Today I stumbled upon

Chugging Worms is more important than Washing Dishes

Today I feel so grateful to have been blessed with close friends who inspire me to be a better person, to focus on the important things and who lift me in the hard times even when they live miles away.

Yesterday after church I was so grateful to stumble upon my good friend Angela's blog post with a video that seemed to uncannily resemble the condition of my house after a busy weekend of football, shopping, prom, work projects, church commitments.  I was joking with my kids that it looked like someone came and took a picture of our kitchen (same layout, cabinets and colors!!) couch and bedrooms. I love these lyrics from Hilary Weeks song "Who You Are"

"I know you wonder
If you'll ever have a day
Where the kids stay calm, the laundry's done
And the dishes are put away

And sometimes you feel like
Your days are spent and gone
And the question running through your mind
Is what have I gotten done
And when you finally have a moment to slow down
At the end of your day I know Father would say

Believe in what you're doing
Believe in who you are
And hold tight to the truth that you're a daughter of God
Believe in who you're becoming, believe in who you are"

I think the last time I remember feeling "on top of things" (as Angela mentioned) happened back when I was a teenager and was only responsible for myself. And I only have 6 kids... not 10!

At times when the undone housework weighs me down, I just need to remind myself that when I'm eighty I'll remember the family memories we've made a lot more than the messes they created.  And I will get to greet a lot of angels in heaven because of my family history addiction :).

Becca  & Josh heading to ice block and
mountain bike for their prom "day date.

 We had  great time celebrating Cinco de Mayo with the Keller's and Campbells as we ate delicious Mexican food, had gummy worm chugging, pepper eating contests, roasted smores and smashed a pinata.

 They younger kids decided to have an impromptu "dance party" on the neighbors back patio and made "Don't be Shy, Just Dance" signs.

 Jacob and I went shopping.  He's such an easy kid to shop with because, he's so patient when I try things on and is so excited and grateful when I buy him anything. Then we headed to watch Daniel's football game.

 Alyssa was so excited to celebrate the warm weather jumping on the tramp with sprinklers with her friends.