Pumpkins and Prop 102

I love being a mom! We had a great time picking out pumpkins. Lauren had to find the best and biggest. I don't know where she gets that from. haha! Chase had to be different, he picked out a small white one. I think he remembers how much work it is to clean the pumpkin out. Kennedy was completely overwhelmed! She could not make up her mind. Tucker was crazy as usual. He manhandled, stood and climbed on every pumpkin he could get his hands on! The ones he could pick up he would throw, I think he expected them to bounce. I guess they are the same color as a Basketball. That does make sense! Anyway, we had a great time.
Last night I got a message that some friends need help passing out fliers for Prop 102. I'm praying that passes!!! When I got home from that Kennedy made me this sweet note. I couldn't help but post it! That little girl brings me so much sunshine!! I'm so thankful for my sweet children. I'm so lucky to be their mom. It's these notes and the little things that remind me how much I love it.

Our Saturday....

It was nice to be home this weekend. I feel like we have been gone a lot. The weather was AWESOME! So was the Basketball game and the company(Lewis Family).

I love this picture! You can just see the Love in Kennedy's eyes! She just adores Macy!

Soap on the trampoline is one of Kennedy's favorite things to do!

Well I guess if Noel decides he doesn't want to do Ortho any more he can fall back on spraying insulation! Haha!

Chase had a big game today. He played GREAT! The reason it was such a great game for all of us was because we have played this team about 10 times the last couple of years. They are a good but extremely aggresive. So we were thrilled to lead the game the entire time and Win!

They spend a lot of time scrapping over the ball. Alec is always there to give Chase a hand. They are good little friends.

....and again!

Chase and two of his Best friends Alec and Jackson...........

.......taking a break........

One Happy Boy!!! (can you see the sweat on the seat?ewww!)

Favorite time of the day.....

This is my favorite time of the day!!! Sometimes it's total chaos. But, there's nothing better than sweet clean kids. Of course.... it never lasts for long. But, I know these bath and bed times that are mine right now don't last forever. They will not always need me so much...

Just like all the other moms I know I'm trying to enjoy every moment.

Those are some sweet cheeks!huh!

What a great weekend! I wish we didn't have to come home! But, back to reality...and laundry, grocery shopping, dishes and school schedules. But, we did have a lot of fun! The kids spent most of their time fixing and painting the fort. Noel was busy setting up a quad trail and making improvements on the fort. The Baker family was there with us most of the weekend. We had a great time getting to know them better. It really feels like its fall up in Show Low. I can't wait till we can go up there again!

Lauren turned 13yrs old this last week! I took some of her friends up to the cabin for the night and we had a great time. We went out to dinner, watched a scary movie and played hide-n-seek in the dark. Which was interesting because every one was chicken to hide alone. We also played chubby bunny . I can't believe Lauren put 13 marshmallows in her mouth! Way to go Lauren!!! It was fun for me to get to know Lauren's friends(and get away).

I DId IT! Thanks to my good friend Shawni Pothier for these beautiful pictures and my blog teacher and friend Charde! I Love you! Thank you for helping me get this started. It's hard to believe I've been married for 15 years(and I'm almost 40 shhhhh). Time goes so fast. I feel so blessed to be married to my best friend(and partner in crime and the MOST patient man I know). We have four really great kids(that I hope I don't screw up). Who are all so completely different, wonderful and complicated. It is my hope that by keeping this journal I can keep better track of our comings and goings as a family. And.... to "find the joy" in Today.

Tucker

Here's our baby Tucker! I have no idea how Shawni got pictures of him because he was being CRAZY! He brings so much joy to our life. You know that song by Jason Mraz "I'm Yours". That's exactly how I feel about Tuck. Something like.... "No need to complicate our time....I'm yours....scooch on over closer dear let me nibble on your ear...I'm yours"..that's exactly how i feel about this little man. He melts my heart and makes me all gooey inside(it's pathetic). Maybe, it's something about being the baby. He can do no wrong and everything is adorable? For example...I'm taking these parenting classes and I can't bring my self to put him in time out in his room...Another thing about Tuck is he's almost always happy(unless he's hungry). He is friendly to everyone including complete strangers. He absolutely adores his big Bro! Chase was his second word. Gotta Love it.

Kennedy

This is my baby girl! Never have i met a child that is sooo imaginative and happy! She is so well balanced (I can't believe she belongs to me). Kennedy, NEVER has a bad day and I can honestly say that! She also speaks her mind (ask me about my dudes and crinkles). From the day she was born she has been the same. For example, my friend that took these pictures out of the 140 or so NOT one bad one of Kennedy! I think that speaks volumes. Kennedy loves being girly... but, her best friend is a boy(Ryder). She had a hard time deciding what to be for Halloween. A blue Power Ranger or a 70's Peace Chick! I Love every moment with her! I miss her so much at home, now that she's in Kindergarten.

Chase

Chase is 9. Oh, What I love about Chase! I've never seen a cleaner more organized kid. Every Lego figure in his room has it's place(which he asks me not to move when I dust). He's Loves Basketball and wishes he could play club ball everyday(a dad's dream). I'm sure that will consume a lot of our time in the year's to come. But, for now I enjoy watching him grow. He loves his many friends. Everyone gets along with Chase. He's quiet and I probably shouldn't say this but, he has a tender heart. Every mom's dream!

Lauren

This is Lauren, she's almost 13 (going on 18). She's amazing to me. I was never so put together at this age. If this is the awkward age? Look out World! She started Jr. High this fall. It was no big deal for her. I think I was more of a mess. She must get that from her dad. Lauren's a lot of fun. She loves her friends, her phone, the computer, boys and family (most of the time). I don't know what I would do without her. I know it's a huge responsibility to be the oldest and probably not the most fun (trial and error). She's doing great and I love her so much!