sunglasses and sass

Summer feels so close we can touch it with all the spare time we can stand being spent in the yard. The first warm day we had the kids were in suits with the sprinklers on. This girl is growing like a weed but not fast enough to fit into this swim suit that she's been hoping to wear, the one that I have tucked in the back of the closet for another year. It keeps finding it's way out. I pick my battles wisely and this isn't one of them. She's wild and stubborn when she wants her way, a strength I don't want to stifle. That stubborn streak will come in handy one day, when she's using that same determination to reach goals and make something of herself when she's older. I keep telling myself that. 

wishing flowers

I am looking forward to the end of school with a fierceness. Now that it's close I can't wait to have some (mostly) empty days to do some adventuring. We were out and about and stopped by an orchard in Provo since there are always dear out for the kids to ooh and aah over. There were plenty of "wishing flowers" to blow and long aisles between trees to run through. 

Her plump lips kill me. She's such a dream to me. 

I read this quote from L. Elizabeth Krueger's book, "Raising Godly Tomatoes." I liked it. 

“Make your wifehood and motherhood your top priority everyday. I don't just mean that you should stop and entertain your children whenever they want. Step back and look at the big picture. What do they need for the future? Do they need their mom to sit and read with them right now so that they can feel loved and secure and able to have that same love to share with their children in the future? Or are they already feeling that way, and right now need to help you do the dishes instead, so they can learn to think of others and to be giving and caring? Always think of what is best for your children in the long run. And remember to observe and know each individual child and their individual needs. And yes, sometimes they do need to learn to just sit and be quiet and not disturb you while you handle something important beside them. If you do this , you will have the equipment to help you not be irritated with your children. If you view them as your top priority, then how can you be irritated when they interrupt you from a lesser priority? And if you enjoy them, as you will if you are raising them as God intends you to, then their interruptions will be a pleasure not a pain.”

another day in the mountains

I'm certain my kids were intended to be raised outdoors. They are so much happier with fresh air and a bit of water to throw rocks in. On days when nothing is going right and everyone is set off easily if I can get a chance I drive up the canyon. A change of scenery does everyone wonders. I love these kids, dirt and all. 

Her diaper bum through her tights and chubby arms are the best. 

She's pouty here and still I love this picture. It's so hard being six. 

May blossoms

Words can't explain how much love I feel for this girl. I could just soak her in all day. She's spirited and wild and has such a good heart. There is so much wrapped up in that little body of hers. She's thoughtful, smart and inquisitive. Our blossoms have returned on our little pink tree and we had to get a few shots in before they fall.

feels like summer

Some sweet faces covered in watermelon juice. Magoo's first watermelon. She devoured several pieces and didn't stop scowling the whole time. She was seriously loving that treat.

We couldn't stop laughing at how intense she was about that watermelon. She's in her own world sometime and I love it. 

the coolest

I've been taking some time to disconnect for awhile and do some reconnecting with myself, per say. It's been nice, to say the least. There is something to be said about having less distractions and more time to focus on whats important. But I do love having our little family blog to have the kids look back on. I haven't taken pictures of my littles in forever. Really it's just been a few weeks but it feels like so long. I was printing the lasts months pictures and came across these two. This kid is such a stud. Sometimes it feels like he runs my life, which is okay too, but I sure love having him around. Taking care of him has taught me so much, has stretched me and I think I love him all the more because of it. He is conveniently such a neat kid which makes being his momma so fun. If only I could stop him from growing up so fast!

Easter in Washington

 We were in Seattle for Easter. We ended up going to the prettiest park and had an egg hunt, just us. I'm sure we'll remember this Easter for a long time. It felt like such a magical day. We had a little lesson for the kids and then walked around Greenwood Lake. Such a good way to spend Easter Sunday. 

The Pacific Northwest is enchanting. Look at those branches. I miss all the moss that grows on the trees there.