Uh-Oh!

On this day...

We were sealed for time and all eternity six years ago today.

I married my very best friend (isn't that obvious?).

I am so happy at the choice we made to be together forever. We have so much fun together. Even in our times of most trial and despair, we have never doubted each other's love. We say we are a great team (in fact we tag team quite a bit on the girls), and we are. I have only grown to more deeply and fully love my husband each day we have been together. Happy Anniversay!

**Photos courtesy of darbyelizabethphotography.com

Happy Birthday America

Next to Christmas, 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays (except I forget that fact until the day actually arrives. I really should do more planning).

Kristine and Kams (before Kams hates fireworks that make noise)

Pretty much the best babysitter EVER! (and this is the look she gives me after I pay her)

WE LOVE STASIA! I don't know what we are going to do without her!!

Babysitter-in-training? Karsten

S'more what?

this is what happens when your sister tries to "share" a s'more

What a good daddy!

Sweet Eden

jack and carly

Apparently Gracie can do the monkey bars, FOR REALS! ALL THE WAY ACROSS! That is HARD! (I tried it and sadly cannot make it across)

oh yum!

"helping" clean the pool

only in OR do you need a fire for warmth on July 4th! The high temp for the day? 66 degrees.

LOVED the celebrations. She would clap, as her sisters hid under the blankets (yep it really was cold) at the fireworks. What a fun weekend! Thanks friends for sharing it with us!

Where does she get it?

it must be from lance's side.

I have to share a story just for journaling sake. Last night we had Family Home Evening about Christ loving everyone, and being kind. We talked about how the girls could be kind to their friends, as well as each other, and they both were being stinker pots and not really listening and definitely NOT sitting anywhere near still. Today we went to a small play group and I couldn't believe what happened. Gracie went first to a boy (that she had troubles with the last time we went) and offered him her toy that she had brought from home, and said, "I thought you would like to play with my soccer ball and we could share." I was taken back at her kindness and made sure I reinforced the good behavior. Then Kami and a friend were fighting over a baby stroller. I suggested she take a turn and then let her friend take a turn and she said, "Ok, you're turn" and gave the baby stroller up without taking a turn! Then, it happened with a second friend and she gave the baby stroller up AGAIN! I can't believe how sweet they can be at times. I have the most wonderful little girls and I am so thankful I am their mother.

When it rains it POURS!

You know the feeling when you know something is going wrong because your kids are quiet? I had a quick little inspiration to check on Syd the other day and she had gotten into the canned food cabinet. She was covered in marshmallow, which was the least of my worries because she was also covered in glass! Thank goodness marshmallow creme is so thick and gooey. She had glass all over her hand, mouth, and legs, but was so coated she only had a small nick in her leg that bled.

So, I tossed her in the bath fully clothed and supervised by Grace. I know, totally responsible parent to have your 3 year old watch your 1 year old in the bath, but I had to get the glass off the floor so the two year old didn't play in it while everyone else was busy.

IF you happen to live in Portland and IF it happened to be a sunny day, we were not out. BUMMER for the short summer break!

I can only imagine a cool story to tell about how I got injured...cause the real one isn't that interesting. Basically, I missed going down a step at the movie theater and tried to catch Lance on my way down, and because I was reaching straight out with my left arm, I jarred my shoulder really good (So good, in fact that I wasn't able to move it the next day, AT ALL )! Went to the chiro clinic, and I was probably an intern's dream come true: a complex case, x-rays, and a "fun" diagnosis: HADD

"FUN" meaning that I couldn't use my arm, couldn't sleep, and had a rough time taking care of the girls. I couldn't lift them at all! I got all Kinesiotaped up (see below), got an arm sling, and went about my business healing.

Lucky for me, I had a wisdom tooth extraction scheduled for Monday. (The lucky part being I got pain meds, so I could sleep! YAY!!)

In the meantime, poor Sydney got 3 teeth, THREE!!!! (and two more should be making an entrance this weekend).

Also in the meantime, Kami had two nights where upon pure inspiration we checked on her when she was choking and had puked all over her bed. And then took a nasty spill when the lip of the counter she was leaning on gave way and she hit one side of her face on the way down, and the other side on the ground. One bruised cheek, and ear later....

Poor Lance, he spent his off-time of break taking care of me and the girls. I only wished we could have traveled and explored more of the city/state. But I am so happy the girls are happy and healthy, and even more happy that I have gained back almost all of my range of motion in about a week, thanks to a Priesthood blessing and having a good doc(s) around. Now, on to Quarter 11 (of 12) with the last of Lance's actual classes. One more quarter of full days, then half-days and the home stretch!!