Pool Fundraiser

The kids decided to start raising funds for a pool, which we are dying to have. So, they set up a lemonade and baked goods stand outside our house. Unfortunately we live on a 40 mile per hour road, which isn't an optimal selling location. Fortunately for us three friends stopped by at the sight of all that cuteness. Jared said he'd match watch they earned, which they collected at when we met at Tiffany's for s'mores later in the evening. The total earnings, including Jared's contribution, was $6.52 (we got a tip from the Broesders).

If you...

Tonight we took a nice Sunday stroll at the Elk Park. Then we hung out on the grass. Aaron grabbed a ball from the car and started to play the "If you" game. He announces a fact like "if you are wearing blue" then throws the ball and all those who are wearing blue must run after it. Cameron kept getting upset that he wasn't catching the ball, so a few times Aaron would say " If you are 3 years old" or "If you are wearing a alligator shirt" (it's his favorite shirt--I am constantly washing it).

But the funniest one was when I said, "If you pick your nose"...and all the kids ran except Mary. When Noah beat the others and retrieved the ball, Nikki said, "That's not fair I'm the only who picks my nose!!" Hilarious.

Ward Picnic

Tonight was our annual ward picnic. We ate barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers while the kids ran around on the jumpy houses. I just really love summertime.

Hey Babe

Noah got the flu bug last night. He was feeling fine by late morning, but I still wouldn't let him go play with cousins, which was where Nicole and Mary were today. He watched a few movies and was just bored to death. He says to me, "This is the worst day of my entire life!" So funny, that boy. Cameron kept calling me babe this afternoon. I'm not sure where he got that since Aaron doesn't say it. But when a little 3 year old says, "Hey Babe!" it is just so funny to me.

Emigrant Lake

Mary and Annie's friend had a birthday party today at Emigrant Lake water slides. We made a day of it and brought all the kids to the lake shores to play and soak in some rays. It was really relaxing, despite the muddy areas the boys were so interested in. I love summer!

The 'L' Word

Two of these darlings in this picture have a case of the something that starts with a 'L' and is not very nice. As you can imagine what our day has been like...I've washed every single item in our house and treated every person (even though five of us don't have it..). It's been a lot of work and I've been grossed out and itchy just thinking about it.

Our Walk and Our Talk

Nicole woke up feeling fine. She was super hungry which is always a good sign after the stomach flu. She then got to playing with her dolls. Here she is prepping Hallie and friends for their "pa-forance". So cute.

Sarah came over to bring some Alaskan souvenirs. She bought treasures for all the nieces and nephews. It was so thoughtful of her and the kids loved them!

I reread this Friend article by President Uchtdorf today. I just love this message for our family. I've been keeping it in mind as I've been busy mothering today and it's helped me quite a bit. I should keep this idea in mind for our back to school 2014-2015 theme.

"Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of everything we do. Love unites families. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, and respect. It overcomes hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with joy. Love should be our walk and our talk.

Love is the measure of our faith and the inspiration for our obedience. Love is the way of the disciple.

Let us be known as a people who love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and who love our neighbor as ourselves. When we understand and practice these two great commandments, we will begin to understand what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus the Christ."