Memories

I believe every one of your senses can bring back a memory, whether it be a smell, a sight, the touch or feel of something, a taste, or a particular sound. Today my neighbor called and asked me to pick up an important piece of mail that was in her mailbox. Not bothering to put on shoes, I just hurried out the door and started walking down the sidewalk and then crossed the street. The feel of smooth and bumpy, almost uncomfortably hot asphalt was so familiar. I immediately realized that in the summer as a child I hardly ever wore shoes. I was grateful for the memory that the warm asphalt triggered in my mind. It puts a smile on my face to think about that little blond girl with unkempt hair and bare feet, who was always playing and exploring outside and around the neighborhood.

Crabby Pattie's and Pirate Ships

Pirate Cake!


Pirate ship/raft that Dad made.

Yummy Crabby Patties!

I'm just catching up a bit. It's been a hectic two weeks with Jonathan and I trying to get ready for our open house, but we have had some fun in between all of the last minute house projects.

Owen's Birthday was on the 10th and we celebrated it by going swimming with some friends at the Athletic Club and then having a fun family party that evening. It turned out to be a great day and Owen was so proud that he turned four.

My Husband

~My Guy~

Last night I was reminded of how much I like my husband. It's easy to forget sometimes with all of our responsibilities, whether it be our kids, work, our house, or church callings. It can all get so serious sometimes. Uck! Although, I have to admit we do make a good team. Life and family is a lot of work and I would never recommend marrying someone who you have a difficult time working with.

Back to last night and what reminded me of how much I like and enjoy my husband. We were cleaning the kitchen together after the kids went to bed and we were both feeling a little playful. I'm sure my husband initiated it but we somehow began to wrestle around. I forget how strong Jonathan is but I was giving it my all to give him a good fight. It was actually pretty pathetic and he obviously thought it was hilarious to watch my flailing arms and legs trying desperately to break free of his iron grip. He started laughing so hard at me that there was snot and drool running down his face. For whatever reason I usually find it amusing when my husband makes fun of me and to see his fit of uncontrollable laughter was just to much and threw me into a fit of my own. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I was left weak with aching stomach muscles.

It was great to share that moment with Jonathan. It reminded me of how we used to feel before we had kids. One of the reasons I fell in love with Jonathan is that I felt like we could be kids around each other. He could always make me laugh.

Last night made me realize that I want to laugh more with my husband. It's easy for life's burdens to zap the humor out of you, but I am determined not to let them.

Spring Cleaning

Alright, I haven't made this a tradition yet but I think I am going to have to. There is just way to much deep cleaning that gets neglected in a house with a busy Mom doing her best to raise three young, energetic boys. I know Spring is almost over but I have a list of things I WILL get done by the end of May. Here they are.....

- wash blinds.
- wash windows, inside and out.
- rotate and flip mattresses.
- clean floors under refrigerator, washer, and dryer.
- spot clean couch cushions.
- clean out closets. Get rid of unwanted toys and clothing.

OK, that sounds kind of overwhelming but I have started on a few of those projects already. I am hoping to have a productive three day weekend and round up as much help as I can.

Baby

Until recently I haven't known what to think about my baby sister announcing that she is pregnant. I think it has been so hard for all of us to know how to feel because of my sisters own confusion about the matter.
The Father is her first love, but they have been off and on again for the last three years with no solid commitment between the two of them. When Morgan found out she was pregnant they both freaked, especially Johny. Morgan knew she was going to have the baby, but was seriously considering adoption. Johny kind of took off for a while and was pretty sure he wasn't willing or ready to be a father or to commit to Morgan. Johny's lack of support made Morgan lean toward adoption even more.
I have to say that I was kind of sad thinking about having a niece or nephew out there that I would never know or get to watch grow, but I also think a baby is a wonderful gift to give a couple who can't have one of their own, so I was supporting Morgan in whatever decision she made.
Johny has slowly come around and he and Morgan have decided to keep the baby. They are young and I can see the challenges ahead of them, but I wish them the best of luck. I know how hard it is at times to be a mother, father, wife or husband, but I also know the joy a family can bring. I know they won't regret their decision and I am so grateful to them for making me an Auntie.

Mt. Elden

Of course sticks and rocks are a must at a pond!

Lucky for the duck Noah was trying to shoot,

he can't aim well yet. He wanted so badly to shoot

him and take him home for dinner.

A few weeks ago me and Jonathan took the boys for a hike up the Brookbank trail to the dry lake Hills. As you can see they are not dry but full of water. It was fun! I have never seen so much water up there before.

For those of you who like hiking it's a great time to hike Mt. Elden. Schultz Creek trail is also running which is such a treat for Flagstaffs normally dry terrain. It's good to be back on the trails again!

Landscape

This stone path was my big contribution to the project.

Landscaping my backyard has continued to prove too big a feat for me, so I finally hired my friend Steve with Scapetown to help me out. I couldn't be happier with the results. It's just adorable, and the best thing about it is that it is all on drip. No watering! Yeah! The only sad thing is that my house is for sale, so I probably won't be able to enjoy it for long.