some things never get old

ice cream cones

(especially when they are a treat for Carter using the potty more)

shoulder rides

time spent with 1 child

a baby who’s learned how to clap

a baby falling asleep in your arms- heavenly

rainy game

Laun & I met up at Clayton’s JV game. It was raining, so we opted to stay in our vehicles.

We let the kids out of their seats to roam, while we watched.

Clayton scored a goal! He was sure happy to get home & warm up, after 2 games in a row, in the rain.

smart boys

I usually get their school certificates all folded up, if I see them at all. I happen to see both of their high honor certificates this round. Proud of these boys.

what really matters

The older I get, the more I realize, that what really matters most is family & our relationships with them.

I need to be better at focusing on good relationships with each member in my family.

Laun with Sydney, taking moments with each kid individually, which is hard with a big family.

Something I want to work on being better at.

We go to a lot of our boys soccer games as a family. Porte has some cute spectators.

And I brought popcorn this time, don’t know why I haven't thought of that years ago.

Porter taking time to feed Sydney a bottle, while reading his book & sitting on piles of laundry.

night time snuggles

I’m convinced that babies love their parents so much, because they get so much love and attention, they kind of demand it, with being so little and needing help with everything. I just need to find balance & spend enough time with all my children.

real beauty

Real beauty is in the simple things…

A kid working hard on his skills & improving his abilities.

Today Clayton played keeper for part of the high school game. I’m so thankful for his coach Rigo last club season, who let Clayton on a wing, try playing keeper. He did pretty good & now will play a little of this position in some games. The more versatile you are as a player, the better.

Sleeping babies…

Seriously, any parent finds this sight beautiful.

And before long they are too big for the small car seats & taking naps.

When siblings are actually kind to each other…

Porter went with Laun to the store & came home with really cool flowers for Marlee. When Porter gave them to Marlee, she was so surprised & happy. It’s nice when they get along. And Laun got me flowers, too, but we are usually nice to each other, where the kids, not so much.

BAM BAM’s has nothing on Laun’s BBQ

I was so excited to try out this new BBQ place that gets great reviews, called BAM BAM’s. The sides weren’t very good and the meat wasn’t bad, it’s just that Laun’s smoked & BBQ meat is WAY better. I always say that Laun and I aren’t super picky eaters, we are just not easily impressed. If we go out to eat then we want the food to be something we don’t make or better than our cooking.

Not only do Laun and I make great food, we make amazing kids.

beautiful Sunday

I did fancy hair for Marlee today, it reminds me of hand fans. She really doesn’t like me doing her hair much, so its fun to see an up-do on her.

I love this dress that we bought from a sewing lady in Spanish Fork (she also made Marlee a doll & skirts). It’s material you can actually color on & then wash when you want the color off! We will have to color it all one day and take a picture, so fun.

  

Clayton walked princess Marlee to church today.

The little tree I see from my back window while doing dishes, in Spring.

After church, I drove the kids to a park up Hobble Creek canyon. Laun is out of town for work, so we need to get out.

The scenery around this park is beautiful.

good weekend

Dropped Clayton off at the HS this morning. They have a soccer game far away. One of the best parts about HS sports is that they get rides to all their away games, so if parents can’t come, no biggie and then they get dropped off back at the school. I still go to most the games, but if I can’t, at least I know Clayton will have no problem getting there.

I love Marlee’s artwork. Here is her leprechaun.

Tonight was Marlee’s first time to go to the women's session of general conference! It’s so nice to have her with me and she loved that they served BYU brownies afterwards.

cold day

It was a wet cold day & the soccer game still went on.

Clayton & Andy trying to get warm before the next game starts.

Best way to warm up, a bath.

cute pile up