Sabino Canyon

We went hiking at Sabino Canyon hoping that there was still some water to swim in.

From the loaded down stroller it looks like were planning on moving in.

Clayton let another lizard go…I have no doubt that the boys will find some other lizards to bring home today.

 

The boys sported their tie dyed shirts. They went to Marlee’s last day of preschool party and we made all the kids tie dyed shirts, so they happily brought their scout shirts to transform.

 

There was just a little water left, but it wasn’t really flowing anymore. All of us except Laun still got wet though…I guess the water was too gross for Laun’s liking (said the man who has come home from work covered in cow crap).

 

Searching for fish- they had fun seeing so many fish.

If only I had abs like Porter:)

Marlee is adorable.

These boys are determined to see every creature they can…

and they found lots of creatures… 

This worm grosses me out a little.

cute little frog

And no surprise at all, they found a lizard (or two). 

 

I stink at trying to take our picture.

Just chillin’

Momma’s girl

Eating lunch- we even treated the kids to white bread today, such a rarity at our house.

Marlee kept telling us she was doing swimming lessons.

It wasn’t the cleanest water, but it sure felt good.

Normally the water is flowing over these rocks. We are going to have to come back around monsoon season.

I can spot Marlee and Laun.

 

Heading out- we don’t usually take the stroller on hikes, but the road wasn’t too bumpy and it carried all our stuff.

I love cactus flowers.

 

Lunch on the go.

 

My love.

We love hiking together as a family.

last day of preschool

Today was the last day of preschool for Marlee and it was a water party. She had such a great time hanging out with friends and learning new things.

Here is Grant (who didn’t want to look at the camera), Ben, Haley, Brigden and Marlee (Spencer moved last week).

cute kiddos

I had a great time switching off teaching preschool with the other moms. All these moms are so talented and I’ve learned so much from all of them.

the sheep has been sheared

Raggles hair has grown out quite a bit since last time we cut it, but it is getting so hot that we cut it again.

It took forever to cut Raggles hair. Poor dog…without all that hair it is around the same size of the cat (now that cat will really pick on her).

She might not look very cute, but she’s got to feel cooler.

The boys are spending the night at Jonathan and Darleen’s house- they aren’t even going to recognize Raggles when they come home tomorrow. 

pasta maker

For Mother’s Day Laun and the kiddos got me a pasta maker. I’ve wanted one for awhile and when it came in the mail today we got right to making noodles for dinner.

flattening out the pasta…

the kids all loved helping to make this dinner…

making the noodles…

I love pasta…

family bike ride

We have to get some bike rides in before it gets too hot. We love the river path and rode about 5 miles tonight. The kids did great, despite the fact that the boys stopped every five minutes (almost an exaggeration) to catch lizards.

We love Laun

For preschool today I talked about Father’s Day (it’s a little early to cover, but we just discussed Mother’s Day and preschool ends before we can get to Father’s Day). The kids made a handprint craft and answered some questions about their Daddy’s.

Here’s Marlee so proud of her work (not sure what she did with her hair):

love her handprints 

 

Marlee’s answers about Laun (according to her Laun is a freakishly tall and skinny 5 year old I guess):

Porter’s responses (I wish the boys would have written more legibly):

Clayton’s responses:

We sure love Laun!

Yup…it looks like the kids are ready for morning scripture reading

Mother’s Day

I love my kiddos. I sure wish Cooper could be in this picture with me. I’d love to see what our 6 year old boy would look like today. My 4 kiddos have made me one grateful mother. I’m thankful for Laun and all the support and love he gives me being a mom.

Luckily I wore heels today, so that I feel a lot taller than Clayton:)

Kisses for mom.

Today I took a nap, watched some movies and enjoyed a steak dinner and brownies made by Laun. The kids helped clean up and they got me a pasta maker…can’t wait till the package comes in the mail. I love pasta and now I can make my own. Marlee spilled the beans today when she came in and said, “We got you a pasta maker, you put dough in it…don’t tell dad.” I guess she doesn’t want me to tall Laun that she let the surprise out:)

The best Mother’s Day present I received was that Clayton (at only 10 years old) talked in Sacrament meeting today. He did an amazing job. He looked up, talked at a good speed, didn’t seem a bit nervous and said the sweetest things. I’m so proud.

He actually got assigned to give the talk when he went to the Bishop’s office last week for some candy. The Bishop asked him and he said sure. Then he came out to the truck and told me what happened and that he was talking in church. I was surprised at how calm he seemed about it. I asked him if he was nervous and he said, “Mom, I just sang in Stake Conference.” I think this boy is enjoying growing up and having opportunities to serve.

I actually heard his talk for the first time from the pulpit and cried. He wrote it and got help from Laun.

 

Here’s Clayton’s sweet talk:

I was asked to speak on how preparing to receive the Aaronic priesthood helps me better serve and appreciate my mom.

I am fortunate to live in a home where the gospel is central and my mom is a homemaker. She has many abilities and puts them into raising us children. There is no doubt that she could be anything she desires, and I am glad she desires and is able to be with us in the home.

Dad is great, but he could never replace mom.

Even though my mom had multiple hip surgeries when she was 4 and half her body in a cast she was still such a happy girl and that proves that there's always a bright side to anything and everything.

Our actions can honor or dishonor our mothers. Everyone can find a reason to get upset with their mother. Being grateful and finding good in our moms will help each of us to be happier and give them the honor that they need. We are truly a part of our mothers.

My great grandpa Hall said that he believes that each of us will be accountable before God for how we treat our mothers and wives.

My dad smiled at this topic. Great grandpa hall promised him a box of bullets if he would memorize two things; D & C 13 (the section where Joseph Smith received the Aaronic Priesthood), and a promise that he treat his mom with respect and always help her.

Our relationship with Heavenly Father is similar to that of our parents. We are his children and a part of Him. We take His name upon us at baptism, and do this in vain when we dishonor of disobey Him.

My mom is: nice, beautiful, caring, tough, a chef, a hard tryer, superb, brave, smart, & funny.

She is not perfect but she is perfect for me. She helps me learn the gospel, read daily scriptures, work hard, and prepare to receive the Priesthood.

She is not much help when it comes to bugs and spiders. She can make a lot of noise when there is a wasp in the kitchen.

Mom, I love you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen

our mothers

I was raised by a wonderful mother. I love that my mom was always there for me. She was there when I came home from school, she was there for every surgery of mine (and there’s been a lot), she was there when I made mistakes and needed to talk, she was there when I was upset or happy, she was there when I needed a dress sewn for a dance, she was there to read to me, she was there to teach me the gospel, she was there to love and support me, she was there after every time I had a baby and became a mother myself, she was always there and she’s still always here for me and my family. We love you mom.

 

Laun was blessed to be raised by an amazing mother. She did a lot of child raising on her own. Her husband died while she had 6 little ones (ranging from ages 7 years-7 months old) and she was left to care for them. She went back to school and earned her degree as a single mother. She became a school teacher and I’d like to think of that as mothering, too. She later remarried and had 5 step children and 1 more child. She has always had a lot on her shoulders and achieved so very much. I’ve learned so much from her. She is an amazing cook and seamstress. I am grateful that she has blessed Laun’s life, my life and our children’s life. We love you Lucy.

Both of these pictures were taken in the Logan, Utah Hospital the day Marlee Cate was born.