Present help!

It's been a while since my last post. I've been busy. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance school, my family, and my church calling. Not to mention the vocal performance program has been intense to say the least. I am loving school, though. Anyway, since I really don't even have the time to blog right now, I'll make this quick. What should I get Makenna for her bithday? I seriously have no idea. Let me preface this by saying that Barbies, jewlery, nail polish and stuff like that are out for me. I'm funny about wanting Makenna to stay as far away from that super girlie stuff for as long as possible. I want her to be my little baby girl and I figure that those images of what makes you "pretty" will bombard her enough as she gets older. That's just my thing, totally OK if it's not yours. I also don't want just another run of the mill toy that will be broken or lost in a few weeks. Can anyone think of a fun gift that doesn't fall into those catergories? HELP!

Busy August

Prepare yourself for a picture overload. Here are all the captions, in no particular order: We stood in a REALLY long line at the dino museum, Andrew and I got some much needed R&R on our vacation to Cedar City, we had lots of fun with cousins, Parker's first day of preschool this year, and Makenna being gorgeous as usual. I should probably write some more, but I'm too busy getting ready for MY school to start in less than a week! Yikes!

A Little Reminder for Me

So I am blog surfing at 1:30 in the morning because I can't sleep because Andrew still isn't home and I miss him and I came across this quote on a blog. And...how's that for an awful run-on sentence.(: Anyway, it was just what I needed.

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."
— Gordon B. Hinckley

Our family is definitley on some crazy sidetrack right now and I can't honestly say that I know where we are going to end up. I can say that the Lord will take care of us somehow. Even though we may not end up where I thought we were going, we will be where we should be. Andrew is often reminding me of that. I just need to be thankful for the ride.

Parker's 4th Birthday

My baby boy is four. Wow. When did he get that old? When did I get that old? I sure love this kid. It was such a miracle that we were even able to have him and he has continued to be a miracle to us. I can't look at him without thinking of my mother and how much joy he brought her. His sweet little soul has had such healing power for me and I think many members of my family. He's adorable, mischevious, smart, a little mouthy, so funny, vegetarian (on the rare occasion that he eats), eager to share, not into cleaning up, a sister protector, dino-obsessed, handsome, very loud and often dirty, and the most lovable little boy I could have imagined I'd be blessed with. Happy Birthday my precious son! Mommy loves you!

Tate Family Reunion

Last week we went to the Tate family reunion. It was super fun as usual. We ate a lot, slept a little and just enjoyed being with the family. Andrew ate kippered something (nastiness) but his team won the Tate Amazing Race. Nice work guys! Played some Rockband, swam, the kids did crafts and we fed the fish some pancakes. Jamie watched my kids a lot because she's an angel. Parker was pretty much glued to his cousin, Addelyn, the whole time. They were really sweet together. Can't wait to do it again.

Backpacking with the YM

Andrew went on a backpacking trip with his young men a few weeks ago. Being out in nature is one of his true loves so needless to say, he had a great time. Of course he had to catch a few critter because that's just what Barnes' boy do.(: I missed him. I'm used to him traveling from time to time, but never to a place where we couldn't just pick up the phone and chat whenever we wanted to. Something about the sound of his voice just makes me smile. Cheesy, I know, but true. And yes, that frog is peeing.

Commerials really do work

A few days ago Parker was watching a Subway commercial and after it got over he said to himself. "That's nice. Everything you want and nothing you don't"(the tag line from the commercial). Everyday with this kid is pretty hilarious.