a little manwaring nothing

Peter Pan

2011-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Many times as a mother I am amazed at the skill, talent and bravery that my children exhibit- all on their own. This is one of those times! Last night Nicholas performed in "Peter Pan" and he was Terrific!! The whole play was magical and SO well done. I actually got teary watching these incredibly talented 3rd to 6th graders truly giving their all. A beautiful experience.

Clark turned Sixteen

2011-12-08T08:44:00.000-08:00

Clark can date...weird!! He can't wait to get his driver's license; he is almost done with Driver's Ed, and should be able to get his license in less than two weeks. Clark was also ordained a Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so grateful for the man he has become!

LOVE San Diego!

2011-12-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

San Diego was wonderful! We celebrated my mom's 70th Birthday, my parent's 40th Anniversary, and Thanksgiving! We also had a blast on my brother's 60' yacht! The weather was so warm and beautiful, and it was so fun to be with family. We were sad to leave.

Oh autumn, how I have missed you

2011-09-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

One of the many wonderful perks of living in Utah again is to experience the Fall. I had all but forgotten how magnificent the changing seasons really are! Fall has always been my most favorite time of year. When we lived in Arizona I always longed for REAL autumn leaves every Fall, and many times my heart would ache for canyon drives to witness the beautiful Autumn colors.

For the last month we have loved getting cozy by the fire pit, drinking hot apple cider or roasting s'mores. We have loved having the kids play night games with huge groups of friends. We have loved watching Nicholas' football games in the early evening and feeling the cool canyon breeze. We have loved driving up the canyon on Sunday afternoons to soak in all the fall colors. Wow, it's good to be back.

September Birthdays

2011-09-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

Nicholas (11 years old) and Nate (5 years old) had birthdays this month!
We were lucky to spend both birthdays with Grandparents and Uncle Peter.

Nicholas received his Arrow of Light award and is now a Boy Scout! He is also on a flag football team, and he is in the school musical Peter Pan as part of the Pirate Crew.

Nate started pre-school this month and LOVES it!

First Day of School

2011-08-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Clark is a Sophomore, Lauren is a Freshman, Nicholas is in 5th grade and Jack is in 1st grade. I love that they all are happy with their teachers, and have friends! It makes it easier to have them gone all day knowing that they are happy.

Pioneer Trek

2011-08-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

This morning when I dropped Clark and Lauren off for Pioneer Trek, my heart was full. Ever since we moved to Salt Lake City, I have had numerous occasions where I've felt such reverence for this sacred ground. Our pioneer ancestors had a true desire for Zion and their testimonies burned with knowledge of this true Gospel, and their desire to live it. We had the opportunity to watch 17 Miracles before they left for Trek (sidenote: Dave's Aunt, MaryJane played Mrs. Loader in this movie!) and it was amazing! I think it was a perfect way for them to start their Trek.

Ava turned one!

2011-08-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ava had a wonderful birthday! She squealed in delight the whole evening! Grandma and Grandpa Manwaring and Uncle Peter came over to help her celebrate.

Nate gets stitches

2011-08-03T07:59:00.001-07:00

Our sweet little guy was kneeling on the arm of the couch and slipped and hit the desk right next to it! Nate was SO brave when we went to get his stitches! He held completely still for the shot of numbing medicine and stitches. The nurse was so impressed and said she had never seen a braver child! She grabbed a dollar bill out of her own wallet so he could get a sweet treat for being so brave. Of course, he didn't want to spend it and I got him a Bob's Brainfreeze(Best shaved Ice ever!). He thinks he looks pretty tough with the stitches!

Bonnets

2011-07-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

With our Stake Pioneer Trek coming up, and with Ava's Birthday on Pioneer day, I had way too much fun making bonnets for my girls!

We love the Howards!

2011-07-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

We loved having the Howard family come visit! They have the cutest kiddos!

Lazy days of summer

2011-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of what my kiddos are doing when we have no plans, no schedules to keep, and the sun is shining!

Jack turned seven!

2011-07-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Jack had a super fun birthday! Jack is incredibly smart, loving, and charming. We love him like crazy!

How we have been staying busy

2011-07-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have to say I don't reccomend moving with a six month old baby...it was kind of like moving with the use of only one arm. It took a little longer than I hoped to get settled in, but we did!

Dave is really happy with his job right now. Working for a University has been a really fun experience for him.

Within two weeks of moving I got called to be the Young Women's 2nd Counselor. I was so excited to still work with the Young Women! We got back from girl's camp a few weeks ago and it was so great. I absolutely love these girls!

Clark is diving at the U of U, and has made leaps and bounds with his diving. He has had no problem making friends here. We have girls knocking on the door to bring him goodies almost on a weekly basis. Yikes! Clark has enjoyed learning to snowboard and he loves being outside ALL the time.

Lauren has made some great friends, has enjoyed going to two different girls camps, and can't wait for Trek this August! She has enjoyed being able to go to dances now that she's fourteen.

Nicholas and Jack enjoyed taking a bus to school, and have made lots of friends! Nicholas earned his Webelos badge and enjoyed going to camp for a few days. Jack had about 8 field trips the last few weeks of school, so he felt like he was on vacation.

Nate has loved the snow, and is usually outside with Clark. He continues to smother Ava with kisses daily.

Ava now has seven teeth and is crawling. She can say a few words and always folds her arms for prayers. She has a crazy high pitched scream that she loves to practice too!

Hopefully I will get around to posting our summer pictures. Summer here is amazing!!

Much belated Easter post

2011-07-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of our Easter...

I'm Back!

2011-07-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Okay...it's been waaay too long since my last post. Life gets crazy busy, and even though I've thought about blogging at least on a weekly basis it just didn't happen. Things are way calm and relaxed right now so I decided I better catch up!

This picture sums up the first few months we were here in Utah...it's chilly, and we LOVE it here! (Corny, I know!)

Enjoying the journey!

2011-01-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

We will be in Utah in less than two weeks. This is the little cottage in Canyon Rim (Salt Lake City) that we will be living in for a year; it's adorable inside as well!

Nate's love for Ava is astounding; he kisses her about 20 times a day!

Jack lost his first tooth. Yeah!

Some pictures of our wonderful Christmas Eve with family and Christmas Day.

We are moving to Utah!

2010-11-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

Dave was offered a job in Salt Lake City this last week; we are ecstatic!! When we moved to Arizona 11 years ago, we told ourselves we would only stay one year, then move back to Utah. Well, we're 10 years late, but better late than never. I am so excited for our children to experience four seasons...bring on the snow!!

My family

2010-11-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

We have had a great start to the school year. Clark and Lauren got back their AIMS test scores, and they both got "exceeding" in all three areas- not easy to do! Clark, Lauren, Nicholas and Jack are getting fantastic grades...Nick and Lauren are on the Honor roll, Clark has a 3.75 GPA, and Jack is now reading small chapter books! Clark finished the diving season, he is a phenomenal diver! Nate is so smart and funny, and is so good to Ava; he is constantly kissing her and telling her how wonderful she is. This Thanksgiving we have so much to be grateful for. We are truly enjoying raising these amazing children.

I'm back...I think

2010-11-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

I've finally found a spare moment to blog...six children keep me on my toes! Ava is growing perfectly; she absolutely completes our family! We are all so in love with her. Hope you enjoy these pictures.

the first full week of school

2010-08-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

It has been a great week for the kids...well except for Nate who really misses Jack. I feel like as a parent I have a child in almost every phase of childhood: Clark in high school, Lauren in middle school, Nick in the fourth grade, Jack starting Kindergarten, Nate is a pre-schooler, and Ava is the newborn. I love it, these wonderful children will keep me on my toes.

Dave gave the children father's blessings last Sunday. We all felt the spirit, and each child has already made good friends, and is happy at school. I hope this is one of the best years yet for them!

My Freshman is on the Varsity team!

2010-08-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry I don't have pics up yet...just had to share the news. Clark found out today that he made the Varsity Swim/Dive team as a diver!! This was his first full week as a Freshman at Williams Field High School, and needless to say, it's been fantastic! He has a red Varsity locker (I guess JV has black) that's gigantic...just like his ego! ;)

Ava Piper Manwaring

2010-08-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

Ava was born on Saturday, July 24th at 9:03 a.m. She weighed 8lbs. 1oz. and was 21 inches long. She is such a sweet happy baby. We are all completely smitten with her!

Clark is changing Ava's diaper, he did a great job.

Look at all these children! I'm the luckiest mom in the world.

I never got around to posting how big my belly was...Nate would ask to "kiss" Ava several times a day, so I just had to get a picture of him.

A Fabulous Baby Shower!

2010-06-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends! Two amazing women, Tenneal and Marin held a baby shower for me, and it was wonderful. Of course, everything that these two women do is wonderful...truly! I think I received enough diapers to last me a year, and the cutest baby clothes ever! Now I just can't wait for her to get here...4 more weeks.

Lauren is thirteen!

2010-06-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

I just love this girl! I am Soooo blessed to have her as my daughter! Her birthday was last Thursday, so I'm a little late in posting. She had breakfast in bed, we went to Joe's Farm Grill for lunch,we went shopping and had PF Chang's for dinner. I have to say that so far my two teenagers have been amazing, and I am really enjoying this stage with them.

8th Grade Graduation

2010-05-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

Clark is officially a Freshman!! He's very excited to start High School at Williams Field High School this year (Go Black Hawks!). Here are some graduation pics.

My Gardens

2010-05-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, Dave calls me a farmer, and I don't think he's joking. I have two good sized gardens, an amazing peach tree and several orange trees. I really enjoy going out every morning and evening to water the gardens. It is like therapy for me. I love the bounty of delicious organic fruits and vegetables we enjoy. Most everything is ready in the gardens except for my tomatoes; they are coming along nicely though... I can't wait! Here is a sampling of some of my veggies.

Aaaahhh the peaches. This is summer to me; they are sweet juicy and delicous! My children loved picking them right off the tree.

Bell peppers; yummy!

Our family loves Swiss Chard; we will definitely plant this one again.

I have a few zucchini right now, waiting to get a few inches bigger.

These are Chiogga beets, they are red and white striped and sooo good.

I just collected more sugar snap peas this morning, the kids love them!

Our radishes are done for the season, they were wonderful.

28 weeks and counting...

2010-05-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am officially two-thirds of the way done with this pregnancy. I am really enjoying all the aches and pains, but mostly I love feeling this little girl moving and kicking. I know it will be the last time I ever experience the beauty of being pregnant, so I'm just trying to soak it all in.

Clark, who is super talented painted this picture for me, I get emotional that my 14 year old son cares so much! I am so blessed. In case you can't see it too well, it is a stork carrying a pink bundle.

Nate is a winner!

2010-05-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our bank had a contest to "guess how many M&M's are in the jar" and Nate won! His guess was 1,000 and there were 1,004. Needless to say, all of his siblings were pleased that he won...yeah they're all gone now.

while the boys are away...

2010-04-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

The girls will play! So, Dave took all four boys on a Father's and Son's camp-out last Friday. Which meant Lauren and I got to have some fun together! We went to dinner at Costa Vida, went shopping at Ross, went to Yogurt Jungle. Then we came home and made fun hair clips! We even stayed up late and watched a movie afterwards. I love spending time with Lauren.

Here she is showing off one of the flower clips we made.

These were so easy and fun to make!

A wonderful Easter

2010-04-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

We had such a great weekend together as a family, watching General Conference, coloring eggs, finding easter eggs, and being together. The weather was amazing!

We recognize that, without Easter, there would be no Christmas.
Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for each one of us. He was also resurrected, just as we all will be. We are eternally blessed becuase of him!

Time flies when you're in love

2010-03-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Dave and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary this Sunday. We were married in the Las Vegas, NV temple. I'm really not sure where all the time has gone, but it's been the most amazing fifteen years of my life. It helps to be married to an incredible man; I lucked out big time!

The picture isn't excellent quality and poor Mary is cut off, but It was the first one I found. We look so young in this picture! Oh yeah... I guess we were young.

Spring Break in California!

2010-03-23T09:07:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun in California! We loved seeing grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles. The beach in San Diego was amazing, and the kids had a blast at Disneyland. We were pretty sad to have to come back home.

Drum roll please....

2010-02-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

We are so excited!!!
Lauren is still in shock, she's been hoping for a girl for the last 10 years (the time in which I've had three boys). I can't wait to start buying little girl clothes again!

love this!

2010-02-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is the quote I am giving to my Laurels for this Sunday's lesson. Amazing.

rocks in my garden

2010-02-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

This will be my seventh year of having a garden, and I am constantly amazed that no matter how much time I spend getting all the rocks out of my garden, eventually there will always be more. I have wondered if the rain brings them up from the surface, or just time and use? Either way, they hinder the soil and consequently the growth of my vegetables.

So it has rained the last few days, and yesteday I was admiring the garden and sure enough...more rocks.

It really had me thinking how this could be a simple analogy for my life. What are the "rocks" that may be hindering my spiritual growth? Where have they come from? Do I work hard at tossing these away to make room for the fertile ground needed to learn and grow spiritually? Could I self evalute more often and make sure that any new rocks are quickly discarded?

I will be the first to admit that there are emotional rocks that I need to discard; I'm grateful that Heavenly Father makes it possible.

"Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories." ~John Wilmot

2010-02-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that we are expecting our sixth child!

I just turned 35 last month, and am feeling great...I can do this one more time! Well, that's my mantra, anyway.

When we told our chidren last November; they were absolutely thrilled! Even Nate and Jack are excited and pray for the "baby" every day. Christmas was pretty rough because I was quite sick, but now that I'm far enough into the second trimester I'm feeling fabulous!

We have an ultrasound next Friday to find out whether this little one is a boy or girl. We'll keep you posted.

"cute" is a bad word!

2010-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

For the last six months or so, Jack and Nathaniel have decided that when they are called "cute" that it is a bad thing. They think that only puppies and babies are cute; big boys are definitely not cute! They get quite upset and demand to be called "cool" instead (in a very serious face). I'm sure it has something to do with having a few older siblings, but it just cracks me up! So, be warned...if you call them cute you might get quite a nasty look your way.

Pinewood Derby

2010-01-27T08:20:00.001-08:00

Nicholas had a great time at the Pinewood Derby, racing his car, "Doom". He won the prize for Best Metallic Paint Job!

Our trip to the East Coast

2010-01-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

Dave and I had a wonderful opportunity to head out to the East
Coast last week. We went to "Colonial Williamsburg" in Virginia for a few days, visited Washington DC, and spent a night in Philadelphia.

This is the Governor's Palace where after the American Revolution, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson both resided at different times as governors.

This is an example of what people ate in colonial times...notice the delicious calf's head in the center? Makes you hungry doesn't it?

The people who work and live here are so knowledgable about the history of this nation. There is just this amazing feeling when you're there, realizing all the sacrifice from our forefathers
to bring to pass our freedom in this country; and to be able to stand where they once stood.

Okay, I just had to show you how green Viginia is even in the dead of winter, which was about 45 degrees. Surprisingly it doesn't get that cold out there. This is the garden behind the Governor's Palace.

I just loved this picture; there are two people sitting outside dressed in Colonial times.

Dave and I were surprised at how much smaller the White House is in person. Washington DC is amazing, and the next time we're taking the whole family for at least a week...

there is so much to do and see.

Okay, well you can't go to Philly and not get an authentic Cheesesteak from Geno's!

We had an absolute blast being together and came home on my birthday to find our wonderful children and their awesome grandparents waiting for us. I have to say, absence does make the heart grow fonder.. Jack snuggled with me for a long time the next day and said, "Mom, I just need you." Just what I needed!

Brothers

2010-01-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

Mmmm... makes me sleepy just looking at this picture. I love it! I love that in a family, your oldest child can still snuggle up and fall asleep with the youngest one.

Christmas Eve at the Manwarings

2009-12-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

We love our family and friends, and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

The Duke of Christmas says, "Let the festivities begin!"

(As far as dogs go, Apollo is a sell-out!)

The most wonderful time of the year!

2009-12-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

These were taken at our Ward Christmas party...Nate cried when he sat on Santa's lap.

I love this picture of Lauren!

We had lots of fun making the gingerbread house...I do believe that's chocolate on Nicholas face.

Gratitude

2009-11-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

I think for most of us, this time of year gets us thinking what we're grateful for. This year I feel especially grateful for the blessings we've received. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for healthy, beautiful children and a husband who's willing to work multiple jobs to support his family.

My heart is full when I think of the valiant men and women serving this country, so that we may continue to be free.

Many of my extended family members and friends have lost every possesion they own, except for each other. The amazing thing I have found, is that they are still happy because they know what is most important in this life, and it has nothing to do with possesions.

I'm grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I'm also grateful for the personal life lessons I've learned over this last year; it has changed who I am forever.

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” Elisabeth Foley

2009-11-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

It was so wonderful to see one of my closest friends, Terri last week! I've had so many wonderful friends that move away, but every time I get a chance to talk with them, it's as if we've never been apart.

Veteran's Day at the Farm

2009-11-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

This was a baby calf that had just been born an hour earlier.

The Unfriendly Cactus

2009-11-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Clark had a campout with his troop almost two weeks ago in the Superstition Mountains. They had a friendly night time game of "capture the flag", and Clark tackled a Barrel Cactus instead. He had literally hundreds of cactus needles that had to be pulled out...a bloody mess. Well, we thought all was taken care of, but a week later clark came home from school and said he was having terrible pain in his shin. I checked out his leg, and felt a cactus needle almost an inch long embedded deep inside his leg. Fun times. He had to have minor surgery to remove it!

In this picture, the cactus needle is next to the cut.

Sorry if this is too graphic! Clark was a total trooper.

We're back!

2009-11-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been a few months of no posts...we've had some computer troubles, and have had to wipe out our machine a number of times. I will attempt to be consisitent again.

Big fun at Big Bear Lake

2009-08-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our family went to Big Bear Lake, California last week.

We stayed with my Aunt Betty(far left) and Uncle Paul (far right). My mom and dad are in the middle. My brother Jim and his family were also there. It was a wonderful, memorable trip...we love family!

Here's a pic of all the Randles' side cousins.

Dave and I during a hike.

Dave with our new dog, Apollo.

Our silly little Nathaniel.

We celebrated my Dad's 70th birthday.

Family picnic

This is an old mine shaft that we hiked to and explored...

it goes pretty far and it's really dark!

I love this picture!

this one too...

An aerial view of Big Bear Lake. We took a lift up to 8,000 feet

and ate lunch at a little cafe. It's beautiful; this picture doesn't do it justice!

Nate with my Uncle Paul and Aunt Betty.

We will be back up at Big Bear this winter to enjoy the snow...this is our new favorite place!

A Wicked Good Time

2009-08-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

On July 18th Dave and I took Clark and Lauren to see Wicked the Musical. We had a blast! It was a really enjoyable time, and we loved hanging out with our two oldest kids. Lauren knows all the songs by heart, and we are still talking about what a fun time we had.

We have mice!!!

2009-07-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, not the kind that live in our walls and reek havoc. We have two new pet mice that Clark and Lauren adopted; they paid for everything including their cage, toys and food. Lauren named hers Biscotti , and Clark named his Algernon (yes, like the book "Flowers for Algernon"). It has been a great experience for them to take ownership and responsibility for something other than themselves. They have to clean the cage and take care of all their needs. Great for me and Dave.

Jack's 5th Birthday!

2009-07-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Jack celebrated his 5th birthday on July 10th. When I asked Jack what he wanted to do for his birthday he simply said he would like to have a fun birthday at home ( I even offered Chuck E. Cheese). It doesn't take much for Jack to have a good time! We played musical chairs, relay races and had a fishing pond with lots of goodies. Jack is such a special boy; we have loved the 5 wonderful years with him in our family, and look forward to many more years to come.

Best Buddies

2009-07-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

Jack and Nate are two of the most opposite personalities you could ever find! Jack is reserved and careful and Nate is crazy and daring. And yet these two are perfect for each other! Jack keeps Nate slighty mellow (or at least keeps him from getting too crazy), and Nate encourages Jack to be a tad more adventurous. They are lost without each other. Heavenly Father really knew what he was doing when he sent these two to our home. I love these little guys!

Clark the Diver

2009-06-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

Clark received a Third Place ribbon in this particular

meet, which was pretty amazing considering

he was up against some 17 year olds.

Desert Botanical Garden

2009-06-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to the Desert Botanical Garden. It was actually a great reminder for us that the desert truly holds a beauty of its own.

Unfortunately, Nate got up close and personal to a friendly looking cactus, and found out it wasn't really very friendly after all.

Happy Father's Day, Dave!

2009-06-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, Dave is a total hottie! He is also an amazing dad. When we got married almost 15 years ago, I had no idea he would be such an incredibly great father. He is always the first on the scene when there is a child crying from a bad dream in the middle of the night. Even when he's totally had a long day at work he comes home and plays with the children; then he rolls up his sleeves and helps me finish getting dinner ready. He is a spiritual giant that my children look up to and respect immensely. He is the most patient and loving man I've ever met. How did I ever get so lucky?

Lauren's poem for Dave this morning reads:

A Father who loves strumming the guitar,

The applause from his children are never far.

For a Father so loving, courageous and true,

A loveable Father whose favorite color is blue.

A gentle Father to tuck his kids into bed,

Whisper "I Love You" with a kiss on the head.

A Father who jokes with us 'til we fall on the floor,

He's one of a kind, wish there were more.

Assembly Line

2009-06-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

This season we had about 40 pounds of tomatoes from our garden! All five of my children were so excited to help me prepare and freeze some tomatoes. They all helped; it was wonderful. There is something magical when you see your family all happily working together. Unfortunately Nicholas is not in the pictures...towards the end he was feeling really sick and subsequently got the flu.

Lauren turns 12 today!

2009-06-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Lauren! Actually, she's not home today; she's at Girl's Camp! We love Lauren so much. She is beautiful, intelligent, talented, funny and caring. From the day she was born, I knew she was a wise soul. She is so excited to be a Beehive now, and for the opportunity to turn twelve at Girl's Camp.

San Diego

2009-06-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

We went to Coronado Island and had fun in the sun!
Legoland was super-fun! Nate thought that Bob the Builder was real for a while:)

The GIRL CODE

2009-05-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Nicholas (who is eight) told me yesterday that he knows the secret to the girl code. I wasn't sure what he meant by this, and then he proceeded to tell me that the "girl code" was the secret to making a girl happy. I knew the conversation was about to get good...here's the code for all you boys out there.

Don't hurt girls

Always ladies' first

Give girls everything they want (I especially liked this one)

Don't hurt their feelings

Be mindful of girls

I was very impressed! He's going to make a wonderful husband someday.

Clark finally got a "life"

2009-05-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Clark earned his Life rank in Boy Scouts last month. His next step now is to complete an Eagle Service Project. We will be working on that over the summer, and hopefully Clark will have earned his Eagle before he turns fourteen. If you have any great Eagle project ideas, we'd love to hear them.

Summer!

2009-05-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

There's just something magical about summer time to a child (popsicles, swimming, lots and lots of books, and afternoon naps...okay maybe not the naps). My kids only have about a week left of school, then freedom! You would think that because we live in Arizona that we'd have a bigger pool. Apparently, this pool is good enough for Nate and Jack.

Art Show

2009-05-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Clark, who is now thirteen has always been a very talented artist. He was recently chosen to represent his art in the Higley Unified School District's art show.

The most important thing

2009-05-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Nicholas has always been a child who thinks "outside the box." It's one of the many things we love about him!

Last week we went to his class for Celebration of Learning, and his teacher Mrs. Trent had compiled a book similar to the book entitled "The important Book" by Margaret Wise Brown. Each child was to pick a subject.

In the original book, the author takes one subject and talks about what is most imortant. Here's an example: "The important thing about rain is that it is wet. It falls out of the sky, and it sounds like rain, and makes things shiny, and it does not taste like anything, and is the color of air. But the important thing about rain is that it is wet."

Nicholas chose the subject of a graveyard. In his own words he wrote: "The most important thing about a graveyard is that it collects people who had a life." Mrs. Trent was so surprised by his choice of words, that she placed Nicholas' page first in her most important book!

How does your garden grow?

2009-05-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

This year has been our most successful garden ever! We've planted peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, corn, beans, cantaloupe, carrots, lettuce and basil. The kids love going out to help water the garden and of course, picking ripe veggies.

High School Musical!

2009-05-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Lauren had the opportunity to play the part of Brainiac in the "High School Musical" play (she's the one right above the girl with glasses). She was awesome! She spent six weeks practicing every day after school. It was worth all the practice, but we're glad it's over. Lauren is talented in so many ways, she constantly amazes us.