Clark the Diver

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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.

1. Don't hurt girls


2. Always ladies' first


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


4. Don't hurt their feelings


5. Be mindful of girls

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