We have a teenager....

Hunter is now 13...I can't believe it! In some ways it seems like it has been a while but in others it has gone so fast. I have to keep myself from hyperventilating just thinking that in a little over five years Hunter will be leaving on a mission. When you are in the thick of raising your kids it is amazing at how fast and short of a time we have with our children before they leave home. Hunter is special to us, he made us parents. Hunter is such a good boy who tries very hard to do what is right. Yes, he has his "moments" but honestly he is growing into a very mature, thoughtful young man and we are so blessed to be his parents. Hunter is really into Bear Grylls (Man vs Wild) everything. He likes to get grossed out watching him eat nasty things and survive on his show. I think Hunter would like there to be a Zombie Apocalypse someday so he can test out his survival skills. Hunter has even assembled a zombie apocalypse survival kit that is tucked away under his bed in case it should ever happen. Hunter is a good student, he tries to do well in his classes. Hunter's English teacher recently told him that she thinks he he should become a writer because he is so detailed and talented with his story telling. He was very excited about that. Hunter ran cross-country this year for Straub Middle School. We are proud of him for trying so hard and making the commitment to do this, it was not easy for him. Hunter is so helpful at home with his siblings. He is always willing to watch the kids so John and I can go on a date night or grocery shopping. This has been a blessing for us. We love you Hunter!!!

17 Years....WOW!

I really can't believe it has been 17 years since John and I were married. My mind is blown. Man.....I LOVE him! He is crazy and wonderful, silly and caring, an amazing father and my best friend...what more could a girl want?

Sami learned to ride a bike....

Sami saw a little Barbi bike at our neighbors house and asked if she could use it. She wanted to try without the training wheels. We thought she could probably do it so we took the wheels off, Sami got on the bike and with one pass down the street she took off and was riding by herself. We couldn't believe it. She rode the bike the rest of the afternoon without any problems. She was so excited and proud of herself and kept saying "I'm a big girl now!"...now all she wants is a bike.

Fairytale pictures....

While in Utah visiting family I decided to do some pictures of Sami and Lily at the Garden Park Ward. I have done pictures here with the boys before and I LOVE THIS PLACE! Kamille came a long to help with the girls and help hold my lighting modifiers (I couldn't have done the pics without her). We started around 10 am which isn't the best for lighting but we found some places that worked. I wanted to do a fantasy theme since I have had these dresses for years for my business and I held on to them when I sold most of my props hoping that someday Sami would fit in them and little did I know I had Lily coming along, they were the perfect size for both of them. I made their crowns out of starched lace and spray paint. Now I have to decide which ones I want to blow up for my displays in my house.

Ryan and Baseball...

Ryan is having so much fun playing baseball right now. He looks forward to every practice and game. He is excited for every at bat and he is really improving. Ryan is one of the younger players on his team. He is batting 5th right now. Here are some pictures from his latest game...

Ryan has been practicing his pitching, he was able to pitch the last inning of the game...his first time pitching in a game, I think he was nervous but he played it pretty cool and was super excited he was given the opportunity.

Convo with Sami...

I am laying in bed with Sami while she is falling asleep, our conversation a few minutes ago...
Me: I love you Sami.
Sami: I love you too Mom, I'm so glad I was sent to you.
Me: you're so glad you were sent to me? ( I had to clarify...this was getting "deep")
Sami: yes, Heavenly Father sent me to you...and dad, because he loves me.
Me: Heavenly Father sent you to me? (seriously deep, I think I might cry)
Sami: ..and Jesus, because he loves me.
Me: yes Sami, Heavenly Father and Jesus love you very much.
....and she was out in a couple of minutes...I am seriously lucky!...I love my kids!

NUTS

Here is a story I don't want to forget.....

Sami fell off the couch (more like rolled) she started rolling around in a ball clutching her stomach, she yells "Ahhh my nuts", in a very tortured and agonized voice. John and I looked at each other and just laughed (this is one of those moments as a parent that you know you probably shouldn't laugh and find the "teaching moment", but you just can't help it). So yes, our precious princess and Tinker Bell loving girl who wants all things pink thinks she has "nuts". I guess it was inevitable for Sami to pick this up with two older brothers who talk about hurting their "nuts" frequently. John and I decided Sami is four and she can think she has "nuts" for a little longer, she really has no idea what she is talking about.

I know by the title you probably thought this was going to be a nice little post possibly about peanuts or maybe even "crazy" people (we live in Salem after all, we have plent of those at every corner...literally).