A few treasures...

My Mom & step Dad recently bought a new house which was MUCH, MUCH smaller than their last, so Mom had to get rid of 3/4 of everything she owned. She asked me if I wanted her hope chest and I repled, "are you kidding me! Of course I do!" She's had it for over 25 years, so my whole life I've seen it, opened it up to get wrapping paper etc... how could I NOT want it?
I was so thankful when it fit in G-ma's SUV too! thank you a 1000 times Mama, I love it!

And then G-ma gave me a VERY OLD dish that was my Great, Great Grandmother's. What do you say to a gift like that? How special. How thoughtful. How meaningful. I wonder what she kept in it. I wonder what her daughter kept in it. What about my Grandma? And now me? (I can promise it will be kept WAY up high for a few years!)
It was so sweet of her. Thank you to my sweet ancestors for passing it down. It is a treasure.

Another WONDERFUL visit with Grammy & G-pa!!!

I'm not sure what has gotten into my Grandparents the past few months, but they've come to visit us twice in the past 3 months!! i'm not complaining, believe me. My entire world rises and sets around these two people. I simply adore our time with them. There is nothing more precious than sitting on a hotel room bed with them, talking forever about funny memoreies and listening to my G-pa sing. I seriously had to try not to cry, but he melts my heart when he sings. My earliest memories are waking up in their home to the vacuum and him singing at the same time, It's a sound that makes my entire being swell with love.

We had a great time while they were here. G-ma cooked up a storm every night, making ribs the first and salmon the second night. We went shopping, to the bank, played Sorry & yahtzee, G-ma permed my hair, the big kids went to school, Trav & G-pa went golfing, we talked, we laughed, made butter (kind of), went through about a 100 craft supplies G-ma & and Mom brought down to me and had a wonderful time.

it was simply Heaven having them here and I know the sacrafice they made to get here. It's been more difficult lately to watch my G-pa get older. He's slowing down a little and everything makes him really tired these days. He had to lay down a few times and take a nap. I couldn't help but watch him as he had done a million times with me when I was little. There is so much love and I want them both here forever. I am so thankful for every second with them. They are my world.

Ribs!!!

G-ma knows how much the kids adore ribs, so she brought them again this time. I think Grace ate about 7 of them the first night!

Going to the Bank...

My Grandparents began talking to us about saving money while we were in the womb, I think, but honestly, it's one of the greatest lessons of all. They have encouraged us from the time we were small, taking us to the bank and watching us deposit $. When they were here in June, G-ma opened a savings account, and the kids have been back several times since then, depositing a dollar here, three dollars there and watching it grow. We took Grace and Willow yesterday to put a few dollars in!

Perms & Games...

***Yes, I already know that my face has been really oily lately & I seem to be wearing the same shirt in the last 100 posts!***

G-ma helped me perm my hair yesterday! It is SOOOOO much easier when someone does the silution vs. me doing it with my eyes closed, face in a towel and hanging over the bathroom tub! Thanks G-ma!!!

It was pretty cute to watch Daisy play Sorry with G-ma & G-pa, they had no mercy either!!!

Making Butter...

Last time G-ma & G-pa were here, we didn't have time to make our butter- so G-ma brought her stuff and we shook the jars forever! Actually, a little too much because it diodn't turn out like normal!

Saying Goodbye...

When did she grow up???

I look at Willow and I wonder- when on earth did she grow up? And where was I?

My Slipper situation...

I think I know what is going on with my slippers...
I wash them A TON and I think between the washer & dryer, they are falling apart. How sad! Is there really harm in washing something too much? I think so...

Eating Carrots...

Our little garden has produced a few items this year, but because I'm not a gardner, and have no clue what i'm doing- it hasn't done much this year. Things are growing, don't get me wrong, it's just not one of those gardens you pass and say "Wow, how beautiful>" We have had: Several tomatoes, a few beans, little carrots, lettuce and a few other things on the way. Here are the girls eating thier tiny carrots.

First day of school...

Today was the kids first day of school and I had mixed feelings as we walked them there, watched for a few minutes and then turned to walk home. I think it hit me more with Daisy because this is the first year she will be gone all day, every day. With Tristin, I've had a few years with him gone, but I haven't with Daisy, so we will see how everyone adjusts. They are definatly growing up and becoming their own little people, it's just SO strange. It's crazy to give birth, breastfeed, potty train, watch them grow, learn to talk, rock them to sleep, love them to pieces and then send them off to school. It goes so fast!
When we came home, Grace and I did her school work for a hour and it was nice & quiet! It will be great as we settle into a school routine and I am really excited for them to meet new friends and stretch their brains. I love my little turkeys...

As we were getting back from church yesterday, we saw a ton of smoke not far from Elle's house. It was crazy to watch it burning so close. I need to find out what fire it was and make sure it's under control now.

Samuel has grown SOOO much in 4 months. it is wild to think he was 3 pounds when he was born! it's great to see him fattening up and looking so healthy now.

Visiting the cousins in Oakley...

Over the weekend we went to Oakley to visit the cousins and be there for baby Samuel's baby blessing. It was nice, the kids had a blast playing and it was fun to see Ellen's new house. It was a mini trip for us, and we got home in time to get the kids to bed and ready for school in the morning.

My very sweet husband...

Last week after a crazy few days, I came home to find these beauties waiting for me. It was so sweet of Trav. He is truely one of the best guys out there. I love him with all my heart and I am beyond blessed to have him forever!

Willow's Funny faces...

Little Miss Willow is doing great on the potty these days! It is pretty cute to see her run to the bathroom when she has to go and then come out naked after she's done. What is it about cute little bums running down the hall, anyway? She looked pretty cute the other day making funny faces while going potty!