Guess Who's Behind The Wheel?

It's finally legal!  I'm not going to admit to anything...but Trevor has had a lot of practice driving home on our dirt road.  He's thrilled to be on the open road!

1 On 1 Time

This weekend was full of activities and not much catching up around the house time.  I look around and get lost in all that needs to be done in the house and outside.  Overwhelming at times, but I've become the master of taking care of what maters most in the moment (dishes are not a priority these days).  Instead of getting caught up on laundry, vacuuming sand off the floors, wiping dusty counter tops and ledges...

Gerald was able to spend the day with the girls and the boys and I spent the day together at Ladder Canyons for Youth Conference. I enjoyed hearing the girls talk about finishing the goat fence, walking the Palm Springs Home Show together and strolling the sidewalks in Palm Springs while trying to agree on a restaurant for lunch.  Savannah described the place as,  "A Spicy Chinese Food Place (Thai Food)".  Gerald loves his girls!

I love my boys just the same...and enjoyed hiking and watching the kids compete in team challenges while learning life lessons about team work, friendship, communication and leadership. Upon returning home, Savannah and I made a game out of doing the dishes that had been sitting in the sink for 2 days . Really couldn't have been a better day...spent just the way as it should have.  Living, loving and enjoying life together!

Funniest comment of the night~

Savannah-When we were walking the Home Show everyone kept telling Natalie how beautiful she was!

Mom- I was thinking the same thing when I saw her tonight.

Savannah - I know! They would be talking to Dad and stop in awe and comment on how gorgeous his daughter was...and then look down at me and say...oh, and you too.

I know this dialogue does not do the conversation justice, but I was on the floor in tears laughing hysterically!  Savannah is such a good sport being the youngest.  Hang in there Shrimpy...it'll all pay off one day!

Amelia Earhart Track Meet

It was a gorgeous day for a track meet...cool crisp morning with blue skies and warmth to be found by standing in the sun shine.  Savannah's been mentally preparing for her elementary track meet for months now.  This also included a few Saturday morning jogs and pep talks from her mother.  Just passing along a few words of advise that helped me some 20 years ago when I was running circles around the track.

With competitive genes coming from both Dad and Mom...this poor kid was born with the "Eye of the Tiger".  Can you hear the music playing in your head?  Savannah took 1st place in the 800 meters and did not place in the long jump.  When walking to the car she was clearly unhappy with her performance in the long jump.  I asked her if she had fun and she replied, "The 800 meters was fun but not the long jump...it's only fun when you win!"  Kinda hard to argue with that...it does feel so much better walk away with 1st place.  Note to self...help Savannah understand competition can be fun even if you don't come in first place

We were able to share the day with our cousins Cambria and Hunter making the day complete!

Afternoon Naps

In case you've forgotten what it's like to be fifteen years old...this photo might jog you memory.  Trevor had just returned home from a long day at school and the poor guy has a really difficult time winding down and relaxing!  Trevor is well known for his long afternoon slumbers on Saturdays and Sundays and he is a living testament that children grow most when they sleep.  Just look at that baby boy!

Natalie and Savannah got a goat for Christmas this year from their Dad.  We named her Rosie and the big surprise was that Rosie was pregnant.  Rosie is one of those gifts that keeps on giving...she had three baby goats today!  They are the cutest little things you ever saw...coming from chicken farmers that are very partial to baby chicks...this is quite a compliment!  We are loving these little guys (all boys).

I found a Valentine today hand written on a crumpled up piece of scratch paper on the kitchen floor.  It read...

"When I kiss you it hurts.  Pleaz shave" -Shrimpy

I'm not sure if it even made it into Gerald's hands, but I couldn't resist setting it on the bathroom counter right next to his razor. Thanks for making me smile Savannah.

Happy Valentines Day!

January...

Natalie not only modeled but designed and made this dress for her 8th grade Advanced Art Project. This was quite an en devour for the two of us.  First of all, I was her sewing teacher and my 25 year old sewing machine was her sewing tool.  Need I say more?   We did it... and she was BEAUTIFUL!

Seven great friends and a fun afternoon together.  I have to admit...my favorite part of this whole birthday party was listening to their dinner conversation.  They each shared their most embarrassing moment and were laughing hysterically together.  Happy Birthday Savannah!

Eighteen years old and ready to take on the world.  The month of January has been busy and very eventful for this LQHS Senior.  

 Two years old to eighteen, in the blink of an eye...where did they all go and how is it possible for them to disappear so quickly? It is such a reminder to enjoy every step of the way and every minute of the day.