priceless art

This one is not even close to priceless, but it's fun. I found these at a Flying J when we were driving home from San Antonio. They go great in my "Texas" room. Brian couldn't believe I found something in a gas station. I'm always on the look out where ever I go.

Here is the priceless part I was talking about. I have my own little art gallery in my home. The two b/w are from years ago when we lived in Colorado. There were these door to door salesmen that came into both my salon and Brian's office. I bought the one on the left that is a reflection of the Tetons in a lake. Brian bought the rose and gave it to me for Valentines Day that year. He told me now I have a rose that will never die. Awww! I loved it then and I love it now.

The picture on the right is Mason's that I blogged about last month. Kind of amazing that it's on a wall already!! The middle is Karlee's that she did in art class. It's a pastel and quite beautiful.

Bailee was feeling a little left out, so I told her I would put something of hers up if she put thought and time into it. She kind of frowned at the requirements. Brian and I both thought of her crocheting she does. She had barely finished making a few dish clothes from yarn that was Grandma Steel's. We all know the time crocheting takes, and talent. So up it went on the wall. I love how it all turned out.

These two Mason made in class this past year. He wanted them in his room. They're kind of cute. I hope Kinzie and Carson don't feel left out. I figure having a picture of Adam on our wall works...she made him...and babies are about as priceless as they come. :0) Then there's Carson...


He says "never want to forget things" all the time. Just last week at FHE we were passing around a paper for each individual and we would write something down about that person. We were about finished with reading what was on all the papers and Carson said, "Reading these papers makes my heart feel good." He is such a smart little boy. My family...that's what's priceless around here.

twilight camp

What a fun week it has been for Mason and all the cub scouts. This is Mason ready for his first day. On Thursday I volunteered to chaperon. The first station was knots. They are soo hard. I watched and watched to try and help, but I was useless. Luckily the man teaching went around to every scout to help them one on one.

The next station, which I think was Mason's favorite for the day, was making a covered wagon and some chaps for a neckerchief slide.

The third station was calf roping. Half the kids tried to rope a calf while the other half played a golf game. They were the hottest here. All of it was in the sun and it was around 4:30pm. We were all getting very warm.

After dinner we had some entertainment from a local theatre company, the boys loved it.

There were two stations left after dinner. Branding, where Mason made an "M" brand...

then first aid. The boys were given a prescription bottle that had a zip tie through it to attach to their neckerchief slide. They had alcohol, gauze bandage, and neosporin in it. Maybe more, I'm not sure.

These are all the bears and wolves after a long day at camp.

Here are all the boys from our pack that went to camp. Today they still had BB gun shooting to do and then they were going to make a rubber band gun. They were all looking forward to the day with great anticipation.



I know a week long of day camp for the leaders is a lot. I am soo grateful to all the individuals that put this all together and for the sacrifice of their time. Mason has loved every minute of it.

baptism

Saturday Mason was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Such an exciting day for all of us. I am soo proud of him. He is such a sweet boy. I was surprised at my emotions. During his baptism yesterday and his confirmation today I started to cry. I'm still not sure why. I don't remember that happening to me with my girls. It was very special.




Saturday afternoon we played in the pool again. What can I say...that's what we do all summer long.

Grandma Shuldberg gave Mason these stickers/pictures for his scriptures. He was very excited to put them on the correct verse.

I don't know how many people know this, but my living room is a place where we sit and read books, listen to Karlee practice the piano, or relax. It rarely has lots and lots of toys in it (only Christmas time if the tree is in there). Today these five were playing a very fun game that's a scavenger hunt. There is a limited time to collect particular items around the house, if you find them then you can move forward on the board. By the end of the game this is what you get. A room full of odds and ends. Look close. Imagine my surprise when I walked in there and found this mess. Luckily the last round of the game everything is put back in it's place. Whew!! Thanks Grandma for being soo much fun.

first day of summer

Thursday was a half day of school, and the last day for the year. Mason had his awards ceremony that morning and received a certificate for "A Honor Roll", plus a free ticket for Six Flags for reading 6 hours or more. Our room parent arranged for the kids to have a Happy Meal with their party. We had a fun room parent this year.

Later that day we picked up my Dad from the airport.

This morning we went to the Treasury for the tour. I had been many years ago but had forgotten most of it. They were printing the new design for the $100 note. It's looks pretty cool. Bailee and Adam came with us but Bailee didn't want to be in the picture. Then after lunch we played in the pool. Dad was a great sport letting the kids climb all over him. He was also a pest. Nobody was safe from his water gun...not even if you were holding Adam. :0)

Brian's parents fly in this evening. More fun tomorrow, stay tuned.

saying goodbye

The first part of May we saw a marquee that read that one of our favorite teachers was retiring. It also stated that her open house/reception had already come and gone. We were disappointed. A couple of times a week since then Bailee has asked when we can go see her. Finally this morning we dropped in to surprise her.

Both the girls had Mrs. Winans for 4th grade English and reading. I was able to go on a field trip with them to the One Room School House. It was lots of fun. She is a great teacher. She made learning fun. The students knew when she was serious and when not to push any further. We love you Mrs. Winans! I'm glad my girls were your students.

family day

The entire day we hung out as a family. We haven't done that in a very long time. I called Kinz about 8 and invited her to join us at the movies. We saw "Percy Jackson". We loved it. Especially the boys. When the credits were still rolling, Carson said he was going to pretend to be Percy when we got home. :0) I think we'll be buying this one. Also, it only cost $29!! Tickets for seven people with popcorn and soda. Maybe that's another reason Brian and I loved it...bargain!

After the movie we headed home to swim and grill. We played in the pool for about 4 hours. Adam loves the pool. All the kids commented on how much fun they had today. We played hard, ate good food and enjoyed just being with family.

Kinzie has left for home and the three little ones are in bed. I'm sure everyone will sleep hard tonight. Only 2 1/2 more days of school and we can play like this more often...I hope.

seminary swim

Saturday we had the seminary class over for a swim. 12 of the 14 teenagers were able to make it. They are all such good friends. It was great watching them interact and play games in the pool.

There was one minor incident. Damon was swimming and didn't see Carlos. Carlos was poked in the eye, which caused it to bleed. After he was out of the pool for a few minutes I checked out his eye and it looked bad. The white of his eye was scratched and it looked like it was already swelling, or the eye was kind of oozing. I told him he needed to go see his mom then probably see a Dr. I talked to him on Sunday and the Dr. said he was lucky with where the scratch was. His eye is sensitive to light and sore but all should be fine. I'm soo glad it was a minor thing. Nobody was messing around or anything. It truly was an accident.

cub scout

The anticipation of going to your first pack meeting...for both of us, turned out great. :0)



At school on Thursday Mason made a card for me that read, Dear Mom, I hope you will have a good time while I'm at boy scouts every time I'm at it. Love Mason. Scouts have been on his mind a lot lately. Mine too. I didn't finish putting on his last patch until a few hours before we were ready to leave. But it was ready and waiting for him after dinner.





When we arrived we were both a little nervous, then we found a friend. His pack presented the colors, I think that's what it's called. Mason was included even though he didn't know what to do. The Webelos included him in their skit too. He was in heaven. About half way through the meeting Mason leaned over to me and tells me it's better than he thought it would be. What a relief. We didn't get home until after 9, which was a bonus.


There is soo much to scouting. I'm sure I'm going to be lost...I'm lost already. I guess that's what leaders are for. I'm hoping I can help Mason earn something, anything, before the next pack meeting. Yea!! for cub scouts!!

morning events

The second grade class had their field day this morning. The weather was perfect. Warm, overcast with a breeze. Usually getting wet at this event is a bonus. Next year we will start going to the high school for field day.



I decided that I wanted to find someone for Adam, "Jay" offered to watch Carson too. I've never been to field day without any little children. I could give my full attention to Mason. Thanks "Jay"!! It was great!

Right in the middle of field day was Karlee's awards assembly, so I missed many of the events. (That's the not so fun part with having many children. You often miss something.) She received 5 awards and a plaque for all A's. The plaque was icing on the cake. I'm sure she has already decided where to put on her wall. ;)

8 is GREAT!!

Today is Mason's 8th birthday. Such an exciting age. Brian will be out of town tonight so we gave presents and had cake last night. A nice surprise for the birthday boy. He loved all of his gifts, but I think his favorite is his very own Bible and Book of Mormon. He was very excited to use his Book of Mormon this morning when we read scriptures as a family. Eight reasons why Mason is great!!

1. He is a very nice big brother. He involves Carson with whatever he is playing.
2. He is affectionate. He will give hugs for no reason at all.
3. He will do what he enjoys and is not swayed by others.
4. He knows what he wants to be when he grows up. A mounted police officer.
5. His laugh is contagious.
6. He enjoys playing with friends, but doesn't mind playing by himself.
7. He is helpful around the house.
8. He tries hard to do what is right. He doesn't want to disappoint.

WE love you Mason!!! Happy Birthday!!!