Lubbock

Friday Brian needed to drive to Lubbock for the day.  He knew he wouldn't be back in time to make our date so he invited me to ride along.  I was able to make a few arrangements and go. 

The ride over was nice.  He wasn't on calls the whole time so we could actually visit.  I dropped him off at the CSC for maybe 2 1/2 hours.  During that time I was hoping to pick up Adam's birthday gift, but they were out.  Since it stopped raining I decided to go by the temple.  It was beautiful. And very peaceful. 

I ended up making it back to the CSC early and played with the settings on my camera.  Next month I'm taking an online workshop hoping to improve my photography skills.  I'm nervous.

The drive home was more of a challenge.  There were a number of slowdowns and the drive home was just plain long.  Overall I'm glad I went.  I enjoy spending time with Brian.  We have some great kids.  We really don't worry when we leave the kids at home.  Karlee did a great job helping Carson get ready for a friends birthday party and helping Mason with whatever he needs.

Saturday was an extremely busy day.  First we went to a fundraiser pancake breakfast for Mason's 5th grade class.  We had also volunteered to clean the church building, our kids were not excited.  At noon Brian and I attended a convert baptism.  Brian and Mason started and finished Mason's pinewood derby car.  Which is a good thing.  The Derby is this Tuesday. 

Brian offered to watch Adam while McKinzie and Geoff continue to car shop.  Still no luck. :( 

 

I met some friends for dinner then we all went to the RS Broadcast.  It was a great day.  We just had to stay on task to do all we had planned. 

her third car...totaled

Last Wednesday McKinzie was in an accident.  She and the baby are fine.  The airbags didn't deploy which was a good thing. 

McKinzie has been in 6 accidents, I believe.  Not all her fault, but this one was.  Her Subaru was totaled.  The most shocking part was the accident happened Wednesday evening and by Friday afternoon her car loan was paid off and her and Geoff have a check to go towards another car.

I'm still amazed at how quickly the insurance moved to have it finalized in less than 48 hours.  It's Progressive btw.  Now the fun begins.  Looking for a used car that suits their family.  I really hate car shopping, but to add the pressure of trying to find something you like, and can afford, in a short time.  NO FUN!! 

more bday fun

Last Friday night Carson had a couple friends over to celebrate his birthday.  I took all the boys to see The Amazing Spider-Man and they LOVED it.  It's my favorite Spidy movie too.  None of them had seen it and they really got into it.  When Uncle Ben died a couple boys got a little teary eyed.  On the drive home they started talking about the Avengers and wished they were real.

 

These two boys are such good friends.  His Dad is going to medical school so we know they'll move when he's finished.  It's going to be a very sad day when that happens.

baby shower

On the 11th of this month a few friends got together and hosted a shower for our dear friend Ruth.   All I did was offer my home, really that's it.  Teresa Cook made this super cute, and yummy, cake.

 Marcia Vigil made this "precious" banner and prepared games.  Emily Dalton made decorations, and Ruth's sister, Sharon had the makings for headbands for the new baby. 

Ruth received many great gifts.  She was a little worried that she wouldn't have any blankets when her little bundle arrived.  Well... I think she received 8 at the shower. 

This one here is probably her favorite.  Hand made from Kriste Duke.  We were all a little jealous.  It was beautiful.

Ruth had her baby on September 19.  Vanessa Aimee (did I spell it right, Ruth?) weighing in at 6 lbs 12 ozs.  I dropped by the hospital this afternoon and she is beautiful.  Ruth looked great too.  ;)

more baby blankets

newborn workshop

With Harley arriving in a few months I thought I'd take a photography class to learn some tricks.  It worked.  But now I'm anxious to get Harley here.  

 

 

If I knew more about Photoshop I'm sure they would look even better.  Photoshop is so frustrating sometimes.

seven

Today is Carson's 7th birthday.  Wow!! Time has flown by.  I joined him for lunch with a sandwich from Subway.  We had a funny conversation during lunch.  He was telling me that Paige was mean.  So I asked him how.  He tells me this story about recess.  I then tell him that she sounds bossy.  I told him some girls are bossy.  He then declares, "I'm not marrying a girl then!"  We both laugh.  Once he realized what he said was silly he did tell me that he hopes his wife isn't bossy.  :)

 I then went back to school near the end of the day so he could share a treat with the class.  He wanted me to bring ice cream sandwiches.  He really enjoyed his.

 

 

During the afternoon I finished his cake.  He wanted a large cupcake.  I put cool whip in the middle for a surprise.  He even requested the M&M's.

 

After dinner is presents and cake.  He's been anxious all day for the presents.  Me too.  I think he'll like them.  ;0) 

 

Happy, happy birthday Carson!! We love you!!

another first

I love firsts and lasts.  Some of my favorite firsts are

• first step
• first day of school
• first lost tooth
• first time riding a bike
• first swim of the summer
• first date

Some of my favorite lasts are

• last day of nursery
• last time needing a sitter
• last day of the school year

Tonight Karlee went to her first Stake Dance.  She was very excited.  I can't believe how grown up she is. 

Another first are these pictures of today's posts.  I edited them with Photoshop.  When I first started using Photoshop I was very discouraged.  I've now watched many tutorials and I'm starting to understand a small portion of the program.  But I've learned enough to fix up a few pictures. ;)

babies

We know so many people having babies.  Brian's brother's wife, Holly, is due at the end of the month. As well as a good friend of mine, Ruth.  My nephew's wife is due in October. Then there's McKinzie that is due in December.  A very exciting time.  Today I started working on some baby blankets and burp cloths.  Three of the babies are girls and my nephew is having a boy.  I love how cute these flannel blankets look when they're all finished. 

I'm hoping to find more time to sew.  I have a friend that has a "sewing class" at her house one day a week. She's amazing.  She is very patient, and it's important to her to teach us the correct way, not just the easy way.  I'll keep sharing the things I learn. 

first 10K

These past two weeks I haven't been able to run until the boys were on the bus.  That meant I was running in the sun.  Well it's been HOT lately.  Especially this past week.  Triple digits all week.  Running in the heat is almost too much.  I had decided that I would run this 10K then I would stick with 5K's. 

I had been watching the forecast all week.  There was a chance that a cold front would move in and the low for Friday night would be 67.  At 9 PM the temperature was 92 degrees.  I was becoming very concerned.  When I woke up this morning and headed out the door it actually felt cool, a refreshing 67.

My run went very well.  The first two miles was a little tough, like usual.  Mile four was super easy.  There were sections that was uphill and yet I increased my pace and felt very strong while running. 

My time was 1:03:24, better than I thought I would do.  I haven't been able to get the stats of the run.  I'll need to update later. 

My last two races  I've left shortly after I finished.  This time I felt like sticking around and hearing the results.  I'm so glad I did!!  In my age group I ran the fastest time!  WAHOO!!!  When Brian and heard that third place was 1:08 we both looked at each other and grinned.  It was kind of cool.  The kids were shocked as well. 

When we got to the car we noticed a flier for another 10K in October.  As we started home I started thinking that maybe I'll run another 10K.  To be honest it is a great confidence booster to place. 


Results:  As far as I could tell there were 78 runners, I was 43rd.  There were six women in my age group.  I didn't beat many, but I beat enough.  :) My pace was 10:13/mile

labor day swim

 Have you heard? It's so cool!! We have family that have moved to North Texas!  Brian's cousin is now working in Westlake.  They haven't really decided for sure where they will live, but it's looking like the Keller area.  They have four boys!  Can you believe it?!  Our two fit among the ages of their youngest three.  They have lots of fun together.

 All are lined up to jump except for three moms and Adam.  It really was cool to watch. :0)

Somehow we were able to fit all 15 of us around our kitchen table.  Look at all those boys!! 

Life keeps all of us busy, but I hope that all of us will make it a priority to get together and nurture this new friendship.  

walk the dog

Friday Adam came over to hang out with me.  Not sure that's what he wanted.  All morning he kept asking where the boys were and why they had to go to school.  He has loved playing with them all summer. He might struggle this next few times he comes over. 

 

We decided to go to the park before it got hot.  That part worked but it was sure humid all day.  By the time we headed home Adam had sweat running down his cheek.  He's always been hot blooded. 

 

Adam sure thought it was cool to hold Stella's leash.  Any time I tried to take it he would tell me he had it last or first.  I don't remember.

 

 I was surprised at all the baby turtles in the pond.  Many larger ones too.  After awhile some large catfish came around hoping to get some bread crumbs.

I'm still amazed at how big Adam is getting.  Once Harley arrives he will seem even bigger. 

While Adam was eating his cantaloupe he says to me,
Hey Nonnie, guess what?
I said, What?
I love you. 

That is something I've always said to my kids, and Adam.  I was shocked when he said it to me first.  It melted my heart.  

birthday girl

Today is Karlee's 14th birthday.  I still can't believe she's a Freshman.  Our day today has turned out to be very busy, so instead of out traditional birthday dinner we took her out for lunch.  She chose Red Lobster.  Those Cheddar Bay Biscuits never disappoint.  :0)  

 

So...14 points about Karlee:

• she has a great smile and cutest dimple ever
• she's very smart
• avid reader
• a natural runner
• organized
• self motivator
• makes huge chocolate chip cookies
• loves hanging out with friends
• loves going to the movies
• pickiest eater of the whole family
• most petite person of the whole family, due to the point above
• always, ALWAYS, likes to look nice
• loves her family
• strives to be the best at everything she does

I hope you've had a great birthday Karlee.  I love you and I'm so very grateful that you are apart of our family.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!