One down, three to go

This is Shane posting (something I haven't done for a while).

I have been waiting nervously for the last month and a half for the results of a CPA exam that I just took (part 1 of 4). I just opened the mail and found out that I passed Audit! Woohoo!! I feel like this is yet another tender mercy from the Lord. Thank you to all those of you who have worried, prayed and hoped in my behalf on this exam. We're one step closer to having this thing in the rear-view mirror.

From Babies to Little Boys

Saying prayers. Melts my heart. They are starting to initiate them...especially Carson. He jabbers to himself before trying to say "amen." They are turning into little boys right before my eyes. And there is nothing I can do about it. In my mind, they are still just little babies. I'm sure, in some ways, that will never really change.

How Did He Know?

Shane came home with these yesterday. How did he know that this was exactly what I needed? And how did I get so lucky to have him as my man? I don't always deserve his goodness. It was a great ending to a rough day.

When all else fails....LAUGH

I feel like most days, I take life too seriously...especially when it comes to these boys. Why do I let myself get so tightly wound? In the end, it never really helps and I end up hating the way I feel. What's worse is that I not only make myself miserable, but I make everyone else around me crazy and miserable too. There are way too many instances when I feel DETERMINED to be grouchy...and stay grouchy...despite efforts (by Shane) to help me feel happier. Again, I have to ask myself why! Does anyone else get some sort of satisfaction from pouting and acting like a 5 year old? It is silly and immature but I do it all the same.

Now to my point. Laughter really is the best medicine. Can you imagine what life would be like without a sense of humor? I feel sorry for people who can't take a step back and just laugh. I feel like it's the glue that holds all of my frustrated pieces together. Fortunately for me, I have people surrounding me everyday who make me laugh.

Shane makes me laugh everyday. He is light-hearted and easy going and can make me smile like no one else. Our relationship is always fun because of him.

Have you ever met my Dad? You can't be around him for more than 2 seconds without cracking up. My Mom has a super silly side too...she always surprises those privileged enough to see it. When our whole family is together, we sit around for hours laughing at and with each other. It is a breath of fresh air.

The list could go on and on and on but I'll end with my twiners. They make me smile everyday. Yes...they make me crazy...but all that craziness is mixed with lots of fun and lots of laughter. Makes every day worth it!

Back in Business

As some of you know, I taught piano before having my boys. I haven't taught since. I am finally at a point where the thought of taking on some students doesn't completely overwhelm me. I have decided to dive back in! I am only going to be teaching two nights a week. I think that's about all I can handle. I'm excited. For the most part, it's a lot of fun and very rewarding. My student's will start with me right after Labor Day. I'm soaking in my evening time while I still have it. Wish me luck!

What our July 4th looked like...

On the 4th we had my parents and Lauren in town to help us out with a little yard project. Sounds fun, right? It was actually my Dad's idea (he's kind of a yard work junkie) and I wasn't about to turn them down. I know very little about the art of landscaping. My parents however, have some serious knowledge in this department. It was so fun to watch them work their magic. Just to shop the nursery with my mom was a treat. She's knows it all. I did my best to soak in as much of it as I could but I have a long way to go. It was so fun to have them here. We did feed them at the end of it but it wasn't near enough to pay them back for all of their help.

Here are a few BEFORE pictures of the area we worked.

And here the AFTER shots. Go ahead...ooh and ahh all you want!

Don't worry, we will add sod to that little spot shortly.

Now that you know what we accomplished, here are some pictures taken along the way.

Just like a little puppy.

Livin' the life...

June Good-Byes

Last week, we said our good-byes to Shane's parents. We had the opportunity to go with them to Salt Lake where they would be set-apart for their mission and enter the MTC. My parents watched our boys so that we could go and we are so grateful. To be with all of Shane's family without the kiddos (except for the newest grand baby) was...well...it was awesome! We had such a good time. The night before, we were able to just visit, laugh, and reminisce. We also shared some faith-building moments as well. I thought it was a great way to spend our time together. Good bonding moments...cheesy but true! The next morning we met with Elder Cook and Elder Gonzales. What an awesome experience. It was amazing. I'm so grateful to have shared in this experience with Shane and his family. There was a feeling there we won't soon forget. My testimony was strengthened. My faith increased. I am ever grateful.

The whole fam.

Mom and Dad and their boys

Two Days Late

Blessed because of them.

Back On The Horse!

Our friends were nice enough to take our fam out on their boat. The last time I went was when I was pregnant with the twins. Last summer I wasn't able to ever go, which was a shame. It felt good to get out on the water again. You just can't go wrong with boating. It's always a good time and our boys did really well.Daddy's cuddle-bug Cade. He sat like this forever.

Both fighting to play captain

The boat practically put them both to sleep. I think this is the longest Carson has ever sat on my lap. I tried to take in as much of it as I could.

Cade with Jason. This picture reminds me a bit of What About Bob? "I'm sailing....I'm sailing!" Cade just looks so stiff!

A decent family shot!

Part Two: Time in Twin...aka pictures with Grandpa

We spent the weekend in Twin on our way back from Park City. As always, it was a fun visit. We happen to be there during Western Days...that really made it feel like home! So we took the boys to the parade, their first one! They did really well, until we had a little incident. Cade got sunscreen in his eyes...and it all went downhill from there. Thankfully, my dad and Lauren were there to help us out. We also got to eat us some Cafe Rio...twice. It was a great end to a great week.

It has been fun to watch my dad as a grandpa. He loves to show off his grandsons like no one else. He also insists that he hold BOTH boys at the same time...all of the time. I love it. I just think it's cute. Thanks for being such a fun grandpa, Dad.

I love these pictures of my cousin Jenny and her family...minus baby McKay.

My Dad with both boys and the Freddy's Bear.

Cade's little eye was so red and puffy from the sunscreen. Poor little guy.

Dad taking Carson for a ride on his lawn mower. Don't worry, the blades weren't on!

And, of course, he wanted to take both of them for a ride...at the same time. This made me a little nervous. But they loved it.