Day 34

This is what happens when I wait until the end of the day to take a picture. . . a repeat:)

Day 33

Just can't keep the holes out of my boys jeans. . . 

and the holey pair always seems to be the favorite:)

Day 32

"The stories of childhood leave an indelible impression, and their author always has a niche in the temple of memory from which the image is never cast out to be thrown on the rubbish heap of things that are outgrown and outlived."

-Howard Pyle

Day 31

"Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you

 all day and now the day was complete."

-Marcy DeMaree

Day 30

"For the hand that rocks the cradle. 

Is the hand that rules the world"

-William Ross Wallace (1819-1881)

Day 29

My mother can never have too much jewelry:)

Day 28

Smelling the flowers.

Day 27

"Thou shalt not be idle," the Lord said. Idleness is of the devil, and we are not kind to our children when we become affluent and take from them their labors, their opportunities to serve and to be trained and to do things for themselves and for others."

-Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball

Day 26

"A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future"

Tonight was Father's and Son's, so the girls and I had a "Girls Night." We kicked off the night by doing what girls do best. . . going out to eat! We ate at Costa Vida's for dinner, came back, turned on the tunes, pulled out the pictures and craft supplies and got busy scrapbooking. We visited about everything from embarrassing moments, memories from different pictures to puberty ( a hot topic in our home these days:) I enjoyed spending this time with my girls so much. They are growing up so fast and I am so pleased with their attitudes about life and the purity and sweetness in which they carry themselves.

The boys decided to camp out at home due to the colder weather we have been having and an early baseball game of Carter's in the morning.  Father and sweet Son's . . . I'll be marking my calendar and saving the date for next year:)

Day 25

"All know the way; few actually walk it."

-Bodhidarma

Day 24

School's out! Scream and Shout!!

Day 23

The countryside this evening after a beautiful rainfall. I love all the wide open spaces around me.

"Ironically, rural America has become viewed by a growing number of Americans as having a higher quality of life not because of what it has, but rather because of what it does not have!"

-Don A. Dillman

Day 22

Day 21

This is definitely one of my favorite things about summer. Lately I have been buying two a week, and we really could consume more than that. We love watermelon!

Day 20

I don't know who this little guy is, but I thought it was so cute how he just decided to take a break on the field during the game. Maybe because I have seen my brothers do the very same thing:)

I am always so grateful to the great guys who coach and encourage my kids in various sports. I loved the expression on Carter's face in this shot. It's going to be a fun season!

Day 19

5th Grade Graduation

"Be who you are and say what you feel,

because those who mind don't matter

and those who matter don't mind."

-Dr. Seuss

Day 18

"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes."

-Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

Day 17

"Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring."

-Jimmy Carter

Day 16

Nathan Rides a Bike!!!

Day 15

"The Flag still floats unblotted with defeat!

But ah the blood that keeps its ripples red,

The starry lives that keep its field alight."

-Rupert Hughes

Day 14

We have really enjoyed our fire pit the last couple of nights. Doug has definitely perfected his smore technique, and we have found that it is a peaceful and fun way to visit with eachother. There is something so calming and mesmerizing about a fire...the sounds, the smells, and the dancing flames. It all brings back many thoughts and memories of childhood and youth camping trips. I love being out in the cool night air enjoying my family and a fire.

Day 13

"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides."

-W.E. Johns

Day 12

The more I practice... the luckier I get!

Day 11

Day 10

As Seacrest would say, "This. . . is American Idol."

I would have to say that this has been my favorite season so far. I am going to miss my Tuesday and Wednesday night treat of laying in bed with my sweetie enjoying Idol. I was surprised by the outcome; I liked both David's but was pulling for Archuleta. . . I loved seeing David Cook win so graciously and go out with a great performance. 

Day 9

"A hundred hearts would be too few

To carry all my love for you."

Day 8

"I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a  home.... I am thankful for the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby." 

-Nancie J. Carmody

Day 7

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

-2Timothy 3:15

Day 6

"To the world you might be one person,

but to one person you are the world"

Day 5

"Swimming: From the outside looking in, you can't understand it.

From the inside looking out, you can't explain it"