Tired?

You know it's late at night when you're washing a teething ring and after rinsing it you think, "Oh no.  Somehow liquid got inside of it."

Happy National Camera Day, June 29th, everybody.  I only took pictures of the teething ring tonight.

Lucky

Hi.  I'm Lucky.

Some people say I look like my grandpa. 

 
The camera loves me as you can see in this picture with my mom and two of her cousins and their babies.  Click on the picture to see a better view of my expression.

I like to learn new things.  Look at my cousins teaching me how to use the latest technology.  That or see my reflection.

I have a huge fan club.  I draw everyone's attention.

Most importantly, I made my first trip to the temple today. 

My mom's aunt and uncle were sealed to each other and to three of their daughters in the Draper Temple.  Our family went to support them.  It is a beautiful thing to see family members making such important decisions.  The temple is a special and holy place where individuals and families can make covenants with the Lord that will last not just in this life, but beyond as well.
What a blessing that is and what a blessing it is to be a part of an eternal family.

I love my life. 
And these flower pens.  I also love these flower pens.

National Chocolate Pudding Day 2014

June 26 is National Chocolate Pudding Day.

Of course we celebrated.  The kids even took turns stirring the pudding once the milk and mix were put together.

Museum Comes to Life Day 2014

June 24 is Museum Comes to Life Day.  An easy way to celebrate is by watching "Night at the Museum."  We didn't do that this year.  Instead, the kids and I went to the Museum of Natural Curiosity.  Now that's a museum that feels like it comes to life.
The kids got to play in Water Works for a while.  They haven't been able to spend a lot of time in the water before, but today they did.  And got very wet.

Then Jr. Jr. got to go visit the rabbits that talk when you put things in their mouths.

Then we went to the Rainforest.  Nichole and Jr. climbed and climbed.  Jr. Jr., Lucky, and I got to go inside the big monkey head.

One of the things in the rainforest is measuring how long you can hold onto a vine like a sloth. 

I was very impressed that Jr. held on for over a minute.

I really like the Museum of Natural Curiosity.  The kids do, too.  There is so much to do each time we go.  It's a great place for celebrating holidays like Museum Comes to Life Day.

Praising My Children

As a parent, do you ever feel like you complain about your children more than you praise them?  I'll admit sometimes I do.  I love my children so much.  They are such blessings in my life.  So I'm going to take a moment to share a little bit about how helpful they were today.
My side was hurting a bit today.  I was trying to empty the dishwasher, but bending over made me hurt a little.  I thought maybe I'll ask the kids to do the silverware and the plates and bowls on the bottom rack.  I took care of the sharp knives and started with some of the items on the top rack.  I thought maybe I could do the top rack before asking the kids to finish up.  Jr. Jr. saw what I was doing and without a word started taking cups off the top rack, stacking them, and handing them to me.  Once the top rack was finished, he started on the silverware and other bottom rack items.  I didn't have to bend over at all.  What a big helper.  I thanked him a lot.
Later I mentioned that I was going to give Lucky some rice cereal and Nichole immediately volunteered to feed him.  That made it possible for me to work on some other things, which I was grateful for.  She did such a good job and I did appreciate it.  I made sure to thank her.

When we got home from shopping, Jr. helped Jr. Jr. get his shoes off and hung them up on the shoe rack for him.  Then he offered to help me off with my shoes.  He is so sweet.  I definitely thanked him.
I have such wonderful children.  They have so many good traits.  They are sweet.  They are helpful.  They do show love in many different ways.  They really are praiseworthy and it's important that I give them the praise that they deserve.  I am grateful for all of them.  Even when things are difficult at times, it's still worth it to have these children as part of my family. 

Joy Is...

 Having Grandma visit and do an art project with the kids.

International Surfing Day 2014

Celebrating doesn't have to be hard.  Bring a camera along while you're running errands or just at home.  Get pictures of the kids pretending like they're surfing for International Surfing Day, June 20.

 Easy.

Catch of the Day

The KAT's Meow- Math

Jr. Jr.:  What's five plus five plus five?
Mommy:  Fifteen.
Jr. Jr.:  What's three fives?
Mommy:  Three fives? Fifteen.
Jr. Jr.:  What's three fives plus a door?
Mommy:  Three fives plus a door?  Ha Ha Ha Ha.  Uh.  I guess fifteen and a door.
Jr. Jr.:  What's three plus three plus seven?
Mommy:  Thirteen.
Jr. Jr.:   What's thirteen plus a box?
Mommy:  Ha Ha Ha Ha.  Thirteen and a box.
Jr. Jr.:  What's fifteen plus a bed?
Mommy:  Ha Ha Ha Ha.  What is fifteen plus a bed?
Jr. Jr.:  Um... I can't remember.
(a few minutes later)
Jr. Jr.:  What's seventy plus a baby?
Mommy:  Sorry.  I can't answer.  I'm writing a blog post.

Mommy, Look

I made a starfish.

It's Up

Well, "Starry Night" is up at the Orem Library now.  It was quite an adventure (though not too stressful) hanging it. 
Word of advice- fishing line doesn't break as easily as string when hanging a giant balloon masterpiece.  Go with the fishing line in the first place.

It was fun to see so many people stopping to look at it.  We went to the teddy bear picnic (the summer reading program's kickoff event) this evening and even saw some friends from our ward who came down.  

It will be up through Wednesday.  There's still time to see it.