The Girls in Mike's life

Sweetheart Tag

A)The rules are posted at the beginning.B) Each person answers questions about their sweethearts.C) At the end of the post, the person then tags 6 people and posts their names; then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged.

What is your husband's name? Mike
How long have you guys been married? almost 7 years
How long did you date? We dated 9 months, engaged for 2 months
How old is he? Mike is 29
Who is taller? Mike
Who can sing best? Me--unless it involves guitar and a beat.
Who is smarter? Depends on the subject. Mike is a Pop culture whiz.
Who does laundry? We do--Mike always folds --I make great piles (which he understandably hates).
Who pays the bills? I do, unless I forget--then Mike rescues me, as usual.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Mike-- but the kids still make it around the bed to get to him...
Who mows the lawn? Mike
Who cooks dinner? Both--Mike does great when I have to run without prepping for him.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Mike. He is obviously the most humble. Then I feel guilty and follow suit (eventually).
Who kissed who first? Mike, but I had to wait for him to open my door on the Montana/Idaho state line--so I guess we're both guilty.
Who wears the pants? Mike wears them, and I pick them out. =)

Tag, anyone who wants to do it!

Halloween

WE had a good time this year. Ann made the girls costumes with a little help from Grandma Zeke( for Jazmin). The girls looked really cute, and had fun showing their stuff at the numerous Halloween parties. Elizabeth picked out her fabric at the store. She was walking down all the aisles feeling the fabric, when she felt this one she would not let go so she ended up being a cross between Pebbles and Bambam. She knew what to do this year and was excited to be a part of "Sharing the Wealth" since she is only 18 months and has no income of her own. We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Halloween this year.

Sam was chosen as student of the month in her kindergarten class for putting forth her best effort. We are proud of her and her love of learning. On the day of the assembly the girls were in a mode to pose for the camera, we were grateful for that as I am sure so are her grandparents.
After the assembly the girls wanted to go rake up leaves in our neighbor’s yard. It was a fun "Service project".

Rachel goes to Preschool

Rachel started preschool on Sept. 9th. She thought it was about time!

She goes three days a week, so far she has told me only once that she could not go because she was sick, she has gone everyday and comes home loving it.
On her first day of school she wanted to wear a dress, then she realized she had a hat that would match, as well as a jacket.

A Tree full of Monkeys

Some people belive that Elizabeth gets her climbing abilities from watching her sisters, I disagree! Last weekend we decided to hang a tire swing in our backyard. I went and bought a rope with Rachel and then I attempted to throw the rope up into the tree. I got a 10 ft ladder out to help get me closer to the branch I wanted- I didn't get it. Ann came out and climbed up the tree and moved the rope 3 feet further out on the limb. Thanks to her the girls were able to keep themselves entertained for several hours. It was well worth the time and the few scratches don't you think Ann?

First Day of School

She did it--with flying colors.

No hesitation.

Just excitement to finally be able to go to 'her school'.
Mike had her sign 'K' for kindergarten for her photos.







Mike woke early and made her breakfast.
She did her own hair and picked out her outfit.
Then I got home with the Hannah Montana Folder
and a rose and we headed to school.





Since we registered last week, we were able to meet Samantha's teacher.
She's in Mrs. Nutt's (like Candyland?) AM class.

As we were walking to her classroom, it was me who got turned around--
and to think, I was worried about

her being confused.









Samantha already knows two kids in her class,
and was excited to meet more.









She did it all with a mosquito bite on her eye--
We are proud of our big kindergartner.
We love you, Sam--You did great!

Where does the time go??

In a few short hours my oldest will start her first day of kindergarten. Landmark step, I know. And yes, I will be sappy, but it will be away from the child (someone has to be tough). I
can't help being excited to see just how well Samantha will do.
She is a great big sister, and for all her snotty-ness at times, she is able to sense when I really need her help and steps up readily.
A lot to expect from a five year old? Not my girl. She accept the challenge readily and does a great job.
I still can't believe that she will soon be able to ride that great big school bus all on her own.
I get the feeling that life is going to change, and there is no looking back.
We are entering the days of homework, soccer games, and constant changes in friends.
What do I want her to know?
That she is loved unconditionally--not only by her parents, but her Heavenly Parents and many others.
That she can excel--she has it within her power to achieve great things with hard work and dedication.
That the mean kids just need to be loved, too--and they are NOT right.
No matter what anyone says (your tired mother included), you are great!!
So good luck my little one!
Your parents will be anxiously waiting to hear how it went.
We love you, Sammy!

4th of July

It was a fun weekend, as usual we spent it at the lake with the Wilcox family, unfortunately Ann was not able to make it because she was working a 7 day stretch. We had a fun time but I was looking forward to getting my wife back.

Sam and Rachel were both a little more daring this year. Sam was not going to let Rachel best her this year by being the only one to wakeboard with Dad, they both wakeboarded but we did not have the camera in the boat for Sams. It was kind of funny, both of them wanted me to jump while they were on the board with me-much to the relief of everyone I didn't.

Also this year they both wanted to tunnel board by themselves. I went along next to them to stabilize the start, I didn't help much on the release because they both ended up going under for a minute- it builds character.

It was quite cute watching Sam, Rachel, and Lilly (a family friend) do their nails at the lake. Elizabeth was interested but did not get involved. Girls are girls no matter where they are!

Fathers Day

Fathers' Day activities started early with breakfast in bed made by and shared with all three daughters. Quickly following the shared Snickers at church, the must have photo shoot after church, was the salmon fillet and potatoes. I think we are the four luckiest girls in the world to have such a great man as the center of our lives. We love you, Dad!

Memorial Day

We were invited out to the lake with some friends for memorial day.
The water was cold, the friends were great, the weather was nice(while we were there), and the girls had a blast.

Ruby still enjoys climbing whenever she can, it does not matter how often or how recent she has fallen, if she has a chance to climb-She will.

Parade Time

The parade was fun, hot, but fun!
All the girls got in the action, Ruby was not going to be left out when candy was involved. She slept until her sisters had a sufficient amount collected, then awoke to the spoils. It was great to see the girls be so enthusiastic with their flag waving, even if they waved the hardest for the Harley riders. Pretty darn cute. It was worth the dehydration and sunburn. Not to mention the sugar high.

Mother's Day

It's every mother's favorite day--Mother's Day! Mike and the Samantha made me breakfast while I stayed in bed to study my YW lesson. Then they woke Rachel who came running with their gift--Tim McGraw's greatest hits CD (I'm terrible at providing gift giving options when put on the spot)--just what I'd asked for. It was fun to watch Samantha plan (and inform Dad of her plan) for breakfast and more. I was treated to breakfast in bed, a gift, a movie date (with Mike, his cousin Kisa, and her daughter Jade (thanks Deb for the video)), and my favorite meal by Mike; grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. I'm so grateful for my wonderful husband and silly and thoughtful girls--I love you guys!

Haircuts 5/10/08

As we were wrapping up morning chores Saturday, Dad asked if he needed a haircut. The answer followed the general direction it does when he has to ask--sure!! When is this to take place; how about now. So, of course, the girls piped up that they also wanted a trim. Here are the results. We have been talking/threatening for a long time that they would get haircuts if not more cooperative with the morning styling sessions. Their babysitter and her little sister's recent 'doos' helped the process quite a bit. As I was cutting Rachel's she repeatedly said, 'I want mine like Allie's'. They both seem happy with the change, as I have heard no complaining in the day and a half since. Amazing how much it changes their look!

Climbing fool

Ruby is not a 1 year old that just sits around watching her sisters. She watches and then does what her sisters do. It is great at times, but at other times we as parents get scared. This was one of those times. Mike was outside playing with the girls. He was swinging Sam and Rachel and turned around to see where Ruby was only to discover that she was climbing the ladder. She became very efficient by the time we got the camera out.