Happy Birthday, Carter!!

Today is Cater's 7th birthday! I can't believe it!! I feel OLD. Carter is such a great kid!! We love you and hope you have a great day!!

Happy Birthday Taylor!

So today our little Taylor-tot turned 3 years old. What a blessing she has been to our family; an answer to prayers for a baby girl.

Words can not express the joy she has brought into my life. Her sweet, loving personality brightens our lives daily.

We love you Taylor! Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Matthew!!!!

Today Matthew turned 6 years old. I can't believe how BIG he is! Time really does go by fast. It seems like yesterday we were at the hospital awaiting the arrival of our little girl and were surprised, instead, with another little BOY! That's Matthew for you...always a surprise!! We love you, Matt!!

Gumballs

Yesterday I was at the grocery store and as I was leaving I saw a little girl who had just put her quarter in the gumball machine and this is what she got...

A miniature Mexican flag! Maybe it's just me, but is that not the saddest prize a child could get!? I think it stinks. What makes it worse is that the girl had no idea what it was and she looked so disappointed. I wonder if there were American flags in the machine, too. The poor little girl was probably hoping for a ring that would turn her finger green! I think the only thing worse would be if the machine took your money all together. As I drove home I thought, " Only in California would this be in a gumball machine!"

Juice

Most people who know me know that I am not a morning person. I like to sleep. Well my kids are like chickens! They are up with the sun; usually around 6 am every morning. The boys can do a lot for themselves now so I let get up while I sleep longer. Well, the other morning, Matthew came into my room to ask me something and I noticed that he had red punch stains on his mouth. I asked him what it was and he said, "Oh! I made some juice." I got up and went downstairs and this is what I found.

Oh Yeah! Two packages of Kool-Aid (with no sugar) and Crystal Light. I especially like how much water is in the pitcher! I was going to get mad, but then I just thought it was better to takes some pictures 'cause Matthew was really proud. Both Carter and Taylor had red mouths, too. They thought it was great!! I talked to Nathan later that day on the phone and I told him there was 1 container of Crystal Light with the Kool-Aid and Matt says, " No, I put in three, Mom!" So funny!

Summer Fun!

The kids really like playing on the Slip n' Slide. Carter and Matthew are growing-up so fast. While I was watching them play I wondered how long it will be until they wont want to play on this anymore. It's sad, but to be honest, I'm excited for them to get older. Things get easier (not in all ways, but some) and I like that I can talk to them more. I'm glad I can be home with them; even when I'm NOT glad I'm home with them. :)

New Family Photos

Just a funny photo!

I think our kids a pretty cute!

I love this picture of Halle with Nathan's Dad, Scott. It's SO cute!!