Labor Day

One of the items on our summer bucket list was to have a GAME DAY. It was one that didn't happen since I wasn't the most fun postpartum mom {maybe next year kids.}

So I decided Labor Day with Grandma and Grandpa Richards was the perfect time to do it. Each of the adult came up with one game to play. After devotional we got started.

Spencer wanted to kick it off with his original "Catch the Spider." You dangle a large plastic spider over the stairs and all the people below try to get it. The first person to catch it 3 times wins.



Next was Grandma's, the classic jump over the jump rope with a sock on the end being swung in a circle {hopefully} near the ground. Later Ruth wanted to take this game to the next level on the trampoline. Good thinkin.





Grandpa had us divide into teams and put a shirt on every team member while holding hands.





For Kurt's game the "it" person sat in the middle and had to answer questions but he could only use one predetermined word. We were trying to get them out by making them laugh. Austin was giggling before it even begun versus Spencer who was like an iron wall. He was good! We couldn't crack him. It was funny just to watch his concentration. Naturally Kurt had to keep at him all day until he laughed. Many hours later he finally cracked with the word "underwear."



I had the kids play a dress up relay.





We had homemade mini pizzas, watermelon and root bear for lunch. Then it was time for Grandma and Grandpa to go home. We are so glad they came. It was a wonderful visit and we cherished the one-on-one time with them. Thanks for coming!

That evening we went on to Grandma Cindy's to let the kids swim in the hot tub and play on the slip and slide. We had more pizza for dinner. The kids loved the water and it really did seem like the last hurrah of summer.

Our Blessing

Today we blessed Lucy Rae. It was such a beautiful day. Thinking of the events makes me smile.



My mom and dad came up from West Jordon on Saturday for the blessing. They were suppose to bring Tim, Elaine and kids but at the last minute they all changed their plans. It was sad, and frustrating but shortly after my parents arrived we attended a baptism and their was such a sweet spirit that calmed me. How grateful I am for that and the peace I felt for the next 24 hours so I could focus on my sweet baby girl.

Kurt gave a beautiful blessing. Those that stood in the circle were Grandpa Bill, Ken and Dirk and uncles Jeff, Dan, Jeff and Doug. Again there was a beautiful spirit in the meeting. Lucy wore the same dress as her sisters accented with red nails {and toes.}


{isn't she precious}

My good friend Kerri {who hasn't been to church in forever} came and stayed all three hours. And she also came out to the house for lunch. This alone makes me
HAPPY.

Another things that made me HAPPY was the weather. Yes, that does sound like a lame factor on the greatness of the day but I must remind you that I go GREEN during the summer. Meaning my house is a sweat fest. Not a fun combo for a gathering of many people. Many prayers were uttered {by myself} for cool temps. The kids woke up complaining that it was cold - they were given strict instructions not to touch the windows or fans!!! When we got home from the church the house was still cool and the increase of bodies didn't raise the temps either. Miraculous. I'm pretty sure I told my mom at least 5 times how great it felt and how happy I was about it. "Ya, I know. You told me." Can I tell you again??

Thanks for the great company and tasty food {pulled pork sandwiches, salads, fruit, lemonade, chips, and Score Cake.} We are blessed with a fabulous family. Lucy is lucky.

Life with the Little Girls

We are starting to get into a routine around here again. As much as I LUH-ve summer the body craves routine. We are giving into the craving.

People keep asking how it is having two at home this year. Maybe they forget that I had two at home last year. But it is different. I miss my brown sugar, Spencey boy. How quickly they jump into the new roles and duties that are required of them.

The little girls, as Roost and Luce are affectionately called, have brought me so much joy. I'm really glad to have them around.

It seems like our days still revolve around feeding Lucy but we do manage to do a few other things during the school hours. {I will not include the mundane items such as laundry and cleaning in this list.}

READ {Pinkalicious is Rooster's current favorite. I remember reading it daily when Emma was this age. awwww.}



Jogging in the jogging stroller. Luckily the girls still like going for a ride and Roost is still keeping me in stride.

House Projects which mainly involve a can of spray paint and Roost holding Lucy while they sit in the stroller.



Frequenting the local thrift and antique shops during our trips to Ontario.

Entertainment provide by none-other than Rooster Romans. She asks me daily when she can go to ballet class...


And most of all we continue to enjoy this sweetie


Rooster is my MAJOR big helper.



{Sorry Luce but I found this sooo funny. Ruth was very determined. and silly. Naturally.}

Can you not see all the fun we are going to have?!! Its a good, good life.

Sweatin 4 Sarah

The 2nd annual Sweatin for Sarah race was on Saturday, August 27th. I made the effort to go support both Sarah and Jamie. Both are great ladies that I love.

Since Lucy is just about the worst traveler ever I decided to take Austin with me to help her on the drive down. So right after we had breakfast with Spencer at school on Friday (Family Fridays welcome families to share breakfast) we hit the road. They all did GREAT - we only made one stop in Burley! I was amazed {and very, very grateful!}

Elaine and kids came down also and we had a nice visit that evening at Grandma Richards'. We went to bed at 10 pm {unheard of!} we must have been exhausted. The next morning Grandma, Elaine, Daniel and my peeps headed to Salt Lake for the 8 o'clock race.

Grandma and Austin registred so they could run/walk too. Austin ran the first mile with me and then he started getting tired. And complaining. And holding onto the jogging stroller that I was trying to push forward. At that point he went with grandma {THANK YOU!} Before leaving me he declared, "If they have this race again next year I'm NOT coming!" Apparently three miles is a little too much for him. Me too. Yikes that was brutal. The whole time I was "running" I kept wondering how I ever ran a half marathon. Lots of work to do {mild understatement.}

But like last year it was a special, emotional and spiritual event. Sarah is sweet, grateful, humble and so loving. And it radiates. We're praying for you in this battle. It was pretty cool to share this with my family this year. LOVED IT! Thanks for coming ladies. You are fabulous.


Still fresh and sweat free before the race.


Plenty sweaty afterwards.

DIY CEO Projects

During our Utah trip for Karen's wedding Maren said something that really struck me. It wasn't a new idea and I can't even remember what our conversation was about but it has been on repeat in my mind since she said it.

"You are the CEO of the home."

As CEO I want to have a beautiful haven that is organized and efficient. So no more waiting for some grand moment. NOW is the time to seize the day.

I have been searching antique and thrift stores for furniture I can transform to beautify and simply my home. I came across this desk.



and transformed it into this




I LOVE how it turned out! The color is beautiful.

Next I found a bookshelf to transform into a hutch to display my Vietnamese dishes. Unfortunately I forgot to take a before picture. But it was all brown and boring and NOW...

before dishes

and after




I know the yellow is bold but I planned it to accent my dishes. I think it works perfectly! It makes me so happy every time I walk by it. Even though it is not a real china hutch I think it works well for the small amount of space I have to work with. The real question is: WHY DIDN'T I DO IT SOONER!??!

Maybe more projects in store for this CEO.
;)

Start of the Kinder-First-Third School Year

Whew, the first day is over. It feels so much better now that its over. We did it. The kids had a WONDERFUL first day. There was such happy, bubbly, not-over-the-top-crazy excitement in the car on the way home. It was fun to listen to!

The very first thing Spencer said to me was:
"I didn't get in trouble!"

Definitely didn't think it would be a problem bud.

Another funny conversation:
M: Spencer are their twins in your class?
S: No. But there are 2 girls that look the same.
M: Spencer, that's a twin! lol

But it can all be best said from their own mouth.

SPENCER Gene Kindergarten



{he requested this shot.}

I love school. And I have a good teacher named Senora Brito. And I have good kids in my class. My favorite part was lunch and recess. I made friends with all of the school. Everyone in the class I mean.







Emma Lynn FIRST Grader


It was great!!! Because the teacher is really nice and I already made a new friend. My teacher's name is Mrs. McDowall and my friend's name is Claire. I liked recess because I got to play with Spencer. I like my classroom and the art project that we did. I really love school.



Austin R. THIRD Grader


My day was awesome. I had a lot of new kids that were in first grade last year in my class. My favorite part of the day was filling out a paper about me. I was about to cry when it was time to go home because school is so fun.


Ready for another fabulous year with our favorite Mrs. White and Senora Mason.

All I can say is that I'm so grateful for my 2 little ladies still at home. I think we are going to have a really fun time together. Roost was ruling the roost. :D She loved being in charge of Lucy, the role of my special helper and little buddy. She just chattered at me all day long. "Mom, I just love you." Not exaggerating she probably told me that at least 20 times. Its safe to say she won't have any problems adjusting.

To stay busy today we went for a run with our new-to-us {thank you craigslist} double jogging stroller. Roost is my personal trainer. She was so excited to ride in it. "Faster mom. FASTER!" When I turned around to run back home she quizzed me, "Why are you turning around? Don't go home yet. Keep running!" Yikes. I really have my work cut out for me.



We spent the rest of the day busy doing service and before I knew it it was time to rush to Ontario to pick up the kids. My heart is aching but so grateful too. I have an overwhelming feeling its going to be another super school year!

Last Hurrah!

Final moments of summer fun.

Austin discovered he could use the crib mattress to sled down the stairs for a super fun ride. They LOVED this!!! Braxton kept telling me over and over, "Spencer and I rocked!" We continued until I realized we were chipping paint off the wall. Oopps. SUPER fun while it lasted. I have a feeling their will still be some impromtu runs when I'm not looking. ;)







That night Kurt took the Mutual kids to Bully Creek with grandpa's boat. We went an hour before Mutual to let the kids play. The boys had fun on the tube. Emma finally got the courage to go and within seconds of her getting on it flipped. That was The End of that! And there was no way Ruth was going to try it after seeing what happened to Emma. There is still lots of fun to be had at the water's edge throwing rocks in. Even if you manage to throw one on your own head {Ruth.} lol















We had our Back-2-School dinner tonight {menu planned by Spencer: hamburgers, jello, watermelon, and corn on the cob.} Followed by 2 games and Father's blessings.









The uniforms are laid out, lunches ready and kids sound asleep. The time has come. Here's to another FABULOUS school year.