Hilarious

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I know, I know......

I knew I would do this. I have gotten so behind, and everytime I think "I need to catch up", I just feel overwhelmed because I am so behind on this thing. It is a vicious circle in my head. So, I thought I would just summarize this last month and a half and maybe throw in a few pictures to give it a little pizzaz.

In the first week of August the kids and I went up to Idaho, with my sister Rachel, to visit Dave and Shar and their kids. We had a really great time there. They took us 4-wheeling where a small incident occured with Tyler (he slipped off a 9 foot drop while throwing rocks over it). Luckily my brother Dave was already down there and was able to grab him up off of the ground. He had a nasty bump on his noggin and a few scratches and scrapes but was most upset about getting his pants all wet (he landed in a little creek at the bottom). I know he was protected out there because all I could imagine as I saw him slip (in slow motion) was how I was going to get a bloody, unconcious little boy medical attention way out here? He calmed down after a little while and we ended up having a great time despite the mishap.

Rachel returned to Japan in mid-August and we were all sad to see her go. We're not sure how soon we will be able to see her again and we were so grateful to have her for so long this summer.

Ainsley had her first swim lessons this summer. She was a little scared of having to swim on her own, but she ended up having a great time. She did really well, but I think she had the most fun when she was able to socialize while waiting for her turn with the teacher.

The rest of August was a blur, between Relief Society enrichment activities, presidency meetings, Blake's bishopric meetings, getting ready for kids to go back to school, and just your everyday duties, I don't know where the month went. Ainsley started her first day of Kindergarten at the end of August. I can't believe she goes to school everyday now. She has been ready for so long and she loves her classmates and her teacher.

Tyler started pre-school right after Labor Day. He has been trying to go to preshool for a year now and he was so happy he got to stay instead of just dropping Ainsley off. He has a great teacher he loves and he says he sits by his "funny friend" but he can't remember his name or what he does that is so funny. He just says he makes him laugh.

Blake just celebrated his *gasp* 34th birthday. He got a new PS2 game that Tyler loves to play with him. They have become pretty tight since Ty has discovered star wars, super heros and video games. He practically paces the floor until Blake gets home. It is really cute and Blake loves the attention.

So that pretty much brings you up to speed on our whereabouts. Thanks for putting up with this long blog. See you soon!

Move over mom, Aunt Rachel's in town

I have been replaced. My sister, Rachel, came a-visitin' from Japan. It has been a highly anticipated event in the life of Ainsley (and all of us of course, but especially Ainsley). Rachel has the honor of sharing a room with Ainlsey while she is at our house. Ainsley has done nothing but eat, sleep and breath all things Rachel. I couldn't read her a story last night...that was Rachel's job. I couldn't cuddle with her and talk, that was Rachel's job. In the morning, Rachel was the one who got to rise early with Ainsley (one job I was happy to give up at "5:44" in the morning). Then the bomb dropped for poor mommy, it was Rachel who had to match with Ainsley today. She couldn't have cared less if I walked out the door buck naked. I don't think she would have even cared if I walked out the door at all, as long as her new favorite girl was with her. I really don't mind, to be honest. I love that she loves my sister as much as I do. Just wanted to publicly than Rach for taking over my spot for the week. Now I know how Blake feels. Love ya, Lacher!

Gamma Phi!

On the July 3rd I got to see Wende for a split second (it seemed like). She was up from Arizona for the holiday and we managed to get together some Sharmeans. It was great to see Wende, and everyone else as well, even if I did have to rush off. Above is Stacy, Lil Amber, Wende, me and big Amber.

Here is our posterity (plus the little one floating around in lil Amber's tummy.)

Ainsley's insights

Ainsley was tagged by her cousin Abby to answer these questions. Here you go, Abs!

What does mommy always say to you?

"I love you very much."

What makes mommy happy?

"When I clean up my room"

What makes mommy sad?

"When I get hurt."

How does mommy make you laugh?

"Tickles me"

What was mommy like when she was little?

"Cute!"

How old is mom?

"33?"

How tall is mommy?

"6 inches."

What does mommy like to do?

"Keep the house clean."

What is something mommy doesn't like to do?

"Mess up the whole house."

What does mommy do for a job?

"Watch us, am I correct?"

What is mom's favorite food?

"Tacos"

What do mommy and Ainsley like to do together?

"Go shopping at the mall."

How do you know mom loves you?

"Cause when I was a baby, I was so cute. And when I got a little older, I grew cuter and cuter."

Ainsley tags Kennedy, Bryson and Casey

Before and After

For some reason I can't get some of my pictures to upload. Frustrating. Anyhoo, here are some pics that I was able to get uploaded. Here is a picture of some of the stairs Blake and his dad worked on. We also put laminate down on the upstair hallway.



Here is an after picture of the lower living room. We painted the room and put new carpet down. We still need to get curtains up and some crown moulding, nut for the most part it is done. Below is a picture of the living room before.





We also had central air put in and finally, as of last night finished our bathroom. We had the shower and floor retiled, put in a new vanity and toilet and painted the walls. We also put white shutters up on the window. Now what's the next project? Oh, I've got my ideas, no matter how many times Blake rolls his eyes.

They're hicks, Rita

We went to a family reunion in Blackfoot. It was at Blake's Uncle and Aunts house. They had a horse in the back that Tyler fell in love with. He kept going back and petting his nose.

They had fun activities for the kids like hula hooping...

Tyler met a second cousin named Taylor. They hit it off right away and played together all day long. Either Taylor is short or Tyler is tall because Taylor turns 5 in September and Tyler is 3 1/2.

Ainsley found some trees to climb with her cousins.

Bubble blowing was another fun thing for the kids. Blake's uncle had a homemade potato launcher that thankfully only worked once. It was really loud and cared the kids a bit.