Well, that was weird

This storm today came out of nowhere and I quickly went outside to make sure we
didn't have anything that could blow away. I wanted to check on the chickens and as
I got close to their coop, something dropped from a nearby tree. Through the storm, it
looked like a bird's nest and I turned to tell one of my kids what happened when suddenly
I felt this crazy pain in my hip. That bird's nest was actually a hornet's nest. And those are
some mean buggers I tell you. Being highly allergic when I was a kid, I'm really glad I didn't
break out in hives and my throat close off. Catch that silver lining there? You're welcome.

And ending on a second positive note, this incredible rainbow
that showed up during a break in the storm. I love it.

Lego Derby

In the opinion of this mother and Primary president, the Lego derby is pretty much
the best thing ever. Times 487. For those of you who love the Pinewood derby,
I'm so happy for you. But for me, thirty minutes for the boys to build their car
and then thirty minutes of racing and cheering, feels like a lovely dream.

Love our Ben and so glad he had a fun time.

Decorative folage

Our stop sign is fancier than your stop sign.

So proud of our Annie

This girl was given one of the lead roles in an upcoming stage play.
She worked so hard before auditions and I'm so proud of her. The only problem
is that she is one of the wives in Joseph and when she comes home from
rehearsals and refers to "my husband," it is a little disconcerting to her mother.

Homecoming

I was asked to take pictures of Campbell's Homecoming group tonight and
I was so glad for the chance. This is an amazing group of kids. And it was
so fun to be a part of their evening, even for just a few minutes.

Plus, I'll take any opportunity I can to be around my handsome boy.

Her chair

This may just seem like an ordinary chair to anyone else, but to me, it is one of my most
treasured possessions. It is the chair my Gram owned for many, many years and sat in often.
It is the chair that I slept in, next to her bedside, during the last two nights we had together
before she passed away, experiencing some of the most sacred hours of my life. It is the chair
I was sitting it when my Heavenly Father sent me a miracle, through my Gram, before I had to
leave her side to go home, just hours before she was released from this life. It is the chair my kind
mom gave me a few months back, because she knew my Gram would want me to have it. It is the
chair I sit in often and pray and cry and laugh and talk to my Gram and wish with every part of
my heart I could hear her respond. I can feel how close she is to me and how involved she is in my
life every single day. I'm just greedy and sometimes ache to hear her say, "Well, hello my Linny,"
like she did every day for more than fourteen years. I'm so blessed to have this small, yet
wonderful to me, reminder of our relationship and how it is so very not over. And never will be.

Cam's 17th Birthday

Happy Birthday to our incredible Campbell! Seventeen years ago today he made me a mom and
changed me forever. He is handsome and kind and always serving others and absolutely hilarious
and brilliant. I'm grateful everyday he is ours and that I'm the one that gets to be his mom.

Ben's first riding lesson

This boy was so, so brave and amazing. He really did better than I ever imagined possible for a
first lesson. And seeing Annie on a horse again made my heart so happy. It was a good afternoon.

Sweethearts

Love these two so much. And love this picture because it reminds me of what an incredible dad
Jacob is and how each of our kids have such a sweet and good relationship with him. It is one
of my greatest blessings in this life and one of the things that makes me the most happy.

Never forget

"People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace
and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life
and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it."

~Thomas S. Monson

Backyard soccer

Gracie's 3rd Birthday

Happy Birthday to our darling Grace! The fact that she is three blows my mind.
She is sweet and good and hilarious and loving and a total firecracker.
And I thank my Heavenly Father every single day that He sent her to us.

Date night hike

He has been counting the seconds

First day of preschool for this handsome sweetheart. He was so excited.

As we got into the car to head there, he exclaimed, "First day of preschool, comin' up!"

I seriously love him so much.

Labor Day hike