nice lines!

I'm quite proud of myself this morning, I may have looked hilarious doing it....but I'm proud. I haven't done this in YEARS and NEVER with an ELECTRIC lawn mower. You can so totally tell that I'm used to a vaccuum because on the parts that I got stuck on, I just went back and forth! My arms are still numb from the vibrations, and I had the extension cord draped around my neck a few times. No WONDER people smile when they walk by! I used to think that Ryan was just saying that, but it's TRUE!! I witnessed it this morning. I have nice lines, if I do say so myself. I even did it how Ryan does it. Proud of me, dear?

grunt...grunt...

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I can't turn my back for one second! Carter-the-Climber decided that he would scare me half to death last night, when I was doing dishes and just happened to look over to the dining room and saw him trying to climb up onto the table! He was on the chair and I wanted to know how he did it. He did it just like this. I don't know what is cuter, the pictures or the noises he makes when he is trying to accomplish something difficult!

a little humor

Anyone else find this as true as I did? Thanks, Dad, for sending it to me!

sound familiar?

Anyone recognize this music that's playing on my blog and why it's a significant memory?

um....what?!

Just when I thought that this crazy Moscow weather couldn't get any more funky...this is what we noticed this morning when we opened up the shades! It's SNOWING! It's actually accumulating in our yard too...isn't is nearly summertime? It's time to break out the swimming pools, not our hats and gloves! Everything is in storage! I don't have a single winter item around, I didn't think I'd need it. But then again, it IS Moscow.


Ryanna asked exasperatingly, "WHY is it snowing in the middle of summer vacation?" I totally agree.

random smiles

wonderful men in my life

Ryan is the most wonderful, loving and supportive father in the whole world. We all love him dearly and are so proud of him for working so hard to support our family. We love you Daddy! He is my ballast, my strength and my warm and fuzzy blanket. I love him with all of my heart, and can't imagine my life without him. Happy Father's Day, Ry!



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Another wonderful man in my life is my Dad. He is a strength and example to me. He is supportive and loving. I used to fight him so badly when he'd help me with my Algebra in high school and if I'd only known how much I would regret that; I would have cherished every minute of his help. I seek his wisdom and love him dearly. A few weeks ago I woke up with a few tears streaming down my cheeks as I hugged him in my dream. I guess I miss him more than I realize, China is a little far away sometimes! You are a good man, Dad. I admire you and will always be your 'know-it-all first-born'! Thank you for being such a fun Grandaddy to my children, they adore you as much as I do. Happy Father's Day!





My second father is my fabulous Father-in-Law, Gaylan. He is a truly amazing man. He bends over backwards for his children and sacrifices to ensure we are taken care of. Thank you for everything you do for us and for all of your love and support. I have a soft spot in my heart for this man; he is an example of endurance and sticking-to-something even when things get hard. There isn't an end of encouragement and he never utters a negative word. Happy Father's Day, I heard about your present this year; I can't wait to hear all about how much you love it!


Last, but certainly NOT least of all, my grandfathers are especially close to my heart! I love you and hope you have a very relaxing Father's Day. I hope to see both of you this summer, and to hug you in person. Love you so much!




(I don't have any recent ones of Grampa Bill, I'll have to get some the next time I see you! So sorry!)

half-pint jedi

It's amazing what you can do with $2! I ran to Dollar Tree yesterday and bought these swimming noodles, cut them in half and then wrapped electrical tape around the bottom. They're nothing fancy, but the kids love them! I wish that I could take credit for the creativity, but I've seen these made from gals in my ward. The kids have been begging me for light sabers since they have discovered Star Wars and constantly refer to themselves as, "Leia Skywalker" and "Her brother, Luke Skywalker." Even Carter got a baby-saber and knows how to use it! Dawson goes around the house using "The MAGIC of the force" and things magically happen. Very good, but they're not Jedi YET!



After I finished making them (took me about 5 minutes to make them both) Ryanna got so excited and asked me if she could get her stickers out and decorate her lightsaber....is she a GIRL or what?!