A Boy and his Binky

I wasn't going to allow it. But, it was introduced when he was just a wee thing. Now, it is a necessity. We only have one. We lost it once. I drove BACK 3 miles to get it. I hope we never lose it permanently. For he would be so sad. I would then be sad. *sigh* It will be interesting trying to separate this boy and his binky. Hm. For now, we shall let them be. Check out Eli's skills...he's been able to do this since 5 months old!

Ladies Night!

I organized a "Ladies Night" for the gals in my family...Bonnie and I bounced ideas off eachother and it turned out so cute! It was a "pajama party" but then morphed into being themed with lemons and limes. We drank sparkling limeade in goblets, had everyone bring their favorite indulgence to share, and played games for hours! At the end of the night, there was a prize for the overall winner of the games, and a prize for the loser. :) "...It's been a real SLICE!"

"Second Grade is AWESOME"...

...and so Sammi says her first day of school. I can't believe she's in 2nd grade already! So far she LOVES it and her teacher. She's doing great and is such a fun kid - my little pal. We all miss her while she's at school, but it's fun when she comes home as Keith and Maddi race upstairs yelling 'Sammi's home!". *sniff* I love my kids!

ZOO Boise

We took the kids to the Zoo here in Boise. It was a lot of fun...the Zoo has added a new Africa scene to the park and it was really cool. Maddi LOVED the lions and tiger and sitting on everything she could.

Solids, here we come!

Eli is now eating solid foods! So far, he'll eat anything (peas and spinach included!) Every meal, the "first bite" is the funnest thing to watch - his short little arms are outstretched, his mouth wide open and he's almost SHAKING, he's so excited. So cute.

Sammi's haircut

So, Sammi too needed a haircut and we took her in. I was thinking a trim, some "swoosh bangs" but she had other ideas. She wanted it like Maddi's and so, we chopped it off. 7 inches! Ah! I admit, it took me a few days to get used to it...but it is pretty darn cute! Or rather, she is. :)

Brothers

Some of my favorite recent pics of Keith and Eli.

I love this baby!

Here's little Eli...he is such a sweetheart. So easygoing and loving. It never fails: I enter the room and he busts out in a HUGE smile and laughs. He's always SO happy to see me. It does a lot for my self-esteem. :) He's very intrigued by Matt and will just sit and stare at him when Matt is near by. It's funny. He's my "Angel Baby" and makes me want to have a dozen more....much to Matt's chagrin. Seriously, though...how can you not love this face?

Fourth of July

It was a beautiful day - we went to breakfast at the Stake Center, RELAXED and then went to Matt's parent's house for a potluck BBQ and some water fun. Complete with a pinata! (Thanks Mariellen!) We then drove to the railroad tracks and watched the fireworks in Ann Morrison park. Keith loved the "firebumps" and still will randomly say "firebumps are fun!" :)

Here, fishy, fishy FISHY!

Keith and Maddi love to go fishing with their dad (probably more for the snacks they buy than the actual fish) but they LOVE to be with their dad. Here's some of my favorite pics of them....

Horses, Horses

Miss Maddi LOVES horses. Matt's colleauge owns a couple and she invited the girls to come and ride them at the end of June. Maddi was in heaven and loved every moment. Sammi was pleased to learn that she had, and I quote "Amazing horse-riding posture".

The Jo Bros....

It was a night to remember. Katy and I went with Lexi and Sammi after making it a complete Girl's Night at Olive Garden. The girls were SO excited. It was fun to watch them. Enjoy the pics. (Yes, I know...Sammi is quite the ham. I wonder where she gets it from?)

Father's Day

Father's Day was lots of fun. The kids and I served Matt breakfast in bed and then gave him a nap pillow from Brookstone, which he immediately got to use and take a Sunday nap. After church, we went to his parent's house where we had a BBQ with his dad and family. I had marinated a steak for 3 days and insisted he "relax" while I did the BBQ-ing for my man (and Papa Joe!). I tried to make it as feminine as I could with the "pin-up" poses for Matt's benefit. However, I noticed in the pics where I was NOT posing (actually focused on the meat) that my pinky is sticking straight up, all nice and delicate. It cracked me up...I wasn't too aggressive with the BBQ, but the steaks turned out great! Anywho, I hope Matt felt loved and appreciated because we sure do!! I'm so thankful to have married such an amazing man!


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Sitting!!!!....Well, almost.

Eli is getting so big! We're working on becoming pros at sitting. (I say "we" not because I too need help learning to sit, but because it is indeed, a team effort.)

THE BINDER....

Yes. It needs to be capitalized. It is finished! And I LOVE it! There's a section for everything - frequently used phone numbers and adresses, a "Home Purchasing" section where my coupons are organized, my grocery list papers and meal planners, a "Home Management" section for all the numbers of repairman, piano tuners, etc... a schedule of my home needs (chimney cleaning, tree treatment, etc.), organizers for my file cards which I use in the index card system, a "Provident Living" section where I keep resources on food storage and 72 hour-kits as well as my own inventory and planning sheets, a "Family" section where each member of our family has a section where I file doctor's visits info, prescriptions, wants, needs, current clothing sizes, etc...oh the list goes on and on! There's a section for Christmas, birthday planning, my crafts and hobbies, and a section for "ME"...it is where I keep track of goals and also have a detailed list of things I need and want..Ladies, this is a LIFESAVER for husbands....if he's ever stuck he knows he can sneak a peek in my book and get an idea of what I'm wishing for. Anywho, I could go on FOREVER about my binder, but, just know that I love it and I use it every day. Good times.