our soccer star.

 soccer season is over.  ben made himself his own sign for us to hold at his games.

 he even told us what to say and when to cheer before hand.  he was totally a soccer star.

 zach wasn't the full-time coach but he did fill in and enjoyed it.  ben liked it too.  he loves his dad.

 we like the games.  we bring blankets and treats and have a good time.  sometimes the kids aren't exactly thrilled and end up going in their pajamas.

 this is a rare photo, he is usually chasing the ball or playing with the other boys.  he's enjoyed himself.

 the things josh tries to do for a three year old scares me.  but is he ever thrilled when he does it.

this season of soccer was a little bit more difficult for ben.  the boys are a lot better and goals aren't as easy to come by.  he did score once and had some assists.  he is excited about next year because they get to have a goalie.  it's fun to be a mom.

Welcome Home!

 He had a huge fan club waiting at the airport.  Boy were we glad to see him!

 David Rodney Moyes, Norway Oslo Mission.  2010-2012.  Returned with Honor.  I knew he was a good missionary but to see him talk about taking off his badge when he was released, I really knew it then.  This Elder loved being a missionary and I don't think he could be any happier with the way he served.  Well done Dave.

 Dave has some seriously great friends.  He was happy to see them.  These three are roommates at the Y this year.  They won't have any fun.

 I am proud of David for the kind of missionary he was.  I am also proud of my mom and dad.  Gosh, I love them.  They are the best supporters anyone could ask for!

 We missed Angie.  It's hard for everyone when someone is missing.  It will be nice when we are all together soon.

 Oh my, the escalators were such a hit!

 This little Kate is such a joy!

 Dave left freezing weather in Norway and it was 90 + today.  Yeah, he thought he was going to die.

 Considering the heat, we were grateful for some shade so we could play outside.

 Sisters.  Alexa & Kate.  (Rachael's girls)  and Abby (Steph's daughter) in the window. :)

 We love it when we get to see cousins.

This was watermelon rinds that we brought home for the chickens.  Yeah, Josh was helping take them out to the chickens the next morning and decided to stop and enjoy a bit before he turned them over.  His summer staple is watermelon.

There we were.

i put these pics on our computer the other day and thought, "although these are random, i must document."  the end.

 at the table eating the rooster that once bullied our children.  i think they were liberated.  oh, not very tasty i might ad.

 on this particular day i was quite ill.  these cute kiddos brought me a cow bell to ring if i needed them.  they also made their own mac n' cheese, following my instructions from the couch.  they were pleased with themselves and i think they were doing a cheer.

 at present, we are enjoying some fabulous weather.  gosh, i feel like i'm in heaven.

 Zach's friend Cal from work came over and tilled our garden.  my mouth is currently watering for the harvest yet to come.  and didn't he make it look so pretty?!

 i love working outside...especially when zach is watching the kids and i just enjoy the quiet and thought.

 yes, we have chickens.  13 of them.  these red chickens, one of which Sarah is holding, are intense.  they try to intimidate people.   well, not sarah.  this is her "sweet heart".  she feeds it, holds it, swings with it, plays in the sand with it...etc.  i find it remarkable.

 i love it when we are all in a good mood and are able to bake together.  especially when it's cinnamon rolls...and the weather is slightly chilly.  yum.

 i love that they like to wear their chef hat's.  freeze frame.

i should have taken this picture sooner.  zach cut a bouquet of flowers from our yard.  these pedals are from our peoni's.  well, the pedals fell and ben made his own flower for me.

aw, life is good...and documented. :)

Celebrating a Pleasant Surprise!

Eight years ago today, I married the best man I knew.  I can honestly say I knew he would be great for me.  I knew he was kind, generous, caring, honest, hard working & fun.But I can honestly say, I have been pleasantly surprised by so many things about him and life with him.  It. is. so. good.  Through it all, we're in it together.  Lucky me!  Lucky you! :)Happy Anniversary Zach!...and to me too! :)

my little man!

My goodness time is marching on! Our little Joshy man turned THREE in March and I'm just now documenting! Better late, than never. It seems it was that very same day Sarah says to him, "Josh!..and soon you're gonna be four!" They just won't listen to me! I need them to not grow up! It will be just that fast too, I know! There is so much about Josh to love! To name a few: -his smile -his laugh -how ticklish he is! -his undaunted energy and love for all things -I shouldn't, but I love it when he sits on my lap, reads a book and sucks his thumb. (maybe it's the yearning for a baby, I don't want the baby in him to go away!) -his agility is awesome! The things he does amazes me. The other day he was doing the monkey bars at the park. three seems young for monkey bars. :) -he is such a tease. he's always on the look out for an opportunity to play or tease. -when he stops long enough, he is so loving and sweet. The most frequent sweet phrase he says to me is, "you're the best mom ever!" -with a nice tight squeeze. -he is a big helper. he loves to help me with dinner and when he doesn't stick his hands in it or eat a bunch, I love it when he helps me too! -i love that he'll still fall asleep during sacrament meeting. Lately I've just stayed put while he sleeps on my lap. I enjoy some solitude in between our ward and the next one and Zach has taken the other two home. -he loves school and trying to do the things Ben and Sarah get to do...like "math". -i do get a kick out the random things he does. Like a week or so ago, he got into my primary bag and got my church keys out. -of course, he was the first person I asked when I recognized they were missing. Of all the places he put them...in the bag of wheat flower in the pantry. I have NO idea where he comes up with some things! I shouldn't laugh but I do behind his back. -the other day he had an accident at Ben's soccer game. I took him home to change and we were talking about it. I said, "big boys don't pee in their pants". he says, "yeah, they pee on trees". I hadn't mentioned that but its better than in his underwear! Our kids have all had their own personality. I can't get over how unique each one is! I love getting to know them! For his birthday we stayed home and had a fun party of baseball and things he loves. I hope he felt as special as he is! I LOVE this little man!