My Rock Man

Have you ever been tired and looked around and thought I will lay down on a pile of rocks. That will be really comfy. Well, this is how I found Hayden yesterday afternoon - sound asleep.At least he used the tube for his head. This kid always keeps me laughing one way or another.

She made it!

Hannah made it through her first day of Kindergarten! I didn't even cry today. I was very proud of myself. She was so excited to get on the bus. Luckily, she has good neighbor friends to take care of her. She did give that one scared look as she got on the bus, but she was brave enough to do it. I met her over at the school basically so I knew she made it to class. She says she will be okay tomorrow without me. She loved every minute of it. It was fun to hear all her stories when she got home. It was a hard day on Hayden though. He was pretty sure he wanted to stay there with her and not go home with boring mom, but then Zach came over and all was well. I love the feeling of back to school time. There is almost something magical about it.

Surprising Tears

I'm not really an emotional person. I don't cry often. That is why I am surprised today at the tears that keep coming to my eyes. I didn't think I would be like this about sending my little girl to school. I am also really excited for her. She can't wait. I'm not sure if she is more excited about going to school or about finally wearing her school clothes. She needs the routine in her life. She needs the stimulation for her little brain and I'm ready for that. It's just one of those markers in life. It seems she just looked liked this . . .and I blinked and she is going to school. I remember chuckling quietly at the moms who teared up when they dropped off their kindergartners when I taught . . . that was before I had children of myself. I read in a book this week where it said, "You can't start a new journey without the old one dying first." I guess that is kind of how I feel today. Tomorrow will come and it will be new and exciting. Am I being extra emotional or is this normal? Did you feel this way too?

My August List

The month is flying by so I thought I better write down a few of my favorite things we have done and been a part of.

1. We sent Heath back to work at the beginning of the month. It was hard to adjust to having him gone after 8 weeks being home all the time. We love having him home and are very thankful for the time we got to spend with him.

2. Getting a Kindergartner ready for school. She has had the best time shopping for clothes and supplies. She is counting down the days until the first day. We were so glad she got the teacher and time we wanted. This is a big moment in all of our lives. I'm so excited for her but it is also hard to see her grow up so fast.

3. Another session of swimming lessons. I didn't think I would ever do an August session but it actually has been really good. I chose a 9:00 session so it would get us going in the morning. I'm excited with how much they are learning this time. We are also excited that tomorrow is our last day!

4. This picture of one of my nephews on his mission is so great. He is serving in Kenya and they were able to baptize 12 people one Saturday. It isn't that difficult to pick him out. It is always so fun to hear from all the missionaries in our family through e-mail. I love being able to stay in contact with them so easily.

5. I got to see two families this last week get sealed in the temple. They were both so neat to be a part of. It was amazing the feeling in both of them when their children were brought into the sealing room. It truly was a testimony strengthener on what an important thing it is to have our children sealed to us. Congrats to the Thompson's and the Weimers!

6. Having Heath's Grandma (Granny Great) come stay in Idaho for a week. My kids were so excited to see her. Hayden couldn't wait to have Bell, her dog, come to our house and take her for walks. Hannah finally got over her deathly fear of dogs. She even held Bell. We were very proud of her.

7. Picking Huckleberries. I have never done this before but it was fun to go up to the mountains and spend a few hours picking, playing with the kids, and talking. I was glad I learned a new skill.

8. Learning how to make Tamales. I went to a cooking lesson and learned this great skill. It was great fun and I am now addicted to them. I'm for sure going to have to make more when I run out.

9. Becoming mud monsters at Grandmas. We had a few fun filled days of sleepovers and water parties with the Thornton side cousins.

It has been a great summer! I can't believe it is coming to an end. Hopefully we will have enough time to fit in a few more adventures.