Swimming Anyone?

We decided that we wanted a pool this summer...funny thing was we didn't have $30,000 to have one put in so this one will have to due and none of us are complaining. :o) It was actually cheaper than swimming lessons this summer.

Here's a couple of pictures....good ol' Walmart providing our summer fun. So come on over and we float around in the back yard. :o)

Yeah I added music!

It only took me what six months but I finally added a playlist to my blog. I know some of the songs are going to reveal my true age but it was so fun looking and finding these tunes. :o)

Duh....Leslie

So we as women and being Latter Day Saints are usually seeking out ways to serve others....and tonight I realized that I have forgotten to serve others within my immediate family. I've always thought of others as neighbors, friends, extended family, ward members, the sick, the elderly, community members etc. all of which are great "others" but finally it has hit me that "others" just might include my husband and my children. DUH!!!! Most of you already knew that one. :o)

I know that I serve them daily with the things that I'm supposed to like cleaning, cooking yadda yadda but what extra nice things have I done for them lately? Have I done anything out of the ordinary or special for them? Have I done my normal duties with a glad heart? Nope, Nada, zilch and not at all, I've been in a hurry, barking orders, looking mad and sometimes complaining about what I'm doing.

I do the laundry because I have to, I dislike washing the dishes and don't do them as often as I should! I clean my house daily, MOSTLY because I would die if someone saw my house messy or thought I wasn't clean, plus I know my Mom raised me better than that! (I used to not keep a clean house and was embarrassed a few times by unexpected visitors.) Obviously there are better reasons to keep a clean house & to do the laundry & wash dishes or load your dishwasher. Sometimes a light bulb just goes off and you realize that you might have been doing the right things but not totally for the right reasons or with the right attitude. True confessions and not ones that I'm proud of. We are all learning and trying to be better and sometimes by the pressure we put on ourselves we mistakenly put pressures and stress on others. I'm so I'm very guilty of this lately and it is embarrassing. I know I expect a lot from myself and sometimes that flows over to everyone else around me...not cool.

So tonight as I was thinking of people in the ward that I might be able to help or neighbors...it occurred to me that I hadn't even thought of my sweet little kiddos or my wonderful husband! I know for a fact that all three of them could use a little TLC from me or would appreciate something extra special just for them or even a back rub. Why didn't I think of them first? This entire inspiration is owed to the June 08 Ensign where I was reading about Thomas S. Monson and how he has served his entire life in many capacities and so I thought well who could I go and help tonight...because I love President Monson and I want to be just like him???? He has helped so many people and does it so willingly and without complaint..who can I help?

Starting right now I will try and serve others with the right attitude and for the right reasons because I love them and not because I feel like I have to, because I want to and because I know that I should! Starting with my own little family! Shame on me for not thinking of them more often to serve instead of thinking, "Man, I do it all and no one appreciates it and I'm sick of doing these dumb dishes and cleaning up after these mess makers...I have too many other things to do!" (yes I've thought or said all of these things this week alone!)

I love the words that President Monson spoke at the Sept 2007 general Relief Society meeting: "Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle." Sweet and wise words by a sweet and very wise man.

When we are in service of others, we are only in the service of our God. I better start remembering who others are and that they can be my own family.

McKenna decides to donate 10 inches of her Hair!!

This was 2 days ago at the park, granted her head is turned slightly but look at how long this beautiful hair is....past her elbow to the bottom of her shirt, she can afford to lose 10 inches easily and still have what is considered long hair at shoulder length or just below her shoulders.

She wants to cut it and donate it and I'm very proud of her for her choice. I think the votes may have been the deciding factor but she really doesn't like combing it or getting her hair combed/brushed because of the tangles etc. We'll get it cut & donated and post some pictures of her then. :o) Thanks for all of your suggestions & votes!

A girls hair....what is your opinion?

21 inches long....

McKenna's hair is super thick and has such a pretty natural color with some natural waves in the back mostly. We keep her hair braided a lot for school and because it is easier to manage since it has gotten so long and summer is heating up. She is trying to decide if she is going to just trim it or cut enough to donate it for little girls with cancer. Her Daddy loves it long and doesn't want her to cut the 10 inches required to donate...I donated my hair before I started coloring it and it was a great feeling so I have encouraged her but I have to admit her hair is beautiful.

So should we trim it and keep it long or should we donate it? Hair cut suggestions are appreciated! Keep in mind it's thick and a bit curly mostly in the back straight on the sides. Also, this is braided when it's not braided her hair is about 5 inches longer! So seriously even if 12 inches were cut she would still have at least shoulder length or just past her shoulders. :o) We measured it....it's 21 inches long from the crown of her head to the bottom!

Calvin Graduates Kidergarten

May 27th @ 6pm Principal Bonnie Gibson introduces the graduating kindergarten class of 2008!

Calvin, Cadence & William all buddies!
Miss Connie what a wonderful kinder teacher!

The Barkers our dear friends.

Family shot after the graduation.

Calvin on his scooter as soon as we got home.

The next day at their class party & more performances.




It was PJ day for the entire school.

Calvin with his sweet little friend Missy who had just finished crying about her Mommy not being there. Poor little doll.

Miss Connie gave perdictions as to what each student would be and she predicted that William would be a Judge, that Missy would be a Principal and that Calvin would be a Cruise Ship Captain because he is very smart, very social, always happy and is in control of things....that is a far cry from his desire of being a doctor when he grows up because he wants to help people. :o)

McKenna's Birthday Party 5/24/08

Although McKenna's birthday was earlier this week, we celebrated it this past Saturday. We first started off with a friends & neighbor party which consisted of all girls until Calvin & his friend Tristin (2 of his sisters were here at the party) decided to participate as well. The girls seemed to really enjoy themselves when they did karaoke to high school musical and Hannah Montana songs. It was so funny & cute! Then we had pizza & cupcakes.

A short while later the family guests arrived along with a few ward friends for cake & ice cream. McKenna was spoiled rotten by all of the wonderful gifts she received and was extremely happy! I bought trick candles that even after blowing out would light back up and she must have blown them out about 4 times before giving up. It cracked us up!

It was great seeing our family members and enjoying their company! Thanks to all of you family members & friends for making McKenna feel so special with your coming, your calls, your cards and of course your thoughtful gifts! Here are some pictures from the party....

Can you tell she likes her new Panda Bear Webkin??? Thanks Scoresbys! For more pictures log on to McKenna's blog she has more pictures with her friends. :o)