We Heart Our Garden

I have been really enjoying the garden this year. It just blows me away to think, "I need a yellow squash for this recipe," and to walk out into the back yard and get one (or 20). Sadly, the snap peas came out the other day, having given their all, and I am feeling a little sad, fearing that the way-too-short growing season here in "Iceburg" is probably on the downhill side. Here is my tribute to our Garden, which really has been a family project this year. Dustin planted, I weeded, and we all enjoyed the fruits (and veggies) of our labor. I've really tried to challenge myself to use as much of our enormous harvests of squash as I could, and you know, I've done a pretty good job...I think Dustin may be getting a little sick of it finally, but hey, you plant it, you eat it, right? We've also put up about 35 jars of pickles, so far, Dustin's little project...how lucky am I? He is so awesome. We've tried to freeze some sliced crookneck and snap peas, we'll see how that works out. Still looking forward to tomatoes, though, but we finally got some corn on the cob for tonight, yum!






Hudson is so funny. Some days, he loves peas right out of the garden, which thrilled me to no end, because it is, I'm pretty sure, the only vegetable he has ever knowingly, willingly consumed... Other days, nothing to do with them. He is a crazy kid. But pretty cute!

Second day and beyond...

Ok, so yesterday wasn't too bad. She was so excited to get on the bus all by herself, and I just stayed back and took pictures. Tears were streaming down my face, but at least she couldn't see... I can't believe how hard this has hit me. I'm really not a big crybaby, or a really emotional type person, but man! At least I didn't follow the bus, and stay and watch for her at recess, like I really wanted to... She absolutely raved about her day when she got home, so I'm really feeling pretty good about things now, yea!

Getting on the bus, alone!

...And coming home with a smile 4 hours later.

Hudson has been really cute throughout this "ordeal," he loves to watch for the school bus and is so happy to see Kennedy come home. They are buddies, and there have been some sweet reunions in the driveway.

Kennedy specifically asked me to take her picture in her outfit this morning so we could show Jenna. You like, Chin? PS - congratulations that you have a walker now! Hudson has asked to see the video Jami sent me of Preslie running down the hall like 57 times. "Pess! FAH down..."

The Big Day

Well, I did it. I took Kennedy to her first day of school, and I didn't cry...much. I was doing just great, just occasional watery eyes, until her teacher passed this poem out to the moms:

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and smile

As you entered my room today

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay.

You've been with her for five years now

And have been a loving guide,

But now, alas, the time has come

To leave her at my side.

Just know that as you drive away

And tears down your cheeks may flow

I'll love her as I would my own

And help her learn and grow.

For as a parent, I too know

How quickly years do pass

And that I have had my turn

To take my child to class.

So please put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more

For I will love her and take her in

When you leave her at my door.

I was seriously fighting back sobs, it was terrible. But hey, at least I'm normal, right?

The stressed over outfit...it's really hard once they have an opinion about what they wear!

Today was actually really fun, it was very reassuring to see the bus, and the kids who will be riding with her. There were lots of kids I know from our ward, and only 2 highschoolers in the very back. Plus, the bus has a freaking TV. They watched SpongeBob and on the way to school, and the Little Mermaid coming home. Can you believe that? Her ride is very short both ways, which I think she was a little bummed about, what with the entertainment and all.

Riding the bus!

I loved going to class with her today, which was basically just an orientation, and meeting her teacher, whom I feel very good about. Kennedy was so happy and excited all day, which made it fun.

With Mrs. Clinton...

Getting ready to board for the ride home...

Dustin took vacation today and manned the camera (I'm very proud of his work, by the way) and took us out to lunch. Kennedy had a back-to-school party at her friends house this afternoon, which was so fun.

With friend Jenna at the party... you can tell by the frosting/sno cone face how much fun she had!

All in all, a pretty good day for having been so desperately dreaded. Although, tomorrow, when she gets on the bus ALONE, I'm pretty sure will be horrid. I'm trying to talk myself out of following the bus...we'll see.

Kennedy's New Haircut!

Doesn't she look terribly old???


I know, I'm as shocked as anyone that she let me do it. She has always hated haircuts and only allowed trims, and been obsessive about her long hair. I've been wanting to give her a cute little A-line for a while, but she always refuses adamantly.

But last night, as I was giving Hudson a haircut, she said "I think I'm ready for a new school haircut." I said "how short do you want it?" expecting her to say TRIM ONLY, but she surprised me by pulling a strand just below her chin and saying "right to here." I made her look in the mirror to make sure, and she breezily agreed. Then, before either of us could change our minds, I did it. And she loves it! We actually cut off 8 inches, can you believe it? If anyone is having second thoughts, it's me. I was sad to only see a few inches poking out from under her bike helmet this morning, and I think this makes her look very grown-up. But isn't she darling?? All ready for school, she says. Don't remind me!!!

Miraculous Recovery, the end of the innocence...

Ok, so yeah, I do still think that doctor didn't know his head from his...you know. Saturday morning my kids woke up happy as larks. Perfectly fine. No fever, no aches, and requiring zero Motrin. They have stayed that way, so far. Guess it was not MONO. I am so relieved, I was really dreading the 2 weeks of misery Dr. was predicting. Wish I hadn't've run right out and bought almost $50 worth of Motrin and Tylenol, but oh well, I'm sure that it will come in useful down the road.

So now, the only person in our house who is feeling yucky is me. I think I'm getting an ulcer: In only 3 short days, we are throwing my sweet innocent baby girl to the wolves. That's right, she is starting Kindergarten. And she will also be riding the bus.

Maybe.

As it turns out, Dustin and I do disagree over something besides money. He thinks it is fine for our 5 year old to ride the bus to school in the morning with high schoolers, and I don't. Apparently, she will be riding the bus with all the kids in our area, up to high school. I'm a little bit freaking out over this, I'm sorry to say. On Wednesday, the first day, parents go with the kindergarteners to school, incuding riding the bus. I'll check it out, do my best to intimidate any one on the bus who might be considering hassling by baby, and then decide.

I'll let you know.

Add bus/starting school stress to the stress of assembling the perfect first day of school outfit, and you'll see why the ulcer is pending...

OK, just kidding, I'm probably not really getting an ulcer, but this is hitting me a lot harder than I thought it would. I'm really not a crazy protective mom, but thinking about her getting on that bus full of strange people and it pulling away without me does kind of make me want to throw up...I KNOW, I'm crazy. Anyway, pray for us on Wednesday. Probably just me, Kennedy couldn't be more excited and happy about it. Like I said, innocent. And I'd like to keep it that way...just a little longer...

We've Had Better Days...maybe

After spending the entire morning at the doctor, it seems the kids have mono. Are you kidding ME? MONO? I'm the only one they kiss, come on!

The Mono test was inconclusive, but, our genious doctor says "that is what I'm putting my money on." OK, thanks. I'm really not one to freak out, but Kennedy woke up several times in pain last night, and Hudson couldn't bend over to pick up his toy without crying in pain, and they both had fevers, so I saw whoever was available first thing. I thought about going for a second opinion, but the kids were tired, so I took them home and did what they said, which was Motrin and rest.

Bingo, they are both doing MUCH better.

Let me just give you an idea of my day: Kennedy was in a lot of pain, and after fighting with Hudson for my lap for most of the morning, and getting an x-ray and a finger-poke and a throat swab, as we were leaving the doctor's, she said to me, "I wish this day was just a dream." (please let this be the worst thing she ever has to go through, I dread the day she ever gets an ingrown toenail, or heaven forbid, has a baby...)

Several hours later, after a happy meal, bag of skittles, a couple of movies, a couple doses of Motrin (WONDER DRUG), and a mani-pedi from mom while laying on the couch, she told me, "I LOVE this day!" Hmmm....Dramatic, maybe? Hudson didn't really lose it until I took his hat off for his exam. He is so attached to his ballcap!

I am so greatful for my (mostly) healthy kids! I can't lie, I sorta enjoyed the extra lovin' today, particularly from the littlest, hardest-to-hold-on-to-little-one...

And since I did't think about taking pictures once today (rare), and since I can't post without pics, here are some random funny ones from when my kids were having better days than today.

More proof...

that my nieces and nephews are the cutest in the world! Yes, Allie, that includes you...do you like me now??? And can you tell I've found a new favorite photo-op place?!

We took these last sunday when the family was up, and seriously, 5 kids under 8 in one shot? and they are all looking, and none of them crying? Let me just pat myself on the back a little bit. Ok, I had, like 20 assistants, but still...

Don't you love the look on Kade's face? "I wouldn't smile for you, if you were the last person on earth..." And Rhett is just happy no one is trying to make him eat anything.

Are these girls models or what?!?!

Paige is the only one who would humor me for an individual...love it!

Chambers Fun Weekend of Fun

We are having the greatest summer, can you tell? We had a "Brother/Sister" weekend with Dustin's family, and it was a blast! We were a bit crowded, but no one seemed to mind, and we had a great weekend of togetherness. Everyone arrived by Friday afternoon, and we had fun playing on the lake, catching frogs, paddle-boating, and eating!

Frogging...

Paddle boating...quite a load of kids!

Dustin dutch-ovened for us that night, and it was delicious. He is the best cook, I am lucky to have him around. We love to have people over and cook for them, he is way better at it than I am.

Saturday morning, we had a big breakfast and then decided to head over to Bear World. It has a drive-through park with bears, deer, elk, buffalo, mountain goats, etc, and then a fun gift shop, petting zoo, and small amusement park. We had been once before, and it was fun, but this time it was amazing. The bears were all over, and so active! Several were on the road, and some came right up to the cars...it was so cool,and kind of scary! Everyone loved it. The kids had a great time at the petting zoo and riding the little rides.

Here is one of the baby bears...cute!

Getting ready to go on the little roller coaster...

Hudson learned fast that it is way more fun if you throw your arms up!

One of the fun rides. Look at McKenna's face! I love it!

Hudson loves his hat, and loves to wear it LOW. It's hilarious. He walks around like this all day. Everyday.

After Bear World, We took the the family to Big Jud's, to enjoy some world famous Burgers! They were quite fabulous, big greasy things, yum! It is quite a road-show to take 9 adults and 11 kids anywhere, especially out to eat, it was worth it!

We had more fun lake time on Saturday afternoon, and then Dustin delighted us again with Navajo Tacos and scones for dinner. Heavenly.






We finished up with a campfire and s'mores. Everyone trickled out on Sunday, and we have been missing the chaos! Good memories, for sure! Love to all the Chambers family who made the trek!


oh, and a quick squash update: we are getting a harvest like this every couple of days! AHH, any recipe ideas???

More Family time...

We were lucky enough to have Jenna, Nate and Preslie come up for a long weekend, so fun! We hung out at the lake, ate lots of food, read our Breaking Dawn books together (of course I'm done, why else would I be posting?), and shopped a little, doesn't that sound perfect! Dustin was on call, but the only thing he had to miss of the weekend was Sacrament Meeting...isn't that a little too convenient...

Here are some visual aids...

It wasn't extremely warm, luckily Kennedy had sweet uncle Nate to get in the water with...

This is what Hudson does when I tell him to say "cheese"...

Nate was interested in what Dustin does, so Dustin took him over to work and gave him a lesson, and let him have a go at climbing a pole...

He did pretty good!

Hudson helping Preslie try on the hard hat...

Cute kids on the back of the trouble truck...

Here are the spoils from our first Harvest of the season, sweet! I love the garden so much, I should probably give it it's own post...