Living room makeover and other miracles!

November was the most amazing month. So many blessings and miracles. I'll start with the living room makeover. I've been getting my courage up for over a year because it was a LOT of painting. I'm talking Living room, dining, kitchen, down the stairs, and hallway. AND 13 DOORS. Even the ceiling was painted! Dax and I painted the ceiling Halloween day. It had to be done, because everything was green. And a total transformation ensued. The catalyst for starting this project was when I sold the big wall art I made back in 2012. A lady was on the search for a big modern piece to hang in her new restaurant/coffee shop she's opening in town and saw my ad just after I listed it. I feel like it was meant to be for both her and me. Once I had a giant blank wall that needed changing, the ball was rolling and there was no stopping it.

Here is before:

3 weeks and 3 days later, just before our Thanksgiving guests arrived, we were just putting the room together and touching up the last of the 13 doors and the trim down the stairs. There are still things to do; a few pictures to hang, a few places to touch up with paint, and a light fixture to build. BUT- I'm so happy with how it all turned out! It looks so different!
AFTER:

There will be more and better pics after the Holidays are over because I don't plan to keep things perfectly tidy while I have memories to make. We hosted Thanksgiving for Dax's family. The Saturday after, my son Mack was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was such a beautiful day. Two of my sisters and their families came plus my dear Mom and Dad. I guess I was due for a Mom visit; everytime I hugged my Mom, I cried.

Life has had its unexpected turns for our family but I can't explain how happy I've been. It makes no sense logically, but I've felt so peaceful and had such joy. I truly understand how the Nephites felt during all their battles and wars when it says in Alma 50:23 "But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi". I've never seen or felt so many blessings in my life. My heart is overflowing with gratitude. I'm not saying stuff is easy, but I know the our Heavenly Father and our Savior have carried us through our trials. It's been amazing and humbling. The answers to my prayers have been innumerable. The feeling of joy and peace in my heart is indescribable.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Every year Christmas means more to me and this year is no exception. My faith in the Savior has grown! He can heal our hearts and help us be more than we are on our own. I love the testimony of President Ezra Taft Benson, "I know that the Lord lives. I know that He loves us. I know that apart from Him no one can succeed, but as a partner with Him no one can fail. I know that God can make a lot more out of our lives that we can."

I know that is true!

Tomorrow my Christmas Baby turns 14! It's been so fun to have her home for Christmas break. My house is bustling and fun and full. I love it! I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

rain in October

It's been raining here for a few days and I love it. But you know the saying, "When it rains, it pours"? It's been doing that here, too. I don't so much love that. That kind of pouring rain is figurative and it's not as much fun as the literal rain that you go out and splash in and you look up and let it fall on your face.

It's hard for me to write about crappy stuff. My blog is my happy place where I get to write all my good things and thoughts and just stuff that is awesome. But things can't be awesome all the time. But why always October? Looking back..

October 2013, our ward got re-organized and we were put into a brand newly created ward. I was asked to be in the Primary Presidency and Dax in the Young Men's presidency. Starting a ward auxiliary from scratch is no picnic. Among other things, I logged over 30 hours on my computer in a couple days, making spreadsheets of primary kids, class lists, contact info, cub scout lists, lesson schedules, teacher lists, substitute lists, etc. Dax's work and hobbies both pick up in October and that year was no different. One morning after a long day of primary work and my husband being away, I woke up and I literally could not move my neck/head. I couldn't turn my head side to side, up or down. My neck hurt so bad, I cried. And when Mom cries, everyone kinda freezes cause it doesn't happen that much. This is the same October I made everyone in my family a Flintstones character for our ward Halloween party. Halloween has always been so much fun for me but I nearly pushed myself to breakdown status. A couple of my dear friends, sensing my desperation/depression, came over and rescued me one day. They kicked me out of the house. I went running/crying while they cleaned my kitchen and did my dishes.

October 2014 backstory: In the spring of last year, my sister-in-law left my brother after she'd been cheating on him. The devastation and heartbreak that ensued can't be fathomed. I flew to Alaska and helped Matt pack up everything and he drove/rode a ferry, and drove more, thousands of miles to live in a little old house I found for him 2 miles from mine. I took care of Matt and Wyatt in lots of ways and little by little they started to establish normalcy here. Then came October: 4 days after Wyatt's 6th birthday, his Mama took her own life. That ruined a lot of things. Including Halloween for me. Which I know is totally, like, at the bottom of the list of things, but it's still on the list. I just can't bring myself to put gravestones and bloody skulls in my yard anymore. And that is fine. Life changes us; we grow and go in different directions. We evolve. Good things come from hard situations. I got to live by family and develop relationships that I never would have. My kids never really knew Wyatt before last year. Now he and Quinny are best buds.

So that brings me to this October. Right now. My 13-year-old daughter Preslie moved 7 hours away to stay with her grandparents for a while. It is really hard to have her gone, but we know that is where she should be. She is attending school, is going to young women's, making friends; everything she should be doing! Except I haven't seen her since she left 4 weeks ago. My heart has pounded and ached over these new situations. I can't just run down there and visit any old time! I have 3 other kids + Dax that I'm also in charge of. So I'm learning new things (like patience). And I'm relying on my Father in Heaven more than I ever have ever in my life (ever). Dax and I are being led and guided. And comforted. But it's not easy. And Preslie misses us like crazy. Seems like a lot of things in my life are broken...our car windshield, dryer, computer, dvd player, VCR (my favorite workout is on VHS, people..and that's broken too), and even our family feels kinda broken, not being together and all. I'm not writing this to get pity or charity. It's just life and needs to be documented. I don't want sympathy or to have to answer a lot of questions. I want to live as close to normal as possible. Some days, that is hard enough. But other days are quite happy. Like I said, we are for sure being lifted through challenging times. It's the greatest testimony in the world to know that we have a Father in Heaven and a Savior who love us and know just what we are going through. There have been little miracles and clear, direct answer to prayer. It's so cool to see the hand of God in my life. I have the best friends. And of course the love of our families is irreplaceable.

Today Dax had it. He's tried all year to go out and do some hunting. He wanted to go out in the spring to hunt antelope and his Dad found out he had cancer. He tried to go elk hunting the end of September but Preslie moved. He went out for one day to help my brother Matt and my Dad set up their hunting camp, but work and family obligations brought him home. So finally, on Thursday he went out for the last weekend of the deer hunt. The roads were a muddy mess from all the rain, but he made it to a camp. The next morning his 4-wheeler wouldn't start. The same 4-wheeler that is only 2 years old and that we just paid off last month. He was so defeated; The cumulative effect off all his failed attempts and everything else in our life really upset him. He almost gave up. But he pushed through! Dax and Hunter have their stuff set out, and tomorrow at 5am they are heading out for one last try! I hope they have fun together.

There is so much good in my life that it seems really lame to list the unpleasant stuff. I am so grateful; especially for my relationship with God. It's good to have times where you really KNOW what is most important in life. So I guess I'm learning to go out and splash around in life's rain storms. And I'm learning to let the rain fall on my face and learning that in order to really appreciate it, you have to look up first.

Sunshine in my Heart

Twelve years ago, I gave birth to my first son! My pregnancy with Hunter was moderately difficult, partly because of my physical discomfort, and partly because of our living arrangements. I had "afternoon sickness" almost every day at lunch. When I was 5 months along, we moved to Kanab, Utah for Dax's summer job with the BLM. Dax and I lived in a government camp trailer in an RV park with 1-year-old Preslie. The thin foam we slept on made my hips ache terribly. The trailer also smelled like stale cigarette smoke. Passing the days with a 1-year-old at an RV park in a small town was kinda boring, but kinda cool. Life was really simple. It was that summer we found out our baby was a boy. We were SO excited. We all were hoping for a boy and of all my pregnancies, finding out on this one was the most exciting. Perhaps living in a camping trailer makes you appreciate things more. But I just knew this baby was special and I loved him already.

Delivery Day! 10-18-03

We moved to Logan at the end of the summer to continue schooling at Utah State. My belly got huge and I got many comments, including being asked if I was having twins. Hunter made his debut in the afternoon on October 18 weighing in at just under 8 pounds-my biggest baby. He was such a sweet, calm, and pleasant baby from day 1. Even the pediatrician commented how patient he was at his appointment at 2-days-old, when Hunter had to get his heels poked for his PKU test. He barely cried.

Hunter is a delightful child. He is crazy smart; he loves to read and learn. He is my snuggler, still hugs me lots everyday and sleeps with a stuffed animal he got when he was a baby (cute!). He is aware of people's feelings and never wants to put anyone out. He loves little children and babies and tries to keep them happy. He is kind and doesn't have a bad thing to say about anyone. I love that the most about Hunter. A lot of people have really showy or obvious talents. Hunter isn't showy. He is just himself. He knows what is right and tries to do his best. His natural integrity and kindness is important and the talent that is most desirable in life.

Today in sacrament meeting, the opening hymn was no. 228 You Can Make the Pathway Bright. During the Sacrament, I read the words to that song over and over and they really sank in. I want to live in a way that there is always sunshine in my heart. Nothing would make me more happy than to see my kids do the same.

Hunter got called up to the pulpit by our bishop and we raised our hands in favor of him receiving the Aaronic Priesthood. He looked so tall and handsome in his suit (almost as tall as the bishop). I'm filled with sunshine, just thinking about what a good boy Hunter is becoming. He is making choices that will lead him to a happy life. I teared up thinking about how blessed I am and how much our Heavenly Father has guided me throughout my life and given me these wonderful kids. I care about them so much. There is no other way to raise kids than to turn my life over to Him and rely on his constant direction. Hunter was ordained to be a deacon today. What a stud.

At Hunter's request, we cooked the turkey that Hunter shot this past spring, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and rolls. Crumb cake for dessert.

I have a 12 -year-old son! It's awesome!

 

Nothing is concrete yet, except concrete.

Seems like forever ago that the kids started back to school. We surprised Dax's parents over Labor Day weekend with a visit. Their health has been sketchy lately and we hoped to cheer them up. When we arrived at their home, we Facetimed with them while we were standing on their front porch. Didn't take long for my MIL to say, "Are you on the front porch?!!" Wonderful visit. 

I have 2 kids in Junior high, now. Mack is enjoying 2nd grade.

Quinn started in my friend Jo's preschool. On the first day, she dressed herself and perhaps realized her leggings didn't quite go with the dress and said, "Sorry I wore these Halloween pants but they were just really pretty." I'm a fan of disregarding fashion/design rules when you think something is really pretty! Her teacher, my dear friend Jolona, lives out of town on a farm and has a huge garden. Her raspberry patch is impressive and she is so generous to share it with friends. We've picked and eaten over a dozen gallons of her raspberries. It's the best candy ever.

I made Dax his favorite deluxe cheesecake for his birthday. This year, we topped it with our haul from Jo's raspberry patch. Amazing. He said it was the best cheesecake he's ever had.

Lots of craziness going on at my house in the past 2 weeks. Like crazier than ever. Crazy good stuff and crazy difficult stuff. On the good side of things, we have projects going, finally! The back corner of our yard is like the last huge and annoying part of the yard that is unfinished. I've wanted a big patio forever. And Dax wanted a garage. So we are doing both. Here are progress photos from start to where we are currently!

catch all/eyesore

Footers poured for garage

forms for stem walls

stem walls poured, forms removed, backfilled, designing patio shape and leveling it

garage floor done, pouring upper patio

Finished! Love it!

Another angle BEFORE:

AFTER:

Dancing on the patio!

Waiting patiently for 7 years payed off! Dreams come true; time to party.

ramp for easy bike/scooter/wheelchair access to lower patio

And as always, when stuff gets cray in my life, my urge to redo rooms boils over. It's my way of controlling my environment in a small part. And gives me and out; something to focus on other than worries.

Mack celebrated his 8th birthday. He had buds over for burgers, dogs, and running games. He didn't love his birthday during General Conference weekend but he did get one message out of it. During Sister Neill Marriott's talk, he ran upstairs and said, "Mom! This talk is like our family. 'It will all work out.' Maybe not right now, but it will all work out!" Loved that moment. Love that kid.

Actually, I can.

I sang with Preslie in sacrament meeting on Sunday.

Whew. It was terrifying! Back in June, when I got asked to sing with my daughter in church, I actually felt sick. It scared me a lot. I almost backed out. But I wanted to do it just because I was scared to do it. I wanted to prove to myself I could. I wanted to show my kids that I can do hard and scary things. The only thing holding me back is me. The morning of, my armpits sweated gallons. We did pretty good! I'm not a singer in the performing kind of way. I would have rather given a 20 minute talk or played the piano and those things still would have made me nervous. People don't know that I am actually a scaredy cat when it comes to a lot of things. I was really shy when I was young. I didn't go on a roller coaster until I was a teenager. I didn't try water skiing until I was in my 20s. Well, I'm quite friendly and I love roller coasters. Lakes still freak me out, mostly because they're cold and murky, but I always have fun when I go!

A lot of my kids have inherited my anxiety about the new and unfamiliar. But they, too have overcome a lot of their fears and I'm so happy! I payed Mack $20 this summer to cliff jump at the lake. That's a bit extreme, I know, but I wanted him to do it so he would see how fun it was and not be scared. I don't want my kids to hold themselves back from having great experiences!

This past weekend, we vacationed in Logan, Utah. We visited Willow Park Zoo, saw the Clarkston Martin Harris Pageant, hiked Tony Grove in Logan Canyon, and played at Logan Aquatic Center.

We ate a picnic lunch at Tony Grove and then began our hike. It was hot outside and a mile into it, morale was low. Quinn had fallen twice, and the rest of the kids were already "tired". I tried to stay positive and told them how fun and pretty this is, etc. I carried Quinn piggy-back some of the way. The hike to White Pine Lake was 3.8 miles, one way. We got to where the trail starts going down hill (dropping down to the lake) and Dax stayed with Quinn and Hunter and set up a hammock and chilled out while I took Preslie and Mack the rest of the way to the lake. It was another 2 miles to get there. Mack had been the most grumpy up to this point so it surprised me that he decided to push forward (I should never be surprised with this kid; he always does the opposite of what I expect). The trail dropped steeper and I carried Mack some of the way because he started to get an ingrown toenail. We got to White Pine Lake and it was glorious! Mack and Preslie got in the water, of course.

Way too cold for me! It's a mountain lake made up of melted snow, for crying out loud. We started back toward the rest of the gang and Mack was singing and having a great time, then the steep uphill hit, and his mood took a dive. We made it back to Dax and the others and started hiking the rest of the way back. Mack and I ended up running the better part of the way back to the car. The way back was so much quicker and more pleasant! A good attitude makes all the difference; something I was sure to point out to him. Mack and I sat in the car to wait for the others and the first thing he said was, "This was the best day ever." This from the kid who at one point laid down on the trail and said he wasn't going any farther. It was a great experience. Even though we ran out of water, Quinn fell down a dozen times, the kids were hot and tired, and they all thought the hike sucked at one time or another.. at the end, everyone said it was worth it.

The kids loved the Logan Aquatic Center: water slides and a high dive plus the "umbrella of doom". Can't beat a day at a water park. We headed home tired and happy.

Last weekend, I took my kids to my parents' house for my Dad's 70th birthday. My Mom and all my siblings pitched in and got him a nice spotting scope for his hunting rifle. His old scope was 40 years old and needed replaced. I'm excited for him to have a new one! This was a hard birthday for Dad because that week, his brother (my Uncle Norman) died at age 77. It hit a little too close to home for my Dad. He told me that time was slipping away too quickly. He lost his brother and his best friend. I went to the viewing with my parents and had a nice visit with my Aunt Jane. I just love her. She is one of those people that makes you feel like the most important person in the world. She and I sat in the same chair and held hands and visited about Uncle Norman and all the good times. I told her that Mack had been praying for him and her ever since we visited them back in February. She is not a religious gal, but she said that those prayers have helped her. She told me that the night before Norman died, she prayed that he wouldn't have to suffer anymore. Her sweet, unselfish prayer was answered. I can't imagine the hurt of losing my sweetheart. She and Norman have been married for 58 years.

That weekend, I had an interesting confrontation with my brother Matt and his girlfriend. I felt like I needed to stand up to him and I'm not sure why. This is another thing the old, scaredy-cat Tristie would never have done. I love my brother and I want what is best for him and his son and I think he knows that.

Preslie and Hunter got braces on Monday. It has been an adjustment with the tender teeth, thrashed up mouths, and extra long brushing and flossing.

Preslie went to Lagoon with a friend this week and we're all jealous that she got to ride Cannibal. We hit the pool twice this week. It closes for good next weekend. A new pool/rec center is being built and our beloved old pool will become its parking lot.

Quinn graduated from Upstart, her online preschool. She also decided to get brave at the pool and dunk herself under the water, something she's been terrified to do. I love it when my kids decide that they CAN do something. It's frustrating to wait for them to come around, but when they do, it's so cool!

My second grade teacher always told our class that "can't" isn't a word. She said "can't" means, "I don't want to" or "I won't". I believe her. I can do anything I want to do. I choose to do those things that are truly important, even if they are hard or scary.

My Cupcake is Cinco!

 My girl that has been four forEVER is FIVE. Yay. We had a few of her friends over for a slip n slide and cupcakes. Then that evening Uncle Matthew, Aunt Abbey and their kids came to party! Quinn's birthday always ends with fireworks since she was born on Utah's state holiday, Pioneer Day.

Quinn is a joy to be around. She loves to paint nails and is quite good at it. She is everyone's sweetheart and gives the best hugs. She sits quietly in primary and listens. She has a tender heart. She loves to be home and with Mom. She is kinda a vegetarian..prefers veg and fruit over meat. BUT. Her all time fave food is frozen raviolis that come from Wal-Mart. She can out eat a grown-up when we serve those. She is my only child that doesn't have a middle name so she gave herself the middle name, Cupcake. Perfect fit. When my other kids were giggling about her new middle name, she defended herself by telling them that cupcakes are the best and so it is actually a great name. I agree. She is onto something... naming people happy names like Cupcake, and Lemonade Stand (which is the name of a doll in our house) might be the key to a happy life.

 We took everyone fishing nearby and all the kids caught fish. Love it when they bite easy and quick.

 We headed to Vernal to check out the Dino Museum. Some call it the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. So take your pick.

 Love this next pic I snapped of Dax and his brother. They always joke that they look nothing alike but here's proof they are related!...

 We had a fun visit with those guys!
My kids all took swimming lessons. A new pool/rec center is being built in town. Looking forward to that!
This week was UBIC...stands for Uinta Basin in Celebration. It is held in our town and there are fun activities, competitions, and performances all week. Preslie, Mack, and Quinn did a drill team clinic and performed their dances on stage at the park. Preslie signed up and performed a dance solo at the UBIC talent show. We attended an art show, as well as local talent performances.

My littles rode on the drill team parade float. Preslie danced in the parade with her dance studio (farthest on the left).

The week ended with a concert at the park. This year we had a country guy Jason Michael Carroll. Fun and entertaining. It ended with an awesome firework show. We look forward to UBIC every year. Also loved the spicy mango on a stick and mango popsicles from the booths there at the park. Yum.

Dax is the new Young Men's president in our church ward. He will do great!

It's August, so that means cramming every last bit of fun in before school starts! Make it count!

healing and wheeling

Preslie did amazing at girls camp. We sent her one week from her tonsil/adenoid surgery and she was able to fully enjoy camp, staying up late gabbing with the girls and all. She was blessed to go and have the experience. When I picked her up after she got back, the first thing she said was, "Mom, I have a testimony now. I didn't know I had one!" Preslie told me about testimony meeting and how the spirit was really strong and she hadn't really felt the spirit like that before. She didn't even get death breath!

bus ride to camp

lake at Heber Valley Girls Camp

I had a glorious experience, while Preslie was at camp. Thursday, I attended the temple for Relief Society and Dax took the 3 other kids camping. I drove the 30 minutes to the temple alone and the car ride was so quiet and wonderful. I had time to think and pray about all that has been on my mind..which was a lot. It's a rare thing to have 30 minutes of quiet where you can't do anything but think. The ladies and I did initiatory work and after we were done, I found a family name in my purse that I'd forgotten my mom had given me. I went back in and did the initiatory for her. She still needed the endowment done so I asked when the next session was and it was in 30 minutes... Although I had planned on hitting the town all by myself and do some unrestricted shopping, I knew that this lady had been waiting for her work to be done and that there was nothing better to do that evening. Frances Parsens's work is complete! I stopped at Cafe Rio on the way home for a tamale and felt so peaceful and comforted just knowing things are going to be ok. And that wasn't the sweet pork talking, either. I know God is mindful of our worries and sends the Holy Ghost to comfort us! Anyway, after a disappointing trip to Wal-Mart (the only thing open that late), I went home to a quiet, dark house and tucked myself into bed. First time in 15 years that I had the place to myself. I LOVED IT. I woke up to the sunshine and went about my day. Totally refreshing!

Everyone was in attendance at the Warner family reunion/grandkid birthday party. 32 people which was a huge feat and a lot of calling/organizing on my Mom's part. I got to hold my new niece and grandniece. My parents took all the littles to Toys 'R' Us to pick out a present for their "birthday". The older grandkids who have grown out of toys got cash. My mom got the family picture she wanted! Can't wait to see how it turned out. My sister-in-law Kenzi is the photographer and has all the pics.

We took 2 nieces home with us late Saturday night to spend the week with us. The kids had a blast. We swam, went to Vernal, played at the park, at Cafe Rio ($5 Tuesday of course), Wal-Mart, ortho, and on the way home, stopped at the lake for a dip.

 We played board games and video games (Matisse and Hunter are my gamers...two peas in a pod)

 Wednesday we chilled out at home and by afternoon, the girls were like, "We're bored, there's nothing to do!" I told them they could each paint a section of wall in my garage if they wanted and they were like, uh, ok! Saryn said, "My Mom wouldn't approve of this!" I told her her Mom isn't here and that I approve. They had a great time letting out their inner artist.

  While Preslie was at young womens, these guys rode bikes to the ice cream shop but got distracted by a darling black puppy on the way. By time they got there, it was closed. There was a bike mishap on the way home so Dax took the trailer and went to rescue them.

 We found our way to the ice cream shop before the week's end!

7 happy kids

The girls' paint jobs turned out super fun. Matisse painted the top (pony), Preslie painted the middle (triangles) and Saryn painted the bottom (splatters). I love them all. 

 I had my nephew Wyatt this week, too. It was my last week taking care of him full time since he and Matt moved to Salt Lake on Friday. BOO hoo! I will miss them!

Wyatt and Quinn have been the greatest playmates for the past 14 months. Of course it's been crazy adding another kid to our lives, but it's been a great blessing for all involved, too. 2014 was the year from hell for Matt and the ripple effect was felt by all. He and Wyatt have come a long way and healed tremendously from the heartbreak and devastation they've experienced. Matt has found a girlfriend and has moved to Salt Lake to be with her. I pray that they can find happiness and have the things they need, especially for Wyatt! 

pizza break before we say good bye

 Dax bought us all pizza after we got everything moved out and loaded! I'm going to miss my big brother, and I know he will miss me. Heavenly Father has put us in each other's lives for a reason and it's been wonderful to have him and Wyatt close this past year. Looking back, I can see how God stepped in when things were going to get super crappy for Matt and led him to live by me. God loves all His children, even those that don't live a super religious life. He cares about us individually! I trust Him and know things will work out. Even before Matt moved, he said, "Things always work out for me. They just do. Even when I don't know how, they just work out." That isn't to say things are easy. No way. Matt has a lot of work to do and challenges to face still. We all do. I wish him and Wyatt the very best!

 Mack took this hug-fest picture. I love my girls.

The beginning of the summer, I was all gung-ho on finishing our basement and backyard patio/shed so I re-fied my house to get some cash out to do the projects. I was going to hire my brother and his boss to do the work for us: I got the bids and the financing done. Then Matt moved. So Dax asked his Dad if he could help us on a couple things and my FIL's skin cancer decided to come back so he's getting surgery this week. And then he'll undergo radiation and chemo. Thumbs down! Way more serious problem then deciding on tile.

 Things aren't going as planned, and maybe that's good, because the plentiful choices have me befuddled. Also, we are keeping a good perspective on what's truly important. I want the basement finished. But I want my family to be healthy and happy even more!

 Spur of the moment camping trip to Co-op creek. Stopped for gas and Preslie said, "I've always wanted my picture on one of those dinosaurs." Well, 2015 is a summer for checking things off your list! We camped with my dad, sister Trina and her fam. All the summer rain has the mountains in tip-top shape. The wildflowers were huge, colorful and thick. We saw a porcupine waddling up the road, plus deer and moose. Enjoyed riding 4-wheelers and breathing cool air.

 Could not get enough of the thistles. I know they're knoxious weeds, but they were gorgeous and also like 6 feet tall!

Mack loves his new cotton candy maker my parents got him at the cousin party. Can't think of a better fit for this kid than something that he can operate to make sugar treats.

Our neighborhood held the annual "Kill it and Grill it" party in which everyone brings a game dish to share. Dax brought grilled turkey-kebobs and there were no leftovers. That same day, Preslie and I started a 28-day commitment to love our bodies by eating better and exercising regularly. I passed on the cookies at the BBQ and wasn't even sad about it. I want to be strong and give my body what it needs and less of what it doesn't. At the end of our 28 days, we will check our progress and see how we feel! I'm predicting we'll feel amazing! We are already 1 week in and we're doing great! Dax joined us by lifting weights one day and a hilly bike ride the next! Junk consumption is way down and activity is up! The kids all start swimming lessons tomorrow so Preslie will be getting her workout in there. She's an awesome swimmer!