Today was school picture day.

The kids were up and dressed before my alarm went off.  

So when I got out of bed, and I saw they had put so much effort into what they were wearing (minus Cody) I didn't have the heart to make them change.  

Brylee's teacher had said to her class that they should dress 'fancy.'  Brylee took that to heart and picked out a pretty church dress.  She also wanted her hair curled, so she slept in curlers last night. 

Dallin wanted to look good, so he wore a nice button-up shirt and tie.  Even though they didn't match I thought it was cute that he was trying to look sharp.  He even combed his hair.  That's saying something.  

Dallin and Brylee tried to convince Cody to dress nice for pictures, but there was no convincing him.  He dresses for comfort at every opportunity.  

Tate was just along for the ride.  Trying to be like his bigger siblings ALL the time.  Even though he was in his PJs, he couldn't miss the photo.  

Anyway, these guys make me laugh.  And scream, and want to pull my hair out, and question my sanity...

But I love them.  Even in all their mis-matched glory. 

Buckets

At school Brylee's teacher read a story about being bucket fillers or bucket dippers.  I can't remember the name of the book now, but I'm sure a lot of you have heard of it.
Well that book has made a big impression on Brylee.  She and I have kind of butted heads, so for me to try and teach her to be nice to people is not the easiest thing.  But, when she hears it from her teacher she listens.
She is not constantly using the terms 'bucket dipper' and 'bucket filler.'  A bucket filler is someone who does nice things to fill someones 'bucket.'  A bucket dipper would be the opposite, things that are hurtful and dip out of someone's bucket.  The idea is to keep a full bucket, and that equals being happy.
Brylee now lets me know when someone is dipping into her bucket.  :/
She also tells me when she is trying to fill others buckets as well.
Overall it was a good lesson for her.
Her teacher told me that Brylee has been trying hard to follow the rules at school and help to watch out for others and their feelings.
I'm proud of her.  Those things show changes from her old attitude.  I welcome those changes.

Also, if you haven't seen the sneak peaks from her Dreamers Fairy Photo Session, you should check them out here, and here as well.

Old news

I'm sure most of you know that I have a food blog.  It's nothing new.
However, I have a new contributor on that blog, and that IS new.

My friend, and running buddy, Karissa, just joined forces with me on Eat It & Say Yum.

We both love cooking, and blogging, so it was pretty much a no-brainer.  

So, we are going to give this thing a go, and see what happens.

If you haven't done so already, go like us on our facebook page.
Then tell all your friends to do the same thing.  'Cause who doesn't like friends spamming their facebook page with a bunch of recommendations?!  Just think, you'll be doing me a favor, and that should make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Also, while you are checking out the blog, find a recipe and try it out!  We would be thrilled to get some feedback.  (Positive is awesome, but as long as it is constructive we will take what we can get.)

Until next time, my friends.  Take care.

Back to School

Yay!  School is back in session. 

 Oh, I mean umm...  The kids went back to school this week.  No big deal.

Brylee was SUPER excited for school.  I was surprised Brian was even able to get these smiles.  

Cody was excited as well.  Except not enough to let me comb his hair.  He insists that combed hair is for church.  He was lucky enough to have the same teacher that Dallin had for 2nd grade.  We are happy about that. 

We are still shocked that Dallin is old enough to be in 3rd grade.  When did that happen!?  

He was ready for school to start about two weeks before summer ended.  He likes to have some structure and enjoys most subjects in school.  He was thrilled to find out that he gets to learn to play the violin this year!  

Tate is silly as ever.  He was happy to go to preschool.  I really enjoy picking him up from school.  He gets excited to see me and runs up to give me hugs.  Love it!  He is very mischievous.  He thinks he is hilarious and likes to entertain us.  

All these kids are super special to us.  We are excited for this new school!  

Sand Dunes and Splash Park

After the Bushman reunion the kids and I hung out at the Flamm's for a few days.  

We took the kids to the sand dunes.  Tate kept asking if the Sanders (some family friends) had 'done this!'  

Meaning had the Sanders made the sand dunes.  

Pretty funny.

Aunt Emi is counting to 3 for the kids to jump.

 The landing.

 Then they had to roll down the hill.

 Tate crawling over to the edge to check it out.  He was too scared to jump.  

 So he just stayed there. 

After the dunes we went to the splash park so the kids could wash off a little.  

Who wants all that sand in their house?

 It was a little cold. 

 But they still has fun.

 Sand in the teeth.

 "I'm freezing."

 Sand in the hair and ears.

 Tate did NOT want to be in this picture.  

Uncle Paul's Ferris Wheel

So, Brian's uncle built this really cool ferris wheel in his back yard.  The kids got to try it out when we stopped by to say hi.  

Here they are trying to get the top seat down so a second person can ride as well.  

They eventually had to switch out the kids.  You need a light weight in the first seat to get him all the way to the top so you can grab the second seat.  

So here is Dallin and Barrett.  

Threw a Shoe

After the baby blessings we headed outside the church to take some pictures and Dallin decided to kick his shoe off and it landed on the rook of the church.  It was hilarious.  

 Uncle Todd and Uncle Jeff lifted Dallin up to make him get his shoe.  

 He looked pretty nervous about how he was going to get down.  

The whole situation was so funny, but maybe you had to be there to really appreciate it.