Paxton's Baby Blessing

We finally had Paxton blessed. We knew Mike's family was planning to visit sometime around the end of July to the beginning of August. For that reason, we decided to wait so they could come too.

The neighbor girl had mentioned that she looked back at me while Paxton was getting blessed and I had the biggest grin on my face.  But why not? I was super happy.  It was really neat to have so many of our relatives there.  We truly are blessed with loved ones all around us and can feel their support.  I'm so glad there are a lot of our family that are members of The Church.  

The best thing though; is that I have a wonderful husband and father to my children.  He honors his priesthood and tries so hard to do what is right.  I know Quinn and Paxton will learn from his example.

I wish that we could have gotten more people in the picture.  It was not my idea and therefore didn't mention it to other people.  By the time we had this picture taken most poeple had already left.

Yay!!! We finally got a picture with us four together.  This is the only picture we have of Paxton in his blessing outfit too.  No individual shot of him this time...

Wyatt got married!!!

Congratulations Wyatt and Kirsten!

I wasn't able to go the wedding in Oklahoma.  Mike went leaving me and the kids behind.  It would have been too hard for us all to go and probably expensive too.

This is the longest that we have away from each other.  I was ready for the challenge and wanted Mike to go and be with his family.  I handled well while he was away.

However, when he returned the kids seemed jealous and somewhat possessive of me. This seemed to cause problems in which the kids were hard to handle.  Fortunately, we are back on track and things are going well for us. 

Class reunion

I'm getting old!  I just had my class reunion.  It was a lot of fun.  We had an adult only night where we went to Pizza, Pie, Cafe in Rexburg.  I thought it was a great idea.  No one had to cook and it was all you can eat.  We reserved a room in the back.  The only problem was that it was so echoy like the inside of a swimming pool.  We all had to talk so loud to hear one another.  It was great to see everyone though.

The next day, Saturday, was for families.  We had a swimming pool with a slide for the kids.  There was wonderful food, make-up for the girls (Russell brought it since it was leftover from where he works), pinatas, water balloon volleyball, and a whole lot of talking.  Betty Chase was so kind to let us use her backyard.

Mike was not able to come with me this time.  He had to work.  I had the kids alone.  I, most of the time, have them alone anyways.  So, it really shouldn't be a big deal.  It seems like, this time, the kids were a little more cranky than usual.  Of course, this happens around people that I haven't seen in a long time.  I suspect they just thought they were tired.

Quinn did get his first real good whack in the head.  He walked behind someone while they were swinging.  He disappeared while I was trying to settle Paxton and then someone tells me that he's been hit.  It wasn't that bad and he didn't cry for long.

Everyone was so kind to help out.  I had people holding Paxton while I dished our plates.  When I nursed, inside the house for more privacy, Jesse helped take care of Quinn.  I had Ty help me to my car.  Etc...these are just a few example of everyone's kindness.

It is good to know that almost anywhere I go, I have a few extra helpers and people who understand what I'm going through.  They're more than willing to help since they too themselves have been there.

Thank you everyone!

Different Ideas of Fun!!!

What did we do for Independence Day? Well, it isn't what we typically do.  We sold cotton candy! Mike, every year, claims that he wants to do something.  I told him that this was his year.  He got to talking to one of our friends and found out that her family used to sell cotton candy when she was growing up.  Since she knew what she was doing and we have never done this, we decided to team up with her.  He only officially decided he wanted to sell cotton candy only a few days before the 4th.
Monday night (the 2nd) was crazy.  We hadn't gotten much together and needed to since Tuesday we went over to Mike's parents to celebrate his Grandma's birthday.  Mike was super stressed.  Let's say the getting prepared part wasn't that much fun.

We woke at 7:20 A.M. to meet Sonnet by 8.  Luckily, traffic hadn't been blocked yet so we were able to get through.  I assumed that we wouldn't make sells until about 10:00.  I was wrong.  Kids don't care what time they get to eat something sweet.  They could eat it at all times of the day.  We sold a lot more than we had anticipated at the parade.  Mike would take a stick of cotton candy and walk up and down yelling, "cotton candy $2.00."

Paxton was so good.  He sat in his swing through most of it and slept.  He did wake for a while but was content.  He did want to eat right before it ended.  Quinn was with Grandma Karen.  It made it so that I could help out more.  I was sad that he wasn't there just because I knew he would have loved it.  It did make things easier not having him there.

Selling at the fireworks was a little bit slower at first.  I think it was because people had just eaten and didn't have any more room for cotton candy.  I guess that's what we get for setting up around dinner time.  Also, it was HOT!!!

Out of no where things picked up.  We were selling like mad...then nothing again.  People definitely did come in spurts.  After that it was pretty steady.  We were hardly able to keep our sticks full to walk up and down.  People came to our booth.  Once it was made it was sold.

Quinn and Paxton was each with us this time.  I was only helping out part time.  Paxton was still good but not as good as he was during the parade.  Karen came to help out and she mainly entertained Quinn.  Considering Paxton's age I have nothing to complain about.

People ask a lot, when we tell them that we sold cotton candy, if we are going to do it again.  My first answer is NO!  It was hard with the two boys being so young and needing a lot of attention and care.  It was hot and they were miserable for a bit while setting up and selling at the fireworks.  Mike was so excited and thought it would be a lot of fun...and he did have a lot of fun.  This sort of thing is right up his alley.  For me, well let's say, we have different ideas of fun.  It wasn't horrible but I think I would rather do something different on the fourth.  Mike says that I'll look back at this years to come and think that it was fun because it was different.  We'll have to see...

I wouldn't mind doing it again when our boys get older.  Then they'll be able to have the experience.  Having their help would be nice.

If you look closely you can see me in the background holding Paxton.

 Quinn loved the fireworks.   After each one he would yell more and do ooos and awes.  He made it so much more fun.  I'm glad he was there even if he did get to bed way too late.  He was a good boy!