It's over...the delicious days of nothingness by the pool.  I might cry.  Does is look like Rob is crying? 

He should, but he's not.

Did you know that in 16 years of knowing that man I have NEVER seen him cry?

Not when he left me and his family for two long years to serve a mission in Mexico...

Not when he came home and could kiss glorious me, again...(and two other girls, I might add, she said bitterly)

Not when he was sealed to yours truly in the SL Temple for ETERNITY...

Not when his wife gave birth to his three beautiful children...

But,

He DID shed a tear, so I heard, when he shot a very well antlered mule deer in 2004!!!  Go figure.

Hunting season is upon us!! Goodbye sweet summer.

I was thinking about something, I love about Rob, tonight...

He is a very patient, loving, and talented teacher to our children. (and his nieces and nephews)  Even though he is an imposing figure and you wouldn't expect it from him, he will get down on his knees and soften his tone and just connect with them.  It is really special, a real talent that he has been blessed with. 

This last weekend we went to cut down wood for the winter and I saw him show his nephew and his son how to use, and let them try, a chainsaw.  They are both boys, so of course they were thrilled...but, the special part is the voluntary bit.  He asks them if they want to try.  He never has to be prompted to help the children around him, he just loves them.  (Most of the time, the man is not perfect, obviously he finds kids annoying sometimes!)  I see him do it so often with our own children and others that I take it for granted.  I just wanted you to know, babe, how amazing you are when you teach the little ones around you.  You really give them a patient and kind example.  Thank you for being the way you are, and helping me raise our babies.

P.S. Yes, I used my sweet chainsaw and NO I did not cut myself, take THAT Mom!!

Gracie had a crazy Birthday!  She went to school and got picked up early (by her Mommy) to go to Avery's dermatologist appointment...then, off to the pharmacy.  After that we drove to her tumbling, and Brody's tumbling, and Avery's dance classes!  We did not get home until after their normal bedtime, so it was a rush to do the cake/present thing so they could go to bed!  She was a good sport about it all, as she often is.  Gracie is an above average kind of girl in every way, she is really a blessing to us, as parents and a family! Life is never boring when you are around, Goob.  You breath life and fun into everything!!   

 We LOVE You, Gracie...BIG TIME!  I wanna see!

Love, Mom

Did you know??

That Lagoon is closed on Fridays, as early as August 27th?  We didn't either, so we drove an HOUR to get there...to find it closed!  The kids were sobbing.  (We went back the next day and had a blast)

Can you believe that?  August, jeez!