The Start of Something Big!

Here we go again. Another Fall, another year ahead in school. I'm sure I'm not old enough to have first graders. Brad and Zach are extremely enthusiastic about school. Lauren was a bit timid about it but got over it quickly. Abby was just thrilled that she was NOT going to school and got to hang out with mommy all day. When Lauren was Abby's age, she started preschool. She always wanted to go into the boys' classrooms and was confident to strike up a conversation with the teacher and other kiddos. When I took Lauren to school this year, Abby clung to me for dear life. I know she thought I might be dropping her off and she was going to fight me. It's nice to have some quiet time with my little baby.

Is "Washable" really washable?

The answer is ... sort of. There definately is residual marking that last for a few bathtub scrubs. After I took this picture and took them up to the bath, Lauren revealed that they had also colored their belly buttons and nipples. Madonna would be proud.

A Bit of Potty Talk

I'm not quite sure I should share this but I will. Why not? I have two six-year-old boys who refuse to wipe themselves. They will sit on the pot forever, waiting for me to come bail them out. This week they were at Camille's house. Camille heard Brad calling from the bathroom. "Camille, I need you to wipe me."
"No. You are six and can do it yourself."
"But my mom does it for me." "What do you do at school?"
"I NEVER go at school!"
After refusing to wipe his way-to-old hiney, Camille left him alone on the pot. A bit later he came out.
"So, did ya get it taken care of?"
"Yes and it was DISGUSTING! I DON'T want to talk about it!"

Maybe I shouldn't talk about it either... but I've earn the right.

Michael Phelps' Smelps... Whatever!

Here are the true Olympians! Brad and Zach really got into the swimming during the Olympics. Brad kept telling me that he was in fact an "expert swimmer" like those guys on TV. The boys decided that we needed to hold our own Olympics "with medals and races and diving." We were all ready-- cupcakes made, invitations crafted, rules written out -- and then it rained and rained. But my OCDish little guys would not let me forget about the event. So, the first night the sky was clear, the Lund Olympics hit the pool. Let the games begin!

Michigan Isn't That Far, is it?

Mark and Mary Williams blessed sweet Kate in Utah so I got to sneak at peak at their new little girl. Mary you are sooo missed!

I wanna be 4 again...

Aloha!

My mom does a fun luau each year. Due to my Grandma's declining health, she decided to have it at my grandparent's home. She invited the nurses and aides who have been so kind to my grandma and grandpa. Grandma was in and out of consciousness in her bedroom but when I spoke with her, she recognized me. "Grandma, we are having the luau. Your sister Willy is here." "Well, how do I look?" "You look great. Mom did your hair and you have on your red floral housecoat-- very Hawaiian!" She asked for Grandpa. He came in and told her about the party. I think her memory had taken her back a few years because she suddenly said, "I told you not to have that damn party." It was pretty funny because Helen Farr doesn't talk like that!

Everyone must notice Lauren's hair because it is rare that she lets me do it. Take note--it probably won't happen again.

Road Trip!

I got a crazy idea to drive to Utah this summer. We didn't have a lot going on so we had oodles of time to cross the country. I talked Camille Phillips and Annie Cash to caravan. Annie's husband, Justin, came as well. When we stopped for breakfast at McDonalds it looked like 1 guy, 3 wives, and nine kids... Texas to Utah... FLDS?

Usually, Aubrey and Lauren sat in my van-- the "Fairies", and the "Transformers" went in Camille's van. The girls played with a roll of tin foil for hours. Zach and Abby each threw up, but what would a trip be without a little vomit.

Note the junk in my car. If we were in a wreck, no one would get hurt because there was so much wedged around the kids. Better than bubble wrapping them!

Sweet Abigail

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl. It's hard to let her grow up. She is such a snuggle bunny and lovey girl. There is something so dainty and girlie about her. Maybe it's her creamy skin or her blond curls. Maybe it's her high, sing-songy voice. She likes to stay up with mom and dad, cuddling and flirting until she falls asleep. Abby is a Daddy's girl, greeting him with hugs and kisses each time he comes home from work and sometimes stewing and pouting because Daddy is gone. She is extremely observant and wants to do everything the big kids do. Her favorite spot in the house is on the kitchen counter so she can watch everyone. Her brothers and sister have realized that Abby copies everything they do and say so they try to use manners and share. Good job, guys!

She received a Cabbage Patch swim baby and a Tinkerbell sleeping bag and tent. All of the other kids have sleeping bags so now she can sleep downstairs with them. When anyone mentions swimming, she runs to get her swimsuit, her "mermaid pants" (swim diaper) and the sunscreen. She likes to sing "Popcorn Popping" and a version of "I am a Child of God" that includes parts of "I am Like a Star". Abby loves all junk food and likes to sign "cracker" and "candy" in an attempt to look extra cute and up her chances of getting what she wants. It usually works.

Abby you are soooo loved by your mom and dad and family!
Abigail's middle name is Helen, named after my Grandma Voorhees. Abby and Grandma are both sweet natured. Abby should be honored to carry her name.

Happy Independence Day!

How amazing is this holiday! We got to watch fireworks on the 3rd of July-- one whole day before the 4th of July! Then we went to the ward pancake breakfast and the Coppell parade. (I had forgotten how hot it gets in Texas) The kids have grocery bags to collect all of the goods that came our way. We ended the day with more fireworks. I bought all of my favorites at a roadside stand in East Texas: Grand Flower Blooms, Snakes, Cones, and sparklers. The children thought that these fireworks were just as amazing as the Coppell ones!


We spent the rest of the day at the Houghton's swimming, eating, swimming, and swimming a bit more.