The Giving Tree

On Sunday we went over to the Flaherty's for our traditonal "every-other-Sunday" dinner and afterwards Grandma Terri had a little Family Home Evening (FHE) lesson planned. She had a picture of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus and talked about Grady's recent baptism. She asked the kids to tell her things that helped them to make good choices. Grandma Terri also explained how important families were and that her and Grandpa are the "trunk" of our family. She then taped a tree trunk to poster paper and then a kid from each family got to add their family's branch to the trunk. With all the added branches we had a full tree. Then all the little kids went outside for a suprise present from Grandma and Grandpa. Lucky us, we each got to take home our very own "tree" to plant.

So, on Monday night for our own FHE Brett, the kids and I headed to Home Depot to find a pot for our new plant (and a new faucet because ours had caused a major leak in the kitchen...fun times!) After finding our stuff and checking out we headed to our truck when my completely observant and kind husband saw two ladies trying to shove a huge piece of plywood into their mini SUV...with no success. After talking to the ladies about their dilemma Brett asked the kids if they would like to give some service. He got an enthusiastic "Ya!!" too which he then asked them "Do you know what service means?" With no answer, he then explained that service is when we help other people and we always try to help others. We were then able to load up their wood in our truck and follow them to their house. After we got home the kids helped Brett plant our tree. One of my favorite books growing up was the "The Giving Tree" which was given to me by my Grandma Beverly and now my kids love that story too. Although the book teaches a great lesson about love and service, there is nothing more important than taking those lessons and putting them to action. I'm grateful to Bob and Terri for being such great examples of that philosophy and instilling it in Brett and now to my kids. We love our cute, little plant that now helps remind us to always give and help other people.

Heber Camping Trip

Brett and my brother-in-law, Matt, decided to pack up the car, load up the quads and all the kids and head up north for some fun in the forest. I really am liking these trips more and more because that means GNO for me...yipee!! The kids and dads all had fun, especially when after several attempts to get the suburban started on their way home it finally worked...thank goodness prayers are answered. I think Bradock's favorite part about camping is getting to eat "camping doughnuts". I think he calls them that because that seems to be the only time I ever buy those delicious and oh so non-nutritious white powdered doughnuts. Camping food really is the best.

Compliment or Should I be Offended?

I finally started teaching my Water-In-Motion classes at the gym this week and it has been so fun. I now have my very own class at the Mesa Gym (Brown/Recker) on Tuesday evenings at 6pm. Since, it's launch week I have been teaming up with the other girls to help with their classes as well as my own, so it's been a busy week of teaching. I just love some of the older participants that have come up to me and given me hugs and told me how much they loved the class...defintely makes all the hard work worth it.

Since, my mom knew I would have a busy week of teaching and Bradock starting preschool she decided to keep Raylee in Pinetop and start the potty training process. So, on Tuesday evening Brett decided to take Bradock out for a little treat to celebrate his first day of school. They went to McDonald's to have an icecream cone and play in the playground. As Bradock went to put his shoes in the little cubby hole he saw the picture of Ronald McDonald. He looked at Brett and told him "Hey he's got lips like my mom!" I just about died when Brett told me. Now I know I have pretty good size lips, but Ronald McDonald size...I don't think so:) Gotta love that silly little boy of mine.

My Big Preschooler

The thought that I even have a preschool aged child just seems crazy to me. Where in the world has the time gone? Bradock and I got to go to "Meet the Teacher" day on Tuesday to get to know Ms. Christie and her assistant Ms. Jolene. They read a story about teddy bears and then made some cute and yummy teddy bear treats. Bradock was so excited for his first day, especially since his best friend, Carsyn, will be going to the same preschool.

A couple weeks ago, Bradock went for a preschool evaluation through the school district due to some concerns with his speech. It's funny how as a parent you can totally understand what your child is saying, but when no one else seems to understand it makes you a little worried. Bradock's pediatrician recommended the testing, so we went for his evaluation and sure enough they were concerned with his speech and fine motor skills. So, Mr. B is set up for another evaluation next week, so as excited as we are for Ms. Christie's preschool, we might be switching over to the Boulder Creek preschool program. We will hopefully know for sure next week. In the meantime, Bradock is so excited to go to school (just like dad) all by himself.

Labor Day Weekend

There is nothing better than a nice relaxing weekend up in the mountains enjoying the best weather ever. We had so much fun playing at my parents over the weekend. We went to Taylor's famous "Corn Festival", went for rides on the quad, watched Papa and dad shoot their bow and arrows, and just had fun as a fam. I think all this mountain time is making Brett more determined to try and get me to move somewhere similar after dental school.

Raylee is obsessed with shoes, especially mine or Grandma's shoes.

Nothings better than a little pony ride at the festival.

Bradock caught his very first horny toad...he was so excited. However, dad wore him out with all that early rising to go look for elk.