Baptism Day Is Coming

Tarin has turned 8, so the next beautiful step is baptism! July 30th is the big day. I was so excited to pull out the white dress that her big sister, Rian, wore for her big day. I just had to get some pictures. I didn't want to really go anywhere, so I looked around our yard. Then I remembered one tree in our neighbors yard. I see it every day, because I see it from our front door. It's a gorgeous willow tree. I knew I had to have it. I got permission and this is what I had got from it...

...A sweet innocent girl with a heart of gold.

...A Spiritual giant in a little body.

...An Obedient mind that loves her Father in Heaven.

...A bright young woman learning and growing to be the best that she can.

We love you Tarin and we are very proud of you.

Blueberry Pickin'

I had the great opportunity to once again go blueberry picking with Kristi Henderson and several other wonderful people. Kristi has a friend that owns land with these huge blueberry bushes. It was once a place for people to come pick for a fee, but this lady doesn't want to hassle with that...so thanks to Kristi and her friend, we have come back every year to relish in this delicacy.

A beautiful bright morning for picking berries!

Oh the bushes were just bursting! Overflowing with berries! Had to be creative to maximize the experience. Used Trent's belt to loop the colander around me...then be able to dump it into a bigger bowl...then into the 5 gallon bucket.

Kristi Henderson, Joy Coles, Me, Rusti Gray -- showing off our loot! Yep, I filled my whole bucket! As soon as I got home, the kids ate a big portion, but I've loved giving bags and bags of blueberries to friends! It was a great day.

Origami Time At The Library

The Central Library has activities throughout the month...this one I knew would be a hit. Jarom has been very interested in Origami, spends tons of time on UTube and makes all kinds of paper crafts. Of course the rest of the crew was interested right along with him. We had Bryn with us, she fit right in!

They liked this craft the most, origami flower bouquet.

Yep, the looked soooo thrilled! Seriously, they loved their project!

The Winds Of Change...

Yes, it is true! After 8 years of being in the bishopric, Trent has been released as Bishop of the Sharpsburg Ward. He spent 5 of those 8 years as Bishop, but as a family we knew 8 years of him serving the ward the best he knew how, through the eyes of the Lord. Although he will miss his joy of serving the members in that capacity, I know he is ready to move on and grow in new directions. Thank you to everyone, family, friends and members of the ward, we have felt your love and support.

Happy Independence Day

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. We had a great night BBQing and swimming with great friends. The kids absolutely loved it...even if the night was capped off with down poor of rain and lightening theatrics. Having sparklers and out-of-state fireworks on the street was a lot of fun.

Magic Of Becoming ...

My big girl has turned 8 years old. Happy Birthday to Tarin, my big sweetie!

In the week leading up to her birthday, we took her to do the long awaited task...get her ears pierced. She was so excited!!

We went down to Ashley Park to the Claire's shop. Tarin wasn't the only one who enjoyed the store!

She was so brave! She never made a sound. I don't know if it was from shock or worry, but she did very well! I was impressed. The only indication she gave was her eyes got really big when the piercing happened. It was so cute to watch.

Sigh of Relief

Because her birthday fell on a Fast Sunday, we did the breakfast pancakes Saturday morning...

A cute story about Fast Sunday, she was very excited to fast for her first time. Back in May, Jarom was coaxed by me to bear his testimony...which he did, and he loved afterward, despite his nerves. This also triggered his younger two sisters to do the same the next month (they would ask every Sunday if it was Fast Sunday, they were that eager). They were nervous, but did complete the task...Raegan even wrote her testimony down so she wouldn't mess up. Finally, in July, the first Sunday of the month was yet another Fast Sunday and Tarin's birthday. Tarin, along with Jarom and Raegan, again stood before the congregation and gave a sweet, nervous testimony. But the smile and shining eyes melt my heart! She really is a wonderful young girl that has a beautiful, heart of gold.

Tradition in our family has been the cookie cake. This is the one time a year they get to make this with me without anyone else. It's been our one on one time together. She's getting older to where she almost didn't need me to help her...she followed the recipe, put it into the pan, and put it into the oven. I love spending that time with her and each of my kids. They are growing up so fast! Happy Birthday to my Big Girl!

Thank you to both Grandmas for the cards and gifts! You both are the icing on the cake for our kids. Thank you.

This was fun...Gma Wardwell sent Tarin some little toe rings. We all wanted to try them on...even Ammon. If it wasn't for my pink painted toe nails, I don't know if I could pick out my own foot in this picture! And yes...Rian had painted Ammon's nails blue... The other two feet are Tarin's

A Little Birdhouse...

Tarin made this at the local library 4th of July events with a friend. I love how it hangs in a tree by our driveway, welcoming anyone over.

Angry Birds

Trent had come across this family game while out one day...Jarom is our master at this game on Trent's phone...it was a lot of fun.

Little Monkey

This picture says a lot of things...my boy is growing up...he's a busy, busy boy, and he loves his big brother. He is wearing one of Jarom's t-shirts...he absolutely loves to do or wear anything Jarom! Oh my poor walls...

WipeOut

Another tree has taken a fall! The first tree that fell was part of a trio of trees that grew together at the base. This tree was another part of that trio...so it's a matter of time before the last leg of this trio falls. Although we were blessed again that this tree didn't fall anywhere near the house, it's a lot bigger of a chore then the last incident, because when it fell, it took out a dozen or so other trees as it fell. I will have to hang up my chain saw for this one. We will have to spend a pretty penny (of which we don't have) to clear several of these out along with other potential threats. When it rains, it pours...Literally.

Cub Scout Day Camp

This was Jarom's last year in Cub Scout Day Camp. So I was glad to have the opportunity to help out for a few days. I really enjoyed seeing these boys learn and have a fun time. This was held at the Coweta County Fair Grounds.

Nature Center and Shooting Range

Lunch break and goofing around...