Ringling Bros & Barnum And Bailey

A neighbor had coupons to the circus making each ticket only $5 each! With the kids out of school for the week, I couldn't think of a better time.

We were a bit high, but hey it was still fun.

Grand opening

The younger kids just loved this and had a great time. The older ones just say it was okay...guess they are growing up, right? I had fun...

Afterward, we ate at the CNN center food court. Figured this will be our last trip to Atlanta and wanted to make it great.

Picture Perfect...Sort of...

So I was walking through the kitchen when I noticed there were 4 deer in our backyard! I would have called my kids, but that would have required some yelling, and these little ladies scare easy...so I just decided to take pictures so I could remember how awesome it was to have such wonderful creatures in my backyard. Guess I caught a personal moment for one of them...it's hard to see all of them, so click on the picture to make it bigger...

These Are The Moments...

This was just another one of those moments I had to capture. With Jarom's challenge to finish the B of Mormon, he's been doing a lot of reading. Ammon, who just adores his big bro climbed up to the table to do the same. Such a heart warming memory.

You Heard Me...

This is a bitter sweet announcement. For the past few months I have been reflecting on this decision. If anything this has helped me to take a look around me and see what I have. I guess you could say I have been counting my blessings...I love Georgia and all that is has to offer (aside from the humidity and bugs). Even took a look at the community of friends at the kids' schools and in their activities. The family here has been so great, I will be sad to leave them. Living here over 11 years has definitely found a place in my heart. But the past year or so has been the hardest for our family. Experiencing the roller coaster of job loss and other contributing factors we are ready to take the leap of faith and cultivate hope that this opportunity will bring a growing future to our family's well being.

Breaking the news to the kids was literally a emotional ride. We did a scavenger hunt with clues leading back to the table with letters to unscramble. Rian was pretty proud of herself that she picked off the hints and figured it out...but then reality set in. The idea of starting over with friends, schools and a whole new culture will be hard. But as we told them, we have prayed about it and as long as we do what is right, the Lord will lead and guide us. It will be a long road, since Trent will start work out there in a few short weeks. The rest of us will follow end of the school year. The kids were sad to hear that news. It will be tough doing this alone, but I know the Lord will be near. So pray for us that our house will sell. I have worked off my back side in repairs and upkeep, since it wasn't on our priority list the past year. Donating to charities, cleaning out air vents, painting walls, repairing sheet rock, wiping down base boards...name it, I've done it. I hope all this work will pay off. We will list the house in a week or so...Pray for a decent sale! Thanks

Building Project

It was my turn for Sunshine School with Ammon and his friends, and I choose the theme of 'Building It'. Well, the 'field trip' was also in my rotation so I had gone to Home Depot and asked for some of their building projects they do with kids. They usually have many left over. Well, it helps to know someone there, Jill Ragland hooked me up with several building kits. Since there were only 3 of these banks, I left them for our kids to put together. So here is what they did.

I can't say it enough how much my kids loved hammering and putting things together. They definitely have my drive with building and creating.

Ammon was in heaven because this was his second project of the week where he got to hammer and help out. Raegan was so sweet to watch.

While Jarom was looking at the plans I caught a moment I see many times over. Ammon just adores his big brother and loves to watch him.

The result. Still needs some paint detail. But these will soon be done. What a afternoon.

Hair Designs

So I've gotten myself onto Pintrest and I've found some great ideas from hair to food to cleaning tips. Here is one hair idea I found. Rian was a good sport.

Being the first time doing this, I didn't realize how much time this SHOULD take...so this was about 9:30pm and bedtime so when we took it out it was too soon. So it wasn't the best result.

I tried it again with Raegan (sorry no pics) and let it sit for several hours and it turned out better, but still not the greatest result. So here is what I learned. Instead of getting the hair REALLY wet...you only dampen the hair. When it is too wet, I could take 24 hours to dry with it all wadded up. Using gel in the damp hair helps to keep it's strength when dry. I will attempt this again soon.