James never ceases to amaze me...

James has the most awesomest determination and confidence that a mother could ever want for her kid. This kid can do anything if he sets out to do it. I have been getting on him for not training as good as he could be for the Race that we'll be participating in, at the end of July. The race is called RAGNAR RELAY Race, and it will require that he run 3 times within 26-28 hours. He is running over 11 miles and will be part of a team of 11 other runners (including his mom and Uncle Erick). Anyhow, I always eat his dust when we go running together. We set out to go for a 10 mile run on Friday, he wanted to do it. Actually I got this free shuffle i-Pod for being the Captain of the team and so I told him that if he wanted it, that he would have to run up to 10 miles to earn it. I figured that was motivation enough to get him to train. He had already proven that he can run 7 miles. Well, I didn't expect him to go out and actually do it weeks beore the race. You gotta build yourself up to the mileage. No, Not James!!! It has taken me over a year to get to 13.5 miles, and this kid just took him less than 3 months and he ran 13.8 Miles. What started as a 10miler became a half-marathon. I ran 12 miles and I was feeling it the next day. James is doing great and is ready to run some more. He is determined to run a full marathon, that is 26.2 miles. I told him that this takes time and training. He is going to do it he says. I believe him. I love his passion and self-motivation! I am very proud of you James. Thanks for being part of my team. I am honored! P.S. He earned the i-Pod! He is so excited about it! What a cute kid?! I did get a hug and a surprise kiss from him as a thank you for the i-Pod, I don't get those very often, he is getting too big he says~ BEFORE AFTER

Summer is finally here...

These kids couldn't wait to get out into the sunshine. I went looking for our inflatable kiddie pool in the attic and when I came back, they were all in their swimsuits outside. By the time I got the pools inflated they had already soaked in the sun. They are so sunburned. I did put some sunblock on them, but it was too late. Poor Juliette is the worst! She has the most fair skin of all the kids. But they had so much fun. The lake is still too cold for us so they don't mind the kiddie pool. A couple of days ago the kids played soccer outside and they were still wearing light jackets. Amazing, this weather has been crazy!

Check out the CHICKS...

Every day when we go check on the chickens, they seem like they have grown over night some more. They are getting to be so pretty and each one has a unique feather pattern. Their personalities are so different and unique. We have been enjoying them a lot. Rob is working on moving the coop he built, to a nice location in our backyard. We are determined to make sure these Chickens are safe and we don't lose them to raccoons, dogs, hawks and whatever else that might eat them out there. It is really funny to watch the kids and Rob chase after them when they are trying to put them back in the coop. The chickens are so smart and fast.

Uncle Matt is off...

He is going into the MTC today and starts his 2 year mission to Veracruz, Mexico in 2 weeks or so. We are so proud of you and look forward to hearing about your experiences in Mexico. The people there will love you and you will love them. Remember to "Forget yourself and go to work" (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley..."I got on my knees and made a pledge with the Lord. I covenanted that I would try to forget myself and lose myself in His service”). We love you Uncle Matt. We also wanted to tell Cousin Michael Wilson, who is also going into the MTC today...that we are so honored and proud of his example to serve a mission to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. What an amazing pair of young men? Thanks for setting such a good example to our kids. I already cannot wait to hear what they have to share with us about their mission. I especially can't wait for them to come back and cook us some yummy authentic Mexican and Bolivian foods. P.S. Kimberly...I stole this picture from your blog...I didn't have a most recent picture of Michael. I hope you don't mind. Thanks!!!