Bribes

I bribe my kids a lot, and it works maybe 30% of the time. Today I reached into my parenting hat and pulled out a bribe - if they cleaned their rooms I would take them to get ice cream from the little shop down the street. They have been SLOW at it. It is almost 7:00pm and they are just know getting done! They even turned down a friend who knocked on the door and wanted them to play. 

(This was the time I bribed them at the doctors office. I told them if they behaved and got shots we could get cupcakes! These cupcakes are from the Sweet Tooth Fairy - BEST.CUPCAKES.EVER!)

The entire house is almost clean - which makes life in the home a lot more pleasant. All I have to do is clean my bathroom, do the dishes and tidy up the kids bathroom. Life is good!

8 years

 I forgot until about 3:00pm today that it was our anniversary.  

I can not believe it has been 8 years! Time goes by so fast! It seems like it was only yesterday when we looked  in each others eyes and said, "I do". 

I am not going to lie, marriage is hard and a lot work. It is a never ending roller coaster. However; marrying Daniel was the best decision I have ever made. He gets me, he loves me,  and he makes me laugh. He is my best friend. We have had trials, but we have come out on top and they made us a stronger couple. I would not want anyone else by my side. I am glad I picked him to be my eternal companion.   

Happy Anniversary babe, I love you. 

Dad

Happy Father's Day

I have a wonderful Dad. He taught me to work hard - and if you call in sick to work you better be sick and in bed all day. He loves my Mom. He loves his kids and wants the best for them. He worked hard to support our family but also took time off to have fun with us. I am pretty sure that I have one of the best Dad's in the entire world! I love his laugh and his sense of humor. I love that Owen looks a lot like him. Thanks Dad for all you did and still do. I love you. 

My kids got lucky with their dad too! They love when he tells them made-up bed time stories - voice and all. I love seeing their faces light up when he walks through the door after a long day at work (and at home). I love the adventures we go on. He encourages the kids to try their best, and cheers them on. He works hard to support our family and makes it possible for me to stay home with our kids. He makes us laugh. He is a great Dad. We love you Daniel! 

Time Flys

School is out for the summer and we are trying to soak in as much sun and fun as we can! Rock Climbing has been our "go to" activity for the last month or so. We found a perfect spot up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is basically right off the main road and by the river. It is perfect for little people!  Derrick has become quit the climber. Last time we went him and Daniel repelled off the top. That made my heart beat a little faster - Derrick was not scared at all and can not wait to do it again. Owen and Riley like to try, but after a couple feet off the ground they are ready to climb down! 

(Owen)                           

(Riley)                         

(Derrick)                   

(Derrick and Dan Repelling)             

My main goal this summer is to make memories with the kids that will last a life time. We have so many things planned and I hope that we can do it all before school starts in the Fall. *I will have 2 kids in school - Derrick will be in 2nd and Riley will be starting kindergarten - I think I might cry. 

If You Give a Kid a Cupcake

For some reason I have not been on the ball about getting Riley and Owen their immunizations. Riley had some right before Owen was born, but since then NOTHING. Owen has not had any...With Riley starting school in the fall I thought it was time...I also thought it was time for Owen to start his. 

Riley needed to have her kindergarten check up anyways so I made the appointment and brought them in. I tried to explain that they would have to get shots, I am not one of those Moms who wait until they nurse brings in the needle. When it came time for the shots Riley went first - I think this was my only mistake. She was so upset and I could not comfort her because Owen was next. After he heard Riley scream all hell broke loose - he was screaming bloody murder and I it took all my strength to hold his legs down so the nurse could give him his shots...

I am glad it is all over..Until July when I have to take them back in for more...

Derrick just came along for the ride, and was pretty good. The only problem I ever have with him is that he wants to ask Dr. Fiendt a million questions. Last time we came in he asked her what glucose was...What the heck?! She had to explain it in "doctor" terms. She looked at him and said, "you ask really hard questions and the way you ask I have to give you answers that are kind of confusing." 

I hope that he always has in inquiring mind and that if he has a question he will ask it, no matter how hard, silly, or BIG the question is!

Right across the road from our pediatrician office is my VERY. FAVORITE. Cupcake shop, the Sweet Tooth Fairy. I promised the kids that if they were good we could go and get a cupcake. YUM.