Twilight Trailer

"Twilight" fans here is a sneak peak at the movie! Don't forget to pause the music on my blog first!

Tulips

I love my vibrant tulips! We planted the bulbs in February and still they did well! Jared has been working really hard on our yard. He always has projects going on in the front and back. He finds it fun and relaxing. I appreciate him so much for doing that stuff to make our house have "curb appeal"! Thanks, Jared!

Trooper

Bryn's girl scout troop planted flowers and did other landscaping needs for the school last week. Bryn said that the tree that she was planting was hard work. She's a trooper!

The Animals

Scotlyn's class went on a fieldtrip to the Nashville Zoo. They had a lot of fun. . .whining about the heat, their legs hurt, they want water, they're hungry, they're tired, they're bored. . .

Straight is the Gate

I've been meaning to post this, but here is the final result of Jared's labor fixing the fence. The logs on the left side are what's left of the tree. Thanks to the Frost's for your help in acquiring a chainsaw and filling it up! We appreciate you guys so much!

Bryn Wit

My amazing friend Jill spoiled Bryn the other day by doing her hair and taking her picture. While she was snapping away, Jill said, "Bryn, the camera loves you." To which Bryn replied, "I know. We'll be announcing our engagement any day now."

Braving It

Scotty asked me in a panic this evening where the bug spray was because she wanted to go outside and we have mosquitoes the size of birds here. I told her I didn't know where it was and she turned to Bryn, hiked up her shorts as high as she could, did the "peace out" sign by pounding her heart two times and seriously and quietly said, "Bryn, just try to protect yourself." She went out the door. I haven't seen her since. I wonder if I ever will. . .

Lucky

This evening for FHE, the girls played on our scooters while Jared mowed the lawn and I supervised (the girls). Coco ran right into Jared's car and fell down and skinned 2 knees and 2 ankles. I was a little frustrated since this happens almost every time we go outside. As she cried emphatically, I impatiently put on her 99th bandaid for the month and I commented on how she always skins her knees. Then, with a lurch, I felt a pang in my heart. My dad, before he died (I was 11 years-old), wrote a letter to me saying,

"I regret ever so much that I will not be able to see and know your children so I could order them around and spoil them like grandparents do, indeed, that I couldn't stay on earth to bandage your knees and wipe away your tears and hold and comfort you."

That pang of regret I felt tonight as I remembered his words in my impatience touched me. I miss my dad. I'm grateful that I GET to take care of my healthy, beautiful girls. How lucky I am that I GET to bandage their knees and wipe away their tears and comfort them. I can't wait for my dad to know them someday--he'll get a kick out of them, don't you think?

Random Act of Kindness

Bryn told me a story yesterday about a girl that was sort of a bully to her at the beginning of the school year. She used to kick her shins under her desk while they were in math class. No matter how many times Tori did this, Bryn was just sweet as sweet could be to her. She still said hello to her and treated her kindly. Yesterday, Bryn saw Tori sitting on the grass by herself at recess and summoned up the courage to go and sit by her to talk to her. She said Tori looked really sad and she asked her why. Tori told her because her friend was telling her to go away and that she didn't have many friends. Well, my little Bryn said, "I want to give you a goal to go and introduce yourself to as many people as you can in the next week and see what happens." After she told Tori that, Tori decided to give it a go. She did just what Bryn said and made about 5 friends in the remainder of recess. I am so impressed that Bryn wanted her "enemy" to be happy and feel loved. Needless to say, Bryn and Tori are now friends.

The Wall

This is the wall for the poll. I took this picture before we moved in so that's why is slightly tilted. So, keep in mind that the picture cuts off about 1/4 of the wall. I need some serious help. I have no idea what to do with it.

I Don't Know, Maybe It Was Utah. . .

On Monday were were invited to have dinner with The Ball's, a family in our ward. They are so much fun! Malinda is such a sweet, easy-going person and Nathan knows almost any line from any movie. We were all cracking up as we went over all the good lines from "Raising Arizona"--my favorite in high school. Thanks for the laughs and DELICIOUS dinner, Ball family!

Scotty Loves

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

Scotlyn sent a letter to a boy at school. His mom emailed me a copy of it since I had not seen it. It's starting already. Jared, get ready. . .

Shiver Me Timbers!

The Nashville area witnessed some severe weather and even some tornadoes today. The winds were so fierce that our house shook. I guess it was even strong enough to make one tree (the rotting, dead one) in our backyard collapse, which also broke our fence, which broke another tree that was already bent from another storm, and then landed gracefully on the neighbor's fence without making a dent. Jared had lots of fun with the chainsaw! He was all smiles! He's off to Home Depot as we speak to get some more fence slats!

Brooke Anna Banana

I miss my family. My niece, Brooke (my sister's daughter), just went to Prom on Saturday and sent me pictures. She is growing up so fast! She will be off to BYU in the fall. I'm excited for her but bummed that she's grown up. Brooke is a beautiful, spiritual, intelligent, bubbly person and she has a bright future! I love you Brooke Anna Banana!

By George I Think She's Got It!

More pictures of the big day!

For a while there Scotlyn thought she was really getting married. Gavin told her he didn't want to marry her but he had to because he was the one with a suit. Funny. It was a great opportunity to remind Scotlyn about temple marriage. I was glad to open up that conversation and why people get married. It was a funny way to do it, but gave us a chance to talk as a family about eternal families.

Hitched!

Today Scotlyn was the bride for her class "Q-U" wedding. Her groom, Mr. Q. and she was Miss U. It was to teach the children that "q" and "u" always go together. The whole thing was hilarious. The groom didn't really want to marry Scotty, he pouted the whole time. After they were wed, the "minister" said they may now hug and Scotlyn grabbed Gavin and gave him a HUGE hug. It was so cute! They all sang "Going to the Chapel". They had white snack cakes after for the reception. I have video of the event but I have no idea how to put a video on here. Somebody HELP!!!!!

We Are Marshall

Jared and I watched "We Are Marshall" (PG) last night. I enjoyed it very much. After a plane crash claims the lives of 75 members of the Marshall University football team and its coaching staff, young coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) and his assistant (Matthew Fox) try to keep the program going, despite the emotional weight of the accident and the concerns of the community. It was an inspiring flick and I highly recommend it. Being married to sports fanatic, I have watched just about all movies about sports known to man, and this ranks up there with "Remember the Titans" and "Rudy" as far as inspiring stories.

Bryn the Brain

Bryn is so smart. She got on Principal's List again (that means she has straight A's)! I'm so proud of her! She works really hard on her homework and other projects and always does extra credit when it's available! She really impresses me with her drive to excel in her education! Good job, Brynny!