Fishermen (and woman)

Sammy, Ben & Ellie, fishing at the pond in front of Dave's office.

Epic Battle

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The boys love to play this game, where they set up army men, then have a war.

Scout of the Month

Ben won this award at scouts last night - they track points through the month for having all of your uniform, being on time, behaving. He said that he won by 2.5 points! He keeps the trophy until pack meeting next Friday, then has to work hard to win it back. 

Go Texans!!!

I got 8 free tickets to the Texans game from work, so we took all the kids & two friends. It was lots of fun, good seats and they won the game.

A tad anxious

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Sammy was a little nervous on the first day, but now he's doing great. Sorry about the angle change with the camera - I'm not exactly an award-winning filmmaker.

First day of school

Maddie was out the door before I could get a picture, but the other three had time for a quick photo opportunity. Sammy is starting Kindergarten, Ben 5th grade and Ellie 2nd grade. It's nice having then all at the same school, and no more daycare tuition. 

These boots are made for walkin' . . .

Ellie tries on Dad's workboots for size. 

Little Girl, Big Rock

Ellie, in 2ooo at Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah. 

What's on your fridge?

This is a picture of my refrigerator door, just a few moments ago. We've got multiple seasons of soccer pictures and one picture of Sammy from Disneyworld. There are dinasaur magnets, cow magnets, and a set of Lego Star Wars magnets across the top. I've also got an alligator from West Palm Beach, a starfish from South Padre Island, and sea turtle tile, also from South Padre.

The yellow piece of paper is a "Checklist for Happy Marriage". The items are:

1. Are we going on a date together once a week? (Going to Krogers or Home Depot doesn't count.)

2. Do we always speak courteously to each other? "Don't ever raise your voice unless the house is on fire!"

3. Do I say "I love you" everyday? Many times a day?

4. Do I exercise self-discipline and refrain from trying to discipline my companion?

5. Are we free of debt or working to become so? Do I add to the family debt with unnessary purchases

6. Do we share family responsibilities Follow WalMart's motto: "How may I help you?"

7. Is my first priority the comfort and happiness of my companion

OK - it's a little corny, but mostly true.

There's also my perpetual calendar - the four weeks are all separate, so theoretically you can erase the stuff on the oldest week, move it to the bottom and always see four weeks going forward. In reality, the last week currently on my fridge is July 3-9; I need to get on the ball.

On the far right is Mom's Cell:xxx xxx xxxx. Sorry stalkers, I blocked it out for publication.

So what's on your fridge? 

Blast from the past

I found a bunch of old pictures in a box under my bed today. Since I'll never be as organized as Jenny with her scrapbooks, I decided I scan some and pop them up here every once in a while. This is Maddie and Ben on the BYU campus in August 2000 - on the way home from our trip to Sundance.

Introducing Crystal

This is Ellie's American Girl doll - she named her Crystal. Crystal is wearing her Gala Party Outfit, with matching shoes, gloves and hairband, all purchased recently in Chicago. She's also got a little bit of curl in her hair, because we set them up last night in the rollers that came with the hair care kit we got for her. When Dave found me, Maddie and Ellie all fixing Crystal's hair, he said that Maddie and I might need our own dolls for Christmas. I'm inclined to agree - we're having a lot of fun playing with her. Stay tuned for new outfits and looks.