My Kids' Last Day of School

Well, folks, here I am again, about to embark on yet another summer vacation.  These are really weighing me down.  In some ways, I wish I could sleep through them.  Don't get me wrong, I love my kids so very much!!  But, it gets difficult trying to entertain my four children for three months straight.  Especially considering how much they argue with each other when they are in school, let alone how much they will argue when they are home with each other in a cramped little house every day for three months.  Thank goodness for Penny!  She has been diligently putting together all kinds of fun activities for all of us to do together this summer, most of which won't cost too much.  Usually, I am having to figure every little activity out on my own, but this summer is going to be different.  It will be so much nicer!  Anyway, now we will see how the summer goes.  Wish me luck!!

My Girls' Night

Last night Mike and Dallin went to their first Fathers and Sons Campout with the ward.  I am assuming they are having fun.  I have not heard otherwise and they are not yet home.  I know Dallin was sure excited when they left!  Anyway, so the girls and I had a night at home last night.  I let each girl pick a movie and we went to the store to get treats.  Whenever I justify eating a whole lotta crap, I tend to go overboard.  Last night was no exception.  I bought two packages of Oreos and the girls each picked a candy bar.  Then we came home and popped popcorn.  I am proud to say that I only ate about 6 Oreos, which to a normal person is probably a LOT.  But, for someone who can easily down an entire package in one evening, paying no attention to the raging pain my stomach may or may not be feeling, that is actually pretty good.  I also had a box of Sour Patch Kids and some popcorn.  Crap, I tell you!

However, it was a lot of fun.  The girls picked movies from our collection that I hadn't watched in a really long time.  Claire went first and she picked Madagascar.  This is a great movie.  I wasn't sure if I would make it through all three, but I at least made it through that one.  Then it was Emma's turn and she picked one of my favorites: Enchanted.  If you have not seen this one, SEE IT!  It is one of the best Disney movies ever.  I just love it!!  Of course I made it through that one, but alas, Emma did not.  So, once it was done, I took her upstairs and Claire sleepily followed me.  It was 11:00 at this time and I was very tempted to go to bed too.  But, Audrey gave me a guilt trip because "nobody EVER stays up to watch HER movie."  So, I groggily headed back downstairs to join her.  Her movie was also a favorite: Ghostbusters.  We giggled our way through all the classic lines that we often quote and loved the scene with Mr. Staypuft.  It was a nice night.  Then, we both headed to bed with Audrey joining me in mine for the night.  She usually will take any opportunity to sleep in my bed since she says it is more comfortable than hers.  Mike disagrees.  I was happy to have her as it is not always fun to sleep alone.  I can't wait to find out if my boys had as much fun as we girls did!

My Teenagers

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE working with teenagers.  I love having them in my home, I love working with them at church, and I love having good talks with them.  I think so many times people underestimate teenagers and the immense amount of wisdom that a lot of them possess.  There are obviously exceptions to every rule, and this certainly applies to teenagers as well.  But, for the most part, they will usually be respectful of those that treat them like they are on the same, or at least a similar, level.  My most recent calling in church is with the Young Women and I am loving it.  I am taking a little longer than I would like getting to know all of them.  It seemed so easy in my last ward.  A lot of that had to do with the bonding that was done at Girl's Camp.  That's why I want to go here so badly.  I LOVE Girl's Camp, and I love spending quality time with the girls there.  I hope that I will create a bond with these girls here in Texas just as I created one in my last two wards.  I have loved all the girls I have ever worked with in the past, and I am looking forward to spending more time with my current girls in the future.  I figure Heavenly Father wants me to learn something from them!  I love learning that way!