Hanging Out w/ cousins

Kidding Around

Hogle Zoo

Kent's parents came to visit and we went to the Hogle Zoo. We had a really nice time. Our sister in law Jessica also came up and brought her 2 kids. What a great way to spend time as a family! Here are some pictures from our day.

The kids enjoyed seeing all of the different animals



The train ride was really fun. Reed is train crazy right now, so it was a huge hit with him.

Camille's face looks almost as tough as the gorillas!

I remember taking pictures at this water fountain when I was a little girl. I wonder if they will still have it when I have Grandkids?

Some family shots with Grandma and Grandpa

The Highlight of Morgan's day was getting a sucker. She was happy the rest of the time. Also, VERY sticky!

The Miles Guys

We should have taken the family picture at the beginning of the day, instead of the end when everyone was exhausted. But we got one taken regardless. What a fun day and good memories for our family. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Miles!

Pinching our Pennies

Have I mentioned to any of you how coupon shopping is really a great thing for our family? I just got home from work and a late night shopping trip to Albertson's. I was excited and thought I would share my deals.

This is what I got:

*14 boxes of Cheerios
*2 boxes of Lucky Charms
*2 boxes of Fruity Cheerios
*2 boxes of Golden Grahams
*8 boxes of Fiber One Granola Bars- very yummy. They are almost like a high fiber candy bar. High in Fiber, not low in calories or sugar I am sure.
*4 boxes Nature Valley Granola bars
*4 boxes fruit by the foot
*2 boxes fruit roll ups
*2 boxes fruit gushers

For a total of 40 items.

Here is my receipt. It isn't the best picture. This is what it says: Total $23.05. Savings: $137.35. I would never buy any of this stuff unless I could get it for this price. There is no way we could afford it. AND, I realize it is not the most healthy stuff in the world. But, for bribery at certain desperate moments, fruit roll-ups, fruit snacks and granola bars work wonders.

Take a deep breath and count to 10......

Yesterday had been a VERY long day....I was trying to be good and make dinner, even though I didn't want to. So, I was making quiche, and realized that I was 3 eggs short. I decided to go and borrow from the next door neighbor because there was no way I was going to the store. So I took Josue (the little boy I babysit) with me and told Camille to watch Morgan for a minute while I go and borrow some eggs next door. I got home a few minutes later, and walked in the door. Straight ahead on the kitchen floor were nine eggs, all cracked, in a huge mess. The only problem was there was no Morgan. Then she toddled in from down the hall, eggs running through her fingers, onto the carpet in the hall. Just when you think you can't take one more thing, one more thing happens.

It's a good thing that as a Mom you realize that moments like this only last for a few minutes, and then things will settle down again. The trick I think is to realize that these moments with our kids don't last forever, and that someday they will all be grown up and I will wish to have these moments back. Even with the craziness. Even when I feel that I just need some time for myself once in awhile. Even when I feel like I can't take one more thing. I know I need to make the most of it. I think that is why Heavenly Father made a Mother's love for her children so strong. So you can still love them and sacrifice anything for them when you are exhausted and they are a little naughty. Things change, and kids grow up. But you can't get it back when it is gone. I need to take a deep breath, count to 10, and try and laugh so I don't bawl my head off.