8 Months and Summer Vacation

Okay, I know that I am one of the worst bloggers out there and anyone who actually reads my blog (all 5 of you!) probably wonders why I even bother. My excuses are numerous; however, the main reason is probably that I am in my 3rd trimester (8 months along) with my 5th child. I seem to lose all brain power and much interest in life at this point in my pregnancies. I just can't think of anything interesting to say to any of you or think of an interesting way to say over and over that I am exhausted and slightly overwhelmed with life right now since all the kids are out of school for summer vacation. So I keep silent. So now you know. I still read all my friends blogs and the blogs that I lurk on, but leave few remarks because I can't think of anything to say most of the time. I wish I could say that in 6 weeks or so I will be doing better but anyone who has a newborn knows that is wishful thinking. I will try to improve my picture taking so that I can at least post a few pictures of our summer activities and when the new one is born. No promises though. I just went through the 4th of July with all the fun, family, food and fireworks and only remembered to take pictures at the very end and they aren't worth sharing. This is so not like me. I am the family historian. I am always taking pictures and video taping everything or forcing my husband to. I'll try to snap out of it.

Boohoohoo.....all right, enough crying and self pity. In spite of how depressed the above sounds I am not doing too badly as long as I don't try to do too much. We are still a pretty happy group of people with love for each other and our family and friends. I just can't put a lot of brain power to blogging. I guess that I could include a few photos and comments on what we have been doing the last few months.



My wonderful husband, who is a fabulous father, has been building a play house for the kids. It is a slow process but we are nearing the end so maybe the kids will be able to enjoy it before school starts.




My oldest daughter had her dance recital in May. She looked beautiful and had a great time performing on stage and posing for photos after.




My two oldest were involved in the community Little League this year--my husband also volunteered his time as coach for my son's team. Can't claim that they loved it. It was too hot, got in the way of what they wanted to do and they really weren't interested in becoming good ball players so found little to crow about in the practices. However, they stuck it out (because mom and dad wouldn't let them quit--the big meanies!) and ended up learning a little in the process.





We went on our annual fishing day with my grandparents. The kids always look forward to this day each year. I don't know what they enjoy more: fishing in the lake or in the big box of snacks my grandma always brings.


My youngest brother (the middle one in the back row) came home from his mission (SLC South, Spanish speaking) in May. Of course I forgot to take my cameras to the airport so have no pictures of the cute welcome home signs the kids made for him. My mom took some but they are all still on her computer. I don't even have any of Danny with the kids at this time. I tell you, my photo skills are way down right now!

Paul and I celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss on July 10th. (Sorry, no pictures of this event.) We left the kids with my parents (who just spoiled the kids rotten) while we went to Seattle overnight. Being 8 months pregnant I of course was not interested in doing much but we had fun doing a small amount of shopping in North Bend, eating at the Cheesecake Factory, seeing a movie, watching another movie in our very nice room while eating cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, and attending the temple together and remembering our first experience together there 11 years ago. I love my husband and his many wonderful qualities, not the least of which is his ability/willingness to forgive and overlook my many weaknesses.

We have managed to fill in the rest of the time with doctor appointments, family gatherings, running through sprinklers, some swimming, trying to get in some naps and trying to keep our home from spiraling into true and utter chaos. You know the kind--where it would be easier to burn the house down and just start from scratch. We have started taking the kids on their special school shopping dates early since I will be less and less able to handle all of that when we get closer to school time. Baby Bekah is actually due a few days after school starts up. Here are a few cute shots of the kids doing random things.


The last two photos are when Paul shattered the outer pane of glass in our sliding door while weed eating. You could hear the glass continue to crackle for at least 10 minutes after it happened and then we just heard a big crash as the pane of glass fell out.

I will stop now and I am proud of any of you who actually spent time reading all the way through this. I am sure that you have improved your skills in patience and fortitude. : ) I have lots of cute stories to share from the mouths and actions of babes but they will have to wait for another post--or maybe just be lost in the hazy memory of pregnancy. Until next time--whenever that is!