In the meantime, back at the ranch…

The kids have been very good with all their surrogate parents. It was fun to get to know their personalities even more as we woke up, (what is it about daybreak kids love?) ate breakfast, got ready for school, went to school, came home, did homework, played, watched TV, ate dinner, took baths, got ready for bed, read and went to sleep. Some of us slept better than others. I have recently said how much I admire each one of my daughters. They are all uniquely gifted to know just what their particular children need. None of us think we did (or are doing) a perfect job raising our kids, but it only matters that we did (do) our best. No one can take the place of the mom (okay, and dad) when it comes to knowing what to do with their children. Of course parenting involves a lot time on our knees since the Lord blesses us with his inspiration and comfort. While it has been fun, at times frustrating, tiring, insightful and educational this week, I am grateful for the wonderful job Stacie, (and all the girls) are doing with their families. Sweet children (most of the time, and always while they are sleeping) are too young yet to know how blessed they are to have such capable mothers. Other grandparents took my place tonight and I will sleep soundly at home I'm sure. I'm not used to small faces staring at me in the middle of the night saying they had a bad dream. But I do remember when that was a part of my life. Long ago and far away. I'm getting too old for this.

the Countdown

So just a few more days and we are off on our Cruise! I am busy trying to pack and get ready and leave my house somewhat put together for all the wonderful family who is helping us with the kids while we are gone. Heidi and Brooklyn came for a visit so we are making time to be with them as well. Needless to say I am stressed trying to get it all done but it will all be worth it. Richard and I will be gone from Sept. 20-28th! We will post lots of fun stuff when we return =)

Peaches!

Thanks to the help from my wonderful mother-in-law I was able to can 28 quarts of peaches! She came over Thursday and helped me do the first box and I finished on Saturday all by myself! Aren't they beautiful! Now I can add to the dozens of canned fruit we did last year (peaches, pears, pie apples, apple sauce, and tomatoes) Now I have to go finish my homemade peach ice cream and cobbler I have started with the leftover peaches.

The silly cousins on our fun sleepover!
They all had fun in the playroom as you can see!
We had Faith and Chance over for a sleepover over the holiday weekend while their mom and dad took a much needed weekend away! They all had fun and Carson cried when Tawna came to pick them up.

Our weekend Fun!

After picking up the kids from school on Friday we jumped in the car and told them we were going somewhere. Megan being the curious one of course noticed the suitcases packed in the back. They were full of questions! We ended up at the AZ Grand Resort in Phoenix. They were so excited. We spent a few hours at their Oasis Water park and then to dinner and then back to the room to crash. They did not crash. All the kids were so tired but could not go to sleep. Here are a few of the fun pictures from our trip!
Carson was so tired and ready for a nap.
The three silly kids
Megan coming off the big slide

Rylan playing in the water splashers
Carson just chilling. I learned he is quite the bully with a pool full of kids.
He loved the wave pool.
Trying to get a little rest!
Watching a movie before bed!

Plug that nose Carson!
Isn't this a cute picture. They loved the lazy river together. Austin going down the big slide.
All in all we had a great time. It was fun to surprise the kids and do something way out of the ordinary. Mom and dad learned we need a major dose of patience. Anybody know where to get some??