I know!

I know it's not a winter picture! For those of you new to my blog, and I know there are only a few people who look anyway, I am not a fan of winter. So I chose a spring picture. This is the grounds around Edinburgh Castle. So much better than some light blue and white picture of snow. I can see that looking out my window, thank you. Plus, I'm kind of proud of myself, because I found this picture online, and changed the HTML code to make a new background picture. For me, that's major!!

Cozy Reading

Anyone who knows me, knows that reading is not one of my favorite things to do. (I'd really rather be outside mowing the lawn or something.) However, reading to my kids is an entirely different story. Especially when the weather is nasty outside and it gets dark at like 5:00. So here are some books that my kids have really loved having me read to them, and which I also enjoyed.

1. The Little House on the Prairie books. Especially the ones illustrated by Garth Williams. We started with The Little House in the Big Woods and read them in order. They are great books and reminded me what is really important. Also made me grateful that I live now. I read these to Brook and Jake when Brook was in first grade. Then I read them to Jake again when he was in first grade because he didn't remember them. They both loved them.

2. The Ramona Books by Beverly Cleary. The first one is Ramona and Beezus. I started reading these to Summer, and now Brook and Jake won't let me start until they've finished their homework and can listen in also. These ones remind me of when I grew up. And the kids think they're hilarious.

3. Fablehaven. We've only completed the first one, and we're starting the second. All my kids like them, although they might be a tad scary for the younger ones.

I'd love to hear about some books you have enjoyed reading to your kids. Yes, Harry Potter is on our list to read, although Brook and Jake have already started and read a few on their own. The next ones I'd like to read to them are the Chronicles of Narnia. Please no suggestions of Junie B. Jones. I'm not a fan.

The Year of Repairs

The last 12 months have been, well, expensive. Fax and I have started referring to it as, "The year of repairs." Why? Because it seems that every machine in our house is going to, or has, broken this year. Would you like the list? Probably not, but here goes anyway:
1. Dishwasher. Replacement cost: $500 (We got a good deal on a scratch n' dent.)
2. All three cars & multiple times. I guess that's how it goes when your newest car is almost 15 years old. Fortunately, Fax is very handy and can fix most car issues. And when he can't, he has a good friend that's also a mechanic who trades with him. Don't really know how much we ended up spending on these for parts, etc. Not really sure I want to know.
3. Air conditioner. $600. We didn't even get a new one, we just had the coil replaced. So it's just a matter of time before we have to shell out the really big bucks! (Sorry Leah and Matt for having to stay in our house before the repair man came.)
4. Computer. $500. It kicked the bucket, but fortunately we had already saved our files. Phew!
5. Monitor. A few months later our newerish monitor crapped out too. How much? Fax said he got a good deal on it, so I didn't ask. I get a little stressed out about spending.
6. Washing machine. The ball-bearings started leaking or something. To fix it would cost more than it's worth, and that's if Fax fixed it. Since we had another one, it wasn't that big of a deal.
7. Lawn mower. $150. We not only had to pay that much to get it fixed, but it also took almost a month. Note to self, spring is a very busy time for lawn mower repair men.
8. Multiple outdoor lights. $80. We're not talking new light bulbs, but actually replacing the entire fixture. Que Fax. Thank goodness, I can't imagine how much more it would have been to have an electrician put them in.
9. Garbage Disposal. $150. I forgot this one last night.
And last but not least......(at least I hope it's last.)....
10. Washing machine. Price ? I don't know, because it just stopped working yesterday, and we haven't had a chance to replace it yet. Yes, the other washing machine that we've been using has now also gone the way of all the earth. I'll try looking on the bright-side. No laundry for at least a couple of days.

Honestly, I'm not trying to complain. I actually think it's pretty funny. And I'm looking forward to next year, because everything will be working perfectly. Thankfully, none of the people in our household have needed any major repairs. Just things. And every single one of those things people didn't even really have 100 years ago. Technically, none of these things are actually needs. I think most Americans would classify them as such, but most of the world lives without them.
So apparently when your house is coming up on twelve years, it's time to trade in for a newer model. Who knew? And if, for some reason, you would love a broken washing machine, let me know. I've got two. If not, I'll use my free coupon to the dump. Aaahhh, free.

Flag Football '09

Jake had a great time playing flag football this year. Fax was able to help coach, and Jake's head coach, Kyle, was awesome.

This picture cracks me up, because the boy standing next to Jake is sucking on his flag. EEWW!

Yes, I swear that Jake is playing in the right age group.

We love you Jake!

Squaw Peak & Beyond

Yesterday we drove up to Squaw Peak with the kids. We hadn't been there since 2003, so none of the kids remembered it. Especially Summer, since she wasn't even born. After visiting Squaw Peak (which was freezing) we continued on the road that goes behind Rock Canyon and over to Springville. It was really beautiful with all the leaves changing color. We even saw some snow at the higher elevations. Here are some pictures of our trip. I'm not a very good photographer, so I'm sure these pictures don't do the landscape justice. Plus, the pictures are in reverse order. One of these days I'll remember to start at the end and go to the beginning for blogging...maybe.

Jake's 8!

Well, it's been a fun week! Jake turned eight this week and even got to do the Pinewood Derby on his birthday! (I, of course, forgot my camera. So my phone camera will have to suffice. Pictures at a later time. Too tired.) Tonight Jake got to go to the BYU vs. Colorado State football game with Fax. They had a great time, and BYU even won. GO COUGS!
Christy and I went a little crazy on the cake. But I think Jake liked it. Thanks for the help Christy!! And thank you to Andy for making the face mask!
Now if I can just get through the Primary Program tomorrow...

Back To School

I know most moms relish this time of year. Not me. I hate it. I wish summertime would last forever. Thankfully, all the kids got great teachers this year, and were relatively excited to be going back to school. (I really try not to let my disdain rub-off on them.) And thanks, Gran, for making breakfast for the kids on their first day. They love that, as do I. Summer started Kindergarten a week after Brook and Jake started. She and Wynn are super excited to be in the same class. (I'm excited too. It's always easier to send them off knowing that a cousin 'has their back' so-to-speak.) I remember going to Kindergarten for one whole week with my cousin B.J. when we lived in Wenatchee. (Then we moved to Spokane.) But I think I remember more from that one week then the entire rest of the year. Our teacher was missing part of one of her fingers, and I remember many discussions between us about how that could have happened. I think we finally decided that she must have left a too-tight rubberband on her finger over-night.