Summer's End

"I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

A friend posted this a few months ago and I've just loved it. Sister Hinckley was such an awesome lady...one of my favorites. When I grow up I hope to be just like her.

Sister Hinckley has also been known for disliking a summer's end. For the children must return to school and the time is no longer her's to spend with the children to laugh, explore, do projects with etc. I now know for myself what it is like to send a child to school. Cameron has entered Kindergarten and will now be in school for the next 12-16 years. I have been so excited for him but at the same time so sad. These five years have just slipped by so fast. I'm not sure how ...it just did. I did not cry, I was so happy for Cameron but as I think about the next year when he must move on to a full day of school, my heart breaks. I will never again have the time with him as I had. If only I had enjoyed each day with him more.

This summer has been one of my favorites. I took the summer off and was able to focus on my children. Be a MOM. Be a Wife. Be THERE. It has been amazing the difference. When I don't have a million things to do, deadlines, places to be etc. I'm not so focused on me therefore do not get agitated or frustrated at my kids. Crazy...but even changing my kids clothes 7 times in one day has not bothered me and has been very enjoyable because I know my kids are being kids and loving life. Water, mud, sand, ice, grass, bikes, scooters, slides, swings, shaved ice, Bear Lake (5x's), sleeping bags, jet skiing, walks, clouds, stars, tramps, laughing, playing, canyon drives, roasted marshmallows, swimming lessons, Lindon pool, and picnics was how we spent our summer and will forever be some of our most favorite memories.

FAMIIES ARE FOREVER

We went to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple for FHE. We had a great time...the kids always love walking around the temple. Of course I had to take a few pictures...cause I want one in my living room. Taking family pictures of my own family can be quite entertaining I'm sure. I have my camera set up on a stool (because I lost the attachment to my tripod) and run back and forth between each shot to start the timer. Each time the kids would take off and we would have to round them up again. Of course I should of got some help but, I always decide to do these thing last second so you get what you get.

The cutest boys in my life!!!

I love being a mother. I love my children and sweet husband so much. I'm so grateful for temples and that we can be a family forever.Cameron is my sweet sunshine.

Cameron took this picture of Tiggy! I promised if he stood still for some pictures he could take some too!Jason was so excited to see the temple. He just stared and stared.

Happy Birthday Cameron!

I know I say it a lot...but time really does fly! Cam is now 5 and will be going to Kindergarten this year. I think I'll be so sad, I know I will cry. He is such a joy to our home and always makes us smile (laugh) I am so lucky to be his mother. Thanks Cameron for being a part of our family we love you.






For breakfast we had Eggel-Ham-Bagels.
For lunch we had sandwiches and got snow cones and went to the park. They were yummy.
For dinner Cameron chose to eat at IHOP. Grandma and Grandpa Bingham and Great Grandma Leutze came and we had a really fun time. Cam got smiley face pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

Cameron's favorite part of his birthday was finding his presents. Darin drew a map of the yard again and marked an X for his presents.

Can you find him Cam?

Cameron loves his Transformers...he got STARCREAM and BUMBLEBEE!!! Sometime we catch him sleeping with them.
and for the Dad's special surprise....two Hermit Crabs. One named Herman and the other Sherman.

Meet Herman

What a great day!

Jason's First Birthday

Jason is ONE!!!

Wow time flies, seriously I think this year just pasted before my eyes. I hope this next year I can enjoy my kids a little more and embrace every moment I have with them.

Cameron and Brigham wrapped Jason's presents and colored on them...it was so cute! Then they helped unwrap them for their birthday brother.

Brigham picked out the Thomas the Train ball...Jason's favorite toy.

Cameron loved the jack in the box he picked out for Jason

Cameron loves his brother

such a daddy's boy

There are three candles...one for each boy to blow out. Strawberry Shortcake...YUM!