Maisie the Teenager

This little lady is 13!  Her special day was spent at school and track, but we celebrated her the best we could.

Morning presents came early, but we were all awake (except Andy).

She wanted German pancakes with strawberries and cream for breakfast -- so easy and so delicious.

Ryan and I spent the afternoon baking her dinner requests.  She did want a cookie cake again this year.  Ryan added all the sprinkles.

Then he and I finished decorating her party table.

Grandma B. came for dinner and cake.  She giggled hard she cried -- her noise blower made a really deep sound, and we were all laughing hysterically.

Maisie is the first to recognize her adolescent moods; she quickly apologizes and changes.  Maisie is Molly's favorite because she follows Molly whenever beckoned.  Maisie in Ryan's favorite because she'll read him every book he wants.  Maisie is Eddie's favorite because she makes up games like, "Grass bombs and Water Wars."  Maisie is Maddie's favorite because she understands when mornings are hard and makes their bed without help.  Maisie is Nick's favorite because she shares her reading lists and encourages him through the slower parts of books.  Maisie is Andy's favorite because she let's him ride on her back (he outweighs her by 30 pounds).  Maisie is Meg's favorite because she quietly goes to the basement to sit and chat and laugh.  Maisie is my favorite because, "Yes, Mom." is her usual reply to all chores and correction.  Maisie is Austin's favorite because she's the cleverest.  Maisie is our favorite girls that is 13.  This year she'll prepare to go the MUHS; we hopes she grows.  We love Maisie!

Sunny September

Fast Sunday comes around each month.  My sweet children are learning that fast 24 hours is no easy feat.  Luckily Grandma B. had us over for dinner, and we ate all she prepared.  They then played a bit of "Clue."

 Monday we went with friends to Mingus Mountain.  We simply day-camped and rode quads.  I didn't take one picture of the 40 people that were there, but we came home happy and filthy.

 Ryan's face is proof.

 One year ago, Andy and I took this same picture.  We were the same height.

 I can't see the top of his head anymore.  This boy is big!

 This girl is still just my size.  She's the perfect lap dog.

 "Super Readers!  To the rescue!"  Meg made them all join hands to prepare for the afternoon general house clean-up.  It actually worked.

 Nick and Maisie raced Wednesday.  Meg and Andy raced Saturday.  I am running all across the course to cheer them on (whilst balancing Molly on my back), so I never take pictures.  I guess that's the goal this week.

 Maisie's birthday was lovely.

 Friday I found a sitter, and Austin and I went to the temple.  We were the witness couple, and I learned some new gospel truths that I had never before considered.

 I felt God's love for me.  I felt a greater desire to keep the sabbath day holy, serve more, partake of the sacrament with full purpose and come to know Jesus Christ by always remembering his sacrifice.  I was just tickled to be there. (Side note: I wore my wedding dress, since its purpose was to be my temple dress, and I had several ladies ask if we were newlyweds.  I decided they must not see very well.)

Saturday morning came early.  I really loved being smashed by all these bodies.

 Saturday night I found my favorite autumnal treat on my bed.  I scooped up that candy and shared it Sunday afternoon.  So sweet.

Always August

I trimmed three little neck hairs.  Molly's hair looks less like a mullet.

 Then I curled it.  She did look darling.

 Maisie ran for Student Body Vice President.  She won! Her posters were darling.

 Meg recently needed a passport photo.  We ended up in the photo department and Ryan remembered and wanted his picture taken in the same spot.  Of course Molly join in.

 FHE on Monday night was running and jumping all over the back yard.  We all enjoyed the smiles on the littles' faces as we played "Duck, Duck Goose" and "Ring Around the Rosies."

 Wednesday both the bigs and middles had cross country meets.  Meg and Maisie placed second, Nick placed fourth, and Andy placed near the front of the pack.

 Maisie gave her speech in the form of the Spice Girls song.  She was brilliant.

 Thursday our favorite friend, Cameron Julian, came for a visit.  We spent the evening together totally relaxed.  It was a special treat to see the man he has become.

 Then we gathered around his phone to talk to Karen, my one and only BFF.

 Maddie and Maisie both earned the monthly awards at school.

 Saturday was another meet for the bigs.  We drove to Flag and watched these two compete.  It wasn't their best meet, but Austin helped them find some positive take-aways.

 Here is our big girl doping up on beets -- just as Grandpa suggested.

This week was my hardest one, ever.  I'm struggling with something deep in my soul.  I don't have all the answers.  But, I did learn that God is love.  He sent his son in love.  Jesus is his son, and the reason he died for me is because he loves me.  They both love me.  I show my love for them by loving others before myself.  I am happy when I think of others.  I become like Jesus when I forget myself and serve.  I feel happy because I feel God's love when I serve.  God loves me whether or not I follow him.  But, I will not be happy if I don't serve and obey.  I want to be happy.  Discouragement and despair only come when I am consumed in what I want, not submitting my will to theirs. 

Garden Harvest

The best treasure this week was harvesting the summer garden vegetables.  We ate those vegetables right up!

 Molly awakens from her nap everyday with shoes, glasses and a hat.

 Confession:  They do this.

 But we always do this first.

 Wednesday Nick and Maisie ran their first cross country meet of the season.  Maisie took second and Nick took fourth!  They are pretty incredible!

 On the way Ryan dumped an entire bag of Chex in his lap.  I was nice!  What?

 This boy comes home from practice starving.  I found him crouched over his novel waiting for his turn in the dinner line.

 Sweet sisters.

 Family dance party ended up in a jumping game.  Here is Ryan flying through the air  -- the little ones all took turns.

 Friday Austin and I were invited to go boating with friends.  We spent the day relaxing and enjoying each other.  Grandma B.  filled in all the holes, as is customary.  She does it with mildness and gentleness.  I learn about charity by being loved by her.

 Saturday we actually ate lunch as a family, and swam for like five minutes until the clouds rolled in.  A hang-glider soared overhead, and they screamed and yelled and tried to get his attention.

Sunday night we gathered for family scriptures (I lost my phone all day, so I don't have any pictures of Grandma and Grandpa B. coming for dinner, Tenzi and relaxing.  We had a lovely time all together.), and I traded earrings with Molly.  So funny!