Roll the ball

Playing with Daddy

Tonight Michelle and Jim have been playing together after dinner, before Michelle goes to bed. Michelle is also getting better and better at sitting up!

Summer Break Begins

The beginning of summer break is often a relief for teachers, and in most ways this summer was no different. I was a little stressed over the possibility of an EXTENDED break, meaning I had no job to which I would return in the fall. Fortunately that fear has been abated. Last week I received a call that a contract was available for me and I signed it when I returned from St. George!

I was in St. George to visit my family last week. Jim, Michelle and I drove up Friday, May 29. Jim left Sunday afternoon to come back home. Michelle and I stayed for the week. Then Jim drove back the following Friday and we all stayed until Monday. It was wonderful to spend time with my family, but I don't know if we will do that again . . . I don't like being away from my sweetheart that long!

Though I know he enjoys St. George . . . especially when he gets to go hiking with Travis or hit the golf course with the boys.

Jim took this one of Travis. Apparently Travis almost killed Jim on this hike.

The week was pretty relaxing. I read a lot, which I usually do in the summer. I discovered a wonderful new fantasy series, the Mortal Instruments series which I would reccommend to anyone who shares my love of fantasy.


I helped a little but mostly watched as my parents and younger siblings worked to make their yard look fabulous!

Everyone helps put in sod

My sister Summer can't lift much, but she sure can water the dirt well!

My mom is a hard working woman!

Michelle just watches, she doesn't like getting her hands dirty I guess :)

I spent a lot of time with Michelle, and tried my best to share her with Grandma and Grandpa and her aunts and uncles.
My little sister's baby, Morgan, was blessed Sunday, so there was a gathering of family the second weekend. It was great to see my Grandma Swords and Aunt Carol & Uncle Gary. We spent a little time with my mom and stepdad Saturday night. We were able to spend time with Michelle's cousins Ryan and Maya. She really liked them. But she seemed to enjoy everyone. She is a little charmer, that's for sure!

Grandpa, Maya, Ryan, Michelle

The Thinker

My CRAZY brothers and sisters

I cleaned up in this game of Tripoli

Though the look on my face may not say it, I had a good time around the fire.

Can you tell who is Madison and who is Brooke?

Get the Kiwi!

Jim and I were eating dinner and she was on the table in her chair, she first brought the fruit bowl as far as it would go and then proceeded to struggle to get the kiwi. What was so cute about it is how much thought she put into it. We could see her formulating plans in her mind and looking around for better ways to get the kiwi. She really is a smart little one!

Playing Outside

Mom and Dad are gardening and Michelle just gets to play and watch. She was too cute to pass up a little video clip.

Beautiful Everything

We have been pretty busy in this new beautiful weather! Jim is building a wood patio out back! He is almost finished . . . we will be bbq-ing this weekend! I have been trying to get our front flower gardens looking beautiful for the summer, in between feedings and diaper changings (and more than a little playing with Michelle).

Last weekend we went to see our friends in New Mexico. It was their little boy's birthday! We had a wonderful dinner, took all of the 5 minutes it takes to see their "village", and really just had a great time! You know, it's nice to have friends somewhat close again.

They had a walker both their children have outgrown and Michelle loved it. They let us bring it home for her. Thanks for everything you guys!

Michelle turned 5 months old and is looking very pretty, if a little chubby.

And I had my 1st mother's day (as a mother). Michelle got me a gorgeous bracelet (I'm not sure how much of a hand she had in picking it out). Jim got me my patio! Not that I need a gift for being a mother. Since being a mother IS a gift! I should be giving THEM something for how beautiful they make everything in my life!

Favorite Things

Michelle's favorite place to be is her changing table in the bathroom. She likes to grab on to the railing that Jim built and roll around as much as she can. Her favorite thing to do lately is SPIT! I have to admit if it wasn't so cute it might be gross!