The labor part of Labor Day.

After the fun camping part, we did the tough get ready for winter part. I can't wait to cozy up next to the fireplace and roast my toesies! Now just to get the fireplace...

Labor Day Camping

Shane spent time gold panning with Cal and Uncle Bert. And of course no luck left for gold...look at his wife!

Must be lots of work riding around on Dad.

Yes that is my child, yes it's a worm, yes I was a good mom. Yes I did get a little hysterical when she wasn't looking.

Fishing turns out to be more 'playing with worms and sticks' with a three year old.

The most beautiful dirty face in the world.

Resolution Accomplished!

I accomplished a goal this year. I started running. I did a the Tommy Vaughn 5K, the Bone and Back 5 mile-40 mile relay, and my favorite... The Triathamom! I learned a lot this year. Running in wet shorts is a little tricky.  Down hill is harder than up. Breathing above the water level is the preferred method. Go to the bathroom before you go.  I made some amazing and lifelong friends too. It's crazy that after you have completely burned any sense of sanity and honestly could hurl on someone at any moment, that is where the best memories and friends are found... You know a few days later after you realize you aren't dead!

Bryn is my girl, and Tuesday August 27, 2013 she turned three! So we spent the day doing exactly whatever she wanted. Because that's what a birthday should be.

Just when you are exhausted and to tired to feel... Anything, our Heavenly Father does something nice just for you, to remind you that you are worth all that work of cloud and ray arranging. I know I was the only person to see the sunset like that because if you drive another ten feet you miss it! 

Somebody is THREE!!

Happy birthday Girl. You have grown up so much this year. I am so proud of you and the beautiful girl you are. You are such a protective big sister, you are learning to share and to be grateful. You have the amazing ability to laugh and sing anywhere any time, and I hope you always do that. I love your imagination, and that you know you are a rockstar-superhero-princess! I believe you when you tell me that you can do anything! I hope you always have that optimistic view on this world. I love you like crazy girl! Happy Birthday!

Oh man, that's the cutest boy I've ever seen! You're cute too Uncle Bert;)

Landon, I know your in love. I'm just not sure if its with Aunna for sharing Nutella muddy buddies with you, or just food in general.

Froggy Fashion

What a lively brooch my dahling! Please forgive me for not following suit and wearing one to work today.

I am a Triathom!

I had such an incredible weekend! I am now a triathamom! A sprint triathalon for moms! I trained with some pretty amazing ladies this summer and we all made it to the finish line! 

First time Landon ate spaghetti all by himself. Don't worry buddy, someday you'll get more in your tummy than in your hair.

Canning day! Thanks to Linda and my Mom, I now have 80 pints of freshly canned green beans. And one cutie patootie boy!

The field is white, ready for harvest. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven.

This is what happens when daddy isn't home.

Last month Bryn scraped her knee on the sidewalk. I glanced at it a few times during the next week, but probably didn't give it the attention it really needed. One day she stopped walking on it and was crying that her knee hurt. When I looked at it, there was no question about it, we were going to the doctor. Her knee had become badly infected, probably from the negligence of her mommy. We ended up making three trips to the doctor, a few needles to drain her knee, numerous bandages, and countless hugs and kisses trying to wipe away her hurt and tears. One trip to the doctor we decided to put her on some antibiotics. As we were leaving the office I kept thinking how this wouldn't have ever happened if I could just slow down, "smell the roses," and just spend a little more time with my babies. Give them the love and attention they need, take care of them like they need to be cared for. Just slow down. When we got to the pharmacy, we learned we needed to wait just a few minutes for her medicine to be ready. I asked Bryn what we should do while we wait. With all of her two-year-old wisdom that outshines anyone I'll ever know, she said, "Mom, can we just go smell those flowers?"

What a sweetie! And I don't just mean the cereal stuck to his face.