Spencer's new tie

We used to work so hard to try and get Spencer to wear ties and finally gave up. Recently, Spencer has really been wanting to wear a tie to church. His little kid ties were getting too small so Stuart very proudly passed down one of his ties to Spencer. He is just so cute.

We were filling out a questionaire for his school teacher about him. I was asking him the questions and filling in the answers. The question was, "What is your favorite activity?" He said, "Church." My jaw nearly dropped with shock and excitement. He was also supposed to take 3 things in a bag that describe him. The very first thing he handed me was his old Book of Mormon from his Lubbock, Texas Primary presidency. I was surprised thinking that he would hand me all kinds of his little trinkets and asked him why he chose that. He said, Because it's about Jesus. What a wonderful day for me.

I don't know what I'd do without each of my sweet little kids. They are all so unique and add so much to our family.

Our new police cruiser and fire truck

A couple in the ward gave us their grandkids police cruiser, firetruck, stop sign, gas station, and meter. The kids have been having a blast with it. We have such wonderful friends in the ward. We are so blessed.

The kids kept going back and forth between their kiddie pool and cars. Nephi has been spending a lot of time in the yard. He likes to take anything he can find and fill it with water and then dirt to make a major mud fest. I have tried to have him not get the mud in his pool, but that's kind of a lost cause. I was getting the cups out for dinner tonight and couldn't understand why we didn't have enough cups. Oh yeah, they are kind of occupied in the backyard, or some of them have made it to the trash can. I had to ask myself are these kids cups from Chili's really worth saving? Not really. I'd much rather Nephi enjoy himself...and that he does.

Apron and Concert

This is a picture of me with my new apron that I made in Enrichment. It was so easy and fun. I didn't even think about the fact that it would match my dining room when I bought the material. I was just going with what was on sale and what I liked. Score!Stuart and I went to the Michael Buble concert last Friday night. We took pictures on our cell phones, but we don't have the capabilities to get them onto our computer. Any ways, Stuart's parents let us opt out of Disneyland tickets for these tickets for our Christmas gift last year. Score!!! THanks so much Mom and Dad Spendlove. It was so awesome. Michael Buble's voice is amazing and what a performer he is!

I have the best husband in the world. He was singing along with Michael and dancing with me, while a lot of the guys there you could tell were dragged by their wives. Stuart is so awesome that he will even go with me to all of the Twilight movies. I went with my Mom on opening day for Eclipse because Stuart was at scout camp, but he went with me when he got back. He is wonderful. I guess I need to remember that as I seem to always have some kind of work to be doing when Star Wars is on.

My Boyz

Grandma Lentz with us

One last trip to Seaworld before my mom went home. It was such a blessing to our family to have her here for 2 full months. She is so loving and kind and I can't believe that I have been so fortunate to be her daughter. I was truly in blissville while she was here. She was a great help to me with the kids and I so much appreciate it. Summer and Spencer took turns going to the pool to go do her work out every day. Nephi was attached to her. She left last week and Nephi still tells me that he's not going to go with me to the store or wherever it is that I am going and that he's going to stay with grandma. I have to keep reminding him that she went home. I know that my Dad missed her very much and is very happy to have her back. But she was able to lose 36 pounds!!! She did awesome on her diet and will continue on her journey at home. I am so proud of you Mom.

Veggie Pizzas

With 100 degree weather and no real AC I was not about to turn the oven on. So we had pita bread for our yummy veggie pizzas. This is one of my favorite dinners. I usually make the crust out of crescent rolls, but this was delicious too. It really hit the spot and is making me hungry looking at it.

The best part is that it is so easy. You just get your crust, put ranch veggie dip (you can use nonfat plain yogurt with ranch mix for a healthier dip) on top, sprinkle some mozz. cheese, and your favorite fresh veggies.

What? School starts on AUG 12!!!! Way too early

We took the kids annual pictures in front of our house before school. But it just wasn't fair. They finished school on June 18th and started back on Aug. 12th. They were definitely robbed of a summer vacation. We had a great summer though, while it lasted. They have been excited to be back in school.

Fun at Cabrillo National Park

Stuart's b-day

For Stuart's b-day we went to Hodad's, a really cool burger place with a surfer theme. Then we went to Cabrillo National Monument. It was breath-taking. We got to see a Navy submarine leaving port and submerging into the water. We also saw an aircraft carrier come in. Wow, what an awesome place to live. I love being 15 minutes from the beach.

Navy submarine

The wind was blowing so strong that day.

Spencer and Nephi's Birthday Party

This is the only picture that turned out in the birthday party bunch. Spencer and Nephi had a great joint b-day (6th and 3rd) party. Lots of church friends and old neighbors came. Stuart's b-day party was a week later with his surfer friends. I guess I was too busy cooking to take any pictures. It's quite different with an adult party than a kid's party. We had hot dogs at the kids' party, but an actual yummy dinner at Stuart's party. Both parties were a lot of fun and we are so grateful for the wonderful friends we have.

My sweet little Benson of course

Benson loves to crawl everywhere, including outside where he got into the sidewalk chalk (as you can see evidence on his mouth and hands on the pics above). Nephi is only that loving and kind crawling beside Benson when the camera comes out. I guess maybe I should have the camera with me all of the time so that he is always sweet with his little brother.

Below, Summer was putting him in our new police cruiser. He was loving it.

Benson at Seaworld

Benson asleep with Grandma in our dining room

A picture of Benson in April or May

Summer and her 3rd and 4th grade teacher

Summer is with her 3rd grade teacher at the end of the school year. We loved her. Her teacher is teaching 4th grade this school year and so she has her this year as well. We could opt out of having her again, but we certainly wouldn't want to change a good thing. Last year the 3rd graders were tested for the GATE (gifted and talented education) program. Summer tested into it, but it's not that it really matters because they have pretty much cut the program because of budget cuts. Oh well.

Spencer's Kindergarten

This picture was taken at the end of the year of Spencer's Kindergarten year. After looking at the picture and noticing Spencer's face, we asked him if he had a crush on his teacher. He smiled and said yes. Can you tell! She was the perfect teacher for him.

Stripey the Tigress Spendlove

Summer finally got her kitten after asking for 6 years. Dreams do come true! We love her. She is so tolerant of Nephi holding her and running around with her. She is perfect for our family.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!

I want to thank all those who responded to the suicide research post. My Mom and I are writing a book to comfort those that have been affected by suicide of a loved one. Your stories and input have touched our hearts and really helped us in the process. I really prayed about how to go about this and posting this on my blog was what the Lord told me to do. I never imagined the response. I know that when the Lord asks us to do something, He truly provides the way for us to accomplish it. Thank you for helping Him/us accomplish this.

I'd love to hear from anyone else that may have something to share as we are still collecting stuff.

And yes, I will soon blog with family pics. Stuart is the only one who knows how to download pics. He has taught me, but I always forget. Sorry.