Archery opener

I always love being able to go on the opener each year with Bry.  This year, I was the only girl so I got a taste of what elk camp really means.  (Although, I'm pretty sure those men were still holding back a lot....)  It was incredibly hot this year.  We saw a lot of sign and even got in to a few - up close and personal.  We kinda snuck up on them - unknowingly - but were unable to get a good shot.  It was pretty exciting for me.  We came home eating tag soup (as Bry and Rod call it), but we still had a great time.

School's In

As their mother, it's important for me to document every first day of school.  And as they get older....they hate it more and more.  Except for Mr. Brody.  He was all for it!  Brynlee started 4th grade (wha?!?!), Garrett 2nd grade, and Brody preschool.

The day before school started, I was SO ready for them to go back to school.  But then as I dropped them off to each of their classes, my heart ached a little.  Each year, I'm sounding more and more like a mother (as Bry loves to tell me).  But seriously - time is moving so fast for me.  They're changing so much - their personalities, looks, attitudes.  It's exciting and scary at the same time.

 

 

Brody started preschool a week after the other two.....and he was SOOOOO excited!!

(Don't mind the spots on his poor little face.  The mosquitoes have loved him this year.)

 

 

August Rush

Because rush it did. These are just a few snapshots of our crazy life. Hunting started so we didn't have a lot of time together on the weekends. But Bry was pretty good about sticking around as much as he could - because of more hunts later this fall. We were able to work out quite a bit together earlier in the month, but then life got really stressful for me. Planning the Primary program, interviewing for a new job, photoshoots... And it finally caught up to me - when I ended up getting shingles for 2 weeks the end of August! One of the worst things ever. But Bry was a rockstar and literally took care of everything while I layed on the couch and cried for a few days. I felt like a wimp.   But I gained a greater appreciation for Bry and for who he strives to be daily. 

Moving on....

Brody loves to steal our drinks. Even our protein drinks. 

I got to snuggle this new little nephew of ours for a bit after getting to take his pictures. He kept his little hand clasped on to my shirt the whole time I held him. Heaven felt pretty close at that moment. 

More second shooting fun! They needed to use my phone cause Ash forgot hers and of course I had to bomb it. I'm a spaz. 

Somehow date night turned in to truck hunting....and then a purchase! {insert smiley face}. But it sure made Bry a happy camper. And we sure have a lot more room than we did in the Explorer. 

Fun with cousins! Bryn and Rett spent a couple of days with Mizuho and the kids. Apparently they wanted to dress up as zombies. Crazy kids. But I think Mizuho had fun putting her art skills to use. 

I was able to volunteer at the Ogden LDS Temple open house. I was bummed when at the last minute Brody got sick, but Bry said he'd stay home so that I could go. What a really cool experience! I was so excited to be there - I actually stayed longer and went through a tour by myself. How blessed we are to be surrounded by so many temples. And thankful that Bry and I have been going every month. 

And another second shoot with Ash. This time it was her brothers wedding so I got to shoot a little more. But such a fun family and a great day!!

Our ward had a little rodeo and BBQ. Bryn did a little mutton busting and was the only kid that didn't cry! Garrett was content to just ride the horse. 

Worth it

Need I say more?  

Little moments like this - after a hard day of trying to balance....LIFE.

Which I'm not very good at. 

And I feel like I'm failing and wandering in so many directions.

Sometimes motherhood doesn't come easy.

But when this angel baby crawls in my bed because he's pretty adamant that he is not going to go to bed...

And then he ends up falling asleep.

This makes it all worth it.

And maybe, just maybe, I can try again tomorrow.

 

Celebrating Freedom

We didn't plan a lot over July 4th. 

We just had a BBQ with Clint and Mandee, lit a few fireworks and then drove over to our city's fireworks. Mandee and I sat in the car because the mosquitoes were horrible!

Bry and I wanted to try something out with my camera. He was sneaky with his little messages. Haha. I loved his heart and "sexy". 

 

Me and my pal. We've sure been through a lot the last few months but our friendship along with our testimonies have grown.  

 

I had a free haircut for Rett and they put colored gel in. He was feeling pretty patriotic. 

Bryn made me my very own ring for the 4th. She sure loves her rainbow loom. 

More kisses from my little boyfriend. 

Surprise water fight started by the punk next to me. I'm sure the neighbors thought we were crazy. We were laughing so hard... Although I think I was screaming more than anything. 

Oh Jordan. We had worked so hard at the gym that night - so we did the healthiest thing possible and went out for mint shakes afterwards. Dang you Warrens for being so close to the gym! We got many strange looks that night as we were laughing and talking and dancing. Well, Jordan did the dancing while I secretly videotaped it all for future blackmail purposes. 

The kids and I met my friend Ashley over at Clinton Days one night for the talent show. It was...entertaining. 

 

I don't get many candid pics of me and the kids. Bryn and I were hanging out in her room and Bry snuck a couple of pics. 

Girls night out!

Bry and I started a monthly date night with each of the kids where we take turns taking each of the kids out by themselves. Bryn and I went and saw Maleficent and snuck in Chick Fil A. 

Bry and Rett had their guys night - shooting bows and eating steak. Per Rett's request. Bry was pretty proud!

The kids were at school and bryn and I were both working from home. Brody would only take a nap if he could so it in a tent. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Haha. But he crawled right in and took his nap!

Gearing up for hunting season with some friends. We went to the Hunting Film Tour in Salt Lake. It was awesome!

Produce from the garden!!! And once again the spagetti squash is taking over everything!