I don't know what your mornings are like but our can be pretty crazy- especially when I teach Seminary and Robert is out of town. Anyway this morning was one of those crazy mornings with Ross when I just had shake my head and laugh because the only other option was to cry.

So Ross comes down this morning (moments before we need to walk out the door of course) in the most hideous outfit imaginable. I gave him the look that says in no uncertain terms, yeahrite- if you think you are leaving the house wearing THAT! He knew right away that there was trouble and said innocently, "What Mom?" I said, "You know what Ross." He said, "Okay Mom here is the deal (I always know I am in for something good when he starts off that way) if you want me to look good EVERYDAY- you are going to have to give me something better to work with!" I could not help but laugh. Oh Ross! Honestly where does he come up with this stuff?

I know, I know-they are handsome.
But when left to their own devises, they are clueless about fashion!

I had to give a talk on Gratitude last Sunday in Sacrament Meeting- I acutally love giving talks in church so it really was not a big deal. Anyway, after the meeting one of the men in the congregation came up to me and said, "Sister Wadsworth, your talk...it was very...oh what is the word in English... it was very exhaustive!" I cracked up. It would not have been half as funny if I had not spoken 15 minutes longer than I was supposed to. I tried to convince myself that his comment was meant to be a complement and that he simple made a slight grammatical error- that perhaps he meant to say, my talk was thorough or complete. But who I am kidding- the cat is out of the bag, I am a long, tiring, boring (and adjective suggested by Spencer when I read him what I was writing) speaker!

Mama Mia- what am I going to do with myself?

My Sister is coming it Italy this weekend and we are thrilled!! It has been ages since we have seen each other and I am really looking forward to spending some time together and seeing some of the wonderful sights Italy has to offer. Well, I am not the only one that is excited- my boys are thrilled too! Everyday they ask when she is coming and everyday I tell them.

Today Spencer woke up exceptionally early (because there is no school today) and said, "Good News everyone- Aunt Jen gets on the plane today and will be here tomorrow!" His announcement was followed by lots of cheering and dancing by Ross.

A little while later Ross asked me if I thought Aunt Jen would like the way he thinks she is going to look. I said, "Well, Ross that depends on what you think she looks like." He thought for a minute then closed his eyes and said, "Well, I think she has long, black, curly hair, white skin and a really big smile." I thought that was a pretty good description and was about to say so when he added. "And she is wearing a purple shirt and black pants." I laughed out loud. He opened his eyes and said defensively, "What!?! That is what she was wearing the last time I saw her!" I laughed again- what a crack up!

Anyway, we are excited. Only a few more hours and we get Aunt Jen for 10 whole days! YEAH!!

The boys went trick or treating again this year- they had a blast! Two days before Halloween however, the plan was to stay home, make caramel corn and watch a movie. This was their idea not mine but I didn't mind and had planned accordingly. So when we went to a Halloween party on Friday night and all their friends were dressed up and dazzled about trick or treating- they got the itch to go too. I wanted to say no because I just didn't think I could pull it off cool costumes and safe candy in such a short amount of time. In the end... I gave in! Good thing it is dark outside on Halloween night and my boys don't mind costumes made of old bedding! Anyway, it was a fun day- have a look!

Ross as Anakin Skywalker

Spencer as OB1

Jedi Knights

A little Halloween Drama

A little more Halloween Drama
(because the first time wasn't enough to make me wonder why I ever let them watch Star Wars in the first place! Mamma Mia!)

Trick or Treating Fun!

Spencer and I just had a funny "conversation" (okay, it was more like a lecture) on the way home from P.E. that I just had to share.

Lately Spencer has been very consumed with writing and illustrating his own comics. It is something I encourage of course, but... I do get tired of him asking me fifty two times a day if I have any ideas he could use to create a funny comic to add to his collection. So, today on the way home when he asked me that very question... I sighed and came up with the best thing I could think of. Now would be an appropriate place to pause and say that I am not a terribly funny person so these kinds of questions are really tough for me but I did my best. I told him what I thought would be funny for his next creation and he paused and said, "Hum... you know Mom, somethings are funny in life and some things (usually different things) are funny in comics. And well, I don't think that is funny in either one!" I cracked up! "Okay then," I said between chuckles, "enlighten me child- what makes a funny comic?" He went on to explain all the ins and outs of good comic writing and I must admit he had some pretty great ideas.

The funniest part about the whole thing though was his manner. He was acting just the way I do when I explain something to him. Which is exactly the way my own excellent parents explained things to me when I was a kid. I guess dad was right after all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. And a good things too since I am pretty fond of us!

I am in complete denial about how long it has been since I have written here and about how much has changed in my life in the last few months. I am well- happy and feeling fulfilled but it has been a little rough these last many weeks getting organized and finding balance. I am hoping to make time on a more regular basis to write on this blog as it really is something I love. I love writing because it forces me to think. I don't know about you but there are days and days and days and weeks that go by when I am so busy there is hardly a moment to think about the things that are most important. If nothing else my blog writing slows me down long enough to see and enjoy and think about the wonderful things in my life. So... there you have it- my renewed commitment to write. Please feel free to calling me or write me a nasty e-mail if I fail to follow through. That's what good friends are for, isn't it? To help you remember your goals and to love you as you strive to achieve them! Alright then, I am counting on you!

Ross had been acting particularly grumpy the last few days so I decided we needed a little snuggle time to get to the bottom of things.

After our regular night time routine yesterday I called him in to snuggle and talk. I said, "Ross, I am worried about you. Are you okay?" After a few moments of thought he said, "Okay Mom here is the deal, I either want you to give me up for adoption or I want to see some changes around here." Despite his complete sincerity I found it hard not to laugh. After composing myself I managed to say, "Well, since giving you up for adoption is not an option- lets hear about the changes you would like to see." He launched into a list of 7 things he wanted to be different about our family- clearly he had given this some thought. Here they are in the order he gave them to me.

1. Making money chores worth more than $1 each.
2. Giving a raise in allowance.
3. Getting better "stuff" to play with.
4. Getting a pet you can "play with" (like a dog, chickens or a fish (his words not mine))
5. Doing more fun things as a family.
6. Being less busy.
7. Getting a game system of some sort.

Seriously people, what am I going to do with this kid? I love that he was willing to share his concerns (heck I am impressed that he could identify and verbalize what was bothering him) but... mama mia! Isn't this a little... I don't know, weird?

I mean, I actually agree with him on many of these things- they are changes I would like to see too (all except the game system thing of course). We have an extraordinary boring life and I imagine it is stifling to a fun loving guy like Ross but I am just not sure what to do about it.

On the one hand, life to is to lived to its fullest and enjoyed and if you can make things better for your children you should, right? But sometimes I think my kids have it WAY too easy and WAY too good. They had no idea what life is like for most people. I mean, if my sons greatest concerns in life are that he doesn't have a pet to play with or a game system to use, then his view is pretty limited. And while I get that that is probably normal for a 7 year old, I wish there was someway to teach them to recognize how much they have and to be grateful for it. Of course, we talk about "counting our blessing" and being grateful and living here in Italy (where so many people have so little) has helped a little but... they only know it in their minds they don't yet feel it in their hearts. (SIGH)

What can I do to teach them? How can I be a better example? What experience can I create for them to help them understand? Is it wrong to want them to have everything great opportunity and experience I can provide? Is it cruel to want them to make to struggle for things? What is the right balance?

Though it is still hotter than blazes here- all of the school shopping and planning and preparing has me thinking about and really looking forward to fall. I love fall- it is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather. I love the changing colors. I love the smell of earth after a solid rain. I love the pumpkins and cider and the apple butter that are always available in abundance in the fall. It is just a nice time of year. So... when I can across these pictures from fall 2004 I thought I would share them.

This is a picture of Ross and I at a fall festival in Mississippi! It was so fun. There was a corn maze (that is where this picture is taken), a hay ride, tractor races, pumpkins for picking and animals for petting. It was great. Here are our favorite pictures we remember the day by.

Ahhh, how I love those fun filled fall days!

A few days ago Spencer was invited to go to a friends house at 1 pm (I have decided that is a really mean trick to play on kids and their parents- especially in the summer time). Anyway, it was all he could do to wait for the afternoon to come. Around 12 pm I started getting lunch ready. I put a big pot of water on the stove to boil. I put the pot on the stove and went to take care of other things but Spencer stayed in the kitchen. After five minutes or so I saw him wonder out of the kitchen into the living room. After another five minutes we went back into the kitchen. He did this several times before he came into the laundry room where I was working and said, "Mom, you know how they say a watched pot never boils? Well, I have made a discovery... a thought about pot never boils either!" I couldn't help myself, laughed out loud because that is such a Spencer thing to say. I love that kid- he is so clever!

My Mom recently published two great posts on her blog about adding heart icons to your text and striking out text. Here is my first attempt at both.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Mom.
We ♥ you and think you are
the coolest person ever great!

This is a picture of Spencer on his first day of Kindergarten.
Isn't he little and cute?

I decided the only reason he was smiling in this picture is because he had no idea what he was getting into with school when I took it. I remember being so proud when I dropped him off that first day- he went in without a fuss while all the other kids were crying and carrying on. I remember thinking, wow, I must be a great mom- my son is so well adjusted. (LOL) The next day and every other day of kindergarten while all the other kids went to class without a fuss Spencer was the one crying and carrying on. Oh my, lets hope my mothering skills had nothing to do with THAT kind of behavior.

Anyway, when I picked him up after school that first day his teacher said, "Spencer is SO funny. Around 10 am he asked when you were going to come a get him. When I told him 2 pm. He said, "oh no, there must be some mistake. My mom wouldn't leave me here that long." I can just hear him saying that- poor kid. I am afraid school has been a tough thing for him from the start but he has done great! We're so proud of you Spencer for working hard and getting good grades. We love you!

I have recently made a discovery... the nothingness of August (and all of the uncomfortable feelings it produces) is really what drives the madness I call "my life" the rest of the year. It is the fear that the rest of the year will feel as unproductive and unfulfilled as August that causes me to over do all day long, day after day, month in and month out. Interesting, isn't it? But I am not quite sure what to do about it.

You'd think the answer was simple, just do more in August and do less the rest of the months of the year... but there is a catch. There really is NOTHING to do in August in Italy. Really, I am not kidding- there is NOTHING TO DO. So you see the madness that is sure to follow in September, October, November, December, etc. is... inevitable. (sigh) What is a girl to do?

This is how I feel about August.

This is a picture of Ross and Grandma Bonnie on his third birthday- isn't he CUTE?!

I remember asking him that year what he wanted for his birthday. Of course, when I asked I meant what kind of toys and books he wanted but before I could explain he answered without hesitation, "CAKE and ICE CREAM!" Done! Ross is an easy kid to please- the little things in life bring him lots of happiness and joy! I love that about Ross.

Well, you will pleased to know I am feeling much better today.

Yesterday really threw me for a loop especially when I realized that the $1494 we spent on the car was actually going to come from the $1500 we had saved for our Summer vacation to Germany. Leaving us with a grand total of $6 for our family get-a-way. Whaaaa! No seriously... I cried. I have been looking forward to this vacation all summer- river rafting, para sailing, bike riding, the beautiful Austrian Alps. It was intended to be our "reward" for surviving another summer in Naples. So why am I feeling better today, you might ask, when our infuriating car experience is costing us so much more than money? Well, because something remarkable happened today- let me explain.

As soon as I realized that there was nothing we could do about the car but pay the price and move on I felt impressed that we should not go on our trip to Germany. Of course the impression was not a welcome one. I resisted it wholeheartedly. The more I resisted- the angrier I felt. Last night I talked to Robert about it and he said he thought we should still try to go (because he was actually able to get the time off and he knew how desperately I want to go). But even with his assurance that everything would be okay- the feeling to stay home persisted.

So today after church I brought it up again. We sat down and went over the costs associated with the trip. We looked at the travel budget (minus the car expense) and realized that we would not have enough money in the budget to pay cash for the trip. My heart sank- we had a decision to make. I was overcome with anger and disappointment- how unfair that our car troubles would now also cost us our family vacation too! My turmoil remained as we continued to think about how we could make it work. Finally, I realized the "right answer" (though not one I liked) was to stay home. And you know what? The minute we made the decision to cancel our trip, I felt peace. Honestly, it was the most remarkable change in feelings I have ever experienced- it was actually startling! I went from feeling total, all encompassing anger to feeling complete peace.

And what is more... after coming to terms with the situation. I decided to see if there was anything else we could do that week (before Robert canceled his leave). And sure enough I discovered a special training (that I have been wanting to do for a year but never could attend because of scheduling issues) is available that very week. So, tomorrow morning I am signing up first thing.

Unfortunately my time away won't be anything like our dream trip to Germany but it is okay because I am learning that when God closes doors He always opens windows.

I usually don't write on Saturdays but I am making an exception today because I am so darn mad if I don't vent I am bound to rip someones head off. I usually don't get angry easily but I have made a discovery about myself- cars make me mad... REALLY mad!

Okay so here is the situation... two weeks ago the clutch on Robert's car went out. We were both really concerned because we knew it was going to cost a lot to get it fixed. So we took it to a reputable repair shop in town. They told us it is going to cost around E500. We were not happy because the car isn't worth much more than that. But since we had already paid the sales and road taxes we decided to get it fixed.

So we took the car in on Monday. The shop had the car ALL week last week (which meant I had to drive Robert to and from work) because the part they needed was not in. The repair guy told us he would call us when he knew more. So, we waited and waited and waited all this week but heard nothing. So Robert called him today and he said- "Oh yeah, your car is ready. I am glad you called because I am closing the shop for the next three weeks and you would not have been able to get your car." Hello weren't you supposed to call us when it was done? So Robert asks if everything went okay and he said, "Well we ran into some trouble, the clutch was more expensive than we thought it was going to be, when we got in there we found other problems, we replaced the muffler...blah, blah, blah and the total for all the repairs is going to be E950." E950!!! Do you know how much money that is? 1494.71 dollars to be exact. I know because I just wrote a check for the euro! That is insane- that is more than the car is worth. That is more than we paid for it!!

I am furious! But what choice do we have really other than to pay the money and get the car back. We don't have any choice at all and that is in part what makes me mad. In my opinion it is standard business to call your client the minute you realize your estimate is off. AND that you don't repair things without their approval. AND that you call them when you are done working on the car so they can get it back. AND that you don't do more repairs than the car is worth. AND that you at least act sorry when things don't go well.

I am just so mad- I mean the whole thing seems so unfair. Haven't we had our share of car troubles? Honestly, I don't know anyone who has their cars in the shop more than we do. I just don't get it, I mean we are trying to do what it right. We are trying to live within our means and not go into debt but we have spent 8,000 dollars on beater cars and repairs in the last two years and we don't have much to show for it. That is just plain unfair. And I know life isn't supposed to be fair (trust me- I tell my kids that at least ten times a day) but I just don't see what lesson I am supposed to learn from this and the MANY other situation we have had just like it? What am I supposed to be learning that I am not learning? Help me out here people. Don't buy beaters? Use public transportation? Ride a bike? What?! I am just thinking that the sooner I learn whatever it is I am supposed to learn the sooner this will all stop. ARRRGGGG!

Anyway... thanks for listening to me throw a fit. Though not pleasant I think blog fits are better than real life ones. Sorry!

I absolute despise doing the laundry. I hate everything about it- sorting it, washing and drying it, folding it, and putting it away! It is without question my least favorite household chore. Anyway, my overall dislike of laundry has everything to do with this funny little story and its title so I had to share it with you first thing.

Okay so I went to bed last night REALLY late because it took me 4 1/2 hours to order the boys school clothes on-line (in order of dislike shopping on-line is second only to doing the laundry) Anyway, so just after 1am I stumble up the stairs with one eye open and walk into my room. Much to my dismay there was a pile of laundry on the bed that I did not get around to folding. I was too tired to deal with it then (though I would like to say it is NOW done) so I pushed it over to Roberts side of the bed (as he is out of town) and dropped into bed.

The next morning Ross woke up before me and came and stood beside my bed. His eyes were bugging out of his head but he didn't say a word. "Ross what is wrong?" I asked feeling a little frightened. Seeing the pile of laundry under the blanket but not knowing what it was he blurted out "MOM, WHO IN BED WITH YOU!?!"

I could not help myself- I burst out laughing! What a funny kid.

I am sorry to say so friends but sadly it is true I am about to write about my bodily functions. So if that is too intimate a subject for you... you can stop reading now and I will understand.

Okay here is the deal... before I moved to Italy I had blown my nose a grand total of about 7 times my whole life. I don't know why but I just never needed to. I mean, occasionally I would catch a cold that required it but for the most part I lived quite happily without a tissue box by my side. BUT (and this is the reason for this post) that is no longer the case. NOW I have to blow my nose EVERYDAY- SOMETIMES TWICE!!

What is up with that? I remember my Dad blowing his nose often when I was growing up but I just that it was a "Dad thing". Now I find myself doing the same thing and it really has me perplexed. Is this nose blowing madness a "Mattson thing", a "Naples thing", (gulp) "older person thing"?

The worst part about it is that it has gotten so out of hand I am actually contemplating buying a box of tissues for each room of the house!!! I know, I know it is crazy! But don't worry mom- I will refrain.

After 5 1/2 grueling years as a Lieutenant in the US Navy Robert was promoted today to Lieutenant Commander- YEAH ROBERT!

Promotions in the past have been primarily about having a few more dollar to live on but this time I think it means a lot more to all of us. Robert has worked extremely hard here and has done a lot of ground breaking work in the newly organized Africa Command. In addition to his regular duties as a Seabee Planning Officer he has created and written a lot of the new polices for how the US Military will interact with the different African Nations. One of his colleges recently commented that 10 years from now half of Africa will be stamped "made in China" and the other half will be stamped "made by Rob Wadsworth". He has done some great things and though we miss him when he is away (and when he is home working 18 hours day) we are really proud of what his is doing.

One of the things I remember about the ceremony (as side from just being really happy for Robert) is a comment the Captain who promoted him made. He said, that Robert was not being promoted as a reward for outstanding work but because he was someone the Navy felt they could trust with bigger and better things. I have a feeling that means he will not be traveling any less or working shorter hours in the future but that is okay- he is doing an important work and he is doing it well. We are happy to support him and we are grateful to be apart of the good he is doing even if it is only in a small way.

Anyway, here are a few pictures from the Ceremony- enjoy!

Waiting for Dad.

Taking the Oath
We're Up in Front
(Aren't the boys being good!?)
Promotion Kiss
Robert's Speach
When No One is Looking
(Lest you think the boys were good the WHOLE time!)

Alright I have another Funny Friday post courtesy of Ross. Mama Mia, the kids is a crack up, what can I say?

So- I was upstairs on my bed reading when Ross came in and asked,"Hey Mom can I go over to Jacob's house to ask him a question?" Without glancing up from my book I replied, "Sure".

About five minutes later Ross comes back upstairs and says, "Mom, can I go over to Ian's house to ask him a question?" I had vague memories that he had recently asked a question a long those lines but I was at a critical point in my book so once again without giving it too much thought I answered that he could.

Five more minutes go by and Ross is back in my room- this time asking if he could go to Jonah's house to ask him a question. At this point I realized it was time to investigate. So I put my book down and asked, "Ross, what exactly have you been asking all these people?" "Well", he said hesitantly, "I don't really want to tell you." "Well, if it is not something you want to tell me about it is probably not something you should be doing." I explained. "Okay... I am just asking if they have any spare money they can give me." "ROSS!!" I exclaim in exasperation. "What?" he asks sheepishly. "Honey, you can't go around asking people for money. If you want money you have to earn it. We have to work for it. It is just not appropriate to go door to door asking for money. Does that make sense?" "Yeah Mom that makes perfect sense." "You're a good boy." Hum, I thought to myself that was easier than I thought it was going to be.

I dove back into my book but didn't get very far before Ross was back at my side. "Mom can I go outside for a while." I glanced up from my book beginning to feel a little irritated. "Sure babe- have fun." I finished the chapter I was working on and went down stairs to prepare a few things for dinner. As I was working I looked out the kitchen window but didn't see Ross in the back. Oh no... what is that kid up to now I wondered. I went outside to look for him. I found him in the A section knocking on doors again.

I was shocked. "Ross, what are you doing? You can't go door to door begging for money, remember?" "Oh, I am not asking for money this time Mom." He explained clearly happy with himself. "I am just saying, Hi I'm Ross, can I help you- for money!"

Seriously! What a stinker. I do have vague memories of Chris doing something similar in high school. So I figure it is okay, right? I mean if Ross turns out half as good as Chris I'll be a happy mom. Sheezzz- I guess it runs in the family.

Last spring Robert and I spent the weekend together in Paris- it was awesome! This is a picture of us on the train- I think it is the only picture we got before our camera died.

Okay, okay I know it is silly but I have total issues with Facebook. The first and probably greatest dilemma is that I don't really know what my problem with it really is. Honestly have no idea why I am so oppsed to opening an account. In fact, the more I learn about it the cooler I think it is and the more I want to open my own account. But despite multiple invitations from people I love and want to be in touch with...I resist. And therein lays the dilemma (sigh)!

Are you on facebook? Do you love it? Why?

Last night was the perfect summer night. It was warm with a cool breeze. The sky was perfectly clear. I was outside when the sun set and it was spectacular- red, orange, yellow and purple. It was breathtaking! I stood and enjoyed the sight for a full 10 minutes. As soon as the sun set however, I decided I had better get back to work or the work would never get done.

I didn't look up into the sky again until it was completely dark. As a treat for working so hard I laid down on my back and looked into the night sky. As I stared up into the big black sky I thought, Oh what a same, there are only two stars in the sky tonight. On a beautiful summer night like this the sky should be full of stars. But the night was still beautiful so stars or not I decided to stay right where I was. My mind wondered for some time on things that were worrying me and things that had to get done. After awhile I looked into the sky again because I had been outside for some time my eyes had adjusted to the dark and I noticed that there were more than two stars out- there were actually several stars out. I was pleased. The longer I looked for stars the more I found. By the time I decided I had better head home I realized that the sky was full of stars- I just hadn't noticed it at first.

This was a simple experience but one I have been thinking about a lot in terms of my relationship with God. I mean, how often do I turn my voice to heaven for guidance or direction or comfort and get discouraged because the answers aren't what I expect them to be? How often do I look away disappointed before my spiritual eye have adjusted and I can see clearly what God has in store for me? How often have I watched and waited and see some but not all of the answers I was seeking? All too often I am afraid.

I am grateful for moments like this though because from something simple I feel like I have learned something profound. I have to make time to be alone and quite and still to see God's purpose for me. It takes time (something I always feel I have to little of). It takes quite (hello, have you ever spent time with my boys? I love them but the talk NONSTOP!! There is no quite in my life unless I make it.) It takes being still (I am the queen of multitasking- like all of you. If I am not doing at least 5 things at once I feel unproductive). In short- it takes effort, planning, purpose.

Now don't get me wrong- I am not suggesting that one must be completely isolated from normal life to have a relationship with God. I am just saying that for me- I feel His love most when the distracts in my life are eliminated. Which is easily said and not so easily done I am afraid but it is something to think about and strive if nothing else.

Anyway... that is what is on my mind today. Thanks for letting me share it with you.

We decided to spend this fourth of July on the east coast of Italy in a little town called Bari. I had never heard of Bari before I moved to Italy. In fact when I tried to plan the trip there was very little information to be had about Bari on the internet or in my travel books. So you may be wondering why we chose to spend our precious little vacation time in such an obscure place. Well, our reasoning can be summed up in two (or is it three) little words- The ZooSafari! Though we found lots of other cool things to do (see the pictures below) our experience at the ZooSafari was by far one of the coolest things we have ever done (at least as far as animals are concerned). Okay well enough from me I will let the pictures do the talking.

Truli Houses
These little houses are a cross between something I imagine a smurf and a hobbit living in. They are a little strange but very impressive.


Our "Hotel"
I always forget to take a picture of the inside of our European hotel rooms. It never ceases to make me laugh. They are horrifically decorated- this one was no different.


The Dolphin Show
We got front row seats for the dolphin show and it was SO impressive. Honestly- dolphins are incredibly smart and powerful animals. It was one of my favorite parts of the day.


Roller Coasters
We have officially entered the roller coaster age at our house. I kept trying to get the boys to go on the Ferris Wheel and the Merry-go-Round but they just wouldn't have it. It was especially fun at this park because there were NO lines- literally. Each time they road they were the only ones on the ride. It was actually kind of weird.

The ZooSafari
We had so much fun feeding the animals that I forgot to take pictures until the very end. This is a video of Robert and the boys feeding the Camels. It was so fun. I am not sure why but there is no sound on this viedo but don't worry Ross is not really as scared as he looks. He was laughing... really he was!

Today Ross celebrated his 7th Birthday! He is SEVEN YEARS OLD- can you believe it? Wow. Last night we were snuggling and it occurred to me for the first time that I don't have little kids any more. Without really knowing it I have entered a new stage in life. It is actually a little scary- I mean, I still think of my boys as my babies but they are really growing up and it is a delight to watch.

Anyway, Ross's birthday has been great. Here are a few pictures from the day- enjoy!

Ross is delighted to discover his "Birthday Basket" which contains all his birthday gifts and a game to open them slowly and enjoy the process all day long!

Ross's first birthday gift... Lego's from Grandma and Grandpa. I think he likes it- how about you?

Breakfast pancakes- yum! Ross took cupcakes to school yesterday and will have a party next weekend so this is the birthday "cake" of the day!

Ross spent much of the morning putting together his Lego project- he LOVES Lego's and had tons of fun!

Silly Ross!

What time he did not spend on the first Lego project- he spent on this one! He has been wanting this set for quite some time and we were delighted we were able to get it for him.

This is a picture of Ross enjoying his daily dose of The Incredible Machine. What a kid!

Ross is such a great boy. He has added to much love and laughter to our lives. I can hardly imagine what our family would be like without him. He is funny and confident. He is sensitive and social. He is smart and fast. He is completely honest (sometimes too honest) and sincerely wants to do what is right. He loves a thrill and is ALWAYS looking for some kind of adventure. He knows how to enjoy life- to see the good- to have fun. He is a great boy!

We love you Ross- Happy Birthday Dude!

This is my Mom and today is her Birthday!

There are a million things I love about my Mom. Here are just a few in honor of her 62nd Birthday!

1. She is the most generous person I know. She would (and has on several occasions) give the shirt off her back to someone in need.
2. She loves her family and has dedicated her life to each of us.
3. She is whitty and though I tend to be too serious most of the time- I do appreciate her humor!
4. My Mom is incredibly creative.
5. She has a eye for color and patterns and can decorate ANYTHING and make it look good.
6. She is totally hip. She always knows what is "IN" and what is not.
7. My Mom has the best jewelry collection I have ever seen.- rivaled only by HER mothers collection!
8. She always looks like a million bucks- cute hair, flattering clothes, fun jewelry. She is a fashion icon.
9. She is sensitive to others feelings.
10. She is a movie lover and on a moments notice can give me a list of at least ten movies I MUST see!
11. My Mom is a professional shopper- really! She knows where to find all the good deals.
12. My Mom can make a thrift store flower arrangement look like it can from Neiman Marcus.
13. My Mom "gets" me. She can read me like a book- actually it is a little scary.
14. Being with my Mom is like being with my best friend.
15. My Mom does the laundry when she comes to visit!
16. My Mom really loves me and that is amazing to me. She has seen me struggle through the toughest times in life and she likes me just the same. Her love is unconditional and is as close to the love of God as I have ever experienced.
17. She is my biggest fan. Even when I am a total dork and do everything wrong- she thinks I am great. Every person needs a Mom like that.
18. She is a great cheerleader and gives great pep talks on just about everything.
19. My mom has taught me what is means to serve others. I watched care for her mom for 13 years and I will never forget all of the time and energy and love she gave her.
20. My Mom knows what she likes. I love that!
21. My Mom is an inspiring teacher.
22. My Mom is a great cook.
23. My Mom loves potted flowers in her yard but can't keep them alive. When they die- she replaces them with new flowers. I love that because I do the same thing.
24. My Mom is a great reader. I can still remember her reading to us when we were little and thinking, "I hope I can read like that someday."
25. She knows how to relax and enjoy life.
26. She knows how to make holidays and birthdays special.
27. She is the best gift giver I know. Honestly, I don't think I have ever gotten a gift from her I didn't love!
28. My Mom has a knack for entertaining. Her parties are always classy, organized, comfortable.
29. Mom (and Dad) have the best backyard BBQ's in the world. Not only because they have an awesome backyard but because they "get" how to make people feel comfortable and welcomed.
30. She loves my babies and that means the world to me.
31. She loves to snuggle- I do too.
32. She is the best shopping and lunching partner. I can still remember our Nordstrum shopping days when I was a teenager- my how time flies!
33. My Mom loves God and truly strives to do what is right.
34. My Mom taught me to decorate- a skill that has brought so much joy to my life.
35. She gave me the piano her dad gave her. I love having piano music in my home- it has blessed my life in a thousand ways.
36. She doesn't give up on people or dreams or goals.
37. She is a great travel partner- together we have been all kinds of wonderful places. My favorite trip with Mom... that is hard to say. I loved Europe and Italy but I think those summer ED week trips will always be my favorite.
38. My Mom is a blogging maniac. She has four blogs and keeps up with all of them. Hello, I can hardly keep up with one! Her blogs has been a great blessing to me as we live to far away and it has helped us all stay connected.
39. She has a eye for beauty. She loves trees, flowers, mountains, the sea. I love those things too.
40. She has mastered the art of "enjoying the journey". I hope I can be like that someday.
41. My mom loves music and theater and art and dancing. She taught me to love and appreciate those things too.
42. My Mom is a extraordinary speller. She can spell ANYTHING. Unfortunately for me- I didn't get that gene.
43. My Mom loves my husband like her own child. Her ability to love and accept him has blessed our lives.
44. My Mom is patient. When things don't go her way... she waits with patience for things to get better.
45. She beautiful hands- always perfectly manicured just like her mom. I love that.
46. She has always made my family feel welcome in her home even when we come to often and stay too long.
47. She is a great writer. It is so fun to read her blogs because she really has a talents for expressing thought and feelings in words.
48. She kept a journal all though our growing up years. I admire the time and effort she spent doing that and look forward to reading it in full someday.
49. My Mom has a gift for languages. She can speak and understand other languages with ease. Her talent has come in handy a time or two.
50. My Mom has visited me every place I have ever lived in (and that is a lot- eleven cities and counting) Her visits are always a delight.
51. She understands my sons food allergies and always makes an effort to make her house a safe place for him to be.
52. She makes great Mexican food- fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, chili reneos... yum!
53. She makes the BEST potato salad EVER.
54. She takes beautiful pictures- photography is definitely one of her talents.
55. When my Mom joined the Church she did it with all her heart. She embraced it fully and has taught me to do the same.
56. She makes 62 look fabulous!
57. She loves being a grandma and makes me want to be one too.
58. She remembers things about my kids that I have forgotten. The funny things that say and do.
59. My Mom has given me or helped me pick out every cool thing in my house.
60. My Mom is a wicked good basketball player. Seriously, she can out shoot the entire family!
61. When I think of my Mom- I think of love and happiness comfort and safety. When I think of Mom I always feel good inside.
62. She is Ross's actual birthday twin today- yeah for time zone changes!

Happy Birthday Mom. We love you and wish you all the happiness in the world!

We spent the entire first week of summer at Scout Camp. It was awesome. Last year I got wrangled into being a Den leader when I went to drop off the kids on Monday morning. It wasn't my favorite memory. This year I volunteered in advance- I came prepared and it was great. I was the Webelo Den leader this time around- so that meant I was in charge of twelve 10 year old boys all week long! It was miserably hot and completely tiring but honestly it was LOTS of fun!

Here are some of the memories we made.

Making our Den Flag

Making Martians

Shooting Arrows at the Archery Range

Shooting BB's at the Range

Running in the Water Relay

Making Space Derby "Aircraft"

All the Boys!

Besides being refreshing- a fridge full of only cold water makes for a pretty good summer weight loss plan- don't you think?

Just before school ended Ross's class had a special activity called "Books for Breakfast". Parents where invited into the classroom to read the books and journals their children had written through out the year. It was really fun and of course, Ross's writings were hilarious. One of his journal entries, though it made me laugh at first, has really made me think. He wrote, "I REALLY want a Wii but my Mom will never, never, never, never, never (never was written at least twenty times) let me have one!!"

It is true, I don't plan on ever getting a Wii or any game system for that matter and I guess the kids have learned that no amount of fussing for one is going to make a difference. But really is that so bad? I mean part of me thinks it is great that they are finally getting used to the idea. BUT... there is another part of me that feels like the big bad monster mom because "we are the ONLY people on the planet without a Wii." I mean, am I depriving my kids of some essential childhood joy but not letting them have a one?

You may be wondering, like my kids do, what I have against the Wii. The truth is I don't have anything against the Wii. In fact, I think it is incredibly cool. I just don't want one in my house. Is that so wrong!?! Is it possible to be a kind, loving parent and not have one? (sigh) What is a woman to do?

So... do you have a Wii or other game system? Are you glad you have one (or two or three)? What do you like about the one you have? What do you not like about it? How do you feel it affects your family?

I still don't plan on buying a Wii anytime soon, I am just curious how you feel about it.