Every parent should watch this!

I normally wouldn't put a video on my blog unless it had to do with my kids doing something funny/amazing or a concert or something, but I recently watched this on You Tube for a college class that I am taking and it really struck a chord with me. It comes as seven 9 minute segments. I have loaded the first segment here, and then when you get to the end of the video, you will see how to see the other six segments. It is called Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood. You do NOT have to watch all segments at once. I didn't either. I am forever a changed parent because of this. There were so many things here that I never thought of. Of course, this is only one perspective, but it certainly makes me think.

My weekend project!

After: Notice the new dining room chandelier, tablecloth (found at Goodwill), and the candle holder centerpiece ( found at Ross)

Before: Not really matching anything. Just random things

Dave got rid of the old fireplace. He fixed the huge hole and now we can put the couch in front of it. It sure makes the room bigger to not have to adjust for the hearth.

Me painting, which I HATE!

Tessa looking WAY too happy to begin painting.

I hate painting but knew that this gross room needed some serious help. So, Tessa came over and lent her awesome decorating and painting talents. I love my new room. Now, to get the living room done.

Back to School Again !

Just thought that I would post a picture of me and what I am thinking as an older student. Don't get me wrong, I really love going back to college, it is just that I should have done this when I was young with no family or other responsibilities. But, I have a great support system in place with Dave and the kids, and it makes it much more do able. It is just a bummer that since it is summer, I have to have my nose in a book instead of being carefree. It's all good though. I like school.

Ava in pigtails!

Miss Ava is really getting big. She even has enough hair to have super cute little pigtails. Look at those cheeks. Looks like she hasn't missed any meals in her short lifetime. She is really smart too. Just ask me. I wish we lived closer so that we could sneak kisses a billion times a day.

Friends since Elementary School

Two Friday's ago, my two friends came over to visit, giggle, laugh, eat, and just be together. We had the BEST time. I have known Angie since 6th grade. She helped introduce me to the Church. I have known Barbra since we were in the same kindergarten class. We all went to the same elementary, Jr. High and High School. We have been friends ever since. Between the three of us, we have 12 kids...simply amazing. Anyway, I simply adore them and can't wait to get together again soon.

L to R: Angie Shutt Barker, Me, Barbra Shutt

Sasha

This is a picture of Sasha on our cruise to Mexico that one of her friends took of her. She met this really nice boy her age who was visiting with his family from Sofia Bulgaria. They hit it off, and have been "pen pals" ever since. He took a really great picture. And besides, the weather in this picture is what I wish was doing here. Come on sun...get here already!

End of year concerts

Last night we went to Jayson's last concert of his 6th grade career. He plays the trumpet. He has really progressed nicely since he started playing the trumpet in September. So, in only 9 months, he has gone from just blowing air, to learning notes, how to read and count music, and how to play melodies with 60 other kids. I was very proud of him. Tonight we went to Sasha's last choir concert of her 9th grade year. This is her first year in the high school choir. She loves to sing and has a lovely voice. The concert was very enjoyable to listen to. Such progress was made there too. All in all, I have two very talented kids....just ask me....and I will tell ya.