What is happening?

So...after Chantz left on his mission I thought I had a lot of time before Chelsey left for BYU-Idaho to finish up her degree. Somehow--the time flew by and all of a sudden it was time for her to go. I tried to be supportive but I am really going to miss her! I have to admit I was a little worried about her being able to fit everything (she has been known to have a lot of STUFF--and working full-time at a great job didn't help matters much!) She told me I was allowed to take one small suitcase and she would make the rest fit. I had my doubts but....she was right. Everything fit (except her vintage record player that she had to leave behind...Carlee is really excited about that!) Needless to say, we didn't open the back door very much and just hoped everything would stay put while we drove.Side-viewOther side--like I said, Chelsey made it all fit!Once we made it up there and got everything unloaded, we had to get busy and get it organized and her room put together. She is in an apartment with 6 girls but they each have their own room and more importantly--closet! Chelsey always has great ideas to decorate. She had saved a calendar and we cut the pictures up--found cheap frames at Walmart--and made a great arrangement on her wall--you'll have to look at her blog to see better pictures!

She loves Marilyn Monroe and we found a perfect place for this picture.

I was pretty proud of us--we didn't have a screw-gun (couldn't take on airplane home) and we still put together a chair, nightstand and hung her drapes in her room. I had such a great time with her and the drive wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It is a lot easier to drive a long distance if there is only 2 of you instead of 9! We are really going to miss Chelsey around our house--she is a great big sister to everyone. That puts us down to 5 kids at home--which means we actually have an empty seat at our table--not fun! I know Chelsey will have a great time and after all--she actually gets to wear winter clothes and boots--what more could a girl want!

Oh and by the way--I finally got Chantz's blog up if you want to check it out. (it's on my blog list)

Happy Birthday Cass-a-frass

Hard to believe Cassie's already 17 and a Senior! (didn't Chantz just graduate!) We took Cassie out to eat at Paradise Bakery because she loves their breadbowls but by the time we got there they were out! It wasn't even that late--who runs out of something everyone loves!! Cassie was a good sport about it and we ended up having a great time. Sometimes it is so nice to have some one on one time with each child on their birthdays--I am glad we finally started this tradition!
17 things you might not know about Cassie
She LOVES babies!
She is a great cheerleader and base even though we didn't give her a lot of tumbling experience
She is always trying to help me
She is not afraid to work
She is very brave (see stitches experience)
She is a closet "hippie"
She loves the Beatles
She always told me when she was little that her house was going to be one huge jungle gym and she was definitely going to let her kids jump on the furniture
She is a great dancer and so fun to watch
She doesn't need a lot to make her happy
She loves to love on her siblings
She is now the oldest at home (not sure she likes this arrangement)
She is very independent
She is great with hair and is going to cosmetology school (I am really excited for this one!)
She is always laughing and happy
She is a great example to everyone around her
She misses Chelsey and Chantz
I love you Cassie!! You are a great daughter and sister and I am so very lucky to be your mom!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

no vacation--School starts!

Well...I am going to have to skip our vacation back East and update later--I am getting too far behind and I don't see an end in sight. Things just keep happening and time just keeps going (faster than I would like--unless of course we are talking mission time!)

We always have a fashion show at Grampy and Grammy's the Sunday before school starts. Everyone gets to model and pose in their first-day of school clothes. It's a lot of fun and something we look forward to each year. Here's the group shot--Chelsey is dressed for the cold in Idaho in case you were wondering why she is wearing a jacket when it is 110 outside!
After the show is over we put on some music and everyone gets to dance!

I am always so sad when this time of year rolls around. I love not being on a tight schedule and just having my kids around. I know they get bored near the end and they can't find anything to do especially since it is so hot outside and the pool feels like warm bath water (uck!). But our house is always noisy and full of life during the summer and it's hard to let them go back and be gone most of the day. Cassie started EVIT (Cosmetology) so she only goes to school half day (long enough to be on cheer and dance and of course Seminary) that is why she is dressed so cute in her black smock! It is nice having the three girls still at elementary school for one last year! Clay is a sophomore and the only one at high school for a full day (and an A hour that starts at 6:30--he is excited for that!) We have a really busy schedule right now with soccer, dance, cheer and just living! Since Chelsey is going to BYU Idaho to finish up and Chantz is on a mission we are down to one other driver and Cassie is gone a lot. Hopefully Russ and I survive and don't forget anything or anyone!!