*August 2009*

First day of school

Carter and Courtlyne

Courtlyne is starting 4th Grade this year--WOW--I totally remember 4th grade, she is growing up so fast I can't believe it, only 2 more years until junior high! That will really freak me out!
She definitely has a great outfit--something I totally would have worn to school in 4th grade back in the 80's. Her teacher is Mr. Thorpe.
And my little Carter--a full day of school this year first grade. She is a little nervous about being gone all day but she will do great I know it! I am glad that we live close enough to walk to school it makes it nice to get out in the morning. Happy first day of school!
Her teacher is Mrs. LeMmon.

24th of July Parade.

I am usually the one with the camera so I thought I better occasionally post a picture with me in it. Me and the kids at the Fiesta Days parade.

*Tie Dye 24th*

2009

We usually Tie-dye on Memorial day but this year everyone was gone so we moved the tie-dye party to the 24th of July. It was great weather and great fun. The kids had their own little party in the backyard pool and we tie-dyed our hearts out. At the Measom household tie-dye is not taken lightly. It is an all day affair, all are invited as long as you bring your own shirts, good music, and good food are included. I think that over 100 articles of clothing were tie-dyed this year--And yes I think we may be the only family that still wears tie-dye.

Serious tie-dye business!!

*SNOWBIRD*
August 2009

Every August we go up to snowbird where my parents have had a week long time share since before I can even remember. I love it up there. There really is nothing to do--nothing spectacular, it is just perfect to me, since I loved it as a kid growing up. My mom and Dad let the kids spend the night with them and then Ben and I came up to play the next day. We always have to swim (usually a few times each day), hiking, the alpine slides, smell the delicious mountain air, and eating lots of treats. The swimming wasn't so good this year since the weather was cold, cold, cold. But that did not keep the kids out. I stayed out of the pool wrapped in a blanket for one swim, and ventured in a little bit for another swim--BRRR! It is amazing the kids don't feel the cold--only the excitement of the moment. Oh to be a kid again.

On the famous rock overlook--I love IT!!!

COURTLYNE'S BIRTHDAY

JULY 6TH 2009 To my oldest daughter,

You are such a spark in our family! You have a great "rockin" personality. You love to dance and sing all around the house. Your favorite thing to do this summer was have band practice. You wrote your own songs--which were awesome, and you were, of course, the lead singer. Carter played drums and your friend Stephanie played guitar and sang back up. It was great while it lasted. You like Hannah Montana, watching the Disney channel on TV, beakdancing, gymnastics, whatever Allan thinks is cool, and spazzing out with your sister. I wouldn't say you are the best at cleaning up your room, but you are awesome at inventing things to build, decorate, and crafting. You always come up with the best Barbie doll fashions. I can't believe you are nine years old and heading for your teenage years sooner than I would like. I am so glad you are my daughter and I have loved seeing your personality grow and change. You make me proud when you let your unique personality shine and you do not follow the crowd. Remember to always be yourself and stand up for what you believe in. Dad and I love you lots!!
Your are the best!
Love, Mom

Carter's 2nd tooth

July 4th 2009
Here is the tooth that hung on and on and on--

Finally, after much wrestling and wiggling I had had enough of that gross, dangling tooth in Carters mouth. She didn't want to eat because it hurt to bite stuff, and she didn't want to pull the tooth out because that would hurt too. She didn't care about the tooth fairy coming, she just didn't want anyone to touch her tooth. My mom would try to wiggle it and sneak a tweak or two in there, but soon, Carter would not even let Grandma try to wiggle it for fear she would try to pull out her tooth.
Well ,I caught her completely off guard. She was fighting with someone who was trying to get her to let them wiggle her tooth--She was kicking and trying to get free when I just reached down grabbed that little tooth and pulled it free! Her big tooth was almost completely grown in behind the baby tooth--so that tooth really needed to come out. I am really not looking forward to the rest of her teeth getting loose.

Summer #6 Family Reunion

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

This was our only real vacation of the summer. We went to Brianhead for a few days over the 4th of July weekend. It was a family reunion with my Dad's family. A lot of uncles, aunts and cousins were there for a good time.

My Dad was in charge of it and he planned some good games and activities. Some of the other things we did--we went hiking--we went swimming in a hot tub--we watched some gorgeous fireworks in freezing cold mountain weather--we slept in a really scary room the first night--we learned a new game--we played at the park--we flew airplanes--played tetherball--it rained a lot!--we watched movies--and spent time together. ]

All in all it was a good time. I am glad to be part of such a great extended family that enjoys spending time together.

Summer #5 Summer is over but still catching up on summer*

*Jaguar Softball*

This was a season that seemed like it lasted FOREVER!

Courtlyne usually had a good time. This was the first year that the girls actually pitched to each other so it was a big step up. Courtlyne wasn't the best on the team but she also wasn't the worst. Ben worked really hard with her to get her to hit good in the games. She has a great stance and a good swing, when she doesn't think to much and just does it, but come game time she would never swing. Ben got so frustrated. But he kept plugging along.

One time after repeating himself about 100 times, while helping Courtlyne practice, he just about lost it. He had to take a break and come in the house. He later apologized to her and said-"Remind me when I am getting frustrated with you that I am not being a good Dad."

She would try to remind him but sometimes patience wears thin.

Towards the end of the season we got a little better and started to win some games. Sad how a few of us parents just wanted it to be over--but they learned a lot and got a lot better by the end of the year. Ben also learned a little more patience by the end of the year- so we all improved!

"Be patient enough to live one day at a time, letting yesterday go and leaving tomorrow until it arrives."

Summer #4

Happy Anniversary

June 27th 2009

I love looking at this picture and remembering the excitement of my wedding day 12 years ago.

It was so perfect--Perfect weather, perfect dress and the perfect man!

Flowers that Ben surprised me with on our anniversary.

I love when he brings me flowers-- I just wish they would last forever.

We had a very enjoyable day to celebrate our 12th anniversary. I made appointments for us at Holly's spa and arranged to have the kids watched for the day so we could enjoy ourselves and not feel like we had to rush home. My good friend Julie watched the kids during the day while Ben and I went to the spa and then to the mall to do a little shopping for ourselves. Ben had a facial and he felt a little silly about it, and I got a massage. It was very relaxing and needed, at least for me. After we went home to see the kids for a few hours, we were able to drop them off with my parents so we could go to dinner alone. Holly and Jared joined us and we went to Iggy's where Emma works. It was good dinner and good company.

I am so grateful to have a husband to loves and cares for me each and every day. He is the greatest husband and father that anyone could ever ask for. I love YOU!