Every experience in life has its opposite...

That's why I thought it only fitting to combine the first day of school with a visit to the dentist. You guess which one brought pleasure and which one brought pain. :)

After a rough start to the day (that involved much weeping and nashing of teeth...and only 8 teeth cleaned), our preschooler celebrated with a happy meal for lunch and then was on his way to his first day of school at Louis Wiener Elementary.

He is officially a "Wiener Whale" and is mighty proud.

We took a family self-portrait (minus Crew)

Then he lined up and marched away... (and the teachers had tissues on hand, but we were all good...in fact maybe a little giddy :)

We picked him up at 3:21 (really, isn't that a funny end time) and Cole declared it his "special day," promptly asked for a snack and then whined and fell asleep on the couch.

Yes, a good day indeed.

Sara Gets Married

Insert picture of beautiful bride and handsome groom outside the Las Vegas Temple.
(Don't know what happened, but the photos are not on my camera :()

(Thanks to Cassidy Photography, here's a few...)



See the bride at the bridal shower...


See friends and family who love her...


See cute party favors and frame that says it all...



Congratulations Sara and Kyle!

(Hard to believe I'm old enough to have former young women married and some with babies - a few the same age as my kids - I know hard, hard to believe). :)

Family Home Evening Camping Style

Since Greg is now a camping and scouting man once again, he naturally decided he needed to acquire a few new things (esp. after his latest trip when he came home coveting his neighbor's/ fellow leader/newly made bishop's cot and tent combo).

It worked naturally into a family home evening activity, lesson (thanks to the Friend magazine), and treats.

Go to China and Learn Some Skillz

This week Cole's been asking us if we can go to China. At first I thought maybe he wanted to go because Greg served his mission in Asia (Taiwan specifically). Then I wondered if he wanted to go because his cousin Carson is taking Chinese in school...finally he fessed up...he wants to go to China to learn some kung fu skills.

"Mom, can we go to China? I need to learn some skillz (yes, that's how he says it with the "z" on the end). Brandon (my babysitter's son) said he learned his skillz in China."

We took Cole to see Karate Kid about a month ago. I guess the movie really resonated with him. Gotta love boys :)

Getting Braver...

So after last year's swimming lessons catastrophe


And Greg's refusal to repeat as human life preserver

I wasn't sure what to do this year for Cole. Because, I mean we do have a large body of water in our back yard (and a mother who is an ex-swimmer - can you be an ex-swimmer? - I mean in the athletic, I swim laps way...oh yeah and a father with a pool business...)

So, I thought really hard about it (not as hard as what I should do about preschool next year, but pretty darn hard) and then I sought advice on FB about private lessons, but so far I've been too lazy to line something up....

So, we have just been hanging out in the pool after work and every chance we get....and wouldn't you know the kid is getting a little braver (not brave enough to take off the life vest, but nonetheless a little braver).


When Greg suggested we pull Cole's slide to the edge of the pool, he jumped on the idea and I even got in the action too (not pictured - I've perfected the one cheek slide - don't ask if you don't really want to know). I bought him some water wings and I guess this little ex-swimmer mama will try and teach her child herself - Now how's that for private professional training? Ha! More progress reports to come soon.

I love my tongue!

Of all of Crew's adorableness, I love that he clucks his tongue. I mean how cute is he!
(I shot this pic on our way home from a Costco run on a Saturday. These are the simple memories life is made of.)

My Newest Hobby Addiction

I've been making these fun pendants for a few months now and its really starting to become an addiction.

I've mainly been just making gifts and doing a bunch for church girls camp, but I've had a few custom orders and I've really enjoyed putting them together. I wish I would have taken pictures of all the fun ones I've done so far, but here's some pics of recent ones... (If you have one already and could send me of picture, that would be awesome! thx.)

I'm Taking Custom Orders!
I'd like to start doing more custom orders, so if you'd like one or you know someone who does, please let me know. I've got to find a way to make a few $ back on my addiction. :)
I was thinking of starting an etsy website to sell them on, but I'm not ready to mess with all the shipping, etc.

(Next I need to work on my photography skills...some of these pics are a bit blurry...)

Glass Pendants


Wood Pendants


Soldered Pendants

Bottlecap magnets and pins