One week of work, one week off.

 After my first week of work Baby Elsie and her parents Cristal and Jordan came down from Utah.

I had told Cristal I would watch her while they took a belated honey moon.

Hard work I know:)

 I just loved hugging and kissing her.

 Baby Porter came to visit with his mommy Emilee.

Jordan;  Don't feed her any sugar.
Me; Ok, I would never!


Wait, she loves candy corn! But that's ok, it's all natural.

 She really loves it...

 I was basically Elsie's taxi for the week. We would get ready then go visit all the family who wanted to see her. At Grandma's house with Porter and Gracin.

 All my kids were thrilled to have a baby around. I mean come on, they adore babies!

 Elsie and Porter. I was very popular this week.

 getting ready to go visit grandma.

 I have this tray on my ottoman, Elsie thought it was her personal island. If I put it on the floor she would crawl over to it and climb on.

 Sienna and Elsie.

 Elsie and Mason

 Bath time!

 Ready to go to the shop!

 Katt loving her!

 Ok, it's really baby Elsie who is popular.

 Ashlynn, Elsie and Gracin.

 Elsie and Gracin.

 Mason giving Elsie a ride.

 Cristal and Jordan had a great time, and baby Elsie was so happy was so happy to see them.

I enjoyed having her around. She makes a great side kick. But there is something to be said about not having to pack a ton of stuff to go out:)

Till next time Smiths we miss you!

Freedom slipping through my fingers.

 About a week after school started Rachael asked me if I would consider working for her.

I agreed, saying I could only work a few mornings till 12 because I still had to get home in time to get my jobs done before my children got home.

I mean I need to be at the door waiting with a hot plate of cookies:)

So I began telling her my skills were few.

I did get the Golden Scissors though!

 I made these curtains for my bathroom entrance. Off the clock of course.

 Katt stealing my stuff!!!

 It's really hard work.

 I get to make buttons, Katt says thats what you get when you're low on the totem pole

 Rachael's sewing machines have 2 speeds. Stop and WAY TOO FAST! I'll get better with time.

 I have become friends with the tacker. Just call my tacky!

Katt is Jowls and Rachael is Bossy. Katt had just had her wisdom tooth pulled when nick names were made. Too bad so sad.

 WE really have a lot of fun! I am learning a lot and hopefully not too slow. I guess I'll find out if Rachael starts telling me she doesn't have enough work for me to do.

My house certainly isn't as clean as that first week of school though.

I go in Monday's, Wednesday's and sometimes Friday's. I volunteer in the three elementary school classes on Tuesday's. I really look forward to Thursdays:)

When are you too big to be the baby?

 Happy Birthday to Rigdon!  August 11th Rig turned 6.

A  party with some family was in order. That's the kind I like.

 He is the proud owner of a new scooter with a sweet black powder coat.

Seemed appropriate since he has been a pro since he could run.

 Mr. money bags.

We love Rigdon!

He is kind

He loves to be a helper

He really wants to be good (which I love about him)

He gives the best hugs

He can make anyone feel happy

And he came up with number 3 which is now a classic around here.,,,

One day in the car he told me #1 is tinkle, #2 is pooh, and #3 diarrhea.
I couldn't stop laughing that day. We just hope nobody ever has the dreaded #3!

Happy Birhtday Rig!

New school year!

 Gunner attended 7th grade orientation with some of his friends in the ward.

Then I took him to get his ID for school.

 Ashlynn also attended freshman bootcamp. no picture, she's too cool...

Sienna, Mason , and Rigdon all met their teachers for this year. New schools for everyone.

They had a good time and were pretty excited about starting.

 The first day of school brings so much excitement and a fathers blessing for everyone before they head out.
Mason

 Rigdon

 Sienna

 Gunner

 Ashlynn

 The customary first day of school picture.
The boys were ready...

 Getting ready....

 Still getting ready...

 Still getting ready....

 Almost there....

 Ok. Good as it's going to get. apparently by this time cross eyes were it for Sienna.

 After they left I basked in the loveliness that is quiet.

I went to run errands and felt so free!!! I didn't have to be home by 12:00. I could just get my jobs done when I was ready.

I had never felt this way. It felt so unreal. I love my children to pieces I had just never had this kind of freedom.

I still got my jobs done and boy was my house tidy! I loved it!

 When school was over I went to wait for my littles at the bus. This is the first year I haven't had to drive to the bus stop to pick them up. With Andrew being the Bishop I finally talked him into moving them to the neighborhood school and so far I am thrilled with the schedule. Its so nice to have them come in the door at 2:40 instead of getting home at 4;20.

 I was a little shocked not to see any other mothers there to take a picture of their little angels getting off the bus....

Oh well I saved that embarrassment for my kids.