August in a nutshell

1st: We had a fabulous playdate with Tasha and her three kiddos.  It had been forever since we'd hung out & the kids don't really know each other, so we wanted to remedy that.  She and Jason had scored an awesome deal off Craigslist for a cool blog up slide/pool.  The boys were so excited after seeing pictures.  When we got there, Grayson surprised me by just stripping his shirt off & going for it!  He didn't hang back & wait to get comfortable which is his norm.  He was friendly and creative, and made up imaginative games for everyone to play.  He LOVED the slide & went down over and over.  Beckham went down once but it was a bit intense for his little body & he went head first in the water, jumped up sputtering, kept laughing & playing, but didn't go down the slide again.  (:  We had lunch and played some more and Tasha and I got some good quality catching up done, too.  Such a fun day!

2nd: I had an awesome massage this morning and the therapist basically tore my legs/ankles/feet up working on my plantar fasciitis.  I thought I might die, but smiled through it.  It was about as painful as childbirth. (:  Afterward, I had a meeting & lunch with Tony and Brenda which was wonderful.

3rd: Zac and I started fasting today at noon for some things we needed personal revelation on.  Zac's blood sugar goes crazy if he doesn't eat every 2.5-3 hours, so he was nervous about going a full 24 hours, but felt strongly about wanting to accomplish it.  My dad gave him a blessing and gave us some counsel and the whole experience was tender and appreciated.  I am blessed by the men in my life.

Grayson used an old box & made a kitty house.  I was a bit suspicious about the tacks sticking out everywhere...Hmm.

That night we left the boys in the great care of Taylor & Talon {who spent the evening taking the boys to dinner & a movie} and attended a great TSFL training.  It was phenomenal as usual, and I wasn't hungry at all, but loved every piece of information we received.

We left from there and drove to Twin Falls.  I love our road trip times.  We talked the entire time about different concepts we've had about ourselves from the time we were kids and how those are changing, but that doing the work of changing those intrinsic things is super hard.  We talked about our goals and specifically how we were going to make them happy.  Life is amazing being married to Zac because he is truly a master communicator.  I am getting better {funny because my major was communications}, but he is incredible.  I don't realize often enough how incredible it is to have a husband who loves to talk to me and who really loves to listen.

We scored a suite for a great deal & enjoyed a bath & snuggling up to a show before falling asleep.  In the morning {4th} we headed to the temple to do a session.  The spirit was so strong.  We both received very specific answers in a couple areas of our lives and some great personal revelation on which direction to head in some other areas.  I love the temple.  I have a testimony that the covenants we make there are real and important.  I feel closer to my Heavenly Father there than any other place.  I love being there with Zac.  We are not perfect and have so far to go, but I want to get & be better with him by my side.  We broke our fast with a prayer and ate a delicious lunch + enjoyed great conversation at Johnny Carino's.  We were both incredibly amazed that we didn't feel hungry the entire 24 hours.  I felt the spirit strengthening me more this time than any time I've fasted and I know it's because I was invested in every way this time.  My testimony of fasting and the priesthood was strengthened from this experience.  I know Zac's was as well.  

PS: We'd totally planned on taking the boys with us to the temple & having a sitter go with us to watch them.  Taylor found out & offered to keep them for us so we could have the alone time together.  She offers & takes my kids willingly a lot of times, but this time was so meaningful because she was in tune with me and what I needed most right then-one on one time with my husband.  I am so grateful to have a sister who would do anything for me.  She would drop what she was doing any day and any time to help me and I hope I never take her for granted.  She is hands down one of my favorite people and I feel the same way about Talon.  So thankful for them. {we ate at Fiesta together that night after getting home}.

We ran to Walmart & Gray tried out a new big bike.  He LOVED the helmet, so we got that & told him he could start working & doing chores to earn the bike.  He wore the helmet for a few days-to bed, on the way to church, around the house, etc.

5th-8th: Zac's cousin Louis & his wife Diana came to visit with their kids for a few days!  We were so excited to see them-it's been about 4 years since we'd played all together face to face and that was way too long.  Lou was coming for some business stuff with Zac, and Diana and the kids got to hang with us.  It was a great few days.  We did lots of fun stuff.
-Ate delicious lasagna rolls.  Seriously so yummy.  And, easy.  The recipe is found here: Dashing Dish Lasagna Roll Ups.

-Went to Settler's park, but it was SO hot & sunny & crowded + Beckham runs super fast everywhere, that we abandoned that idea and headed to Jabber's instead.  The kids had a ball!  It is such a great place and Diana and I visited a bit.

-The kids LOVED each other.  They played so well and really had a great time.  Beckham thought Kira was especially great and Gray and Josh laughed and got along great.  It totally helps that their kids love all things Star Wars, too.

-The kids watched a movie on the "big screen" in the boys room.  They all loved that.
-Late night laughing & talking with Lou and Diana.  The feeling of comfort and ease with which we can all communicate.  Seeing Zac with one of his best friends is such a great experience.

-BBQ at Taylor & Talon's house.  We had both sets of parents there too & that was a fun night.

-Pool time at Grandma & Grandpa Cleaver's

-Tractor ride with Grandma Wendy.  Gray didn't want to ride, but the other three loved it.

-T&T watched the kids while us four adults went to eat at Red Robin and enjoyed more fun conversations.
Such a fun few days and we are grateful for fun friendships and that we can always pick up where we left off! 

9th: Late this afternoon we headed to the Lake with Aunt Doll, Grandma Wendy, and some of the Ball family.  Tony, Brenda, Jared, & Carly.  So much fun!  We love spending time with them and were so happy they could come hang out.  Doll became friends with the kids through instagram & facebook, so it was great having her there, too.  There was wakeboarding-awesome skills, kneeboarding {Zac still amazes me when he does this.  He looks so dang hot doing it, too!}, and yummy food.  Plus lots of laughing.  The boys loved it, especially Grayson.  Beckham wasn't fond of the life-jacket, but when we stopped he was good.  Grayson surprised me by wearing his fine and even playing in the water {holding onto the back of the boat} when we were stopped to eat.  He ate it up & we all had a great time together. {I took our favorite banana bread with us-yummy!}

Jared stayed and spent the night which was so fun.  We got to visit some more & watch the first episode of Downton Abbey together.  It is so great for us to have such amazing teenagers in our life who our boys can look up to, adore, and aim to be like. 

10th: Seems like we wake up like this at least once a week. (;

Jared went to tour the farm with Zac & then back home.  He is great with the boys and we all love him.

The boys and I went to visit Grammy Tracy {Amber's mama & my surrogate mom} and enjoyed that.  They got a huge kick out of Jake the dog because he was scared of their balloons and jumped on the back of the couch trembling like crazy.  I love visiting her and feel as comfortable in their home as I did while growing up. 

11th: We had fun today attending the Cleaver Family Reunion.  Zac's family is extensive...and that's a light word for it. (:  We don't know very many of the Cleaver's well, but it's a well known name because there are so many of them!  We were excited to go.  The family is known for having a good time & throwing quite a party {haha!} and are truly some of the kindest people you'll ever meet.  They would do anything for anyone to help out.  Newell, my father in law, is a convert to the church & so are a couple of his siblings.  It was very fun to meet lots of people & put faces to names.  The boys did pretty well playing with cousins, eating yummy food, and being patient as Zac and I chatted the whole time with other adults.  It was hot, but they had fun.  Toward the end, they started up a game of baseball so I was sitting on the bench talking to my friend Sara {who is Zac's second or third cousin?} and the boys were just chillin near me.  Then Beckham walked up to Drew and Riley and climbed up on the bench between them.  He put a hand on each of their thighs & started telling them a story about Darth Vader.  It was pretty dang cute because both those guys only have daughters and you could tell they were pretty smitten with Bex.  Kids have such a way of just punching down any walls & bringing out the best side in people.  I am forever grateful I married into such a wonderful family.  Zac's immediate family is fantastic-I could not have asked for better in laws-but also for his extended family who we are both just now starting to know better.

12th: We spent some time hanging at Pete's place today & Gray got scratched by one of the cats.  After trying to drop it into the window well, of course. (;  He was pretty sad about the whole deal and when he calmed down Grami made the three littles some baby ice cream cones.  She brought out a HUGE jar of sprinkles and they enjoyed those.  Grandpa told Grayson to put his tongue on them & then he blew into the sprinkles.  They went EVERYWHERE!  More than Grandpa had expected, I think!  We all laughed & brushed them off Grayson and I was glad another potentially tearful experience ended in laughter.  Ha!

13th: Grayson talked me into decorating for Fall today.  Since we still had Valentine's decor up, I figured we'd be early rather than late & then ready to take it down by Christmas time.  Yeah, that hasn't been my top priority lately.  He LOVES planning, Holiday's, etc., so he enjoyed every minute and I did too.  I'm glad he suggested it today.

Went to the new IOU sushi location in Ontario!  So excited about this.  Ate with T&T, L&K, Jake & Chelsey, and Doll & Keri.  So yummy!  Delicious sushi and so excited to have one of our favorite places even closer.  Yum!  Maya babysat the boys for the first time and they had a good time with her.

14th: Spent time playing at Grandma Wendy's.  Pool & spraying Acey with the hose.

Some days are hard mommy ones.  Today was one of those.  When I'm at the end of my rope and think I might snap, we have to just walk outside.  The boys wanted to play in the back of the pickup & I let them.  By the time they were done we were all happier and had a better night.  Perspective can change so quickly if given the chance.

After the boys were in bed, Zac asked me to get them up to go outside.  He'd found a frog and showed them.  Gray went right over and picked it up.  Bex was more hesitant.  They went right back to bed and I was glad he took the minute to enjoy it with them.

15th: Went shopping for our ward pool party.

Attended ward pool party.  Thankful for my primary girls for all their help in pulling this off.  Successful & fun.  Hilarious to watch Jeremy, Brandon May, and Tricia Johnston compete in a belly flop/diving contest.  Brandon is going in this pic-ouch! Gray stayed by the stairs, of course, but still had a good time.  Jewels and I were laughing at him because every time someone would get in or out of the pool, he'd give this stink eye glare because he hated getting any water on his face.  He is a crack up!  Beckham stayed home with Grami & Zac had to work. {PS: I cooked the hot dogs in the slow cooker!  All 80 of them!  It turned out great-they looked just like grilled dogs-and much easier than dragging a big BBQ over!}

Taylor wanted a picture of her chairs to post on FB & Grayson was a willing model.

We surprised Grayson with his new bike.  His trike was WAY too small and it was getting ridiculous watching him ride it.  He LOVES the new bike and had a blast going in circles.  He worked quite a bit to earn it, too, which was great.  Beckham was so happy with his hand me down, too.  Now we just need about a mile of smooth pavement.

16th: More bike fun

Zac took off for an overnight business trip with Marco to Denver.  Cricket paid for everything including a trip to Coors field to see a baseball game.  It was his first major league sporting event & he had a blast.  The boys went to bed early but took FOREVER falling asleep and I sent Zac a picture of my "I might scream really loud at our kids face" and he texted me to calm me down. (:  They fell asleep just minutes after this photo, phew.  I caught up on all my girly netflix/hulu shows.

17th:  Grayson willingly put Beckham's shoes on him without being asked which was a big help to me.  I love times where they are so loving to each other.

We had a very fun night at Cleaver's house.  Lots of the fam came over and Zac set up his projector screen so we could all watch The Lorax outside.  We had a blast!  It was perfect weather with just a light blanket and the boys LOVED the whole thing.  The popcorn, having their cousins there, and one of their favorite movies right now.  Afterward, Zac turned out music & photo stream and we had a dance party.  We love our silly family.

18th: Had a mini family reunion with Cleaver's today.  Brad & Rosie were missing, so that was a bummer, but Morgan and Brian were visiting and we love having them here.  The boys adore them, especially Beckham, and they are great sports.  We chatted, had a fire & roasted food, and did lots of chasing little kiddos in the secret garden.

19th: We all love Phineas and Ferb around here.  Quiet time/nap time is sometimes spent with them.

Time with Pete's tonight.  Dance party galore.  Beckham's got some moves!  We all love good music.

Enjoyed a long talk with Zac tonight.  We always start around 11pm and then talk til way too late, but it's always worth it.

20th: Keeping the spark alive.

21st: Taylor watched the boys today and I drove to Pocatello to help one of my coaches {my aunt Kristi} do a TSFL open house.  The drive was smooth & I talked to Candace for an hour which was fun and broke up the time, too.  It was fun to help Kristi and she had a great turn out.  I also got to visit with my friends Mari & Georgia who live there, so that was a bonus.  It was fun chatting with Kristi and Ben and their kids and staying in their home for the evening.  I spent the night & Zac chilled with the boys.

22nd: Headed home from Pocatello and had a great long conversation with Amber which is always wonderful.  The drive was uneventful & quick. 

Zac helped celebrate Layne's birthday by attending a Joe Walsh {from the Eagles} concert with him.  They had a blast & the boys and I enjoyed being together at home.  We are so thankful for Layne, that he was born, and that he is our brother & one of our best friends.  Such a good man who calls often just to check in on us and serves others always.  He has a quick wit and a great sense of humor, and is a very hard worker.

23rd: I worked a few hours with my sweet friend Kristy at the TSFL booth at the Boise Idaho fair.  It was fun & enjoyable.  I even scored a free living scriptures DVD which the boys love, so it was great!

My dad and the guys cut down our back trees today.  It looks SO different!  We can see and totally love the view and all the light it lets in.  The fire was huge & the boys weren't sure what to think at first.  Grayson was kind of upset that Grandpa Alan cut his trees down, but he likes it now.  I appreciate all the hard work everyone did for us.
Mom was out of town so Dad & Doll stopped by that night to visit.  The boys were so happy to have company {they go a little crazy when people stop by} and showed them all their toys, etc.  We invited them to stay to watch Hunger Games, but they declined & went home.  Then we got the boys in bed & they called to say they did want to come over after all.  So fun!  It's rare that either of our parents just stop by to visit & hang out, so we love it when they do.  Come more often! (:

Tonight was Beckham's first night on his big boy bed, too.  We just took the side off his crib because he's been climbing out several times a night for the past week or so.  It was rough going.  Both boys struggled going to bed & kept interrupting the show, so I ended up taking them into my room & laying on my bed with them {I'd seen Hunger Games twice}, and showing them Mormon messages on YouTube on my phone.  They were so sweet and afterward I was glad they had a tough time going to bed because it ended up being a sweet opportunity for me to bear my testimony to them and for them to feel the spirit.  There was one video that was all in Spanish, but the video had pictures of Christ and the music was powerful and moving.  There were subtitles so I was reading them to Grayson and Beckham and they were so receptive to what I was saying & so sweet.  After Dad & Doll left, we put them in their beds & they were out like a light.

24th: Dressing up in costumes is still a favorite thing to do on a weekly basis.

We did deep cleaning today.  The garage + bathrooms.  When Bex napped, Gray offered to help me with bathrooms.  I was in a hurry, so I said he could clean the big mirror in my room.  He was excited because he loves wielding the Windex & paper towels.  He chattered while I cleaned and then I checked on him & saw he had TONS of Windex, so I went to help him get the excess off.  the frame on my old school ghetto mirror is loose, & when I was cleaning it rapidly, my fingers caught the edge of the mirror & cut open.  Lots of blood & pain + some instant tears & asking Gray to get me some wipes & the phone.  I called Zac crying and told him what happened.  He was in Boise & told me to call someone if I thought I needed stitches.  Of course I didn't know because they wouldn't stop bleeding & I don't know what needs stitches or not, so I called my dad.  He said he'd come right over.  Grayson was so sweet and concerned.  He kept saying, "don't cry Mom, I can finish cleaning the bathrooms for you if you just tell me what to do, okay?"  (:  Dad & Lance came to my rescue, checked it out, decided I'd live & most definitely didn't need stitches {fingers just bleed a lot, apparently}, and even changed a couple light bulbs for me.  My sweet rescuers.  Ouch!  After they left, Gray finished the bathroom for me.  What a sweetie.

That evening we visited Cleaver's and said goodbye to the pool.  The boys played slippery feet on it & had a ball even without the water.  Beckham and Papa Newell played ladder ball for a long time and were so funny.  We were laughing so hard because Beckham was so into it!  He would make the funniest faces & he scored almost every throw!  He didn't even pay attention & would jump around & throw it and it would go on.  Papa was almost crying he was laughing so hard & he acts just like a giddy kid with the boys, so they love that.

Of course we had to have a small bonfire & enjoy Morgan & Brian's last night, too.  Yummy s'mores & hot dogs & good conversation.  The boys love late nights & always act so good {I think in fear if they don't they'll be put to bed!}  Such nice summer nights.

25th: This morning was Grayson's preschool open house.  Miss Krissy got another job {such a sad thing!} and so we weren't sure what was going to happen.  Miss Gwen {my cousin Jeremy's wife who the kids call aunt} took over and we were excited about that.  It's even closer to our house, too which is nice.  Gray was a bit nervous about the change over, but when he realized Miss Gwen was Aunt Gwen, he was totally fine.  He played and was so happy to learn Max was in his class again.  Courtney offered to take Gray home to play for a couple hours which the boys were excited about. She is a seriously good friend in that way.  Always loving my kids.

At home Zac and I did some more major clean up.  I washed blinds, we did floors, dusting, etc.  Zac got stung by a bee while pressure washing the house & the guys burned the rest of the trees down.  Beckham entertained himself for the majority of the time by just looking at a big star wars history book.  He adores this book & we have to hide it when we don't want him messing with it.

That evening we hit up Tessa {Roberts} & Tyler's reception and loved on her.  We think she's great and are so happy & excited for her.  We love that whole family.  We even got to peek at Bentley, Nic & Kayla's little guy, who is teeny tiny & adorable.

Right after that we headed to Meridian to hang at Matt and Jen's house for the evening.  Jamie & Jamon came too and we'd missed hanging out with all of them.  Hannah totally entertained our kiddos for us and we were so grateful.  They loved the attention & playing on her cool hammock swing, watching the Lorax {again}, and eating ice cream & lucky charms.  Matt & Jen's new home is beautiful and the company was perfect.  Zac and Matt are especially funny together and we just love their friendships.  The boys crashed in the car on the way home & we all slept great.

26th: Grayson's imagination cracks me up.  He is so busy, but happiest when he is building/creating/inventing.  Usually it's harmless-if a bit messy-so I try to say yes as often as I can.

 I got to attend a great meeting today with Sister Jones who is a member of the general Primary presidency in the church.  She visited our stake today and met with all the primary presidents & their counselors & music people.  What a great experience.  You could just feel her love and the spirit emanating from her and I loved meeting her.  She asked questions and listened sincerely before giving thoughtful feedback.  She gave us each a big hug and was so sweet.  Erin, Penny & myself were there and what a neat experience to bear our testimony of how much we love the kids in our ward and want them to be successful and to feel our love, but mostly how much Heavenly Father loves them and how they are each full of individual worth.  I adore our stake primary presidency, too.  They are phenomenal.  The tiniest one is our spitfire president & I just love her. 

We had Taylor's family birthday party tonight & the boys wanted to unwrap everything, of course.  They are crazy, but she is so patient with them.  We LOVE aunt Taylor.  Grayson totally gets his awesome party planning & organizing skills & love for celebrations from her.  I love that too because it gets us all in the right mood & spirit. 

27th: Taylor unexpectedly grabbed the boys so I could run get groceries.  It is so nice getting groceries alone.  I found myself just browsing aisles I don't even love or need anything from because I was alone! (:

Grayson loves art projects and during quiet time he sometimes goes to town.  Keeps him quiet & busy, and he is quite creative, too, so I don't mind.

Grami made the best banana bread & I think Gray ate about an entire mini loaf himself.  And, she is a Grami of many talents.  She sewed his rubber alligator's leg back on!  He was so distraught about it & so happy after it got fixed.  Phew-so grateful for talented Grandparents {and parents} who save us!

My pantry is finally clean & organized again!  Love that feeling-however short lived. (;

28th: Lots of imaginative play this afternoon + new fun chalk.  Yes, Beckham tried licking them.  Several times. Our faithful home teachers came to visit tonight too.  The boys aren't super reverent when they're here, but Beckham loves Larry & shows him about a billion toys.  He has three girls and gets a kick out of him.

29th: Breakfast.  Beckham was pretty excited to tell me about it.  He is an eater!  He is getting a bit pickier about certain things, but still out eats Grayson every meal.  Grayson eats a total of 5 things, I think.  Drives me crazy, but we still try & hopefully he'll start liking more stuff.

Watching Disney Playhouse junior together.  Adorable.

Max & Peyton got to come play today for a few hours which was so fun.  They all played well together and Miss Peyton just steals a bit of my heart every time I am around her.  She is a little dolly & just followed me around.  So adorable!  Love those kiddos.

We played with the camera for a bit.  Beckham often lays like this with his head propped on his hand.  It is the cutest thing ever.

Took a walk to Grami's house.  Grayson got tired of walking so he climbed in the basket & I pushed them both the rest of the way.  It was a decent workout, for sure.  We hung at Grami's for a bit & then Zac came & picked us up.

30th: Helped Taylor move.  They are living in the house we first lived in which is awesome to have them just a mile away.

Grami took Grandpa Farrell for a drive, so she brought him by to say hi.  The boys were riding bikes {in their undies of course} outside & loved showing off & giving him big hugs.  Love that sweet man.

Zac went on a weed pulling rampage & this was part of the result.  Sharon's goats had a great time when the boys threw them over the fence.  {Yes, sometimes we play ball in the street...okay, just this one time while waiting for the goats to come over}.

While waiting, we sat on the grass & Grayson was totally service oriented.  He asked if we were thirsty and went & got us drinks of water.  He brought out the big tub of goldfish & did an experiment by dumping his glass of water in the big barrel.  My first instinct was to get angry because he'd just ruined a huge tub of goldfish.  I saw thought that he immediately realized his mistake and that he was truly just experimenting and didn't understand it would ruin the fish.  He apologized & instead of losing it, I told him I understood it was an accident and had him help me clean it up.  It's a small thing & maybe not worth mentioning, but I am trying to parent more lovingly and to not make a big deal of the little things.  Too often I fail, so I'm trying to journal the good times so I can see I'm making progress slowly but surely.

Mom & Dad Cleaver came over tonight so we could help them finish up the details for the county commission stuff to separate our house land lots.  The boys loved that Grandma played with them on the trampoline and were awful at family prayer time, but Papa just laughed and said, "I remember those days.  They go so fast."  It totally helped calm my flared temper & put things into perspective.  They most likely won't be running around during the prayer as adults {even if they feel like it} and my temper is the last thing they'll need.  {see-two reminders in one day-I must need a lot of work!}

The boys went to sleep and we got all the stuff done + some good chatting which was nice.

31st: I love my boys.  I love days where we are home & don't get ready till we absolutely have to.  I love imagination and happy days with no yelling {from me} and just loving each other.  Grayson was especially lovey today.  He loves having his back scratched and took advantage of me being willing while Bex napped & we chilled.  He also makes me laugh-without fail-every day.  Both boys are so hilarious.

I am thankful both my jobs-being a mom & a health coach-are things that I LOVE.

I said goodbye to my sweet 2nd counselor Annette, who is leaving with her husband to serve a mission.  I will miss her.  She has been an amazing asset and friend to me and for our primary.  She always called on a weekly basis to ask how she could help and was always there to do whatever was asked or needed.  She is such a sweetie and I know they'll make great missionaries.

Lance & Kelsey hosted a BSU party at their place and it was great fun.  The boys played outside & got super dirty, played inside, took a bath-so adorable-and laughed & fought. (;  We love our family!

Matt & Jen sent us these pics of Landon.  He is such a sweetie and we are all praying for and loving them like crazy.

What a great August!  Such a perfect "end to summer" month.  Loved all the time spent with people we loved & being productive in lots of areas, too.  We are really blessed.