Kids are back to school, summer birthdays are gone and the lazy days of summer seem to be coming to an end.  It has been actually quite hot the last week and I just love it.  I love summer, I always have since childhood.  When I was younger we just spent the days thinking about what our next adventure would be with my friends.  I had lots of friends and have many fond memories of our long hot summers in California.  We use to play all day and into the evening cause the heat would last till late so we would stay out and play.  No nintendo, computers, Ipods for us, just our good old imagination to keep ourselves entertained.  We rode bikes, swam, played every sport you can think of, played hide n seek in the evening and tag.  We climbed trees and made forts and spend the day imagining we were secret spies.  The kids and parents weren't so cliqueish in those days, we played with everyone we didn't care what color you were, or how much money your mom and dad had, we didn't care if you lived in our neighborhood or if you lived across the street in the apartments, we were just friends.  We didn't care what religion you were or if you were in our home ward to be your friend.  We had it much easier then our kids, they get judged on everything.  They get judged on their appearance, parents status, money, type of home they live in, what color their skin is or if you are a member of  the church.  How sad it is that people have to judge each other, people make judgements about us and they don't even know us.  I hope and pray that I can teach my children to be excepting of others, no matter what classification people put others in.  I hope they can look to others for the beauty that is inside, the true person that we all wish people really knew about us and just loved us anyway.  I hope that my children will know that they are lucky to be just the way they are and should never be ashamed for the kind of person they are becoming.  What is most important is that they are honest, trustworthy, hard working, caring people.  I hope they understand it is about the whole adventure not just getting to the finish line.  I am proud of my children, they are people that have friends from all religions, ethnic backgrounds and economic classes.  They see the good in people, they don't discriminate if someone is not just like them.  That is how pure a child's love really is.   I wish we could all be good examples like so many of our children are and truly learn to love everyone like our Heavenly Father loves us.

Lauren is 13

I blinked and my baby turned 13 years old.  Today was her birthday and she looks so grown up, yet sometimes I get a glimpse of the little girl inside she is trying to push away.  She is been such a blessing in our life.  She is funny, and very smart. She is sensitive and passionate. She loves to sing non stop, and often writes songs.  She is without a doubt a writer, she writes wonderful adventure stories.  She loves to write inspirational thoughts on masking tape and hangs them up on her bedroom walls.  She loves to go outside and write all up and down the sidewalk with street chalk.  I am sure the neighbors enjoy reading all about her insight on life.   Lauren loves texting on her phone, hanging out with friends and talking about boys like any typical 13 year old girl too.  Lauren we are so thankful you are in our family.

Wind creatures

Dragonflies have graced us with their beauty for millions of years. Many cultures believe they are mystical and marvelous creatures. They seem to dance as they fly and skim the tops of rivers. They are very hard to photograph since they move at speeds of 35mph and don't sit still more than a few seconds at a time. I got very lucky taking these photographs of this blue guy.

My three year old grape plant finally bore fruit this summer. I was so excited!! The vine has began to grow and cling to other plants around it. I have about five bunches of grapes and I picked some yesterday for the first time. They were sweet & a little tart. Just right for my taste. My rasberries also did great this early summer. They were yummy and produced beautiful fruit. These fruits are easy to grow and fun to eat!

I think this fall I will plant a few different varieties and see what comes up. My son Dylan thinks we should make Mormon wine, with no alcohol of course.

Zions, May 09

Brittney took me to Moab for mothers day. It's amazing how much fun you can have with someone that enjoys nature as much as you do.
She is an amazing person, this was one of the best days I've ever had. We whent on some really cool hikes, nothing to straneous cause you know she's not in very good shape (ha ha). She was a good sport and walked a little slower so that I could keep up with her. We went to some really cool spots and saw lots of beautiful sites. She is my best friend. I love her so much.