My scout...

We took Braden to Post, TX

(yes... the birthplace of Post Cereals)

for a Scout National Youth Leadership Training Camp

seven days.

without his mother.

i already miss him.

shea said she doesn't.  but I don't believe her.

want to bet how many times he changes his underwear and socks?

i say once.  twice at the most.

let's hope i'm wrong.

I LOVE hearing my kids laugh....

many, many years ago

when we had real grass. 

and back when we had little kids.

(sniffle, sniffle)

we discovered a miracle.

after we would mow our grass, the kids feet would be dark green

simply squirt a little whole bottle of dish soap on the trampoline and spray with water.

and you have bubbly, cheap summer fun!

Anthony had never heard of such a thing...

I heard them laughing clear in the house.

all doors shut (it is 102 degrees today)

Happy Memorial Day!

This morning we went to a 5k fun run/walk with our stake....

Robert and Andrew.

Handsome.

Strong Shea!

Love these kids!

Not so great photo of our family. 

I told my friend we needed a snapshot for our Christmas card.

I think we need to pay a photographer to make us look good :)

Kayla and her friends.

Kayla and Shea were the only ones to actually run.

the rest of us walked.

Look to the far right.....

Robert running ahead to check on the kids.

Robert running back to walk with me.

True love.

Mama Bucks!

We are going to be productive this summer.

No mushy brains here.

work, work, work.

Shea helped me come up with Mama Bucks....

Shea dusting....

work Cinderella, work!

Braden almost done cleaning his room.

pick up the pace boyfriend!

Play day!!

Shea had her school play day while Robert and I were in Santa Fe, so Kayla was great to help out.  It is a little bit sad thinking this is our last kid's play day.  How did time fly by so fast??

Babies on the way....

We're pretty sure Bella is pregnant, which has had Shea researching everything about kittens on the internet.  Even though we keep saying we aren't going to keep any of them... she (and other, unnamed children) doesn't seem to be listening.  Shea's latest project is a bed for Bella to have the kittens in.   I'm sure it will be magnificent.

Luckily for my food budget, I was able to get five bags of cat food for .49 each (crazy target sale - they are regular $6.39) and 8 boxes of kitten chow for FREE (thanks, Tammy!)  Bella went crazy over all that food on the table, so I took a few pictures.  You can't really see her big belly, but it has been growing quite a bit.

Saying goodbye to 5th grade

Today was Shea's recognition program and 5th grade banquet. 

Kayla did her hair beautifully!

Note the high heels... Shea spent her allowance on these cute shoes.

Black just would work.

Thank goodness for a sister willing to take her emergency shoe shopping!

Shea earned "Overall Academic Achievement"

YAY!

two adults. no kids.

Robert and I spent a few days in Santa Fe this past week.  When we checked in there was a space to put how many adults and children would be staying in the condo.  We both laughed at the big ZERO for children.  It's been a long time since we ran away.

Here are a few shots of the condo.

No kids means you don't need much space.

That's a good thing.

Cozy.

We went hiking....

about 8000 ft elevation.

I think I left one of my lungs on the trail

We walked around the town.

a couple of times.

delayed-onset-muscle-soreness from our hike.

NOT fabulous.

but the weather WAS fabulous

and the food was even better!!

This buffalo head was in the state capital.

made out of crazy recycled stuff

This is the "miraculous staircase" at the Loretto Chapel

We also went on two bike rides... but no photos.

I finished my 50 miles in New Mexico!!

Only 35 states to go.

hmmm.... can I really reach my goal by the time I am 50?

I think we need to make a few more trips :)

Mother's Day!!

I

LOVE

MOTHER'S

DAY!

Robert gave me a Shark.

best.

present.

ever.

I also woke up to a wonderful card and loads of candy from Andrew.  I wanted to post his card... but he said no.  You would have loved it!  Shea and Kayla gave me earrings.... I'll post pictures of my wolf earrings from Shea next time I'm wearing them.  They are beautiful!

slacker...

Things have been a bit hectic here... and I just realized that I didn't post my March frugal challenge.  It's May already for heavens sake!  Thanks to Tammy for reminding me and keeping me on track!

The Numbers

Grocery Budget:
March - $306
April - $389  I'll put the blame on Kayla coming home and my mom visiting for two weeks.  It certainly couldn't have been because I was a slacker and just bought what I wanted.  Nope.

Mortgage:
March - paid down 1.25%
April - paid down 1.45% for a total of 89.7% to go.  The good news is that I broke through the first 10%!!!  the bad news is that I'm a bit behind schedule.  Maybe I should stop feeding the dogs.  Or buying plants.  I'll let you know which I choose next month.