still here...

Just been ignoring the blog. I know I'm not the only one who is going to miss seeing these three sitting out on the grass eating popsicles. Lauren and Chloe spent most of last week visiting Cody's mom and her family. Noah missed them like crazy! Everytime we headed out somewhere he would ask if we were picking up sissies. Poor guy, he has no idea school is about to begin. But at the end of the summer it seems the squabbles are sometimes a bit more frequent so maybe some time apart will help us all appreciate our time together? Maybe?! I forget how much less work it is with just one child around, even though I missed visiting and hanging around, Noah and I had some good bonding time. He helped me cook and we played in the water several times. Glad to have those two back, four days was long enough for me!

We celebrated Cody's 31st birthday when his family came up on Thursday. Hard to believe we're THAT old :) We had the traditional birthday BBQ and then he hit a few golf balls with his friend Paul. I have to include the obligatory-full-cheeked-blowing out of the candles pose. I'm so good at getting those shots, everyone hates them though I'm sure. And I have to be commended for actually getting a gift that surprised Cody. I have the hardest time shopping for him. The toys are either too big or too costly, whereas women, the little gadgets and fun items are always popping out at me. Anyway, he had new running gear to wear for his first triathlon yesterday. He did great as far as I'm concerned. Nothing like just jumping in and doing it, now he knows more what to expect should he forget the misery and do another one sometime :)

I think we're ready for second grade here, all the new school supplies, backpacks, shoes, clothes, can't believe it's almost here. I remember being a second grader, maybe that's the mind-boggling part of it for me. My gals can't possibly be there yet. So many good things coming their way. They start piano lessons in September with the teacher I had hoped to get, she miraculously had just two openings left for the fall. They've met once with her and I think it was a good match for them both.

A little off the subject, whatever that was, but the cutest thing Noah is asking these days is, "Are you happy Mom?" Today in Sacrament meeting he spilled Cheerios all over his lap and looked up and asked if I was happy. He did the same thing to Chloe when she hurt herself, that definitely cheered her up quickly. Sweet guy, he's really into how he feels these days, telling me "Noah mad!" or "Noah not like it!" So endearing in the third person :) He also picks up on how Cody and I are feeling, especially those feelings of frustration and irritation, he's right there reminding us to be happy. And all is well in his world when he can say "Mama happy girl?" And of course I answer yes, how could I not be? I'm a blessed and happy girl...