Grow the grass

Sunday at church, we had a really good talk on families and raising our children. He likened it to growing grass and keeping out the weeds. He gave and example of two different people taking care of their yards. One started early and sprayed the weeds. He concentrated on keeping the grass growing and looking nice instead of trying to keep out the weeds. Eventually the weeds were fewer than the grass. The other person started later and their main goal was to kill the weeds, and in doing so was killing the grass.

He talked about how we need to concentrate on raising our children and leading them to a righteous life rather than worrying about all that's wrong with the world and trying to keep the bad out. If we teach them by example and concentrate on keeping the good in our home and lives, eventually the bad will weed itself out. I know that I am totally butchering the talk, but it was a good one. I know that as a parent I tend to worry about things that in reality aren't all that bad. I need to concentrate on leading by example. Making sure they have the gospel in their lives and that they feel safe. Teach them how to live and survive. Don't do everything for them..... "Let" them have chores and responsibilities. Don't try to control their every decision and thought. I just need to concentrate on helping my "grass" to grow rather than killing the weeds. I hope I can do it.

Flashback Friday~

For Christmas a few years ago, Brycie got a Karaoke Machine and Mimi got a Barbie Guitar. They made a great team!

Cancun~

I am FINALLY getting around to posting about our trip to Cancun. We left on May 15th and flew into Cancun. We actually stayed in place called Rivera Maya, which is about an hour and a half from Cancun. The resort was beautiful and it was nice to have people cater to our every need. We had drinks and food available whenever we wanted. The beach was within walking distance and the water was fantastic. One day as Quinn and I were swimming in the ocean, there swiming around us were two big ol' tuna fish! Too bad I wasn't able to get any pictures of that.
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Anyway, we were able to go on a tour of Talum. That was really neat to see the Pyramids and learn about the Myans way of life. Another day we went to Xel-Ha (pronounced Shell-Ha) which is a natural water park, where the ocean water and fresh water meet. We rode bikes, tubed, snorkeled, jumped off a cliff and watched people swimming with the dolphins. Twice we went into Playa Del Carmen to shop. It was intersting to see the shops and bargin with the shop owners for a better price.

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It was so humid there, that my hair started curling up in the airport. It was a good thing I brought my hair gel, because I couldn't get my hair to do anything but go curly. I don't think my hair ever fully dried while we were there.

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This is the view from our room...........

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This thing would take us to different places in the resort............

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One of the many beautiful trees there...............

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These also took us places around the resort.......

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On one of the transportation rides at the resort..........

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Shopping in Playa Del Carmen..........

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Playa Del Carmen............

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Playa Del Carmen... Senor Frogs..........

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The resort lobby.............

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Iguanas were everywhere.................

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Talum............

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Talum.................

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Talum.............

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Xel-Ha (they made us wear these stupid life vests).......

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Xel-Ha.........

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Xel-Ha... Quinn jumping off the cliff..........

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Xel-Ha.... Me jumping off the cliff...........

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Xel-Ha....

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Xel-Ha.... One of the many cool fish there.............

It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to go again! Thank you Quinn for arranging this wonderful trip!!!

Boredom~

A boring Saturday made one of these many flour sacks I have..........

Turn into.............

An apron for Mimi...........

Flashback Friday~

This was taken a few years ago. I took the kids to the park and took pictures of them to give to Quinn for fathers day.

Camping

We were able to get away for a few days and go camping with the Andersons and Finch's. The kids were all filthy dirty, but had a great time.

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The older kids (James, Haylee, Levi, Brycie and Mimi) all put up a tent and slept there.....


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Mimi caught a frog at the pond. (She is covered in dirt)



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We took a drive to a cave as well.



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We found a dead elk by the stream.........



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Can't wait to camp again. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before we can go again.

Flashback Friday

I was just at a family get together and was talking to my soon to be niece about when Mimi was little. I love and miss the curly hair and chubby cheeks!

This was her 1 year picture.............