Holy Shoes!

I have been packing for Michigan. We pack everything in a large, canvas, car top carrier because once we put all of our children in the car there isn't much room left for luggage. As I was packing and throwing the shoes into it I stepped back, looked and had to laugh. I guess we are a family that likes shoes! BUT....If you stop to think about it though if each person in the family brought 2 pairs of shoes that would be 28 shoes! It is these little things that stop me in my tracks and hit me...we are a huge family. With that comes lots more laundry, lots more shoes, lots more dishes etc...most importantly lots more hugs and kisses and love!

When It Rains It Pours

We have had SO much rain here. We have gotten more rain in the past six months than we do on an average yearly basis here in Oklahoma. I am not complaining though because it hasn't even reached 100 degrees yet. Usually by now we are in the 90's and 100's everyday. It has been kind of nice not to be consumed by the heat. It has rained for 15 days straight! Needless to say there is some flooding in low lying areas, but nothing to bad...yet!

One on One

It has been almost a week now since Jack and Mallory have been gone in Michigan. Rachel has had her Daddy and I all to herself and she is loving it. We are too! I am pretty sure that Aspen (our dog) has had a harder time with Jack and Mallory being gone than Rachel.

I have really enjoying being able to spend one on one time with Rachel. I am thankful I have had this chance, but it makes me a bit melancholy at times. I realize that sometimes I am missing out on the little things she is doing and the little joys of the day with her because I am so busy with two and sometimes four other children. If anything, instead of being sad about it I can remind myself of this past week and make myself stop and watch her and take her in more when all the kids are at home.

She is growing so fast and getting so smart! She says a new word or tries to say a new word almost every day now. She repeats everything. She is getting super fast too! She can really get her speed going when she doesn't want to get caught...lol. This chick is a boggier too!!! She hears the slightest beat or sound of music and she just starts dancing, moving, and grooving. What's amazing is I think she has more rhythm that I do, and she is only 1!

Going to the Zoo,zoo, zoo...

By saying going to the zoo, I don't mean my house...lol. The Monday after Father's Day my mom got into town with two special surprise visitors. Cousin Sophie (my niece) and Aunt Lisa(my aunt) came to Oklahoma too! They didn't stay for long but we did get a chance to go to the Zoo. Sophie had never been, and was asking Grandma Onie if there really were such things as elephants, bears, and giraffes, so we decided to show her the real thing!
They headed back to Michigan on Wednesday because of the rainy weather here...not much to do but sit around. Plus the kids(and Grandma) were anxious to get to the cottage and play on the lake. My mom took Jack and Mallory up north with her. So I am pretty much kid free, except for Rachel, for a week and a half. The kids and I both enjoy this alone time! We will go pick up the kids in Michigan and take a vacation over the week of 4th of July. I am really looking forward to spending time up there with the family.

Father's Day

Big Daddy Matt got a new grill for Father' Day. He was really surprised and likes his new grill. We made a special steak skewer Father's Day feast and grilled out that evening. They were so yummy! Good job honey!

Matt is such an amazing Father. Our kids adore him. They can't wait for him to get home at night and hate to see him leave. They don't ever want to go to bed without saying goodnight to daddy, if he is not home. He does so many special things with them that they will cherish and remember and pass onto their own kids someday. I am so proud when I see him with our kids. He is an amazing provider for our family and works so hard to make sure we have enough. If that means staying up until 4am five nights in a row working on extra work to pay bills. He is one of the most unselfish people I have met and he shows that to me and our kids everyday.

Happy Father's Day! You're the BEST!