Assembly Preview!

*UPDATE TO THE UPDATE*
We have another preview scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th. If you're interested in coming, bring your kids (whether yours, your neighbor's, or whatever...) and be there at 7:15 p.m. Refreshments will be served!
*UPDATE!*
Thanks to those who were able to make it to our preview! I felt it went well, especially all the considerations. It's going to be a great little show!
Many of you are aware of my latest huge project: SNAP, Walk N' Roll!  It's an assembly that is part of a new program called SNAP promoting safe walking and biking to school. We're having a rough dress rehearsal Monday, August 31st at 7:00 p.m. at Riverside Elementary School. You are all invited to attend to be part of a focus group. We ask that you please RSVP so we can know how many to plan on; there will be a short survey following the assembly as well as light refreshments. It should be lots of fun, and I hope to see as many of you as possible there!

Melt My Heart...

45 Lessons Life Taught Me by Regina Brett

My sweetheart sent this to me. I loved it and felt you may enjoy it as well. Happy reading!

45 Lessons Life Taught Me by Regina Brett

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone for everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."


By Regina Brett, 90 years young, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

Wakko's and Peanut's Special Day

Wakko is such a great brother! He shared his 8th Birthday with Peanut... she was blessed on his Birthday. Two weeks prior to the big day, we got the all clear to move Wakko's baptism to that day as well; it will forever be a day we will cherish!

Thank you to Nate, Melissa, Sydney, Macey, and Porter for flying out to share this day with us! You made the day extra special. Thank you Melissa for your talk; it was fabulous and super memorable.

Thank you to Grandma Karen for making Peanut's dress and for your talk. They were beautiful!

Thank you to Tiffanie and Grandpa Chatty for the music and conducting. You added so much!

Thank you Maags, Bennetts, Strattons, and Poultons for making the long drive to be here. Your being here meant so much!

Thank you Megan S for transcribing the blessings: what a treasure!

Thank you Ben W, Amy H, and Carolyn N for helping with the food: it was so great having your support!

Thank you Gales, James Family, Rinquests, Neumanns, Watsons, Rachel, Sabrina, Megan S, Mandee Lue, Hamiltons, Alvaro, Alanna, Cedric, and Kim for being part of our special day. I know Wakko and Peanut will always feel a special connection with you because of the time and love you shared with us all.

Adventures with the Chatty Family

It's no secret that we adore our family; this includes our extended family too! We had a BLAST spending time with the Chatty family and can hardly wait to see them again.
My brother, Nate, and his darling wife, Melissa, brought their cutie kids to Utah for a visit. We had a great time playing with each other, checking out the sites, and getting to know one another after so long apart. Highlights include: playing the Wii, cousins sleep over, smores, temple square, dress ups, make overs, Legos, chats, and lots of food...it was such fun! Thanks again for the visit!
(Please excuse the lack of captions under pictures: I don't know why but I can't see my pics prior to posting.)

Fishlake Rocks!

My sweetie took our three big kids to Fishlake a few weekends ago. As usual, they had a fantastic time fishing and spending time with each other. Fish were caught, games were played, fields explored, back-roads were discovered, and memories were made to last a life time. I love how much they love each other and they enjoy their passion for fishing together!

Webelos!

Yakko advanced in Scouting Ranks this month; he is now a Webelos Scout! We are so proud of him and his accomplishments! Along with his Bear Badge, Yakko was awarded a golden arrow and three silver arrows. We are thrilled that he has done so much to make and keep goals, work hard on his own, and shared his talents with our family. Way to go!

Meeting Peanut

This is the first of what is sure to be many posts documenting one of the best weeks I've had in a very long time! My awesome brother and his fabulous wife and kids were here for a week. My favorite part of it all was how great the kids got along; they could have played non-stop together!

Thanks, Nate and Melissa, for the sacrifices you made to make this trip possible. I can hardly wait to see you and your gorgeous kids again! Love to you all!

Three Months (Just a Little Late...)

Peanut is three months old now! Three months! It's just crazy how much she's grown, changed, and learned. Our little lady smile a lot now, giggles, plays fun little games, recognizes family members, brings things to her mouth, and is content when she awakes. I'm loving watching all the little milestones as she reaches them. I also LOVE how loved she is! My sweet kids, awesome hubby, fabulous brother and his family, darling friends, dear grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors.... she is one special lady!

Being Patient

Dear Darling Blog Friends,

Thank you for being patient. Life has been insanely busy. Great, but busy. I will get updates, pictures, posts, and all that jazz soon. Just promise me you'll keep being patient. I hope you enjoy the picture of Peanut... I know it always makes me smile to see pics of my cute kids.

Love,
Me

Happy Birthday, Wakko!

Happy Birthday Wakko! I hope that you know how very very very loved and special you are! You bring a smile to my face everyday... I am truly the luckiest mom EVER!

Here are my top 8 favorite things about Wakko on his 8th Birthday:

1. Wakko makes me smile. Golly! He makes everyone smile; his happy face just lights up a room!

2. His snuggles. Okay, I know this one will probably make him blush one day, but he gives the kind of hug and snuggle that warms you up from tip to toe. His hugs and snuggles are genuine and full of love.

3. Wakko is a great little chef. I love that he loves to help so much in the kitchen! Watch out Emeril... Wakko's going to be great!

4. He is the kind of big brother every little girl should have. He is tender, loving, patient, and kind to his baby sister. So much so, he shared his Birthday and Baptism day with his baby sister... she was blessed on his day. This will be a treasured memory for everyone in our family for the rest of our lives.

5. On that same note, Wakko is very good at giving. If he sees someone in need he jumps to help. He wants everyone to be happy and to have their needs and wants met.

6. Wakko has a fun sense of humor! His comic timing just floors me!

7. He is super smart. It's great to watch him discover and grow as he journeys along life's paths; he is super at math, reading, spelling, history, science, and any other scholastic subject he encounters.

8. Wakko loves his family. His great love for us touches my heart and is felt by all who know him.

Happy Birthday, Wakko! I hope your 8th Birthday was all you wanted! I love you!!!!