Oh, what do you do in the summertime?

I have decided that I have a love/hate relationship with summertime. I love grilling, playing in the water, eating watermelon and corn on the cob. But then there is the flip side of summer-it is HOT and I am a sweater (which means I have very active sweat glands), so if we are not outside and swimming then I am sweating up the wazoo! The kids don't like the heat either if we aren't doing something wet, so then I hear from 3 children and one crying toddler that everyone is (drum roll-the dreaded word) BORED! If there are some ideas out there of fun activities for summer send them my way or if you have any cool websites for summer activities that are free or cost minimal that would be grand!

Father's day/ Our anniversary- long post!

Cami made this breakfast in bed and a cute card that all the kids signed

For Father's Day I surprised Curtis with the

Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy game

We couldn't get over how HUGE the field is that they play on

David Cook performed after the game and it was raining a little, but we still had a great time!

Father's Day was going to be hard without my Dad, I knew it- and I was planning on it. But I decided that I have a pretty awesome husband who happens to be a pretty terrific dad, so I needed to spoil him and make him feel special and not let my sadness overshadow that. We barbequed with our family and made cupcakes for Curtis' dad and visited him. I thought about my dad and the words I would have expressed to him about being such an outstanding father, and how much he would have loved the big hug and kiss I would have given him, and I felt happy remembering him even though I am sad he is gone.

Then On Saturday June 26, Curtis and I went to the Salt Lake Temple for our anniversary, we haven't been back to that temple together since we got married. I am so glad we did, it was such a spiritual experience. I had a girl sitting by me that was getting married the following weekend and she was there for the first time. That made me reminisce(sp?) back to my wedding day. I could not have prayed for a more peaceful and sure feeling that day. That memory is what gets me through the days of wanting to rip Curtis' head off! You know I love you! Then we went to the Skybox sports grill at the Gateway because USA was playing Ghana in the World Cup. Even though we were sad about the loss (LOVE you-Donovan, Dempsey, and Bailey) it was a total blast sitting in front of all the big screens and yelling with the whole restaurant! Thanks much to my sister Lesley and her hubby who I think have started a little tradition of taking our kiddies for our anniversary, and they just love it!

Awards Assembly for Kemp and Cami

Kemp, along with several other 5th graders, won the Nat'l. Presidential Fitness Award- they had to do push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, sit and reach, run the mile, etc. Kemp was receiving the award with some boys who had been giving him a hard time about not being as athletic as them, Curt and I were saying-Ya! you go Kemp!

Kemp earning Scholar of the Year

When they called Kemp's name up for the award

he was a bit shocked!

Cami earned Citizen of the Year

We were very impressed with her hard work this year!

I forgot to post about Kemp and Cami's awards at the end of school last year and realized with the new year coming-I never did! (that is summer for ya) So here are some pics from the assembly where they received awards. It was funny when Kemp was given his award, because his teacher made it clear he was getting his award for being the smartest, NOT the most responsible-he always forgot his assignments! He really turned things over the last half of the year. Kemp is the type that needs a little push sometimes or he just sits back and enjoys the ride (being content isn't a bad thing either son)! Cami is definitely the responsible type, she is so self-motivated and determined. I love how she plays soccer with the boys at recess, but lip syncs to Taylor Swift at home with the girls. She is such a perfect blend of a 10 year old-I love it! Can't wait to see how they blossom this next year!

Trip to Minnesota

We grew up together in California with our cousin Lacy and her family (they live in Oregon now). We were really close as kids because we only had each other to see for holidays. She was in Minnesota at the same time for a baby shower, so we were ecstatic about seeing her!

Lana and Will chasing each other down the walkway at the airport

Best cousies- Just chillin'
Chris was trying to yell to Grandma and Aunt Lana who were down below having lunch, it was so sweet!

I didn't realize that Christian's shirt probably made everyone on the airplane cringe, until one passenger said to Chris, Uh-oh are you trouble? I should have picked a different shirt for the plane. Oh well, he IS trouble; but he did just fabulous on the plane!

I love seeing my family in Minnesota. Christian and I went with my Mom, Lesley, Will, Lana and her hubby Craig on the trip. The little toddlers were such a hit and I am glad that we got to bring them along. My family from Minnesota is such a breath of fresh air. I love to visit with all of them and hear the same positive, optimistic attitude in each and every one. I wish I could have known my Grandpa and Grandma Follensbee, raising 14 children in poor circumstances and have them grow up to be so spiritual and have such amazing outlooks on life; is a wonder to me! My children have no idea what a huge extended family they have and my goal is to get my whole family back there SOON! My cousin Deanne was so gracious in letting us stay with her. She made these little toy snakes for the boys and they loved 'em. We taught her how to play Greed and had a blast, of course there was loud laughter the whole time. One thing I enjoy about being with family is seeing how genetics and personality traits play a role in who I am. I have noticed that there is a coined phrase that all of them use quite a bit, (I hear it comes from my grandma) "It's not the end of the world!" That truly is how each of them deal with life and all its uncertainty (also believing that God takes care of us). We got to enjoy several relatives that we have never met and that was special! A little side note to family: as you can see I didn't get a lot of pictures with my camera, so will you please send me some of your pictures from the trip, thanks.

5 reasons to be grateful today

1. It is a rainy day, I will TRY my best to be grateful for this because I can relax at home and enjoy having a roof over my head.
2. My mom is going to her first appt. today to discuss treatment now that her cancerous tumor is gone, all tests were negative for any remaining cancer, so no chemo, she gets to keep her rockin' hairdo-yea!
3. Cami tried out last night for a comp team for soccer and she made it, so fun to see her love for the sport.
4. I am going with my mom and sisters back to Minnesota (mom's home state) to see relatives (Memorial Day weekend) always grateful for that- my mom's family is the BOMB!
5. Chris is showing signs of being interested in the potty, glory hallelujah if he could be trained by end of summer!

Mother's day and one heck of a mom!

I bought pj's from Sam's Club and my mom loved them, so we bought her a pair for Mom's day!

I had a fabulous Mother's Day! I was given the cutest little gifts by my kids & hubby-

• Kemp gave me breakfast in bed (Raisin Bran Extra, toast with jam and a banana), he knows that this is tradition in the Garrett family.
• Cami gave me a vase with some beautiful silk flowers and a picture block-she heard me say that I wanted a picture block, what a sweetie.
• Kerstyn gave me a tile with her hand printed on and her name, and a picture of us holding hands and a message saying I was smart and special-cute!
• Christian made me a cute little pink bracelet with the help of the nursery leaders, and I got lots of kisses from him!
• Curtis gave me a corsage (which is another tradition) and also remembered my mom, he is such a sweet man. He gave me foot cream, (he promised a massage) a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and we went for dinner to Texas Roadhouse on Saturday, yum! All in All I know my family loves me and appreciates me as a mother, that is everything I could ask for.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

My mom is one of those people that everyone admires for her optimism, faith, testimony, and I could go on and on. She has been teaching me so much these last few months about knowing that God is in charge of this world and is guiding our lives. Every challenge she faces is with a belief that everything will be o.k. and that she will be taken care of by her Father in Heaven and he will help bring peace to her soul. She is having a cancerous lump removed in her breast this Wednesday, and we are praying that all goes as planned. The Dr.'s are very positive that it has not spread, but will know for sure once they operate. After she and I left the surgeon's office she said that she knows that the Lord is taking care of her and blessing her. In church on Sunday we have a class where we meet with other women and she announced that she had good news and told about her cancer, and that it looked very favorable that the cancer will be removed and she will be fine. Afterwards another woman made a comment that only Barbara Garrett would consider having cancer to be good news! She looks for the positive in every situation. She could be so angry and devastated, but that just isn't my mom. I am so thankful that I have been fortunate to have such a woman as my mom!

Happy 10th Birthday Cami!

A whole decade since our little Cam-bo was born! Sunday, April 25 was her b-day and we were going to have a party for her the Thursday before, but she got the stomach flu. So we had to reschedule her party and we had a little family party on her B-day ( kids don't like having their b-days on Sunday). Two weeks later she finally took her friends to Classic Fun Center in Layton for a party! They skated and did some other activities. We had a good time, I scootered around the rink with the kids and we sang to Taylor Swift's "Love Story". One of Cami's best friends hung out next to me the whole time on the rink, and he said that I was a really fun mom- aaww! What a sweetie, he earned big points with me! We came home for pizza, presents, and cake. Here are 10 wonderful traits about Cami:

1. Imaginative- as soon as she was talking she was using her imagination

2. Obedient- she just does what is right automatically

3. Hard worker- she gives a 110% to everything

4. Honest- comes in handy when her brother or sister is not

5. Charitable- she shared her brand new DS with her bro- that says alot!

6. Responsible-she takes care of her things, and helps without being asked

7. Fearless- she didn't even flinch her first time changing a poopy diaper!

8. Strong-willed- when something is set in her mind, don't even try to change it

9. Sweetheart- not a day goes by w/out lots of hugs, kisses, and I love yous!

10. Kind-spirited- she always looks out for the underdog!

Cami,

We are so pleased with you as a daughter, and we know that your Father in Heaven looks down on you with a big smile every day! You are pure joy for our family!