Shawn and Janet Family Photos

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take family photos of some of my in-laws. Jason's older brother Shawn and his family to be exact. I took them out to my new favorite spot. I think at first they were questioning my judgement when we pulled up in a rather ghetto looking spot, but after a little complaining, and some eye rolling, we got down to business. And I think we took some rather nice photographs.

Really I had a great time. I love doing this with family. There is so much less stress, and it takes family much less time to relax and be themselves. I'm pretty pleased with the results.

That look is so Hayden.

My personal favorite

I love this one

Isn't she beautiful!

Not bad when he holds still!

Poyfair - Blain Camping Trip

A few weeks a go on June 15 we took our girls on their first camping trip.

Jason and Brian got together and arranged everything. I was

 so excited. I have been wanting to take the kids camping for years.

In fact I even bought us a 12 man tent 2 years ago, and we finally

got to use it as a family. (I know there are only 6 of us, but I wanted plenty of space)

We went out to Mustang Park which is only about

20 minutes away, but for a first

camp out it was perfect for us.

We had so much fun. We had the traditional tin foil

dinners, and of course we had smores! Jason

and the kids sat around the fire and told not so scary ghost

stories. I, unfortunately had to work on making

a slide show for the cub scout day camp that

was going on the same week, but I had a good time all the same.

We let Emilie bring her friend Penny Taylor along. She is the cutest kid

and so fun to have around. We had a running joke the

entire time because we also brought our dog Penny with us, and we kept confusing

everyone with who we were talking too. (sort of) "Penny, stop eating the garbage!" and

 things like that kept getting yelled.

I loved going with the Blain  Family, and would do it again in a second. Brian is so

easy going, and fun, and he has the best stories.

 Bethany, his wife, has the most infectious laugh. She is just delightful

to hang out with. They have such fun kids too. Avery, Halley, Tyler, and Bella. They are always

into everything, and so funny. Halley will give you everything she owns in a heartbeat.

She has such a giving spirit. Tyler is so independent. He can do anything and

everything himself, but he still loves being apart of all that the girls are doing.

Avery is sweet and kind. She always has something nice to say.

She loves to help out with the little girls and to be the responsible one.

Bella is just simply adorable. She has the most angelic and cherubic face, but

has to be the messiest kid ever!  You can tell she is

always having fun, because she has a huge smile on her face,

and is dirty head to toe. I love that about her. Since I've been raising Ivy the Mud Queen I have a

 new appreciation for a happy messy kid.

We all had a great time, and I hope to do it again soon! Well, maybe when the weather cools off a bit,

 Bethany and Brian listening to one of Jason's stories.

 Halley taking a drink break

 Penny

 Miss Avery

 Tyler and Bella checking out the bug situation

 Jason teaching the girls how to load a fishing hook with worms

 Stick bug

 Adelaide kicking our dog.

 Carmella having an outdoor nap

One Smart Mama

You know, I was never a very good student as a kid. I just didn't work as hard as I could have. I understood most of what I was taught, I even still remember a lot of it, (not so much the math) but I never really thought of myself as being a super smartie. I'm not sure I really knew what it meant to study hard.  However, since going back to college I have a new zest for learning. I really enjoy my classes. I love learning about art and artists. I have found the government and US history classes so much more enlightening.
I have really poured my whole self (or at least as much as a mom of 4 can) into my studies. I know that sometimes Jason wishes I wouldn't work SO HARD. I know he and the kids suffer when Mom has finals and midterms with 2-3 projects due in a week, and a huge test breathing down her neck. More often than not they are left wondering if the house will ever be clean again, and if I have forgotten that ever important meal... dinner.
I am happy to say that all that hard work and time I have been putting in at school is paying off. This last year was my hardest yet. I went a little crazy taking the winter-mester class, I think my family wanted to kill me sometimes, but in the end all is well. I got straight A's both semesters and maintained a high GPA. Because of all this hard work, I received a letter in the mail from my school this week.
When I saw the large envelope addressed to me from the Dean of Liberal Arts I said to Jason, "hey look, they're writing to tell me how awesome I am." You can imagine my surprise when I opened the envelope a few seconds later and read the letter from the Dean informing me I had made the Dean's List. I did a little happy dance and showed Jason my certificate, then ran off to call my mommy and daddy.

This was a much needed recognition of my efforts. It gives me a huge feeling of satisfaction that all my hard work is not in vain. I know that I am fulfilling the admonition in my patriarchal blessing to complete my education. I know and recognize Heavenly Father's hand in my life when I feel all crazy and stressed out from school. There have been too many times when I have felt defeated, and wondered how I could possibly meet my deadlines, and care for my family and church obligations too. However, each time I stop and ask Him for help He pulls me through. I am always amazed by how everything falls into place, by how I become inspired for an art project, when for days I have been stumped for an idea. I am amazed by how loving and forgiving the kids are, and how when I so desperately need to study, Carmella will take a 3 hour nap, and Addie will entertain her self the entire time. Everything always works out, and I know It is Heavenly Father making that happen for me.
Yes, I am a very blessed lady, and one smart mama!