Vision Boards and New Starts

Tina's first day of school - isn't she so cute?

Braden's first day of school - my handsome big boy!

Brooklyn's vision board includes dish sets, Christmas, a dog, and yummy treats.

Braden's has a fun game, shakes, crafts, and going to Disneyland.

Tina is also fascinated with desserts, Taylor Swift, a playset, and games. I think Disneyland was also included in hers:)

My vision board consists of living a healthier lifestyle, getting more spiritual, and family oriented. The fingernail picture is for me to finally conquer my life-long habit of biting my nails. I want to have beautiful nails. Also seeing beautiful natural sites, and growing a garden (or at least starting one). I didn't have room to include the Disneyland trip that is going to happen with our combined mind-power:)

With a new school year on the horizon, I love being able to assess how my year is going so far. I have been very consistent with tracking monthly goals, and over the summer, the kids and I created our vision boards. A vision board is something you create with things you want to accomplish along with pictures to solidify the image in your mind. Last time I did this, it led us to our big Colorado move! Plus it's fun to do and share with your family. And it gives you an idea of what's important to everyone. The pictures don't really do the posters justice, but I think you get the general idea. It's fun to try out:) And since we have made them, we have visited a waterfall, and Tina has joined a children's choir. It really is amazing how fast some of the things happen!

So far this year I have implemented a cleaning system that works, gotten lots of budget help from wonderful supportive people (thanks Gary!!) Been able to recognize some of my supporters, visited many new places around our area, learned how to index and burn primary CDs, learned how to knit, run, and finished the Book of Mormon (currently working on the New Testament). So far I think it's been a great year, with more great things on their way:) If you want to view my goal writing process go here. I've really loved the process. I may make a few changes for Jan. But I do think goals are achieved "automagically" by writing them down and tracking the progress. Good luck to everyone!!

Our UT trip

This hammock swing was the hit of the trip. We would have to give the kids 10 pushes each so they would share. If we had trees, we would totally get one!

Brooklyn loves the baby swing!

The classic North Logan 24th day parade. Not too busy, lots of candy and a fun park full of activities afterwards. Thank goodness Joanna was able to help me man the kids!

We found this great park with a splash pad. The kids had a blast both times!

Playing with Grandpa Chambers. Throwing sticks in the canal and seeing which one comes first.

Aren't these girls so cute? Tina, Anna, Brooklyn, and Amy (along with cute Melanie - Amy's mom) enjoying Aggie Ice Cream cones.

So our 3 week adventure has ended. We did have a lot of fun, and these are some random pictures taken from our "backup" camera. We started off the fun with Kari and enjoyed a "redneck water park" created by Grandpa Gary. It was completed with a slide attached with a slip and slide down a hill. We loved the BBQs with the family, the amazing fireworks compliments of Mont, and the hike, bowling, and feeding the ducks. The kids enjoyed the backyard more than I can express also. I came back wanting to garden and learn how to operate a weed whacker. I also have to give a big thank you to the chambers for boarding us for the entire time. We also made a few meetings and they came to the rescue in helping watch the kids for Braden's Dr. appointment. We also had a blast at the Children's museum in Salt Lake, but I think we were all worn out after that!! It's amazing how fast kids can disappear even with 3 adults watching them!

Our Daines time was especially fun when Devin and his cute family came to join us. We went to the fun park, splash pad, and Lava Hot springs. Lava has a fun tubing river that was quite dramatic. Tina went with Paga Daines, Joanna, Jeff, and Stephanie - my cousin. They tipped over and lost flip flops, confidence, and glasses. My trip down the river wasn't quite so scary, but very fun. I can't forget the slurpee run and learning the game "Telestrations", school shopping, and a DI adventure. Cole celebrated his 2nd birthday there, and I ran out of batteries unfortunately, but he had an extended birthday at home with Daddy.

In looking back, it was a very eventful fun time...but we all missed Daddy, and I think next time we will cut it shorter for everyone's sanity. Dave's co-worker said she was glad we were back because now Dave could return to normal. I'm glad we have a positive effect on him:) We feel complete again too. Thank you to everyone who had fun with us!! We sure love you all:)