Fourth of July Weekend- Part 1

We headed down to the farm after Jordan's softball game on Thursday night. The kids were so excited to finally get on the road! They always look forward to our trips to Missouri for weeks leading up to it!

Friday morning everyone was up bright and early, ready to get outside. It was hot but that didn't stop everyone from getting busy. Ashton was thrilled to see her dog, Oreo. Tod got out on the tractor to get some mowing done and the girls took Zip riding around the yard and then sprayed him down. Because most of the hay is gone by this time of year, the rope swing in the barn had changed to a tire swing- still so much fun. Cole was in heaven with all the machinery- tractors, lawn mowers, trucks, the 4 wheeler, etc. After a trip to town, we went over to Megan's house to swim. Then we all headed to a fantastic fireworks show in the neighboring town.

Saturday morning, Cindy and I continued one of our traditions....an early morning trip to the Amish store to buy baking supplies. It is always so fun, and I look forward to our drive together and conversation. With my mom gone, Cindy has filled such a void for me, and I truly enjoy being with her. This trip was extra special because I received an early birthday surprise from this great lady...I was beyond excited...but I'm going to wait until my actual birthday to post details, so stay tuned!

The rest of Saturday was busy with more swimming, playing with cousins, homemade ice cream, riding in the pick up truck to the back fields (interesting!) and more farm fun.

On Sunday morning, the kids dressed up in their Fourth of July outfits to go to church (I made the skirts for the gals). I LOVE the color red and so taking pictures in front of the red farmhouse was excellent. The colors on the farm at this time of year are so vibrant- it's just a gorgeous place. The ward (congregation) in Missouri is so friendly and we always enjoy church there- plus we got to enjoy having Tod sit with us and not have meetings!!! After church, we relaxed and had a lasagna dinner.

Summertime Scenes Around Here

Lots of slip'n'slide on the perfect hill in our back yard!

Vacation Bible School- so much fun, amazing music, a highlight of the summer!

Summer Hair Cuts- This boy LOVES his tractor and his "buzz" hair cut that Dad gave him.

Jr. Wildcat Sport Camp

Gardening- I have been enjoying working in the yard so much this year...after 4 years of living in this house, parts of the yard are finally coming together. Tod paid me the ultimate compliment when he said I am starting to have the "Kirk touch". Many of you know that my dad's yard is always spectacular!

WE LOVE SUMMER!

Eleven Years

(Funeral- June 2000)

(Chris's Mission Farewell- Oct. 1993)

(Mom's Birthday- 1983)

Eleven years ago today....sometimes it feels like a day ago...sometimes it feels like 100 years ago. But one thing hasn't changed....I still think about you EVERY day...and miss you always.

Your influence goes on and on....just yesterday, I went to an event and made sure to sincerely thank each person who helped out, because you taught me to do this and you always made sure to do it too.

I went "window-shopping" (mostly looking, not buying!), because you taught me to love that too.

I laughed with my kids, tickled them, hugged them a little more, because you always did that with me.

I took time to admire the flowers in my garden, because you were so great at pointing out beauty and pausing to enjoy the moments.

I struck up a conversation with someone I didn't know, because we all know this was one of your greatest strengths!

It's amazing that a person can no longer be physically present, and yet their presence is felt so very often.

Mom, I love you so much. Thanks for everything! One of my greatest goals in life is to work to become more like you.

Father's Day

What I Know: Getting a decent picture of this crew is practically impossible!

What I Also Know: This "father" is pretty special...in his extremely busy life, he finds time for his kids...whether it is practicing sports in the yard or rough housing on the floor, he is a fabulous Dad. Happy Father's Day!

Regan's Celebration

June is our month of birthdays...and the celebrating continued at our house with our Regan-Roo turning 5! It just doesn't seem possible that this tiny "ball of fire" is five, but she is...and she is letting everyone know! This year, Regan finally got her own real birthday party. Everyone loves Regan, so it turned into quite the celebration with over 15 guests ranging in age from 1 to 9! At one point, my cute neighbor girl whispered to me, "Well, this is overwhelming...but in a good way." I had to agree. We had a Dora theme- complete with a map and treasure hunt. We played lots of games and let everyone run around outside. It was really fun, and I was glad that Regan got her own event, even if I did plan it all the day before!

Later, we continued a Snarr family rite of passage by getting Regan's ears pierced at the mall- something we have traditionally done on 5th birthdays. Of course, Regan hardly even flinched...she is just so tough when it comes to pain. Crazy.
Next, we headed to Jordan's softball game, and all the while, Regan was waiting patiently to open the rest of her presents. We had a bit of a hiccup because one of her main gifts didn't arrive in the mail in time- so Jordan and I wrapped up a picture of the Biddy Baby that of course arrived the next day. Regan was such a good sport about the whole thing and took it all in stride. For dinner, we had her favorite Sesame Chicken and she gobbled up 3 servings! We finished the evening with a water fight!

I love my Rooda so much. Here are 5 things about her for her 5th birthday:

1. Most of the time, she is just so easy going and laid back...quite a change from the fussy baby/toddler she was. She is always being dragged along to every one else's stuff and she just goes with it. Sometimes I feel like I expect a lot of her in this aspect, but she is just so good about it. Every once in a while, she still has major fits...and they are seriously intense!

2. She loves to play with friends, especially her neighborhood gals. She is going to miss them so much when they move. She pretty much has everyone wrapped around her finger and they do whatever she desires. What a set up!

3. She knows how to do more than she lets on...she "struggled" all year trying to write her name. I kept working with her but didn't have much success...one day the teacher offered a treat to those who would write their names...she did it perfectly! Regan has figured out how to weasel out of many unpleasant things this way.

4. She is very loving- always snuggling with me and her daddy, giving hugs and kisses. She doesn't like to get in trouble and is tender-hearted. Always after we have a disagreement, she will come up to me and say, "Sorry Mama!" (Sawee mama) So cute and hard to resist.

5. Regan LOVES her dance class. She looks forward to it every week. She loves to dress up in her recital costume and other "spinny" dresses. Regan loves all kinds of clothes and always has an opinion about what she wants to wear.

We love Regan so much! She is such a special part of our family. Happy Birthday 5 year old!

Bucket List

Thanks to one of my best friends, I can cross one more thing off my bucket list....running a half marathon. She and I ran in the Dam to Dam race held in Des Moines a couple of weeks ago. All I can say is what an experience! It was like nothing I have ever done before...definitely very hard, but also very rewarding. I found the race to be as much of a mental challenge as it was physical. Something I won't ever forget...not sure it will ever be repeated either. The bonus was we got to stay with and spend time with one of our favorite families ever. We love them and always have so much fun together! (Don't mind the pictures, I look as if I've just run a half marathon!)

Nine Years Young

Ashton is nine years old! It seems impossible and yet she is growing up right before my eyes. This year was especially fun because school had already ended the previous week. So we got to do some serious celebrating!

What could be more fun than starting your day with McDonald's breakfast? (One of Ashton's favorites!)

After lunch, it was time to PARTY. Ashton invited some of her closest friends to the movie Kung Fu Panda 2. Dad and Jordan came along too. After the movie it was presents, ice cream sundaes and Dance, Dance Revolution at home.

For dinner, she ordered her favorite....mom's lasagna. Then is was time to enjoy the "goods"....new rollerblades, legos, clothing, zoobles, squinkies and other "nine year old" things.






I love this girl so much. Nine things to remember about this gal at this age:

1. She is very active and athletic- loves sports, especially basketball and soccer, loves to be outside, has LOTS of energy, likes to try new things.

2. Loves to be with friends...and a friend is anyone who will play with her, any age. She has some little 5 year old boys from church this year who have crushes on her...she is always so nice and patient with them.

3. So creative- always drawing, creating, thinking of new ideas, pretending, etc....kind of a day dreamer, not always a lot of common sense! (Struggles like I do with losing things!)

4. Wants to do the right things. Some times when I correct her, she doesn't like it...but she is always willing to try to do what we have asked her. She has already worked hard to overcome some very difficult things.

5. Very emotional- Ashton can be VERY happy and VERY sad...all within a few minutes!

6. She loves music- listening to Radio Disney, her Ipod...and she plays piano and violin.

7. This past year, Ashton has started to be even more helpful to me. I see a new maturity in her- if she sees I am feeling overwhelmed, she will jump in and help me out with the kids. She loves to help me cook and is good at doing her chores. This girl loves her dad...she loves to spend time with him and he is definitely her parent of choice!

8. Her testimony and beliefs are getting stronger. She is a thinker and asks great questions about the Gospel.

9. She still loves to read and learn. Science is her favorite subject. She is a very good writer and her stories are so interesting to read.

Happy Birthday Lou! We love you so much and are so proud of the young lady that you are!