Summer in a Nutshell

My YW at Girl's Camp! (see me? I blend in with them, top left)

My favorite people in the world

Katie and Maddie petting a cow

Little Bro is on a mission to Wisconsin

Petersen Visit

What we do in our spare time:

This one had her 4th birthday

Hangin out at grandma's

A typical MAX face

Oscar's Themed Camp Awards Night

Cutest Kids EVER.

This summer has been a busy one! We have had ups and downs, visits from loved ones, YW's Camp, Youth Camp, Ward Camp, a Wedding, a trip to Gunnison, Vegas, and some rough times as well. We are happy to say we are on the up, all is well, health is well, and we are ready to conquer whatever is in store for us in the future.

Michiganonians' Visit

We had the pleasure of having a ton of Michiganites to visit us in Logan.

First, my sweet Grandma Verellen came to visit with my Uncle Paul, my Aunt Nancy, my Grandmother's sister, and my dad's cousin and his wife and kids. We had a fantastic time seeing them, and my sweet Grandma is like 87 years old and made the trek all the way from Michigan! 3 wheelchairs were needed at the airport because my grandma and her sister were joined by my aunt Nancy, who broke her foot. I bet that was a sight to see with a Wheelchair Parade!

Then, we had the priviledge to have some of our best buddies come and stay with us from a Thursday to a Sunday! We are so lucky! On top are the pictures from that (Blogger wouldn't let me move them!)... I didn't get any of Justin, and just barely got one of Lea... We have kids the same age and opposite genders. We are ready to set up their Weddings already, as they are officially betrothed. ;)

Water Babies

I can't keep my kids out of the water! I took Max out of the bath and threw some clothes on him... and then he decided to go visit his sister, whom happened to still be in the bath, and this is what happened. Sneaky little boy, drenched from head to toe!

But, GOSH IS HE HANDSOME!

You're Probably Wondering Where We Went...

We're STILL HERE!
We hit some speed bumps in the last month and are trying to get back on track... Summer looks to be just around the corner-thank goodness!- because we are all SOVERYPALE-and we are looking forward to some fun in the SUN!
We've been SUPER BUSY- making dinner for lotsa people, being caught up in Bishopric and Young Women's Meetings, taking time out for Family, etc. Lemme tell you, being YW President sure does give me a LOT more stress than I thought it would. I feel so much weight on my shoulders!!! But, I am so humbled that my HF thinks I can do it-which gives me strength to move forward.
Lars is working hard for the both of us... He's getting anxious to graduate, and still kicking around being a seminary teacher...As well as possibly getting an MBA. So, we'll see where things go.

Maddie is learning to read. She can read a lot of 3 letter words, it has been so fun to watch her progress. I am SO proud of her...She's not even 4 yet!

Max is dangerous. He scares me. But BOY does that boy know how to melt my heart! He's been a riot, learning new words... This week it's "MINE!" Little stinker, I thought I had some time before he learned that one! Oh well. I'm lucky my kids are so great, but it kinda stinks at the same time-- it makes me want 10 more like them (and pregnancy and I don't do very well)! Ho-hum.

Well, off to get ready for a big dinner with the YW and some older ladies from the ward...It should be a GREAT night! Kiss Kiss.

Goodbye

Dear Grey's Anatomy,
I have been a long time, faithful viewer. But it is
time to say goodbye. Last night as I was watching, my daughter came down from
her bedroom... Lars had to jump in front of the TV to permit Maddie from seeing
the scene before us.

You know you aren't watching the right stuff if you have to block it from
your kids.

I am ashamed of what is on your show now, and deeply
saddened. I wish I could watch you, but a phrase popped in to my head last night
as embarassment and shame flooded my face when I realized my daughter could have
seen such filth on public television at 8:45pm;

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things (LDS article of faith #13)"

So, GOODBYE, Grey's. You are not virtuous, lovely, of good report, nor praiseworthy, and so I must say goodbye. I will miss you, but sacrifice brings forth blessings from Heaven. I will anxiously be awaiting such a prize.

Chellie

BUSY WEEKEND!

We're recovering from a busy weekend. The 25th year Personal Progress Celebration, an afternoon of judging girls for royalty at Smithfield Health Days, and a Sunday full of family and fun at Michael Martin's mission farewell! Awe, sweet recovery.

http://www.smithfieldsun.com/stories/new-health-days-royalty-for-2010/photos#3

A List of DON'Ts

DON'T hit snooze 20 times before rolling out of bed 45 mins late when you have a PRE-OP for Maddie in Salt Lake City.

DON'T skip gassing up the car the night before bc you think you'll have time in the morning.

DON'T get glazed donuts for the kids to eat in the car, instead of unfrosted. TRUST ME.

DON'T keep your little girl in PJs with footies when you want her to WALK in to the hospital, or you'll end up holding 2 kids and 3 bags about 2 blocks.

DON'T panic when you are 45 minutes late to a meeting with the surgeon, or you just look like a babbling dorky mom in front of everyone in the lobby.

DON'T ask the doctor if you can skip the next appt because you don't want to drive down with 2 kids by yourself again, unless infact, you LIKE that "are you crazy?" look from the doctor!

Matter of fact, DON'T even make an appt (EVEN IF YOUR DOCTOR SAYS TO MAKE ONE 3 MONTHS POST-[1st]OP)because the doctor is just going to tell you that you wasted your time coming down because your daughter still needs 3-6 MORE months to recover from the last surgery.

And, most importantly, DON'T take 2 kids to SLC when you have a WICKED stomache bug and can't go to the bathroom without one escaping or crawling on the ground of the nasty hospital bathroom; because you'll then find out that you have to HOLD IT all the way to Logan.

Yeah, well, that was a REALLY FUN DAY YESTERDAY!

Oh, one more... DON'T post your personal stuff on your craft blog instead of your own blog. HAHA.