I Scream You Scream

We had coupons for our favorite see-the-cows-that-made-the-milk-to-make-the-ice-cream treat!
Somehow Suzanna got her elbow in Roxie's ice cream?


True love.

In Case of Emergency

In case of zero time in the morning, here is a raspberry version of Saturday's photo shoot. I always have some back-ups.

First day of school for all my children.

Giggling in the Shade

I am laughing so hard in this photo. When I hold the camera out for a couple photo I tend to point the camera more at John than at me. He was turning it towards me, but that would pull my short fingers off the button, and I couldn't shoot it.

Morning at Meetings

Seminary starts next Wednesday. I spent the morning in Columbia at a training meeting. Thus the late blog for the day...No shoes for John, hot pavement driveway (gritting his teeth in pain. I didn't know he was in pain at the time of this photo); he is being a gentleman bringing in my yard sale finds that I found on the way home.
He calls this my banana skirt.

Good Morning!

It is the last Friday of summer before school starts! Monday we will be waking up early. Actually, we've been practicing going to bed earlier, and waking up earlier. Daily seminary doesn't start until next Wednesday. Back to work!

I Know Why Suzanna Was Sad

A certain third book in a trilogy was just released. Our library is amazing at getting copies, and I am married to a man who can get a book reserved before it is even available. Suzu was at the bookstore with a friend to buy their copies the same day John checked out a copy and graciously gave it to me to read first.

Sometimes book don't end the way you were hoping. Sometimes it is even better! This series took me by surprise (and yes, I think it is better written than Harry Potter. Suzanne Collins writes a tight, well-crafted story. High recommendations for Hunger Games trilogy. Find it at your local library, for free!)
I think today I am especially thankful that we share a love for reading. Well, that and kissing, and being good.

Why I Stay Married

Sobering discussion today with a co-worker whose husband has been out of work for 4 years. They are splitting up. Not just because of the money tension and stress...

I almost told her about blogging a couple photo a day since John lost his full-time work, and how much it has helped me focus on US. This has helped me to NOT become indpendent, angry, or give ultimatiums. This photo/blog project has helped me think in terms of teamwork, sharing the burden, staying together on purpose. I really did not think it would last this long (almost a year...) or have the side benefits that it has.

Over the course of the day as we talked and shared our lives she said, "It is really good how your husband is so involved in your life..." I had a lunch date Monday with him, so he came into the office where I was working, kissed me in front of everyone, whisked me away for an hour. They all think it is really cute how we both work for the census (it is really winding up. Last week, for real.) They wanted to know how we met, what other kinds of dates we go on, what our kids are like. One of the ladies wants to see our wedding photo tomorrow. They sigh, and oohh and ahhh at our romantic life.

I tell them it is hard work. And how amazing he is. And that Church helps cement the similar values and goals. Praying together makes a huge difference in our relationship. Being self-less together. Working together, yes, and playing together. Doing things as a family, and taking time to do fun things as a couple.Fun things like exploring visual themes!