Bryce's Senior Pictures

Here is a postcard that my awesome neighbor, Erinne, helped me put together to go inside Bryce's Graduation cards. It showcases a few of my favorite senior pictures.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

As I was driving past the high school the other day, this little bit of information popped up. I loved it! What a fun idea! So, it has taken me a few times of driving past the school again and again and again to see this update. So periodically there will be new posts showing you Bryce's Final Countdown to Graduation!

Thanks Sheri, Kyle, and Amy for helping me get all sorts of pictures of this The Final Countdown!

Now the Fun Begins.....

Today Jacob and his cousin, Tyler, passed their tests to receive their learner's permits. So I am going through many emotions: joy, anxious, fear, etc. Jacob learning to drive! I can't believe it. He has done very well on the times that we have gone and "cruised" the church parking lot. What a fun stage in life I am in right now. Bryce graduating high school and attending college in the fall. Jacob just entering high school and learning to drive. And Mariah leaving the world of elementary school behind and joining the ranks of teenager. But regardless of the whirlwind of activity that seems to be constantly at our house, I have truly been blessed with awesome kids who I am so proud of.

Boys 2 Men

Could I be that old to have both of my boys shaving! It is one thing that both of them are taller than me (no short jokes please - I think I've heard them all!), but to have both of them shaving that is just way too much for me to handle.

For some time now, Jacob has had a "stache" growing. We've teased and laughed, and teased some more. But when Jacob asked me about shaving, I knew it was time. Bryce, being the awesome brother that he is, taught Jake one of life's passages in a man's life - the art of shaving. Jacob wasn't too sure in the beginning but everything turned out fine. In fact, both Bryce and Jacob cut themselves shaving in the exact same place!

Mariah wanted in on the action, but Jacob wouldn't even think about it. I was able to enjoy this moment in between taking pictures to record this momentous occasion and trying to keep Mariah from peeking.

New Rooms for Bryce, Jacob, and Mariah

One of my most dreaded household jobs is painting. It is one of those things that I love it when it is finished, but I hate the process of cleaning, preparation, taping, priming, and the actual painting! But I am forever grateful for my parents who helped me with this "little project".

Since the upstairs was basically painted just a few years ago, I repainted Mariah's room and let her pick her colors and the accessories to go in it. She was fun to watch as we shopped for paint, pictures, etc for her room. She definitely knew what she wanted and where it was to be put in her room.

The boys rooms definitely have a new look to them. We took down the wall borders and the dark colors and just added a tan color to the walls. We have a little bit of decorating to do, but they are just not into shopping like Mariah is. When I ask what type of things they would like, they just tell me "sports posters". So off to the internet I go, looking for their posters.

Queen For a Day

As part of the assignment in her medival unit, Mariah made a "castle" as the final step for her to become "Queen for a Day". There were different levels you could work on. The more work you did at school and at home, the higher up the social ladder you climbed. A few of the levels were serf, lord, princess, and queen/king. So when it comes to the Medival Festival that will be held later this week, Mariah will be able to participate in all activities because of her "status" as queen.

So yesterday, Mariah and I went to the store after school to buy items to make her "castle". We decided on rice crispy treats. Since I was on my lunch hour and needed to get back to work, I left Mariah to her own devices to complete this project. When I got home, she had just finished her "masterpiece." She designed, created, and decorated her castle all before I got home! Great work Mariah!

It Keeps Going and Going and Going and Going....

Bryce's car, aka "The Chick Magnet", reached a huge milestone tonight! Just as he was pulling into the driveway coming home from a school basketball game, he noticed the speedometer. Let's just hope that the "Chick Magnet" has another 150 to give us. I've already been priming Jake and telling him that this wonderful vehicle will be his mode of transportation once he gets his driver's license. He doesn't quite know what to think about that!

For those of you who don't know, the Chick Magnet is a 1998 Toyota Sienna Van!! Quite the cool ride!!