The Shepherd Seven

Gingerbread houses.

2011-12-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

While I was out finishing up some last minute Christmas shopping and picking up their dad from the airport...

The little Shepherd elves were working diligently on their gingerbread masterpieces.

I love them. Check out the ARIZONA SNOWMAN!

Photoshoot at Westgate

2011-12-17T00:31:00.000-07:00

Santa's Lap

2011-12-12T21:36:00.003-07:00

Here is the picture of our little ones on Santa's Lap...

Turns out he was a crappy Santa anyway.

trimming the tree. better late than never.

2011-12-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

move over Beckham!!

2011-12-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

Trivium Prep's soccer team is looking good this year.

She may be small but her kicks are anything but...

Football Champs

2011-12-04T21:41:00.002-07:00

Archway Trivium's first flag football team took 1st place in Saturday's tournament. They beat Anthem Prep and both Chandler Prep teams by a landslide. They worked together and gave it all they had!

Cameron has so much energy! He is great at getting his teammates excited and motivated.

He also keeps a close eye on the ref to make sure that he is doing his job correctly.

It was a long, cold day. My girls were good sports and cheered for their brother through the harsh Arizona temps (ha ha).

No more crib for Kendall

2011-12-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

On the bright side...

I get to buy new matching pink bedding for their beds. I am excited about how their relationship will grow now that there are no bars between them. I loved sharing a room with my sister when I was young. Except for the times we got in trouble (spanked) for playing all night long. Ouch.

2011-11-12T23:10:00.001-07:00

Disneyland- uh, I don't think so...

2011-11-11T16:57:00.002-07:00

We took a quick trip the weekend before Halloween to visit my sister and her family in Irvine, CA.

I feel a little bad for my younger children because we have not been to Disneyland for years. We have probably taken 5 or 6 trips to Cali since Bailey was a toddler and have not gone to "the happiest place on earth" on any of those vacations. I just can't do it. I swore that place off after our 3rd visit in 2 years. One day, I will forget how miserable those lines are and how UNHAPPY and tired we all were by the end of each day at the park, and then... maybe we will try again. MAYBE.

We have the best time on these little trips to Megan's house. We pack our trip full of fun adventures.

we were finally able to ride on the big orange balloon (which is decorated as a pumpkin this time of year). In the past, we have always missed the opportunity due to high winds or other reasons. It was really cool to be up so high and see all of orange county from above.

(Kendall would not take this halloween themed hat off all day Friday)

Cooper is getting so big (and so cute)! I love this kid. He is always super happy and gives his favorite aunt the biggest grins!

One of our favorite places to visit, which is right down the street from Meg's house, is the bike park. It is gated in so we don't have to worry about the kids, who can ride on the cute bike trails for hours and enjoy the awesome California weather. We could stay at this park all day if we didn't have so many other fun things on our list to do.

We had to carve pumpkins. and...

Get dressed and painted up for the Trunk-or-Treat. (Which is a Stake activity where Meg lives, so the kids scored so much candy!!)

I love the jungle animal theme! They are adorable!

Some of the kids other favorite things were shooting rockets off with Uncle Chris, and visiting a neighborhood haunted house (after hours) for our own private tour. Very cool. Thanks Meg and Chris for having us. We will surely be back soon.

2011-10-31T21:18:00.004-07:00

Bailey leaves the nest

2011-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

With only the best intentions, I had decided to keep Bailey at home this year and pretend to be a preschool teacher. That didn't go as well as I had planned. So, today- we sent her to Miss Lisa. She will do a far better job at teaching her than I ever could and it will be a good little break for Bailey and I. It will be nice for Kendall to have some time alone with mommy too. Miss Lisa is superb! She had Payson in her preschool as well and had him very well prepared for kindergarten. Bailey has been in a playgroup for 2 years and a mommy and me preschool last year but this is the real deal. She did not understand why I wouldn't let her pack her backpack full of toys (in the usual fashion) today. It is time to get serious Bailey. No more fun and games.

please time, freeze. Please.

2011-10-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

2 years

24 months

730 days

17,520 hours

2 years closer to being a teenager,

2 years closer to dating,

2 years closer to leaving home.

Kendall- you can't put me through this growing up thing any longer.

Please stop. I will give you all the candy you want if you will just stay little.

They have no idea how lucky they are...

2011-10-04T20:30:00.001-07:00

Go Diamondbacks!!

2011-10-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy night for us. From the time the kids got home from school- the race has been on!
1st- homework
2nd- birthday girl opens gifts
3rd- dinner
4th- birthday cake
5th- change clothes/ hit the road by 5:20
6th- Jaz to soccer practice/ Cam and Dad to Baseball game.

I just put the kids to bed and I am LOVING the peace and quiet!

Go D-BACKS!

The Perfect Birthday

2011-09-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Who could ask for more?! A handmade gift from each of them. Flowers from my man. And the most delicious pie I have ever had!

It was PERFECT!

2011-09-22T18:22:00.002-07:00

2011-09-11T21:10:00.001-07:00

Payson's turn

2011-08-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Payson turned SIX on Wednesday!!! How can it be?

It may not seem like a big deal to some, but the Shepherds waking up in time for pancakes and gifts before school is a huge accomplishment.

A special THANKS to Granny for the club penguin membership. He can't believe it is good for 6 whole months! He is one happy guy!

He waited until Friday to celebrate with his buddies because they had an early release day at school.

While he was at McDonalds and the mall with his dad and friends, Jasmyn and I made him a birthday cake. Jasmyn did all the decorating. He loved it!

And for the cherry on top of this special day...

His Ninjago lego set that his grandparents ordered for him arrived while he was out with the guys. PERFECT DAY!!
We love you P-MAN!

ALOHA

2011-08-17T23:41:00.000-07:00

Bailey celebrated her 4th birthday with a luau. She has the cutest group of friends that were not shy at all when it came to doing the hula.

Bailey's Special Day

2011-08-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Gifts from her family...

a trip to build-a-bear...

and a matching outfit for her new friend.

Happy Birthday Bailey. We hope you are as sweet a 4 year old as you were at 3!! We love you!

School is in Session!

2011-08-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

The kids are in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week as I write this. I couldn't be happier with their new schools so far. Fingers crossed. It's going wonderfully so far!

Last night, Jasmyn recited (by memory) an entire paragraph in Latin. Payson was required to give his own definition of "friendship" as part of an ongoing assignment to understand his class constitution, which also includes values such as humility, integrity, perseverence, and citizenship. Cameron, well who knows, he always has his homework finished before I even pick him up. They are loving the schools, even though they do miss Carden Traditional!! John and I are so thankful for their past and current school and for the awesome learning environments they have created. I admire teachers so much and I am especially grateful for the ones that lovingly teach mine and sincerely care about the people they are becoming!

2011-08-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

SNOWBiRD...thanks to Uncle Jonathan

2011-07-31T20:19:00.001-07:00

2011-07-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

2011-07-26T09:46:00.003-07:00

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2011-07-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

2011-07-18T16:49:00.002-07:00

2011-07-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

2011-07-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Fish on...

2011-06-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

2011-06-21T21:40:00.001-07:00

Oh "G"

2011-06-21T20:45:00.001-07:00

What did you do for family night?

2011-06-20T23:08:00.001-07:00

Cam drove a 3500hp Locomotive...

THANKS UNCLE AARON!

2011-06-18T15:03:00.002-07:00

2011-06-18T14:50:00.002-07:00

2011-06-15T10:48:00.002-07:00

Cooper- the first of my 3 new nephews to make an appearance

2011-06-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

I got to see this "little" guy just a few days after his birth.

He is no peanut, that's for sure!!! I think he was around 10lbs before I left. I can't wait to get my hands on him again in a few weeks.

If I survive spending the summer with this delicious baby, not to mention the two other ADORABLE babies born just 2 weeks after Coop, without breaking down and getting knocked up myself- It will be a MIRACLE!!!

Jasmyn's week long birthday party...

2011-06-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

Jasmyn is ELEVEN!!!

She likes to make the good times last, so...

She started her celebrating back in May by taking cupcakes to school. Then, last Saturday, her and I went on a shopping spree to her favorite store- Justice. She spent the money she got from Grandma and Papa (and then some) on some cool new summer clothes, swimsuit, glasses, makeup, and a fedora (is that how you spell it?).

This girl is so stylish and fun. I love our times together. She is super easy to talk to. I hope it stays that way. She is such an amazing young lady with so much maturity and sensitivity. We love and appreciate her more than she will ever know!!

Tuesday, we had another mother/daughter adventure when we went to visit Leon at Karma Salon together. Jasmyn got her first haircolor along with a cute cut. She had some blonde highlights put in for the summer. She is looking gorgeous!

Thursday- Breakfast in Bed.

Thursday night- Dinner (birthday girl's choice). Bar-b-que chicken, corn on the cob.

and watermelon, of course.

We didn't forget the cake. This one from Albertsons because we were already working on our masterpiece of a cake to be presented at her birthday party on Saturday.

THE PARTY...

jasmyn was such a good sport when a few of her friends had to miss her sleepover, skating party for one reason or another. She was happy to have the company of Koty, Rian, and Maria at her celebration.

On Saturday, they went to Burger King for lunch, had a scavenger hunt at the dollar store (where they had to buy at least one item to wear during the day, thus the cute scarfs), and they roller skated until they dropped.

Cake and ice cream completed the day, uh, I mean the week of partying!!

We love this girl so much! No amount of celebrating is too much when it comes to this very special 11 year old!

Preschool and Kinder Graduations

2011-06-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Bailey graduated preschool last week. She had such a fun group this year.

They celebrated with a bar-b-que pool party hosted by the Dreschers. Thank You Denise and Zane. So much fun!

A few days later-

Payson became a Kindergarten Graduate!!!

Congratulations Paysee! You did so great this year. We are so proud of you!

The program was adorable. They sang Summer loving (from Grease) with the words changed to tell us all the things they learned this year and all that they were going to miss.

2011-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

To Jacy...

2011-05-21T11:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary. Stonger than ever.

Love You,

John

Fathers and Sons

2011-05-14T18:06:00.001-07:00

2011-05-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

2011 Carden Soccer

2011-05-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

We were so bad about taking the camera to her games this season. She had 2 games early on this week, so when we forgot the camera (again) on Monday, we vowed to remember it for Tuesday's game. Finally, John got some pics of our favorite soccer star...

The teams in their division include 5th- 8th graders. She is among only 4 kids from 5th grade that made the team. She has her dad's speed and quick reflexes so she has no problem keeping up and making the bigger kids work hard at getting the ball past her.

How cool is this picture?! Jasmyn is not easily intimidated!!

(the spitting image of her father, especially with that look on her face. Love it!)

We always bring all our chairs, snacks, a cooler etc. when we go. It is quite an ordeal, but I am always glad we did. The girls get bored with the games early on.

Jasmyn

pretends to be embarrassed, but I KNOW she loves having the most fans out there.

Oh, the perks of a large family!

2011-04-30T20:07:00.001-07:00

splash pad

2011-04-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

On our way home from school...

We stopped to get a little wet.

Easter Weekend

2011-04-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was a busy one, but so much fun...

The kiddos had the day off Friday, so we played at Peter Piper in the afternoon. Later on, we had playdates and dinner with the Cameron cousins then got the kids settled in so John and I could have a night out on the town, kind of.

We were off to PROM. We didn't do the whole limo and dinner thing with our friends because we already had plans to go out Saturday night. As the day went on, however, we decided we needed to make an appearance because we simply could not resist checking out the decor! We were not disappointed!! There truly are no words for how amazing it all looked. It was set up like New York City, complete with Times Square, Madison Square Garden, and Central Park. It was fun to see everyone dressed up and to dance with that hot guy pictured above. He is so FINE!

Early (well, early for us) Saturday morning, we got packed up to go to the park for our annual ward bar-b-que. John's business partners were in town this weekend and he had a meeting scheduled with them so I went it alone. We had crazy good snow cones, hot dogs and hamburgers, and every side dish imaginable. It was a picnic feast.

After the gorging was over, the kids lined up for the long anticipated egg hunt.

Kendall pulled in the biggest loot by heading in the opposite direction as the others. She found a pile of eggs and plopped herself right down in the middle of it. I don't think the candy even made it to her basket.

loving their saggy britches!!

Saturday night, John and I headed out to watch the Utah Blaze take on the undefeated Arizona Rattlers. John's long time business partner, Logan, bought the team last year and invited us to the game while he was here with the team. I had never been to an Arena football game and I was surprised to find myself really enjoying it. It is so different to be so close to the action when it comes to football. A little too close for comfort at times, but so exciting! They went in to overtime and lost when the Rattlers scored a touchdown a few minutes in. It was a good time. I'm glad we went.

Easter Sunday. I love Easter Sunday. What a special day. We did the Easter baskets and goodies in the morning and tried to capture a picture of the crew before we left for church. These were the only kids who made eye contact with the camera so they are the lucky 2 to have their picture posted. Why, WHY, WWHHHYYYY can't my kids stand still and fake a smile for 3 seconds?!

Once we sat in church I felt so grateful to be away from all the craziness and silliness that comes along with this Special Day. The talks and music were wonderful and the spirit was strong. Our family is truly blessed because of His Atoning Gift.

pinewood derby "repeat"

2011-04-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

that a boy!

He worked hard along side his dad to build the fastest car in his troop.

Congrats Cam. Next year- THREEPEAT?!

daddy time...

2011-04-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Cheese...

2011-04-18T19:14:00.001-07:00

it's how she rolls

2011-04-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Big Shoes

2011-03-26T18:22:00.001-07:00

2011-03-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

2011-03-16T19:54:00.002-07:00

better late than never

2011-03-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving 2010

Saint George, UT

Playtime

2011-03-01T22:13:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday John

2011-03-01T22:06:00.001-07:00

John loves my newest sugar cookie recipe so I thought instead of a cake this year, I would hook him up with one of those cool cookie boquets- handmade by m'waa.

about 5 hours and a couple hundred swear words later...

Not exactly how I pictured it. It's the thought that counts, right??

Cameron put 2 bucks in his birthday card. Love it!! If you know anything about Cameron-- you know how much he must really LOVE his dad!

Jasmyn and Dad, pulling their typical faces for the camera.

Cookies on a stick... cool.

We just hung out together decorating cookies...

and laughing at this little one.

Happy Birthday John. You just keep gettin' better as the years go by. We love you!

Cameron turns 9

2011-02-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

Cam had his very best friend (next to his cousin, Rian, of course) over after school yesterday to celebrate his birthday with him. They have been best friends for years now and I am thrilled that they have each other. They are so good to each other and are so so much alike- it's a little freaky...

the look on Jasmyn's face says it all.

She says it's like having two Camerons around.

This young man of mine is so amazing. He is brilliant, and hilarious, and so sensitive and kind to his siblings. Just the other day, a couple commented on how helpful he was to his little sister when she was struggling in the restaurant.

He is already thinking critically about his future; what he wants to become, how he will pay for college and a mission. I am constantly impressed by him and the choices he makes. He is such a great example to our whole family!!

2011-02-14T11:07:00.001-07:00

Sugar and Spice

2011-02-13T20:55:00.002-07:00

Kendall Ruby at 16 months.

snapshots of Bailey

2011-02-06T20:04:00.003-07:00

Sweet,

Silly,

Stubborn

Sensitive,

Sister.

a homemade valentine- love it!

2011-02-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

These are precious!! My sweet nieces, Kenz and Isabelle made these adorable necklaces for my daughters for valentines day. They absolutely loved getting these in the mail and will cherish them because they were made by their fabulous cousins! Thanks...

(the boys were equally excited to receive their store-bought goodies in the mail- you did good!)

2011-01-31T21:53:00.001-07:00

100th day of school

2011-01-26T19:44:00.002-07:00

I HAVE NO WORDS...

well maybe just a few- They take after their father.

I'm not a sentimental person, but...

2011-01-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to say goodbye.

I remember how excited I was when I found you at the "used items" baby store and I vividly remember spending an entire afternoon in the newly decorated nursery, sanding and painting you. I was 8 months pregnant with Jasmyn...

Now, 10 years later, I am sorting out STUFF to throw away to make room for our ever growing family. I just don't think I can do it. You were the first place I laid each of my babies when we came home from the hospital. Always, if I remember correctly, first to the nursery to change the baby and be alone with my newborn while I sobbed out the hormones that had been building up in the hospital.

I can picture each of my babies laying there while I washed, diapered, and clothed them. Hours upon hours spent standing by your side I'm sure. I think I just might have to make you a permanent fixture in my house, along side the crib (because you can only imagine how difficult that is going to be for me!!).

no particular order

2011-01-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Our last day in England... we took a Sunday drive through the some small (very old) villages out in the country.

Our first ride on the train down to New Street to get German Sausages.

A yummy Italian restaurant in Wales.

You had to be there to appreciate how funny this was. These women entered the area in the Warwick Castle where we were hanging out and Payson just stood there trying to figure out if she was a boy dressed as a girl or a girl dressed as a boy. I can't remember what he decided.

Snowmen the kids built in Grandma and Paps's backyard.

"CANDY FLOSS" is what they call it here. Yummmy...

The Haka dance as a show of respect to the most amazing Mission President couple ever!

Payson showing his moves.

Christmas Eve.

Kendall's first experience in snow.

On our very cold hike up to Warwick Castle.

what a TALENTED family

2010-12-29T13:54:00.003-07:00

I had to post this picture as soon as I saw we had it! One of the Elders must have taken it because we were obviously too busy showing off our mad musical skills at the Mission Christmas Party. There were many wonderful talents showcased at the talent show by the missionaries but none of them came close to our rendition of Jingle bells on our chimes! We brought down the house!

missionaries from john on Vimeo.

we're back...

2010-12-29T09:26:00.002-07:00

I have so many pictures I want to share from our journey overseas. Once I get them organized in some sort I will blog them, but for now...

one of my favorites.

No castles or hundred year old cottages. Just my dad tickling Kendall on the neck. He had her giggling countless times with this move.

Christmas Morning-England

2010-12-25T07:21:00.002-07:00

Untitled from john on Vimeo.

british bikes

2010-12-23T06:02:00.001-07:00

Click here to visit the museum site

Snowmen

2010-12-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Wale(s) of a good time!

2010-12-21T11:15:00.001-07:00

Warwick Castle...not some prop...a real castle!

2010-12-18T10:10:00.007-07:00

2010-12-17T15:14:00.001-07:00

Hole in one! from john on Vimeo.

2010-12-17T14:50:00.001-07:00

2010-12-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

First Stop, the Mission Office.

Decent weather, lets go!

Change of weather. Good sausages. Must press on!

Snowy and cold. What better time for a Merry-Go-Round?

Ah. Sausages that were worth it.

Thoughtful Friends

2010-12-14T21:11:00.001-07:00

The Richardson's not only gave us a lift to the airport but sent us off with some gifts. Puppets for the kids and travel quotes for the parents. Nice.

Trans-atlantic Kenny

2010-12-14T21:00:00.001-07:00

Locked and loaded

2010-12-14T20:54:00.001-07:00

Calm before the storm

2010-12-14T19:23:00.001-07:00

Lights

2010-12-11T21:36:00.004-07:00

Light 2010 from john on Vimeo.

Turkeytainment

2010-12-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving turkey dance from john on Vimeo.

yummmmmm

2010-11-21T19:03:00.001-07:00

Our favorite Sunday treat...

Sugar,

frosted with sugar,

and topped with more sugar!!

2010-11-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Payson has discovered how all of his hard work in Kindergarten has paid off...

Finally...

He can make signs to hang on his bedroom door.

Too bad Bailey can't read.

Monkey

2010-10-31T22:53:00.001-07:00

Untitled from john on Vimeo.

Day Hike

2010-10-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

Trunk-or-Treat

2010-10-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

tub time

2010-10-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

trampoline

2010-10-23T14:11:00.001-07:00

Untitled from john on Vimeo.

2010-10-23T13:53:00.002-07:00

you can't have too many...

2010-10-22T12:45:00.001-07:00

chocolate and caramel covered apples

(thanks to Jenny for helping us make them this morning)

or...

crocheted hats

(especially when you will be spending the holidays in England, brrrrrrrr!!)

thoughts

2010-10-20T16:23:00.002-07:00

I haven't felt like journaling on the blog lately, and I am having a little guilt about it. So much has been going on and I really should be writing these things down. I hope that all the pictures I have been posting will jog the memories when I look at them many years from now.

Anyhow, I am feeling the urge to write so I am going to jump on it before it goes away.

I am so grateful for the challenges that I have faced lately. I know, so cliche, but seriously...

I have learned so much and at the end of this little bump in the road, I can honestly say I have changed a bit.

I have such wonderful examples all around me so that when I struggle, I am lifted up and reminded of the truths that I know and of the things that I should be doing to feel of His love. My parents and siblings, my friends, and my incredible husband help me find perspective and remind me daily of my potential and who I am becoming.

I'm grateful to be a mom to five of the most amazing people on this Earth. I'm grateful that I am given the power to choose to be happy and to make our home a place of peace and joy. I choose to be happy in spite of what others do. I have no power or control over what others say or do, but I can choose how I react and how I live my life.

I had an awesome opportunity to attend "Time Out For Women" with some great friends. I wanted to make a few notes on the blog from some of my favorite speakers.

Virgina Hinckley Pierce spoke about how growth comes when we stretch ourselves a little farther than our current capacity. She spoke about measuring success by spiritual markers, not outward results. The Spirit tells you how you stand before God. "The single most important skill is the ability to qualify, receive, and act upon personal revelation."

I loved Brad Wilcox's presentation on Saturday. He quoted 2nd Nephi 25 where it reads; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

He talked about how this scripture can be misunderstood. That we need to put the emphasis on WE, rather than ALL or CAN. We are nothing without God (powerless). The WE in that scripture refers to GOD and MAN together. We need to accept his love and his hand and especially the Atonement so that we might be changed. He told us we should be two hearts working together to be conformed into one. He isn't just saving us, He is transforming us. The price has already been paid in full. Now we need to practice and prepare for heaven by walking hand in hand with Christ.

There were so many wonderful talks and I am hoping that with the help of Sis. Richardson and her short hand skills, I will have a good set of notes to look back on for years to come.

I am so richly blessed with the love of my family. I couldn't ask for more.

Jasmyn sings in the Halloween season

2010-10-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

jasmyn's scary song from john on Vimeo.

Kendall's party

2010-10-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

she models too

2010-10-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

I made my first hat today for the little Diva. Not horrible for a first attempt but I could definitely use some pointers from my very talented sister-in-law, Brook. She is much better with a needle and yarn.

Our one-year-old

2010-10-04T22:11:00.003-07:00

(I just LOVE those chunky little legs.)

Kendall is one today

2010-10-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am trying so hard to be happy today. It should be a joyous occasion, I know.

Rather, my heart is breaking to see her turn one. I am remembering all the others turning one. Over ten years ago, or was it yesterday, we threw Jasmyn a party like the one we will have tonight. One birthday candle, lots of presents, and a cake covered face being well documented by dad and his camera.

Kendall- Tonight, I will smile and laugh and not think about how fast you are growing up, if...

You will slow down a bit. Promise to be my baby girl forever. I love you!

Culver's with the Crew

2010-10-01T20:28:00.002-07:00

a birthday gift

2010-09-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

I love this...

For my birthday, after the kids got home from school, they banished me to my room. I'm thinking this is great. Then, Cameron comes in about 15 minutes later wearing a suit, looking like a butler, with a little satin thing sticking out of his pocket. Jasmyn had made it out of some of her old doll clothes. Cool, huh? He asked me what he could get for me. I asked for some ice water and he obliged. He told me to ring if I thought of anything else I needed.

About an hour later, Cameron told me to come downstairs for the surprise. Payson and Jasmyn were dressed in their sunday best and had made a large plate of snacks and cut up fruit. We nibbled and chatted for a bit. They told me that the rest of my gift would be that they would not fight at all for the rest of the day. And they didn't... not even once.

Now those are some great kids!