Lilly and Max





After losing our Black Lab "Sammy," we decided that we would not have another dog again for awhile. But how about kitties? Connie had three kitties that she had saved from the skunk in her yard, so we gladly brought two of them home. The white one is Lilly, and the gray one is Max. (Bailey had the names picked when she came home from school, before ever seeing them.) Sariah is pretty comfortable with them, Ryan and Bailey not so much. And Dallin loves to hold them and say "Ohhh" "Coo" (Cute) and it so fun to play with them. And I'm not even an animal lover! Ryan gets bored pretty quickly, and today decided to see how fast he could make the sprinkler turn. Oh, his energy is endless!

Tasty Tomatoes!







Tomatoes are a huge favorite at our house. Yesterday, we bought a box of really nice #1 tomatoes from a lady that comes to our Farmer's Market. What better way to enjoy a nice end of summer day than feasting on yummy tomatoes!



I'm up to the challenge!



Ok, so I checked out the Frugal is Fabulous blog, and loved it! I've made my own coupon book, and guess what? I only spent ONE DOLLAR total on it! Yep, I went to Walmart (cause that's about all we have here) and looked in the photo dept. I got the plastic Mini Album on clearance for $1.00. I had scrapbook paper and etc. to add my own touches. I used Post-It tags to mark my categories. This handy little thing will fit perfectly in my bag along with the diapers and wipes, etc. and won't be ruined if Dallin's cup leaks or something. Yeah! What's funny is that today I also had to go to the doctor, and while in the waiting room, I took coupons out of the magazines. Is that tacky? I hope not, cause if no one else is going to grab them, I will!

Happy 5th Birthday Ryan!





I can't believe it's been five years since Ryan was born. He was born in Richland WA and was 8 pounds 11 ounces! Since preschool started on his birthday, we postponed the party for the following Friday and went to the park in Alamosa. As it turns out, the weather was as un-reliable as ever, and although the afternoon was nice, by 6:30 it was cold and windy. The kids didn't mind, they had fun playing on the playground. We had Root Beer Floats and sang happy birthday. Happy Birthday Buddy!

Starting school



The girls started school on August 18th this year. They decided to skip the bus ride on the first day, so I took them to school. I thought they would stay by me and walk with me to their new classrooms. But no, they just took off to find friends and give hugs and squeal. The bell rang, and I was left in the empty hallway, not sure what to do, so I went home. Ryan started school on his birthday, August 25th. Again, thought he would stay by me and not want me to leave. But he ran into the classroom and immediately started playing house with a group of three little girls. (I might mention that he is one of two boys in his class, and there are nine girls.) I called him back, and he walked back, told me "Bye, mommy, I love you." and walked away. I turned to leave and lost it. I didn't think it would be so hard!

Me and my siblings

Pictured: David, Jaelyn, Connie, Jimmy
Kaylene, Shauna, Michelle, and me
This is one of the only pictures taken of me with all my brothers and sisters (at least in this decade) and I have to admit, I think it turned out really cute. You can't even tell that Jaelyn is pregnant, with only 3 months to go! (one month as of today)

FRAN'S HOIPPOLLOI PANGLOSSIANS


This summer I played softball for the City of Alamosa Parks and Rec. It was such a blast! We had a rough year, winning a total of two games all season, but it was well worth it. I can't wait 'til next year. Don't we look tough?!

Going Camping!




The first weekend in August, we went camping at Cathedral Campground in the mountains west of our house. My sister Connie and her kids came along. It was so fun! The kids had a blast roasting marchmallows over the campfire, but not as much fun eating them. Most ended up in the fire. The following morning, we just relaxed and watched the kids take turns falling into the creek that was nearby.