"I want my OWN bedroom"

 My boys have asked for their own rooms for years.  I have always said I wouldn't allow them to have a computer or TV in their rooms; however, everything changed for me last summer and I have been deconstructing my belief system since then.  This has included allowing my kids to quit sports, music, and forcing them to go to church or seminary.  Nolen came in today and said he just couldn't share a room with Edward any more.  So, I let them have their own rooms including a TV and computer.  

They look so happy! 

My dad bought Edward a dresser that arrived a week after the move. I hope he can use this for the rest of his life! HA!

I asked Edward to try Jiu Jitsu and so he went for one day.  I think he did like it but it will take a lot to convince him to go weekly.  BUT I will try.  
 

Stephen and I have been hiking like crazy!  I still have the terrible sore throat that has plagued me all summer. I don't know what is causing this sore throat but it is miserable.  I have also been meeting up with Pam every Saturday morning to run to prepare for our race August second.  I love spending time with Stephen and hiking has really brought us closer together.  

 

45 for Stephen

 Happy birthday to the love of my life.  I am so grateful I get to grow old with Stephen.  He is truly my best friend in this wild life.  Monday, we went scuba diving in Blue Hole, Santa Rosa.  It was actually really cool to scuba as a family without needing to do any tests or perform any scuba actions.  We made the two hour drive and met up with a lady who rented us gear right next to the opening of Blue Hole.  She was a little slow at putting the gear together but it was great that we were close.  We forgot how to put our air hoses together so we had to fix a few issues once we got in the water.  My face mask leaked so I had to get another one but other than that, we had few problems and had fun as a family going down deep in the water.  

We celebrated Stephen's birthday on Tuesday because he had to work on Wednesday.  We had cake and played a game as a family.  Pretty low key which is exactly how Stephen likes it.  We have been on vacations during his birthday and he has mentioned he would rather be at home so I try to make sure we are always home for his birthday.  I got him some hiking gear because we are planning to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim in October.  

 

For Stephen's actually birthday, we went on a five mile hike in our own back yard.  The Bosque is so beautiful and we tested out our new back packs.  I love Stephen with my whole entire heart.  He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  He is just perfect for me.  I love how much he loves our family and works so hard to make sure we have everything we will ever need. He is calm and that is just what I need.  Happy birthday, my love!

Independence Day!

 Happy American Independence Day! We spend the day swimming at Craig and Blair's house then letting fire works off at my Dad's house.  Edward was at work for the afternoon so he missed the swimming but he arrived just in time to let off $500 dollars worth of fireworks.  It was the most perfect way to spend the holiday.