ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge had been going around for a few months and we had seemed to avoid being challenged.....Until our good friends, the Wards, got to us.

It started with Eric. Doug called Eric out and I was kind of surprised to see that Eric was all on board for doing so. So one Sunday afternoon, after our Home Teachers had finished their visit - Eric asked them to help him with the challenge. (Our Home Teachers happen to be Eric's good friend, Anthony and his son Aaron)

This is how Eric's challenge went down:

Lex was watching Eric and while he wasn't nominated by anyone, he thought he would show how brave he was and do it too.

So Lex called out his friend, Brayden. Brayden nominated his brother Landon and Landon nominated Tanis and Shaylyn. So Tanis and Shaylyn took a turn.

And just when I thought it was 'safe to get back in the water', Eric's brother, Greg - made sure I didn't escape.


Quite honestly, though - we were all happy to be part of something like this. I've never quite known how to help out different organizations - or exactly which ones to help, so I'm glad this gave us a real chance to do something.

What Happens Next...

2, 2 and 2

Another school year was upon us. This year everyone started on the same day (Aug. 19) and there's about an hour's difference between when each set of kids needs to go.

Tanis and Shaylyn are in jr. high or middle school, whichever you prefer. Tanis is in his last year (9th grade) and Shaylyn is just starting (7th grade). They were both so ready for school to start. Tanis has always enjoyed school and I think Shaylyn is just excited to be back with friends and for all the different classes she has the opportunity to take.

They headed out the door first.

And because the bus stop is just a few yards up from us, I was able to see both Tanis and Shaylyn meet up with friends. Kind of a cool coincidence.

An hour later I sent the little boys off to elementary school. Nate is in 1st and Lex is in 5th. They were also excited to go back to school, though they don't necessarily enjoy it as much as their older siblings.

That leaves Ailey and Jace at home with me. Ailey will be starting a Joy School type preschool after Labor Day, but that's only a couple hours every other day.

I've really enjoyed just having 2 at home. I also like the fact that Tanis and Shaylyn get home about a half hour before Nate and Lex. It's kind of a nice adjustment instead of everyone barging in the door at the same time.

What Happens Next...

Oh So One-derful

Sadly, it had to happen. Our baby boy had his 1st birthday. It was a very bittersweet day. On the one hand, I'm super excited with all he's learned and everything he's able to do now, but on the other hand - he is growing super fast and sometimes I miss the little baby stage.

While we didn't do much on Jace's actual birthday (the 9th), we did have some gifts to give him. He wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but by the end I think he had some sort of idea. He liked some gifts better than others, but I consider it mostly a sucess.

...A Pillowpet like his siblings have...

...A Phone Just For Jace...

...His First Drum Set...

Because Grandma Shirley's birthday is a couple days after Jace's, we decided to forego Jace's party for a week and have Grandma over for her birthday on Sunday.

So on August 17th, we had our family party for Jace. We were happy that everyone was able to make it and my little brother, Donovan was still in town and it was fun to have him at the party as well.

...The was a 'B' there when I put it up...

We started off with Jace's 1st year video and then we had him open his gift from his W. cousins. They had to head out to get family pictures taken.

...Thanks for the book and dino cars, cousins!...

We then decided we should do cake. We were trying to get to the cake so that my little sister's family could have some cake before they left, but we didn't get that to happen.

Jace had a fun time digging into his cake.

After a bath and when everyone was done with desserts, we finished with the gifts. Jace had a great time and was in a pretty good mood.

It's been a whirlwhind of a year, but I am beyond thankful to be this kid's mommy. I love that he is so easy going and that he loves to laugh. I love the fact that he adores his siblings, and his parents. I love to hear him say, "Mom, mom, mom" and "Dadadada" all day long. I love that when he calls for his brothers or sisters (he can 'say' each of their names), he bends his little body forward and almost yells for them.

I love that he's a quick learner and that he was walking at 11 months. I love to hold his hand and walk along. I love that he insists on snuggling before falling asleep and that he has a pretty set schedule.

He loves to be outside and loves it when Tanis and Shaylyn take care of him. I love his blue eyes and blonder than blonde hair.

His obsession with batteries makes me laugh and leaves me in awe.

He is just the perfect little boy and I love him more than words can say. Happy #1 Jacer!

What Happens Next...