Library Surprise

The boys and I were at the library for our weekly visit. Enjoying this wonderful free resource of entertainment. Emerson normally can be found strolling around amongst the books.


Donaven's favorite place is playing in the "no play" reading zone, to the librarians chagrin.


Occasionally there are special guests. Today the Artsview Children's Theater was there with their show choir. After the performance, we were about to leave when the Children's Director came in and surprised us all with after show treats...


As you can see they thoroughly enjoyed it!

Play-school : Collage

Every morning I try to incorporate a few educational activities in the routine, we like to call it play-school time. Today was art day. I got my inspiration for this activity from one of my favorite blogs called, "Made by Joel." He is a really talented artist with 3 young children. He specializes in kids crafts and activities. We decided to try one of his collage ideas, taking scraps of scrapbook paper and cutting them into fun shapes and gluing them down to make really fun abstract collages. This was right up Donavens ally. No rules, just pure creative expression.

We discussed the different colors and shapes. His favorite part was me letting him be in charge of the glue like a "big boy." It also was a good exercise to help Donaven with his focus. He normally can sit still a whole 3 minutes in a chair. He amazingly enjoyed this activity so much he didn't want to stop with just one, we made three. We sat at the kitchen table for a good 35 minutes. Impressive, I know!

I like his pieces so much I might frame them and hang them on my wall. It was really nice to spend some quality one-on-one time with Donaven.



Here is a closer look.

Summer Goal : Part 2

At the beginning of summer Brandon and I decided we were going to make a strong effort to go to the temple each month June - August. Yesterday we were able to go and had a really great time. Donaven has been learning about temples so we decided to include the whole family on this trip.

Brandon was able to help his niece whom brought two family names to the temple to do baptisms. Brandon was able to officiate in the baptisms for his grandmother Thelma May Debok (whom Coty was proxy for) and his grandfather Charles Surbaugh (Coty's friend Brett stood in as proxy). Brandon said that he really felt the spirit strongly today at the temple. It was a special day for him. His grandfather past away over 20 years ago.

While Brandon was inside, the boys and I walked the grounds and talked about the importance of the temple.



Donaven was very excited when he found the angel Moroni with his "trombone."


Even Emerson seemed to enjoy being at the temple.



I really loved sharing my testimony with my boys. I hope that someday they to will gain a testimony of the work performed in the House of the Lord.





Brandon and I switched and I performed the initiatory for his grandmother Thelma. I was filled with hope as I was reminded of the promised blessings to those whom keep their covenants.



I saw so many familiar faces at the temple today is was so fun seeing so many friends and even family. My sisters Brandy and Angie came while we were there. We also saw Kim and Marco, T.J. & Tiffany, Delsa, Sister Owings, Jean Henderson and her husband, a hole ton of young singles from Longview, Michelle Allen and several others. It made me think that this is what heaven must be like in away. Reuniting with the saints, embracing and just being happy to see each other again.

It has added so much being able to go in June and July. I cant wait for next month. We are planning on doing sealings on Aug. 6th, our anniversary. Yeah for setting a goal and following through. It has made such a difference!

When I grow up...

Last weekend I got up early before the boys and headed to the farmers market. They had a lot of great things. What caught my eye and left be spell bound was a vendor from Henderson with beautiful floral arrangements. While watching her work with large sunflowers, zinnias and fragrant clusters of basil I fond my self mesmerized. Thinking to myself I want to do that when I grow up...



I bought this Texas bouquet for only $8




The flowers really brightened my table and filled me with joy. I was a little sad when they started to wilt. I think Brandon noticed because today he brought me home these beautiful miniature red roses. He is so thoughtful.



Now I'm researching and thinking about turning my vegetable patch into a cutting garden so I can have lovely bouquets like these all the time.



What do you want to be when you grow up?

Late night guests.

Thursday didn't really go as planned. We normally go to playgroup and Donaven looks forward to it all week. Instead we ended up taking Emerson to the Dr. because I was almost positive he had an ear infection. The pediatrician was perplexed and couldn't find anything wrong with him. Feeling a little silly for missing out on fun with friends for what seemed like no reason, we went home and tried our best to enjoy the rest of our day. Around 7 that evening we got a call from Tiffany asking if we wouldn't mind having Jade and James over so she and T.J. could go to a late movie. Donaven was over joyed to have friends over. They played trains, cars, animals, and puzzles. We ended the evening with watching Tangled, snacking on whales, and juice per Jade's request.


With each song everyone got up and danced and sang right along. It was a blast.
Jade was so cute calling the boys Dono and Emmy.
We really enjoyed our late night guests.
We will have to have another movie night again real soon!

Cowboy

Nice hat! Are you a cowboy?

"No... Im just Donaven."

New Gallery Wall

I'm in the process of redecorating the house room by room but using things I all ready have. I started in my room. By changing out the bed spread and pillows. Next I gathered a few frame's and a vinyl quote my sister sent to me for Christmas. I really like the saying. "Enjoy this moment for this moment is your life."







That is my new goal to be here now and enjoy the moments.
To remember to choose to be happy and not so negative all the time.

Thanks to Brandon for making everything level.
I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!