95th Post Giveaway!!!!!!!!

I know it's a little different to have a

95th Post Giveaway,

but why not?

I wanted to follow up my previous post and raise the awareness that June is

National Home Safety month.

I wanted to choose a giveaway prize that followed this theme. After much thought and consideration, my practical side won and I've decided to give away this awesome

Red Cross First Aid kit.

Great for home, office, car, boat, R.V. etc....

Leave a comment by Monday evening at 7:00 p.m.,

and you'll be entered into the running. Winner will be selected randomly.

Everyone is welcome to enter.

GOOD LUCK!

Naps and Safety

The transition between two short naps and one longer

(much more mom friendly)

nap is tough.

Last week nap time didn't come early enough for this little boy.

Today, dreamland was much more appealing than applesauce.

(Note: Britton was successfully put to bed following the photo.)

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Home Safety

June is National Home Safety month. Last Monday evening we did our Home Safety check and fire drill. Should we have to escape our home, our meeting place is our mailbox. As the kids were going about their activites, I rang the fire alarm. A predetermined item was placed where a fire might be so they knew they had to choose their escape route carefully, but quickly.

Note the lack of urgency in this photo.

You have no idea how much the kids wanted to try out our second story escape ladder. We know which window we will use and the order we will escape, but the ladder manufacturer suggests not opening the ladder until needed.

Do you have a Home Safety plan?

It's a serious subject, but we had fun practicing our family plan together.

Rain or Shine..........or a little wind!

Never mind the weather...

Rain or Shine the Livingston Elementary choir swim party at Memorial Pool happens. I hear that lightening is the only thing that cancels this yearly event. These pictures made Monday look like a lovely summer day. I sat on the side with towels wrapped around me: BRRRRRR!

Kenley and Morgan

Last night the girls performed at Sis. Montierth's Studio piano recital. The girls did an awesome job. Kenley played From a Distance and Elizabeth played Angel Eyes.

After the recital, a little dinner at R.R.

Elizabeth took this photo of me in my element. Ms. Pac-Man and I are friends.

Rain or Shine this annual event must go on. Here's Dallin hurdling the hurdles at Livingston Elementary Jelly Bean sports day.

An hour and a half standing in the rain running the garbage can toss will result in a mom who closely resembles a drowned rat: sorry, no picture available.

Two more days of school. We've got so many fun things planned for summer.

Time to turn on the sun...........!

How Many Spurgeons............?

How Many Spurgeon have graduated from Preschool? Cameron brings the total to 4.This little boy is Kindergarten ready and can't wait.

How many Spurgeons are excited about our shop that will be completed this week?


We all are, but I think one in particular that is looking forward to filling it with tools and such.

How many Spurgeons loaded and ready for the camping trip?

All 7.

How many Spurgeons enjoyed the pretty drive to Teancum Timbers?

Just 2, the rest were engrossed in a movie.

How many Spurgeons does it take to build a fire?

Everyone sure wanted part in this one.

How many Spurgeons took off with the hammer and the axe to blaze a trail?

One!! Why is it the sharp, dangerous things are so appealing?

How many Spurgeons enjoyed the fresh air and time together?

It's sure nice to get away together once in a while. I've realized we need to do this more.

How many of us enjoyed our hot dogs cooked over the fire with chili?

Why is it they taste so much better this way?

How many Spurgeons froze their tails off in the cold tent?

I think I saw every hour of the clock all night.

How many Spurgeons got a strange look from the nice lady that worked at Ray's Drive-in in Dayton when I asked her if they had "lite" dressing?
Just me! I suppose if everything is fried, "lite" dressing shouldn't be a big concern.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

We sure did.

To Each His Own

When I started this blog, I was concerned that I'd never really have much to say. Well, I've put that fear to rest. I have a lot to say.


I like to think that I am a positive person, this post might just put that into question.

Recently, while sitting in Sacrament Meeting, I heard the dreaded words that I fear. I grew up participating in this recreational activity, but something happened and upon hearing these words, I feel a sinking feeling in my heart and a wave of fear.

"Ward Campout!!!"

My kids, on the other hand, practically jumped out of their seats and whispered excitedly to each other.

"Yeh, an activity where mom and dad

have to drag 5,000 lbs. of gear for an overnight stay

in a dirt pit."

Brent is an Eagle Scout and therefore, cannot utter any negative camping comments. He loves it.

I want to like camping.

I love being together as a family, I love nature:

but I also love cleanliness and a comfortable bed.

It wasn't even a question whether we would go or not. Of course we're going, for a few reasons.

1. Hang out with our awesome ward members and

2. My kids LOVE IT!!

So, it is with a little fear and a little, tiny bit of negativity that we embark on our overnight camping trip Friday evening. I'm going to have to bite my tongue if anyone acts up. I know exactly what I'll say,

"Quit it or we're going straight home." (YES!!!!)

See, I used to like camping.

(My brother, Paul, and I)

See "the orange bucket" behind me there? Any ideas what that was used for?

I know that I will return with pictures with some very happy children in them, it's all worth it.

Have a great weekend.

Going Solo

Tonight there was a choir concert at McLoughlin Middle School.

Let me tell you, there was one nervous girl.

She had been nervous for a few weeks, and today, the day of the concert, was no exception.

As she sat in the big cafeteria, her stomach was churning and had a million butterflies.

Her heart was pounding and she became quite teary.

No, it wasn't Elizabeth that was the nervous wreck, it was me. I got through it OK though.

As Elizabeth walked to the microphone to perform her solo, she carried herself with such confidence and ease. She did an amazing job.

Here she is with some friends before the performance, no sweat.

Jenna, Hannah, Elizabeth, Madison and Audrey

During the performance, cool, confident and awesome.

After the performance, her usual calm self.

I don't know where my kids get their confidence from. At their age I would never have willingly auditioned for a singing part. Here we are, I'm feeling a lot better thank you.

When I was in Primary I remember my mom and dad had to encourage (bribe) me with the promise of six of these treats to get me to perform my song for the Primary Stake Musical Festival. It took ice-cream to get me to face my fears.

I admire your confidence and talent Elizabeth. You're amazing!!

quirky

The names have not been changed, we are completely guilty and proud of it.

The unusual, quirky things make me laugh. In the area of gift giving, I have to smile at how we go about it. While some guys give serious, deep thought to the gifts they give their significant other, with personal and romantic their topmost priority, I am the recipient of pure, simple practicality.

I tease Brent about it, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Around the first part of February, Brent bought himself a pack of twistable crayons. They are excellent scripture markers, and I commented how cool they were. So, guess what I got for Valentine's Day? Yep, twistable crayons, to mark my scriptures. He was sure to point out that he purchased the larger 18 pack for me.

Last week for our anniversary I got this large Costco pack of white washcloths. I really needed them and love them, which is an important part of any well received gift.

I Ok'ed this post with Mr. Romance before writing it. He laughed and said,

"I really like my gold toenail clippers you got me for Valentine's a few years ago."

I guess we're both guilty.

So, what's gift giving like at your house?

Lavishly Romantic or just plain practical?