Little Known Facts

Fact #1:

Hermiston Water Park one day, and Silverwood Park the next, can be very tiring.

The exhaustion was worth it though.

The kids had a blast celebrating their cousin Tim's 10th Birthday.

I love this picture of Cameron and Tim,

(even though Cameron's hand looks a little misplaced. :)

Fact #2:

Arriving home from Silverwood and finding your property has been hit by lightening is a little unsettling.

We lost two computers, Internet, the garage door opener, the sprinkler system, all the GFI outlets, our new phones and lamps.

While trying to figure out why one electrical circuit still wasn't working, we came across this outlet by Britton's bed. He stayed home with grandma and grandpa. The outlet blew, sparked out onto his crib, where he was sleeping, and charred his bed. After seeing sparks outside my mom and dad checked on Britton and he was sleeping soundly, but didn't know about the outlet. We realize this could have been A LOT worse. Blessings come in different ways, we consider this HUGE.

Fact #3:

I can fix things.

We've been working to try and fix everything that broke during the storm. Dallin took this picture.

My kids are always amazed when dad cooks or mom picks up a tool.

Lamp fixed. I love having a project in mind, purchasing the supplies to fix it and it actually working.

Fact #4:

If you're an animal who lives at the Spurgeon home, you might have to help yourself to your own dinner.

This feline came to visit last month and decided to move in.

Fact #5:
When a 9 year old boy is in charge of the FHE activity, he'll probably choose something dangerous.

Dallin taught us knife safety skills. After quite a bit of blood, we put the knives away.

Britton was happy with his plastic version.

Sorry Dallin and neighbor Mattie for your injuries. Next FHE we'll choose a less dangerous activity.

Have a great day!

Granted

The Birthday Boy asked his mom for an

"EYEBALL CAKE."

The Birthday boy asked his parents for a new set of wheels.

He asked his mom to compete against him in an American Idol singing competition.

(Kenley got this Wii game for her birthday, it's pretty cool.

You can compete against other players and Randy, Paula and Simon critique you.)

He asked for a swimming party with family and friends.

9th Birthday wishes granted!

Happy Birthday Dallin.

One of my kids recently asked if you had to be pregnant to have a food craving. I don't think so, but why is it it's the only time I ever have real cravings. So if you're wondering where I go to satisfy my current craving, you'll find me here, on the corner of Court and 4th.

Brent and I went to Resturante El Asadero. Apparently the boxing match of the year was on and lots of gentlemen were staring at the T.V (located directly over our heads) that was blaring away. Didn't matter we couldn't hear each other. I savored every bite of

Tacos Al Pastor with a side of Guacamole

(Pork, onion, cilantro, corn tortilla, lime)

This is beyond craving! So far I've also "had" to have

A1 Steak Sauce

An oreo with a marshmallow on top

Toast drenched with real butter (which replaced my I can't Believe it's not Butter spray.)

Ever had a food craving?

It's just more fun with a FRIEND

Summer Vacation week number 6 down. I'm beginning to wonder when the restful vacation will start. Here's what the Spurgeon's have been up to this week.

I found this little guy in my kitchen. After convincing the boys that he really was better off outside, they raced to find their bug book.

After a little investigating,

we decided it was a Colorado Beetle. Don't make it mad, or it'll puff out a hazardous substance from it's derriere. Finding and identifying bugs is just more fun when there's two of you.

Dallin and his cousin, Tim, decided to work on some scout requirements. Baking cookies if definitely more fun with a friend.

For the past five weeks the girls have participated in the Pasco School District Summer Choir program. Monday through Thursday the school bus picked them up, they were fed lunch, had three hours of fun choral time with choreography and were dropped off back at home.

All for FREE.
Today they participated in their final performance. Here they are with their very talented instructor, Mrs. R. (Sorry Elizabeth but I only took one pic.)We are blessed to have so much family here in the Tri-Cities.

(Grandma Phyllis, Elizabeth, Kenley, Grandma Barnes, Me)

The girls had quite the group cheering them on today.

(Dallin and Cameron, Kenley holding cousin Madelyn, Aunt Emily, Elizabeth and Aunt Heather. Grandpa Barnes was there also, he was just the official photographer.)

Elizabeth did Summer Choir last year too. She'll be the first to tell you that it was more fun this year with a friend.

This little baby is my friend. Avocados, my craving. I can't get enough of them.

Summer evenings swinging or rocking on the front porch, really are more fun....

with a friend.

Take a Stand!

If there is a worthy cause, Elizabeth and Kenley are on it.

The Epidemic: Malaria causes 3,000 child deaths every day.

The Challenge: Sell three mosquito nets at $10 each. Every net allows 5 people to sleep safely for up to 5 years.

The Goal: Raise $60.00 to purchase 6 nets.

The Plan: Have a lemonade and Cookie stand to raise money.

The Preparation: Flyer making, cutting(please note the Africa shaped signs), coloring, baking.

The Set-Up: Grandma Barnes thought they might bring in more customers if they also had a garage sale. Thanks to G.Barnes for helping and G.Phyllis for making cookies.

The Stand: Borrowed from The Barrons.

The Results? $137.38 from the sale

plus

$60.00 in other donations

equals

$197.38, enough to purchase 20 nets.

The Proud Mama: Their drive and determination is quite admirable.

Elizabeth and Kenley, you girls are an inspiration to me. Fantastic job!

A.I

Catching up from just a few days out of town has become impossible because complete exhaustion has hit. I'm ready for bed by 9, but am wide awake by 5. I will catch up, and that includes reading posts. I'll get there.

We had a fantastic trip to Portland this last weekend. Brad and Phyllis (my FIL and MIL) Heather (SIL) Elizabeth, Kenley and I traveled to Portland on Friday for the

American Idol Top 10 concert.

Each performer was so good that they all deserve a mention.

Here are my favorite pictures I took.

And after a fabulous show like that I couldn't just go to the hotel room and fall asleep, even if it was almost midnight.

Want long, luscious locks in an instant?

Heather's hair extensions can do that for you!!

After lots of giggles, Elizabeth said I looked 10 years younger, from behind :)

Vacation and Birthday

We're back from a whirlwind trip to Utah. We had an absolute blast, but I'm worn out. We did the drive in two days, a lifesaver with little ones.

We arrived in Salt Lake lunch time on Thursday. Brent had to go into the office for a few hours so I was really grateful to find a fantastic Children's Museum, it really was amazing.

Cameron and Dallin loved the climbing wall

The girls thoroughly enjoyed taping their own news broadcast.

Britton ran around from activity to activity with a huge grin on his face.

Next, we visited Temple Square. We've never been there together as a whole family.

It was such a hot day.

The cool shaded grass was a retreat while looking up at the temple.

Beautiful and Peaceful.

July 4th was so much fun. We started off the day going to the Provo City Parade. My sister's friends camped out all night saving some curbside seating for us. We really, really appreciated this. When the missionaries serving in the Provo mission marched down the street, I had to smile: It was quite a sight.

That afternoon we rode the chairlift up the mountain at Sundance Ski area. I held onto two things: My flip-flops and Britton.

The Stadium of Fire was so much fun. The Blue Man Group was bizarre, but entertaining.

I was surprised how many songs M.C performed. The girls were screaming!!!July 5th we met my old roommate, Jen, and her family in the park. It had been almost 14 years since we had seen each other, though we've kept in regular contact. It was so much fun to reminisce, but would you believe I didn't take pic's. Too much talking I guess.

We then did a little BYU campus tour. Here are the two future BYU Co-ed's.

They've got big plans together.

It really was a quick trip, but it was four and a half days of time together. We made it home Sunday afternoon, just in time for Kenley's 11th birthday on Monday.
Here she is 9 years ago on Halloween. I love those little round eyes.

Kenley has always had such a great sense of humor. When Cameron was a baby she lined up all her dolls next to him and we had to guess which was the real baby.

Hope you had a fantastic birthday Kenley. We love you!!!

All abuzz

The Spurgeon Home has been abuzz the last 48 hours. My children are thrilled about the idea of having a new little one. It's been a time of tender moments, like yesterday when Cameron said,

"Is daddy going to have to sleep on the floor,

because he won't fit in the bed with you and

your big tummy?"

and last night before Brent gave me a blessing and he was talking to the children about the significance of this and asked why they thought it was a good thing. One unnamed child, who should know better, said,

"Well, because mommy's so old."

No, but yes. It's my fault because I talk about it often. When I showed up at the Doctor's office for my first OB visit when I was pregnant with Britton I glanced at my chart. Right there, boldly written on top for everyone to see was a stamp that read,

"ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE"

I couldn't believe it. I was only 35, but apparently that's the magical age when the risk factors increase. They offered my genetic testing and made sure I knew the risks. I politely declined the tests. I'm ready and feel good. Thanks everyone for the good wishes.

*****

We're off today on the Spurgeon Family epic journey. We're headed to see some wonderful, historic sights that are part of Church History.

We're also going to see:

My fabulous sister and her hubby

My old roomie, Jen, and her family

and THIS GIRL who is performing at the

BYU Stadium of Fire 4th Celebration.

(We've got one very excited teen and tween.)

Don't worry about me in the car for 10 hours, I've got the list of activities all figured out.

1. Separate trouble-makers

2. Insert DVD

3. Press play

4. Repeat when necessary.

Have a great Independence Day weekend!!