"School's Out For Summer!"

Last Day of School...the kids finally made it through the year! They had a great year and worked really hard. At the awards assembly their hard work paid off. They each received awards. Madison got her medal for accelerated reading, and an award for math too! R.J. received honor roll, "P.E. Student of the Year" award, the "Safety-Patrol" award and the Principal's Award. It was so fun spending the last day of school with the kids. I was able to help plan and organize their end of the year party. (Their classes combined with one another) We went to a near by park and played baseball, water-games and had a B-B-Q. The party was a hit. Later that night, for a kick off to summer we and six other families went to the drive-in movies. I didn't know they still had those around! The kids didn't even know what we were talking about when we told them we were going to see Kung-Fu Panda at one. Let's just say there was a lot more mingling and visiting than movie watching. And there was treats galore shared by all. I couldn't believe not one of my children fell asleep watching the show! They must have been having too much fun. What a way to start the summer. Now we all have 3 whole months to recover from school. I am so glad to be saying goodbye to homework, deadlines, schedules, waking up to the alarm, volunteering every week, being Room-Mom, money for field trips and other activities, car-pool, tests, studying and no free time! I can't wait. If you need me for anything school related, I'll get back to you when I can. But, if it's an emergency: you can find me at the beach!

"Happy Trails"

I hope we have "Happy Trails"!!! We are leaving for our Stake's Youth Conference and yes, It's a Trek! We are so excited. I'll be back in three days. If I don't return, send the Rescue Brigade to find us. We'll be the ones with the funny clothes and hand-cart we couldn't push any farther! Wish us Luck...we'll need it!

"Batter-Up!"

At the end of the school year San Elijo always has their annual "Mother-Son Soft Ball Game". And this year was no different. When R.J. was younger we played on the same team and we played against other moms and sons. Our team always won and R.J. would be so proud of his mommy. Since R.J. has gotten older things have changed. It is now us against them...THE SONS VS. THE MOMS!!!! And it isn't pretty. Last year the MOMS WON. R.J. was not happy. Seriously, not happy. He vowed never to let that happen again. One year later we went back on that field. Things have changed...he got faster, I got slower, He threw farther, I had no arm, He hit harder, I hit the same (I really wasn't all that bad, but compared to him, I had no chance!) We got creamed 8-21!!! They even gave us 5 outs, We even cheated and said we were safe when clearly we weren't, we got extra pitches, I even sat on R.J. at third base to keep him from running home and scoring! It was pitiful and painful to admit our sons have passed us by. R.J. was still proud of me though, he said I was the best mom out there. He was impressed that I almost got a home run, But I ended up getting out at home plate. See, I said those boys threw farther than before (Okay, I am slower too). It was a very humbling yet happy moment. It is just the circle of life, I was taking care of him during our first games together, I was the one encouraging him to swing at the ball. Now it's the other way around, he's the one encouraging me, and I love it!

"Payton's Future is So Bright..."

Payton took her end of the year Pre-school class picture a couple of weeks ago. She had a new outfit on, we did her hair really cute and she wore these big pink bows on her pony-tails. Well, we got the picture back this week. I guess she smuggled her sunglasses in her back pack with out my knowledge. She is kind of obsessed with them and has been wearing them everywhere. She is a true San Diego girl! I should have known this was going to happen. Look for her in the back row, last child on the left. At least she is making a statement, "Her future is so bright, she's gotta wear shades!"

"Promotion Check-List!"

(I am a little behind with my blogging, so please bear with me while I catch up!)

Summer is almost here and my first born chick is flying the Elementary School Coop! He is being "Promoted" to Middle School (we don't call it graduation here, it's called Promotion). I didn't realize what a big deal this was and I have been really busy the last week! Here was my check list. Leading up to the big day!

Promotion Check-List

1. Buy the perfect outfit- Check

It ended up being very expensive due to having to buy it in the men's section at Sun Diego, not the boys, he's getting too big too fast. And oh no, he couldn't wear his dirty everyday shoes with his new outfit,

he HAD to get new Vans as well!

2. Write Speech- Check

He was chosen to give a speech at the Promotion.

I think I am more nervous than he is!

3. Attend Promotion Party- Check

He went to his first real boy-girl party! Too bad I was there pretty much the whole time cramping his style. (They had a "Candy-Bar" there with every kind of sweet you could think of, I wasn't going anywhere!) The D.J. called him up to the front and announced to everyone that 6 girls requested the song, "No Air" by Jordan Sparks, for him. He just about died of embarrassment! You better watch out girls, this mom has got her eye on you!

4. Finish last Project for 5th Grade- Check

He completed the "Expert Fair" project on Baseball. And I am proud to say he researched it, wrote it and typed it out on the computer all by himself. (I was so done with home work two weeks ago.) I can now honestly say,

"He is ready for Middle School!"

Good job baby! But, I just have one question for all you Veteran Middle School Moms, "Does it get any easier?"

"Happy Birthday Rob!"

To my Sweetie on his birthday,

It's official, finally you are as old as me, I hate waiting those 6 months till we are the same age!

Here is the Top 20 list of "Why I Love You!"

Top 20 List

20. You love to shop like me!

19. You don't get tired when giving massages.

18. You are a great gift giver.

17. You make me laugh all the time.

16. You always tell me you love me.

15. You let me take up most of the room in bed and never complain.
14. You always kiss me before you leave, even when I am asleep.

13. You take me out on dates every Friday night.

12. You shower me with compliments.

11. You encourage "Girl's Night & Sister's Weekends".

10. You make me feel irresistable, sexy and beautiful even at my worst.

9. You enjoy my cooking.

8. You are a very hands on Dad.

7. You appreciate and tell me how nice and

clean the house looks.

6. You are a great provider and work hard at everything you do.
5. You fold laundry and actually put it away!

4. You are a great example to our children.
3. You unload the Dishwasher because you know how much I hate to.
2. You are so darn good looking!

1. You are always so patient with all of my faults!

I love you Baby, I hope you have a great birthday!

Love, Your Wife Rachel

Happy Birthday Heidi!

It's also Heidi's (Rob's Big Sister) big day! No they are not twins, just lucky enough to share their birthdays with one another. So go here and leave her some great birthday wishes! I know she would love it. We love you Heidi and wish we were all together to celebrate your birthdays like the old days.

"Lost: Gold Flip-Flops, Found: In San Diego, Confessions of a Thief!"

I am guilty, I must admit it! Anne, I have your Gold Flip-Flops! Remember when we were visiting in Utah for Mother's Day? And we took a walk with the whole family from Grandma's house to Heather's house? And all I had were my Sunday high-heels and I really wanted to go. So, you were kind enough to lend me your Gold Sandals. Well, Rob thought they were mine and packed them up and I didn't find them till I unpacked. Sorry I have not sent them back to you. You see, I really like them and they compliment my skin tone really well! And I got a pedicure just so I could wear them this week since it's been so hot here in San Diego. The bottom line is, if you want them, you have to come to San Diego yourself to retrieve them. I am holding them Ransom! Let's just see of you like them as much as I do, See you soon!

If anyone else wants to borrow them let me know, they could be the new "Sisterhood of the Traveling Flip-Flops"!

Happy Birthday Allison!

Today (June 10th) is my Best Friend Allison's (queenie weenie) Birthday Go here to give her Birthday wishes. She is the sweetest, most giving, helpful, loving girl I know. And best of all, she makes me laugh like nobody's buisness! Now go make her day and say Happy Birthday! I love you Allison!

Love, Rachel

"Track Meet"

R.J. made the 5th grade team for the San Marcos School District wide Track meet. Over 11 elementary schools participate and all the 3-5 grade students tryout in P.E. It's what all the kids look forward to at the end of the year. They held the track meet at a local high school and the bleachers are with participants, family, friends and teachers. It's a pretty big deal. It was neat to see the "Sea of Black and Gold" school t-shirts worn by all the fellow school supporters. It was R.J.'s third year competing in it. 3rd grade he ran the relay, 4th and 5th he was chosen to compete in the softball throw. He was so happy to be able to participate in the track meet his last year of school before he heads off to middle school. We were so proud to watch him compete and to do his best to represent his school. Even if he didn't come in first place, he is still a winner in our book! Go R.J.!!!! Is this a glimps into our future? Is this just the begining of a track star? You must have gotten this talent from your dad, because everyone knows this momma's slow!!

You are Cordially Invited...

Dear Blogger Friends,

Most of you know who Lauren is from my blog (she has been the kid's babysitter since Madison was a 1 1/2 years old and an adopted member of our family). She is getting married in August and Her mom Jeni and I would like to invite you to participate in a "Blogging Shower". You are all an amazing, talented, creative, resourceful group of women. So, please share those great qualities with Lauren to prepare her to become a wonderful wife and mother like yourselves. The good thing is you don't have to get dressed and go somewhere, no money or gifts invloved, just a bit of your time. She is having a real shower next week and her mom would love it if you could send her some advise, your favorite recipe or just some words of wisdom to her email: bjgrose@sbcglobal.net She will then steal a picture from your blog, paste it on, then print them up into a cute book to present Lauren at her shower. Thanks for your help in advance, we can't wait to read all the great things you have to say to Lauren! No need to RSVP, Just leave a Comment!

Love, Rachel and Jeni

"Observation Day"

Every other month San Elijo Dance Academy has Observation Day.  Since the parents are not allowed to be in the dance room Parents and siblings can only peek in the windows to watch their cute ballerinas.  So on Observation Day we are allowed to invite family and friends to sit in the dance room and watch the actual class instruction.  We get to watch the girls stretch and and learn new techniques and practice old ones.  If we are lucky we get to see dances they are working on.  This time for Madison's observation, Payton was allowed to participate with her class.  Madison was so cute being right there with Payton helping her out, making sure she knew how to do everything.  Madison is becoming such a beautiful dancer.  She is so long, her legs go on forever.  And when Payton dances she exudes energy.  You can't take your eyes off her.  I am so glad my girls are learning ballet and pushing their bodies beyond what they are used to.

"THE Talk"

At the end of fourth grade all the girls get "THE Talk", the Maturation discussion. Madison is in that grade and had that talk this last week. When Madison turned 8, I bought her the American Girl book, "The Care and Keeping of You." It's a great book that explains a lot about the changes your daughter will be going through as she gets older in a easy way. The book does have a lot of details that at the age of 8 I wasn't ready for Madison to know yet. So, I kept the book and read the things that only pertained to her being 8 years old. Well almost 2 years later, I broke out the book again and we went over it cover to cover. We also read another book that Grandma Hazen sent to her as well, "The LDS Girl's Guide to Real Beauty". I wanted to make sure Madison was taught about these things from me first. We had a great talk and lots of questions were asked and answered. I felt really good about what was said and taught. At the end I was looking at my sweet daughter telling her how fast she is growing up and how quickly life flies by when I noticed tears in her eyes. I asked her what was wrong and she said she doesn't want to grow up. I asked why and she said, "If I do, then I will have to leave you and Daddy." That made me cry! I explained to her that she'll never "really" leave me, but she'll go on to have her own family that will make our family larger. And that I'll always be her momma and she'll no matter how old will always be my baby.

It is hard and exciting to watch your child grow up, talks like these are bitter sweet! But, no matter how old she'll get, Madison will always be my baby. Right, Mom and Dad? Because I know I am still yours, you remind me of that everyday!