Modern Day Miracle

We needed money and the sell of this item below would give us just that. Rob put it on KSL.com and literally seconds after he posted it he got his first call. The man wanted it and was coming that night with the money. He was going to pay $200 less than our asking price. We felt pretty good about that. A half hour later another man called who also wanted the bike. He planned on coming a half hour before the first guy. The second caller came that evening and paid $50 more than the asking price. How was that for a quick answer to prayer? We feel so blessed.

Rob's Hearty Birthday

For Rob's birthday we each wrote things that we love about Rob or things that we did that day because we knew it would make him happy. We glued them to red and blue hearts and stuck them to the wall. Below are the messages on the hearts:

I took a bath (Bastian), I love to hear Dad sing (Rachel), I love Dad because he plays games with me on the Wii (Weston), We love it when Dad plays and lays on the trampoline with us (the whole family), I love it when Dad scratches my back (Rachel), I cleaned the mudroom. I love you!!! (Abby), I love Dad because he honors the priesthood (Rachel), I love Dad because he spends time with us (Hayden), I helped with the laundry (Weston), I love Dad because he is generous and kind (Rachel), I love Dad because he tries to do everything he can to have a good life and home (Abby), I love it when Dad makes roast, potatoes, and gravy for Sunday dinner (the whole family), I had a backbone today when I called the Tobi Steamer company. Love you!! (Rachel), I played outside (Hayden), I love Dad because he plays with me (Bastian), I like Dad cause he works things out fairly (Abby), I love Dad because he is spontaneous (Rachel), I love Dad because he makes us laugh (Abby), I love Dad because he helps me clean up (Rachel), I love Dad because he takes care of us (Rachel), I love Dad because he's funny (Hayden), I love it in the summer when he plays trip with us (All the kids: Trip is a game Rob invented that is played on the trampoline), I love Dad because I like it when he tickles me (Abby), I love Dad because he is a hard worker (Rachel), I love Dad because he takes me camping (Hayden), I love Dad and I love it when he comes on vacations with me (Rachel).
Hayden and Abby also made signs to cover ALL the clocks on the main floor that said, "Don't waste your time, come downstairs and play Warhawk!"

This was the sign that Hayden made for the front of the door that leads to the basement. It reads, "Dear Dad, I'm sure it's been a long day at work. Come downstairs to have a great time! Hayden."

Happy 34th birthday to my sweetheart! We all love you VERY MUCH.

Celebrate with a Chocolate Fountain

Jessica had the most brilliant idea to bring over her chocolate fountian and a bunch of delicious things for dipping in celebration for Rob's birthday. Is she FABULOUS or what? We had so much fun watching the kids make their chocolate covered concoctions! It was a chocolate extravaganza at its best! I know they will never forget it and neither will I. Thank you so much, Jess, for your generosity!

Reverse Psychology

"Nobody take my socks off," says Rob after he comes home from church or work. Bastian and Weston fall for it EVERY time. Then comes, "don't put my socks in the laundry room," to which little feet carry his socks into the laundry room and place them in the dirty clothes hamper.
He just HAD to know what would happen when he said, "Nobody lick my foot." Oh, Rob. Really?

The other night it was, "don't go get your pajamas on." Bastian and Weston ran upstairs giggling and Hayden said, "I can't believe that still works."

Our Garden

Our garden did really well this year. We ate raspberries, strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, peppers, and onions. We did get to eat a few zucchini before Turk mutilated the plant. Two of our grape plants are yellow because Turk pulled them out and laid on them. We reburied them, but I'm pretty sure they aren't going to make it.
Our tomato plants got huge, and produced many tomatoes.

Our garden wouldn't look so good if it wasn't for our gardener. Here he is trimming the grass around our square foot garden boxes. He sure is cute....I'm in love.

Happy Father's Day

June 2008 Father's Day Letter to Rob

I remember your first Father’s Day in 1998. I have to admit I was a little jealous because you got to be a father on Father’s Day that year, but I wasn’t a mother on Mother’s Day because Hayden had not arrived yet. After 10 years of hands on experience, I’d say you’re a natural.

I am so grateful that you are such a loving father. I can see the love that you have for each one of our children. You have so many qualities that are so attractive to me. You are kind, generous, cuddly, smart, spontaneous and fun…to name a few. You get along with everyone…you are loved by all you come in contact with. You are a people person and a go-getter.

I love thinking about how you told Uncle Steve when we were dating, “I’m going to keep asking her out until she marries me or gets a restraining order.” You sure do know how to make a girl feel special. All these wonderful qualities you have are no surprise to me. After all, I wouldn’t have settled for anything less than the best. I love you, honey.

Rachel