Ginny started preschool!

Ginny started preschool on Monday. I don't know why, she just seems so grown up. We always do lots of classes together, but this is the first time I've dropped her off somewhere and just had to say goodbye. I was more sad than she was. She took one look at the toys and kids to play with, and didn't even look back. She did say she doesn't like school. Surprised, I asked her why. She said because she doesn't like having to go home! I can't believe she'll be 5 in February and next year she'll be in Kindergarten!
Meanwhile, I just discovered the joy of having a few hours 3 days a week to myself! I think I'm going to like this. : >

Canning time

I am so proud of this.











14 jars (plus seven a few weeks ago ) of homemade spaghetti sauce. I have never canned on my own before. After spending the whole day doing this, I realized why, but I'm proud I did it. I know I'll be especially grateful for it in January. These were all with tomatoes from our garden this year.

I am happy when...

My sweet little 4 year old looked at me with her big blue eyes (and mischevious grin) and said " I am happy when I do mischief". I had to laugh. It has been quite the week of mischief. Starting with ripped pages from several of her books, body wash all over the wall that she "painted" on there, cutting her own hair and lipstick all over her and her doll (those were last week). How can one little child be so mischievous one moment, and the next be snuggled on your lap, hugging you and saying " I love you, Mommy". I am taking deep breaths, putting in her time out a lot, and trying to give her love and attention when she is being good. I certainly deserve my title of "Young Mother of the Year". : >

4th of July

We had a fun 4th of July. We went up to my parent's cabin in Big Cottonwood Canyon for our annual breakfast. Yummy scones, bacon, sausage, eggs and fruit. Delicious! Then Matt and Ginny went fishing. Matt showed G how to put a worm on the hook, then let her watch as he cast in the creek. He caught a few small ones and put them back. G was more interested in throwing rocks in the creek and scaring all the fish away. We did a few fireworks at Matt's Mom's house. We liked the "flower" fireworks the best that spin on the ground and have pretty colors. And the "monster snaps" are always a hit.

ZOO trip

We went to the Hogle Zoo on July 3 with my mom and nephew. We had fun admiring the elephants and seeing all the animals. I love this lion drinking fountain. I remember that from when I was a child.

Ginny and Aidan

This is Ginny (4) and her neighbor and best friend, Aidan (3 1/2). They are always talking about how they are going to get married when they get older. So I have to post this here to remember their pledge, 20 years from now. I have told Aidan that he can't marry Ginny until after his mission, though. They've agreed to wait.

Contents of my purse

I just cleaned out my purse, looking for a scrap of paper with a phone number on it. Of course I didn't find what I needed. I did find lots of interesting things that tell about me:
- Lots of receipts for groceries, gas, clothes, and two from gardening centers
- Lots of pens- that's where they all went!
- A purple plastic "locker" that was a kid's meal surprise when we were in California
- Fruit snacks and fruit leather wrappers, and one fruit leather for emergencies (hungry child and/or mom)
- Gift certificates for various local businesses from the summer reading program
-Book lists on "Fractured Fairytales" and "Historical Fiction" with books starred for me to get next time I'm at the library
- Notes from an awesome workshop that I went to today by the Storycrafters- professional storytellers. I love storytelling!! I wish I could have gone to their free show tonight at the library.
- Half of a broken tea cup
- My BYU contract
- Business cards from people I have met as Utah Young Mother of the Year.

That's all I can remember right now. I did find my wallet down there, too, and that lost chapstick I'm always trying to find. : >

What can you tell about me from this list?