I love my boys!!!!!

I have been out of it lately.....really out of it.

As I'm sure you can tell from the lack of posts.

It's a combination of canning food--hundreds of jars

Going private with the blog--which makes me feel like there isn't anyone reading it (which is probably a good thing)

And a certain wondering and discovering if I was doing this blog just for Sam--mom of 2 beautiful twins--or for me???

This morning I woke up at 4:00--a little before actually, but when I finally looked at the time it was 4:00.  UGH!  Nothing worse than that!  I was so tired, but sleep would not come.  Not even with my wonderful Matt next to me all snuggled up close (he has been gone a lot lately, and just got back late last night, so I was SO glad to be next to him again).

At 4:30 I gave up.

I just couldn't take it anymore.

I crawled out of bed, went to the bathroom, and then slipped on a  hoodie and some warm fuzzy socks.

Down the stairs I went to light a fire--it was cold.

After the fire was blazing, I sat next to it for over half an hour reading conference talks from the Ensign---loved them all!!!!

Favorites from this morning--Parenting and The Songs They Could Not Sing.

I could not find better advice anywhere.

After I got my spiritual boost for the day I exercised---right by the fire still because it was still cold:)

After I did a sufficient amount of exercising--just enough to warm me up good--I went back upstairs to shower.

I shaved my legs and washed my hair--something I have not done for far too long:)

Then I spent forever getting ready--well, ok, just a whole lot longer than I normally do on a school morning.

Finally, half way through fixing my hair, everyone else decided they should get up:)

My sweet Matt came and held me close, laughing at my childish excitement for the day.

You see, I am leaving today for St. George--where Matt just got home from.

It's a Time Out for Women.

And I am going----for the very first time ever.

I have lots of mixed feelings about it--but mostly pure joy!

9 women are piling into my big old gas hog of a Suburban and driving to warm St. George.

I will miss my Matt, and my special boys.

But not enough to not go:)

I need this trip.

Now I just hope that I am awake and alert since I am going to be the one behind the wheel.

I was extra happy this morning, because not only do I get a little girls weekend time, but I finally had Matt home to help.  It was heaven!!!

I danced to music in the kitchen while fixing lunches and breakfast.

After all the older boys were rushed out the door with Matt, Jason doing a little cheer that they are getting a boys night as soon as school is out, Kevin and I finished breakfast.  Then I sat down to read the news on the computer and check my e-mail.  Kevin was getting into something behind me, I could hear it.  More will be explained in the pictures below.....

But first,

 Look at those happy funny boys!

It was 60's day at school, and this is what I my two oldest walked out looking like:)

Ryan combed his hair like Grandpa Swain--and it made me miss my dad....

Back to this morning....

After Kevin made some noise--just a little--he came and asked me to go upstairs with him so he could watch George, it's his morning tradition:)

He was hiding something behind his back........

 Hmmmmmm, what is it Kev?

(I was afraid it might be the caramels I had made for the girls trip)

Nope......

Craisens!

YUM!!!

So now he is sitting so happy upstairs watching George and eating way too many Craisens.

I just had to laugh and hold him close.

I just LOVE my boys!!!

All of them!

Matt, Ryan, David, Jason, Jared, & Kevin....

How did I ever get so blessed?!