Ellie Turns 8!

Ellie’s Baptism Day!

Saturday September 7, 2013

It was a special day for our family.

Grandma and Grandpa Pate and Stuart made the long drive and came up for the special occasion. Also, our dear friends Amy Pool and her son Aaron were able to be there.

Ellie got two new dresses for her baptism. I think she’s pretty spoiled. I got her a big frilly one, and a more grown up one. She surprised me and chose to wear the more grown up dress. Two other girls and one boy were being baptized the same day. One of the families had put together a nice program. I asked that we sing, “When I am baptized”. It is such a special song and Ellie, James,  and Lauren all know the words.  Grandpa Pate said the opening prayer.

Ellie’s jumpsuit ended up being a bit small. She could choose from one that she had to roll up the legs three times, or the small one, she went with the small one. I still thought she looked pretty cute. She ended up having to be baptized twice because her foot came up the first time. She thought that was pretty funny.

In the last few weeks, we have talked a lot about baptism in our family and what it means, and what promises she would be making. I wanted Ellie to understand the decision she was making. It was 100% her decision, and I am very proud of her.  She is such a smart, beautiful girl.

After her baptism, to celebrate, we all went to Sizzler and had some yummy food, and came back to the house for cinnamon rolls and to open presents..

I can't believe my baby girl is 8!

I love you Eleanor Rose more than words!

I think she was looking at Grandma, the little stinker!

  Jenga from James

 Princess Uno from Lauren (She was asleep)

 Natalie bought Ellie her favorite book, she was very surpised and excited to get it.

Ellie was soooo excited to get this Candybar gram, it really helped make the day special.

Homeschool 2013

Home School 2013

Yep! We decided to take the plunge.


Ellie's first day of Second Grade.
James' first day of Kindergarten.
Lauren's first day of scheduled trouble causing.



I really feel like time has been flying by wayyy too fast lately. I keep trying to snatch at it, but it speeds away.

I am really hoping that homeschooling will slow things down a bit. I miss Ellie when she is gone at school all day, and homeschool gives us a chance to make some great memories together.

So far, we are having FUN, and are done before lunch!

 Well.......most of us are having fun. Lauren gets up very early, so by the time school starts she is very sleepy, and quite ornery.


Oh well. She has a soft "spot" she can go to when she gets to tired.




I have also implemented a daily chore chart.(Go ME!)

You may be thinking, that's a lot of stuff for just 2$.

The great thing is, they HAVE to do it anyway, so they might as well get it done in a timely fashion, without complaining, and get some money for it.

*Make-up chores are extra chores, or Ellie helping Lauren complete two of her chores, or James helping her complete one chore. (These are a life-saver for forgetful children)
*They also get to choose a piece of candy from the candy bag when they complete their chores for the day.

Each kid has their own charts, but Lauren and James' have some beautiful hand-drawn pictures on theirs, I wouldn't want to impress you too much with them. ;)

Yes, I created the chart in PAINT, .....without my contacts in. Printing them off and taking a closer look, I do notice several headings are skiwampus and off-center. I really don't think the kids will care though. :)

Bear Lake 2013

 A quick update picture. Barry took James to see the monster trucks at the fair. (a life long dream of James')
The girls stayed home and had a girl party. THEY were a BIT excited about the homemade pizza. After taking this picture, I personally ran for the hills.......

 When Natalie was here I taught her how to make pie. We made a canned peach pie. It was yummy! She did a great job!

Bear Lake 2013

Pate family reunion.

It was so fun to be able to have Natalie there with us this year.

(yes, there were adults there, but kids are so much cuter)

The Famous Salamanders

                                                 Meet the famous salamanders....named

Hopeless

After removing all of our stuff from our rental in Rupert, the kids took a popscicle break.

sorry! Just wanted to include these. My biscuits finally were big, these were the smallest ones. I have such trouble making biscuits.

 Toothless

Squirmy

 Lauren wasn't so sure she liked them, she would chuck them if you put one in her hand. :)