Mom's "Me" Time

LDS Bountiful Temple

With a hectic week of getting the kids back to school (and a few unexpected stresses that have come with that) and getting our home back into somewhat of a daily routine, I felt I needed a little "me" time.  Then came the question, "what, exactly, to do with this "me" time?"  Some options that came to mind were start my new book, pedicure (yes, sad to admit but its the end of summer and I've yet to get my tootsies sandal wear ready), lunch with a friend, or a little "happy present" shopping (that idea was short lived when I reminded myself just how costly it was to get the kids all in school...no "happy presents" for mom this month!)  As I was laying in bed contemplating the organization of the new day that would soon be rising, I had an overwhelming desire to go to the temple.  A desire to feel the peace, comfort, and tranquility that only the temple can bring.  And at the same time to feel that rejuvination of life that I feel after attending the temple.  There is something about walking out those temple doors and feeling like you can accomplish any task put before you.  It makes me feel that no matter what trials are placed before me, what worries and concerns I have, what personal limitations and flaws I feel, it all will be a little better and easier to cope with.  So, it was pretty much decided, that's how I wanted to spend my "me" time.  And I wasn't at all disappointed.  It was made even more special by being able to attend with a friend (thanks Coleen!) and seeing some of our neighbors there as well.  It seems I wasn't the only mom that needed a little something extra special that day.

I'm thankful for the temple and the blessings it brings to my life.  I'm thankful for the comfort that attending the temple brings and for the spirit that is felt there.  I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that loves me, and knows me, and knows just what I need and when I need it.

So, if you need a little extra pick me up this week and you have a little "free" time, I can't recommend a better way to spend it than a visit to the temple.  Even if you just walk around the temple grounds for a little while, I promise you you'll go away with a little skip in your step, a smile on your face, and a peace in your heart.  And who can't use that every once in a while!

First Day of School 2010!

Okay, so we were all just being happy little monkeys swinging in our tree and teasing Mr. Alligator, when suddenly.... S N A P!  No more monkey's swinging in the tree.  Think I've already spent way too many weeks in nursery?  Gee....how can you tell?!!!  But that's what this morning felt like.  We were all just happily doing our thing and enjoying the summer; knowing the entire time that this "alligator"..aka...the school year was quietly lurking behind us but never admitting it was dangerously close.  And it literally seems like it just popped up out of no where and caught us by surprise.  But this first morning back to school went off without a hitch and it almost seemed like we had never left our morning routine.  There were a few minor adjustments here and there, but all in all I have to say it wasn't a bad first day back to school.  There was even a kiss of fall in the air which was almost a welcome feeling.  Notice I said ALMOST!

Rosie and Bruce got off to a good start this morning, even though Mom had to practically tie them down to get their annual first day of school picture.  The idea was met with swarms of "Really Mom?...Really!!!  But afterward I swear I saw Rosie skipping to the car (in her skinny jeans and flats no less, which she looks absolutely ADORABLE in!).  And don't tell her I told you!  Bruce was nervously excited and boy did he ever look handsome.  I had to think to myself, "When did he get so tall and WHERE did he get those broad shoulders?"  Then Nerm and I had an hour or so together by ourselves.  The cutest 5th grader lil man ever.  I'm sure you'll agree!  He was probably the most nervous out of all of them.  His teacher seemed very nice and his classroom looked great.  It was just sad to see him sooooo nervous.  It actually brought tears to my eyes and I had to tell him my allergies were acting up (which was actually half the problem - I'm pretty positive!)  I also got a little sad thinking I only have one more year of dropping a wee one off in their classroom for their first day of school.  The time really does fly by!  It feels like just last week I was dropping Lance off for his first day of Kindergarten.  So for all you moms out there who dropped off their little ones today for their first day of school, wipe away the little tear, open a can of diet Pepsi, and jot something down about your first day of back to school morning.  Because happy or sad, you'll want to remember it exactly just like it was for the rest of your life.  And I promise it really is one of the sweetest memories you'll have -  Even if it means closing the doors to another great summer!

P.S.  And don't forget to take those height measurements of the kids inside the pantry door today!  Another memory that will literally last a lifetime!

Last Lazy Days of Summer! (Pineview)

If summer has to absolutely come to an end, I can't think of a better way to spend the last few days of it than relaxing at the lake soaking up the sun and being together as a family.  (Love the view from our deck?  And Lance and Jordan we MISSED YOU!!!)  We played, we ate, we relaxed, we ate, we soaked up some rays, ate some more, sat in the hot tub, swam in the pool, watched hot air balloons float by from our deck, played on the "beach, and had one heck of a "Hit the Deck" tournament (sorry Nerm!), and watched movies. Oh...and did I mention we ate!!!  Nobody wanted to leave our little condo haven on the lake and we can't wait to get back there.  I think we're recharged and roarin to go for the new school year.  Well, everyone except for Mom - she would be in heaven if it were summer vacation every day of the year!  But for now, she'll take a deep breath, close her eyes, think happy thoughts, and get ready for homework heck, parent projects, and last minute "but Mom its due in the morning" moments.  And she'll do it with a smile (at least when she knows someone is looking) knowing that it will seem at any minute they will all be graduating and out of the house and these "precious" hectic days of scholastic chaos will all be over.  So lets all enjoy it while we can.  Another school year is just around the corner.....ready or not they shall be taught!

Hope you enjoy the pictures of our Schofield Family Retreat Week!!!

Maybe next year you can join us!

They have the same gorgeous blue eyes!!!

We're Baaaaack!

Whew!  It's been quite a busy summer, but rest assured we haven't forgotten our family and friends.  Stay tuned for a photo journal of what we did with our summer.  We have exactly 3 weeks left till school starts and we plan on making the most of every spare minute!  We hope you've all had a great summer.  The only one that seems to be anxious for school to start is Nicki, but Mom definitely is NOT anxious for it to be Nicki's senior year.  Tear ! :(
We'll get working on posting our summer pictures.  In the meantime, here's a little preview!