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Trying to get this to upload up where it goes.  Don't mind this post...
And trying another one since I just changed the layout and stuff....

Update.  It worked!  I was trying to upload this picture and it just wouldn't do it even when I made the file smaller.  It kept telling me I needed to buy more space and I don't want to.  Then I noticed that it gave me the option of using a http address.  I made this blog and then opened the picture in a new window and copied that link and pasted it where I needed it and tada!  It's there now.  Way too long a process for me!

Weeding

Saturday I set out to finish weeding the garden.  It is such a hassle.  Yes, I know garden boxes are so much better and all that, but I have a big garden space that is fenced off and don't want to pay more to build boxes and buy a new special  mix of dirt (not yet anyway...)

Olivia came out and offered to help me.  I directed her to a section near the fence that was ALL weeds and she got an old rug to sit on.  She found it easier to dig them up.  We had some good chatting while we destroyed the weeds.

 Meanwhile, Abby swung around.  (Yes, Vincent's still in his pajamas here.)

 The car tire ramps are just wide enough for this old Tonka truck to drive down.

Elizabeth made a new dress (that link is to their blog) that will fit her cousin's Ariel doll.  She's nearly finished with it and just needs to do the back.  What do you think?

 While weeding today I kept thinking about how we are like plants in the garden sometimes being surrounded by weeds that make us slow our growth.
They also support us in not growing and take over the water and sunlight that we need to grow.
If the weeds are left to continue their growth, the good plant dies. 
Look at this tomato plant even blooming despite being surrounded by weeds!

Even when the weed is pulled out of the ground, sometimes the roots of the two plants combine enough to pull the good, worthwhile one out of the good soil as well making it useless.  
Today I pulled a strong weed out and watched as two little tomato plants were separated because one was clinging to the weed instead of it's little mate.  
Do you ever see that happen in real life?  I know I do.
 Today I set many, many plants out of the weeds to see if they can thrive without the weeds helping to hold them up.  If only I weeded more often, they might be stronger.
Do we forget to weed bad things out and wait until the Master Gardener yanks them out of our lives?
Do we continue to cling to the bad and forget to stay in the ground where we know our roots are safe?
Is this all way too deep for this blog?
I think I spent too long out in the garden today.  Three hours later (and three hours over the past few days) and I still have about another hour to do on Monday.  It rained during the last hour I was out there and as I came back in, Olivia told me, "Mommy, you look yucky."  It was great to hear.  I'm sure I did look bad though, since my arms were all muddy and I am sure I had some dirt on my face too.

Swimming Lessons Part 2

Our two weeks of swimming lessons are (finally) over.  Today was the last day.  We walked eight of the ten days to and from swimming lessons 1.3 miles away and it took us a half hour to get there and usually a little longer to get home since the kids' legs were tired immediately after leaving the house.  I was wishing that their little whiny mouths were tired, but that never happened.  It was still a nice walk.  Abby behaved the best on the walks, but then again she was in the stroller.  She even fell asleep a few times.

Here Abby is playing with her swimming pal, Rie.  Rie's mom is my walking buddy.

 Vincent kicking in the water while his classmates all went off the diving board.  He didn't want to and they didn't make him, so he didn't.  Stubborn kid.  He does like the water, but not being all the way under much.  Rie's big sister went off the small diving board about six times and even went off the high diving board once.  She is brave!

 Elizabeth was in level three this session.  She was in level two last year and didn't quite advance, but the third level was what was going on during the parent-tot class, so I signed her up for that.  They let me know that she needs to go back to level two.  I thought it would challenge her, but she just got mad at me for putting her in too hard of a class.

I moved Olivia up a class too.  She was supposed to be in Otters (which is just above Vincent's minnow class), but I put her in level one instead so it worked out to just be at the pool for a half hour and get every lesson done.  She did well, although she does need to do level one again.  One of my other friends had a daughter in Olivia's class and she took some pictures of Olivia going off the diving board.  (I'll share those when I get them in another post.)

The last two days, I've walked home from swimming lessons, changed clothes, eaten some lunch, and gone out to weed the garden for an hour and a half before showering and doing the rest of the afternoon activities.  I'm so tired.
Friday was no exception.  After I was done showering Abby woke up and we left to get some groceries.  Andy came home early, so I dropped off the kids at home before heading back out to get the rest of our groceries.  While I was gone, Andy made a yummy spicy teriyaki chicken and rice dinner with some veggies.
Then we had game night.
Time for bed, I think.  I'm glad there's not much going on Saturday.  I plan on resting and reading a book and resting some more (although I do need to finish weeding the garden, go to the library, and water my friend's garden, and make something to eat for dinner and probably some laundry and do some prep for Sunday.)  I can relax even with all that stuff, right?  Maybe? Hmm.

Raspberries

 Today we had our regular swimming lessons and it was finally hot. We walked there and back.  Vincent kept telling me on the way there that skinny trees needed to be watered.  Last week I let him water a tree at a park that didn't have a bathroom (and then he needed to be run to the nearest office building anyway because he needed more than watering done.)  He got his chance on the way home and was able to water a tree.  I guess I don't want to encourage it too much, but I also really dislike hearing him complain on our half hour walk home (about much more than that.)
Home for lunch (that Elizabeth took care of) and a shower.  Abby had a nap and so did I.  I've had a nap everyday this week.  I am extra tired lately!
I woke up in enough time to take Elizabeth to the dentist.  Yes, we do basically live there.  We are going back tomorrow for Vincent's last appointment too.  This one was Elizabeth's last one for awhile.  Now the bills can start pouring in.
After we finished with the dentist, we went to Andy's grandma's house and picked some raspberries for them since they were unable to pick them.
Can you see who's doing the work here?  Abby knows how to get the good stuff!

Elizabeth worked pretty hard too (although she really liked the raspberries that were more purple so she could eat them even with a numb face.)

 Olivia was a hard worker.  After we finished this little raspberry patch, we found the other one in the main garden and picked a bunch more.  Olivia told me at that point (40 minutes in) that she hadn't even tried a berry. 

 We came home and got here just before Andy did.  Andy mowed the lawn while I made dinner.  Abby went to bed because she was all upset. Easy spaghetti was on the menu.  Abby will like that tomorrow.
After dinner I made some freezer jam.  I'm looking forward to this! (My sister wouldn't.)

Then we read scriptures with the kids, put Vincent to bed, Andy read "The Hobbit" with the girls and then they sewed a new outfit for their first customer.  I cleaned up dinner, folded some laundry, and read a little before going on my evening walk.  I like walking in the evenings.  The weather was perfect tonight.  We saw a family on a bike ride, people walking dogs, and even a couple with a new baby pushing their toddler in one of those cozy coupes.  Really, really great weather. Not too hot, but finally not too cold.

Elizabeth and Olivia's Specialty Sewing

Elizabeth and Olivia decided to start their own little business making dresses.  They asked me to start a blog for them too.  It's over here.  Go comment there to make their day. =)
They really wanted to start with a dress for one of my grown up friends, but I think I convinced them to start small first.
They decided to make a fancy dress for their large Aurora doll using some sparkly blue fabric I bought in the remnant section awhile ago.
Here's how it turned out.

Here's how they did it.  They drew pictures of what they wanted it to look like before beginning.  

I took them in to Joann's to have them look at some fabric and ask a lady there how many yards they'd need for an adult dress so they'd have an idea of what it would cost them (ie: me) since they were already giving my friend prices and then coupon deals.  The lady at Joann's was good with them and answered all of their questions.

Elizabeth hand stitched some lace on the slip.  She doesn't want to use the sewing machine even though she has used it before.  She decided that hand stitching is better.  They did all of this on their own.  I didn't thread a needle or cut anything.

 Olivia was mad at me for taking a picture of Aurora undressed. Olivia made a necklace and bracelet for her.  (I did tie the knot in the bracelet and necklace.)

 Elizabeth stitching the ribbon and lace on the bodice.

 Aurora so far.  They are still going to add sleeves and some buttons in the back and hem the dress up. 

 This is the cape Olivia made for her.  They decided that the other large doll we have this size can hold the cape like a train for her.

Not finished yet: the hat and the purse that will accompany this outfit.
If you'd like to order your very own doll dress (or a dress up dress for a child) or a purse for your little girl, comment here with your email.  Prices will vary depending on the size of dress and the type of accessories desired.
If you happen to have some fancy fabric, lace, ribbon, beads, etc. you don't need that you'd like to donate to two little sewing entrepreneurs, let me know.  It doesn't take much for a little dress like this.

BRAVE!

I took these two cute girls to see the new Disney Pixar movie, "Brave" Monday night.

We caught the 8pm show because Andy had to change the oil in the car after work.  The girls have been staying up pretty late since it's summer now anyway. Elizabeth looked a lot like Mireda before donating her hair to Locks of Love.  So fun!

Olivia thinks she looks more like Lemon Meringue, Strawberry Shortcake's friend.

 Elizabeth and I inside next to the Brave poster.

 Olivia and Elizabeth by the poster.  (Olivia decided to pin her bangs back tonight randomly.)

 The movie was good, but I thought it was pretty scary for small kids.  I even covered Olivia's eyes at one point.  There were giant bears and a scary witch and even some naked bottoms.  Just as a warning if you are thinking of taking any kid younger than five or so who isn't used to sort of scary shows.
We did like the main girl and the accents were fun to listen to and I thought it was a good move, but just pretty dark.
I took the girls out for ice cream afterwards.  We were going to go to Dairy Queen, but their light turned out just as we were about to turn closing them up for the night at 10pm.  Baskin Robbins was still open, so we went there.
Elizabeth chose rainbow sherbet.

 Olivia had the strawberry lemonade sherbet.

 I had the sugar free Tin Roof Sundae flavor of ice cream.  It was surprisingly good.
It was nice to get out with my two girls.  They are growing up quick!

Sunday Favorite

My favorite thing this Sunday before church was coming out to see this:

Two girls dressed and reading.  I love that Elizabeth has a Star Wars book and Olivia's is a princess book.  Perfect.  Obviously, their hair wasn't fixed at this point (well, Elizabeth's mainly.)

Abby woke up insanely early (for us!) at 6:30, so she was ready to take a nap before church from 9-10:30.  I thought maybe that would make her yell less during sacrament meeting, but that didn't go so well.  She's just so loud and busy.  I keep telling myself that busy is better than lethargic, but I don't know.  I think I'd like a kid who sat and did nothing sometimes.

It was nice to go to my meetings today and learn good things.  After church Andy and I had our Temple recommend interviews to renew our recommends.  

Home for lunch and a nice long nap.  It was great.  I was sleeping super soundly too since Andy told me that Abby was crying for a little while before I woke up to the knock at the door from someone who wants us to vote for someone.  By then it was time to hurry and make dinner (Hawaiian haystacks) so I could go on my walk.  While the rice cooked, we did our family scripture reading.  I haven't been on my night walk for four nights, so it was tough on me.  A good tough though!

Time to relax a little before bed. I kind of love lazy Sunday evenings.

Cars and Cards

Elizabeth's Jujitsu class had a car wash Saturday morning. 

 Elizabeth was the best car stopper.  The ladies in charge asked if they could buy her a special treat because she stood out there with the sign the whole time.

This was supposed to be an awesome picture, but it turned out blurry and I didn't notice or take another one, so I made it black and white. =(

 I had them wash our van.  This is it's once a year car wash. 

 Check out the storm clouds!  They arrived with fury moments after my car was done.

 Those are the blue skies we enjoyed all morning.

Vincent all ready (except for a face wipe) to go to his friend's birthday party.  Unfortunately, it was supposed to be a water filled party that I think turned into an inside play with toys party.

Olivia helped Vincent wrap his friend's gift and wrote this card for him:

 To: Ben Ben Ben Ben Ben Ben
From: Vincent Vincent
It's your Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Ben!!!
I know why you are
having a water oarty.
Cus you let me play in your swimming
pool.  I hope you like balls.
Cus I'm maybe giving you a ball.
You're my best friend and special friend.
Now unwrap my present now!!!!!!!!!!
(Picture of Vincent and Ben at the bottom.)

Here is a nice little card Olivia made for Andy for Father's Day.

 This says, "Take me to the cokey mart." She means quicky mart.  I love it.

 Elizabeth made this card for Andy for Father's Day at activity day. 

 So sweet.  Wait, what's that up on top?  A gun shooting a squirrel.  Our kids are strange.

 I sure love these kids!

Friday report

Not too much to report today.
Walking to swimming lessons and the library and back (with whiny kids in tow).
Laundry (never-ending, especially this week!)
Errands, errands, errands.
Dishes galore.
Grocery shopping (with a parade of children behind me.  Three is a parade, right?)

I'm already excited for the end of August and it's not because of Olivia's birthday. 66 days of summer left for us.  It's not that I don't like spending time with the kids.  It's the waking up to them arguing every morning that bugs me.  Some of our children are not very cooperative in the morning.  The girls are very helpful and it's so nice to have them around and do fun things.

It was nice to play Trek to Zion with a game night friend and our big girls.  And then nicer to play Phase 10 without them and beat those two boys!  (It was very close though!)  My girls sure are growing up into pretty good little women.

A Baby Shower

Thursday night was a baby shower in town for Ezra (Sara's boy-my newest nephew).  It was fun to see so many people who have been involved in the Ransom family's life and see two of my handsome nephews and a cute niece to boot!
As always (because I like to), I took plenty of pictures and want to share just a few.
Ezra is a pretty sound sleeper and does fun things with his fingers and arms.

 What a cutie pie!

 Torrie's baby Reagan is so cute. She smiled SO big when her mom would ask her "Whose a pretty girl?"  I think she knows!

 Three of Andy's sisters with their babies all born within a year of each other.

 An extra smiley nephew.

We sent my brother and his family off this morning for their long drive home and then had a nice, hot day at swimming lessons.  Abby likes to kick and move her arms and is starting to like blowing bubbles, but she does not like laying on her back at all.  She's shaped like a big V when I try.
After swimming we had a picnic at our friend's house and then came home for baths (for everyone) and laundry (for me).  I kept asking myself, "Didn't I just do laundry yesterday?"  Then I was folding clothes and realized that it's mostly my clothes.  I guess I'm the culprit.  I can stop blaming the kids now.  Beds were all changed. Two friends came over to play while their mom went to the doctor (and I read a book for a bit too!).  I got our leftovers dinner ready for my family and then went to the baby shower.

Cram-Packed Day

I know all my readers think I'm WAY too busy and do WAY too much (or maybe you think I have WAY too much time I'm not doing things because I'm blogging and facebooking?)
However, even I know which days are much busier than others.
Wednesday started with some cleaning.  I stayed up late (3 am late) finishing making treats and cleaning for a paparazzi jewelry party I hosted tonight and then needed to finish up some cleaning.  It made more sense to wait until the day of so I wouldn't have to do it again before the party.  I vacuumed the family room (Andy vacuumed the living room and hallway Tuesday).  I swept and mopped the kitchen.  I cleaned the bathroom.  I did the dishes (several times).  I made a picnic lunch.  I set things out for dinner.
I then walked with the kids to my friend's house to walk to swimming lessons.  She wasn't there.  I checked my phone and found a text message that she wasn't walking that day.  Oops.  We walked back home and drove instead.  A one mile walk is better than nothing!
Swimming lessons went great!  Abby is getting more and more comfortable in the water and didn't cry at all! She is kicking and making arm strokes and even putting her chin in the water to try and blow bubbles.  She was sad Monday and Tuesday during part of the time, so I was really impressed with how quickly she is getting the hang of this!
After swimming lessons, we changed into regular clothes and walked over to a nearby park to meet a friend of mine who was visiting (with our walking friends and the other friend's sister).  We had a little picnic and plenty of visiting.  The sun was out and the air was gorgeous!
Olivia took Abby on a little slide ride.

 Elizabeth likes these slides too and was trying to arrange a sibling picture, but no one would cooperate for her.  (I felt like telling her it's only the beginning of sibling cooperation!)

 I got to see these little twin boys!  Aren't they adorable?

 Vincent's friend caught two ladybugs that crawled around on her arm and hand.

 Luke and Jacob took a little nap in the shade.  They loved looking at the tree and blue sky above them. (they don't see much blue blue sky in Seattle!)

 I love how he's sucking on his fingers.

 Elizabeth looks like she was bossing the smaller girls around, but I think they were all having a good time.

 Vincent played hard!

 We came home for a few hours and Abby had a nap while I washed off our big counter and dried our swimming suits and towels.  I put some things away and caught up online and then had a ten minute power nap before heading out to meet two of my brothers at a splash park.
Here's Christopher at a favorite spot. (Also the one directly in front of our bench).

 Elizabeth and Olivia kept waiting to have these buckets dump on them and wanted me to take a picture.

 Little Derek is not so little anymore!

 Vincent had a great time running and playing!

 Abby explored a little and found someone's bubbles.

 These kids were ready to dry off and warm up again.

 Aunt Tina bought herself a snowcone and shared with her boys on the opposite side of the splash pad.  I tested out my zoom to see if it would take a picture.  I think it did awesome!

 Abby washed off Caleb's sticky tummy for him and my brother's joked that Caleb needs a little mommy (or was it wifey?) to take care of him.

We came home and made some spaghetti to eat with Brant and Tina and their three boys.  I love how easy that is.
The consultant who I planned my paparazzi party with showed up just as the last people were finishing dinner so she could set up.  The boys and kids left to play at a park for part of the party (my kids' third park of the day plus swimming lessons!)
LOTS and LOTS of friends and family came to my party and it was so fun to visit with them a little and pick out fun new inexpensive jewelry to wear.  I even got some items for free for hosting which is always fun.
I skipped out on walking with my friends to visit with Tina and Brant who spent the night with us before leaving for home Thursday morning (although Brant left to play basketball in Kennewick with my other brother).  It was nice to take a night off.
Vincent was asleep in record time, even in his sleeping bag on the floor of the girl's room.
Christopher and Caleb shared Vincent's bed and Derek slept in our laundry room in the playpen while Brant and Tina claimed our hide-a-bed.  I guess there is more room in our house!
It was a very busy, but super fun day and I'm glad I was able to do so much.  I don't know just what I'd cut out if I had to!