Yesterday was the best of days and the worst of days......

......poor Eli was forced to attend the traditional "Human Development" presentation, a rite of passage for 5th graders around the world.  As you can see, as much as he longs to be an Old Spice Man, he's not all that happy that the presenters thought they could buy him off with a deodorant sample.  "They could have at least made it a full size!" He told us that at the end of the presentation they were given a booklet entitled "If You Want to Know More", which he threw away because he doesn't.

Edge had a better day than Eli.  In the mail box (just over a week after submitting his paperwork!!!) was his mission call. He was sooo excited. On June 23rd (OF THIS YEAR!!!!) Edge will be going to Barranquilla Columbia to serve his mission.  (well technically on the 23rd he will be off to Provo to the MTC, but you get what I'm saying).

It's not that interesting, but it's all we've got.

It's been a while since I did an update, this should\could\would be probably 3 or 4 posts.  But I'm lazy---I mean busy, so I'm cramming it all into one. 

A few weeks ago we had spring break.  Ella came over to show us her new teeth.

Aren't they nice?

She also helped Ivy drag every single naked nappy headed barbie she owns out to the front yard so all of the neighbors could see that we don't make our Barbies (or our Kens) wear clothes.  It was scandalous.

For a little while (and by that I mean ALL AFTERNOON) the boys decided it would be fun to invade Barbie Town over and over and over.  I bet you can imagine how much fun that was........for the boys. I would like to take a moment to thank Mason and Brandon and Eli. I mean why should those Barbies get to live in peace? Futhermore, why should I?
You guys are awesome!

I have had requests for house updates.  All of those people are gonna just have to come over and see for themselves because I keep forgetting to take pictures.  Here's what I do have....

Dry wall, in progress.

 Ivy and Sylvan working on some concrete patching.

The family room, almost done. 

The kitchen, almost done (I have a feeling "Almost Done" is going to become something we say A LOT around here for a while).  Yes mother, we painted the kitchen brown.  I really like it. It looks less like a cave when you see it in person. Really.  Come over and see for yourselves.

This is a picture of 3 adults trying to figure out Eli's homework.  (you can't see me because I'm taking the picture, a little trick that keeps me out of LOTS of pictures) Homework is the BEST, don't you agree?

And finally, Nate got the best birthday gift EVER from the Barnharts.  His very own supply of Ramen Noodles, and a special bowl to eat them from.  Those guys know him so well.

So, here we are already.

I know it's cliche` to say, but it really seems like in an instant we've gone from this~

(pictures like this make me wonder about those little combs they pass out on picture day, I mean, why bother?)

To this~

(does that seem like a fat knot to anyone else?)

Dispite our best efforts Edge seems to be growing up to be a fairly well adjusted, mostly responsible adult, who, bless his heart, still hugs his mother in public. Last night he met with our Stake President and it has been decided that, even though his mom isn't quite ready for it, he will be going on a mission. The paperwork has been submitted, now we just wait. If things go according to my diabolical plan we'll be waiting for about 6 months, but it's more likely I will be foiled and we'll know something in just a few weeks.

We'll keep you posted.

N-N-Nate!!

Today is Nate's 15th birthday, he remains as stylish as ever.

Happy Birthday Nate!!