How do ya like them apples?

I have to share the cutest thing that Gentry said as we were walking to the car after his big win. He just knew that Heavenly Father helped him win because the other kids (Soph, Gray, and Lanie) had the play, and He must have known how much he needed this. His winning was more than just a win, it was an answer to prayer for Gentry, who felt like he needed something to make him feel special. I am grateful that he is aware of the tender mercy's in his life by a loving Father in Heaven, even though he is just a little boy.  I adore this kid!

#12 in action

 

Easter Cuteness

Gentry as Thomas Alva Edison

La Fiesta 2015

 

 

Happy Valentines Day

I can't believe that this part of my parenting career is almost over. Only a few more years of last minute Valentines Day boxes in my future. Gentry had zero help with his 'blast off" box, and Delanie was quite creative with her version of a hot air balloon. I have some pretty creative kids!

Blue and Gold

The boy earns his Wolf

Third Grade Doughnut Date

Gentry was beaming the entire time I was there,

so giddy that his momma came to eat a doughnut and read with him at school!

Sunday Cuteness

Today as we were headed out the door to go to church I couldn't help but make these two stop and pose for a Sunday cuteness picture. I am so grateful for my handsome boys, and they are looking mighty sharp in their new church sweaters that they received for Christmas!

We Have Birthday Boy!

I can't believe that its been nine years since Xandi and I received the biggest surprise we have ever gotten. We weren't planning on a number five, but I can't imagine a life without him. He was my baby that I got to bring home from the hospital in a big ol' stocking, and he has been loved and adored by the entire family from the second he arrived. I am so grateful for this little boy and I am so in love with his easygoing nature and his willingness to help and hand out his hugs and kisses.

 

Happy Birthday Gentry Hewson Schmalz!!!

Just a friendly game of Sleeping Queens before school. I think Mini is cheating.

So proud of the very useful toolbox he made at scouts tonight. He's looking for some more things to build. That smile though is the cutest!

First Day

Third Grade

Fifth Grade

These two got up and got ready for the day to find out that the high school was on lock down thanks to a bomb threat. They ended up putting back on their pj's and walked around the neighborhood rubbing it in to all the little kids that they got to have one more day of summer. We'll try this again tomorrow...

The Neighborhood Hoodlums

Welcome Back to Harvest Elementary School

Last Day of Summa

was celebrated with a trip to our favorite treat stop for some yummy liquid concoctions and some sugar cookies. Not a bad way to go out summa 2014!

My Gems

Aquarium Fun

A Punch in the Face!

Nothing like an emergency trip to the dentist on a Sunday afternoon to have the dentist yank your tooth so the abscess...that has been forming for days...that you didn't think was a big deal...so you never told your mom...can drain and you can start to feel like a human again. Just ask Gentry. Grayson had to be the dental assistant and Sophie was in charge of the distracting entertainment while dad stayed out in the van and listened to World Cup and I got my hand squeezed off. It was fathers day so I guess that's cool. I feel sorry for my little guy though. Today has been a rough day :(

While the big kids are away...

the littles will play!

 

We have gotten a little taste of what life will be like around here in just three short years with the older kids away at youth conference. It has been a lot less crazy and we've had a lot of fun, but we sure miss the bigs!