Happy, happy birthday Ethan!!!

9 yeas ago you made your daddy and I parents.

I will be forever grateful for your life.

We are so very proud of the young man you are becoming.

We love you!

Happy birthday from Abram, your biggest fan!

Happy birthday from your mama :)

Happy birthday from your awesome daddy!

HaPpY 9th BirThDaY!!!

5 question Friday (on Saturday, again)

1. Do you close the bathroom door when you are home alone?
No, I don't when I'm not home alone either, lol

2. You have to walk around with a word on your forehead. That word describes you. One word. What is it?
Blessed

3. What store do you refuse to shop at and why?
Abercrombie because the clothes, even in XL would never fit me and the smell of that store does something to me.

4. If you participated in arranged marriages for your child(ren), who would you choose for your child(ren)?

I already have them picked out, Natalie and Mallory they are sisters and the cutest, most sweetest little girls I know and their parents would be awesome in-laws for my boys.

5. If you could pick how and when you would die, would you?

Yes, I would die when I'm really old, in my sleep after I've watched a dozen or so grandchildren have children of their own.

for more 5 question Friday peeps, check out: http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

5 question Friday (on Saturday)

1. Do you have siblings and are you close with them?

I do, I have 5 total. I am close to *most* of them.

2. Would you rather be slightly UNDER weight or slightly OVER weight?

Slightly underweight. Most of my life, until I had children I was WAY underweight, having kids brought me to a good weight, but I'd still prefer to be underweight.

3. What's your favorite State Fair food to splurge on?

Last year was the first time I went to our State Fair and we had fried pickles, YUM!

4. What are your thoughts on your kid(s) going to school in a few weeks?

I can hardly wait! One of my favorite times of the year is fall, I love all things fall, school shopping is one of them. It's like the New Year for me :)

5. Pool or Ocean?

Ocean. I was born and raised in So. Cal...until I was 25 and moved to the Mid West. There is nothing like the ocean, no pool, lake or river can replace the ocean!!!

Check out My Little Life and answer your 5 questions.

personal project/four people/twelve times/7.11

July:

July was also a quieter month. So much so I went back to work an extra day, 3 days a week for July. Since all my projects were done and I detest painting, I figured work would be best to keep me busy.

~Our family celebrated 4th of July at the annual Erhard parade where my kids told me they are too old for this annual tradition. I knew the time would come for this, I just didn't know it would be *this* soon. We spent time with our friends at the lake and then to my parents for supper and fireworks. It was an awesome day.

~The boys and I went strawberry picking and I made 3 strawberry pies with our pickings.

~We spent many days at Pebble Lake Beach and the Breckenridge pool. We have enjoyed the summer heat to it's fullest.

~The County Fair, another favorite annual summer tradition the NessNest enjoys. We always have such a great time!

~Grammy came to visit! We met her in the cities for Ella's 5th birthday and she came back with us to spend the week. She was once again blessed to be able to attend Ethan's end of the season swim banquet. We really enjoyed her visit and the boys loved having her visit.

~Steven and I got to go on a supper cruise with The Espinoza's on the St. Criox River while Grammy watched all 5 of our kids! We had a fabulous time!

Ethan:

~qualified for the A/B/C State Finals swim meet in the C category. He swam a B time while there, INCREDIBLE experience he had.

~finished his summer reading program.

~lots of play time with his cousins and friends.

~Ethan's first peas from our garden were picked and ate. Delish!

Abram:

~spent lots of time with me, Grandmom, Auntie and his cousins, exactly what he likes best.

Me(Salena):

~worked an extra day and kept myself cool in the heat and my kiddos busy!!!

Steven:

~Steven had his 4th store open in his region and spent a few weeks up north getting it ready. Although he was away, I tried to remain positive because this is what he's wanted for some time now and I'm happy to see his dreams become realities.

He is also still busy with fire training and calls.

August...oh August. Although I'm ready for my kids to get back into the school routine, I have decided to embrace this last month of summer. I want to enjoy the weather, my boys, my husband and life in general. This is my baby's last summer before he starts school! I want to embrace it all!

personal project/four people/twelve times/6.11

June:
We celebrated Father's Day at the lake and our 13th wedding anniversary on June 27th.

Ethan continued to:
~swim and achieve personal bests.
~excel at his library reading program.
~attend football camp.
~attend Inspiration Point Bible Camp.
Abram:
~started and quit t-ball. His just didn't like it after the first 2 games.
~continued to nurture his garden veggies and see some huge zucchini come full circle.
Me (Salena):
~only was working 2 days a week and was able to get almost ALL my summer projects done.
The upstairs stairwell and loft still need to get painted. Hopefully before summers over.
Steven:
~busy with work and fire training/fire calls.

June was a pretty quiet month for us. It was a nice change considering May was CRAZY!!!