Young Love

Spencer doesn't know this but something fell out of his backpack this morning....

and I was nosy, and I read it, and it was hilarious!

It was so funny, in fact, that I had to post it to our blog so that I could remember this day forever.

Spencer told me a couple of days ago, before I found this, that he had broke up with Savannah because she was getting "really annoying" and because "she always follows me around, and wants me to do stuff with her. Plus, her friends are annoying."

ha! Boys....

I am so proud

In August Daniel graduated from Nursing School, and at the end of that month he took his state board test and passed! Making him a Registered Nurse. YAY!

I don't think it is even possible to adequately express how excited we are about this. Shortly after graduation he started up classes at Grand Canyon University for his Bachelors degree, which he should have in about a year (at which point, he said, we can have a party!)

So not only is it super exciting that he is done with the first part of his education..

but....

He also got a job!!!

Not just any job either....

He got hired on at Banner Good Sam in Phoenix!

In their PCU department - and he is working days!

I don't think people realize this but this is a big deal! A hospital like this doesn't generally hire new graduates! Not to mention giving him a day shift and in a department like that! I am just so proud of my husband and so excited for our future! 

 Today is his first day of work - so send him good vibes!

A Super Huge Thank You!

I am so thankful for every one's support of Ryleigh! I just have to express my gratitude.

At the beginning of the school year she found out that she is eligible to go on a Europe trip with her classmates at the end of May. They will be travelling through France, Spain & Italy for two weeks. The only catch is - it's not free.

Obviously, with our limited funds we told Ryleigh that we would love for her to be able to go but unfortunately with our very limited funds we just could not cover the $4,000.00 tab... :(

She was not phased by this. All she heard was that she could go! Only a minor detail that she needed to save more money than she has ever seen in her life.

Ryleigh went to work. She has been diligently babysitting and saving every penny. Even when friends want to go do something that requires money she just says that she has none, even though she does have some stashed away. I am so proud of how hard she is willing to work.  The unfortunate reality is, when we crunched the numbers, she just couldn't babysit enough to reach her goal.

That is when the letter was decided upon.

She took her time and wrote our closest friends and family with a sweet letter asking for any monetary donations they would be willing to send her way.

This is where I am thankful!: I KNOW how stressful times are for everyone! I do not know a single person that has not downsized or struggled recently but so many of our loved ones have set aside money to send to her. For some people I know that it doesn't come easy and I can not even begin to express my gratitude. I know that Ryleigh is incredibly grateful and whenever she gets a little letter in the mail or an email she is beyond excited. It is like a surprise Christmas!

So I just want to say thank you.

Thank you

Family Picnic

Fall Break is not the most genius invention in this day and age. I don't know about anyones kids but my kids are not tired of school yet. In fact, we are just starting to get in the groove of things when BAM! we get a whole week off of school. Just because it is changing seasons. - somewhere in the world it is changing seasons... because here in Gilbert, Arizona it is still blazin hot!

We decided to have a little family picnic at the park with Dan's family towards the end of the fall break. I bought a bunch of blocks of ice and we all packed a picnic lunch and we met up for lots of fun! I only got pictures of the kids Ice blocking before my battery died.

On your marks...get set....go!

Hayley was kind enough to march all the way up to the top of the hill and help Olivia out.

Baby Brother - all growed up

I have been watching my little brother Chad play baseball since he was 5.

He's 18 now.

The fields are a little bigger.

The boys are a little bigger.

But he is still my little baby brother and I still LOVE watching him play.

 He has been red shirted for Phoenix College this year so we went out to a scrimmage fall ball game. It was pretty fun to watch. Kinda... actually is was kinda boring. They are all so good that nothing was going on. There were no errors, no in the park home runs. Well hit balls were caught in the outfield. Pretty different from 11 year old baseball.

 The kids came along of course, and with her little baggie of snacks - Olivia was an angel. The boys, just enjoyed the game.

 Chad - still number 34!

And still catching!

A Birthday in the House

Today is Spencer's birthday! YAY!

He is eleven.

I can't hardly believe he is getting so old.

Since I always struggle to get a picture of Spencer with his eyes open, I figured I would post one with his eyes partially open.... and of course one of him playing baseball.

Two pictures that are perfectly Spencer:

I love this kid.

Happy Birthday Spence!

um... wow! You know you are impressed!

You know I am in a blog-funk when I forget to even blog about my anniversary! WOW! I suck.

As stated, today is our anniversary.

12 years!

 twelve.

1-2.

twelve

wow

Since I am lame and forgot to plan ahead, I don't have a picture of us. So here we are 12 1/2 years ago: on our way to Prom.

I am so happy that we have had so many great years together, and I look forward to many many more!

We spent the morning in true Linn Family fashion: Daniel coaching the boys double header and me keeping score/stats. We really wouldn't have it any other way.

We are about to go out on a date: going to see Moneyball and then going to Elmer's for dinner. Thankfully we have some free movie passes or else it would just be dinner!

Then we will come home and watch the World Series on TV.

Great day!