7/31/08~ I am getting in the mind set of the harvest, even though we still have a few weeks for most of the food to come in.
7/30/08~ I found a great deal on raspberries and had the opportunity to make my favorite raspberry jam.
7/29/08~ We went boating and our little propane burner almost blew up on us as we were cooking hot dogs. Someone had made a fire ring and left wood in it so we started a fire and roasted our hot dogs that way.
7/28/08~ Hotties parents had a cherry tree in their back yard they weren't going to do any thing with, so we went and picked then and made pie filling out of them. I guess that's yummy to some people but not so much to me. But it was still fun to pick and can the cherries.
7/27/08~ Kinnzi escape from my in-laws back yard. They live on a very busy street by an even busier intersection. Someone stopped their car and picked her up out of the middle of the street and knocked on doors until they found whom she belonged to. That could have ended so much worse.
7/26/08~ Everyone had a good time at the family reunion. Those who didn't want to stay long, didn't. But those who enjoyed the break from the norm, had a ball.
7/25/08~ Big D had to take the young men boating in Bear Lake then race home so he could have to boat all ready for our family reunion the next day. He was a tired pup. You'd think he'd be done with boating, but nope.
7/24/08~ Bud's little friend, Lily, invited us to her knew house for her birthday party. It was nice to see our old neighbors and how they've moved up in the world. I wish them all the best.
7/23/08~ It was our turn to weed my mom's garden again. That thing is so intimidating but it only took us about two hours with all the kids' help.
7/22/08~ I had a kid free house for a couple hours. I struggled with my desire to read while my Nagy side ran through a list of chores that needed to be done. We hit a compromise; I folded the laundry then read my book.
7/21/08~ My day is back to normal, or as close as it's going to get before the routine of school returns. I have all my kids home, including my niece and nephew and they are doing chores, YEAH!
7/20/08~ I was excited about taking a nap at my in-laws before I ever got out of bed in the morning. I was so sore it was hard to get down on the floor at play with the kids in nursery, but I survived that too.
7/19/08~ Everyone was safe while boating. With eleven kids, one dog, twelve adults, and beach packed with people you'd think someone would've gotten hurt, but nope. We all came home tired and sore the next day, but everyone was intact.
7/18/08~ I was suppose to go to a Bridal Shower for one of my young women, but everyone need me to baby sit that night. I didn't think it was fair that I make Big D go from having two kids for the past week and a half then having to defend himself against eight kids all in one night while I went to a party. We had fun defending our home against destruction together.
7/17/08~ Big D and I got to go to the driving range with my brothers and a friend. We took turns calling out different contests and I won most of them. I might not be able to shoot a ball very far but I can shoot straight.
7/16/08~ Big D and I went to a new restaurant, Craigo's Gourmet Pizza, it was really good. I enjoyed just getting out of the house without any kids.
7/15/08~ I finally got my day of rest and relaxation, and I don't even feel guilty. I also got the opportunity to help out someone in need. Big D and I had some unexpected funds so we decided to take and give them to someone who needed it more than we did. The funny part is I was trying to decided the best way to approach Big D with wanting to give it away, when he came to me with the exact idea. The Lord definitely knows what's in our hearts.
7/14/08~ Spending time with just my boys is fun. I don't get the opportunity to spend time with just them very often. It's fun to watch their imaginations at work.
7/13/08~ It was so nice to go to church again. I missed
one week and I felt like a slacker.
7/12/08~ My side of the family got together for our annual Family Birthday Party. We partied for seven hours and we probably would've kept going if there was more daylight. It is awesome that my family is so close that we love spending time together.
7/11/08~ I spent the day with my sisters shopping, and for everyone who knows me knows I hate shopping, but I love my sisters. I love it when we get to hang out no matter what we do we have fun.
7/10/08~ My girls went out to my dad's for a couple weeks. I love my girls but sometimes it's nice to miss them from afar, it makes me love them more.
7/9/08~ I returned from my vacay to find my garden has doubled in size.
7/8/08~ My mother-in-law and I took the kids into Yellowstone National Park and had a wonderful time searching for wildlife.
7/7/08~ We went rafting down the Henry's Fork. It was a three hour trip and we didn't die despite my mother-in-law taking off down the river with all the food and water. I even made it in time to accompany some relatives to the Play Mill in Yellowstone. We saw "Oklahoma" and they did a great job.
7/6/08~ We said goodbye to our good friends and thanked them for their immense hospitality and embarked on the third leg of our vacation.
7/5/08~ Bear was enjoying his sparkler until a big chunk fell of and he stepped on it to burn a hole in the bottom of his foot. I doctored him up and he was wanting to light some more fireworks. Talk about resilience.
7/4/08~ We celebrated our Independence in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The fireworks display was spectacular and we all left feeling a bit more patriotic.
7/3/08~ We rapped up the first leg of our vacation in Island Park and hit the road for Montana. What beautiful country up there. The Lord is a fabulous artist!
7/2/08~ We went to the top of the world, or as close as one can get in Island Park, Sawtelle. We had fun in the snow and grasped how tiny people down below are. We also went over to see John Sacks cabin and listened to Kinnzi bark at the seagulls as we tried to feed the fish. I think a little muskrat got more bread than the fish did.
7/1/08~ Everyone enjoyed a big four wheeler ride, even though some of our favorite trails got shut down.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Harvest Season!?!
I am so tired and it's not even technically harvest season yet. My mom told me about a really good deal on raspberries so I went and picked some up. I, unfortunately, didn't have room for the two flats of raspberries in my fridge so at
9 pm I started making raspberry jam. I had to hurry or else I wouldn't have end up with very much jam; I couldn't keep Big D and the kids from sneaking berries.
Everyone was so excited to wake up and enjoy the fresh jam only to discover the only bread in the house was moldy. I hurried and threw some ingredients in the bread maker and three hours later I finally got to experience the fruit of my labor, literally. It was shear Heaven in my mouth.
On top of making jam last night until midnight and fresh bread this morning, I also made 10 loaves of zucchini bread and some zucchini chips today. I have a lot of zucchini, this is the first time I've ever grown zucchini in my garden. I don't really know what to do with it all. Guess what Big D is having for dinner? Chicken and zucchini smothered in a garlic cream sauce. Hopefully it tastes good because it sounds delectable.
I finally got a chance to sit down and write a bit but I can't stay long because Big D wants to go boating again tonight. This will be the fourth time this week. I'm starting to think it would be cheaper for us to buy some beach front property. I hope I don't fall asleep in the water. It will be good exercise for me to go swimming, again.
I am a bit nervous about when the actual harvest season starts. I have my garden to harvest and my mothers, which is four times the size of mine. Ii is exciting to see every thing growing so good we have truly been blessed this year, but I will be starting school when it's time to harvest and can it all.
Boy oh boy, if I thought I was tired now, I'm not looking forward to how tired I'm going to be then.
9 pm I started making raspberry jam. I had to hurry or else I wouldn't have end up with very much jam; I couldn't keep Big D and the kids from sneaking berries.
Everyone was so excited to wake up and enjoy the fresh jam only to discover the only bread in the house was moldy. I hurried and threw some ingredients in the bread maker and three hours later I finally got to experience the fruit of my labor, literally. It was shear Heaven in my mouth.
On top of making jam last night until midnight and fresh bread this morning, I also made 10 loaves of zucchini bread and some zucchini chips today. I have a lot of zucchini, this is the first time I've ever grown zucchini in my garden. I don't really know what to do with it all. Guess what Big D is having for dinner? Chicken and zucchini smothered in a garlic cream sauce. Hopefully it tastes good because it sounds delectable.
I finally got a chance to sit down and write a bit but I can't stay long because Big D wants to go boating again tonight. This will be the fourth time this week. I'm starting to think it would be cheaper for us to buy some beach front property. I hope I don't fall asleep in the water. It will be good exercise for me to go swimming, again.
I am a bit nervous about when the actual harvest season starts. I have my garden to harvest and my mothers, which is four times the size of mine. Ii is exciting to see every thing growing so good we have truly been blessed this year, but I will be starting school when it's time to harvest and can it all.
Boy oh boy, if I thought I was tired now, I'm not looking forward to how tired I'm going to be then.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Family Reunion, Check
We had my mom's family reunion yesterday, which we were in charge of. We all went out boating, big surprise there if I'm planning it. The one person I was worried about how they'd do is Grams, but she did great. I did get some gripes and moans about why we were doing it at the beach. By the end of the day most everyone was all smiles and had a great time.
I know I had fun because I am so sore today. My arms feel like jello so much so that I can barely type. Now I get to go play with kids in the nursery, Yeah for me! I figure if I keep up with the tubing every weekend I will be one buff chick in no time. Of course the bruises aren't that attractive and a bit tender.
Poor Big D had to drive the boat all day, he never got to get on the tube. He figured that was how it was going to be with so many people there and only one boat. We wanted to have two boats but we couldn't get Brook's boat working for some reason.
I have been so impressed with my kids, the girls would spend the whole day on the tubes if we'd let them. It's a big difference from last year when they weren't really interested. It's fun to go out with them and watch them and their beautiful faces light up with excitement.
I don't know why but I love going on the tube with my girls, however, you get Brook out there with me and all of a sudden I am not having fun anymore. He is a bit more rough than I am, I know he's going to try something and the chances of me getting hurt go way up. Like the time he jumped from his tube to mine, except his tube is the one that gets sucked under if no one is on it so he brought his tube with him and put it on top of me as well. Between the water splashing me and his tube in front of my eyes I couldn't see anything. Of course I ended up loosing my grip and falling of and half the reservoir went up my nose. Brook said that was the best wreck of the day, I told him I wouldn't know because I didn't see it.
I took my cousins three year old little boy out on the tube with me and after thirty seconds he wanted me to stop. So I told Big D to cut it and started pulling us back to the boat to hand him off to his mom. We ended up getting turned around and falling over backwards. I was freaked out because I'd never wrecked with such a little kids before. I was holding him on his back trying to swim to the boat but he wouldn't hold still. He kept wanting to turn over and saying, "Let go my teacher tells me to do this, my teacher tells me to do this." He was so cute repeating himself and way more freaked out than me. I felt bad because I probably scared him for life. Hopefully he'll forgive me some day, it's a good thing kids that young still have short memories.
I know I had fun because I am so sore today. My arms feel like jello so much so that I can barely type. Now I get to go play with kids in the nursery, Yeah for me! I figure if I keep up with the tubing every weekend I will be one buff chick in no time. Of course the bruises aren't that attractive and a bit tender.
Poor Big D had to drive the boat all day, he never got to get on the tube. He figured that was how it was going to be with so many people there and only one boat. We wanted to have two boats but we couldn't get Brook's boat working for some reason.
I have been so impressed with my kids, the girls would spend the whole day on the tubes if we'd let them. It's a big difference from last year when they weren't really interested. It's fun to go out with them and watch them and their beautiful faces light up with excitement.
I don't know why but I love going on the tube with my girls, however, you get Brook out there with me and all of a sudden I am not having fun anymore. He is a bit more rough than I am, I know he's going to try something and the chances of me getting hurt go way up. Like the time he jumped from his tube to mine, except his tube is the one that gets sucked under if no one is on it so he brought his tube with him and put it on top of me as well. Between the water splashing me and his tube in front of my eyes I couldn't see anything. Of course I ended up loosing my grip and falling of and half the reservoir went up my nose. Brook said that was the best wreck of the day, I told him I wouldn't know because I didn't see it.
I took my cousins three year old little boy out on the tube with me and after thirty seconds he wanted me to stop. So I told Big D to cut it and started pulling us back to the boat to hand him off to his mom. We ended up getting turned around and falling over backwards. I was freaked out because I'd never wrecked with such a little kids before. I was holding him on his back trying to swim to the boat but he wouldn't hold still. He kept wanting to turn over and saying, "Let go my teacher tells me to do this, my teacher tells me to do this." He was so cute repeating himself and way more freaked out than me. I felt bad because I probably scared him for life. Hopefully he'll forgive me some day, it's a good thing kids that young still have short memories.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tag I'm It
The goal is to keep the answers to one words, I think I forgot how to count on some.
1. Where is your cell phone?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purse
2. Your significant other? . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hunk-a-hunk of Burnin Love
3. Your hair color? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .brown
4. Your mother? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . amazing
5. Your father? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Getting there
6. Your favorite thing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . laptop
7. Your dream last night? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . don't remember
8. Your favorite drink? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . water
9. Your dream/goal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . writer
10. The room you're in? . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . Quiet Room
11. Your hobby? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . writing/photography
12. Your fear? . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . failure as a mother
13. Where do you want to be in six years? . . . . . . healthier
14. Where were you last night? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brother's
15. What you're not? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . skinny
16. Muffins? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . Blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celestial Family
18. Where you grew up? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Under the Sun
19. The last thing you did? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Made Smoothies for kids
20. What are you wearing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . House Dress
21. Your tv? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gone
22. Your pets? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kinnzi
23. Your computer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . reliable
24. Your life? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wonderful
25. Your mood? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . adventurous
26. Missing someone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister's
27. Your car? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Filthy
28. Something your not wearing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Ring
29. Favorite store? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tai Pan
30. Your summer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Busy
31. Like someone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big D
32. Your favorite color? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sage Green
33. When was the last time you laughed?. . . . . . . . Last Night
34. Last time you cried? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 21st
1. Where is your cell phone?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purse
2. Your significant other? . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hunk-a-hunk of Burnin Love
3. Your hair color? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .brown
4. Your mother? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . amazing
5. Your father? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Getting there
6. Your favorite thing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . laptop
7. Your dream last night? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . don't remember
8. Your favorite drink? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . water
9. Your dream/goal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . writer
10. The room you're in? . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . Quiet Room
11. Your hobby? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . writing/photography
12. Your fear? . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . failure as a mother
13. Where do you want to be in six years? . . . . . . healthier
14. Where were you last night? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brother's
15. What you're not? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . skinny
16. Muffins? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . Blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celestial Family
18. Where you grew up? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Under the Sun
19. The last thing you did? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Made Smoothies for kids
20. What are you wearing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . House Dress
21. Your tv? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gone
22. Your pets? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kinnzi
23. Your computer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . reliable
24. Your life? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wonderful
25. Your mood? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . adventurous
26. Missing someone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister's
27. Your car? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Filthy
28. Something your not wearing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Ring
29. Favorite store? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tai Pan
30. Your summer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Busy
31. Like someone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big D
32. Your favorite color? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sage Green
33. When was the last time you laughed?. . . . . . . . Last Night
34. Last time you cried? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 21st
Monday, July 21, 2008
Big D's Birthday Bash
Every year for Big D's birthday we go boating. We've been doing it since we got married and it works really well for me because I don't have to buy him a present, his present is boating.
I was great because this year C came with her family. I haven't seen her in quite awhile and her little ones are growing up too fast. I got her to go on a tube with me, way to go C! I also got Rae, my brother Lowell's wife to go on a tube with me. The funny thing is it's been about ten years since any of us have been on a tube. It was a big day for us all.
I did get some pictures but not many because my camera died. It's been a busy camera this summer so I can't fault it for giving up.
Her is Bree, my brother Itch's daughter, Bug and Beaner. This was Bree's first time ever on a tube. I was so proud of her she did great. She's a regular Tubinator now.
Here's Bree with an ingenious idea to keep the water out of her eyes. Bug's tube splashed her too much so this was her remedy. Smart cookie!
Kinnzi did great at the beach this time. I think she is getting used to it. She would get so frustrated if she saw me leave on the boat without her. She liked to walk around like she was queen of the boat, but don't try and put her in the water, that's just not her cup of tea. Under the front she would rest and get out of the sun, plus that was the only place she could hide and not get thrown in, again.
I was great because this year C came with her family. I haven't seen her in quite awhile and her little ones are growing up too fast. I got her to go on a tube with me, way to go C! I also got Rae, my brother Lowell's wife to go on a tube with me. The funny thing is it's been about ten years since any of us have been on a tube. It was a big day for us all.
I did get some pictures but not many because my camera died. It's been a busy camera this summer so I can't fault it for giving up.
Her is Bree, my brother Itch's daughter, Bug and Beaner. This was Bree's first time ever on a tube. I was so proud of her she did great. She's a regular Tubinator now.
Here's Bree with an ingenious idea to keep the water out of her eyes. Bug's tube splashed her too much so this was her remedy. Smart cookie!
Kinnzi did great at the beach this time. I think she is getting used to it. She would get so frustrated if she saw me leave on the boat without her. She liked to walk around like she was queen of the boat, but don't try and put her in the water, that's just not her cup of tea. Under the front she would rest and get out of the sun, plus that was the only place she could hide and not get thrown in, again.
Goblins On The Loose
My kids are the luckiest kids in the world, they have the best Grandma and Papa. My dad and stepmother enjoy taking their grand kids for days at a time. When the grand kids come out to their cattle ranch it's like another world, a magical world that allows their imaginations to go wild.
We listened to "Fablehaven" on our vacation so the kids have been into fairies and goblins a lot lately. In Yellowstone we bought the kids some magical stones that helped them to see fairies and fight off goblins. We also purchased some for their cousins because we knew they'd be spending so much time with them through out the summer.
Beaner and Bug went out to Grandma Ria and Papa Guy's house after we got back from vacation. In other words they've had back to back, nothing but entertainment all summer. They were joined out there by three of their cousins all ranging in age from seven to ten.
Out at Grandma's they are allowed to let their open minds to roam without many boundaries. They hunted goblins and searched for their fairy friends. Bug was bit by a goblin on one of their adventures.
On one of the days when Grandma and Papa had to run some fence, the kids got a little bored. After bombarding their grandparents with whines and requests Grandma had had enough. She barked at the kids and told them that she didn't hear one of them asking what they could do to help so they could get done quicker.
Let me make this very clear, Grandma never barks at the kids. She dotes on them hand and foot. So when she barked it took the kids off guard. A little while later Beaner came up to Grandma and said, "We all went behind a tree and prayed that they goblins would bring back our grandma. We know the goblins took her because our grandma would never talk to us like that." Well, that made Grandma feel horrible.
Needless to say, the goblins returned grandma, however, I think they have taken my daughter, Bug. She came home and now she expects me to entertain her. She informs me that she's bored and there's nothing to do and boo hoo. So I informed her she needed to practice her piano that she's neglected for the past three weeks, and she needed to read for thirty minutes, and she has chores to do. I don't think she realizes there's no time to be bored around this house, because if she's bored I will give her something to do.
Hopefully the goblins return my daughter soon because I think this new Bug is going to go stark raving mad living in my house for too much longer. Who knows maybe this new Bug will be trainable and I can teach it to do tricks, like wash the dishes. I have to confess that being a parent is too much fun sometimes.
We listened to "Fablehaven" on our vacation so the kids have been into fairies and goblins a lot lately. In Yellowstone we bought the kids some magical stones that helped them to see fairies and fight off goblins. We also purchased some for their cousins because we knew they'd be spending so much time with them through out the summer.
Beaner and Bug went out to Grandma Ria and Papa Guy's house after we got back from vacation. In other words they've had back to back, nothing but entertainment all summer. They were joined out there by three of their cousins all ranging in age from seven to ten.
Out at Grandma's they are allowed to let their open minds to roam without many boundaries. They hunted goblins and searched for their fairy friends. Bug was bit by a goblin on one of their adventures.
On one of the days when Grandma and Papa had to run some fence, the kids got a little bored. After bombarding their grandparents with whines and requests Grandma had had enough. She barked at the kids and told them that she didn't hear one of them asking what they could do to help so they could get done quicker.
Let me make this very clear, Grandma never barks at the kids. She dotes on them hand and foot. So when she barked it took the kids off guard. A little while later Beaner came up to Grandma and said, "We all went behind a tree and prayed that they goblins would bring back our grandma. We know the goblins took her because our grandma would never talk to us like that." Well, that made Grandma feel horrible.
Needless to say, the goblins returned grandma, however, I think they have taken my daughter, Bug. She came home and now she expects me to entertain her. She informs me that she's bored and there's nothing to do and boo hoo. So I informed her she needed to practice her piano that she's neglected for the past three weeks, and she needed to read for thirty minutes, and she has chores to do. I don't think she realizes there's no time to be bored around this house, because if she's bored I will give her something to do.
Hopefully the goblins return my daughter soon because I think this new Bug is going to go stark raving mad living in my house for too much longer. Who knows maybe this new Bug will be trainable and I can teach it to do tricks, like wash the dishes. I have to confess that being a parent is too much fun sometimes.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Another Family Reunion
My family is in charge of my Mom's family reunion this year. We are doing something that they've never done before, boating. Usually this family goes to a park and sits around and talks. Which to some is fun and maybe for awhile it can be tolerable, but for the younger generation quite boring.
Our family was having a problem keeping the younger generation coming once they reached the age they could decide for themselves, but they weren't willing to change anything because the older people kept voting to have the reunion at the same place doing the same things. I think that might be the definition of insane right there.
Well now my family is in charge and we are going to the beach and going boating. I think it is going to be a lot of fun, but I love boating. I am a bit nervous how my grandma is going to do in all that heat. We are bringing canopies for shade, water coolers filled with ice water, plus there will be a ton of water to dip into to cool some one off, not that my grandma will get in the water but it's an option.
I doubt we will do this every year. I'm pretty sure whom ever has it next year will probably go back to the park idea which is fine. I just want to show people that there are other options out there and if we want to keep the youth coming back we have to entertain them and nothing entertains them like skiing and tubing. If nothing else I am sure going to have fun.
Our family was having a problem keeping the younger generation coming once they reached the age they could decide for themselves, but they weren't willing to change anything because the older people kept voting to have the reunion at the same place doing the same things. I think that might be the definition of insane right there.
Well now my family is in charge and we are going to the beach and going boating. I think it is going to be a lot of fun, but I love boating. I am a bit nervous how my grandma is going to do in all that heat. We are bringing canopies for shade, water coolers filled with ice water, plus there will be a ton of water to dip into to cool some one off, not that my grandma will get in the water but it's an option.
I doubt we will do this every year. I'm pretty sure whom ever has it next year will probably go back to the park idea which is fine. I just want to show people that there are other options out there and if we want to keep the youth coming back we have to entertain them and nothing entertains them like skiing and tubing. If nothing else I am sure going to have fun.
Goal #20 Give $100 away
I thought I'd have a lot harder time with this goal since I never seem to have $100 let alone a spare. I've always wanted to be the type of person that gives money away to people for doing kind deeds or if they were in need, but it's a different story when you really don't have the money to give. Maybe that's when it becomes more selfless and a greater blessing for me, I don't know.
The other day Big D and I found an envelope on the front seat of our car. It contained a $100 bill and neither of us knew where it came from. Big D had a hunch so he went and talked to our neighbor. Come to find out she wanted to pay us for helping her trim up her 80 foot Locus tree last year. We had rented a big boon to help us reach the top and it cost quite a bit of money. We were not expecting any compensation for it.
Now that we knew where the money came from our wheels began to turn. We thought about all the things we've been putting off that we needed: cloths, food, etc. Big D also recently got paid so we thought about just putting that money in savings and use it as a fall back when things got tight again, because with us that will probably be next week.
The next day I was sitting at my computer writing and browsing the net when I thought about something I wanted to do with the money. I wanted to help someone I knew whom needed the money worse than we did. However, Big D had a bit of a hard time the last time I tried to help but that was because he thought we were worse off than we were (Big D had a pretty big mess up with his paycheck; he ended up without one and we found out in the middle of our vacation).
I kept thinking about how I was going to approach Big D without getting him worked up. I thought about just giving this person the money anonymously and then telling Big D, but we don't keep those kind of secrets from each other.
That night Big D came in the quiet room and asked if we could talk. I quit what I was doing on my computer and listened to what he had to say. After he told me what he wanted to do with the $100 I started laughing, which through him off a bit. I explained to him that I had the same idea I was just trying to figure out how to approach him with it.
Now that we were both on the same page I went over and gave the money to this person. I sure hope they don't feel like a charity case because that is so not how we see them. We just love them so much and they helped us out a ton when we were having a hard time. I guess you could call it carpi Diem.
The other day Big D and I found an envelope on the front seat of our car. It contained a $100 bill and neither of us knew where it came from. Big D had a hunch so he went and talked to our neighbor. Come to find out she wanted to pay us for helping her trim up her 80 foot Locus tree last year. We had rented a big boon to help us reach the top and it cost quite a bit of money. We were not expecting any compensation for it.
Now that we knew where the money came from our wheels began to turn. We thought about all the things we've been putting off that we needed: cloths, food, etc. Big D also recently got paid so we thought about just putting that money in savings and use it as a fall back when things got tight again, because with us that will probably be next week.
The next day I was sitting at my computer writing and browsing the net when I thought about something I wanted to do with the money. I wanted to help someone I knew whom needed the money worse than we did. However, Big D had a bit of a hard time the last time I tried to help but that was because he thought we were worse off than we were (Big D had a pretty big mess up with his paycheck; he ended up without one and we found out in the middle of our vacation).
I kept thinking about how I was going to approach Big D without getting him worked up. I thought about just giving this person the money anonymously and then telling Big D, but we don't keep those kind of secrets from each other.
That night Big D came in the quiet room and asked if we could talk. I quit what I was doing on my computer and listened to what he had to say. After he told me what he wanted to do with the $100 I started laughing, which through him off a bit. I explained to him that I had the same idea I was just trying to figure out how to approach him with it.
Now that we were both on the same page I went over and gave the money to this person. I sure hope they don't feel like a charity case because that is so not how we see them. We just love them so much and they helped us out a ton when we were having a hard time. I guess you could call it carpi Diem.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Time Is Running Out
I can't believe summer is already half over. We have been so busy that this summer is flying by and here soon it will be nothing but a memory. Then all I'll have to write about is how school is kicking my butt, and I'm only taking one class again.
I am excited and nervous about my next class "Reporting and News Writing". I have been reading my textbook for the class, at least I hope it's the right textbook. I went off last semesters book list and went online and purchased them at a very discounted rate compared to the university book store. If the same teacher teaches the class I'm sure I'll be fine, but if not I may be screwed.
I've already read one of the four books for my class, "All The President's Men". It was good, I loved how it gave so much of the behind the scene struggles of what reporters have to go through to uncover the truth. It got me excited about learning more.
Every time I struggle with am I good enough to go into journalism, I start reading one of my textbooks and it solidifies that this is what I want to learn about. I just need to remind myself that I am not going to school to already know how to do this, I am going to learn how to do this. Then it takes off some of the pressure, but only some.
It also adds pressure that I am getting such a late start in life in my respective field. Most the kids I am going to school with are just that, kids. They are going to have an upper hand on me with advancing their careers because they will have longer to do so. I don't even know what exactly I want to do with a journalism degree. Newspapers are a dwindling enterprise, I don't want to be on TV or Radio, and everyone who has a computer can write online. What is there for someone who wants to be a journalist? I suppose I could write for magazines.
Maybe I will write for myself. I could pay all this money and time to learn how to better keep my journal exciting. Or maybe I could write my families newsletter again, but this time with more flare since I will be trained how to do it right.
I am funny. I need to take one step at a time, as a wise woman once told me (my mom), "There is a time and a season for every thing." I am just excited that after ten years of waiting it is my time to go to school and enjoy every minute of it, even when it stresses me out. When I'm done with school it will be time for something else, who knows maybe a career maybe not. My first priority is my family and raising my kids. When that's done perhaps the season for a career will open up.
I am excited and nervous about my next class "Reporting and News Writing". I have been reading my textbook for the class, at least I hope it's the right textbook. I went off last semesters book list and went online and purchased them at a very discounted rate compared to the university book store. If the same teacher teaches the class I'm sure I'll be fine, but if not I may be screwed.
I've already read one of the four books for my class, "All The President's Men". It was good, I loved how it gave so much of the behind the scene struggles of what reporters have to go through to uncover the truth. It got me excited about learning more.
Every time I struggle with am I good enough to go into journalism, I start reading one of my textbooks and it solidifies that this is what I want to learn about. I just need to remind myself that I am not going to school to already know how to do this, I am going to learn how to do this. Then it takes off some of the pressure, but only some.
It also adds pressure that I am getting such a late start in life in my respective field. Most the kids I am going to school with are just that, kids. They are going to have an upper hand on me with advancing their careers because they will have longer to do so. I don't even know what exactly I want to do with a journalism degree. Newspapers are a dwindling enterprise, I don't want to be on TV or Radio, and everyone who has a computer can write online. What is there for someone who wants to be a journalist? I suppose I could write for magazines.
Maybe I will write for myself. I could pay all this money and time to learn how to better keep my journal exciting. Or maybe I could write my families newsletter again, but this time with more flare since I will be trained how to do it right.
I am funny. I need to take one step at a time, as a wise woman once told me (my mom), "There is a time and a season for every thing." I am just excited that after ten years of waiting it is my time to go to school and enjoy every minute of it, even when it stresses me out. When I'm done with school it will be time for something else, who knows maybe a career maybe not. My first priority is my family and raising my kids. When that's done perhaps the season for a career will open up.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Run Run Run
I feel like all we've been doing since school got out is run run run. So much for rest and relaxation, who knows where that idea ran off too?
This weekend we had our annual family birthday party. We all draw names and purchase a present for that person. That way we don't have to remember everyone birthdays on their respective day. With our growing family it was getting impossible to not only remember, but also to afford every ones birthdays.
This year my brother Itchy and his wife, Hotty, were in charge of the party. They came up with a fifties theme with hula hoops, soda fountain, and Elvis impersonations. We all had a great time and made wonderful memories.
Here's Big D, Brook, and Lowell trying to have a hand stand contest. The funny thing is that Lowell won every hand stand contest until I took this picture and he lost. Maybe I threw him off.
Here's Lowell getting dressed for the 50's Dance Contest. The girls had to dress as guys and the guys as girls. If I remember right my mom won this contest.
All the kids are lined up for their turn at the soda fountain. Big D enjoyed this part of the evening. I think he played bar tender for a good hour.
Itchy, Mom, and Lowell are discussing how they want their burgers done. Itchy and Hotty did a great job once again with all the decorations, fun games and prizes, and all the great food. I think we had a couple of their neighbors who drove by just to see the crazy people acting like ding dongs.
What an awesome family I have!
This weekend we had our annual family birthday party. We all draw names and purchase a present for that person. That way we don't have to remember everyone birthdays on their respective day. With our growing family it was getting impossible to not only remember, but also to afford every ones birthdays.
This year my brother Itchy and his wife, Hotty, were in charge of the party. They came up with a fifties theme with hula hoops, soda fountain, and Elvis impersonations. We all had a great time and made wonderful memories.
Here's Big D, Brook, and Lowell trying to have a hand stand contest. The funny thing is that Lowell won every hand stand contest until I took this picture and he lost. Maybe I threw him off.
Here's Lowell getting dressed for the 50's Dance Contest. The girls had to dress as guys and the guys as girls. If I remember right my mom won this contest.
All the kids are lined up for their turn at the soda fountain. Big D enjoyed this part of the evening. I think he played bar tender for a good hour.
Itchy, Mom, and Lowell are discussing how they want their burgers done. Itchy and Hotty did a great job once again with all the decorations, fun games and prizes, and all the great food. I think we had a couple of their neighbors who drove by just to see the crazy people acting like ding dongs.
What an awesome family I have!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Last Leg of our Trip: Island Park part II
We headed back to Island Park after our visit in Montana. Big D has a family reunion there so we had to make an appearance. I think it really helped having a nice break in the middle of our camping trip, but I have to admit it was hard to go from no civilization to civilization back to no civilization again. We all survived and are in one piece, barely. I think you know when you've had a good vacation: when you are super excited to go home.
We went rafting down the Henry's Fork. I think Bear got a little bored. He perked up a bit when we saw two Moose. This was Bear's first year taking the trip with us and I think we should have waited one more year. Of course it didn't help that the boat that had all our food and drinks took off and didn't wait up, thanks Grandma. We survived on one water bottle between four of us and a small handful of chips, thanks Aunt Kathy.
Big D and Grandpa took all four kids on the big four wheeler ride into West Yellowstone. It's about a two hour ride in and two hours back. I think there ended up being 17 people on 8 machines.
My Mother-in-law and I drove my car and met everyone in West. We had lunch at the best little pizzeria in town, The Hot Box. They have a pizza there called the Calamity Jane with artichoke hearts on it that is to die for. I can't wait to go back and get another pizza.
After lunch my Mother-in-law and I grabbed the kids and went into the park leaving Grandpa and Big D to finish the four wheeler ride back to camp all by themselves.
We stopped at the mud pots and half way around the boardwalk Bear decided he needed to use the restroom. I picked him up and tried to find a restroom as quickly as I could but in my frantic state I couldn't find one. I saw a nice family exiting their RV and rushed over to ask if we could please use their restroom. They started speaking a different language so I was scared they didn't understand me. finally one of them spoke English and took us into their RV. Come to find out they were from Norway on vacation for the first time in the US. Of course now they probably think Americans are daft since as soon as I stepped out of the RV I saw the restrooms maybe fifty feet from where I parked my car.
We enjoyed pointing out the local wildlife, and topped off our trip with the grand finale, Old Faithful. It was funny because we all got wet with stinky water as the geyser shot up 100 feet in the air, we happened to be standing down wind.
Grandma spoiled the kids and let them each pick something out of the gift shop and then bought us all an ice cream. We all had a great time, Thanks Grandma!
We went rafting down the Henry's Fork. I think Bear got a little bored. He perked up a bit when we saw two Moose. This was Bear's first year taking the trip with us and I think we should have waited one more year. Of course it didn't help that the boat that had all our food and drinks took off and didn't wait up, thanks Grandma. We survived on one water bottle between four of us and a small handful of chips, thanks Aunt Kathy.
Big D and Grandpa took all four kids on the big four wheeler ride into West Yellowstone. It's about a two hour ride in and two hours back. I think there ended up being 17 people on 8 machines.
My Mother-in-law and I drove my car and met everyone in West. We had lunch at the best little pizzeria in town, The Hot Box. They have a pizza there called the Calamity Jane with artichoke hearts on it that is to die for. I can't wait to go back and get another pizza.
After lunch my Mother-in-law and I grabbed the kids and went into the park leaving Grandpa and Big D to finish the four wheeler ride back to camp all by themselves.
We stopped at the mud pots and half way around the boardwalk Bear decided he needed to use the restroom. I picked him up and tried to find a restroom as quickly as I could but in my frantic state I couldn't find one. I saw a nice family exiting their RV and rushed over to ask if we could please use their restroom. They started speaking a different language so I was scared they didn't understand me. finally one of them spoke English and took us into their RV. Come to find out they were from Norway on vacation for the first time in the US. Of course now they probably think Americans are daft since as soon as I stepped out of the RV I saw the restrooms maybe fifty feet from where I parked my car.
We enjoyed pointing out the local wildlife, and topped off our trip with the grand finale, Old Faithful. It was funny because we all got wet with stinky water as the geyser shot up 100 feet in the air, we happened to be standing down wind.
Grandma spoiled the kids and let them each pick something out of the gift shop and then bought us all an ice cream. We all had a great time, Thanks Grandma!
Goal #25 Cook a New Recipe Once a Week for a Month
It's always difficult to try new recipes with such small children. It has really helped teaching them that they have to try at least one bite of something before they tell me they don't like it. After they've tried one bite and they say they don't like it I don't make them eat anymore. However, most of the time they discover they really do like it and mom really does know what she's doing.
But like anything else, some recipes are a keeper and some don't need to be made again. It is just as fun for me to discover a new recipe that my entire family enjoys as it is for the kids. The sad thing is once I find some thing new I usually make it to death until we are all sick of it. I am a lazy chef, I like simple and quick. Especially when I have four children and one husband whining about how hungry they are and is dinner almost ready because they are about to take their last breath before they starve to death.
I guess if I was smart I'd start making dinner earlier when they weren't so hungry, but I swear as soon as they see me go in the kitchen that is when starvation sets in.
I know there are delicious quick and easy recipes out there. I just have to find them. I am a lot like Lewis and Clark that way, I am discovering new frontier for my family ;)
But like anything else, some recipes are a keeper and some don't need to be made again. It is just as fun for me to discover a new recipe that my entire family enjoys as it is for the kids. The sad thing is once I find some thing new I usually make it to death until we are all sick of it. I am a lazy chef, I like simple and quick. Especially when I have four children and one husband whining about how hungry they are and is dinner almost ready because they are about to take their last breath before they starve to death.
I guess if I was smart I'd start making dinner earlier when they weren't so hungry, but I swear as soon as they see me go in the kitchen that is when starvation sets in.
I know there are delicious quick and easy recipes out there. I just have to find them. I am a lot like Lewis and Clark that way, I am discovering new frontier for my family ;)
The Last 100 Things that make me Happy Goal #8
100. Menus, I made up a menu before we left and that's what I used to buy groceries. It worked out fabulous and really cut down the stress. 7/9/08
99. The Hot Box, a little Pizzaria in West Yellowstone that makes the best pizza in Montana. Calamity Jane pizza with artichoke hearts, Oooh yum my mouth is watering just thinking about it. 7/8/08
98. Play Mill, I've so enjoyed being invited to go to plays with my cousins. It adds a little civility to our other wise uncivil contitions of roughing it. 7/7/08
97. Rafts, we bought a four man raft, which only sits two but we can sqeeze some of the kids in if we aren't going far. We had fun floating it down the Henry's Fork. 7/7/08
96. Late Night Talks Under the Stars, Big D and I would lay out and talk. The stars were so bright in Island Park, of course after the clouds parted. One night it started raining and we had to cut our talk short.
95. Free Water Parks, we enjoyed the interactive water park in Belgrade, Mt. I wish we had one in our home town. 7/5/08
94. Listerine, we used it as bug spray and it worked just as good as the Off bug spray. 7/1/08
93. RV's with a nice shower and toilet make it so I can camp a lot longer than if Big D made me sleep on the ground in a tent with four small children. 6/30/08
92. Bear and his charging personality, I think someday he could be a great leader. 6/29/08
91. Bud and his sweet disposition. He is laid back like his daddy, he's also the spitting image of his daddy. 6/28/08
90. Beaner and wonderful desire to bring a smile to others faces, even if that means giving away stuff that she just got for her Birthday or Christmas. 6/27/08
89. Bug and her innate sense of curiousity which allow her to try new things all the time and seek to master them. 6/26/08
88. I am addicted to a complete nights sleep without interuptions. When I don't get my fix everyone suffers. 6/25/08
87. To Do Lists, getting ready to go on vacation I have about 10 lists of things I need to do, buy, or pack. They help me feel like I'm organized, even though I'm probably not. 6/24/08
86. Dry little boys with their underwear on backwards. 6/23/08
85. I would say a bedroom door, for a little privacy, but I don't have one. So I guess what I am saying is one would make me happy. 6/22/08
84. Having a BBQ to celebrate my Mom's Birthday and making her feel special. 6/21/08
83. Watching my garden double in size the day after I weed. Not only can you actually see my plants now but they are relishing in all the water and sun to themselves. It makes me feel like I might know what I am doing. 6/20/08
82. It makes me so happy when Beaner lays her head on my shoulder and we have a moment, just her and I. 6/19/08
81. I love feeling better. I guess it's nice to be sick every once in awhile so when you finally get better, it helps you to appriciate your health more. 6/18/08
80. Some days, not being able to talk, helps me to step back and realize how I talk to my kids the other 364 days a year. It's not bad making them have to listen really close to hear what mom has to say. 6/17/08
79. Going to the beach on a really hot day. 6/16/08
78. Special days to celebrate how awesomely important Big D our hole family. 6/15/08
77. My gardening chair that Big D bought for me when we were first married. It really saves my knees when I garden. 6/14/08
76. I love love love my bread machine. 6/13/08
99. The Hot Box, a little Pizzaria in West Yellowstone that makes the best pizza in Montana. Calamity Jane pizza with artichoke hearts, Oooh yum my mouth is watering just thinking about it. 7/8/08
98. Play Mill, I've so enjoyed being invited to go to plays with my cousins. It adds a little civility to our other wise uncivil contitions of roughing it. 7/7/08
97. Rafts, we bought a four man raft, which only sits two but we can sqeeze some of the kids in if we aren't going far. We had fun floating it down the Henry's Fork. 7/7/08
96. Late Night Talks Under the Stars, Big D and I would lay out and talk. The stars were so bright in Island Park, of course after the clouds parted. One night it started raining and we had to cut our talk short.
95. Free Water Parks, we enjoyed the interactive water park in Belgrade, Mt. I wish we had one in our home town. 7/5/08
94. Listerine, we used it as bug spray and it worked just as good as the Off bug spray. 7/1/08
93. RV's with a nice shower and toilet make it so I can camp a lot longer than if Big D made me sleep on the ground in a tent with four small children. 6/30/08
92. Bear and his charging personality, I think someday he could be a great leader. 6/29/08
91. Bud and his sweet disposition. He is laid back like his daddy, he's also the spitting image of his daddy. 6/28/08
90. Beaner and wonderful desire to bring a smile to others faces, even if that means giving away stuff that she just got for her Birthday or Christmas. 6/27/08
89. Bug and her innate sense of curiousity which allow her to try new things all the time and seek to master them. 6/26/08
88. I am addicted to a complete nights sleep without interuptions. When I don't get my fix everyone suffers. 6/25/08
87. To Do Lists, getting ready to go on vacation I have about 10 lists of things I need to do, buy, or pack. They help me feel like I'm organized, even though I'm probably not. 6/24/08
86. Dry little boys with their underwear on backwards. 6/23/08
85. I would say a bedroom door, for a little privacy, but I don't have one. So I guess what I am saying is one would make me happy. 6/22/08
84. Having a BBQ to celebrate my Mom's Birthday and making her feel special. 6/21/08
83. Watching my garden double in size the day after I weed. Not only can you actually see my plants now but they are relishing in all the water and sun to themselves. It makes me feel like I might know what I am doing. 6/20/08
82. It makes me so happy when Beaner lays her head on my shoulder and we have a moment, just her and I. 6/19/08
81. I love feeling better. I guess it's nice to be sick every once in awhile so when you finally get better, it helps you to appriciate your health more. 6/18/08
80. Some days, not being able to talk, helps me to step back and realize how I talk to my kids the other 364 days a year. It's not bad making them have to listen really close to hear what mom has to say. 6/17/08
79. Going to the beach on a really hot day. 6/16/08
78. Special days to celebrate how awesomely important Big D our hole family. 6/15/08
77. My gardening chair that Big D bought for me when we were first married. It really saves my knees when I garden. 6/14/08
76. I love love love my bread machine. 6/13/08
How I saw the Lord's Hand in June
6/30/08~ We traveled safely to Island Park. I was a bit nervous because Big D was driving the RV with all the kids and I drove in the van, so we didn't have to take the RV to Montana. I always get nervous when we are split up. I don't want to be left here without my entire family, I think I would go mad.
6/29/08~ We pushed back our departure time for our vacation so we could attend my Dad's Birthday BBQ. I think it made him feel special that I would post pone my vacation for him. We all had a nice time and of course my step-mother made some delectable food.
6/28/08~ I am not getting so overwhelmed that I won't be able to enjoy our only vacay of the year. I'm taking one project at a time, which doesn't sound like much, but it's very difficult for me.
6/27/08~ Bud had a great time at his not-so-surprise Birthday Party.
6/24/08~ My dad feels comfortable dropping by for a chat. We've come a long way.
6/23/08~ After fourteen people stayed in my 980 square foot house, having six kids all day isn't so overwhelming.
6/22/08~ I got to enjoy my cousin and her family for the weekend, and we finally got to sit down and talk, this being the third day into her visit.
6/21/08~ I made it through the day without any break downs. I still thought about Sweeton, but I didn't have a melt down. (The anniversary of Sweeton's death)
6/20/08~ I not only had my cup of Jo and my cup of Bud this morning, but I also woke up before Big D went to work and partook of a cup of my sugar sugar (And no that is not dirty talk). It's amazing what kind of mood it puts me in to feel so loved.
6/19/08~ I got my Visiting Teaching done and made it home in time to go to the beach with my family. I think this is the earliest in the month I've ever gotten my teaching done. I'm going to be so busy the rest of the month I knew I'd forget.
6/18/08~ The doctor didn't tell me I needed my tonsils removed, I just have a nasty sinus infection, and he gave me some really good drugs.
6/16/08~ We all had a wonderful time at the beach and no one got hurt. I think that constitutes a fabulous day.
6/15/08~ Big D confessed he had a wonderful Father's Day starting with a special breakfast and ending with a juicy steak.
And Bear didn't kill his two bottom teeth after smashing a cup in his teeth after a fall.
6/14/08~ Bear didn't have to go to the hospital after taking a header out of the van. And we got mom's garden weeded in only an hour, thanks to Lowell and Rae doing such a great job the week before.
6/13/08~ I successfully made blackberry jam for the first time. I even made some home made bread so we could test our new exploits. Yum!
6/12/08~ I successfully made strawberry jam for the first time.
6/11/08~ Big D does have a happy button.
6/10/08~ Big D admitted he isn't going to stress about every thing that has been breaking down because he realizes the Lord blessed us by helping those things not to break until Big D got a promotion to help pay for it all.
6/9/08~ My house didn't burn down when the appliance fixer man turned on my inept washer.
6/8/08~ All of my garden is coming up and looking great.
6/7/08~ Found a really good deal on canning jars, they are going to help out a lot when my garden comes in.
6/6/08~ I get to spend the whole day in the house with my kids. It helps me remember why and how much I truly love them. And how fast they are all growing up.
6/5/08~ Met the new neighbors and they seem like very nice, normal, people.
6/4/08~ My Washer broke down after I'd done most of the laundry. I think we have a good two, maybe three, weeks before we need to fix it.
6/2/08~ Uncle Brook came to the park to help with all six kids.
6/1/08~ Laying my head on Big D's shoulder while we listened to speakers at church. I didn't have to fight off four kids to sit next to my hubby.
6/29/08~ We pushed back our departure time for our vacation so we could attend my Dad's Birthday BBQ. I think it made him feel special that I would post pone my vacation for him. We all had a nice time and of course my step-mother made some delectable food.
6/28/08~ I am not getting so overwhelmed that I won't be able to enjoy our only vacay of the year. I'm taking one project at a time, which doesn't sound like much, but it's very difficult for me.
6/27/08~ Bud had a great time at his not-so-surprise Birthday Party.
6/24/08~ My dad feels comfortable dropping by for a chat. We've come a long way.
6/23/08~ After fourteen people stayed in my 980 square foot house, having six kids all day isn't so overwhelming.
6/22/08~ I got to enjoy my cousin and her family for the weekend, and we finally got to sit down and talk, this being the third day into her visit.
6/21/08~ I made it through the day without any break downs. I still thought about Sweeton, but I didn't have a melt down. (The anniversary of Sweeton's death)
6/20/08~ I not only had my cup of Jo and my cup of Bud this morning, but I also woke up before Big D went to work and partook of a cup of my sugar sugar (And no that is not dirty talk). It's amazing what kind of mood it puts me in to feel so loved.
6/19/08~ I got my Visiting Teaching done and made it home in time to go to the beach with my family. I think this is the earliest in the month I've ever gotten my teaching done. I'm going to be so busy the rest of the month I knew I'd forget.
6/18/08~ The doctor didn't tell me I needed my tonsils removed, I just have a nasty sinus infection, and he gave me some really good drugs.
6/16/08~ We all had a wonderful time at the beach and no one got hurt. I think that constitutes a fabulous day.
6/15/08~ Big D confessed he had a wonderful Father's Day starting with a special breakfast and ending with a juicy steak.
And Bear didn't kill his two bottom teeth after smashing a cup in his teeth after a fall.
6/14/08~ Bear didn't have to go to the hospital after taking a header out of the van. And we got mom's garden weeded in only an hour, thanks to Lowell and Rae doing such a great job the week before.
6/13/08~ I successfully made blackberry jam for the first time. I even made some home made bread so we could test our new exploits. Yum!
6/12/08~ I successfully made strawberry jam for the first time.
6/11/08~ Big D does have a happy button.
6/10/08~ Big D admitted he isn't going to stress about every thing that has been breaking down because he realizes the Lord blessed us by helping those things not to break until Big D got a promotion to help pay for it all.
6/9/08~ My house didn't burn down when the appliance fixer man turned on my inept washer.
6/8/08~ All of my garden is coming up and looking great.
6/7/08~ Found a really good deal on canning jars, they are going to help out a lot when my garden comes in.
6/6/08~ I get to spend the whole day in the house with my kids. It helps me remember why and how much I truly love them. And how fast they are all growing up.
6/5/08~ Met the new neighbors and they seem like very nice, normal, people.
6/4/08~ My Washer broke down after I'd done most of the laundry. I think we have a good two, maybe three, weeks before we need to fix it.
6/2/08~ Uncle Brook came to the park to help with all six kids.
6/1/08~ Laying my head on Big D's shoulder while we listened to speakers at church. I didn't have to fight off four kids to sit next to my hubby.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th from Montana
We are in Montana for the second leg of our vacation. We are staying with some college buddies that we like to visit once a year. It's worked out nice because they used to live in Seattle, so we got to go there for a few years. Then they moved to Montana, and boy is it beautiful up here.
We are all having so much fun that I am afraid we may need a vacation from our vacation so we can rest and relax.
We went to a nice water park for the day. I think the only one who got burnt is me. Beaner tried to get a drink out of the wrong fountain. I had to put a nix on that one, yuck.
Bud thought it would be funny to look like he was peeing in the water, the whole reason I had to stop Beaner from drinking earlier. Believe it or not there are some kids who don't pretend to pee.
Big D and Bear enjoy the mushroom shower. This was Bears favorite water toy to play under. I'm just glad he went in this year, we couldn't get him to touch the water last year.
Bug had a good time hanging out under the buckets that would fill with water and then bump them one her head. She also enjoyed torturing her sister by trying to pull her under the buckets before they dropped. Needless to say Beaner didn't think it was as funny.
We ended the night hanging out on the local Wal-Mart lawn watching a beautiful fireworks show. We didn't have any mishaps this year with fireworks going down the front of Beaner's shirt.
All in all we had a great time with our friends and can't wait to visit them again.
We are all having so much fun that I am afraid we may need a vacation from our vacation so we can rest and relax.
We went to a nice water park for the day. I think the only one who got burnt is me. Beaner tried to get a drink out of the wrong fountain. I had to put a nix on that one, yuck.
Bud thought it would be funny to look like he was peeing in the water, the whole reason I had to stop Beaner from drinking earlier. Believe it or not there are some kids who don't pretend to pee.
Big D and Bear enjoy the mushroom shower. This was Bears favorite water toy to play under. I'm just glad he went in this year, we couldn't get him to touch the water last year.
Bug had a good time hanging out under the buckets that would fill with water and then bump them one her head. She also enjoyed torturing her sister by trying to pull her under the buckets before they dropped. Needless to say Beaner didn't think it was as funny.
We ended the night hanging out on the local Wal-Mart lawn watching a beautiful fireworks show. We didn't have any mishaps this year with fireworks going down the front of Beaner's shirt.
All in all we had a great time with our friends and can't wait to visit them again.
Island Park Part 1
Here is Kinnzi, Bear, Me, and Beaner getting ready to venture out on our first four wheeler ride. Beaner was the designated photographer and she got some pretty good shots.
Big D with Bug and Bud. They got stuck and had to back out. What an adventure, at least I didn't have to pull them out this year, yet anyway.
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