We Were In McCall...

Sorry for the picture filled posts...but we have been busy!

Can I just say that I'm pretty sure my kids love McCall as much as I do!?

'Cuz they totally do.

We have a blast there.

Going up...

...almost back down...

...crash.

We couldn't get Bristol out of that tube. She L.O.V.E.D. it.

And Big T. slept. Boats do that to kids!

He even slept on the tube! Not kidding!

Pretty sure we had a blast. 

P.S. Didn't someone explain to me once where to make the picture collages?

Ya, I forgot.

The Hunter's Wife.

Hunting Widow.

All of you with a husband who likes to hunt

knows exactly what I'm talking about.

We partially dread it, and partially look forward to doing whatever we want.

While the hubs is gone during...

HUNTING SEASON.

Its approaching.

Fast.

It's been on my mind lately.

Trying to coordinate family events around hunting season.

*Sigh*

So, with that in the back of my mind I say this this morning.

"Ty, my back is sore in a place it never has been."

Silence. (Not sure if he is really listening.)

Pointing, "Right here. Ya know. My backstraps."

Ty quickly looks at me. "Backstraps?"

"Ya know, like on a buck."

Silence

Ty, "Ya, that's the best part to eat."

Silence

Well...at least he heard part of it!

Hahaha. I just had to laugh.

Then I realized I just spoke in hunter's terms.

What has happened to me?

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

The Armor of God

I don't care what religion you are, or if you don't have one, but we all need it.

The Armor of God...that protection against the daily 'grime' of society.

Literally, the grime. That nasty stuff that makes us feel depressed or sad. Makes us mad at someone, or people in general. That cruelty that eats at our hearts, and chases away innocence. 

There is something in this world that we can all live without. 

Crime

Drugs

Fowl language

Cruelty toward others, even animals

We all need a barrier of protection against those things that we could live without the influence of. What is that barrier?  For me it is the Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:11,13-18

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand,

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye s1all be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I can't live without this. It gives me an eternal perspective, and the hope to go out and face the world. The world is and can be a good place, even when things seem to be going so wrong. We can put on the armor of God to defend ourselves against evil, and notice the beauty all around us.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

We are in Idaho this year for the 4th.

It's been a long time. 

Our day will be full of family, fun, food, fun activities, and fireworks!

Here are some pre-4th of July pics of the kiddos. (unedited)

They are just so cute, I went a little camera giddy...and couldn't pick a favorite!

Which is yours?

REDNECK MILK SHAKES

Yes, that is what we are doing. Making milk shakes. 

I believe I have shared this before.

It just never gets old.

This last year my dad made somewhere around 240 milkshakes in one hour.

One hour! Amazing!

He made 23 in about 10 minutes here.

Items needed:

1 cement mixer

5 gallon bucket

a lot of ice cream

a lot of milk

a little vanilla

mix-ins of your choice

Baby Fish....

Bristol found a new "wave" of confidence in the water.

She kicks herself all around the pool...with someone close by (for our peace of mind, not hers).

Completely impressed.

Which reminds me.

Please please please keep an eye on your little's this summer. Water is so dangerous when they/you don't understand it's power. So many drownings occur each year that could have been easily prevented. I have grown up in and around the water. Hours on the lake, and on the river. I was even a certified rafting guide for a few years. I not only have a great love for water sports, but I have a deep respect for water. Never underestimate a slow current, or shallow water. It doesn't take much to sweep a toddler away, or take a big "breath" of water to fill their little lungs. Play it safe. You can never be too careful. Bristol usually has a life jacket on in the pool, she can't swim on her own. These were just a few minutes of highly supervised fun in the pool without one. I was a nervous wreck the whole time. I have pulled a couple of kids off of the bottom of pools. It happens so fast. Water wings...pointless. They aren't the same as a coast guard approved flotation device. And I recommend ones with the flap on the back. It's purpose is to roll a baby on their back if they go in face first and can't flip over themselves.

Anyway...Have fun in the water! And be safe!

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

I have been thinking a lot about my ancestors lately. 

Do you ever do that?

I am always thinking about my roots, where I came from, 

and how I came to be right where I am.

The more I learn about my ancestors, the more I want to know.

What were their struggles, what was life like for them, 

and how did they get through hard times.

I have ancestors that traveled west as LDS pioneers. 

I have ancestors that encountered Indians, and made peace with them.

I have ancestors that went through terrible times.

Times that I couldn't imagine going through.

But I am always reminded that they were preserved for that time,

and I for this time.

I'm sure that some of my ancestors shutter at some of the trials people face today.

We can learn so much from our ancestors. 

Don't be afraid to dive into learning about them.

It is so much fun!