Baby Fish do do, do do da do

This little lady spent an honest 2 weeks practicing in the backyard with that little Barbie fishing pole. It was the cutest thing in the world. Casting out into the lawn and reeling it in all by herself. Grandpa E. got her going on it, and all in preparation for this big day:

Fishing Day!

She ate.it.up.

Bristol fishing
McCall, Idaho
Summer 2012

Watermelon Galore

We grew some watermelon...

And we liked it!

We grew two different types of watermelon. They were great! 

Granted, we planted a few too many plants (my husband would disagree),

But we enjoyed them a ton!

First Position

Not only is this lady in Preschool this year, but she is taking dance lessons!

Aside from ruining her tights on the second day, she is doing awesome!

Loves every minute of it!

My T.

Can I just tell you how much joy this little man brings me? I just can't soak up enough of him. That blonde hair, those blue eyes, and that gut. Man alive it gets me every time. You should see him strut around! And can I add that he is the most pleasant little thing. 

He is just barely 19 months old. Time just goes by too quickly. (Yes, I do have 18 month photos, but converting them from RAW is just posing a large problem...) He loves to play, and be included in on the fun with his big sister. He is a lovey dovey baby. It's so great! He is still my baby, and it's just going to stay that way for a little while!

September 2012

Bristol + Taylor

Have I ever told you that Bristol loves Taylor? I mean seriously loves her.

Taylor "Slift" to be exact. Ya, she probably gets it from me.

But that's ok! 

 Back in June I was lucky enough to catch this video of her. It's priceless. She's dressed up like a princess, and she even did her own hair! I just love this stage of her life!

 

 Hopefully one day the Bris and I will go to one of Taylor "Slift's" concerts. But until then...YouTube will have to work for a while!

Christmas Already?

My Mr. has been teasing me a bit lately. Because you see, Christmas is just around the corner and I'm already making plans.

I know, it's only September. But I have so much to do to make it the best Christmas EVER! (I say this every year. So making this Christmas better than the last is tough!) It's all in good fun!

My brain is already blitzing about everything I want to do for Christmas.

Baking, shopping, decorating, photography, parties, music, etc. The list goes on!!!

On the forefront of my mind is how I am going to beat this Christmas card from last year? These cute faces just can't quite be beat! It's going to take a little bit of magic.

Christmas 2011

Some Time in Oakley + A First

The kids always have a blast at Grandma and Grandpa's in Utah. 

We do some extra-ordinary things while there. 

Like...

Riding the goats;

getting our hair cut (for the first time for T.)

This picture does explain it all. He hated every second of it.

But completely worth it in the end.

So handsome!

And this little girl just plays and plays to her little heart's content.

And let me just add that we loved the weather in Oakley this trip.

While it's 90 degrees in Boise during the day,

it's in the 70's in Oakley. 

Absolutely perfect for playing outside all day!

PRESCHOOL

Bristol's first day of Preschool!

She was so excited to get her picture taken...NOT!

But I'll tell you what she was really excited about...

Preschool!

This little lady had a blast.

Bristol
Preschool 2012

Beautiful Heartbreak

I love this music video. 

Grab a tissue and enjoy!

"Beautiful Heartbreak" by Hilary Weeks

I can't relate to those featured in the video. I haven't had that kind of heartbreak.

But I do have small heartbreaks. This is a great reminder that heartbreaks can become "beautiful." My small heartbreaks (although seemingly HUGE at the time) have made me who I am today. I am so grateful for the blessings of challenges.

P.S. I also love this video because I am an avid fan of the three main ladies in it. Hilary, Stephanie, and Mariama. What great examples!

Cooling Off

We love our ice cream over here. This has been a favorite past time of ours in this Idaho heat. Just chillin on the camp chairs in the back yard with an ice cold treat. Creamies were a favorite! Thanks Nana!

And this kid is always full of personality!

S.C.R.A.T.C.H.

Ya know how Sundays are a day of rest? 

Sometimes it sure doesn't feel that way.

And then to add to it...this happened.

Poor little man. He sure is tough though!

The story you ask?

Apparently while I was teaching in Primary, Big T. was throwing a fit. 

So, he ended up on the couch with dad in the foyer.

This said couch had an upholstery tack sticking out of it.

As Tytan slid off of the couch, the tack got him.

He cried for all of 30 seconds, but it's been almost a month and there is still a scar.

Hope that one goes away soon!

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

I sat down after church today and read an article. This quote literally jumped off of the page at me. I really needed this sweet reminder.

                  "Do your duty, that is best. Leave unto the Lord the rest."

I can only do my best, and the Lord will take care of the rest of it. And ya know what else? I will be blessed for it.

*SIGH*

The Lord knows exactly what I am going through. He knows my struggles and insecurities. He also knows how much I can handle. And He will help me through it.

Quote taken from August '12 Ensign "Answering the Call of Duty" President Thomas S. Monson

I thought I hated laundry...

I thought I hated doing laundry. And then it happened on this 

"...no good, very bad day."

The day was going to be great. 

We were going to leave home and head for the mall.

Meet my sister and her kids. Shop. Play.Eat.

Go to a park and play some more. 

But it didn't happen quite like that.

We were off to a good start. The kids were being so good as I got ready, and packed the diaper bag for the day out. T. even ate his eggs, which he had never had before.

So we get in the car and begin our 30 minute drive.We are almost to our exit on the freeway when...Power Barf. Explosion Barfing. Everywhere. Bristol says "Mom, Tytan is throwing up!" It finally stops and T lets out a big sigh. I can't pull over, so I take my exit and park in the parking lot. It's bad. Poor Big T. Those eggs didn't like him.I head to my Mom's house where I pull everything out of the car to clean. It took 1 hour. Why so long? It was everywhere, and to top it off the car seat cover wouldn't come off. Plan B: spray it off with the hose. And what does T do that whole time? Go inside and eat some bread and crackers while playing with my sisters. He is totally fine. I finally finish cleaning and head inside. Take off my shoes, and rest for a minute. I then decide to head to the mall again. But wait! There is dog crap on my shoes! I can't believe it. (Thank you neighbor dog for always pooping in my parent's yard.) So, to get the barf smell out of my nose, I go scrub some crap off of my shoes. I don't know which smells worse.

Well, we make it to the mall. Before heading in I check my face in the mirror. Wow, I already look tired! Wait a minute...I forgot mascara on the bottom lashes of my left eye. Great! That looks good. Oh well!

I buy T a shirt to replace his messy one, and we have a good time. We skip the park, and head home.

Laundry. It's catch up day. Lots to get done. First load washed and headed for the dryer. WHAT? The dryer didn't dry the last load. Argh. After another cycle through the dryer, the clothes still aren't dry. Heating element not heating! So, what happens? The clothes hang dry on the back porch. Thankfully my neighbor doing yard work made sure he wasn't creating  too much dust for my clothes. Haha! A smidget of humor for the day. It only lasted a second until I started hanging my underwear and began feeling humiliated. Don't worry, my mom assured me that nobody would be able to actually tell I was hanging my underwear. Thanks Mom...

So, there you have it. A long day. Grateful to laugh about it now!

Our 4th...a little late.

The 4th of July,

We had an awesome time.

The pictures tell it all.

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!