What a difference a year makes

Last year @ this time we were snowed in...


This year BHRRRR!

we froze for several weeks with the high being -5 on most days. It has warmed up and the snow has melted and now we are just hoping to be able to travel to Oregon after Christmas.
Bruce has not been home to Oregon for two years. He's ready for some quality bonding time with his brothers.

What can you do with a garbage can, 2 ladders and snow....

Build your own terrain park. We received about five inches of snow the past few days and Parker put it to good use. (No broken bones so far:)

November - December update

Blogger discretion is advised

****It is the hunting season and of course I have to post Parker's find. So if you are not fond of dead things just scroll down to the bottom of my post and fore go the hunting drama. But for grandpa's pleasure we have to post these beauties.


November - The hunt is over..

Parker and Bruce were able to spend a lot of time together this fall. From drivers ed. (which Parker has successfully completed)to hunting. They did a lot of male bonding.

December - We have had freezing temperatures. You would think that by now, after living here for 9 winters, we would be use to it. When the high for the day is -5 I don't think I'll ever adjust. At least it's pretty and white.


Saturday - Parker and I went Skiing for the first time this season. (Parker skied with his friends and I enjoyed a book and visiting with another mom in the Lodge). The high was 4 and that did not include the wind chill, just way too cold for me. Parker loved it and was able to try out his new snowboard he bought. Oh to be a teenager again, um' I'll pass.

We're enjoying the holiday season. We enjoyed our first batch of English toffee today and look forward to many more.

19 Years and 4 Children Ago

we had no cares in the world, just puffy sleeves and mile high hair. Happy Anniversary Love.

So Long

The girls managed to make yummy sugar cookies. Between all of us they did not last long. These were the only pictures we took of Halloween this year
one of Pedro going off to a friends party. We use to get together with our friends and enjoy the evening of Halloween. Our girls joined us at our party but Pedro was off with his friends. OK so it was just a few doors down from where we were - it was a much cooler party then ours was. In a few years Bruce and I will be chillin by ourselves on Halloween night...We won't think about that now.

Our little Boo

My brother Johnny and his wife April just welcomed little Mackay into their family yesterday. Congratulations

Happy Haunting

I love this time of year. I think I love Halloween because it is the kick-off to all of the other holidays. We have a fun tradition of getting together with friends and having scones and pumpkin butter and of course all the candy you can eat. I am looking for other yummy treats to enjoy that night. Any favorites you have? Please share.

When it Rains it Pours

In our family we have never been one for doing things one at a time. When we decided to have another child we had three. When one of them got sick they would all join in on the band wagon. When the girls were little we never just had one ear infection they were all too generous and would always share, if you can do that, with each other.

Years ago, twelve to be exact, we were blessed to have such an amazing Dr. She would meet us in the parking lot, so we would not have to unload. She would then diagnose everyone, write each child a prescription, and call it in. We would then go to a drive thru pharmacy and we would head home. It was slick.

Today my children continue to share everything. We have the flu!?!?! It started out with Hannah last Wednesday. Two days into it Parker joined in. This flu is like none other. High temps the highest registering 102.3, hacking cough, sore throat and bouts of chills and sweats. I feel as though I did when the kids were little and living on 4 hours of sleep a night.

Well I went to work today on Cloroxing everything. I was determined to not have it spread. I wiped down all the door knobs, light switches. Everyone has their own hand towel, NO ONE is to share anything! I did four loads of laundry, washed blankets, towels and anything that may have been infected. I was happy to know that I had done all I could.

This afternoon I received a call from Sidney from school and her and Bailey both feel miserable....all my efforts were for naught. I should be proud that my children are so generous and want to share....Not this time.

To update: It is 8:44pm. It has been 6 days since Hannah first showed signs of the flu. She is feeling better and WILL go to school tomorrow. Parker's temp is gone and he wants to go to school tomorrow (he is taking his driving test for his temp, amazing what motivates one to get well). This being day one for Sid and Bailey I hope that by Saturday we will be flu-free. I have forbade Bruce or myself to get it.

It has been a sad week. This sweet family in our ward just lost their dad in a small plane crash, you can read more about it here, and another family lost their dad to cancer. Both funerals are on Saturday. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our life and to know the plan of salvation. To know that we will be together as families. Our thought and prayers are with both families at this time

Welcome Fall

No, we have not carved pumpkins this year, not yet. This is from Halloweens past just thought it might get everyone in the mood for FALL. This is my most favorite time of the year. We have been enjoying the cool crisp air.... and snow! The high was 38 yesterday....BHRRRRR! This is a little too cool for me too early in the year. But I do love it when it is time to pull my out my sweaters. Happy Fall.

Another Testament

This was emailed to me, thought you might enjoy it. I am so looking forward to General Conference this weekend and to hear council from the Prophet and other General Authorities. Have a fabulous week.

With or without Snow

Snowboarding Season is just around the corner. It is never too early to work on your snowboarding skills.

Getting an Education

With the crispness of Fall in the air we head back to school. Not only did the kids prepare for a new year of learning but I myself was able to enjoy cracking the books so to speak at BYU's Education Week. It was a great week of learning "how to" on many subjects - from being a better parent to organizing my home. I learned more about the Willie/Martin Handcart Co. as well at why my mind and Bruce just don't work the same way...which to point out is a very good thing. I learned how to speak more effectively in church (I don't have to put this into action any time soon). I also learned where they make the best malts in Provo, where the Cafe' Reo is located and what is fabulous on the menu (we ate there several times). I also learned that one chocolate mint brownie, while on campus, is just not enough. I also received an education on when to and not to exit Provo. I am so not use to having to sit at a light while it changes from red to green and back to red again. We just don't have these customs in Montana or should I saw we don't have enough stop lights to impliment these customs.

It was a fabulous week of learning and eating out. The only down side is I did not get a chance to visit with my dear friends in Utah.

back to school...just a little late

I looked at the last time I posted and it has been over a month...We have just been liv'in life...i'll update soon. School pictures to be posted soon.

He's Smok'in

Last Saturday Bruce treated us to a delicious meal of smoked ribs. He has wanted a smoker since we've been married and finally after 18+ years bought himself one. A month ago our ward had a class for all those interested in learning how to smoke meats...I guess you could call it "enrichment for men". He learned a lot and had to try it out on us. He researched different rubs(seasonings) and tried two out on the family. We are hooked. It was divine, absolutely delicious. Parker's comment, better than Famous Dave, and that's saying a lot since that's his favorite place for ribs. Bruce wants to smoke something every Saturday. I'm all for it...I told him he could cook every night if he wanted to. Scrumdidlyumptious

The Simple Life

I have escaped from the cyber world and for the past several weeks been living life in the real world. We had an event filled June, our July has proven to be much slower. Parker leaves for scout camp at 3:45am tomorrow morning...still dark and very early. The girls and I are working on fun house projects this week, painting our new office/scrapbooking room, staining the deck and then enjoying fun girly time. Here is a few things we've been able to enjoy during the month of July
Bailey and I hiking in Big Sky

our neighbors spraying their new crop of corn

enjoying an evening bike ride

.."girls like guys with skills"...trampoline jumping skills.

Highlights of Bear Lake

Tuesday: Minnetonka Caves



Wednesday: The Lake

What Happened to June?

We have been busy with Life and not much time to blog. Last weekend we went to Big Sky, Montana and enjoyed the weekend with some friends. We attended a little branch which doubled in size when we arrived. It snowed every night and melted of by noon so we could enjoy hiking,
four-wheeling and just relaxing. Monday we are heading to Bear Lake, Utah with Bruce's family for his family reunion.
Then continuing on to Salt Lake to meet up with my family for a few days. When we get back on Sunday, (father's day) the girls and I pack and head out for girls camp on Monday until Friday.
then June is over. July promises to be much slower:) We'll have a lot to blog about when we return.

The Graduate

Today is Parker's last day at his beloved, Elder Grove. He is graduating from eighth grade. How the years have passed. Oh my little boy has grown up.

Someday I'll be Famous

Sidney is reading the book Yours Truly, Anne Frank. She was reading me a part in it that said Anne frank is famous because of her diary. We would not know much about her if she had not written in her diary. Then she proceeds to tell me, "One day you are going to be famous because of your journal mom, and all those scrapbooks you do, they are going to make us, (her and the kids) famous because they will know so much about us." She was totally serious.

I never knew. All those hours of scrapbooking will pay off. Let me remind you that Anne did not become famous until after she was gone. Oh, well someday I'll be famous.

She has Arrived

She's SOME PIG!

Two weeks ago Parker and Bruce went to the auction in Huntly, Montana. It is about an hour Northeast of Billings. This was Parker's first time at a an auction. He learned a lot and picked out his choice of the top four pigs. This pig was his #1 choice. He had 20 other people bidding against him but he was the last one standing. Way to go bud. She weighed in at 75 this week. By the time Fair comes around in August he should be up to around 270lbs, we're hoping.

She is a gild, which in pigology is a female pig. In the past Parker has always raised a burrow, (a male pig). To educate all those that are interested (pigology 101) she is a Yorkshire/Hemp cross. More Hemp, that is why she's black with a white belt.

We have been trying to think of a name. Bailey came up with a great one: Barbie Q. Parker states that he doesn't want to name her. Any great ideas?

Just to reassure all of you that we are safe up here in Montana from the swine flu. I believe this is how it is passed and I assure you we have kept clear of this kind of contact.

Happy Birthday My Love

Bruce shares the same birthday month as his older brother, David, who just turned 50. His fabulous kids did such an awesome tribute for their dad David, I truly love the idea so I hope you don't mind that I am stealing it. (Thanks Amie).

Happy 42nd Birthday Dad! 42 reasons why we love our dad -

1. Have the patients of a Saint. - Mom
2. He's a good baseball player. - Hannah
3. He makes me laugh. - Bailey
4. Takes care of our cars. - Mom
5. Tells me he loves me every night. - Sidney, Mom
6. After each volleyball game he tells me how good I did and what I can do to be better. - Sidney
7. Loves to be home with the family. - Mom
8. He plays baseball with me. - Sidney, Parker
9. Makes memorable weekends with the kids while I am off scrapbooking - Mom
10. Enjoys his Thanksgiving dinner. While everyone else is done eating he is still buttering his mashed potatoes. - Mom
11. He encourages me. - Sidney
12. Is meticulous when hanging a picture. - Mom
13. He laughs with me. - Sidney
14. Likes to play sports with us. - Bailey
15. I can always trust him, he's honest - Hannah
16. Gives me flowers - just because. - Mom
17. He listens to me. - Sidney
18. Love to go hunting with him. - Parker
19. Sleeps out on the tramp with the kids. - Mom
20. Provides for us. - Mom, Hannah
21. Loves to tickle me. - Bailey
22. He gives me father's blessings. - Sidney
23. He loves to watch Kong Fu Panda with us. - Hannah
24. He always tries to come to our games to support us. - Hannah
25. He reads the scriptures with the family in the mornings. - Sidney
26. He prays with me every night. - Sidney
27. Loves to watch movies with us. - Bailey
28. Honors his priesthood. - Mom
29. He listened to my Chief Joseph presentation. - Sidney
30. He's AWESOME! - Hannah
31. Goes snowboarding with me. - Parker
32. Takes us camping. - Bailey
33. Serves diligently in the church. - Mom
34. Makes yummy food, especially pancakes! - Bailey
35. Helped me pick out Mother's Day gift. - Sidney
36. Helps me take care of my pig. - Parker
37. He's HOT! - Hannah
38. Taught me how to drive the riding lawn mower. - Sidney
39. Helps me make my bed. - Hannah
40. Likes to spend time with us. - Bailey
41. Helps me with my home work. - Hannah
42. He gives me hugs and kisses every night. - Sidney

Since we couldn't fit it all in to just 42 reasons here are two more for good measure

43. Listens to my comments about movies. - Sidney
44. Comes to our sport games. - Bailey, Parker

We love you Dad. Hope you have a fabulous birthday.

Farm Life

The past two weeks we have enjoyed our mornings feeding baby lambs. Every year our dear friends pick up anywhere from 10-14 bum lambs and raise them. In the first stages they have to bottle feed the lambs every 4-6 hours. It is quite an ordeal. This year Hannah, Sidney, and I wanted to help with the 6am feeding. Every morning bright and early we headed over to our friends farm and enjoyed feeding each lamb a bottle. With four of us we were done in no time. Especially when we would sometimes feed two at a time. The lambs have now moved on and do not require bottle feedings. It was fun enjoying farm chores while they lasted. Next week Parker picks up his pig and we will be back to taking care of animals for a while. Truthfully, I think I am enjoying this farm life.

update

We are all alive! doing well and staying busy. Thurs we are getting carpet in the basement and the girls are so excited to start moving into their new rooms. Friday we are all going to the temple as a family. It is the girls first time, they are so excited to do baptisms. These past coulple of weeks we have had the fun opporunity of feeding our friends lambs in the morning. I have some pictures that I'll post later. But for now you can enjoy a fun video of the lambs at my friends blog.

Bi-annual Renewal

Every April and November I look forward to watching General conference. It is a time for me to break away from my daily routine. A time to watch TV for 8 hours and not feel guilty. A time to focus on what really matters and receive instruction on how to improve myself. And most important an opportunity to listen to our living prophet and receive counsel on what the Lord would have us do. Elder Paul V. Johnson said, in Conference, October 2005

"Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. Listen to or read the talks more than once to better understand and follow the counsel. By doing these things, the gates of hell will not prevail against you, the powers of darkness will be dispersed from before you, and the heavens will shake for your good."
"The Blessings of General Conference", Ensign, Nov. 2005

What a powerful promise.

Enjoy Conference this weekend. Whether it be to relax, lift your spirits, or if nothing else to watch 8 hours of TV without the guilt.

The Finishing Touches

It has been a few weeks since the girls rooms were painted. We are waiting to lay the carpet - hopefully soon. They picked bright, fun colors. I usually pick the paint colors and then convince them that that is what they want. This time I decided to let them have full range. It looks like rainbow sherbet at the end of the hallway, bright, fun and colorful. All the electrical work is up and running. It is so fun to actually flip the switch and have light. Bruce did a great job. Not too much longer and then my little ladies can move into their little kingdom.

A drive through Paris...

It was our Spring Break this week. So many possibilities and so many places to visit. We decided to visit Paris.

The tabernacle was amazing. With not much else to see in Paris, IDAHO we continued on to Bear Lake, Utah our final destination.
We met up with most of my siblings and their family for a weekend of eating, sledding, snowboarding, movies and late nights. It was so fun to visit until all hours and enjoy yummy, delicious food. It was a great way to spend our Spring Break. PS. We missed you Grandma and Grandpa, Stephanie, Nicole and Johnny.