four day weekend

This picture sums up my day today.

I finished sewing two pillow covers for my couch today. And when it was done I needed to take the kids to the park. I took pictures while they did crazy stunts off the swings. Even though this pictures isn't one of my kids, he might as well be.

This was by far the best "stunt" picture we got.

Jaeger attempting to make it look easy.

We'll try this way instead.

No daring stunt here. Just a cutie-patootie. Owen has been singing "Schools out for ever" (or summer...i can't remember) He got it off guitar hero and hasn't stopped singing it.

Nice stunt Luke.

Lucy absolute loves the bars right now and has the blisters to prove it.

It was in the low 40s today. Here is Savanah's best shot.

The elementary had a veterans assembly.

Owen was able to participate for the second year in row.

It is fun to watch these two girls play. A precious sisterly moment caught on camera.

See that pillow in the background. Its now covered up. No more space bubbles.

Fire Station

I tell ya. I am the luckiest girl. Being a Cub Scout Den Leader means I get to do some fun stuff. Last week we went to tour the fire station. This is the second year in a row that it ended with the firemen rushing out because of a call. All eyeballs, boy scouts and leaders are silver dollar size as we back up against the wall as they rush away. They gave out stickers because we listened great and didn't goof off too much. As we got in the car after it was all done Jaeger says to me "Is the police station next Mom?"

Luke was nervous at first to walk through the $400,000.00 fireman truck.

It almost fits Jaeger, almost.

We had a blast.

Friday Night Fun

Can you guess what I did with my Friday night?

Actually, I enjoy it. It's fun! This building has taken for-e-ver! Owen got this huge set for his birthday.

We aren't even half way done. But I enjoy spending time with my boy and this gives a mom plenty of time to pick her ten year old's brain.
Below are just some fun pictures.
They are watching a movie and everyone is into it.

Brad took this of Jaeger.

Found them sleeping like this, seriously.

Savanah's head is actually on Luke's stomach. Silly kids.

Owen

Happy Birthday Owen!

This kid is amazing. He is growing up into such a wonderful kid. He cracks me up. I love his funny personality. He had three teeth removed. (just making room for big permanent ones)

Fall ball just got over. He played great. He worked hard, got to play on the same team as his best friend. He is a good, hard hitter. A great lefty in the outfield and an even better right bat hitter. Great season Owen, can't wait to do it again in the (cold) spring. He really really really wanted to do this to his hair. It changes his looks a little. Apparently ice cream cakes doesn't hold in the refrigerator, so we had to whip out some cupcakes. He was a fantastic sport about it. We sang twice, candles got blown out three different times (all by different people) but worth it cause he got to light the candles himself.

I love you Owen.

It really made me smile when you yelled out to me on Friday across the crowed school playground "Your Totally Awesome Mom!"

working towards the goal

Most of you know, well, maybe some of you don't know...I'm fighting the bulge. Bulge is such a ugly word. That's why I use it. It's a motivational term. (If you were wondering.) Anyway, I am happy to announce, as I stepped off the scale this morning I am 15 pounds lighter. (I'm breaking out the dance moves which involves hair flipping about and lots of screams for joy)

I am so surprised at the mental clarity that has come from working towards this big goal. Fifteen pounds down is a great, but I still have a ways to go and lifetime to keep it off. But I am excited to embrace a part of me that has been dormant for awhile. A true part of me. No one again will snicker quietly at me when I say "I see myself athletic." So take that! I'm fifteen pounds lighter and run a good fast mile. (in my opinion)

(deep sigh) It's great results for a girl who has worked hard and put her heart into it!!

A collection

As Den Leader for the wolf & bear cub scouts I know one requirement for them is: To start a collection. So I've been thinking...

What is my collection?

I have a ward member who collects sand from different beaches, another ward member who does flower bulbs, I used to keep a collection of quotes. A sister-in-law who collects frogs. A friend collects cookie jars. An Aunt who does anything cow. A child of mine collects road reflectors he finds on the side of the road. We collected abandoned hornets nests one summer. We could all think of a bazillion collections we've heard or seen. Mine are...

Movie stubs. Something fun. All are ones Brad and I have seen together on date nights. I think it will be fun to look at them in 10-30 yrs.

I am pretty sure all moms collect recipes. Recipes. This is a special one. I started in high school. I bought myself my own recipe book to put them in. When I get homesick for my Sister and Mom. I often will make one of their famous dishes. You always remember the person who gave you the recipe and usually will think of them as you start your recipe. It is almost like a scrapbook of memories. Flipping through mine I come across Chanin's the one she made at the BBQ, Joans frosting she made for me when I was super sick, Christa's sheet cake she did for the family reunion, Aunt Mary's frosting for the sheet cake, Calzones I got when we lived in Pullman and it has become a staple for us, Tortellini I got from the Bell family I remember Sam made it for Lanita one night and she passed it down to me, now a staple. The famous Zoupa soup (from Olive Garden) from the two Kim's in my life. They love this one and often will make it when we go to ML. I love BBQ zucchini from Stacey and Jeff another ML trip. Chicken Pillows a visiting teacher brought me them when I had Jaeger and it also reminds of Zanda, We made this together once. Wonderful Recipe Memories.

Rocks When we go on vacation I will search for a small rock that catches my eye. I have some from Dash Point camping, Oregon Coast, South Whitby Island camping trip, Seaside Beach, Leavenworth, . I'm having trouble coming up with ways to display this one. Ideas are welcome. My Mom and Aunt Arids are huge rock lovers. We'd be driving down the freeway and much to my embarrassment my Mom or Aunt Ardis would yell out "Rocks! Stop the car" and there we are on the side of a freeway, cars whizzing by, collecting rocks. Big rocks the size of footballs. I thought they were crazy with a capital C. Aunt Ardis still has most of them in her rock garden. I guess I didn't escape the capital C word regarding rocks.

So I'm asking you, my friends,

What is your Collection?

I'm curious. I know most of my blog readers don't have blogs so email me your collections. I'm curious. I have an unofficial collection of fabric. but that "unofficial" list could get scary.
A collection you enjoy.

The fish are spawning!

This is one of my favorite times of year. When the salmon are spawning. My mom used to read me a book call "Red Tag Comes Home". A cute little story about a boy and the life cycle of salmon. My children love and enjoy it as much as I did. I love watching these fish. I can't help but send my love to these momma fish who are laying their eggs, guarding them and will soon die. A natural life cycle but I can't help but send my momma love to them as they do their duty. We found a great bend in the river to throw rocks but had to climb down a very steep hill to get there. Every one's rear end was covered in mud. Owen and his best bud Johnathan.

Savanah was happy with the launching of her rock.

It is getting cold here. But that does not stop my Lucy. She sat down in the water.

They all found "the right" stick to carry around and beg to bring home.

I liked this one. We are on the bridge looking down on the fish.

We stopped at the park. Luke and his death defying trick on the duck.

No one is going to show her up.

Doesn't this make you happy all over.

Did I Mention

I forgot to mention somethings about my, Brad. And the picture above also explains a little bit more about him too. We had to take lunch to him because he was at the church all day Saturday for a youth program. This man never complains about the work and effort that needs to be put towards the youth. He has a great attitude. Does everything with a smile.

He is a wonderful and talented photographer. He picked up this talent while working at the paper. Because it was a small town paper he had to shoot his own photos for stories he was covering.

He also has a talent for public speaking.

He loves Golf. He's a good golfer! If we weren't Mormon I think we'd go pro! He is that good.

Brad loves sports. What man doesn't right. But this man can give you player stats, scores, placements, trades and rules and regulations for a particular sport. He knows his sports. When Brad and his brother Sean get together they start speaking a different language...sport talk.

I really could go on and on about the good and wonderful qualities he has.

His named spelled backwards is YELDARB. Isn't that totally cool.
Doesn't that have a Jedi like ring to it.

And like a Jedi he has a good sense of right and wrong or black and white. There is no gray area from Brad's perspective. I love that.

Your Surprise

I could start out with something like

I miss you like the flower Misses the sun in the winter.

Instead I'll go with something like...This man can do a mean knot. I was so impressed when he brought his skills to camp and started using a fancy knot. -I love that he keeps Cinnamon Altoids mints in his church coat pocket.(Its the silvery looking one. So, when you see him wear it you can hit him up for one) But, sometimes I can't wait for Sunday and sneak into his stash, left side pocket.

-I like that he doesn't pick the same thing at restaurants, but is always willing to twist it up and try something new. But he loves Stake & Mongolian BBQ.

-He can pick out the best treats. And if he stops to get a soda pop, he'll get one for me too.

-Brad is a very Private person regarding is personal life. It feels good to know I've cracked through his tough shell to really know him.

-He is a teaser.

-He is a brownie and chocolate chip cookie man. But, I don't think that's a secret.

-He is a thinker.

-Brad is a very good cook.

-I love his brain. Meaning: It fascinates me to watch him work things out or put things together ie: a talk, fixing the garage door, a math problem, really it could be anything. I just love watching him work through whatever his is working on. Fascinating.

This would be "the eye" I get often. I'm so happy I got it all on camera.

Brad your a wonderful man! I really am so lucky to have you as a eternal companion. I've thought a lot about "us" over the past month. I often want to pinch myself for finding such a devoted spiritual man that is funny but is able to get things done and provide for his family. And above all to be Totally Happy with you on a daily basis. That is precious and hard to find. In three months it will be Eleven wonderful years and I can't wait for the many more years to come to spend with you.

You have given me great happiness in my life. That is such a treasured, special gift.

I Love You. (wink-wink)

Three Day Weekend

This is our first week of school schedule and Savanah is finding it hard to stay awake.

Today this is the comfy spot where she crashed. We had some friends over for a BBQ this last weekend. This is our point and shoot blind shot.

We kind of look like sisters in this picture.

The kids got out my buttons and started stringing them to make necklaces and headbands.

This is also the first week of homework.

Jaeger just isn't that excited about it. Ryan thought to use his buttons a little differently than the girls.

We babysat kids overnight for a friend.

Lucy was so excited to have her first unofficial sleepover.

Lucy and her Best Friends. All with missing teeth.

Be prepared

I need to post about Royal Slope.

We had so much fun and this picture will start this post off perfectLEE.

We held our family reunion here (my side)

Wait, look who showed up. Brad's side of the family crashing my side's family reunion! It's okay though, after all, we are all family in one way or another. It doesn't matter how your connected. (Brad's sister and the first member of the in-law-club, Trent)

Luke and his boys. Seriously that's what he calls them..."His boys"

Now we're getting to the good parts.

Have you ever seen a Slip-N-Slide of this magnitude?

... and let me tell ya, it's the BEST!

Splashing my way through with style baby, gotta show my young peeps how it's done.

This is Owen's favorite thing to do. Christa has him convinced that the four wheeler actually misses him when he is gone.

I, once again showing the peeps how it is done. This is the "pond". This was on our summer "to do" list. Proof we checked it off!

Such a wonderful and scary feeling flying through the air out over the water.

My lungs are in good working condition if you were wondering.

Jaeger giving it a go.

Sometimes it's really hard to let go.

This whipper snapper in the yellow t-shirt is Becca, and she totally beat me. Don't mess with the arm of muscle. I'll be doing extra pull ups to try and beat her next summer.

Its on girl.

Just remember I'm 17 yrs older, take it easy. Jacob I see you laughing.

Thanks so much for sharing your home, your love and for building lasting memories with us. This famiLEE can take six people in and make them feel all so welcomed and loved and send us home so uplifted, enriched and full of LoveLEE memories.