Fourth of July

Stars and Stripes. Red, white, and blue. The beautiful sight of American flags flying from every corner of the town. The time with friends and good food. Filling numerous requests at work for sedatives for the fearful canine companions. The boom of fireworks and smell of smoke lingering on the hot air.

Chadwick went to work for the day so the kids and I played. We followed the Taylors to Melba for a wonderful, small town parade. Morgan got slightly sick to her stomach on the way over so we had to take a few moments to get things cleaned up when we arrived. We staked out spots along the start of the parade route and commenced waiting. People watching, eating a few snacks, lathering up with sunscreen, and waiting. It was HOT. The parade was great - old tractors, older cars, firetrucks, horses, people, and more candy than we've seen since Halloween. The kids loved it and forgot about the heat with the catch of the first salt water taffy. We came home with a bag full of treats.

 

 

Can you see the orange spots on my arm? Otter Pop. I had chocolate all over the bottom of my shirt from Spencer, puke splatter on the back of the other arm from Morgan...the glamorous life of a mom!

After a shower and rest, we headed to the Orton's house for dinner and the Fourth Annual Cereal Box Battle. Chadwick made it city the night before, and I sent a picture to the other families who were going to be present so they had an idea of what we were supposed to be creating for the event. Amie promptly replied, "That better be an old picture. If that's what's showing up tomorrow, we are screwed." Dinner was amazing - BBQ chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, fruit, and homemade ice cream. The kids ran, the adults talked, and the littles got into the leftovers. Spencer was perpetually orange from Cheetos Puffs.

 

 

Then came The Battle. We decided to have all four cities compete at the same time and it didn't let us down. Despite the effort, planning, and firepower (or because of the firepower) Chadwick put into his city, his cereal boxes were rubble before the other cities had a chance to really catch fire.

The White House miniature on top of the Stewart's city was the last to go, and it had to be purposefully set on fire. I love that event. As Cyndi said, the funniest use of small fireworks ever.

 Game faces on.

 

 

 

 

As the evening progressed, so did Spencer's internal temperature. He enjoyed the fireworks despite the heat and evidence to the contrary in this photo, but the poor guy had a fever of 103.4 by the time we got home! The kids went down without a fuss and we listened to the larger fireworks shows around the area before going to bed ourselves.

 

 

I am grateful for the freedoms and safety we enjoy in this great nation. It really is the "land of the free and home of the brave."

Eleven and Counting...

Eleven years ago on the 26th, I was sealed in the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple for time and all eternity to an amazing man. He is kind, hard-working, patient with my faults, has an amazing smile, beautiful blue eyes, and is a great father to our little rascals. I'll be the first to admit that our marriage isn't always sunshine and roses, but the clouds don't stay long when they do come and we are learning how to improve our communication with one another, how to love in a way that is recognized by the other, and always keeping an eye on the future as a couple. He is a good match for me in so many ways and I'm thankful that my life turned in such a way as to end up as his wife.

We are good at doing something special for our anniversary (though we can't always remember the date of our wedding day...some years we think it's the 26th and not the 24th), and this year my Mom and Mark were in town. Mom suggested that we take a weekend to ourselves and I didn't hesitate before creating plans. What started as a weekend at a hotel in McCall turned into a weekend with our tent trailer and newly acquired canoe (thanks, Dad!) at Deadwood Reservoir. I had to work Friday afternoon and we didn't leave Boise until close to 7:30 pm. Dinner was Carl's Jr. in the truck...since we didn't have a place to safely set the ketchup, Darwin's food dish did the trick. He hadn't eaten yet so I fed him French fries through the grate of the crate.

Chadwick made a list of items we needed to bring, including food ideas. "Junk food" was specifically listed. We pigged out - Starburst minis, jerky, Oreos, hot chocolate, pumpkin bread, Doritos, and graham crackers. I need to go on a serious diet this week....

Plan A was the hotel in McCall.

Plan B was trailer in Deadwood. When we saw this sign, we created Plan C.

Plan C was Bull Trout Lake. Also closed.

Plan D was some campground further north out of Lowman. We never found the campground and at 11 pm, pulled down a narrow, bumpy dirt road near a chain of lakes. The road ended in a small cul-de-sac that was too tiny to allow us to turn around. Chadwick backed up the road, in the dark, with me verbally guiding. There was a fork in the road not too far, so we turned around and backed down the same little road (completely in the dark with me hollering "right, left, you're good") and set up camp. At midnight, we toasted our success with Oreos and milk and went to sleep.

Darwin woke us around 7:00, anxious to explore. It was a lovely view from the camper window! Three other cars eventually came into the parking spot we had selected as it was the only place on this particular lake in which to insert a canoe. We were feeling kind of silly for camping there, but the feeling passed and we stayed put. The campground we looked for originally was several miles up a different road - one where we should have veered left instead of going right. Since the kids weren't along, a spot next to the lake was perfect.

 

 

You know it's love when your husband digs a hole and creates a little outhouse for you first thing in the morning.

After breakfast, we explored the lake from the canoe. Darwin joined and did surprisingly well - I was worried he would get excited and dump us in the leech-infested water. When we had explored and determined that the fishing wasn't any good, we packed a lunch and went for a hike. Found a river where I lounged in our hammock and Chadwick tested his rusty fly-fishing skills. He was skunked and we went back to camp to read and nap in the peaceful bliss of wilderness solitude and lack of children.

 

One of the couples who came to canoe that morning were from Ketchum. He was a certified Big Foot detective and spent hours filming the area, searching for evidence of the elusive creature. His videos are all over YouTube (which he claims is full of crap when it comes to videos of Big Foot), and he talked for many minutes on the hills, the desire to have a good trail dog, and his searches. A total nut.

 

Dinner was Dutch oven style and then we were back in the canoe for some evening fishing. We had the lake to ourselves and Chadwick managed to catch two small, nice-looking Brook trout. The mosquitoes drove us indoors and we spent the night playing games, drinking hot chocolate and munching on Oreos and graham crackers. The s'mores over a campfire can wait. We didn't want to get eaten alive, and neither did the dog.

Before dinner, I was rummaging through our stuff trying to find a list of questions I found on a friend's blog - "101 Questions to ask your family" as I wanted to have a different kind of discussion over this meal. After a few minutes, Chadwick asked quietly and firmly for me to sit down at the table. Caught off guard by his serious tone, I obeyed. Smiling sheepishly, he slid a small container across the table, and in the romantic setting of our camper in the wilderness, asked if I would continue to be his wife. In the container was my engagement ring, complete with a sparkling, beautiful, new diamond (I cracked mine several months ago and figured it would be years before I got another one). He has a knack for serious surprises and I felt totally overwhelmed. I haven't stopped looking at it since. =)

Sunday was sleeping in, leftovers for breakfast, and a mini church lesson/discussion. We packed up camp and headed home to see how my parents fared for two nights. All was well (minus the fact that Spencer woke up at 5:15 both mornings and wouldn't go back to sleep without being held) and I think they may be willing to do it again.....

Here's to more years of love, trials, making and fixing mistakes, laughter, and creating memories.

Dads

"Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad."

This was the quote at the top of the ward bulletin at church on Father's Day, and as I sat thinking about the meaning behind the quote, I totally agree. For me, the difference is in how one handles the children created which gave him the title of "parent." Fatherhood is more than just passing along one's genetics to an offspring and then moving along with life. There are too many stories of such things in society. Dads create homes, provide financial and emotional support to their family, teach and love and play and work with their children. Dads are present and part of life's activities.

That being said, male role models in general have a profound positive influence on children and youth. Chadwick has great memories of Scout leaders who made a huge impact on him as a teen. Grandpas have been a large part of my life and in the lives of my children. Uncles, brothers, home teachers, and friends can fall under the "Dad" umbrella - these are men who are present, loving, and supportive.

The world would be a darker place without the men in my life. Without the priesthood they hold and utilize faithfully. Without their love, support, and help provided to us so willingly.

Thinking of you my hubs, Dad, Mark, Poppi, and Steve.

Remembering you with love, Abuelo and Bop-bop.

Father's Day breakfast.

Finders Keepers

Our dryer is dying. In recent months, it won't complete a cycle and turn off unless the knob has the pointy part below the dot in the general drying cycle. Two days ago, the buzzer wouldn't turn off after the door was open and shut again. The heat continued to emanate from within the dryer despite the door being open. And now, it won't start.

It's been two days. The laundry is slowly starting to take over the bedroom closet and the number of clean kitchen washcloths is dwindling. Luckily, my dad is in town. And he can diagnose and/or fix just about anything.

What do you find when you take off the front panel of our dryer?

• One guitar pick, a flossing pick, and flattened penny souvenir
• $2.72 in change
• Three drill bits
• Four bobby pins
• Five nails
• And more lint/dust/dog hair than I could have imagined

Will this old Maytag DE 8410 make it to dry another load of laundry? Only time will tell. In the meantime, I may be calling on a friend to let me use her dryer.....

Look Who's Two!!

I can't believe this little man is two! Spencer has been a surprise in so many ways - his arrival was so much faster than expected (or planned), he is ALL boy and throws me curve balls daily, his laugh is contagious, and he is a little mini version of my sweet husband. He still adores his sisters, though "Allorie" is particularly a favorite in recent weeks. Not gonna lie, he has been a challenge the last month and a half....I'm guessing the two's have arrived. I've recently vacillated between wanting to wring his neck or smother him in kisses.

Tall and thin, he's becoming super speedy, loves to run and swing, repeats words fed to him by an adoring Mallorie, is obsessed with Lightening McQueen and the movie Cars, loves dinosaurs and anything to do with cars/trucks, and has an ever-expanding vocabulary. His blue eyes are still framed by amazing eyelashes and miss nothing in his world. I'm often asked to lift him up so he can look out the window. He chases after birds with his hands out saying, "hold it," exclaims "oh, cute" when something tickles his fancy, and his latest word is "um." Coloring and lining up his trucks are still favorite activities. He's destroyed more toys and books than the girls combined, launches off the furniture and stairs, and gives the best hugs. His current favorite song before bedtime is "Hallelujah." Before that, he always asked me for "I am a Child of God," "Twinkle twinkle," or "Row Your Boat." Yellow, red, blue, and orange are colors identified easily and he will often count up to four, which is maddening when I'm counting to three in an attempt to encourage him to comply with a request. Lately, he's been grinning and running the other direction (diving under his bed, hiding behind clothes in the closet, across the yard, through the parking lot).

We put a candle in his peanut butter sandwich on his birthday and sang. The candle was blown out before we completed the song!

And now, when he sees a candle, he happily hollers "Birday! Birday!" Cars, a car rug, and an orange Texas hat were part of the birthday gifts.

I made a Lightening McQueen cake for the family celebration - the party was Memorial Day, as I like a good excuse to grill burgers and get together. The Austins came as did our friends the Gilenwaters.

I'm grateful for the chance to be mama to this wonderful, busy little boy.
Great things are ahead for him.

Motherhood

"The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home."

~President Harold B. Lee

President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

And sometimes, the walls within our home are full of enough chaos to prevent me from writing about the other things that fill our home - laughter, love, service, tears, movies, messes, and remodeling.

Mother's Day is one of my favorite holidays. Not because I'm a mother, though that is becoming a perk now that my children are old enough to create wonderful pictures and presents, but because I get to celebrate the moms in my life.

My own mother. Loving, kind, supportive, and maddeningly always right during my teenage years. I never remember her yelling in anger - she yelled only when David did something to startle the daylights out of her - she made our lunches faithfully each day before school, she remembers birthdays, test dates, holidays, and sends little messages just to say hi. She's the kind of friend you have in your life, and I'm grateful for her influence.

My mother-in-law. A wonderful example of service for others, Nancy works hard to keep her large family fed, read to, and loved. I'm thankful for the time I've had to get to know her and for her positive influence in the life of my family. I miss her now that's she's in Texas serving the missionaries!

Danna, mother to my best friend in college. She happily adopted me during my years in Pullman - taking me out for dinner during their trips to town, inviting me into their home, attending my wedding and veterinary school graduation. We have kept in touch throughout the years and it's a nice feeling to know that she is there should I ever need her assistance.

My friends. I am blessed with the most amazing group of women in my life! Some are near and others far, but they each have influenced how I parent my children.

Motherhood is the hardest thing I've experienced. There are ups and downs, giggles and tantrums, and mountains of learning opportunities. Sometimes all within one hour! I'm learning patience, how to speak kindly and control my temper. I'm learning how much I can love another human. I'm learning about the joy that comes when a child speaks a new word or accomplishes a hard task. I'm learning to delegate household duties and to let go of doing it all myself. I'm learning to find joy in the little moments of my day. And I'm learning that while I'm probably never going to be perfect at this motherhood thing, I can grow and change.

My own Mother's Day started with a delightful breakfast - homemade (from scratch, might I add) English muffins with hollandaise sauce, eggs, and pork leftover from the matanza we attended the night before at the Taylor's house. When handed his plate, Spencer squealed, "Ooh! Pupcake?"

Both girls got up early, showered, and helped with breakfast. It was one of the smoothest mornings before church in a long time. The afternoon was calm, dinner was steak and potatoes, and my sweet daughters presented the gifts they diligently worked on all week.

Mallorie painted a picture and decorated this silly rock at preschool that makes me smile when I see it sitting on the desk. It has crazy green hair as my favorite color is green. I love her attention to detail.

Morgan spent hours cutting out and writing on flower petals that she tacked to the top of a pencil. Each petal has a little note or a word. She created a plane with a flying banner that reads, "It's PLANE to see that you're great." She's becoming quite the little writer.

 
Not sure it was exactly a gift for Mother's Day, but Chadwick moved the side fence that separates the front from the back yard. I've wanted it moved forward for a while, resulting in an enlarged side yard. And it's awesome! He finished the project and told me that my fence was done. My fence. That man spoils me sometimes!

Motherhood is a divine calling and one I'm happy to try to magnify each day. It's quite the ride!

Ba-Ba White Sheep Have You Any Wool?

Yes ma'am! Two bags full, as a matter of fact.

Each spring, sheep herders have the adult sheep sheared - partly to harvest the wool and partly because sheep don't need their winter coats any longer. There are a few people in the area who shear sheep for a living...yet when we purchased the sheep last year as lambs, after viewing the shearing job of the other ewes in the flock, we decided that we could do as well as that individual.

Fast forward one year. Sheep shears purchased? Check. Watch videos on YouTube of how to shear a sheep? Check. Blades sharpened? Nope, but we figured they would be good enough for two ewes and as the temperature was climbing, we needed to get it done. (I had a time scheduled to get the blades sharpened, but the gentleman called and said his equipment needed replacing last minute. It was going to be a couple more weeks before he could get it done.) Two neighbors offered to take the wool so it wouldn't be wasted. I can't wait to see what they do with it!

The day arrived for shearing. We got cocky and set up a mini competition - whoever removes the most wool with the least amount of blood, regardless of time, wins the milkshake of his/her choice. All the guys online posting shearing videos were professionals from New Zealand or Australia and they made it look so easy! Flip the ewe on her haunches, move her head around with your arm, and zip zip until the wool is gone. Piece of cake, right?

Maybe not.

Chadwick's brother, Stephen, was in town and wanted to come watch the circus. We are indebted to him as he wound up babysitting for two hours while we sheared. Chadwick started with Thyme, alone, and did an amazing job. It's backbreaking work to stand over a 100 pound animal with a large, sharp, vibrating tool in one hand. The shears are quite sharp, and unfortunately, she ended up with several large, superficial cuts. Luckily, we know a good vet who used our bottle of SuperGlue to mend the damage. She was released, the clippers oiled, blades replaced (for the fourth time - guess we should have waited to get them sharpened), and Rosemary was "up."

She looked like an entirely different species! From fat and wooly to....well, skinny with large ears.

I started the process and sheared long enough to have my picture taken. We then decided enough was enough and tag-teamed the second ewe. Best decision ever! As he was familiar with the blades, Chadwick sheared and I restrained. Yes, it was still back-breaking, but went much more smoothly with the two of us working together. Despite sitting in the dirt, covered in lanolin-drenched wool, and working by the light of a single bulb in the barn, I loved the opportunity to work side-by-side with my husband. We vowed to shear together in the future and set aside lofty goals of shearing alone.

As for the bet, Chadwick won. I got brownie points for speaking with a muddled Australian-British accent. No points were awarded for costume as neither of us wore wife-beater tank tops. As we cleaned up, Chadwick said with a tired smile, "Boy, I can't wait to do that again next year!"