Update on the projects

Not the best pics- but they are the best I have for now of the paint in the kitchen area. I will have to see what I can do about taking a better one soon. I hadn't really thought about it, but now I need all new window treatments too. Looks like Mt Everst is growing- ack.

Friday Flashback

If any of you read Pioneer Woman (ya- who doesn't)- she had a rather horribly awkward experience that she related which reminded me of a horribly awkward situation of my own.

I think it is fair to say that I get large rather fast when I am with child. To the point that people's jaws drop when they a) find out my due date, and b) accept that I am telling the truth when I say there is only ONE baby cooking. ( my legs and feet also get huge, but that is another story for another day).

When I was expecting Outpatient, I was in the neonatalogist office and the nurse asked my due date- and the lady next to me gasped out that I was due after her and I was huge!- Thank you very much- non supportive lady.

Okay- so it is the first part of November and the DR and I were going to take a trip to meet our good friends M & P in California. I was due with Youngest toward the end of February. It was not a comfortable pregnancy, but at least I had avoided the swelling massive legs and feet so far. Before we left, I had a conversation with my father in law, whose belly can give mine a run for the money, about WHY PEOPLE RUB PREGNANT BELLIES?!? We had talked about how other than the grandkids- nobody ran up to him to rub his belly- so why do people feel it was alright to touch a belly just because there is a baby in there? I protect my personal space.

Anyway- so we are in Monterrey CA- and I take the opportunity to use the ladies room- (hello- I am pregnant) and P. follows me in to do likewise while the menfolk are drooling over some red Corvette in the parking lot. I finish before P- and head out to join the men, when out of the blue- this GUY comes fairly flying at me, hands raised above his head waving rapidly back and forth and his tippy toes dancing with glee! Are you getting the picture here? He is "SO EXCITED" and how lovely and when am I due, what am I having, what is the name- all the while exclaiming loudly in approval (loved the name which made me feel like changing) and RUBBING MY BELLY LIKE I AM SOME SORT OF BUDDHA!

I would like to take this time to update you on what the DR was doing. He was nearly falling over, laughing at the scene before him, knowing full well what was going through my mind- and although he was unaware of this questionably male person's personality which was flaming out at me, the fact alone that his wife was being subjected to a fate worse than death in her eyes was causing him to nearly need oxygen. Thanks for the support dear.

Anyway- Mr. Guy finally got his fill (feel) of my belly. I also want to mention that the female with him did not touch my belly nor make any sign of wanting to.

If there were companies that make t shirts then like there are now- I would have had one made that said- NO TRESPASSING!

Picture from Zazzle- who make great shirts quick!

Second Surgery- Grandma Bunnie -UPDATE sort of

Amy holding Elle- Grandma holding Niko-

Today, my mom will go into surgery to have a goiter removed, and since the goiter has proven to be quite large, they are taking her thyroid out as well. They tell her to expect a two week healing time. If you would remember her in your prayers, especially for a quicker healing time so she can return to work (darn that she has to) it will be greatly appreciated.

My mom came out of surgery about 4:00 pm Utah time. The doctor said the procedure went well, the goiter was- as we knew- very large, and there are a few other nodules that for now he wasn't particularly worried about. I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet so that is as much as I know.

Miss Sophie's "Ruff" Weekend

Poor Miss Sophie had a tough go of it this past weekend. First, she was banned from the upstairs because I was painting. This did not go over well with her at all. She prefers constant contact with me.

Second, we noticed late Saturday afternoon that her eye was incredibly goopy. Now, Shih Tzu's have goop eyes, but this was extreme to the max, so the DR and I made an attempt to clean her eye, at which she rebelled most strenuously and yelped. We quickly called the vets ( I live in Small Town- my niece dates one of them, one is his father and our former bishop, and still a third is in our ward now- she is the one who usually sees Miss Sophie). We were in luck- as niece's boyfriend was on his way down to the clinic already for another call. DR gathered up Miss Sophie and headed to the clinic. Turned out she had a weed seed pod (like from grass) down in her eye. It was removed, her eye shot with dye to make sure the extent of the damage, an ointment applied, then she was returned to the DR. She was SOOOO happy to see me when she got home. Only to be banned from me yet again. I really didn't think I wanted the texture her tail would provide on my fresh paint. I am mean like that.

I noticed sometime Sunday morning that she hadn't been able to eat Friday night and all day Saturday. If I didn't know how spoiled she is, I would call the humane society myself.

She is no worse for wear, but she refused to be banned while I painted the Dining Room- she hid under the table and stayed there quite content. I think she likes me.

Tender Mercies Tuesday

There are the obvious blessings from Miss Elle and her successful surgery. She really is such a sweet baby. When I was talking to her mommy, she was fussing but not as much as most babies would be, but a lot for her. She is such a sweet little monkey.

The DR, as I have mentioned, is EQ Pres. On Tuesday nights, he and his presidency go on visits to families in the ward. Tonight, they couldn't get any appointments set up ahead, so they decided to just drop by a few homes at random.

Let the Holy Spirit guide- they visited one of the several single dads in our ward. It was a good visit. Then they decided to go stop in on a family whose father was killed in a freak accident almost two years ago. It was an answer to the mother's prayers. They asked her if someone could use a blessing- turns out she could very much. Then, one of the counselors suggested a newer young couple. Turned out that the hubby needed a blessing as well. Good night for random visits.

And finally, I have been out of sorts myself as of late, but putting some color on my walls has made me a happier girl at least for the time being.

First Surgery- Baby Elleanore- UPDATE

Today, Baby Elle will have her first (I think three) procedures. Her prosthesis to begin closing the roof of her mouth. Her tongue will be stitched down to keep it from choking her all the time, and I also think her tubes will be put in her ears.

If you have a chance, please pray for her, her doctors, and her parents. It is going to be a tough week.


UPDATE: She is out of surgery- is doing fine but is very mad :) 5:45pm

Project Update

Crap Room- another bag to garbage- and another run to DI for donations drop off.

Front Room- Painted, 2 coats, 4 walls, giant mess in the rest of the house.

Progress.

Pioneer Day!

To all who celebrate or even know this holiday exists (It is a Utah Exclusive), Happy Pioneer Day.

Today, we will attend the traditional early morning Scout Breakfast (DR is one of the cooks), and then we will attend the Small Town parade. After that the plans get a little less, until a BBQ with neighbors tonight, followed by the fireworks.

Pictures will follow, but until then, have a great day and be safe. Amerinkus, keep a tight hold on that Miss Ava Grace!

Think About It... Finding Beauty

Today I took an unexpected day trip to the place of my birth. It is approximately a two hour drive from Small Town, through some mountainous area, and past a few lakes. It also goes through a whole lot of nothing but sagebrush.

During the sagebrush area, I mentioned to the DR that at least the sky was beautiful- big puffy white clouds on a large field of bright summer blue. He said there was still beauty on the ground. A bit different than the normally expected beauty. I looked around. I didn't see it that way, but at least the sky was beautiful to me.

I have taken a few trips on this road. We reminisced about a few of them today. Trips we made for hockey, a trip for my cousin's wedding (horrible blizzard coming back), we didn't talk about the trip to the murder trial of the man who killed my grandfather.

There is beauty on that road. Rugged canyons and gorges, tall lodge pole pines, red soil. Sage green (there, I found some beauty after all :) ).

There was the beauty of spending time with just the DR- never happens any more it seems. We just chatted about nothing in particular, although we touched on a few more serious topics, it was mostly just idle talk about kids, funnies, memories, the scenery.

We made a quick trip, with a stop for Kronskis-(a special brand of polish sausage), and fireworks.

It was a beauty of an afternoon- with no climbing of Mt Everest today- so far any way.

My Mount Everest

I am attempting to climb my own personal Mt Everest. I am cleaning out the craft room- (known less affectionately around these parts as the crap room). Those who have seen this room know how bad this is- although I haven't let anyone in there for a really long time. I am also going to try to paint my front room- and possibly the dining and kitchen. I know. I am crazy.

It has been interesting to come across things. I found two birthday cards of the Outpatient's. They both had money in them from the grandparents! Oops. They have been there for nearly two years. Oh well- he has some cash for his wallet when he gets home.

The task is so monumental, that I am pacing myself. One to two hours is about all I am allowing at a time. Then I come back again later. I have successfully emptied several of the boxes and bins, filling three 39 gallon garbage bags so far, plus many items for donation. I am trying to be heartless. I also found an apology note from the Outpatient from the spring before he left. I am keeping that.

Tender Mercies Tuesday

Saturday morning, we woke to a non-functioning air conditioner. When we first moved into this house, we didn't have air conditioning, or window coverings. We lived in the unfinished basement during the days. And it has been rather warm around these parts. I know I won't get any sympathy from those who live in WARMER parts, but it is all about what you are used to.

I am used to having one bathroom for a family of six. This has been one of those things that we keep meaning to finish the other bathroom, but it hasn't happened yet. Once, I was listening to a lady bemoan the fact that her cabin only has two bathrooms and they just had to add on to have another one. I looked at her, and told her I only have one in my house. My sister just pulled apart her three bathrooms in her house to redo tile and what have you. Her husband was not happy about only having one bathroom functioning. She used us as an example. Glad we could be of help.

It truly is what you get used to. We are so spoiled in this country- for the most part. More and more people expect everything to be handed to them. The Outpatient has been living with a mostly non-functioning bathroom, heating water in a bucket to shower, and we were warned not to ask about the broken toilet and how they were dealing with that, so I am pretty sure our one bathroom will be very much appreciated by the Outpatient. After all, the toilet functions, as does the hot water for the shower, and there is a bathtub! He will probably love the new to him washer and dryer too.

I am grateful for the many modern conveniences that we take for granted until they don't work or we have to do without. When my children gripe about having to empty the dishwasher, I remember having to wash and dry all my family's dishes by hand. I am not sympathetic to their whines.

I just realized, I do have a second bathroom. It is in my trailer. If I have to, I will run out there. The AC works too! I really am so spoiled.

I once had the opportunity to listen to a talk given by one of the counselors in the General Relief Society at the time. She spoke of her many travels to visit with the saints around the globe. She spoke of the sacrifices she had witnessed. She said, "They have nothing but their testimonies, while we have everything but"... The fact that I was at that particular meeting was a tender mercy, due to struggling with depression at the time and having two babies and a pre-teen, but my sister in law insisted that I go with her. I was reminded that day of how blessed I was. Life was difficult and crazy, but I had waited a long time for those babies.

And my tender mercies are abundant.

Two Months- Exactly

In two short months, the Outpatient will be home and finally able to clean up the giant mess he left in his wake when he left. He thought I was only kidding when I said I would leave it for him.

Ha Ha Ha- the joke is on him.-

Okay- I did clean up the bulk of his messes- there wasn't a choice. But if he thinks I don'thave a big fat list ready for him- he is very much mistaken.

Public Service Announcement

This is posted as a warning to any of you thinking of becoming a Hockey Mom.

If you think the smell of onion or garlic is the worst thing to have stuck on your hands- you haven't touched a teenager's hockey bag. And- it is much harder to get off- I promise.

Two years off doesn't do much to help the stench.

There is not enough Lysol in the world to combat hockey stench.

You are welcome.

Middle's blog

For those invited to view Middle's blog- she actually posted recently- just so you know :)

If you know Middle personally and want to read her blog but have not been added- let me know-

Apparently.....

The other day, I was trying to print something out, and went to get it from the printer. What came out first was a letter to Santa. It went a little something like this:




Dear Santa,

I've been very good this year. I want a DS and that is apparently the only thing I want.

Love,

Youngest.


Apparently, we use the word apparently a lot around here.

Think About It- HAVE COURAGE

"Courage, also known as bravery, will, intrepidity, and fortitude, is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.

"Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, or threat of death, while "moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement." (wiki pedia)

During this past week, I read an address from President Monson- given to the young women, but I feel it applies to anyone. It is titled- May You Have Courage.

President Monson begins by talking about the many technological advances that we live with. But, at the same time, we have trials and challenges that are unique to this time because- in great part- of these same advances.

He spoke of the courage we need in different aspects of our lives.

First- The courage to refrain from judging others. (wonder if he has been reading blog comments?)

"Oh, you may ask, 'does this really take courage?' And I would reply that I believe there are many times when refraining from judgement- or gossip or criticism, which are akin to judgement- takes an act of courage."

"Unfortunately, there are those who feel it necessary to criticise and to belittle others....we are not left to wonder what our behavior should be in such situations. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior declared, 'Judge not.' At a later time He admonished, 'cease to find fault one with another.' It will take real courage when you are surrounded by your peers and feeling the pressure to participate in such criticisms and judgements to refrain from joining in."


He then quotes Mother Teresa- "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."


Second- Courage to remain chaste and virtuous. We are surrounded on every side- even some who attend church on Sunday- by those who place little or no value on remaining chaste. I know of many situations where both males and females act and speak in such "open", unrestrained manner, that it boggles my mind. My best friend in high school was a guy- and even then- I would have never dreamed to talk to him about stuff that is common conversation these days. There are things that just should be kept private.

President Monson quotes Ted Koppel- "We have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. Shoot up if you must- just make sure it is a clean needle- enjoy sex whenever and with whomever (I add wherever) you wish but protect yourself. NO- the answer is No. Not NO because it isn't cool or smart or because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward- but no, because it's wrong...What Moses brought down from Mt Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are, not were."

Wow. I have been a little shocked to see how many people are losing their way over such things as tattoos or piercings among other things. It is not hard to NOT have a tattoo. If someone can't even obey such a relatively small commandment- how do they think they will be able to follow the harder commandments. President Monson says, "maintain an eternal perspective. Be alert to anything that would rob you of the blessings of eternity."

Finally, Courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness. The world is speeding away from the values and principles that are in line with the Lord's way. We will have many times when we will need to take a stand, more and more often, and to more and more people. Unless we have fortified our testimony, forcing the roots deep and strong, we will find it hard to withstand the buffeting winds of ridicule as we take a stand for those things we know to be right. Just because a thing is popular or becoming accepted does not make it right.

In Lehi's vision- some who made it to partake of the fruit, but had their eyes cast down, fell away into the mists of darkness because of feeling shame. I have heard before and wonder myself- if the large and spacious building was so very fabulous- why would anyone in that building even care what anyone else was doing? Don't you think they would have plenty of other things to occupy their attention? Something that I have observed time and time again, is that people who are doing things that they know are wrong, they just can't do it alone, they have to try to drag someone else down to that level.

President Monson also said, quoting the Apostle Paul, " I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation." He also quoted the following, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." He then tells the story of Esther. He says that after Esther was physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepared, she put her life on the line for what was right. She saved a nation. We may not be called upon to put our life on the line, but the welfare of our future generations will depend on the choices we make each and every day.

I hope we will not trade what we want for eternity, for what we think we want at the moment. Many times, it is not a matter of having to make a big decision, but rather having to make thousands of little ones.

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." Ambrose Redmoon

Bummer

Today, there was no email. At all. All day long. I waited and waited this morning while Best Friend gave the patients their piano lesson for the week. I had to leave. For pool education, and our neighbor was opening his Envelope. His says Peru. And stupidly, I teared up. I got a little misty when he picked up his papers and I saw his hands shaking. When his mom got up to go give him a very long hug- I had to get out of there. Because apparently, 2 years has not numbed me.

In the words of Best Friend- if I had to start the two years again- right now- I don't even want to go there. There are some who make fun of me. I am sorry for them. Because I miss being able to touch my boy. Hearing his voice tell me that he got scheduled to work but he was on his way to soccer games. Saying, "Mom, can you....? The internet has great advantages, but emails don't have sound. And sometime they don't come.

The DR called the office when we hadn't heard by 2:00- he says he blamed it on me. Guess who misses him too?

Tender Mercies Tuesday

Yesterday, while the girly patients were participating in pool time education, I took the opportunity to read the New Era from June. In it was a wonderful talk by President Boyd K. Packer about a missionary who in a moment of inspiration that he acted upon, gave then- Elder Packer a 20 Mark note to make sure he had some German money. It is a real life example of following the spirit.

I would challenge all to read it. He states...."Without thinking, you will find you have been prompted and guided by the Holy Spirit. That is why this young elder, without knowing why, took a 20-mark note out of his wallet as he was trotting alongside the train and handed it to me as the train was pulling out. He saved us from great danger. This is how you will do things and then later look back and know that you were guided. And also that is how you will be warned....You will be guided and the Lord will watch over you."

I have many instances in my life that this has been the case for me personally. As such I bear testimony of the truthfulness of this.

I taught my Primary class about the Kirkland Temple on Sunday. It just so happened that the VT lesson was also on the temple. In this talk, President Packer states- "Make sure you learn the things that you are not taught overtly. If all you know is what you read or what you can hear, you will not know very much. Moments of reverence are so precious when you think and feel. That is why temples are so important. You can go to the temple and be out of the world."

Tonight is Ward Temple night.

Do you think the Lord is trying to tell me something?

Weekend Wrap-up

Hold on to your hats! We all spent a weekend in our own home!!!!! Hasn't happened since May. Not kidding. May or may not be the last for the entire summer. How that happened, I don't know. I really thought this was going to be a slower summer. Oh well.

We got some yard work caught up- trimmed quite a few branches off our trees- and I really wish I had before and after pics- there is a huge difference. We did quite a bit of house work, and cleaned up the storage shed. And then, in true DR fashion, invited someone over for a BBQ. Because we can't possibly spend a weekend at home- just us. Heaven Forbid!

I must mention that this is the BIGGEST difference in the DR's personality, and mine. I would have been beyond thrilled to spend the evening enjoying my clean house and yard by ourselves. It would sure be a novelty. Instead we hosted others and there went the clean house and yard.

Sunday, DR left early for meetings and I was supposed to go VT- but didn't end up with any appts until after church- so we went to church- hurried home to grab leftovers instead of me cooking a meal due to the change of appointment times- and ended up VT'ing for 3 hours- so not planned. We did good time-wise with the first sister, then we had to wait for one to get home from work and the other wasn't home yet either- the remaining two took over two hours. That got me home after 8:00- family was watching a movie together. Then prayers, pj's and bed.

I do not feel as refreshed as I should after a weekend at home. Oh well- off we go again.

Children Will Learn Part II

Oldest just spent the week at Scout Camp.

He came home declaring he now knows how to make eggs. He tried to fry a sunny side up- but broke the yoke- hey- he is trying and will eventually get it.

As we were having family prayer last night, the DR asked Oldest if they had prayer as a group before bed (the DR did the night he was up there). Oldest said no- but that he and Steven had their own together in their tent, taking turns, and then said their personal prayers every night.

Last weekend, Oldest had fallen asleep on the table bench in our trailer, galsses still on, waiting for his cousins to get back. I made up a bed for him when it was getting really late, and woke him to send him to bed. I took his glasses off, and he staggered- half asleep- to his bed, and immediately knelt to pray.

He may not be able to remember to turn off a light switch, but he has learned who to say goodnight to.

Children Will Learn

Recently, the Middle Patient had been making keychains with her bead set given to her by Grandma. She has priced them and wants to sell them. (I will have to take some pictures) I blame some of this on a recent visit to my sister's friend, Star, who makes and sells jewelry. She tagged them and hung them to display- just like Star. She priced them like Star too.

Two days ago, she sold two to the DR. She wanted 2.00 each, but in true DR fashion, he bartered her down to 1.00 a piece.

She wrote him a receipt.

"Bedazzle Me"

Item 1: keychain
Item 2: keychain
Item 3:

Total: $ 2.00

Then she made him sign it.



Apparently I need to use cash a little more often.

Future Cruise Director

After years of observation and pondering, I have decided that the Youngest is going to grow up to be a Cruise Director.

I was enlightened to this idea just this last soccer season as I watched her rally dozens of kids into whatever activity she wanted them to do, telling them exactly what they should be doing- and she gets away with it all the time. She knows EVERYBODY! She runs off to greet every so and so she sees.

She organizes syncronized "drying" after swimming

"Now everyone turn on this side"



She organizes photo shoots. "Now- Addie- you sit in this chair, Kate- you sit in that chair- (Ava sat in whatever darn chair she wanted) and I will sit in this one- Look at Grandma and SMILE!!!"



And- she is an Entertainer.

Think About It - MATURITY

Maturity (psychological), a term used in psychology to indicate that a person responds to the circumstances or environment in an appropriate manner
One of the biggest problems in society today is a lack of maturity in people. I have heard someone describe maturity- or being an adult- is when you think of others before yourself, and take responsibilty for your actions.

Let me illustrate. People who are at the head of businesses thinking only of their own comfort and gain- and never mind the squashing of the little people.

There are some who pride themselves on "never growing up". This is not a selling point in my book. Any successful relationship, business or personal, depends on people being respectful and caring towards each other.

I am not saying you have to be serious and no fun. I am saying that we are so busy thinking about SELF, that we don't think about others and how something makes them feel- which makes us act immature.

Example- say you are at work, you are bored. The opportunity to leave early presents itself. Are you the first one insisting on flying out the door? Are you the one who gets stepped on by someone else insisting on always getting to leave early. Or- do you work out an equitable solution, because, quite frankly, you have all been there a long time and you are all bored but know it isn't fair for one of you to always get to leave early or be the one to have to remain.

When President Hinckley received the admonition from his father to forget himself and go to work, I think his father was in a way telling him to Grow Up. In today's terms, one might say it was time to put on your big girl/boy pants and deal with it.

The other thought that comes to mind, is the counsel to put yourself in the other person's place, and act accordingly.

Sometimes we have to step up and be the mature person we want to be by stepping back and putting someone else's feelings ahead of our own.

Characteristics / Traits of Emotionally Mature People

Knowing as to what one wants and how to make it happen.
Thinking sooner than acting and having control over one’s behavior.
Having the sense of self-reliance and the capability to take accountability for one’s life and actions.
Having patience
Bonding with others in a supportive and constructive manner.
Actually caring about others and representing their concern.
Acting honestly and living by one's principles.
Keeping self-control and balance in all things.
Having the capacity to tackle difficult and demanding situations.


Marriage is such a relationship where there really isn't room for immaturity. There may be moments- but as many experts will tell you, the first step is to put each other first. President Spencer W. Kimball said that any man and woman who truly live the gospel can have a succesful marriage.

To be a real friend, it works the same way.

Tender Mercies Tuesday

I have been a big slacker the last bit, but I am so grateful for the little things that could easily go unnoticed that make life a little bit better.

I am grateful that there are extended families who are supportive of my siblings. I am grateful for my awesome sisters- even if my kids like them better than they do me.
I am grateful for the 1000 ways my Father in Heaven blesses the DR as he goes throughout his day, I may never know all of them, but I know a lot. I am grateful for a still usable bottle of liquid benedryl since I was the recipient of 4 yellow jacket stings yesterday- and I am also grateful that my reaction wasn't too bad.

I am grateful to live in our little neighborhood - even if my neighbors don't bother to consult me on their pet choices.

And I am grateful for smiles like these.

Rainier and Ava Grace-

Katerbug, Youngest, and Addie Reese

Middle

Two Months, Two Weeks, and Two Days

:)

Family, Blessings, and Rainstorms

My view for breakfast :) Are you jealous?

This weekend- well- really a bit longer than that, was spent camping with family. The rain and hail with occasional outburst of sun. And one of three baby blessings. I am sorry but we haven't figured out how to split ourselves as of yet. We will keep working on it.

The weekend started for us on Wednesday evening. We headed up to the trailer, only to discover the 100 things I forgot. I have no idea what is wrong with me these days. Anyway, BIL and SIL joined us with their three remaining boys and one extra nephew late that night. Their trailer had been previously set up by the DR so they were all ready to go when they arrived. DR had to go down and work Thursday morning- so he could bring me most of the 100 things I forgot. It was a beautiful morning and early afternoon. Patients and cousins played croquet, bocce, and chased butterflies. Then came the rains. And rains. With a little hail. Showed up about the time the DR was finally able to rejoin us.

Friday, the DR had to go down too, and the day started off beautifully, but along about 11:00 am- here came the rains. And Rains. I headed down to do a little work and grab a few last forgotten things. It was 81 degrees when I got to the store, I grabbed 8 things, and it was pouring and 64 when I headed back up the mountain. Gee Wiz- it couldn't get a grip on it. Anyhow, other BIL- PB &J and SIL- Lunch Lady showed up with the lunchroom crew to join us in the waterworks.

Saturday, all decided not to go down yet again so we boycotted Small Town's parade and fireworks. Girlies and I decorated camp so we could be festive, and Middle helped make patriotic cupcakes. We had decent weather until we barely finished brunch then rain and hail. Do you see a pattern? It cleared up a bit and the Boys went fishing for a three times the charm attempt (it worked). We had wonderfully clear skies right up until we were finishing dinner- then---RAIN!!!! Shocking, I know.

Of course, Sunday was beautiful as we were gathering up our stuff and heading down to go to see babies. And in my haste, I backed into a tree. Nice.

Finally got to meet the Nephew, NIKO,

who joined the family amidst all the baby girls, see my brother, the Artist, as well as his wife and daughter, and Baby Elle was blessed. She is such a sweetie and finally has a roll on her thigh. I am as proud as if she were mine :). Baby Addie was blessed too, but that is where the cell splitting hasn't really worked out so we missed that one as well as another dear friends baby's blessing too. Our thoughts were with them all today though.

The biggest drama of the weekend involves scout camp and the complete lack of "preparedness" as I tried for over a week to get a packing list so we could be somewhat prepared amongst all the craziness. However, I didn't get one until about an hour before we left, only to find out that the Oldest was supposed to have a physical. Now, you tell me where I am supposed to take care of that on a Sunday afternoon before they are leaving on Monday morning while going out of town? To be fair- the Oldest and DR KNEW, they just forgot to mention it to the person who gets those things done around here. Fortunately for THEM- my BIL- (real DR in big boy job) happens to be in town and pulled that baby off at 11:20 PM after we pulled back into town.

Now it is matter of getting all that rain and mud bedecked clothes washed and packed in the next few hours, while doing payroll.

So why am I posting? I don't want to do it, that's why.

Independance Day- Retroactive

2002

2003

2004

2005

2007

2008

Two Years Ago Today- The Envelope

Brazil!

Morning Funny

Middle Patient woke up earlier this morning to use the restroom. As she dozily returned to her room, she announced that she still had on her swimsuit- from yesterday morning :) Guess I better check what she has on when she crawls into bed at night-

July Birthdays- Party Month

July is a popular month for birthdays around here :) .


Emmalee

Ashley

McKay

Gavin
Xander

Aaron

Teri

Sarah

Jake

Lindi

Laci

Michael

Brent

Julie
Calvin

and as usual- lots more extended family and friends

Happy Birthday!