Cuz we're cuzzins

This is my cousin, Patty. She and I are almost the exact same age. Our birthdays are 3 days apart. She came up to visit me recently. The last time we'd seen each other was on my wedding day (20 years ago). We were best friends from about 10 years old to about 13 years old. Every time I see her, we're just back to the same old friendship. She's one of the bravest and sweetest people I know. She has spent much of her life being sick and going to hospitals and doctors and she has kept her sweet smile and good humor thru it all. I really loved seeing her and we're hoping to do it again soon.

Scotty's Landing

We got to hear our good friends' daughter sing this weekend at a Honky Tonkin festival at Scotty's Landing on Sunday. She was great as usual. She just belts it out and talks to her audience and amazes everyone cause she's only 17 but already a rising star! It was fun and a huge eye opener since I'd never been on River Road on Labor Day weekend. I've seen it in the paper and all the arrests and such but wow! what a mess! College kids everywhere drunk and walkin in the road and being obnoxious. My kids got an eyefull and earsfull of the drunken college life. I told them that there are actually kids out there that tube on the river and don't get wasted and tatooed and lose their shoes and get arrested but they didn't look very convinced and couldn't wait until we got out of the crowds and back home. I know. Someday they might even be craving that kind of junk but I guess I rely on Jesus to wrap up and take care of their futures.

Roping Lesson

We all got roping lessons at the Brannans too. Everybody was finally successful and then the poor dog was getting roped and I was getting roped and we had to all run for the hills cause it HURT! Like how I have to keep posting pics of these last adventure? It's because I don't have anything recent!! Got to get out and get some pics. School's going well, praise the Lord! It's a little easier now that Christopher's been in class on Tues and Thurs. We miss him though and ask him about everything as soon as he gets home!

Revenge of the Robot

Finally, Christopher had a project to do and be entertained with. He is always needing something to build. I wonder what it'll be when he's a full grown man. He starts with Legos and now it's robots. The price tag is going up!! He's now trying to sell it on EBAY. I'm proud of him and he's very excited about it. I wish that he had more of the same kinds of things to make on a regular basis. We'll see what God brings for him to do next...

Sailing Shots

I don't know what happened but these didn't show up in the blog I just wrote. They went off to the land of blog, I guess.

Sailin and Shootin

Had the best time this summer at Sailing Camp. The teacher was great, the weather was perfect. Perfect activity for boys - captains of their own "ships".

We also had the great experience of shooting up in the mountains above Williams with the Brannans. Dave has been in the military and is a Range Master and has taught shooting so he was a great example to the boys. He told them how "killing isn't pretty and not at all like in movies. It's ugly and scary and disgusting to see someone die that way so hold your gun like this when you're around me or I'll deck ya!" What a gift to have someone else to mentor them. I even shot a gun too. My hands were shaking sooo bad, but I really liked it. I guess there just isn't any hope of tea parties and shopping in this family!

Sweet Slumber

Did I ever mention that our dog has never slept in our bed or been on the furniture in our house? Well, when we're camping, the kids will occasionally pull her onto the bed in our trailer and she feels like a queen! Here's a shot of that. She's still a little nervous thinking she must be doing something wrong.

SF Trip

I loved these t-shirts! so did the sisters! We had such a good time. SF is a beautiful place and I even got to see my old pastor, Mike. He's the same but maybe a little embarrassed by all the attention. I loved Wicked. It's my new favorite show! What a dad I have that takes us all and treats us to a weekend in the city! Alcatraz was fun too, especially telling everyone how I'd spent the night there 39 years ago when the Indians were occupying the island. Come to find out they were only there for 18 months and we just happened to shipwreck there during that time!

Back to Reality!

We're back from our road trip! And it was fun! Siri was such a good sport, travelling all that way without one complaint. The children, on the other hand.... It worked out pretty well though with a few mishaps with the trailer: scraped a guardrail in a construction zone in Nevada, roof leaked during torrential rainstorm in Wyoming and Washington, the awning came apart from the trailer in 60 mph winds in Columbia gorge, and the sheet metal peeled away and flapped in the wind in Oregon. Nothing that a little duct tape couldn't set right! I think this family works best on the road cause we had a great time and loved every minute. More pics to follow!

What a Ball!

He's smiling here, but I wonder if that's how he looked most of the week with my 2 in camp! They had such a good time. They are really hooked. Tennis has always been a favorite of ours but we haven't given much time to it. Ron says that's all he wants to do for Father's Day so off we go tomorrow. I hope my boys stick with it and get good at it. It's one of those sports for life!

Gimme Some Water

All boys need is a little water to have fun! 2 days in a row of fun and now I'm tired! Michelle told me I had to blog and so I am but I'd rather be laying down right now. We have had so many days of just doing chores, housework, homework, I thought it was about time we had fun. On the way to the lake yesterday, we almost turned around and threw in the towel about 5 times... The kids were so rude and grumpy and mean to each other. We pushed thru it cause I mentioned that Satan might be trying to get the best of us and then we prayed. It was still tough though until we got out in the sunshine and enjoyed ourselves. Family life is not always easy for us. I just pray that we can make it thru these tough years with love and understanding. I am praying for the wisdom to lead these two young men. Somedays that's all I can do. Others, it's not so bad. The river was gorgeous today and they swam in it even though it was freezing. I loved watching their crazy jumps off the dam. Now we're home and they're all over the place. Hard to imagine this place without their noise! Love to all.

Birthday Girl

So much fun celebrating Jacky's birthday! I love this girl. She is so totally honest and sincere. She wants to draw everyone out and make relationships better. I love that about her. And the hubby, need I say more - he's wild and crazy and fun-loving and I feel blessed to be called their friend.

Prayers

Thank you so much for praying for Siri. She is much better and the doctor thinks she had some kind of viral thing. I find out more today. He says he doesn't think it's cancer. Hallelujah! Boy, it's going to be rough someday when she gets old. I got a taste of what it'd be like to lose her and .... well, I can't go there yet. She's torn off her bandages a bunch and now she has Ron's sock taped to her foot until I can get her to the doctor today for a bandage change. She's wanting to run after the ball already when Ron and Erik were playing baseball last night! She's hard to keep down.

Class was great last night. I am a little sore. Hadn't worked out for a week. Rellies in town. More comin today. Ron's cousins. 8 of em!! The kids are so excited. The more cousins the better according to them.

I love this weather. It feels like the beach. One of my favorite places to be. God is good. I am so thankful today for a good husband, kids who are healthy and want to be with me still, friends to encourage me, a home full of books and love, chickens in the yard, what more could you ask for?

My Sweet Siri

I am fighting off the tears this am cause Siri is behind me on her bed, whining after her surgery yesterday. I just gave her pain meds so she should feel better soon but it's so hard to see her in pain. I need you to pray if you read this, cause she didn't get the best prognosis. Dr. Kitto thinks it could be cancer and if it is, then she'll have to have the toe removed and who know's what else. The worst part is it's painful, very painful. She's so sweet, she wags her tail and wants to be happy but can't right now. We're waiting for the biopsy results and then we'll know for sure. I have never lost a dog. I don't know how to do that. I really don't want to lose her... So please pray for us.

Handsome Devils

Swimming and Shootin

Ah, the dog days of summer. Not really it's still Spring, but it's HOT! I love to see these 2 hangin out. They are funny together, kinda like brothers from a funny family. They know how to make anytime a partytime!

Believe

Oh I love these pictures. They're beautiful. Sometimes it's hard being the homeschool mom. I get a little jealous of all the cool things that the schools do for grads and such. Well, I got a taste of it with Michelle coming and taking pics of my boy for graduation. They turned out beautiful. I love them and you too, Michelle. Thanks.

Conference and Cousins Coming in June

Ron's cousins are homeschool conference speakers. They are coming to our lil ol town on June 5 at 6:30 pm to do a mini-conference for us. How cool!! Tell everyone!

Man's Best Friend

Another visit to the vet today for my favorite girl, Siri. I hate to fork out the money but she was not happy and I can't stand to see her like that. Her front paw has an owie on her toe and I thought there was something in there, but he couldn't find anything. I don't know what's up but I don't like the thought of my dog limping around unable to run like she loves to do. Amazing what kind of money we fork out to care of these critters we love. Now we wait and see if it gets worse. Poor girl. The husband is out with the guys tonite at our pastor's house, eating meat and belching, etc. I hope they have fun. Worked out tonite and had a great time at the track and hanging out with the girls. What would I do without you guys? I love my class....

NOBODY...

Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, guess I'll go eat worms.... No Comments cept you, Michelle you're off the hook!

Graduation on the Horizon

So hard to believe my little boy is headed for high school. Home High School but a freshman nonetheless. I can't believe how fast it went. Everyone with older kids told me but now I know. Time Flies! Really want to enjoy and grab hold of the moments these days. Pretty wild around here but I figure it will be quiet soon enough. Hope you can rest in today too.

How Long Ago Was I Gone?

You know how when you come back from a trip and life hits and you have all the responsibilities and things to take care of and you struggle to get it all done.... And then you realize only a couple of weeks ago, I was in D.C. and Williamsburg and it was AMAZING!! I really had a great time and I hope I can always remember how I felt walking thru the Holocaust Museum and seeing the Washington Monument and looking at the White House across the lawn. It's so easy to be consumed with the momentary afflictions and circumstances and not have a big picture focus. I need to work on that. God is teaching me to realize how short the time with my boys is and that in a blink, I'll be done parenting and on to something else (geriatrics?). Carpe Diem, seize the day!

Stuck in the Stocks

Look where we wound up in Williamsburg. Thrown in the stocks for public intoxication. Ha. When we toured the courthouse for a mock trial, I was picked as a judge by the magistrate. Christopher took pictures while I nodded my head as to whether the North Carolinian should pay up his tavern bill. We also watched as things heated up during the time before the Revolution and there was a public tar and feathering. I loved that place. As I look back, some of the actors we saw were so convincing and the ideals that were held in regard to the formation of our country were so exciting and much more appealing than today's politics. I think I was meant for that era what with our homeschooling and my wide hips which would be very flattered by the big wide skirts! Speaking of hips, I gained 3 pounds there and I'm now facing the music. Yikes! Sweats are the outfit of the day. But I'm back on track now and I refuse to wallow in self-pity. Got the boys some muskets and they love them. The dog is very afraid of them though. How I got a hunting dog who's afraid of guns, I'll never know. Happy to be home. Finally slept great last night and back on track with school. It's tough to come back but I love my family and my house and my dog and my friends!

Surprise, surprise

AS CHRISTOPHER JUST SAID, WE FOUND "HEAVEN ON EARTH" HERE IN WILLIAMSBURG WHEN WE CONNECTED UP WITH THE SISTER TIME SHARE OF THE ONE WE'RE STAYING AT. THIS ONE HAS AN INDOOR HEATED POOL, OUTDOOR JACUZZI, UNLIMITED GAMING ROOM, RESTAURANT AND BAR, MINI GOLF AND TENNIS. OOPS, FOUND IT THE LAST NIGHT OF OUR STAY HERE, OFF TO D.C. TOMORROW! WE ATE OUR DINNER OUTSIDE UNDER THE MOON AND LISTENED TO GHOST STORIES ABOUT OLD WILLIAMSBURG. THIS IS WHERE IT ALL STARTED, LADIES. OUR COUNTRY BEGAN WITH THIS PLACE AND WASHINGTON AND PATRICK HENRY AND JEFFERSON WORKED IT ALL OUT IN THE STREETS OF THIS TOWN. WHAT AN EXCITING PLACE THIS MUST HAVE BEEN. I CAN FEEL IT! MY BRAIN IS NOW ON OVERLOAD BUT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO TOMORROW. MORE THAN ANYTHING, I NEED SOMEONE TO SLAP ME CAUSE I'M EATING LIKE A HOG. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN OK IN COLONIAL DAYS CAUSE I COULD HAVE WORN A BIG SKIRT BUT MY MUFFIN TOPS ARE SPILLING OVER MY JEANS TODAY IN 2009! AND THERE AIN'T NO HIDIN IT! i HAVE BECOME SOUTHERN IN MY SPEECH HERE, GIRLS. QUITE FUN. SARAH, YOU HAVE YOUR WORK CUT OUT FOR YOU WHEN I GET HOME. 4 WEEKS IS ALL YA GOT TO FIX ME UP BEFORE YOU GO HAVE THAT BABY. HELP!!! TIME OF MY LIFE! I WISH YOU WERE ALL HERE WITH ME ON A BIG TOUR BUS CAROUSING IN ALL OF THE TAVERNS AND WEARING BIG SKIRTS AND SHOPPING AND YELLING "HUZZAH" (A FORM OF HOORAY). SEE YOU ALL SOON. OFF TO BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING TOMORROW. DEFINITELY COULD USE SOME OF THAT CASH. HUGS AND KISSES. KARI

Surfer Boys

My two surfers are currently in bed and it's almost 8 am. I'll let them sleep a little while cause we were up late watching an emotional movie "The Devil's Arithmetic". I figured that before going to the Holocaust Museum, Christopher should get a little more info. on what happened in Germany. Very sad. Funny, the boys were more mad, like "I'd take my AK47 and blow them away..." I guess that's instinct and why we sent our boys over there to free the Jews...

On our walk with Sarah last night, she asked me all about how I learned French etc... It's always weird for me to do the short, reflect on your life and where you've been thing... I sometimes feel like it happened to someone else. I am so in the moment that I lose perspective.

I was laying next to Christopher in his bed the other night and he says, "You know Mom, 4 years from now I won't be sleeping in this bed anymore" (and then he calculated the amount of days which I have no idea what they were). I was much taken aback thinking how short the time is. I then of course I moved on to what a mean mom I am and how I have that face that Bill Cosby describes in his routine all scrunched up in anger. If there's one thing I ask Lord it's to be more loving especially in the short time left with these boys. On bad days, I ask myself why I homeschool and go thru all of the difficulties.... I think I know today... I get TIME with them and that counts for everything.

Big Stinker

I love this boy! He gives me grief daily but he's one of my joys. He made the necklace around Siri's neck and made her wear it around. She suffers many indignities throughout the day. It's hard to do school these days with the gorgeous sunshine peeking in the windows. I am on the homestretch. I feel like I graduate every year. This year I'll be graduating from fifth and eighth grades and I deserve a certificate of completion or a medal of honor or I guess I'll settle for the crown of Life from the Bible. I'm thankful for these boys and the husband I have.

The Boys in Mendocino last summer

Lake Life

Well, it looks like there's a little water in that lake. Enough for Christopher to go fishing and kayak a bit with a friend. He caught a small mouth bass and we're going to eat it tonite. I love living near that lake even if L.A. gets most of the water out of it every year! What a start to the spring/summer good times this year. We're all so anxious to do EVERYTHING since last year was the smokey summer from Hell. Ha Ha. Hiked down to the Head Dam on Sat. am and I've never seen it like that. The water was raging over the dam and there was literally no beach. Crazy. I guess the snow is melting early this year. Ron is busy getting all my drip stuff working properly cause I moved some plants and bought some new ones. I am furiously working the boys with their school cause Thurs. and Fri. they test and then Christopher and I are off to Washington, D.C. on Sunday. I am soooo excited and a little nervous to be navigating this whole thing, well maybe not the whole thing, my sister is sending me her GPS. The boys quietly made a pact this am to not tease each other and to not hit each other. I don't know where this came from but needless to say, I'm happy that it's in the works. We'll talk about the verse that Paul wrote later. You know, "I do what I do not want to do and yet I keep on doing it..." So far it's almost 2 pm and they're doing great though. Maybe this is God's plan for them and they are just following His orders without knowing it....???

Easter Chicks

Oh these baby chicks are sooooo cute! Nothing like baby chicks at Easter time. Christopher has been carrying these little gals around in a basket and letting them bask in the sunshine. I'm so glad he has this project. They really keep him busy. He needs a lot of these to keep him out of trouble. Today was a great day because church was special and different and then it was so gorgeous today. I laid on the lawn and took in the sun and read a book and visited with my mom and Gramma on the back porch. Later I reminisced with an old friend about seeing the Pope on Easter Sunday 27 years ago today!!! We didn't make hotel reservations and there was no room at the inn, to say the least, so we slept or stayed awake all night in the train station in Roma! What were we thinking? Crazy, I tell you. The stuff we used to do and think nothing of it. And here I am debating as to whether Erik should walk home from Stratton's Market.... Hard to let go, I guess.

I read the "Tale of the Three Trees" to Erik tonite. What a great book! All about the story of Jesus thru the "eyes" of the three trees which were made into the manger, the boat where Jesus calmed the storm, and the cross He died on. If you ever want to borrow it, it's here! Happy Easter and thank God it's true, He's really alive!

Hiking in Hobbit Land

Hard to believe there are still places like this around here. Completely pristine country with meadows and mountains and granite rock and birds and beauty everywhere. We had a great day checking out this wonderful spot. This picture is the guide who took us in. He was quite the character, not a lot of patience for dumb questions which you can imagine, I asked a few. I got into a mode with him though since I was his driver and I wasn't gonna keep getting verbally pushed around. :D I think we understood each other by the end. .. Cool thing was my son, Erik found an incredible arrowhead, dating from who knows when near the trail where we were hiking. He showed it to the guide and never got it back. It was "appropriated" as the government sometimes tells us. So bizarre. I did understand that it was an archeological find and needed to be kept for future tourists to admire but the way he did it was... well, a little shady. I told the guide later that my son needed a better explanation as to why he couldn't just hang on to it and this picture is him explaining how he'll give Erik the credit when he shows it to his other tour groups. When he retires though, I wonder if it'll wind up on his shelf... Such a fun day hiking around and looking at the history of the area. The day was perfect and my hubby got to go. We loved it. I want to go back again sometime. I guess there's a law suit going on right now between the landowners in the area who have people driving in there through their easements and the state parks and historical societies who bring in the tours. I hope this is not the end of seeing this beautiful spot.

Cute Chicks

Christopher got 6 new chicks today. He really attracts the chicks!! They are all Buff Orpingtons which are the sweetest breed of chicken and the biggest. They are massive ladies when they're full grown. So fun for him to have this little business to take care of. I now have him logging on the computer all of his income and expenses to see how much he actually makes from eggs. Another peaceful rainy day at home. I washed all the tile floors today and I think I have a blister on my hand from all the mopping. That shows you how often I actually do it. I couldn't help buying the boys some Easter basket stuff today. I know they're too old but it's so fun to hide the baskets... I also made them watch a video about the Easter story. It was somewhat interesting but a little boring so we turned it off and prayed together. Nothing would make my motherly heart happier than to know that my boys will someday walk in the truth. Please Lord, make it so.

Stretch after jogging!

Summer Boating is Coming! Fill the Lake!

Didn't get to go with the girls to Nevada City but I do get my husband to myself today. He's been working soooo much and he's not today so we're hanging out together. I got him yesterday too and I love it! He fixed my fence yesterday so the dang neighbor can look at wood instead of us! He built up his yard so high when he built next door that he was a full head and chest above the fence! Well, all of his promises to fix our fence never came to anything so there my hard-worker husband went to fix it. I feel bad cause his shoulders were really sore last nite too. Darn Neighbor!

I have a lot to do today. I'm into Spring Cleaning too, Michelle. Getting rid of all kinds of stuff and organizing. Didn't do my windows though. You are the Clean Queen!

Sarah about killed me last night. Arms and legs and everything is sore. I knew I would be! Good sore though. I must say she's one of my favorite people. I love my class!!!! Trying to get Michelle to come visit tomorrow night. Cmon girl!

Doggie Love

Well, love on Shakespear's part, tolerance for the younger man on Siri's part! These 2 luv their runs on the flume and so do I. I am so happy to live in this place with cool trails and rivers and lakes. Ran on Saturday with Michelle and the dogs and now she's pushing me cause I'm a little out of shape after the knee thing. She's fast I tell you.

Monday morning of Easter Break and we have to do some work cause Christopher and I will be gone to D.C. the last two weeks of April. The boys do not like this fact. Oh well, once again I must be the bad guy. I am going to do something with them outside for sure though. It's going to be beautiful again today. Love this perfect Spring weather.

A friend of mine says she's going to teach me to shoot. I would really love to learn. I hate to be afraid of guns. And, well, with my 2 boys around, especially Erik, I'd better learn. That's it for now, have a great day!