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!