A Fun Weekend With Rona, Allen & Rena

We were priviledged to have my sister LaRona and her family come to stay here at our house for the weekend. I can't begin to tell you how excited that Brooklyn and Brittan were when they heard them pull into the driveway. All day I had listened to "are they almost here yet, when will they be here," etc. Needless to say, for two little children, it seemed to take an eternity for their favorite cousin to appear. Hearing the crunch of the tires pulling in was music to their ears and what should have been their bedtime became the beginning of several hours of play. Brittan had a blast showing Rena all "his" toys and by evenings end, I do believe that she had seen at least 80% of them, and so did we, all over the house. Brooklyn meanwhile had LaRona capitivated, "showing" her the house (not that they have never been here before, but she does this with everyone), her toys, and most importantly, Dora, the cat. Rona was most patient and very animated in her response to everything that she has seen 100 times before. That made it all the more fun for Brooklyn. We finally shut them all down sometime after 1:00a/m and were off to bed.

Brooklyn had made plans of all the places in which she wanted to take Rena and Rona, including the Library (one of her most favorite places), her school, and bike riding. We did get it all fit in over the course of the 3 days that they were here and Brooklyn had a smile as big as they come. We sent Brook and Allen off to do their own thing, and Rona and I did manage to squeeze in time for chatting, baking, reading, and watching movies with everyone. It was a very fun weekend and we hope that they don't wait 3 more years to come again!!

Snake River Stampede

Being from Idaho is perhaps the reason that it is in my blood, but I love the rodeo! I am not a cowgirl, nor do I pretend to be one for the night, but that doesn't lessen my excitement for going. I don't doll up like most attendees, pretending to be someone I am not, Wranglers and me just wouldn't mix!! No point in showing off what isn't what it used to be!!!!! I go because I like to watch the different events, it is a once a year tradition to attend and it is the West at its finest!!! All who live here know that July is pretty much the kickoff month for the rodeos all around the state, the best of which is the Snake River Stampede in Nampa. It is an indoor arena, which is wonderful because it is air conditioned, but also the instant replay big screens. We had good seats up close to the fence and it was wonderful for the kids. Not only do they have the regular bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing events that go along with your typical, but also the in-between acts are extremely entertaining and fun to watch.There was everything from the Night Light Riders to chuck wagon races. It was fantastic! I don't know who enjoyed what more?, the kids watching all the different animals performing, or my parents and us watching the kids enjoy it. All in all it was a fun evening and I am glad that we went again this year. Anytime that there is laughter and good company, you are sure to go home with a warm feeling in your heart and a smile on your face. Perhaps we will go to the Lewiston Round-Up in September.

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Church Camp 2007

The washer and dryer have been running non-stop since we got home Sunday evening. As I sit down here to write this post, that is still the noise that fills the background. One more load to go and I think that we have washed away all the camp dirt! Then I can start on the pile of ironing! I love to iron and plan on doing it this evening while I watch something with my family.

This year, camp was awesome. I know that sounds cliche', but there really is not better word to describe it. Bro. Richard Gemillion was the evangelist and the Shrout's were the singers. They were an amazing team. I went with the idea that I was there to see my friends, and yes I did that. But even more wonderful, was the fact that I came home with my cup filled up to the brim. The preaching was just what I needed and I did some soul searching. I found that there are some areas that need some tending to in my life. I can't thank the Lord enough for being faithful to my heart and still placing conviction upon me when and where needed. So it was a double blessing!

My children had a total blast! What is better than a whole week of dirt and friends? They had both and I know that they thought that they were in heaven. Several of my friends commented to me that they have never seen my children dirty before, and even my mother wanted me to take some pictures of Brooklyn with her hair all a mess and dirt on her face. Evidentally, they all think that I am a little to much of a clean freak. But if they were ever here at our home for very long, they would know that my children love the dirt, and yes, their Mom does let them get dirty. I hope that the pictures will show just how dirty that they got, but I am afraid that I didn't capture it. I do know however, my children did not win the "dirtest kid" award, that went to Kassady and Johnessa. They literally were covered from head to toe and it was so fun to watch Lori, who is also a clean freak, worry over Kassady's filthy plight! We spent many an hour in or by the sand pit and got a good amount of chatting done with all the ladies. All and all it was a wonderful week. If you are one of my friends who were not fortunate enough to get to be there, you were missed!

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July 4th

We were blessed with the opportunity to be in McCall for the 4th of July. I must say, there is nothing more beautiful than to sit and watch the fireworks being shot off over McCall Lake! I wish that I had taken some scenery pictures of where we were, but I failed to. The small town was absolutely packed with thousands and thousands of people, but we found a perfect spot to sit and watch without being smothered with everyone around us. Being in Seattle last year for Alaine's accident, we were unable to participate in any fireworks, so this was Brittan's first time to ever see any and he was totally enthralled. Brooklyn enjoyed being far enough away from the loud bang, that she didn't have to cover her ears each and every time that they went off.

Shortly after arriving we spotted John & Shauna. I called them on my cell phone and they came over with their four kids and Rachelle to join us. We had a fun time sitting there chatting before and during the fireworks and Brooklyn thought that there was nothing greater than getting to see the fireworks with her best bud, Kendra. It was a fun and beautiful evening. And I am not only thankful that I live in America, but also the good state of Idaho!

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Jet Boating Up the Snake River

This weekend, Brook's brother, Chad called and wanted to know if we wanted to go up river with him in his jet boat. The weather was going to be beautiful and we knew that the kids would enjoy it and so we said "absolutely." Chad is the type of guy that likes to see everyone have a good time and does everything within his power to make that happen. Although we are very close, we don't get to see him all that often, because he is one very popular guy!! Anyone who knows him, knows that Chad is a guy with many friends and everyone has demands on his time, so for him to take time away from all of them was very special.

With coolers packed, boat gased up, and all the many things that it takes for any outing, we were loaded and onto the boat about 2:00. The day couldn't have been any more beautiful. We rode for about a half and hour before we stopped for lunch and to let the kids play in the water and sand. And believe or not, when we decided to load up and head on up the river, the kids were more than willing. Although they were enjoying playing, they loved the boat. So away we went again. It was nice not being on a time schedule, if we saw a place that we wanted to stop then we did. Chad saw several of his friends and we would pull in say hi, he would show off his niece and nephew and then away we would go again. It had been awhile since I had gone up river and I had forgotten how truly beautiful it is up there. Everywhere you looked God's handprint was there and we got to enjoy it even more so by being up where not everyone and everything is there to distract you. The scenry and wildlife are amazing! Something that everyone should get to experience. I am even going to make my Mom go the next time that they are all up. We laughed, we talked, we played, we swam, we ate, we were together and it was a wonderful day.To say that the kids had fun would not be true, they had a blast!!So much so, that they didn't want to go home. It was so peaceful and relaxing and a wonderful way to spend our weekend.

Thank you Chad, you are the greatest. It was so fun to see you in your world. Not just anyone can run the river and I would have to say that I wouldn't want to be in anyone elses boat, but yours. You made it fun and safe, and getting to be with you was the best. I love you. Call again soon and we will be ready to go!

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Brooklyn & Damma's B-day Party!

Last evening we killed two birds with one stone. Brook's mom, (aka."Damma" to my kids) turned the big 60 on Tuesday. We acted like it was just a birthday party for Brooklyn, but in reality we invited a few "extras", 20 to be exact to help celebrate Damma's big day. Damma was surprised, which is hard to do and it made it fun for all! The food was delicious and the fellowship even better, topped off with homemade ice cream and oatmeal chocolate chip cake. The evening weather was perfect and we all stayed outside visiting in the candle light (sorry, no pics of that, the photographer was in grossed in a conversation ) until late. Happy Birthday Damma and Brooklyn. We love you both. Now, I think that we are officially finished celebrating Brooklyn's 5th b-day, but she will enjoy the repercussions of it for weeks to come!.

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Birthday # 5 for Brooklyn

It is hard for me to sit here and try to imagine that Brooklyn is turning 5. Where has the time gone? The past five years have been ones of great joy and immense pleasure! God knew what He was doing when He blessed our lives with our dark haired, dark eyed, little girl. Little did I know the struggle it would be to bring her into the world, but it was one that I will never forget, would never want to do again, but certianly would, just to have her in our life! The feeling you experience when they place your little baby in your arms for the first time is indescribeable, but I can remember thinking, I am so glad that you are safely and finally in Mommy's arms and I wanted to cry.

I was in labor for over 23 hours and pushed hard for over 5. Getting Brooklyn to come out was no easy task. Why they didn't just take her by c-section is a mystery, but now I am thankful that they didn't so that I don't have to have other children that way. I could tell by the look on Brook's face that something wasn't right and when the Doctor told me that they were going to have to use the vacuum, I understood full well that she wasn't coming out. After 3 unsuccessful tries with the vacuum, I was cut, she was out and whisked away by a team of nurses and I wouldn't see her for the next 11 hours. Brook later told me that he looked at the Doctor's face when the baby's heart rate dropped and worry was written all over it. Brooklyn was placed under an oxygen hood for the next several hours and I tried to sleep. Every so often I would have Brook go into the nursery to check on her to see if she was okay and to let her know that she wasn't alone. He felt so torn, not wanting to leave my side, but wanting to see Brooklyn as well. It was a long day! Around 4:30 or so, I was allowed to go into the nursery to see her for the first time. I heard her crying and had Brook wheel me over to her and I picked her up to let her know that Mommy was there. We stayed in there while they gave her her first bath, but it broke my heart to have to leave her there. As we were returning to my room I saw her Doctor and asked when she would be allowed to come to my room, she said she would check her out and then would send her in. Twenty minutes later Brooklyn came into out room and to this day she has never left. We were required to stay in the hospital for 3 more days before being allowed to go home and become a family.

All that seems like yesterday, but in another sense seems like forever ago. She has become the happy little girl with the big brown eyes, huge dimples, curly brown hair and a bright smile, that has the ability to brighten the day of whomever she comes in contact with. She has brought our home life, love, joy, and happiness. She has an enormous imagination and loves to live in the world of make believe and anyone and everyone who wants to play along is welcome. She loves to laugh and to make you laugh, she loves to help, she loves being outside, she loves flowers, she loves to sing and play with her baby brother, she loves going to Nana's house more than any other place in the world and her family are the most important people to her. But all this is trivial. There lies an even bigger picture before me and I wonder, have I been the mother that I should be?, have I, on a bad day showed her a Christ-like spirit, one that I would want to have her pattern after, have I taught her the values and principles that I want her to know?, have I led her in the direction that I want her to go, one that leads her to Christ and the cross? Only time will tell what I have accomplished as a mother and as each day comes I want to make sure that I am being all to her that my Mother was to me. But for now I do know that, Brooklyn is kind, she shares her toys, she includes others(very hard for someone who is shy), she is helpful, she is happy, and she loves Jesus. Brooklyn, Mommy loves you and I am so thankful that Jesus saw fit to bless our home with you!! Always love Jesus, I love you, and Happy Birthday!

Below are some pictures of Brooklyn's b-day party at my parents last weekend. They were not able to be here this week so we decided to celebrate it early, for it is not a birthday if Nana & Poppy, and the rest of the family clan can't be there. Brooklyn loves Dora the Explorer, so for her b-day she wanted a Dora the Explorer swimming party. She couldn't decide between the cake and the cupcakes, so Daddy said let's get them both, thus the cake and cupcakes in the pictures. In case you get to wondering who the little girl is in the pictures with Brooklyn, that is Malia. She goes to our church there in Nampa and her and Brooklyn are very close friends. It was a fun party and thank you to all my family for coming and making it so special for her! We love you!

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