A Penny Thought

The House

2010-06-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

I have not got 'caught' up yet... but I am going to skip the rest of May for now. There have been requests of house photos.

I feel like everything at my house is almost done...

The fence...The yard...The sprinklers...

The house...

A before on the house... and after on the fence.

During:

In due time... all in due time.

Marc planted grass today... we are well on our way!

Orange Belt

2010-05-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

It looks like we found her 'thing'! Grace started Taekwondo this year and loves it. -She doesn't jump up and down and talk about it non-stop. -She complains about getting ready to go. -But when we get there... she transforms to Ms. Grace.

She listens.
She participates.
She works hard.
She smiles.
She says, 'Yes sir' and 'Yes ma'am'.
She learns.

About every 2 1/2 months she has the opportunity to test for a new belt level. Her instructors 'get' Grace. They allow her to test with another student.

My favorite part of TKD is the positive teaching method. The young students not only learn from the instructors, but they learn from other classmates with higher belts. There are Tiny Tigers who aren't even in school yet and there are adults also...including a Grandma Black Belt.

There are many 'typical' students and then there are a few students, like Grace, who need special consideration. All students are treated with respect. All students are expected (and do) perform to a high level of control and with respect.

After going 2x's a week for over 5 months you would think that I would be saying they almost always use positive reinforcement strategies with their students ~ but I can't. No, they ALWAYS use positive comments. I have NEVER heard NO or THAT's not right.

I wish I could say the same thing about my teaching, but I can't ~ but two times a week I can see positive reinforcement work. And, trust me, I'm watching and I'm taking notes. Hopefully, I will learn by example and be able to apply the positive teaching approach in my own classroom and make my students feel as successful as they make Grace feel.

I am pleased to introduce Ms. Grace, my orange belt!

Track

2010-05-23T08:13:00.001-07:00

Taryn participated on the Sunridge Middle School track team this spring. In addition to her running events she tried a variety of field events including: the long jump, the high jump, and the javelin.

Here she is making her move on the final corner of the 800. She sucked up both of these girls and got 3rd place.

This is her posing with her javelin. I tried to take some action shots but it is hard to have a steady hand when you are giggling so much. - A 70 pound, noodle armed girl throwing a javelin is funny to watch.

Taryn ended up cutting the season short. Her second to last meet was scheduled to be in The Dalles. They would not get home until after 9 pm. It was the week before fair and she was having tests. On her third consecutive melt-down in a row that week, we convinced her she was spreading herself too thin. The last meet was the same day as weigh-in, so she stopped track 2 weeks early. It made those weeks a little less stressful and she was a lot more manageable.

I wonder why she thinks she can do more than she really can? Hmm... I'm still trying to figure out why I can't. I am hoping to help her learn to not over commit. Maybe we can practice together.

PLC Conference

2010-05-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Professional Learning Communities have been a goal for our staff for a few years now. I can honestly say I don't feel like 'goal' is the right term anymore. We are on our way. I now consider PLC's a work in progress in our building.

Curt, my principal:

Ken, second grade teacher, and extraordinary trouble maker:

Diana, my brilliant teaching partner:

And myself:

went to Porland to attend a conference on PLC's. The first night there we went to The Kennedy School for dinner.

The burgers, beer and tater tots were delicious.

At the conference we learned a lot. (Including how NOT to open soda during presentations.) Now we all feel ready to get a fast start on our work in progress next year.

First Communion

2010-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Reagan 2010

Grace 2009

Taryn 2006

All three of my beautiful daughters have now received their First Communion. I bought a dress for Taryn 5 years ago, thinking at the time, it would be the first of 3 dresses I would buy. It worked out that all my girls were able to wear it. I loved that. I am a ~touch~ sentimental. The pictures of all three girls in the same dress melts my heart.

I'm counting my blessings now, as I'm guessing, that won't fly when it comes to the wedding gown(s).

PS- I know I was overzealous with a post a day... I've already posted more this month than the entire year. Summer will get me caught up, right?

Pendleton Easter

2010-05-16T07:18:00.001-07:00

For the three of us at home Easter was a bit more traditional.

We had a sleepover at the Nelson's so we could enjoy an early morning egg hunt. Yes, those are our winter coats. There wasn't snow on the ground, but it fell in the mountains that night and it was FREEZING. That was another point to our sleepover. Our heat pump went out and the cold weather wasn't finished. We were snug as bugs in their wonderful house.

Then the girls had to get dressed and pose for our annual Easter pictures. Unfortunately, because of the very early Easter and crazy cold weather, there were no flowers to provide a pretty setting. Again, the girls were sport, it was freezing.

Church services were beautiful as the Children's Choir sang from the balcony. We recently remodeled the church and added a high alter to restore the original look of the church. Eventually there will be a mural above the alter. I can't wait to see it finished.

It was a blustery afternoon, but the girls ran around looking for the elusive GOLDEN egg.

As a side note: the days before Easter I spent HOURS looking for eggs. Not the type of eggs you EVER want to be looking for... in your child's hair.

We were struck with head lice for the first time.

I found a bug while brushing Reagan's hair and upon a closer look found nearly 200 nits.

It took me 3 movies and an extraordinary amount of patience on both our parts to de-lice my little lady.

There are some experiences of elementary school I would be happy to live without experiencing. We were very thorough and avoided anyone else in the house getting them. I was also successful in getting them out in one go-around (a 10 day process). I now am left wondering, how long before I can scratch an itch on my head without worrying about head lice?

Easter in Willows

2010-05-15T06:35:00.001-07:00

It was a different Easter this year. I was home with just Grace and Reagan. The weekend coincided with the annual Willow Weekend. You see, my dad & brother are cattle ranchers and they winter their cattle in Willows, California. Each spring my husband makes a huge sacrifice ( read: escapes work and daily duties) to make the trip south. This year we decided Taryn was old enough to make the trip.

Her job was tail holding. Apparently it is a pretty important job. If you don't have a tail holder and you are working on the south end of a cow, you end up covered in $#!+ by the end of the day.

After a long hard day working she was able to experience a new level of testosterone. Growing up with only sisters she isn't used to the 'one-up-ing' that can occur when a bunch of men (read:boys) gather. As if that wasn't enough of an experience, they told her she had to be initiated. The rite involved Rocky Mountain Oysters.

Step One: Question your desire...

Step two: Inspect

Step Three: ABORT!

That's my girl!

Taryn was hoping to bring one of these home to fill her Easter basket.

And Grandpa was trying his hardest to send this home to fill her basket, but turns out dad was blessed with a bummer girl this time. With no option of a 4H project - I respectfully declined the gift.

She is hoping to be able to make the trip again next year.

Marc had her document the actual work that they do, as I've heard more stories about the 'after-party'. I know they work really hard, and I know my dad and brother need and appreciate the help. However, I'm not sure if they realize how much he enjoys that weekend in Willows. I'm pretty sure he'd pay to be able to go!

Click, Clack, Moo....

2010-05-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

For Christmas my parents bought us tickets to the Children's Theater in Portland, Oregon. So in February, over a long weekend, we went and saw Click, Clack, Moo, a story of barnyard antics while the farmer is away on vacation. It was a musical and delighted all the girls. (I'm pretty sure Marc fell asleep somewhere in the middle, but he said he thought it was 'nice'.)

In the theater there was a huge chair and all the girls wanted their pictures taken in the big seat.

Taryn 12.5

Grace 9.5

Reagan 8.0

The actors all came out to the lobby to sign autographs after the show, but there were too many eager fans pushing and shoving their way to the front I needed to step aside before I started talking about how rude it is to cut in front of people. The lecture is always very fresh in my mind, as I present it about 4 times a week to my first graders. I'm guessing that the pushy adults would not have appreciated the 'lesson'.

We settled for a picture with the cardboard cow. Each of the girls had favorite farm animals. It was funny because if I was casting my girls for parts, each would have ended up playing their favorite animal. Something about the characters 'spoke' to my girls and 'fit' their unique personalities.

Taryn liked the cow who was a bit of a goody-two-shoes. The cow was cautious, but still ended up getting into trouble with the rest of the animals. Grace liked the duck who was all about having a good time and was usually the instigator in all the troubles. Reagan loved the prissy chicken. She danced and giggled and stole the spotlight more than once.

Being bitten by the theater bug we already have our tickets for our next show. - We've stepped it up a notch from the $15 Children's Theater matinee tickets however. Next up?

This will be a night to remember I am sure. I can't wait. We bit the bullet and bought orchestra seats. Spendy, but I know it is going to be worth it.

Happy 40.1

2010-05-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

2010 will ring in the big 4-0 to many of my closest friends. In February, Marc and I took a quick trip to Medford to surprise Dianna for her 40th birthday party.

Her husband Greg went over the top in planning the party. I'm pretty sure it wasn't a complete surprise, but I don't think she ever guessed that I would be driving 8 hours to spend the weekend with her.

We had our nails done, went shopping, and talked endlessly. It is remarkable that we can go months without seeing each other or talking at all and pick up like it was yesterday.

The Jello shots were nasty - but we each put one away for old-times sake.

Mr. Party Planner himself was the first to hit-the-hay... but he had worked hard, so we didn't torture him too much about it.

I hope they get to head up our way in June to watch me roll into the next decade!

A post a day?

2010-05-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

When you get behind it seems really impossible to ever catch up. But while I have been gone a few (million) wonderful events have passed. I am going to try a post or two a day so I can get caught up before summer. You can only imagine how far behind I am in printing real pictures... only around 7,ooo or so.

Get Ready

2010-02-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

Thankfully, "Get ready, get set, go!" is still 7 months away. But today was a beautiful, sun-shiny, 60 degree day ~ a wonderful start to what I hope will be a wonderful adventure. Marathon Training!

Actually, I am just in training for the training. The 'real' training will begin in June. Race day will be 10-10-10. I love cool dates and thought this seemed like a perfect day to achieve a pretty lofty goal.

Now, don't get carried away with yourself and imagine that I have any intentions of running the darn thing. Heck no. I have never been a runner and have no aspirations of becoming one now. But I decided in the year I was turning 40 I needed to do something remarkable. So here we are.

I have one committed friend... as in, she has committed to do the race with me. Others are hinting that they may climb on board, and I'm lining out my cheering squad too. I am listening to advice from my sister, my dad, and some locals that have all done the 26.2 before. I am anxious to join the club. Wish me luck!

First I bought the book.

Then I bought the gear.

Now it's time to get ready, get set and go.

Today was day one!

RE: Header

2010-01-31T21:52:00.000-08:00

#1. Is it summer yet?
#2. How is it that they have grown up so fast?
#3. When will we ever get to the beach again?

Photo: July 2006 (Taryn 9, Grace 6, Reagan 4.5) Netarts, OR

Mini-Me

2010-01-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

Taryn got her braces last Monday. For the record, she is much tougher than I was when I got mine on. She only has the tops ones so far. The bottom braces will go on once her molars come in a little more. All four of us needed braces, Marc is a 'been there, done that' so we are 3/5 of the way through the braces.

Homemade Noodles

2010-01-31T12:45:00.001-08:00

My mom bought me a pasta maker a few years ago for Christmas.

I don't have much counter space but I engineered a pretty sophisticated system to dry my noodles.

-Yep, a $9 shower curtain rod.

The Chicken Noodle Soup was wonderful. I had enough noodles left over for my lunch on Monday. (Shh... I am hiding them from my girls.)

The Girl Scouts

2010-01-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

In order to suck every last ounce out of Christmas vacation this lot of girls hit the mountains with moms and dads in tow. Tony delighted us with hot cocoa and lemon bars. Yum. Before heading down the hill toward home we visited the little girls room at the lodge. As we were wrapping up a lady came in to use the facilities and said, "Oh, you must be a group of girls scouts or something."

It made me giggle. Nope just God's way to keep Marc and Tony in touch with their sensitive
side.

This picture of Kyndra was so fun to play with in Picassa because there were so many bright contrasting colors.

First graders be kind to teacher tomorrow, it will be the earliest that she has gotten out of bed in two weeks.

A Special Gift...

2009-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

I left home one day shortly before Christmas to go run errands... I barely was a mile away when the girls called me. There was crying in the background. Not-there's something terrible wrong- crying... more-uh-oh, we're in trouble now- crying.

I have a very small (3) collection of Christmas snow globes. I haven't actively tried to collect them, but the few I have are very special to me.

The first snow globe is a Peanut's snow globe I got from Larry and Sally Blanc. They are Godparents to my girls. Sally was one of my first friends when I moved to Pendleton. We only worked together for a year or so, but the trauma of that job (ok, it wasn't really that bad) bonded us tight. She and her family are very special to us and I think of them every year I take it out.

The second snow globe I got from my mom. It is shiny, elegant, and grand. The music box base is silver. Inside is a vintage looking glass Santa. I put it in the center of my Santa display.

My third snow globe I got at a Christmas exchange. It has a wooden base and holds a Nativity scene. It clearly was the least expensive of the bunch... but it held an important place on my Nativity table for Christmas.

You can imagine that the snow globes are very enticing to little girls. I don't hover around my decorations telling them to keep their hands off ~ but they have been reminded numerous times that many of them are fragile.

On this day... Jesus, Mary & Joseph came crashing down onto the hard wood floor. Shattered. There are conflicting alibi's regarding the location of each child at the time of the accident. I did a lot of 'self talk' on the way home. I knew from the crying on the phone that they already felt bad... I figured my remaining two snow globes would lead safe lives. The consequences of a dropped snow globe would be etched in their minds for a long time.

Imagine my delight when I unwrapped this globe for Christmas. Girls, I love you and we all must remember that 'things' can always be replaced.

Random Christmas Photos

2009-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Eager anticipation!

Round one of opening presents was in Klamath Falls at my families house.
Nice hair Marc.

The girls and I got lots of paper so we can start creating fun things on my Cricut*
*My get up at 3:30 am the day after Thanksgiving best buy!

Mom opening her water bottle.
(Note to mom: There were other photos worse that this one)
(Remember when you told me not look at pictures of myself until
5 years later...
and then I would love them all because I would look younger?)

Dad loves his Girls Scout chocolates...
Gotta love when the store bag is pretty enough to be the gift bag too...

Uncle Jason always spoils the girls ~ translation ~
He sends me a generous check and I pick out wonderful
goodies for my girls. He feels a little out of touch with what
their interests might be.

We got him a really cool OSU sweatshirt.
Same as last year.
I'm kinda out of touch with what to get him too.
Maybe I should just send a check?
Naw, I think I am safe with OSU gear.

What she looks like...

2009-12-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of Taryn's many looks when she steals my camera and takes self portraits.

This is what Grace looks like when she is sick. Poor thing got the pukes the morning we needed to drive to Klamath Falls. (Best trip ever for mom and dad. A puny sick little girl = a quiet little girl.)

This is what Reagan looks like when she is singing her first (and probably last) solo at her Christmas concert.

The Christmas Card

2009-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

Taryn - 12.5

Grace 9.5

Reagan

7.9260273
(She turns 8 on Jan. 23rd)

Let's see... about 20 people actually received their Christmas card from us this year. It looked like this...

Wait... no it wasn't this one - the one I copied had all girls looking good. This must be the one where I used Photo Shop to copy Taryn's head from this photo onto this photo:

Yep...this is the picture I used...except with Taryn's head from the first photo. WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? -She usually is so good when we take pictures. -There were about 5 other shots that looked just like this one and I never noticed. -She felt really, really, really bad when I freaked out. -She apologized a lot. -I could have felt equally bad and just sent out the cards without editing. -We would have laughed later. -It would have made her sad.

Now all this was really just a distraction... I did do Christmas cards. I will send them out. I didn't write a letter. So now when you get a card it will be just to let you know that you are 'worth' a Forever Stamp to me. You've already seen the picture, there is no letter...and nope I haven't and won't hand write any special sentiments to you either. And if you don't get one, maybe I don't have your address or maybe I just got lazy... but just so you know... you are still worth a Forever Stamp to me.

None the less... Here's hoping you had a very Merry Christmas and that the New Year will be blessed with Goodness!

Phil 4:4-7

2009-12-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

Today, maybe because I had read of a single mother who is raising 4 children on her own, three of which are autistic; maybe, I had a moment today because it is Christmas. For what ever reason, the second reading today spoke to me. It could be that this verse spoke to me so clearly because right now life is really great. It isn't picture perfect, but it is pretty amazing. So I really wanted to write this down for those days when things are not all in order. I am getting much better at letting go of things that I can not control. This verse needs to be my verse. I need to let it speak to me when my imagination of 'what-if's' gets the best of me. I hope to be able to live this verse, through the good times and through times of struggle.

Phil 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice in kindness, without fear and anxiety.

Merry Christmas to my friends & family ~ near and far!

Karo Syrup Paintings...

2009-12-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

I printed pictures of bricks off the internet and then laminated them.
I can use them again & again & again....

We painted the candle holders for our mantel with corn syrup and food coloring on foil.
They look just like stained glass.

For gift exchange the kids will each bring in 23 small items (stickers, bookmarks, etc) and then the elves will fill our stockings. If a student forgets, it is no big deal, none of the kids will take the time to count items. I will also get a supply of small items that I can add to the mix.

This little light of mine...
I'm gonna let it shine...
This little light of mine...
I'm gonna let it shine...
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
All the time!

New do...

2009-11-30T21:31:00.001-08:00

I'm not a blonde right now. I've gone dark before, but never this dark. My first graders are going to flip tomorrow. Mark my words, some sweet little kid will give me a nice compliment, but I bet at least 5, no 8, kids will freak out and tell me they liked my hair the 'old' way. And by that, I hope they mean they liked it better blonde and not GRAY. There was a lot of gray to cover up. When I got called Grandma (twice in two weeks by different kids) I knew it was time to spice it up a bit.

Also, I'm not a big fan of self-portraits. They seem to be even worse when you are a nearly 40 year old trying to hide your braces. Sheesh, is it April yet?

SPOILER

2009-11-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

The following images may spoil a surprise if you

have recently adopted a baby boy from China
are expecting a baby boy this spring

currently are a teacher to one of my children
are a fabulous assistant in my room

This is what I have been up to in my sewing room for the past 8 days! The five table runners have been a work in progress for 2 years. My apologies to the teachers of my children last year. I hope you liked the Starbucks cards, I love quilting and doing projects... but they sometimes take me longer (a lot longer) than I intend.

I actually have one more I made... but I liked it so much I am keeping it for myself. It is vintage red-white-blue for 4th of July.

Both quilts are a new pattern called 'I Spy with a Twist'.
It is my favorite type of pattern - one that looks more difficult than it actually is.

I am trying to decide what projects I will tackle over Christmas Break. I will need to help the girls get started on 4H projects soon... so my projects may be put on hold again.

The Apprentice

2009-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

Marc always has some project or other that he is working on around our house. His handyman skills are very impressive. Between his job working for a contractor in high school, his dad, neighbors and friends, he has learned and tackled electrical wiring, plumbing, decks, siding, roofing, dry wall, and a fire pit. His current project is installing a sprinkler system. But this time he hasn't had to tackle the project himself.

Even thought the weather has been chilly at times, Taryn has been her dad's apprentice, his side-kick, his runner. She has learned about different tools, she knows the names of at least 4 different shovels (who knew there were so many?), and she hasn't quit. She told me last night that she thinks maybe for 4H this year that she should make herself a tool belt. She is a chip off the old - I mean ole block. She had to have gotten the fix-it gene from her dad. That is NOT my style. I am much more of an 'inside-where-it-is-dry-and-warm' girl. I love a fun project, but it needs to involve the words, cute-pretty-creative-etc. or I'm not really interested.

I am going to be really excited this summer when the lawn will be watered before I even wake up. But for now, I have delighted in watching the two of them, the master and the apprentice, working together, side-by-side.

Feasting this Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we feasted on:

Bacon wrapped turkey
Stuffing
Mashed potatoes
Homemade butter
Green beans
Bread
Pears
Chocolate Pie
Pumpkin Pie

But what I am most thankful for on this Thanksgiving:

A loving husband that is willing and able to make our house a home. His handyman skills are too numerous to count. He also manages to keep his sanity living in this estrogen rich environment. His laid back nature helps him not to lose his mind with all the mood swings and chaos that a wife and three daughters can create.

Three loving daughters that each have their own unique personalities. Where one has weakness the others have strengths. When they are not busy tormenting each other, they design playhouses, produce plays, protect and help each other. Though each of them is unique they are all loving and compassionate towards others. I hope that this goodness of heart will guide them as they grow their own wings and wander about in their lives.

I am thankful for a job that allows me to help children learn both classroom skills as well as life skills. I work in a school where we strive to give all students fairness, equality, courage and a safe haven to learn. Teaching lets me have a career and lots of time to be a wife and mother. My job provides me with a comfortable salary, wonderful benefits and the opportunity to help contribute to my community.

I am thankful to live somewhere that is small enough that many friends feel like family. We can get across town in 6 minutes unless there is a train. You can count on seeing people you know no matter where you are in town. The gas station attendants, the coffee barista and grocery checkers know you by name.

I am thankful for my health. I am thankful that I can make mistakes and my friends and family forgive me, give me a second chance and let it go. I am thankful for my friends - all of them - some I see and talk to daily - some I've never met in real life - some I haven't seen in 25+ years - and all are ready and able to lend a hand, or an ear, when I come calling. I would be lost without the mosaic of friends in my life.

~-~

The five of us spent this week at home, together. There were no travel plans to see extended family. The rest and relaxation was well appreciated. Our busy life is not going to change. We will again load up and travel over the river and through the woods to visit our families. But this 2009 Thanksgiving was just us and it was just perfect.

Simple Minds... Simple Joys?

2009-11-15T14:08:00.001-08:00

I decided to start collecting old spools of thread.

They fit perfectly on the ledge around my sewing room.

I can spend hours trimming up the loose threads.

I can organize them by color.

If I get bored I can play in my button box.

Simple minds only need simple joy?

Maybe.

Or is the truth hiding?

I only get joy out of the simple tasks because I am procrastinating
the bigger messes that are not so simple to clean up.

Cheater-cheater...

2009-11-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

Yep, I am officially considering myself a blog cheater. Out there right now there is some Blogger challenge where people are posting every.single.day.of.November.... yeah, right.... not going to be happening here.

I am barely able to manage these cheater posts where I put random, unrelated pictures together and call them a post. I am going to plead it is better than nothing, but not by much. Here goes:

Marc and I got to go to the Stanford - OSU game in October...we won and it didn't rain... it doesn't get any better than that!

I also did a Martha Stewart pumpkin... power drill & Christmas lights!I loved that I just had to plug it in and the wind wouldn't blow it out.

Reagan and her friend M. at dance recital. Their group is called 'Free Ride'. She does toe-touches in her routine. I made a mistake about 5 years ago and tried to see if I could still do my toe-touch jump from my HS Cheer days. I could, but I will NEVER attempt that again.

I was sorry.
Very sorry.

Our puppies, Griz & Basil are both almost one. Griz is a Dec. puppy and Basil is February. They got their first 'haircuts'. It cost as much as it costs me to get my hair done. The groomer recommended they get cut every 8 weeks. Let me just say... if I don't pay to get my own
hair done every 8 weeks there is no way they will get theirs done.

This is/was/will be our yard. The white picket fence is down, the grass is gone. Marc will need to level, then trench, then install the sprinkler system. We are going to seed this time and not do sod. We have a 'connection' ~ the local golf grounds supervisor who will coach us through the process.

We both have different ideas about what type of fence to put in. We have settled on 'tall' as being our only agreed upon criteria so far. I am thinking the fence is a ways off, so I'm not too worried about it yet.

New Addition...

2009-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

We volunteered to host a potluck at our house for the Knights of Columbus and others in the church who volunteered at the booths during Round Up. Wouldn't you know it, we had our first really good fall rainstorm that day!

Marc had just finished transporting our new playhouse to the concrete pad he put down this summer. The house is a hand-me-down. Ashley, the past owner, is a sophomore in college now. Her dad built it for her...which totally got Marc off the hook. He has been promising a playhouse for a few years. The girls are looking forward to spring coming so they can paint and redecorate the inside.

The house was a welcomed shelter for about 15 little kids that day.

The adults & big kids all ate on tables in the garage. (Marc worked wonders in the garage to make space to feed all the people. An added a perk for me, there in now space for me to actually park my car.)

Eventually the rain slowed down and everyone could warm up and dry off by Marc's fire.

Everyone enjoyed the fellowship, despite the damp weather!

What have I done...

2009-10-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

We haven't even gotten rid of our last lamb...and we added a steer to the mix. My dad had a calf that got separated from his mother when they shipped the cattle from California back home. When they discovered him they began bottle feeding him. If anyone out there has ever bottle fed a baby calf it is fun for about 2 weeks...and then it becomes a chore, just like anything else. My dad quickly began negotiating with us to take on this calf. After a promise of feed and hay to be included we signed on for Buckwheat the Charolais-Angus cross. He thinks he is human. Taryn is hoping to be able to get him to gain enough weight to be able to show and sell him at the Union Livestock Show next June.

This is Taryn showing Donald at the Pendleton Livestock Show

She got Reserve Champion for the Juniors. Her best show yet.

There were HUGE tears when she walked him onto the sale truck.

She thinks it is going to be easier to sell a steer. Should I burst her bubble or let her live in a make-believe world for the next 9 months?

The Best Lunch Ever...

2009-10-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

A little guy in my first grade classroom was headed out to recess with his lunch in hand. Quickly about 20 other classmates told on him... I mean reminded him that his lunch was supposed to go in the lunch bucket.

I met him at the door and told him I would put his sack into the lunch bucket and he could pick it up in the cafeteria.

I don't know what made me peek into his lunch, but I did, and I could not believe my eyes!

His ENTIRE lunch consisted of one Diet Coke and 18 large marshmallows. Go figure.

Being the "mean" teacher I am, I told him he would need to purchase a hot lunch and that I would put his "snack" into his backpack for an after school snack.

A Round Up of Pink

2009-10-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Tough Enough to Wear Pink day at the Pendleton Round Up. It seems like a perfect day to take my girls. This year we met up with other girls and enjoyed the entire rodeo...and all the junk food that comes with it.

Miley Rocks!

2009-09-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

If you look *really* close - in front and just below the front tire - you can see a person with their arm up in the air. That is me! That is me rocking to Miley Cyrus in Portland with my girls. It was a wonderful night.

After the concert we stayed in the same motel that Miley had stayed at the night before...The Hotel Monaco. The funniest part of the night was when we pulled into the parking garage. The Honda doors slid open revealing our disaster of a mess. I told the girls to gather their things and we would go to our room. Reagan said, "Well lets just roll up a luggage cart, load her up and go to our room." Our valet commented that she must have done that before. Hmm...not so much. We are not regulars at hotels where Valet is the only parking option.

It was a memorable evening for mom, girls and friends!

Photo: http://justjaredjr.buzznet.com/

9-9-09

2009-09-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

As a 10 year veteran, but first year, first-grade teacher I was DELIGHTED a week ago to see this date on my plan book. It meant that for an entire day I could plan '9' activities. So we came up with 9 ways we played with 9's at the end of the day.

Sang 9 songs...
Stuck 9 stickers on a nine inch piece of paper...
Sat quiet for 9 seconds (and not one second longer)...
Wrote '9 or nine' for 9 minutes quietly (my favorite)...
Made 9 rhymes (they didn't get 'wine' but did get Frankenstein-wow)...
Fact families of 9...
Read Comet's Nine Lives by Jan Brett...
Read Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings by Deborah Hopkinson...
Had a 9 min. recess (oops...should have be 15, but I can't get my schedule down)

Another bit of interest for the day was the lead story in the EO, our local newspaper. Yep, that is yours truly. Now, in the honor of 9-9-09 may I share these thoughts:

Thank you for leaving out the nose picking boy.
Thank you for not mentioning the farting that was taking place.
Thank you for not showing my roots that got colored/covered today.
Thank you for taking time to show a bit of extra effort we all do in education.
Thank you for sharing that we do our best to be resourceful.
Thank you for an article not about a teacher having sex with her students.
Mental note: Starch is better than a quick iron job.
Next time, let's not take the picture at that angle, please.
Next time, could you leave out the 'vultures on roadkill' comment?

And my final, too good to leave out Reagan-ism, overheard by dad as she and Grace were circling the catalogs for Christmas, (yes, already.)

Grace: I want this.
Reagan: I want this.
Grace: I want this.
Reagan: I want this - oh and this too. Because you know Grace, when Taryn moves out we are going to have a lot more room, and then Mom and Dad can spend all their money on us!

Oh, so that's how that works!

Mark your calendars everyone...the next time we can have this much fun on a school day will be 11-11-11. I can hardly wait! (It is a Friday, BTW)

First Grade

2009-08-29T21:53:00.001-07:00

I have spent countless hours the past few weeks getting ready for my new adventures in teaching first grade. Here is a glimpse inside my classroom.

We will start with a caterpillar/butterfly/Eric Carle unit

My boards are cute, but they don't hold a candle to Mrs. Z.
She's untouchable.

She painted her own paper and free-hand cuts her letters.

I love-love the sun!

This shiny, organized, *empty* classroom gives me peace just like when I look at a sleeping child.

Tranquil, sweet, perfect, full of hope!

The top posters were created by the talented Queen Renee. I was delighted when she offered her services. I hope she does not regret opening that can of worms. The best part of Renee coming wasn't the posters, even though they are fantastic. While we were chit-chatting I mentioned being from Klamath Falls. She smiled and told me she was born there. Then we started the 'where did your family live, how long were you there, what schools did you attend' routine, when she stated, "My mom went to school in Bonanza."

My grandma was the sixth grade teacher in Bonanza forever. She was *only* a sixth grade teacher too. She never got a wild hair and decided she needed a change. She was a smart cookie.

It only took a quick phone call for Renee to confirm that her mom was a student in my grandma's classroom. It warmed my heart. It was so unlikely, unexpected for my grandma to show up today. Just like always, she has a knack for knowing when I need a little nudge. I'm going to be just fine in my new grade. There will be bumps, but I'll just pull myself up, dust myself off and try again. I know she would be tickled to see me teach. She's been gone for five years. Missing her sneaks up on me...today was one of those days, but in a good way!

************

Some things should never come out of the closet.

I want to keep it real here. No false illusions. This is my closet, it houses all that are NOT right in the world. Yes, things fall on me when I open this closet. Yes, this was on the to-do list.
Someday! The closet is closely related to the area 'behind my counter'.
I did not get a shot of that, but you get the idea.

This is what I brought home with me. I have vowed to spend the day at home on Sunday. I will make good on that, however some time needs to be spent reading teachers guides or I may be in big trouble come about Wednesday.

First Grade : Learning : Growing : Changing

I can't wait!

Dear Teacher,

2009-08-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

I need to remember this ...

Even though I am a teacher and a mom, the teacher in me sometimes forgets what the mom in me knows!

Vodka Mom did a guest post here and I will read it again and again this year. I will also put it in the staff room.

Garden Goodness

2009-08-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

I planted my first garden this year at this house. I had a small patch when we lived on the hill...but not much more than strawberries and tomatoes. I was a bit late getting the plants and seeds into the ground. Finally I am harvesting enough to enjoy.

My 2009 Garden:

Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Tomatoes (12 plants)
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Acorn(Winter) Squash
Cucumbers ( green & lemon)
Bell peppers (green & red)
Watermelons
Cantaloupe
Honey Dew
Sunflowers

Breakfast!

I love my garden!

Umatilla County Fair 2009

2009-08-18T22:02:00.001-07:00

The were so many ribbons won at the fair! I won't bore you with the details. The best part (for a mom) was that each of my girls won a purple ribbon. I know that it won't always work out that way, and I will be ready with my 'Life isn't always fair' speech, but for now, I will appreciate the balance of success that my girls achieved.

Reagan's purple ribbon cookies - THANK YOU BETH!
(You know they are worthy!)

Flower Decorating was a last minute entry by all my girls.

Other 'live' contests in front of the judges included:
Fashion Review
Food Prep (Taryn only)
Table Setting
Flower Decorating
Presentations (2 - Taryn only)

Taryn was eligible to send 4 entries to the Oregon State Fair -
I persuaded her to select the two top ribbon winners -
(neither required any additional work-go figure)

That covers the statistics of the fair!
Now for the *tidbits* that I never want to forget:

Taryn's joy at winning her first plaque.

Flower the bummer lamb peeking at us while we were trying (unsuccessfully)
to convince Taryn to try a lamb shish ka bob!

Grace picking up *condom*ents at an unsupervised booth.

Grace + Discovery = Too Much Information (key word 'hair')

Taryn's *date* falling asleep during the movie.
(MOM-It wasn't a date!) Yeah, right!

Reagan, the rock star, loving the lights and music at the concerts!

THE BEACH!

2009-08-18T21:32:00.001-07:00

8 Girls - 3 Moms - 3 Dads
Long Beach Peninsula, Washington

Face painting, the candy store, carnival rides, Dooger's Seafood & Grill

Beach combing

Whole Sand Dollars!

Cuddling in and watching Angels in the Outfield numerous times!

SAND!

This was our second trip to the Nelson's beach house. It was wonderful(again). An added perk to the trip was the 3 boys' success at salmon fishing. We each brought home fresh-clean-freezer ready-salmon. They filled their tags quickly...but not one of them had a camera...kudos to Jody for at least trying to find a camera at 4 am...and kudos to Tony for the furry cell phone pictures to prove you didn't purchase the fish...and kudos to Marc for catching a big one!

The Fire Pit

2009-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Marc informed me that he was going to build a fire pit this past spring. "Cool," I thought to myself, without getting too excited. You see, Marc has wonderful ideas & ambitions, they just always don't happen in a very timely fashion. (Now I am guilty of having big ideas too so I am not complaining...just stating something you may not know.)

The process of building the fire pit involved MANY steps, many of which I did not pay attention to in much detail. I did take notice of the LARGE area he was clearing away. I did note that it wasn't 'square'...I *thought* he might not know that...and I had a very nice birds eye view from my sewing room.

Much to my delight and surprise our wonderful fire pit was complete and ready for guest over Memorial Weekend. We have had a few planned and a few impromptu fires this summer. I have loved each one.

Kudos to my wonderful husband of 14 years (Happy Anniversary Dude 8-12-09)! I love-love the fire pit. I look forward to lighting many fires with you!

Happy Birthday Taryn

2009-07-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

My Taryn turns 12 today! The last birthday before the teen years. E-gads!

When I was about 9-ish my brother who was 6-ish wrote me a birthday card: To my second best sister...

There were only two sisters, and I clearly wasn't the favorite.

Taryn has two sisters - Grace(9) and Reagan(7). She received this birthday card from Reagan.

to t fum r (To Taryn from Reagan)
I hope you have the dist (best) drfday (birthday)

I love you vin win you be me too me you are the best sist that ine bute cud have
(I love you even when you be mean to me. You are the best sister that anybody could have.)

This card will be held against Reagan.

For example:

Reagan to Grace... Will you help me with my chores today?
Grace to Reagan... Why don't you ask your favorite sister?

Trust me, this will cost her someday.

Happy Birthday Taryn!

Family Photos

2009-07-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

It was time to take family pictures. No one was excited...least of all me who has to make sure we all match. We didn't get very creative with our outfits, but as it turned out...the white tees with jeans/shorts were just right for a hot day in the park. Karen Crowder of Timeless Photography took the pictures. The scanned images are not near as crisp or wonderful as the originals, but you get the idea.

Wisconsin - Gambling, It's a Family Thing

2009-07-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

The game was Left-Center-Right and we were playing with quarters to begin with, until the game got serious and we pulled out the $1 bills!

Our wonderful hostess Nancy, (farthest back) is only in this one photo. Due to recent knee surgery she was unable to go on our boat, fishing, & geocache outings. But, let me tell you, she wasn't missing out on any gambling, no-sir-ee... She wasn't missing out on any of that!

My mom who is seated between Nancy and Marc was pretty lucky on a few of the nights. She may have even boasted the most wins! If anyone was keeping track... (yeah, I'm talking about you Don... I KNOW you were keeping track.)

Here is a good shot of Marc, complaining about my mom not passing to the left I am sure. To his left is Don, our 'host-boat driver-fish guide-chef-babysitter-and biggest loser'! He did a lot of whining and not much winning. He didn't want ME touching HIS dice when it was his turn... funny though... I am pretty sure I won lots more than he did. Maybe you should have let me rub some of my luck off on those dice Don!

Next to Don is my Grandma, my mom's mom. She rolled with the big guys even when we pulled our dollar bills out. I was a little surprise it didn't scare her off... dimes and nickles would have probably put her in her comfort zone. I am wondering what my grandma documented her wins & loses as in her money journal. She keeps track of her money! Yes she does. I don't think she was a big winner this trip.

Fun times, I tell you! I hope I get back there before another 25 years pass.

Sometimes it works...

2009-07-05T12:33:00.001-07:00

I like to be organized, but it doesn't always happen.
I like to be efficient, but it doesn't always happen.
I like to be creative, but it doesn't always happen.
I like my children to do their share of the work, but it doesn't always happen.

I will keep you posted as to how this turns out!

This is my camp packing list I made for the girls. The plan will be for them to pack for themselves and then have one of their sisters double check their bag and 'grade' them on their efforts. I will be tickled pink if this makes the 'getting ready to go' part of camping a little less hassle for me. I am thinking it will be easy enough to change around for different trips by just copying and pasting the pictures.

We head out for Cousin Camping at Trillium Lake tomorrow morning. The weather is going to be a cool 60 degrees while we are there. I am looking forward to cool after our very hot 4th of July weekend. Triple digits are miserable! Our tent trailer has a heater but no air conditioner so I prefer to be a little cold, rather than being too hot.

Wisconsin: Fish Tales

2009-07-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

FISH ON!

During our vacation in Wisconsin we were able to spend hours on the lakes and in the creek fishing. In the lakes we all caught blue gill and a few crappie.

In the creek, Marc and I were looking for
'THE BIG ONE'!

Our wonderful fish guides Don & Cal assured us we should be able to catch a Northern Pike.

We both were skunked the first few days we went out. It took us a while to get the feel of our poles. Both of us spent more time than we would have liked untangling 'birds nests' in our line.

Finally, one evening when I was about to call it quits I got a strike.

I'd like to say I was cool as a cucumber, but I squealed like a 4 year old. Everyone on the creek knew I had caught my Northern.

My fish measured 27" and weighed in at 5 lbs.

See my big muscles?

Now if you think Marc had fish fever before I caught my fish, it only got worse. Marc was diligent in getting out on the creek - taking with him both poles. Heaven forbid I catch another fish before he had caught his.

As luck would have it...he did make a catch on the last day...

His fish measured 30" and weighed in at 7 lbs.
Stinker...couldn't let me out fish him!

See his bigger muscles, holding his bigger fish?

Fishing was just one of the wonderful
adventures we had on our vacation.

Daddy Knows the Heimlich & Annie Better Practice

2009-06-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Tri-Tip

From Wikipedia: The tri-tip is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin primal cut. It is a small triangular muscle, usually 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. per side of beef.

I won purple ribbons at the Klamath County Fair when I was in high school preparing a tri-tip sandwich. I may have even competed at the state fair with that same recipe.

At my wedding, tri-tip was served.

At my college graduations, tri-tip was served.

At big family gatherings, tri-tip is served.

The recipe for our marinade is wonderful. The meat tastes great warm and cold. My dad is a beef producer. Beef - It's what's for dinner.

Little did I ever suspect that Beef might try to knock off two of my beloved family members in a matter of weeks.

In May, my mom and dad traveled to San Francisco to promote Country Natural Beef at an in-store demo. My dad was outside the store working the BBQ. My mom was in the store, answering questions and providing samples for customers. Toward the end of the day, as my mother tells it, 'there was a break in customers', so she decided to take a sample herself. No sooner did she plop a piece of tri-tip into her mouth, a customer wandered up with a question.

In a rush to answer the customer, she swallowed quickly.

The meat immediately lodged in her throat. She grabbed her water bottle to try and wash it down. No luck. She motioned, 'just a minute' with her fingers and exited the store. She knew she was in trouble.

Dad was right there at his BBQ. Mom came up and made the 'I'm choking face' apparently.

He asked, "Are you choking?"

She nodded yes.

He then whipped her around and on his second try dislodged the piece of tri-tip from her throat.

A near by customer was very impressed. She asked if he had ever done that before and he told her no, but he couldn't let her die, it would be too hard to explain to the children.

Fast forward now to the week before school was out, Pendleton, Oregon, Sokoloski residence, location of the Washington Elem. end of the year BBQ.

Tri-tip was on the menu.

Marc at the BBQ - meat is done - slicing begins. He gets the last of the tri-tips carved and on the platter when he tosses back a bite of tri-tip...

The party continued with rave reviews. Everyone wanted to compliment Marc on his wonderful meat... but he was no where to be found.

I assumed he was inside using the bathroom, but when he still hadn't returned 30 minutes later I went to investigate. I found him upstairs in the bathroom, basically throwing up. He said he had 'lodged' a piece of meat in his throat and was trying to 'get it out.' He was breathing and talking fine, but if he tried to swallow the water would gurgle back up in his throat. He continued to gag and sputter about.

To protect you from all the nasty details, it wasn't working. So three hours later I left the party and my children in the hands of the last few staff members hanging out and hauled him to the hospital.

He was admitted directly into an ER room. (Apparently if you are 'gagging/throwing up' you get to skip the waiting room. The nurse administered a SOFT MUSCLE RELAXER* in the hopes his throat would relax enough to allow the piece of meat to pass- up or down.

(*Can you imagine the fun I had when I learned that is what they were giving him?)

Eventually the meat came up. It wasn't pretty, but we were ready to get home and get some rest as it was almost midnight.

Marc followed up with Dr. McBee today and will have a small surgical procedure in August called an esophageal dilation. Hopefully that will help his swallowing problems. He also may need to take medicine like Prilosec to keep his acid production down.

Hopefully we will be able to keep tri-tip on our menu for future gatherings and events. Marc's discharge directions were, 'small bites, chew thoroughly.' Mom take note those directions apply to you too. Dad, when I'm down I may want you to show me your technique on the Heimlich. Who knows which genes my children inherited from their grandmother and father...

Rest assured...Beef, it is still what is for dinner!

Don't give up on me...

2009-06-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

I swear I have blogs left in me...I just need hours in the day. Keep posted for 'better late than never posts to follow'. More as a reminder for me, but also a taste of what should/will come soon:

Daddy Knows the Heimlich & Annie Better Practice
Fairs & Ribbons & More...Wanna See My Rosettes?
Minnesota - The Mall of America
Minnesota - The Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis
Wisconsin - Vacation at the Cabin Then & Now
Wisconsin - Fish Tales
Minnesota - Duluth & Lake Superior
Wisconsin - Gambling, It's a Family Thing

I am sure there are more that I have already forgotten... and I am sure there will be many more blog-able moments this summer... stay tuned... stay patient (yes, you too Jason) and I will fill you in on the adventures.

2009-05-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

My favorite....

from Beth!

She rocks!

Photoshop Elements #1 & #2

2009-04-29T21:17:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU BETH!

This one is going to be framed! Grace was so tickled to see herself...Taryn wanted to know why she didn't have a 'fancy' picture. I may be digging out the old digital files to see if I (read:Beth) can work magic on any of Taryn's pictures from three years ago. (That may require a miracle...who knows where those are safely stored!)

I actually surprised myself and was able to 'cut-out' Grace and do a few layers myself. This is what I came up with ... fun times!

Sunday Sacrament...

2009-04-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Grace received her First Communion this weekend. She has been learning and practicing and asking questions and waiting for this day. Being that I am such a sentimental sap, I was tickled pink when I discovered that she would fit into the same dress that Taryn wore for her First Communion three years ago. I ordered Grace a flower halo to wear, just like Taryn wore. I took too many pictures, just like I did of Taryn.

Grace is usually not the most patient girlie when I have my camera out. If I am letting her make faces she will tolerate about 4 shots. Sunday I took more than 100. Relax, I'm not going to make you look at all of them. -I have even deleted some of them already. I think I have narrowed it down to 70 or so.

I e-mailed Beth, (my bloggy friend that Marc swears I don't know just because I have never met her in real life - HA, what does he know) and asked her to do some of her Photoshop Element magic with some of the pictures. I can't wait to see what she surprises me with. (No pressure, right?)

Here are just a few of my favorites. Rest assured...more will follow, eventually...

Mixed Bag...

2009-04-19T20:20:00.001-07:00

This week was a mixed bag for me. It is really hard for me to wrap my brain around everything. A list is about all I can do for now.

+beautiful flowers
-terrible allergies...

-sweaters, clouds, wind to bring in the week
+sun, sunscreen, flip-flops to close the week

+Tractor Bob (our wonderful neighbor) tilled a huge garden for me
-rocks, rocks, and more rocks are taunting me from where seeds should be

+An $8,000 grant was awarded to a team of teachers at our school to purchase Promethean Boards for next year. Yeah!
-I realized I was $100 short of grant money to pay for the District Art Show that I will be setting up tomorrow. Oops.

-Saturday morning we got the news that Walt Johnson had passed away. No matter how prepared you think you are...grief takes hold and won't let go.
+Prayers were answered to end the 2 year courageous battle. Our faith helps comfort us in knowing that this faithful man is rejoicing with Our Savior.

+My dad had to check on cattle that he has at a feedlot in Boardman, so we got a wonderful two-day visit. He even went and spoke at both first grades at Washington about raising cattle. Reagan proudly introduced her Grandpa as Uncle Jason. (You didn't know I came from one of 'those' family trees did you?)
-My mom didn't make the trip because she is in Portland watching my niece and nephew while my sister is in Boston to run the marathon tomorrow. Run hard Jilly! I am proud of you.

+About 6 hours after my dad left, Marc's parents rolled in from Eastern Montana. Marc, his dad, and Tractor Bob dug post holes for our fence. Vera (mostly) and I whipped out another 'Recess' quilt. Many hands make for light work!
-24 short hours later they loaded up to head to Yakima to see Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa. The trip was too short, but we made the most of every minute.

The week ahead looks like another busy-mixed-bag sort of week. The weather is all over the charts, my allergies will be too. I will delight in hanging all the incredible art for the 5th Annual Pendleton School District Art Show on Monday and then tear down on Thursday in time to help set up for the memorial service for our dear friend.

May comfort and peace shake the grip that grief holds on us...
May friends and family know how to reach out and ease those hurting...
May the words come to help me explain to my girls that death is a time to rejoice and not fear, even though we feel such sadness and loss.
May we all cherish in love and life the gifts we have been given.

47 days...

2009-04-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Lent: 47 days of:

no Facebook

no Blogging...or blog surfing

no Diet Coke

no coffee
(almost) no Chocolate*

*Does accidental ingestion count? I mean, I didn't accidentally eat the chocolate donut gems, but I just did it without thinking. As far as I can tell, it was my only slip.

While I was 'out' I kept myself plenty busy. I wasn't sure what would be the worst of my sacrifices. The computer withdrawal was pretty tough, but I think it helped me the most. The Diet Coke was only really bad one time...that was at the movie theater. Gatorade simply does not wash down movie theater popcorn adequately. The chocolate was bad! No coffee was the worst! I really missed my morning cup of java. I think it is just so routine in the way I start the day. It is also impossible to isolate yourself from the tempting 'fresh coffee smell' in the staff room. Tea just didn't quite cut it.

Here is a quick recap of events around here:

Baby bummer lambs - two - Flower & Rose - adopted from people who quickly realized that the 'cute' takes a lot of work. Luckily, by the time we got them they were only needing 2-3 bottles a day...and they are now completely weaned.

Puppies - two - You saw Griz as a little ball of fur...he now looks HUGE compared to our new addition 'Basil'. They are only 2 months apart in age, but right now Griz looks enormous next to her. We think Griz is 1/2 poodle & 1/2 terrier. Basil is 1/2 Shih Tzu & 1/2 Schnauzer. We love them LOTS.

4H Lambs -two - Buck (who jumps very high) & Storm (who escaped his pen one very windy afternoon) are growing and thriving.

Sewing - lots -

4H outfits:

Reagan: Olivia PJ bottoms & T-Shirt

Grace: Marco Polo Monkey swim pants & T-Shirt

Taryn: Flower tank top & demin capri's

Anne: Bird quilt as a house warming gift for the Nelson's

Phew... there was more... but I'm getting sleepy. Did I mention that by stepping away from the computer that I got at least one or two extra hours of sleep each night?

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Well, almost. I will post a 'While I was out' soon. I can't wait to 'catch up' with the blog world. I am also excited to tell you exactly what I was able to accomplish while I was logged out. It was a lot.

See you later...

2009-02-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

written by: Bruce Tomaso

Today is Fat Tuesday.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent the 40-day period of sacrifice and reflection observed by many Christians (especially, but not exclusively, Catholics) as a way to prepare for the Easter celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Traditionally in the Catholic Church, Lent was a time of fasting -- defined as abstaining from meat and limiting oneself to one full meal a day, usually around noon. The Lenten fast is intended to recall Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert before he began his public ministry.
Pope Benedict XVI, in his Lenten message this year, called for a renewed commitment to fasting, saying the practice "is a great help to avoid sin," a way to combat "disordered attachment to ourselves" and a daily reminder that many around the world live in poverty and hunger.

The tradition of fasting led, in modern times, to a broader (if less rigorous) notion of "giving something up" for Lent -- if not food, then at least ice cream; if not meat, then at least pepperoni pizza.

And the season is not just about sacrifice -- it's also a time of prayer and reflection, of learning and discernment. So in addition to "giving something up," people often commit to doing something positive -- to praying every day, or attending Mass daily, or treating everyone with kindness and patience.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a cradle catholic I have been observing the Lenten season for my entire life. When I was really young I mostly remember 'Fish Fridays.' Growing up on a cattle ranch it was a rare exception when beef wasn't for dinner so fish sticks were pretty exciting.

As I entered Jr. High and High School I would routinely practice giving up something for Lent. Some years I did better than others with the sacrifice. This practice has continued on though my adult life.

My two youngest girls are at the age where 'Fish Friday' is about all they 'get'. They talk a big game when it comes to giving up things, but the flesh is weak. My oldest has made a list this year of sacrifices she is going to make during Lent. It was suggested to her by her CCD teacher that it is easier to be committed to a sacrifice if you write it down.

Some people suggest that it isn't as meaningful if you tell people what you are going to sacrifice for Lent. I'm guessing they believe that if you are whining or bragging about it, then the sacrifice is somehow less. I don't completely disagree. I do like the idea of writing down the sacrifice.

For me...it is easier to stay committed if I know others know and are keeping a mindful eye on me. I wish I was the type that felt strong enough to go cold turkey on all the really unimportant things in life that I value so much. But, the flesh is weak.

So this year, rather that do one really big ~ grand ~ cold-turkey approach, I have decided on three sacrifices:

#1. Coffee & Cola. A kinder and more gentle approach to the 'no-caffeine' approach I have taken in the past. I have left caffeinated tea available to jump start me in the mornings or an ice tea in the afternoon if it looks like it's going to be a long night.

#2. Chocolate. A kinder and more gentle approach to the 'no-sweets' approach that I have NEVER been able to accomplish. But those who know me well will recognize that my most craved and preferred sweet in the world is chocolate. This eliminates brownies, candy bars, and the 4 boxes of girl scout cookies that were delivered this week. This leaves me with Hot Tamales, gum, pop corn, and some other treats that will get me through but won't 'hit-the-spot'.

#3 Social networking. A kinder and more gentle approach to the 'no-technology' approach, similar to the 'no tv' approach that many sacrifice during Lent. What this means is...no facebook...no blog posting...no blog reading...no generic-mindless-web surfing. This leaves me with recipes, research, e-mail and work related computer use.

I know that each time I am craving my coffee or chocolate or facebook, that I will be reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made. I will be more reflective on what I am able to do when I am not 'doing' the computer. I am guessing that the 'need' for these will grow smaller over the days... I am guessing I will be anxious to 'get-back' the things I have decided to let go of, for this Lent season.

I will miss these 'things' in my life, but I hope that they will be replaced with Faith - Hope -Peace - Love - & - Blessings.

Go Griz...

2009-02-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Marc brought home

a little boy

{♥} bundle of joy {♥}

for Valentine's Day!

He is a 2-1/2 month old 1/2 poodle...1/2 ??? Mutt dog?

His coloring looks a bit like an Austrailian Shephard.

We love him already.

Will we love him still after ...

accidents...
chewed up toys...
crying in his crate...

I'm sure we will!

Fun Times

2009-02-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

It was a fun time in Portland celebrating my sister turning 40 with 60+ of her closest friends.

I enjoyed all the 'me' time I had too.

A quiet drive to Portland

Listening to the songs I like on the radio

Hitting Costco and buying a new little camera

Spending the night at the Gray Inn (A wonderful bed & breakfast.)

Shopping - Shopping - Shopping

Found a cute card for Jill's Birthday

Got really lucky with a present too

Met lots of fun people who all adore my sister

Stayed up until 2 am....yawn!

Slept in until 9 am

Drove to IKEA

Ate lunch with my good friend Amie & her daughter at Red Robin

Drove home again

Went to bed - early!

A great weekend.

You can't stop it now...

2009-02-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

My OLDER sister is turning 40 - soon. Her big bash is this weekend...here is a little something I made tonight. We might use it on the poster picture boards.

To those who know/care.... it was 23 layers. YIKES. It may be too much...but I was pretty proud that I had that many layers. I don't know that I'd be able to duplicate it...but it was fun.

Crap...just noticed that I am missing a flower in the upper corner. I'll fix that later.

Last Year's Resolution...

2009-02-01T21:41:00.001-08:00

In 2008 I set a plan to complete one sewing project a month. First I thought I could handle taking a class once a month and getting a quilt out of each class. Then I decided maybe table runners and wall hangings could count. Finally I decided any sewing & project completion was good - no great...but only if there was no pressure.

*~*~*~*~*~*

In 2009 I didn't set a goal.
I had big plans for a word/motto for the year.
That didn't happen either.

I did however take a quilt class this weekend. And best of all...I got the entire top done in one day. I have an appointment to quilt in during spring break. Yeah for me.

I worked with one wonderful fabric that isn't in my typical blue and green favorites.

Maybe it was the '70's party that inspired me to chose this fabric.

The pattern is called Recess...and I tell you...it felt like recess all day as I made it.

It is tough to really capture the quilt in a photo, especially without the quilting done yet...

but here it is BQ (before quilting).

By the way...I am keeping this quilt for me.

I haven't ever made a quilt just for me before.

That '70's Night...

2009-02-01T21:12:00.000-08:00

We have had the pleasure of attending a 'Trivia Night' get-together hosted by friends of ours for the past three years. It is always a night full of laughter and useless knowledge.

This year there was a twist. Everyone was asked to come decked out in 70's themed costumes.

It was fun searching the Internet for trends and digging through clothes at the senior center and Salvation Army to find the 'just right outfits.'

There were 20+ people there and every costume was outstanding. Here we are in 'Retro B&W':

Big Hair & Ponytails & Feathers

Fake eyelashes

Flower power

Polyester

Blue eyeshadow

Plaid

Bell bottoms

Great FUN...

Here we are again! This time in full color!

Groovy!

Peace & Love!!!

Ugh...

2009-01-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned that I do not like it when I am trying something new and I am not as good as I would like ...

I realize that I should not expect to be able to do things automatically...but that doesn't change that I would like to ...

Here is my second Photoshop Show & Tell. I like it better than the first ... but it took a L-O-N-G time and it still screams ROOKIE.

I'll get it ... eventually.

Happy Birthday Ms. Reagan

2009-01-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

My 'baby' turned seven today and we partied like a rock star.

Hannah Montana to be specific, as if there was any doubt.

We had a Hannah Montana hair-do.

Hannah Montana BFFs.

Hannah Montana goodie bags.

Hannah Montana purple cupcakes.

Hannah Montana gifts galore...

And....

Drum roll please....

ask your children to leave the room now, please...

We had 'explicit' Hannah Montana fruit snacks!

What...

I know...

Yes, they are supposed to be 'guitars' and 'microphones'

But....hmmm...something else crossed my mind...

Gutter...my mind's second residence apparently...

again...my apologies.

Thank goodness my girls are not residing in the gutter with me.

They loved the guitars and microphones.

Show & Tell #1

2009-01-19T00:03:00.000-08:00

I was maybe trying to kid myself in my earlier post...

I learned some new tricks on my Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 program that I got for Christmas. I eluded to the fact that I wouldn't have much time to figure anything out any time soon. But hey, sleep is overrated right? It is going to be a Starbucks day for me tomorrow that is for sure.

Here is my first show and tell APE project. I know...my floating head is kinda scary, but I really wanted to play with some of the cool tools that I learned tonight, lest I might forget about them before sunrise tomorrow.

Now I can go to bed. I am looking forward to many more late nights playing with my new program. Without further ado...

Show and Tell #1

Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 - 101

2009-01-18T22:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a wonderful team of friends...Stacy, Ronda, & Lindsay...and other newbies. I muddled through my first go at one of my Christmas presents. I bought the photo editing software thinking I would definitely love it ( I will) and would totally be able to figure it out in a matter of hours (I won't).

It will be fun. It will be hard.

I don't know when I will have anything to 'show & tell' but if you look real close at my banner right now, you may (or may not) notice that I got rid of the tiny little border that was too small for my picture...and I did it in the Edit Html page, which makes me feel pretty smart (even though I'm not really) so as far as I'm concerned...APE 7- 101 was a very successful night.

My Squirrels

2009-01-03T22:27:00.000-08:00

Squirrels, squirrels and now MORE squirrels... If you aren't caught up on my previous opinions on squirrels you can go back and catch up.

Today's opinion of squirrels is much higher than in previous posts.

I love my birds and I love watching them out my window. Last year the bird feeder was always empty and I realized that it was being emptied by the squirrels. When I moved my feeder I came up with a way to keep the squirrels out...or so I thought.

Today one daring squirrel was successful in snacking on the bird seeds. I, unfortunately, was not successful in capturing that exact moment, but some of these give you an idea of his approach.

I wasn't the only one enjoying the squirrels this morning.

Christmas Sleepovers

2009-01-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

Athena had a wonderful idea for Christmas this year. We have exchanged gifts for the past five years. We have done movies for the family, craft activities, games, etc. We have never wanted it to cost a lot, but know how the girls enjoy 'gifting' to their friends. This year, Athena's idea was to give a gift of time to the girls. The idea of a Spa Sleepover at Nelson's (home of a wonderful - huge - whirlpool tub) and a Cooking/Craft Sleepover at the Sokoloski's.

Last night was the Sokoloski home sleepover. It was a wonderful huge success and hopefully a new tradition has begun.

I must admit that I really felt like I 'cheated' on the girls. They were having so much fun downstairs in the newly remodeled playroom, I almost forgot about the cooking obligation.

Divide and conquer was my plan of attack.

I invited Kylee and Grace up for round one. It wasn't exactly baking...

They did the entire tray by themselves. Not without complaints however,

Grace said, "Mom, this is a pain in the neck job."

Kylee responded with, "Yeah, it's giving us a headache."

Next was Kyndra's turn.

I really, really, really know I was cheating here... but it was almost 8:30 before we even got started.... excuses, excuses.

I let her do as much as was safely possible.

I KNOW THIS ISN'T BAKING. :-)

She felt proud and enjoyed herself anyway.

Next came bed time, there were no tears to be had, which is always a bit of a surprise to me. Both girls have had sleepovers before, but I always hold my breath a little when the time comes.

I promised all the girls pancakes in the morning. I did not cheat on this part. I made the sourdough batter the night before. Grace, aka, my alarm clock, woke me up at precisely 6 am.

When I was making breakfast Kyndra and Reagan were playing with a bracelet they had found.

Kyndra asked Reagan, "Is this bracelet a locket?"

To which Reagan replied, "Yes, it is where I will lock up my mom and dad so I won't miss them."

I love these girls...all five of them.

Photos from Home

2009-01-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

I still get stuck when people ask me where I'm from...do they mean, "Where do you come from?" or "Where is home now?" I use home in both manners.

"I'm going home the day after Christmas." aka - Klamath Falls or

"I'm staying home until the day after Christmas." aka - Pendleton

Here are just a few shots from home at Christmas. (Klamath Falls)

I call these first two,

"Three men and a remote."

These are the men in my life!

This is what 'home' looks like in the winter around Chapman Ranch.

I love home...both of them.

The Laundry System

2008-12-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

I love a system.

I love routine.

I love order.

I do not always create successful systems.

I do not always follow through on systems.

But I love them anyway.

Here is a view of our new laundry room. Marc 'custom built' this nook, it may be my favorite little cubby system ever.

We each have a space...We each have a basket.

Marc has had the laundry room operational since September.

I created the laundry system recently...and today I got to see it in action.

In theory...the clothes get washed, they get folded, they get put into the correct cubby.

The kid grabs a basket.

The kid takes clean clothes up to room.

The kid puts away the clean clothes.

Then ...

the basket comes back down to the laundry room.

Wish me luck with this laundry system. I am optimistic.

She's packing heat!

2008-12-25T22:59:00.000-08:00

Grace got a bb gun for Christmas. She and Marc are excited for the weather to warm up so they can spend more time in the back field hunting soda cans.

Digital Christmas Timeline...

2008-12-25T21:35:00.000-08:00

These are the digital images of past Christmas photo's. I have all the others too...but that would require me to dig through large boxes of unorganized photos...and well, that isn't going to happen.

I'm not sure how the time has gone by so quickly...

I remember each of these as if they where taken moments ago.

Now...what kind of mother would allow her two youngest children to drink Kool-Aid before their annual Christmas tree photo? Hmmm... anyone?

Christmas Letter 2008

2008-12-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

2008 To-Do List

Marc

Finish bathroom & laundry room remodel
Buy cool tools to use while remodeling
Finish basement remodel - Nope
Coach freshman football to an undefeated season
Organize a family vacation to Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse
Enjoy being in the 30's ... 40 is on the way in '09

Anne

Chauffeur kids to swimming, dance, 4H meetings, gymnastics...
Be a 4H leader for a sewing club
Become addicted to the Twilight series
Go to Pasadena to see the OSU Beavers play in the Rose Bowl - Nope
Continue to blog at http://www.apennythought.blogspot.com/
Get braces so you can look young at 20 year reunion

Taryn

Run Cross Country
Give a speech at 5th Grade DARE graduation
Sell a 4H lamb without crying - Nope
Win 2 Reserve Champion ribbons at fair in sewing and cooking
Begin 749 different new collections
Win 3+ local art competitions

Grace

Start second grade
Win a Reserve Champion ribbon at fair in sewing
Show a lamb as a Jr. Showman
Enjoy a surprise 8th birthday party
Help mom cook dinner weekly
Sleep in at least one day this year - Nope

Reagan

Go to Disneyland with Mom
Start first grade
Lose some teeth
Try to go a day w/o falling & getting hurt - Nope
Find your niche as a dancer in Jr. Jam
March to your own drum.

We may not have completed our 2008 list, but we had a great year and are looking forward to many blessings in 2009!

Icicles

2008-12-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

Icicles

I love them.

They are beautiful.

They scare me, too.

A Gingerbread House

2008-12-21T12:20:00.001-08:00

Grace has a way of touching people. She never forgets a face.

One special friend is 'Grandma Julie' from our church.

She is a retired Special Education teacher.

She has never been Grace's teacher, but she has always loved Grace.

A few years back she started a special tradition with Grace.

Grandma Julie bakes homemade Gingerbread Houses and invites Grace over to decorate.

She has a great time and consumes WAY to MUCH sugar,

but I am so pleased that Grace has her own special friends and traditions.

Some things in life won't ever be easy for this girl of mine,

but touching people will always be her gift I am sure.

A touch of Christmas

2008-12-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

We are going with a 'less-is-more' approach this Christmas. In keeping with that theme, there are less decorations out, fewer ornaments on the tree and a downsizing of gifts under the tree.

I remember there were some tough times when I was young, I also remember the years when there were stacks of presents surrounding me. The greatest of my memories though are of being with my family. Those are memories I want to be creating for my girls. The presents they will forget, the time spent together, the laughter, the games, the creating...those are the memories that I want to last.

Here is a touch of our home:

Fisher Price Nativity on my first table runner.

This Nativity set has allowed my breakable sets to stay safe. The girls can move this around all they want...it is one of their favorite things to come out of the Christmas boxes.

The table runner is ok. I am more critical of my work than anyone else would be. It is definitely nice enough to go on MY table but it wasn't 'gift worthy.' It was the first of six that needed to be sewn...each of them, one of a kind. Each of them a bit better than the one before.

This is a close up of my Christmas tree. The bird house was a birthday gift from my parents a few years ago. It is my answer to the question: "How do you fill a large hole in your tree?"

I stuck with my simple homemade or nature-like ornaments. Now I am looking for some small little decorative birds to sit on the branches. If the girls and I get another snow day, I'd like to make some bird seed ornaments too.

Santa's Key

When we moved to this house there was no fireplace. It was essential that we get a magic key so that Santa could get in to fill our stockings.

The green chair was my Grandma's chair. I can't bear to get it refinished because it was hers, and I don't want to change how it looks. The springs are broken and the underside sheds when you sit down on it...but I love it just the same. The can is also from back home. I found it in one of the old machine sheds. Grace made the candle decoration on top in her 4-H Wildlife Stewards club. She was so proud to bring it home. The Santa came from St. Mary's bazaar. I try to get a new Santa each year. There weren't any this year that grabbed my attention.

* * *

Even though I didn't put out all my ornaments and decorations this year, I looked at each and every one of them. I love that I have ornaments my girls have made, ones from my past students, some from friends new and old, or from places we have visited. I don't know that I could choose a favorite, but together they are a sampling of many happy memories.

The Countdown Begins

2008-11-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Usually paper.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real, and we hunt it ourselves.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the first weekend in December.

4. When do you take the tree down? Depends, but always before January 1.

5. Do you like eggnog? Not much.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember getting a bike...

7. Hardest person to buy for? My parents.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Myself...just kidding. (kinda) The kids are easy too.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? About 3 or 4

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Chocolate Covered Cherries. They ruin perfectly good chocolate.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Polar Express

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually in the summer.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge.

16. Lights on the tree? The more the better.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night...

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? (As soon as I find them.) The 'official' family opening is on the Eve.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Commercials to convince my kids they need more...more...more.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have a Santa collection that I treasure.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Toys.

25. What do you leave for Santa? Cookies, fudge, milk and carrots for the reindeer.

CIVIL WAR = SADNESS!!!!!

2008-11-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

It's O-V-E-R. There were some highlights of the day:

Good Food - Great Friends - and massages!

Posted earlier in the day when I still had hopes of a Rose Bowl bid:

Civil War - Oregon State University vs University of Oregon

It has been said the win gives you the right to live in the state! Well, win or lose, I will still fly my colors tomorrow. I bleed black and orange!

Here are a few interesting notes from The Oregonian.

Trivial Pursuit

Civil War edition
by Rachel Bachman, The Oregonian

Total football revenue (2007)

UO: $24,493,155

OSU: $31,867,028

Percent increase in revenues since 2003

UO: 36 percent

OSU: 55 percent

Winning percentage, 2004-08 :

UO:65 percent (39-21)

OSU: 64 percent (39-22)

Winning percentage in August and September

UO: 76 percent (16-5)

OSU: 43 percent (9-12)

Winning percentage in November and December

UO: 40 percent (8-12)

OSU: 77 percent (17-5)

Head or assistant football coaches with mustaches

(not including goatees or superstitious scruff)

UO: 4

OSU: 1

Most popular beer

UO: Total Domination IPA by Ninkasi Brewing (at Rennie's)

OSU: Coors Light (at Clodfelter's)

Top-selling magazine at school bookstore

UO: Cosmopolitan

OSU: Cosmopolitan

Priciest single-game ticket

UO: $66 (vs. Washington)

OSU: $75 (vs. USC, Oregon*)

*fans required to buy three-game pack for $120 to get a Civil War ticket.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education Equity in Athletics Data Analysis 2007-08, UO and OSU media relations, Oregon State Police, Eugene Police Department, Rennie's, Clodfelter's, UO and OSU Web sites, UO and OSU archives, UO and OSU media guides, UO and OSU bookstores, OSU Alumni Association. -- Rachel Bachman

OOOOOOOOOO-SSSSSSSSSS-UUUUUUUUUU

Oregon State, Fight-Fight-Fight!

Guilty Pleasure...

2008-11-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am not usually interested in fantasy novels.

I am not usually interested in vampires.

I do not usually act like a giddy 13-year old when I am at the movies.

Except for Friday night.

If you are a Twilight fan, I don't need to explain.

If you aren't a Twilight fan (yet), I dare you to read two chapters and put it down.

Just know...

I love Twilight.

I love Bella & Edward.

I loved my movie & I can't wait for the next one to be released.

I don't remember being this silly about a movie since Top Gun.

Thanks Dad!

2008-11-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

One weekend a month.

Two weeks each summer.

38 days a year.

It doesn't seem like much, really.

Back then, I didn't think about it. It was just what you did.
Back then, military personnel were not being called to active duty.
Back then, I didn't worry about war or deployment.
Back then, I didn't think about what your service meant.
Back then, I didn't worry about what you had to do when you were in Vietnam.
Back then, I was proud anyway.

Today, I am thankful. You signed up, you fought and you continued to serve.
Today, you would go again, if you were called.
Today, I support our military and our President.
Today, I explain to my children what you and others have fought to protect.
Today, I feel sorrow for families who have lost loved ones.
Today, I pray for peace in the hearts of soldiers for personal battles they may face.
Today, I am more proud than ever.

I feel like I have an understanding of service. I understand even though I have never been part of the military. I understand because you taught me, not only with your words but with your actions.

Dad, thank you for serving. I am proud!

Kung Fu Reagan

2008-11-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Reagan went to a birthday party this weekend.

Part one of the party was watching Kung Fu Panda.

Looks like she's found some new moves!

I'm wondering who would get hurt more...herself or the other person.

(Gym located @ Nelson's Nest!)

Oops...Priceless?

2008-11-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of taking my girls and three borrowed girls to the movie this afternoon. With the November rains settling in, a movie date was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

I arrived at the movie early with 4 of the girls, the other 2 arrived within minutes. The moms and I visited briefly. When the high school boy unlocked the theater doors all six girls bailed out of the van quickly and ran inside. I said goodbye to the moms, rolled up the windows and headed inside. (Re-read this paragraph...it is important later.)

We lined up for the tickets...$38.00
We lined up for the popcorn...$11.00 *I bought 2 XL's and split them into Ziploc baggies-I am that smart-Re-read this bullet too.
I bought 7 sodas...$18.00
We found our seats.

Grace and her friend chose front row seats.

Taryn and her friend chose back row seats.

Reagan, her friend and I settled into the middle.

About an hour into High School Musical 3, the high school theater employee was walking toward me. Hmm....the girls didn't seem to be causing any trouble. Hmm...did he see the jellybeans I snuck into the theater. Hmm...no that wasn't it.

"Ma'am, did you drive the van here?"

"Uh, yes."

"You left your car running."

At this point, I wish it was about the smuggled jelly beans. I wanted to die. You should have seen the look on all three high school workers as I snuck out of the theater, found my car - unlocked and running, right where I left it. Hmm... Priceless?

Additional thoughts to ponder on this occasion:

No wonder I only have 3 children. I'm not responsible enough for more.
Thank goodness I married a Pollock as this type of behavior is expected.
I live in a small town - so when I have these 'moments' my car is right where I left it.

and finally

It may not be my 'natural' hair color anymore...but it's pretty obvious I am a true blonde.

Pumpkins & Swimming?

2008-10-28T21:31:00.001-07:00

Who knew a Tuesday swim lesson could be so much fun? We have a new coach for swimming this year. Most swim nights are routine.

They get their suits on.
They eat dinner.
We load up.
They swim.
They shower.
They cry as I brush their hair... etc....

Tonight was different. Tonight Coach Susie brought pumpkins to the pool. The big kids were first. They threw their pumpkins in the pool and had to race with their pumpkins down and back. The little fishies were sooooooo excited to watch the big kids swim with their pumpkins.

Next the little fishies got to get back into the pool with their pumpkins. Squeals of delight echoed when they realized the pumpkins would float. They would have stayed in the pool all night but the time ran out.

Coach Susie then passed out glow sticks and Halloween necklaces.

Coach Susie rocked swimming tonight!!! And thanks to Liz for taking a picture for me!!!

One Liner Wednesday

2008-10-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

This nest made from tarp was found when a friend was cutting down a locust tree in Hermiston. (Wordless Wednesday just doesn't work for me.)

They're back...

2008-10-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

My thieves are back.

No not the ones that stole our stuff from our garage and barn. No I'm talking about the Squirrels. They are now leaving the birds alone. They don't need to steal bird seed when they have delightful little pumpkins to snack on. The little pests leave quite a mess. I'm not loving the squirrels right now.

Farewell...and...Welcome

2008-10-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was a bit tough on me. It was the weekend I had to deliver Jake, my dog, to his new foster home.

I grew up on a farm with lots of animals. The cows were our bread and butter. With the exception of a few bummers that we bottle fed, they never achieved pet status. One calf that we bottle fed eventually ended up on our table. My sister, brother and I weren't happy about it, but I'm pretty sure we only really complained if we weren't very hungry that night, or if mom was serving something we hated, like stuffed bell peppers.

Cats were infrequent 'guests' at the Chapman Ranch. I don't think dad thought much of cats. They could serve a purpose if they were good mousers but they weren't ever going to be allowed inside and not one dime would EVER be spent on a cat in the way of a vet bill. I learned early that barn cats have a way of slipping quietly away. At the time I am sure I imagined the great adventures they were off on, when in reality, they were only one step up from the bottom of the food chain. Coyotes, owls and fast cars were probably the cause of most disappearances. For that reason, even though I have had a handful of cats in my life, even indoor cats, they haven't really counted for much. After all, they are just cats.

Dogs were a different story. I can't not remember a time in my life when we didn't have two or three dogs. Dogs were not allowed into the house either, however, dogs were definitely a more important species to my dad. Though infrequent, there were occasional vet bills incurred for the dogs. My favorite dogs growing up were Hilde our German Shepherd and Hippie the English Sheep Dog my Grandpa got from the pound. Dad's dog of choice was usually a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd.

Once we moved to our new house with acreage I decided I had lived long enough without a dog. It was time to add a four legged friend to our household. I began looking on-line at rescue shelters. We took a few trips to the Walla Walla and Hermiston animal shelter, looking for dogs. I figured that rescuing a dog would keep a dog from being put down, and it would be a good way to avoid typical puppy problems. I did not pick out the first dog I saw in the kennels. I think it was the 2nd or 3rd time we had looked at dogs...and I didn't even take Jake home the first time I saw him...but I knew I wanted to.

I came home and called Athena. "What do you think about a Weimaraner?" I wanted to know. Athena grew up with dogs too and spent time in college working in a vet clinic. I needed her input before I did anything crazy. I also did searches on-line about the breed. It seems silly to me now, because I had already made up my mind. Jake was going to be my dog.

We brought him home three days later.

Our honeymoon period lasted quite awhile. Jake had kennel cough pretty bad, and was very skinny. We fixed him up in no time. Jake was crate trained and never had accidents in the house. Jake only ate one sandal, one time. Jake loved to go for walks. Jake loved to chase a tennis ball. Jake got along with other dogs (except for one-one time). Jake was good and he was clearly mine.

Summer came and so did vacation time. Athena volunteered to keep an eye on Jake while we traveled to Montana. The day we arrived home...the honeymoon was over. Jake had missed us. He missed us so much in fact, to let us know he promptly brought us Cougar, our pet cat, dead in his mouth. I remember pulling into the driveway and seeing Cougar on the front porch. I actually thought to myself, 'You're not going to want to hang out there very long. Jake is going to be wound up about us being home.' Little did I realize what was about to happen.

The girls were pretty sad, and so was I, but remember...I had been conditioned...Cougar was, after all, just a cat. He was a cat that had snuck pretty near to 'pet' status in my book. Cougar was going to be missed. We reprimanded Jake. But as with any good parent, I forgave him quickly and found all sorts of excuses to justify his terrible choice.

Then 4H season rolled around. Not only was the honeymoon over...but D-I-V-O-R-C-E was looming on the horizon. When Jake and Minnie (the lambs) moved to the pen next to Jake, he wasn't impressed. He would bark at them through the fence...and nibble (ok, bite off) the tips of their ears if he had the chance. This wasn't looking so good.

One day when Taryn and I returned from a field day with the lambs, Jake got out of the house while we were unloading the sheep. He took off like a shot...straight towards Taryn and Max. Taryn screamed, dropped the halter and the race was on. Marc caught them pretty quickly, and drug Jake off to his crate. I took charge of catching Max. Thankfully we hadn't sheared Max yet so Jake didn't do any damage to him. Not for lack of trying, but he couldn't bite through all the wool on his next to get to his throat. Tragedy, avoided. Well, with the sheep anyway.

I realized then, that Jake wasn't going to live happily-ever-after with us. It broke my heart, but I contacted the Oregon Weimaraner Rescue organization, and asked for them to list him for adoption off their site.

Months came and went with no interest in Jake. Two more cat were caught...there was only one fatality. Then came the bunny incident. The one where Jake leaves the yard to try and find the wild bunnies in the bushes across the street. Yeah, then when he finally gives up and decides to head home he runs smack into the tire of a passing pick up - on a Sunday afternoon. And, being that he tore his face up terribly, but has NO LIFE THREATENING injuries, I agree to pay a $600 vet bill for the gravel to be removed from his chin and 30+ stitches to be sewn shut rather than the $50 bill for euthanasia. UGH. Only to be followed with the previously posted SKUNK run-in.

Yes, it was time to say farewell to my dog Jake. He was a good dog - if you didn't mind dead cats - sheep with no ears - very large vet bills - and skunk scented everything - yep he was about perfect. I really will miss him. I hope his next family is able to keep him forever, scratch his belly and throw lots of tennis balls.

I have said that I would NEVER own a 'drop-kick' dog. You know the type...any dog that weighs less than 30 pounds. One that curls up on your lap. One that you can pick up and carry if you need to. One that doesn't scare anyone. Yeah, one of those dogs. Never say never...I haven't decided on a breed yet...but I'm pretty sure that is the type of puppy we will get this spring. Wish us luck.

In the meantime I'd like to introduce you to our newest family members:

Mickey Mouser

Minnie Mouser

I kinda like them. I hope they stick around awhile.

Runners to your mark

2008-10-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Get Set...Go! Taryn ran her last cross country race for the season. Sunridge Middle School allows any interested fifth graders to join their team. Taryn was given the opportunity to not only practice, but to compete with the SMS team this year.

During the first week of practice the weather was very warm. On a number of days I would arrive to pick her up from practice and I would see her strolling back to the school, arriving at the tail end of their practice. The funny thing though, was that I never saw her running. I would honk and encourage her to kick it into gear. She suggested if I thought I could do better, that she'd love to see it. (She had me there, so I didn't push too hard.)

When her first meet of the season came around, she was bit by the competition bug. Her coach challenged her to run an entire race and as an incentive she could have homemade ice cream. (Made by mom, how convenient for the coach.) She ran the entire way, I made the ice cream, and she never walked any part of her workouts or races from that point on.

At her last meet of the season she ran a personal best. There was a down side to that race - bugs. Tiny, nasty, little blue bugs. They were everywhere. The runners kept on going, right through them. They are dedicated. I couldn't wait to get home. I ended up with lots of little dead bugs all over my white shirt. I couldn't just let them be. I tried to brush them off. It didn't work. Did I mention the bugs were nasty.

Reagan Rules...

2008-10-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

Reagan lives in Reagan World. It is a very happy place, because you see, she is the Princess of Reagan World. In Reagan World, you live by Reagan Rules. If you don't like the rules of Reagan World, you are free to leave at anytime. Reagan is happy to have guests visit her in her land. She loves to play and have fun, as long as you are abiding by the laws of the land. You may or may not know the rules of Reagan Land. If you break a rule, you will be quickly forgiven. If Reagan breaks one of her rules, she does what every royal ruler does...she changes the rule.

Reagan's World is like a bubble that follows her where ever she is. Even in first grade art class.

It was a lesson in lines. Students were directed to draw specific lines. How big, what color, and where they were drawn were up to the student. At the end of the lesson, students were given the opportunity to add any details they wish. Here is a sampling of the art.

Student A:

Student B:

Student C:

Student R:

Reagan Rules.

If I had a manual life wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

LOL

2008-10-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a mind that never forgot things like jokes or silly songs, or heck, even my own name on some days. Unfortunately, I know there are many-many funnies that have been lost forever.

I am adding a new label to my blog - LOL - so I can start documenting some funny things that I know I will forget otherwise.

As I was typing this very post Athena called and said, 'Nice Comment' on Lindsay's blog. You wrote, "I tickled me." OBVIOUSLY, it was SUPPOSED to read IT TICKLED ME. Oops. I was meaning to write funny things about OTHER people in this post, but it made Athena giggle and I thought I'd better address the typo before people started asking questions....oh well. LOL!

Funny #1: Grace told me this morning that her teacher was not going to be at school today. "I'm going to have a substitute. You know, the one that passed away."

I was confused. I asked if Mrs. Fry had to go to a funeral for someone that passed away...thinking that Grace was confused. Nope.

"No mom, our substitute is the one that passed away. You know, the one that worked there last year, she passed away, SHE is our substitute."

The light bulb went on. "Mrs. Storey?"

"Yeah!"

"Grace honey, Mrs. Storey RETIRED, she didn't pass away."

"Oh, yeah."

I told Mrs. Storey today that she looked pretty good for someone who passed away last year. :-)

Funny #2: This is an old funny story, but I'm sure someday it will fade from my memory too...so I'm writing it down.

It was my first year teaching. I had 18 second graders. We did a lot of carpet time. My mom had bought me a rocking chair for my class room as a graduation present. I would love sitting and reading to the kids because two or three little girls loved to touch my nylons. They would sit by my feet and just pet my feet and legs. I would start drooling and want to take a nap, but I would resist. It was in that very rocking chair that I told my class that I had some exciting news to share. I let them play 20 questions to guess what I might be sharing with them. No one came close so I announced that I was pregnant and would be having a baby at the end of the school year. (One day before the last day of school to be precise.) Some girls giggled. Some immediately wanted to tell me stories about someone they knew who was pregnant or who had babies that they knew. One little red headed girl sat quietly at my feet with her hand in the air. When I called on her, she said, "It's too bad you are pregnant, you were always so cute before." :-) That story may be a keeper, as it has been 8 years and I haven't forgotten her or her sympathetic look of concern yet.

More LOL's to come.

Obsessed

2008-10-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

I know that I have not been very visible in the blog world lately. I have all the usual excuses, a new school year, kids activities, laundry, meetings, etc. I am here tonight to tell you about my most recent excuse. It is how I am obsessed this week.

When I grow up I want to be one of those 'freaks' who has a spot for everything. "Everything has a place, everything in it's place." I want color coordinated containers in my closet. I want my towels folded, just so. I want dust to be a thing of the past. I want a PDA to sync with my laptop. I want my Christmas card list to update itself from my address book. I want - I want - I want.

What I KNOW about me is that I probably won't ever get to the level of 'freak' that I desire. Every now and then I will hit a stroke of good luck and I will pull off something that tickles me pink. It may be as simple as getting everyone to their appointed places on time. Other days it may be teaching an entire day without needing to run to the copy machine for something I've forgotten. Some days if I fold the laundry that has been in the dryer for 3 days it is sheer bliss.

Yesterday I was out of the door by 7 am, headed to get routine blood work to check my thyroid levels. (They were fine.) Then I headed to school. I walked out of school after a meeting at 4:20 pm. I drove through Starbucks on my way to the ESD for a 3 hour technology training. By 7:30 pm you might think that I would run out the door without a second look and collapse into bed to watch some worthless show on TV. But no...

You see...at the Tech meeting I was introduced to my newest favorite tech tool. Forgive me for being slow if you already know of the goodness of iGoogle and Google Calendar. Joe & Stacy & Ronda & Athena helped me get started on a family calendar. When the class ended, I couldn't wait to get home to set up more calendars. I ended up with SEVEN calendars on my Google Calendar. I can see Anne work, Soko Family, Marc, Taryn, Grace, Reagan or Birthday alone, or I can layer the calendars so I can actually count how many places I am supposed to be at one time. I LOVE IT!!!! I am now obsessed with adding activities to my calendar and seeing all the pretty colors pop up. If the monthly view gets too overwhelming I can switch to a week view or a day view.

So friends, please forgive me for the next few weeks. I am realizing part of a dream here. I have a color coordinated calendar for my family. Everyone has a place. Everyone is in their place. I feel like I am in control of the chaos (don't kid yourself...I know I'm not) but I do feel more at peace with this tool in my life.

I will be back...with pictures...and stories...and real life stuff...but for now...I'm hanging with Google!

Are you kidding me?

2008-09-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

What does NOTHING look like?

2008-09-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

It was Friday night when Marc asked me what my plan was for the weekend. I replied, "Nothing!" It seems that the best I can do these days is make a list. Allow me to list what

-nothing-

ended up looking like this weekend.

Friday night:
Enjoyed babysitting the Nelson girls while mom & dad had a date at Hamley's.
Baked a Confetti Cake.
Tucked girls in for bed at 9 pm.
Watched ER from Thursday night. (I love DVR)
Read Blogs.
Tucked myself in at 10 pm.

Saturday:
Cleaned the kitchen.
Balanced check book. (Is it payday yet?)
Torn down oodles of boxed and supervised the burn barrel.
Sorted through my freezer to make meal plans.
Showered.
Went to Vigil Mass.
Ate dinner at La Fiesta.
Printed out Grocery Game shopping list.
Tried to watch Oprah's on DVR. Fell asleep by 9: 30 pm.

Sunday:
Grocery shopping.
Made homemade applesauce.
Walked 5 miles with my walking buddies. (Only 95 to go...)
Went and visited day old puppies. Not cute enough yet to be considered irresistible.
Began setting up the playroom again. Construction in that room is complete.
Made dinner.
Blogged...
-up next-
...watch Amazing Race. (The one reality show I would be tempted to try.)
...set out clothes for this week. Picture day is Friday...yuck!

All in all the weekend was wonderful. Nothing turned out to be just enough. I read the newspapers, I played on the computer, but I still felt like I accomplished a few things.

I'm hoping as the school year routines become more established I can get back to the 'creative' side of my blog. Right now I'm posting to try and remain 'connected' and to keep track of this insane season called 'Back to School'!

DISNEY DELIGHT

2008-09-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

Disney Delights

A List

One Daughter

One Mother

One Grandmother

Two Theme Parks & Four Days

Dozens of Characters

Hundreds of Smiles

Millions in Memories

Disney Learning per Reagan

"It really is the happiest place on earth."

"If it goes up, it's got to go down."

Disney Highlights

Princess luncheon & autographs

Rides-Rides-Rides

Key Lime Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (twice)

Hannah Montana bear from Build-A-Bear

Disney Fireworks

Real Tinkerbell, flying on a zip line, above the castle.

(That little green fleck above the castle is Tinkerbell.)

Heat felt from the fire from our nearby seats.

Disney Downside

I went on this ride...I hadn't seen the sign.

I did quickly notice the barf bags inside the car after the latch was closed.

LISTS

2008-09-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

Lists are the only thing keeping me going these days. I have 'blog' written on a list somewhere. Yet, not on the top of any current list. This is a short post for my favorite stalker...my brother, Jason. He keeps me on task. Thanks to Stacy too, for checking in. I miss you all when you don't post...but I get it. Really, I do get it.

Things I've crossed off my list:

Set up my classroom.

Clean out drawers of summer clothes that don't fit.

Finish one quilt.

Make a budget for this school year.

Photo of kids on the first day of school.

First day of school.

Round Up Twilight Breakfast.

Pack for Disneyland.

Finish book #4 of Twilight Series.

Camping w/Nelson's @ Target Meadow.

Pick Huckleberries.

Make Huckleberry pancakes.

Make Huckleberry muffins.

Freeze Huckleberries.

Things still on my list:

Upload pictures and update blog.

Order pictures. (1,000 + photos on computer...not yet printed.)

Read other 8 books on Summer Reading List.

Organize Sewing Room.

Lesson Plan...get ahead a few weeks...stay ahead. Ha-Fantasy world-

Take Reagan to Disneyland. (Sept. 10-14, 2008)

Make Huckleberry Crisp.

Survive Back-to-School September.

Photos may follow...

Future posts will happen...

I'm just not promising when.

Trillum Lake

2008-08-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

WHO: Cousin Camping

Anne & Jill - Taryn, Grace, Aiden, Reagan & Madeline

WHAT:Camping

WHEN: August 18-21, 2008

WHERE: Trillium Lake, Mt. Hood

(This is a 2007 photo...it didn't look like this with the smoke from the forest fire and all the rain.)

WHY: To teach the city cousins about camping fun.

Day one: I had to tear down camp at Camp Creek by myself. Marc & the Smith's headed home on Sunday evening so they could work on Monday morning...poor things. HOWEVER-I was left to tear down camp-alone-in the pouring down rain. I tucked the kids into the van w/snacks and a movie. The process only took me about one hour. We headed to Trillium Lake where I set up camp-alone-in the rain. The kids continued snacking and watching their movie. We then drove down the mountain into Hood River. I had gotten passes for us from the RAC in Pendleton to use the club in Hood River. We swam and showered! It was a much needed break from camping. Aunt Jill & the cousins pulled into camp right behind us that afternoon. I showed Jill around the lake & the campground, we ate dinner and feasted on S'mores!

The kids were all asleep in bed by 9:00. Wow-that was a big accomplishment.

Day two: Jill ran around the lake twice. I walked around the lake once. We rode bikes. We made nature prints. We played games. We ate lunch. We drove to Frog Lake and played with the frogs and went swimming. We wore ourselves out...we called it an early night...because the rain came!

Day three: Jill & I decided to ABORT the camping trip a day early. There was a total DOWNPOUR. The good news is that this time I had help tearing down camp. We got the job done and Jill headed back to Portland. She is running Hood to Coast this weekend. The kids and I headed home.

We took a quick detour at Rasmussen's Fruit Stand in Hood River.

We bought apples, fresh corn and wonderful sunflowers.

Even with all the rain, we considered our first Cousin Camp out a success.

Camp Creek

2008-08-22T11:44:00.001-07:00

WHO:
Marc & Anne - Billy & Torie

SIX Girls:

Keagan, Milee & Kayle

Taryn, Grace & Reagan

WHAT:

3 day camping trip

WHEN:

Friday, August 15-17, 2008

WHERE:

Camp Creek Campground-Mt. Hood

WHY:

To have fun, of course!

You are silly mom.

Dad & Grace fishing (unsuccessfully) in the creek.

Taryn & Mimsy

Playdoh Creations

Taryn & Keagan asleep in the tent...alone...they made it all night.

Day one: Set up camp - Temperatures topped 100 degrees.

Day two: Hiked and explored the campground. Hit Trillium Lake to beat the heat.

Day three: Explored Frog Lake...yes there is a reason it is called Frog Lake.

My favorite part of the trip...aside from spending time with fun friends...was experiencing:

2 Good - 2 Be True Massage

Featuring the skilled hands of Keagan & Taryn.

It will cost me a movie date later this fall.

Can I say...

TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Sokoloski Day Spa?

2008-08-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

One empty flower bed, +

one shovel, & one watering can, +

one Gracie =

&

Thank goodness for water warmed in the hose and a huge bucket of warm water to get her 'cleaned up.' I had promised Grace she could make a mud bath this summer. Today was the perfect day to make good on my promise...it was nice and warm...not too hot. She loves the squishy stuff that is evident. Reagan got into a swim suit and gingerly put her ten toes in and decided that she wanted NOTHING to do with the mud bath. She certainly is my girlie girl.

Henley Class of 87' & '88

2008-08-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

My OLDER sister and I got to have our 20 year reunion together. The class of '87 didn't get one put together last year, so they joined us this year. A great time was had by all...and the sister didn't wake up feeling terrible either morning.

What sisters look like after 20 years:

What cheerleaders look like after 20 years:

What three friends look like after 20 years:

What a husband at a 20 year reunion looks like:

Aquatic Center

2008-08-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

My Grandma, (in San Diego), always buys our family an annual pass to the Pendleton Aquatic Center for Christmas. We have been using the pool regularly every summer for our kids' entire lives. It is part of what we do. This summer we have been out and about and haven't gotten to the pool as much as we would like. We did just spend a wonderful afternoon playing with some of our 4-H friends.

The Coffman Family have three girls.
The Coffman Family has their own 13 yr. old Taryn Lee...she is their oldest.
Our oldest Taryn Leigh is now 11.
Their middle girl is 11. Her name is Megan Nicolle.
Our middle girl is 8. Her name - Grace Nicole.
Their youngest girl is Amy. She is 8.
Our youngest is Reagan...at 6 1/2.
Kerrie teaches - I teach.
Shawn hunts - Marc hunts.

We haven't spent a lot of time - all together. But I can easily imagine adventures that we may have in the future.

The Dearing kids also came to the pool. The cool connection there is that I graduated with their Aunt Julie from Henley in Klamath Falls. They are in the 4-H club also.

This pool day was special, as Grace passed the swim test for the diving pool. She didn't decide to go off the diving boards...but she did go down the big drop slide a lot!

At one point, Reagan couldn't find us. She saw all our stuff...but couldn't find us. I was taking the pics of Grace in the big pool. Reagan knows she isn't supposed to go to the deep pool without a grown up, so she found a life guard, and they paged me. She had pretty big crocodile tears welling in her eyes when I picked her up from the office. The lifeguards fell for those baby blues and gave her a big ice cream to make her feel better.

It was a wonderful day.

More Vacation...

2008-08-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

I had planned long posts with vivid descriptions. I planned, apparently, that when I got home I would sit for 3 weeks straight to get that original plan executed. I did not come home and sit. As a matter of fact, I'm barely sitting right now...we have been on the run constantly. So here I will present:

Rapid City: The Cliff Notes Version

Reptile Gardens: A cool reptile zoo. There were huge 200 year old tortoises, snakes, alligators, etc. The girls enjoyed this destination. It was the first place where we could get out and move around a bit.

Crazy Horse Monument: The Interpretive Center here was wonderful. They had a nice restaurant, gift shops, and piles of rocks from the site that kids could bring home. Someday, if/when they ever finish, I would like to go back. Maybe not driving the next time. We stayed for an evening laser show. That wasn't the greatest for three sleepy girls and two grumpy grownups. The lights were cool, it was just past our bed times.

RUSHING @ RUSHMORE: One terrible travel decision we made was not taking the kids to the hotel water park the day we arrived. We had stayed out too late at the laser show, so we went straight to bed. The next morning Rushmore was on the docket...but all the girls could think about was the wonderful water slides back at the hotel. We did walk all the trails, but did not do a tour. I ended up buying a book to learn all those cool historical facts. Someday when the girls are studying the presidents, I can pull out the book. They won't forget being there...but they won't remember learning anything while they were there.

Rapid City Water Slides and Petting Zoo:

Taryn woke up sick one day. Marc took Grace and Reagan to a petting zoo in the morning. We were hoping she would feel better in the afternoon for the water slides. No such luck. Poor Taryn sat under a tree while we all ran about having fun in the water. She was a great sport about it. That is a huge perk to having kids a bit older. This would have never been possible a few years ago.

The Crystal Caverns:

This destination was a little too adventurous for Miss Reagan.

In order to get to the crystals you needed to climb down 168 VERY

Steps!

It was too much for Reagan, so Marc stayed up top. Now, I am not a big fan of heights. I am not afraid I will fall. I fear seeing my kids fall. Soooooooo. I walked backwards down the steps and Grace was next looking into my eyes and Taryn following with a death grip on the hand rails.

Reagan is pretending to be a bat in this picture in a cave at the top of the cavern.

The Lemonade Ladies

2008-08-08T18:35:00.001-07:00

Last year, on July 17, Taryn's 10th birthday, she received a hand-built lemonade stand. We had many successful sales. This year, due to all the wonderful travels and adventures, we had not yet set out the stand. Until today!

Taryn's Treats was again open for business. It took a lot of sampling for us to find a perfect recipe for our fresh squeezed lemonade. Taryn and her sisters also sell fresh baked cookies and candy. Their specialty is the strawberry lemonade. (Remember all the June strawberries? Some were frozen especially for the lemonade stand.)

Total Sales: $32

50% = College = $16
25% = Charity = $8
25% =Fun $ = $8

Taryn isn't responsible for buying her supplies. We do that for her. We also will make a $5 deposit in Grace and Reagan's college account for helping and another $5 for their fun money. Once Taryn 'graduates' her stand for bigger and better jobs it will become Grace's Goodies and then eventually Reagan's Refreshments.

I am feeling terrible about my lack of blogging effort lately. But there have been just too many other important activities to occupy my time. I vow to at least upload a few pics of each event and jot a note or two, so that I don't forget about all our wonderful summer events when school roles around. My worst lack of blogging offense was for Taryn's birthday.

Miss Taryn turned 11 while we were on our trip home from Montana. With some of her funds from last year's lemonade sales, and her profit from Max, she wanted to purchase my old laptop from me, to call her own. Not knowing how much life is left in my old laptop, we decided to surprise her with her own desktop computer. She had agreed to 'trade' a birthday party with friends, for a nicer gift. In Missoula we gave her a puppy mouse pad and told her about her computer waiting at home. We told her she had to contribute all her fun money she had saved. She stated, and I quote, "I got a new computer. I only had to pay $200 and my parents paid the rest. The best part is I am still filthy rich!!!" I guess, in a way, she is. All my girls have been blessed with birthday/Christmas money from family to have nice little nest eggs growing for college.

Happy Belated Birthday Taryn. We love you, our little entrepreneur.

Journey to South Dakota

2008-08-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Day three of vacation took us from Uncle Pete's in Billings to Rapid City, SD. We were not in a big hurry so we stopped to do a few Geocaches on the way. Marc isn't a big fan of Geocaching, but when we are traveling he tolerates it since we would need to make stops along the way for snacks/gas/potty...etc. I had taken some time and really got lucky with the caches we decided to grab.

Our first stop was at a really cool Historical Museum in Hardin, Montana.

The Museum has many buildings that the kids could explore. They loved that the church and school had bells that they could ring. There was a large shop with many old cars and farm equipment.

Our second geocache site was Taryn's favorite: The Vore Buffalo Jump in Sundance, Wy. You can click the link if you want more information. There was a natural sink hole that the Native American's used to hunt buffalo. The scouts would run behind and herd the buffalo to the sink hole up to 300 at a time. The herd would be going so fast that death was immanent. The site was found when a highway was being built. The land owners acted quickly to protect the site. There is a small interpretive building, a port-a-potty, and two volunteers that help explain the site and answer questions.

Marc's favorite & least favorite route stop for the day was at Gillette, Wy. It was his favorite stop because we were able to gas up for $3.83 a gallon. Our highest gas prices were right here at home in Pendleton. Kinda pathetic that we could gas up cheaper in remote Eastern Montana than here at home.

The unfortunate part of this stop was the major road construction and lunch incident.

We had pulled in to get lunch and gas up. The second we were off the ramp we realize we had pulled into MAJOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION...at a major intersection (imagine Southgate construction at 7:45 am when they were working on the new lights.) It was too late to change our minds.

We went through the drive though and I was passing out food to all the kids...the co-pilots main job. I neatly wrapped Marc's sandwich so he could eat it. He had his Mt. Dew nestled between his legs. Any way, just about the time we accidentally pass where we are supposed to get back on the freeway Marc takes a bite of his sandwich which gets stuck part way down in his throat.
Simultaneously, Marc is trying to merge with a blue-haired old guy while opening his Dew. He swallows...hoping to dislodge the bite gone bad. Unfortunately-for all of us-the Dew goes down the wrong tube and Marc starts puking! EVERYWHERE! Dew flew out of his nose-chunks of sandwich hit the windshield-I was grabbing a sack for him to barf into-as he got us back onto the road.

Now with the excitement over (after I have wet-wiped everything in sight) I decide I can begin to eat MY lunch. My duties of feeding everyone else were finished. It is then that I realize, not only did the restaurant give me the WRONG salad and the WRONG dressing, but my fork kit is in the BOTTOM of the bag that Marc had just hurled into. Oh well, I had lost my appetite anyway.

With the big excitement over, we continued, uneventfully to our destination, Rapid City!

Friends and Stalkers...

2008-07-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

The vacation blogs are in the works. I updated the travel post w/photos so you'll have to back up to check it out. I hope to be all caught up by bedtime Sunday. Thanks for being nearly patient.

A Penny Thought

The House

Orange Belt

Track

PLC Conference

First Communion

Pendleton Easter

Easter in Willows

Click, Clack, Moo....

Happy 40.1

A post a day?

Get Ready

RE: Header

Mini-Me

Homemade Noodles

The Girl Scouts

A Special Gift...

Random Christmas Photos

What she looks like...

The Christmas Card

Phil 4:4-7

Karo Syrup Paintings...

New do...

**SPOILER**

The Apprentice

Feasting this Thanksgiving

Simple Minds... Simple Joys?

Cheater-cheater...

New Addition...

What have I done...

The Best Lunch Ever...

A Round Up of Pink

Miley Rocks!

9-9-09

First Grade

Dear Teacher,

Garden Goodness

Umatilla County Fair 2009

THE BEACH!

The Fire Pit

Happy Birthday Taryn

Family Photos

Wisconsin - Gambling, It's a Family Thing

Sometimes it works...

Wisconsin: Fish Tales

Daddy Knows the Heimlich & Annie Better Practice

Don't give up on me...

Photoshop Elements #1 & #2

Sunday Sacrament...

Mixed Bag...

47 days...

Happy Easter!

See you later...

Go Griz...

Fun Times

You can't stop it now...

Last Year's Resolution...

That '70's Night...

Ugh...

Happy Birthday Ms. Reagan

Show & Tell #1

Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 - 101

My Squirrels

Christmas Sleepovers

Photos from Home

The Laundry System

She's packing heat!

Digital Christmas Timeline...

Christmas Letter 2008

Icicles

A Gingerbread House

A touch of Christmas

The Countdown Begins

CIVIL WAR = SADNESS!!!!!

Guilty Pleasure...

Thanks Dad!

Kung Fu Reagan

Oops...Priceless?

Pumpkins & Swimming?

One Liner Wednesday

SPOILER