Much Too Tired

Here is a little clue as to the business of our lives. Amelia just can't quite finish what she's doing before she drops off to sleep.

Here she thought she needed a snack before bed. Uh-huh.

And here, she needed to make a phone call, and was frantic for her "phone." Hope that call went through.

The Mighty Hunter Returns

A beautiful Alaska sunset

A couple weeks ago, Nate fulfilled a lifelong dream and made it to Alaska for some hunting and fishing. He brought back some delicious Halibut and beautiful pictures. Most importantly(for me), he didn't get chased by a bear. Most importantly (for him), he got an Alaskan Black Bear. Yes, those are braces on his (Nate's)teeth.

Nate, Kaylon, Bruce, & Jim

COLD

Just a thought. I don't think you should have to wear gloves and a winter coat to mow the lawn.

Coke & Pepsi

On Saturday I went inside to shower to get ready for a graduation picnic. I decided to make my salsa before getting ready, and while I was busy chopping vegetables, noticed Nate's Uncle Paul and family in the barnyard. I quickly learned that we had just inherited two little baby lambs who needed a home. My first emotion was anger. We do not need one other thing that demands our time. But, after I got over it, I realized that this might be a good project for Clay. He has so many "good" excuses as to why he can't help Sam feed the horses, or take care of the dog, or clean his room. He is very good at avoiding work. Well, he has fallen in love with these lambs. I asked him what he wanted to accomplish this summer and he told me, "I want to be kind to my lambs." That's Clay. I hope that he will feed them consistently too! (without too much of my nagging)

I need to mention that the girls fell in love with them too, or maybe it was the huge baby bottles. They are always right in the middle of things when it's feeding time.

Baseball

We are now well into baseball season. This week marks the beginning of 4 nights a week spent at the ballfields, at three suckers and one nachos per game...we'll have to think of a better distraction. The bag of apples lasted about an inning. I am embarrased to say that I am happy when it rains and I secretly hope for a cancelled game. (like last night!!!) But really, four nights a week is quite a bit for a 4 and a 2 year old, not to mention the nervous mother that has to keep close tabs on those restless souls. All complaining aside, I am happy to watch the progress of Sam and Clay. Sam got to pitch for an inning in his last game. He was so serious, and did quite well. He did walk a couple of hitters, but overall only allowed one run. Way to go Sam!!!

I Love To Blog

Confession. I love to blog. I love to sit down at the end of the day or the end of the week, and post pictures, stories, and an occasional personal insight. I love to browse through the things I have written and remember, however recent, the things that we have been doing, thinking, being. I love to open my blog and see a new comment posted. I love feeling connected with my Grandma, parents, siblings, cousins, aunts & uncles, who all live too far away to share the day to day. I love "reuniting" with mission companions and college roommates; dear, dear friends who have shaped my life, helped me turn into the person that I am today, shared laughter and tears (well, not too many of those: if you know me really well you know what I mean). So, family, friends, and fellow bloggers, thank you for bringing this little piece of joy into my life. Thank you for reminding me how good it feels to stay connected (something I'm not really good at). Thank You!

And It Came To Pass

On one rainy morning this week, the girls put their horses to sleepand then settled in for their own night time routine. From the kitchen I heard them "reading." "And it came to pass that Jesus said...""And it came to pass..." It's not hard to believe that, even at such a young age, these little minds and big spirits are so impressionable. So, next time you may think that it's not worth the effort, remember, they do catch on. Even if it only is. "and it came to pass." {but I'm confident it's more}