My Four Sons...and a Husband!

I suppose I should do an update....

2011-03-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

It's only been 3 months since I've last posted. We've been flooded in, some of us have been sick, others have not, one went to Corvallis twice with the Pep Band, one smashed his toe while camping with the 12 and 13 yr old Boy Scouts, I've had a cast on for 5 weeks and now it's been off for 5 days. We've also had a tsunami warning that lasted most of the day Friday. We did leave for awhile since we are right on the river.
Other than these highlights - our family is doing well. Russell finished his master's program and is a free man again. Our garden starts are coming along nicely and spring is in the air!

The Zaugg Family 2010 Christmas Newsletter

2010-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hello dear family and friends wherever you may be. This December has been crazy busy and I want to make sure we at least send a Christmas greeting of some kind! We recently had family pictures done and these are the product of said photo shoot.

Russell is still the bishop of our ward (church congregation). He also finished his last class for his master's degree and will be working on his practicum for the next couple months. He will officially be done in February! Not that he's counting or anything. I am always amazed that despite his busy schedule - Russell always has time to hang with the boys, attend their concerts and be an awesome husband as well!

Candace is working with the Young Women at church. Specifically the girls ages 14-18. I've also changed directions in my employment opportunities. For the past year I was working for Northwest Seniors with Disabilities and doing home health care. I had to stop doing that due to arthritis in my left thumb joint. After 4 rounds of cortisone shots - it has been discovered that I really shouldn't have any more because of possible allergic reactions to the preservatives. Oh darn. For now - I do the hot lunch program at the local Adventist School with a friend of mine. We do Mondays and Tuesdays. We also do catering on the side. That is my favorite by far. I love food. I love cooking for others. And what could be better than food, cooking AND getting paid! I am truly blessed with a wonderful family, memories, friends, a happy home and having the guidance of Heavenly Father in my life.

We have 4 very busy boys. This past year each has grown a year older, taller, smarter hopefully, and learned new things.

Donovan will be 15 in January and will be able to start driving. When did that happen? I'm not old enough for a driving teenager! He is a freshman this year and is enjoying early morning seminary. He has also decided to be involved in Pep Band. He enjoyed the football games and will be playing at the Basketball games as well. The next few months will be busy for him in that regard.

Christopher recently turned 13. He is a teenager in every sense of the word. Chris is in the 7th grade this year and is finding out that teachers actually hold HIM responsible for missing assignments. He's not liking that so much. Chris is also starting to enjoy Boy Scouts and is actually looking forward to the Scout Snow camp out in a couple weeks. They will be going to Mt. Hood and should be loads of fun. He also started a digital photography class this trimester and has taken a liking to it. Maybe we have a future photographer in our midst!

Michael is 9 1/2. He's in the 4th grade. His teacher is discovering Michael doesn't like to read much but boy can that kid draw! Michael has earned his Bear Award in Cub Scouts and is looking forward to becoming a Webelo in April. Michael is the boy who is all about fairness and making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to. He is a busy bee when it's time to do chores. He's the only one I don't have to remind to get chores done.

Nephi just turned 8 in September. He was so excited for his baptism in October and so happy so many family and friends could support him in this really big step in his life. He is in the 2nd grade and loves math. He is starting his multiplication facts while the rest of the class is still working on adding/subtracting. His teacher says he has the ability to tune out his classmates while he is working on his class stuff. That is really cool!
The boys and me.
Russell and the boys.
Thank you for taking a quick trip down the 2010 memory lane with us. We hope each of you has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you learn from past mistakes and face the future with determination to live each day better than the day before! We love each of you and are so thankful for your friendships!

Happy 13th birthday Christopher!

2010-10-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

13 years ago Christopher joined our family! Except 13 years ago it was a Friday and there was a BYU football game going. Russell was in the marching band and almost didn't make it to Chris' delivery. Then the doctor had the lightbulb moment of...."If this lady doesn't have her baby soon I'll be stuck in football traffic trying to get home." So...he got out the vacuum and that was that!
We are so happy to have you in our family. I still can't believe there are now 2 teenagers!

My newest and last (sniff, sniff) cub scout!

2010-10-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Nephi turned 8 on 9-17. He is our newest and last cub scout. Sniff, sniff. Please pass the kleenex. Hold on while I wipe my eyes and blow my nose. sniff sniff.

He has been patiently waiting for almost 4 years now to be old enough to be a scout! When I was a den leader for 3 1/2 years he went just about every time. (Except his first grade year as he rode the bus home with his older brothers.)

His shirt actually goes down to his knees but this just ensures I won't have to buy another blue one during the next 3 years. lol

The apple of my eye!

2010-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

I bought 4 boxes of gala apples and 3 boxes of ginger golds. This is what I gleaned from my efforts! Lots of applesauce, juice and jelly. We will be set with apple products for the year. Mmmmmmm..... Now....bring on the toast (for the jelly of course. lol)

Boys, boys, boys!

2010-10-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday on the 25th of September, our ward youth had a temple trip to the Portland Oregon Temple. Our Young Women's president has small boys and we have 2 smallish boys. So...I offered to watch her kids so she could attend the temple with her husband. Then another friend called wanting to know if I could watch her two small boys. Their 2 older boys had just turned 12 and she and her hubby wanted to attend the temple with them on their first time. I said sure....why not. Most people probably thought I was crazy, insane, whatever. We had so much fun! My boys play really well with either set of visiting brothers - who also play well together so I didn't a problem.
We collected grasshoppers, lady bugs and beetles. I just had to remind a certain 4 year old not to shake the jar or else his grasshoppers might throw up on him. He wanted to take them home and let them loose in his bedroom.
All 6 boys just about polished off a huge plate of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as well. I didn't have a problem with this because I knew what went in those cookies. Lots of yummy stuff!
We had a really fun picnic style lunch on the family room floor and watched a movie. I don't own any highchairs for 2 of the boys - so this worked really well.

Down by the river!

2010-08-20T15:51:00.001-07:00

I woke up today and it was a freezing 40 degrees at my house. By 8 a.m. guess what popped up in the sky? If you live in the Pacific Northwest - particularly on the Oregon Coast - you might not have a clue. lol The SUN! The SUN came out today! I hurried and did a couple chores - one I disliked A LOT - contacted a couple friends and headed up to Footbridge on the Wilson River! It was a beautiful spot. As much as I like the ocean - I really liked it here. There was something for everyone.

The boys and I got there at 11:30 and waited for a bit for our friends to show up. While we waited we got some fun pictures in.

Nephi.

Michael.

Blue sky! Do you see it? That truly is a novelty in our neck of the woods. Especially this summer. It's been cool, gloomy, cloudy weather.

Michael and Nephi.

Michael making his way across the river.

Nephi sees if he can make it too.

Yay! They both made it!

All these kids are BOYS!

AND....they had THE best time together doing what boys do best.

Inventing, climbing....

Experimenting...

filling...

scooping and filling some more....

We had so much fun! We are hoping that next Friday will be as nice so we can go back for one last summer fling!

Rappelling

2010-08-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

For our youth activity this week we took the Priests/Laurels/Mia Maids rappelling. The younger boys are all at scout camp and the Beehive girls had another activity to do. This is what it is supposed to look like. All the youth had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed it. Since Russell has been gone all week to scout camp with Donovan and Christopher....that left the younger boys with me to go......
Rappelling! They climbed to the top with the other leaders and youth and had a grand time watching. Michael really wanted to try it and would talk himself in and out of it on a regular basis. Nephi wanted to try but the harness was too big for him.

This is how it is supposed to be done.

Michael is at least attempting it. He is the white "dot." Where he stopped was actually the hardest part of the whole thing. He ended up climbing back up and didn't do it.

So he ended up having to walk back down the "trail." By this time it's dark out - but the kids are still having a great time!

Here comes Nephi!

Enjoying cinnamon rolls while waiting for everyone to get ready to head back to the church.

Michael with his treat.

Junior Young Men

2010-08-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the month the Priests and Mia Maids and Laurels from our youth groups went hiking to the "G" in Garibaldi. Donovan was doing golf with the Teachers and Christopher got a ride to the church with a friend for the Deacons activity. Therefore....Michael and Nephi got to come with us. Russell is the Bishop so he wanted to spend time with the older youth on this outing. I am over the Mia Maids - so I got to go.

Heading to the trail leading upwards!

This particular section was the bane of the hike. At least for me and Michael. It's almost straight up with nothing to grab onto. We couldn't get past it so we were the only ones left to go back and wait by ourselves.

Which wasn't a bad thing....because we wouldn't have been able to take this picture otherwise. I am surprised my camera did this good of a job! The Garibaldi "G" is up on the side of a mountain/hill and can be seen for miles coming from Tillamook going north. Russell is at the very top wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. He has a tan hat hanging down his back.

While we waited for everyone to descend....Michael had fun playing at the playground.

After a while....

We saw Russell and Nephi!

Here they come! Hooray!

One very happy/proud boy! He was so excited to be able to make the climb!

Before we left Garibaldi - the youth all headed to Dairy Queen for a treat.

Here we have 2 satisfied customers!

Summertime Activities BEFORE our great camping post happened

2010-07-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Russell was going to wash the cars. I told him I would love to help so the job wouldn't take so long. Then ALL the boys wanted to help. So....I didn't have to help after all! They had a good time....I think.... :)

Notice who has the hose now? It's Nephi. This got him into some trouble. At this point I left to walk down to the mailbox. When I came back Russell was doing this.....

hosing down Nephi because he had hosed down all 4 of the guys washing the cars! lol Hello my little wet rat.

Two days later we were talking about when to visit Ron and Carrie before they moved to Houston, TX. We thought they were leaving on the 26th when in fact it was 24 July 2010. We called Carrie to see when the best day would be and she said to come right then. So we did. Russ was able to have a nice visit and the kids had a good time playing with their cousins.

Ron and Carrie's family on the left. Ours on the right. Their family is missing a couple kids. They went to friends' houses.

On the way home Nephi totally crashed. Chris is totally faking it.

Moving on to this. On the 31st of July - hasn't happened yet....I have to make dutch oven cinnamon rolls for the Primary Activity Day. Some charcoal was brought so I could experiment. These were some very bland rolls as I didn't want to waste perfectly good ingredients if I ruined the batch of rolls. These are looking pretty darn good!

They rose very nicely.

Except the bottoms burned. I was so happy that was all that burned. I think what happened was I did the charcoal in the sand so when I put the dutch oven over them it sank - therefore putting the coals a lot closer than they should have been.

Look at the post below and you will find some perfectly perfect dutch oven cinnamon rolls!

The Great 2010 Zaugg Family campout!

2010-07-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

I say great because we've been married for 16 years now and this is the first camping trip we've ever taken! Let me tell you how it took place. Originally, Russell and I were going to leave the boys by themselves overnight. They would have been alive upon our return but some of them may have done serious bodily harm to each other. I wasn't too excited about that prospect so we stealthily gathered clothes for the boys a few days beforehand. We gathered all the stuff we needed to go camping at Cook Creek. The boys - even until it was time to go had no idea they were coming along.
Russell and I got up really early Monday morning and loaded the car. THEN we woke up the boys and told them we wanted them up and dressed and have eaten breakfast before "we" left. They were okay with that. Some of them even got in and did their household chores! While the boys were eating breakfast I took their pillows and wool blankets to the car. Michael and Nephi noticed their pillows were missing so I told them dad and I might need them if we needed extra pillows. They believed us. (We really did need extra pillows....for the boys!) The boys really did get upset and kind of mad when Russell told them they needed to make sure to have socks and shoes on before "we" left. The boys couldn't understand why they would need to do this since they weren't the ones leaving. Michael was planning on using the computer so he felt put-out. Finally we told them to go hop in the car as they were coming with us. A couple of the boys were really mad and not happy with the fact that we were camping. This is our story. And we're sticking to it.
Warning: There are lots of pictures. If you don't want to see them....you best not continue! :)

Our car is packed. There is no more room for anything else.
Our tent. It was just enough room for Russ and me.

The boys' tent. It is nice and big and is divided into 4 equal sections. Each boy had his own space.

Our toilet. We went to a really primitive area. No toilet facilities, no showers, hot water or electric hook ups. Each person was responsible for cleaning out the bucket after each use. Guess who got to clean it the most? Me! Ever see a girl try to pee on a tree? Me neither and I wasn't about to learn.

Russell getting our fire started. The people before us left a huge garbage pile in the fire pit.

Our kitchen area. We brought just the right amount of food. At night we made sure to put the cooler, blue food box and 2 black crates in the car so we wouldn't have any "visitors."

This is Cook Creek. Just down the path from our campsite. It was a beautiful area and I am so glad we went there as a family. It was calm, quiet, peaceful and all around a beautiful place to be.

The guys eating lunch. We had ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, grapes and kool-aid.

Michael is on his way down to the creek.

Russell relaxing. He is on vacation after all!

The boys down at the creek. They had so much fun! The water was kind of cold though so they would get out and wrap up in their towels. Once dry - they headed right back to the creek.

Michael

Donovan and Nephi

Donovan, Michael and Nephi

Christopher

Russell going.

Nephi, Michael and Donovan

Russell coming.

Russell and Donovan.

Nephi, Christopher and Michael

Christopher checking out the bottom of the creek. There were several little tiny fish. They were so cute!

The boys

We had an awesome dinner. Russell cooked steaks on his little BBQ and I made these potatoes over the fire pit.

We had these yummy marinated shrimp grilled on Russell's BBQ as well.

Getting a game of Phase 10 in before it gets too late.

What do you suppose could be in here?

The boys are eating chips for an after dinner snack. Waiting for the yummyness in the dutch oven can make one hungry I guess!

Our camping spot

Our camp. What you see is what you get! We have the boys so far away for a reason. Late at night when we want to sleep they can stay up and visit without getting in trouble for being too loud. It worked out perfectly!

The guys are eating. But what are they eating? They are eating.....

Homemade dutch oven baked cinnamon rolls! These turned out so awesome! No burning on the bottom and cooked all the way through! These were ooey gooey warm and yummy! I should have brought some milk!

The boys getting a late night game of war in before bedtime.

Russell relaxing

I am pretty sure I was up around 6. My bladder is my alarm clock. I got the fire started and began cooking breakfast. I really super duper love my cast iron camping equipment! I just can't say it enough!

I did the bacon first so I could use the bacon fat to grease the griddle for my pancakes! I had the perfect temperature going and my pancakes were doing awesome until Russell decided the fire wasn't hot enough. So....he added more wood and charcoal and my perfectly perfect pancakes went from this to.....

this. These are more done than I would like mine to be. I ate them anyway because I was hungry.

Everyone getting in one more Phase 10 game in before it was time to pack up and head home.

Once we got home I did a million loads of laundry which spanned 2 days. I am so glad we went though. It was nice to get away and enjoy time together as a family. Next year I want to go camping for my birthday. I want to go to Ft. Stevens. I think I would like the fact that there would be more people around - I might sleep a little bit better.

2010 Summer yard work

2010-07-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

We've been wanting to do some yardwork around the yard this summer and the time has come! The time is now. Let's explore and say wow!

This is the front yard full of rhododendron bushes. They were getting pretty big and needed to be cut down in size. A LOT.

This lovely stump is what is left. This happened to the front and back rhody bushes. Maybe it will help keep down the rat population as well.

Donovan and Michael busily helping.

Russell looks like he is contemplating. What is he contemplating is the question.

Michael helping Russell load up barkdust. He is one of the hardest working 9 year olds I know.

This is the back of the house. The rhododendrons back here went almost to the roof. They were quite tall and very bushy. It sure opened up a lot of space.

The front yard after we put bark dust down today. This also opened up a lot of space. WOW!

The Mercedes Files - The Final Episode

2010-07-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

Boohoohoohoo....
This is the final installment of the Mercedes Files. :(

Our final "Goodnight Mercedes! Don't forget to say your prayers!" Oh - and she has Wilson with her as well.

Watching the boys play a Star Wars game on the Wii. She doesn't look too excited about it though.

Since I didn't get a picture the other day when she helped in the backyard - I thought I better get one today Becky. :) For posterity's sake you know. She really did help in the yard! Today it only lasted for about 2 minutes though. Good thing I had the camera handy....

When the yard was done and so was lunch I hear...."I'm bored Aunt Candace."

Me: "What does your mommy tell you to do when you are bored?"

her: "She tells me to go outside and play." (That sounds so familiar from growing up! lol)

Me: "How about if we paint your fingernails and toenails?"

her: "Okay! I think that will be lots of fun!"

So....I clipped the nails then we painted them. She did a good job sitting still while they dried!

A little while later I heard two cousins building with legos out in the toy room. She didn't know I was there.

Grandpa Lougheed showed up and it was time for her to go. Don't you just LOVE those puppy dog eyes?

How 'bout mine? Is it any better? lol

Her frowny face didn't last long though....

Once she was safely installed in Grandpa Lougheed's car she was all smiles again!

Her little arm waving good-bye. sniff, sniff, (blow nose), sniff sniff, (wipe eyes)...

Goodbye Mercedes! Thanks for a great week! We enjoyed having you and come again! Bring the rest of your family next time and travel safe to Seaside! :)

The Mercedes Files - Part 4

2010-07-09T08:08:00.001-07:00

We had a great day today (Thursday)! Mercedes, Nephi and Michael helped in the yard for a couple hours and earned some moolah from Uncle Russell/Dad. The kids were excited about that! Then Nephi and Mercedes went to the library for the summer reading program. They got little water fish games that have entertained them for a few hours this evening.

But first....we started our day with pancakes! She actually outate most of the boys!

Later in the afternoon Uncle Russell had promised her he would take all the kids down to the river to play. Today wasn't near as warm as yesterday. It was still pretty muggy though.

I hear laughter.
I hear splashing!

I spy towels and kids having a good time!

Skipping rocks is fun to do...

fun to do...

Skipping rocks is fun to do...

To do to do to do.

The kids spent a long time skipping rocks. Some got really good at it in a short amount of time.

"Don't you dare! Michael boy!" Actually he was just moving around. He wasn't really going to push Nephi into the river.

" Are you cold yet Mercedes?"

Nephi being silly.

The boys.

"Let's have a contest" I say.

"Who can stay in the water the longest?"

Mercedes was the only smart one. The water wasn't exactly warm. Although it wasn't as cold as the ocean yesterday!

Three silly kids! I haven't seen that face on Michael since he was about 2!

Donovan ... "Chris - quit flicking water on my back!"

Our fearless leader! Thanks for taking the kids to the river honey! :)

The Mercedes Files - Part 3

2010-07-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

The boys wanted to take their cousin to Pacific City while she was visiting. So....we waited for Russell to finish his homework. Then we grabbed some snacky foods, water, towels and flipflops and jumped in the car. It was super duper hot here today. I believe it was 98 in town. At any rate it was worth spending time at the beach!

In the car and on our way! Love the Michael eyes?

At the beach in Pacific City and on our way to adventure!

Mercedes is comtemplating this very large sand dune. I think she would have gone all the way to the top but we had one very large problem. The sand. When you first step on it - it felt really nice. Then before you know it - it's literally boiling hot and starting to burn the bottoms of our feet! I have never been in sand that hot in my life! Apparently the sand closer to home (Oceanside) was the same way!

Nephi braved the hot sand dune for a little bit.

Mercedes was braver than I thought! I still haven't climbed the "dune."

Cooling off those burning feet! The water was cold - but it wasn't too bad...

as Nephi will demonstrate.

"Don't smile......don't smile! Hey Donovan....hey - I'm talking to you!"

Russell coming to join us. This beach is interesting because cars/trucks can drive down on the beach and boats can take off directly from the beach as well. When the boats come in they have to blow their horns really loud so the people near the shore will move out of the way.

Russell braved the burning hot sand dune and went to the top. A boat was coming in. We are near the center of the picture in the wet sand.

Russell is cooling off his feet after the hot dune climb.

Mercedes with her shell treasures.

Mercedes, Donovan and Chris exploring. I tell you...this beach has everything! Dunes, caves, rocks to climb, very little wind, small waves, cool boats to watch, surfers, etc. We had a great time!

Nephi, Mercedes and Michael exploring.

Russell's sunburned toesies. :(

The "big" boys taking a break....

patiently waiting for the explorers to come back down the rocks.

I liked these footprints in the sand.

We made it back to our little area for some snacks and water. That was THE longest walk since I didn't have my shoes on. Mercedes said if I ran then just my toes would get hot. She had a point.

Mercedes enjoying her snack.

Nephi and Russell having snack.

Donovan, Christopher and Michael having their snack as well. I should mention this all took place before 12 noon. I still couldn't believe the sand was that hot before then!

Will he sunburn or will he not? That is the question. (In the end....he did not.)

Family picture courtesy of Christopher!

I guess if you dig deep enough the sand eventually cools off.

Chris, Michael and Mercedes went back to the ocean to cool off.

Donovan and Nephi kept digging away.

Hello midget and giant!

All packed up and heading back to the car! It was a fun beach trip!

We got home and got out the sprinkler so the kids could get the sand off of them in the yard and not down the drain.

We had Young Women's/Young Men's tonight so I took Mercedes with me to our YW activity. A beach clean up at Happy Camp - right next to Oceanside. Talk about a complete opposite of Pacific City! It was cold and windy. Here is Mercedes showing off just how cold she was! It didn't last long though.

Checking out a sand hill.

Just think Becky - in 4 1/2 years you will have your very own Young Woman! She had a great time with our girls.

Walking on a little log back to our van. I love this picture!

The Mercedes Files - Part 2

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

The boys wanted to take Mercedes to the Forestry Center while she is visiting us. Russell hadn't been there yet--so it was perfect!
We started inside, then outside, then through the inside to go outside behind the center and then back in again!
Oh - and Kim - we love having Mercedes stay with us and be part of the family. Having a little girl around has been really fun!

Welcome!

I am pretty sure she is NOT reading about fish.

"Calling all firefighters! Calling all firefighters!"

"All aboard!" I love this little train station replica inside.

This part of the center has drawers that pull out and are full of all interesting forest life. Michael is examing a drawer now.

Now Mercedes is.

It's Nephi's turn!

Donovan helping Mercedes figure something out with this drawer. They really are very cool.

Back outside on our way to the fire lookout tower. Coming out - the sun was REALLY bright!

Hello Smokey the Bear!

The fire tower.

A passerby took this one of all of us.

Just above where we are in the picture is a room. The next few pictures are in this lookout room.

Nephi and Chris taking a break on the cot.

Michael checking out the radio.

This thingy - we don't know what it is called. Erica - you can tell us please. :) The kids are checking it out.

Russell reading info on the tower.

Mercedes trying her hand at the radio. Did you get through?

Chris and Nephi thumbing through some books in the tower. I bet it got really lonesome up there. A good book helped pass the time I am sure.

Don't fall asleep little miss!

Going down from the tower. There are a lot of steps!

Looking down at all my ant relations!

This really cool bridge is part of the Forestry Center and crosses the Wilson River.

The Wilson River looking east.

Russell looking towards the west.

Walking down one of the trails at the center.

Stopping at another cool bridge for a picture.

While a couple kids used the restroom - a couple more kids wanted to take pictures. I believe Chris took this one.

Nephi studying a bird's nest that had fallen.

Mercedes and Aunt Candace!

Russell and Michael - courtesy of Nephi. :) He will get the hang of the camera someday! Sorry about your head being chopped off Russell.

One of many streams that run into the Wilson River. I thought it was very pretty and refreshing on such a HOT day! Tomorrow is supposed to be hotter.

Checking out a piece of machinery used in logging.

Russell looking through a surveyor's telescope.

"Can I stop now? I've been at this for a while."

"Mom? Are you there?"

Michael practicing his surveyor skills.

Making butter is next to impossible I think!

Got fire?

No really, got fire?

The Mercedes Files - Part 1

2010-07-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Becky - my sister - these are for yoU! :)
My niece Mercedes lives far away near the east coast. She came out with her paternal grandparents for a summer visit. We were able to have her with us for a week. The boys were super excited to see their cousin since it's been 2 years. This is part 1 of the "Mercedes Files."

Saturday we brought her home. One of the things the kids like to do at our house is play in what is left of the sand pile.

Mercedes was determined to make a volcano. Looks like she is getting somewhere!

Sunday was the 4th of July! Happy Birthday America! The kids all dressed and ready for church.

On Sundays we like to keep things low key and quiet around here. However - it's okay for the kids to be on the deck blowing bubbles.

At one point they were popping the bubbles with their mouths. Until I informed them they were eating soap. That ended really quick.

Taking a quiet reading break with Dr. Seuss.

Somewhere between 8 and 8:30 p.m. the kids went outside to do popits that Mercedes brought from Grandma T. The kids had fun with that. Mercedes couldn't throw hers hard enough at first to get them to pop. Certainly amusing to the boys! There were all kinds of knights in shining armor ready to help remedy the situation.

Russell has a scowl because these are handheld firecrackers - the ones with confetti or silly string inside. Chris says it was an accident but his went off right in front of Russell's face.

Mercedes was scared to pull hers.

"I'll stand right next to you so you won't be scared." says Uncle Russell. I love her facial expressions.

I wish I could have seen her face here! But heck - the leg action speaks volumes too!

Donovan and Christopher getting firecracker lighting instructions from dad.

I guess Mercedes thought Michael was some kind of protector. She was standing super close holding his arm.

When we moved on to the last 2 "big" firecrackers - she moved behind him. Maybe he was supposed to be the shield if something went wrong? lol

This year was actually the first year we went to town for the fireworks. Apparently the Blue Heron does them and they have quite the show. Last year it went on for about an hour. This year was only 30 minutes. We went to the big lot next to Papa Murphy's and it was a perfect view. The kids were waiting patiently.

I would have taken some of the actual fireworks but my fireworks picture taking skills are severely lacking.

A week when one camera isn't enough

2010-06-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

This past week everyone in the family has been on the go go go. Michael, Donovan and I were at cub scout day camp all week with the camera.
Wednesday through Friday Christopher was camping with the boy scouts out on the spit. He had a really good time and I would have liked some pictures.
Thursday Nephi and Russell went to the library's summer reading program event to see Reptileman. Pictures again would have been really fun! Especially since Nephi said he got to pet a yellow boa constrictor! How cool is that!

2010 June Dairy Parade

2010-06-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Since being in Tillamook, we miss the 4th of July Parades Eagar, AZ has every year. Here - the big summer parade is the June Dairy Parade followed by the rodeo and then the fair later in August. There were many entries in the parade this year over 115. That's when I lost count.

We found good seats. We are just waiting. Some of us more patiently than others.

Who can this handsome man be? I haven't seen him in a while. :) Hi dear hubby!

1,2,3,4 I declare a thumb war!

Some friends of ours - the Reynolds family.

Russell and Candace courtesy of Nephi!

I only took pictures of the entries that appealed to me and related to where we live. Here we have the Tillamook Creamery Baby Loaf. It goes all over the place.

The Tillamook Smoker. They have yummy pepperoni sticks!

The United States Coast Guard is just up the road.

A really cool fire truck.

No need to see the Rose Parade in Portland. The Royal Rosarians came here!

This is one of the big PUD trucks we wash as YM/YW and Boy/Cub Scouts to earn camp money.

Russell liked this truck.

Lots of clowns in and around. They are a fun group of people.

Here the drummer is the principal at East Elementary. Donovan and Chris had him. Michael will this coming year. The guy with the hat works with Russell up at Neah-Kah-Nie. Michael Simpson is his name.

Some loggers.

One of the young men from our ward....Todd J.

Brother Rees driving an entry.

Tillamook apparently has a Swiss Society!

Complete with polka music!

Brother Jones and his grandson Seth with an entry.

One of our young women - Natalie W. in the wheelchair.

More clowns.

The library's summer reading program! Michael and Nephi are in a little competition actually to see who can read the most.

Yet another clown! "Give me a high four!"

Kaitlyn L. is also in our ward and was part of this entry.

Friday Cub Scout Day Camp - Safari

2010-06-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

We are the Wildebeasts! We are strong! We will run. All day long! WILDEBEASTS!!!
Today was the last day of camp. Nephi came with me today since we didn't know if Russell would be able to make it down for the family dinner. It turned out it was just Donovan, Michael, Nephi and me. We had a fun time.
Our first station making drums. Michael and a few of the scouts in our pack had previously made them at den meeting back in December. They were excited to make another one.

Table 2. We were divided between 2 tables we so would have enough room.

Donovan was a staff member. It was really cool watching him help Nephi. Nephi was just so excited to be there and do what the big kids were doing. Next year....he will be officially in cub scouts! He can't wait!

Working on the drumsticks.

Our next station was an obstacle course. The Reeder family does it and the boys love the ideas they have and what they get to do.

Then they did the parachute balloon toss. That was a highlight.

I spy a little green balloon.

The last thing they did was use Jonathan as a target. The object was to hit him with their water balloons. Most of them just bounced off without breaking.

On our way to archery for the last time!

Hurry and catch up!

Nephi being Nephi.

Michael shot these two arrows at archery today. He was so excited they both went in the red!
I am thinking Robin Hood resides here.

Nephi got to try his hand with the bow and arrow. It was his very first time. Next year should be easier for him.

Getting a picture of him holding the bow AND arrow proved more difficult than I thought it would be!

Next we did a camp clean up. There is a really cool totem pole at camp so I had the boys stand by it for a picture.

Our pack's skit at the family campfire.

Boy 1 - "What'cha reading?"

Boy 2- " A book about lions and tigers and monkeys!"

Boy 1 - "Can I join you?"

Boy 2 - Sure!

Boy 3 - What'cha guys doing?"

Boys 1 and 2 - "Reading a book about lions and tigers and monkeys. Want to join us?"
Boy 3 - "Sure."

Boy 4 - "What'cha guys doing"

Boys 1,2 and 3 - "Reading a book about lions, tigers and monkeys! Want to join us?"

Boy 4 - "Sure!"

Boy 4 - "So. You must know a lot about animals!"

Boy 2 - "Sure do!"

Boy 4- "What animal can jump higher than the Empire State Building?"

Boy 2 - "I don't know. Let me look it up."

Boy 3- "I don't think any animal can jump higher than the Empire State Building."

Boy 1 - "Me neither. So...what animal can jump higher?"

Boy 4 - "All of them because the Empire State Building can't jump!"

Thursday - Cub Scout Day Camp - Safari

2010-06-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning we got to camp. We checked in and went to put our lunches in the cooler. This is what we found. Some animal such as a racoon probably ate THROUGH a coleman type cooler. A squirrel couldn't possibly do that....I am pretty sure.

Our pack had morning/afternoon flag. We are waiting to get started.

Morning flag.

Cub Scout salute please.

Please join me in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Our first station was Gorp. The boys liked the idea of making trail mix. The class itself was over in about 10 minutes. The boys were happy with the thought of lots of free time to play. They went over their skit a few times and then they were off doing whatever boys like to do to play.

Putting their gorp bags together.

All done!

Our next station was making masks.

This was Michael's creation. Each boy has a picture with his mask. I just don't post every boy here on my blog.

Lunchtime! Nothing like eating something yummy after walking around outdoors all morning.
We had bb guns right after lunch but no pictures are posted because bb guns is bb guns. The pictures won't change much. They did all pass with flying colors though!

Next we made really super cool segment snakes. The boys painted them really cool colors and some even named their snakes.

Michael with his blue snake. Again - each boy will have a picture of the snake he made.

A little squirrel. One of many around camp.

Our last station was down at the beach. It was a beautiful blue sky. However it was super super super super windy. The boys did not like that at all. It made for beautiful waves though!

Michael and Donovan. Donovan was our station leader.

Ocean scenery. This is looking south towards Pacific City.

The station was crab races. They did more than just crab racing.

Donovan had them doing red light/green light and a few other things.

Looking north towards Cape Lookout.

More racing.

Getting the sand out from inbetween toes before putting socks and shoes back on.

Wednesday at Cub Scout Day Camp - Safari

2010-06-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday the Wildebeasts had a great day. They enjoyed each of their stations and were bummed they didn't have time to have free time and play their little war games. lol

Getting ready for opening flag.

Donovan is a staff member this year. He thought he would liven things up a bit. Silly boy.

Our first station was goals and yo-yos. The boys wrote what they wanted to get out of cub scouts on little pieces of wood.

Then they painted yo-yos.

Our next station was a huge hit. The boys made tie snakes. They weren't able to finish them at camp. Michael and I finished his at home. I do believe he is sleeping with it.

There was a lunch time special with the older boy scouts. They were having a singing match and played red light/green light. The boys had a good time.

Right after lunch we had archery. Receiving safety instructions is a must.

Michael getting ready to shoot.

Retrieving the arrows.

Retrieving more arrows.

Returning arrows to the quivers.

Then we moved on to frogs. The boys weren't able to finish these at camp either. So Michael and I finished his at home. They thought what was done at camp was pretty cool though.

Our last station was making banana boats and a little song time. The boys really liked their station leader - Jonathan. He is really personable with the boys.

Getting the bananas ready. First, start at the bottom of the banana and peel a strip away.

Then cut a little away and stuff chocolate chips and marshmallows into the crevice you made.

Put the peel back on and wrap your banana in foil.

Put the banana boats in the fire. The fire was the highlight. I don't think the boys cared about their bananas once they saw the fire.

Cooking the banana boats. Let them sit for about 10 minutes or so.

Getting ready to enjoy some seriously good food!

This is a banana boat. It was very yummy.

Michael thoroughly enjoyed his!

More singing time.

On the way to closing flag Perry found a character snake. He was so excited!

2010 Cub Scout Day Camp - Safari Day 2

2010-06-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday. The boys were ecstatic that they had BB Guns first thing!

Getting safety instructions right off the bat. The boys asked some really great questions about the BB guns and what they needed to know to be safe.

There are 7 "stations" and our pack has 7 boys. This worked out perfectly. Each boy had his own space to shoot for the alloted time. All did well in hitting their targets. I was impressed!

Michael in the prone position getting ready to shoot.

Our next station was working on our skit for Friday night. They wanted to do The Invisible Bench. It was okayed and the boys spent almost an hour perfecting their skit. They had so much fun doing it over and over.

Only to find out they weren't told a vital piece of information and wouldn't be able to do it after all. They truly were disappointed. That disappointment affected their mood the rest of the day.

Lunch. The best station of all. You can't go wrong here.

Getting ready to make mancala games out of egg cartons. Donovan did this exactly 5 years ago! We love playing mancala thanks to a game learned at day camp!

Our next station was making first aid kits in altoid tin boxes. The boys thought this was pretty cool.

Waiting for our next station to start. It was a beautiful day at the beach today. Sister O'Brien was our other adult leader today. She is also one of the cub scout leaders for the boys' pack.

Our last station was making leather pouches for the altoid tin first aid kits. The boys had fun pounding the different designs into their leather. They had some trouble getting the string through to tie but in the end it all worked out and they were happy with what they had made.

2010 Cub Scout Day Camp - Safari

2010-06-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Before you proceed....WARNING....Lots of pictures! :)
We are having Cub Scout Day Camp this week. Our pack is called the Wildebeasts. The theme this year is Safari.

At our first station the boys worked on a den flag.

The finished product with their station leader and our other adult leader for our pack.

Station 2 consisted of two things. One....making Jungle journals....

and Safari backpacks. The boys had a fun time designing their covers for both.

Then it was lunchtime. A highlight of any day camp experience because you know boys....always hungry!

After lunch we did a service project. The first part was moving 5 of these tables. It actually worked out quite well when all 7 of the boys decided to work together. They are surprisingly strong! I was very impressed!

The second part of the service project was looking for trash on the beach. We did find some garbage and before heading back up we took a few fun pictures for the boys.

Michael being silly with his friend Colton.

Michael on the way back up the trail from the beach.

This hollowed out tree trunk was a favorite spot for the boys to check out before heading to our next activity.

Our 4th station was a Safari Walkabout. First the boys learned what they needed to go on a hike. Then we went to a designated location and they needed to construct a fort with the materials provided.

On our walkabout.

Building the fort. When completed...the fort consisted of large pieces of wood, ferns, moss, smaller sticks and salal.

Good job guys! Now you know how to make a little fort should you become lost and on your own!

Our last station was a field activity. The first part was tug of war. Here we have team 1.

The station leader is our 14 year old son Donovan - he had a blast by the way and the boys loved him!

And this is team 2. We have 7 boys at camp this year so Brother Luke sided with the weaker side.

To be continued......tomorrow! :)

baby afghan

2010-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Our ward is having a baby epidemic! lol There are 2 sisters due in about 2 weeks. One has a baby shower tomorrow and she is having a girl. This afghan is for her.....minus the doll. That is mine. I love the little flowers all over it. I hope the mom-to-be loves this as much as I do!

It's officially summer at my house! Our garden is IN!

2010-06-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Let the summertime activities commence! The garden is officially in and done! Let the harvest be huge and the weeds small. Happy dance...happy dance!

Let me give you a tour....

Here is our tomato box. We actually planted them about 2 weeks ago during a break in the rain. I read online that to keep weeds down put down wet newspaper. We went one step farther and added some extra dirt just to keep the newspaper from flying away. I haven't seen any weeds here and it's been raining every day since we put these babies in. Maybe now that the sun is out they will start to take off. We also have 2 grape plants that reside in here as well.

First....let me just say I like to think I have a green thumb. However basil and I do not get along. We never have. The one pictured above on the left is trying to humor me... I think. We have my indoor oregano and basil. There are 2 pots in the kitchen window. The oregano LOVES it here.

My outdoor oregano with a Gerbera Daisy. I love having homedried oregano on hand. Just in case you were wondering. And I like the fresh smell.

Our pretty flowers inviting you to our house - which may or may not be clean depending on if people are actually doing their chores on any given day. So...come and be surprised! I know I will be! lol

Our garden plot. The white stuff all around is slug bait. I was all done and looking at what I did and I started laughing. Remember watching The Spiderwick Chronicles and the white stuff they had all the way around the house to keep the goblins out? This reminded me of that. Except we are keeping the slug goblins out of the garden and keeping the worms in.

Just another view. Russell was my knight in shining armor helping me till one more time and planting seeds and driving stakes into the ground.

We are hoping to have a nice harvest of the following....

corn

pole beans

beets

cosmos flowers

broccoli

celery

carrots

zinnias

peas

eating cucumbers

strawflowers

zucchini

more zinnias

pickling cucumbers

lobelia

nasturtium flowers

jack-o-laterns for carving

summer squash

onions

chives

strawberries on the deck

tomatoes

grapes- won't be ready this year

I will be putting in pole peas on the deck. Need more soil first.

More from our friends in AZ...

2010-06-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_northern_az/other/report%3A-plane-crashes-into-eastern-arizona-school

The above link takes you to a site with a lot of pictures. It's so sad.

Here's some more...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=443483&id=178150685513

A crazy, crazy world...

2010-06-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

These first three pictures are taken by Amie Bigelow - one of our friends in RV.

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Plane-crashes-into-high-school-in-eastern-Ariz-96177049.html

We used to live in Arizona. Eagar to be exact. We used to live in a little gray house on the backside of the high school. Right near the auditorium/stage and band room. Today we found out that a small plane crashed into the high school. It took me by surprise - definitely. Russell first started teaching here after he graduated from BYU. We have lots of friends in the area and lots of memories. I wonder how bad the damage is.

Round Valley High School plane crash site. June 11, 2010. This picture was taken by another RV friend...Andra Choate.

From the looks of where the majority of the black smoke is coming from...possibly the west side has the most damage. That's the side we lived on. What a site/mess/smell that would be.

Weekly progress report...

2010-06-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have been bad. I haven't done any walking this week. Maybe it's because I am on vacation during our chore chart rotation and figure I need to be on vacation from walking too. And the weather can get depressing. Walking in pouring buckets of rain is not my idea of a good time.

On a happier note...
School will be out tomorrow! M and N were done yesterday. D and C will be done tomorrow. Let summer vacation begin!

Weekly progress report....

2010-06-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

This week has been challenging for walking purposes. We had pouring rain most of the week as a nice wet Pineapple Express moved on through. I don't mind walking in the rain. Just when it comes sideways presents problems. I ended up walking 5 miles inside today. It takes 15 minutes to walk a mile so watched a movie while I walked away. Not the same effect as outdoor walking - but walking none-the-less. So far this week....I am up to 8 miles. Only 2 more to go!

Today is Saturday. Woohoo! I did it! I made my goal! I ended up walking 11 miles total and I my goal was 10 miles. Yippee!

My weekly progress report...

2010-05-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have decided to make a weekly progress report for my walking. Today is Monday. I walked 4.4 miles.
I feel a lot like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she has to cross the poppy field. The poppies remind me of the rainy weather we have been having here in Tillamook. Let's see how fast we can get a walk in before we get poured on kind of thing comes to mind. Luckily it was just a sprinkle today.

Today is Wednesday. I walked 3 miles. I am happy to say it only took an hour! Woohoo!

Today is Friday! I walked 3 miles around town. It took me less than hour in the pouring rain! I have completed my goal for the week. My goal is 10 miles a week. I accomplished 10.4 miles total!

I did it!

2010-05-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I did it! I made my goal this week! Woohoo! I am so proud of myself. My goal was to walk 10 miles. I walked 10.2.

You may go about your business now. :)

Goal update...

2010-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

If I have a goal...I need to be accountable somewhere. I feel like my blog is a good place to do this. My last post talked about my goal of walking. Here is my update...
Last week I walked 8 miles. My goal was 10 miles so I felt good about what I accomplished.
This week so far I've walked 6.4 miles.
I have noticed I don't tire out as easily as I did when I started. This must mean I am doing something right! There are many different routes I can take depending on the workout I want. These routes range anywhere from fairly flat to extreme hills.

A new goal....

2010-05-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

I started walking 2-3 weeks ago. My favorite route is 3.5 miles long. I like to drop the car off at Russell's place where he meets to car pool and walk home from there. So far this week....I've walked 7 miles! Only 3.5 more to go. I am trying to walk 3 times a week. Mainly from town to home.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

My life has been filled with lots of amazing women. These women are my moms, mother-in-law, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts, cousins, sisters, sisters-in-law, missionary companions and friends. Thank you for your examples and for all the things I've learned from each of you. You have each touched my life in different ways and I thank you this Mother's Day.

3rd Grade Science Fair....

2010-05-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Over the past month and a half or so Michael has been working hard on his science fair project. He chose to make a telegraph machine and find out how many people recognized the S.O.S. signal. Yesterday was the culmination of all the 3rd grade projects. Last week and earlier this week they presented to their respective classrooms. Yesterday they were judged. Michael has a red 2nd place ribbon on his project. I am so proud of him! It was fun taking the pictures for him while Russell helped here and there to build the actual telegraph. Well done Michael!

Some friendships never die...

2010-05-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Late yesterday afternoon I was busily preparing dinner and chatting with the boys about their school day. Then the phone rang. We have caller ID and Donovan looked over and said "I don't know anyone from Virginia. I'm not answering it."
I know a few people in Virginia so picked up the phone. On the other end was a dear friend who has a VA phone number but lives in Florida! I haven't talked to her in about 25 years! The last memory I have of her is we are sitting in our home room visiting at the end of our 8th grade year. We were just waiting for school to get out for the summer.
It's so nice to have friends that last through the years. As we were visiting over the phone we reminisced about our Young Women days. We talked about a particular leader that we had. She still keeps in contact with her so asked her to pass along a hello from me.
I was so happy to get that phone call out of the blue. It's nice to know some friendships can be picked up right where we left off. Even after 25 years.

Oh....

2010-04-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Oh MRI wherefore art thou MRI?
I long to lie still inside thy metal tubing.
Oh MRI, oh MRI wherefore art thou?

I am patiently waiting for the doctor
To schedule our appointment.
Oh MRI, oh MRI wherefore art thou?

What will you see inside my innards?
Will everything be o o okay?
Oh MRI, oh MRI wherefore art thou?

Seriously - I am not looking forward to this appointment with the MRI. I am extremely claustrophobic. One set of pictures will be taken then a dye put in and then another round of pictures. Then the pictures will be compared to the ones I had done 4 years ago. Just because I am lucky like that. :)
I am needing/wanting to know what is going on in my lower spine though. I am a person who likes to "do." Sitting and doing nothing drives me batty. I like to be able to bend and have my body move the way I want it to. But alas - I am not able to at this time.
Overall - I guess the sitting part wouldn't be so bad if I can still use my hands for whatever I want to keep busy with. Now...if the doctor's office would just return my phone call.

update...

2010-04-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

Nephi's dr. called today. The cultures came back. He does not have a staph infection. He has a strep infection on his skin. Lucky him! So far the antibiotics seem to be helping. There weren't any new spots this a.m. and the ones he has appear smaller and are crusting/scabbing over.

Life in the moment...

2010-04-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

Okay. For the past 1 1/2 weeks Nephi has been complaining of his stomach hurting. It's always in the same spot. His bellybutton. It doesn't hurt worse if he's eating dairy, spicy or wheat products. Well I took him to the dr. on Monday. They didn't find anything wrong. He even left them urine and blood samples.

Fast forward to Tuesday. I finished cutting Nephi's hair and was helping him get the water started for his shower. He was getting ready to get in when I noticed spots. Lots of them on his left buttocks. They almost looked like bug bites. I am thinking - bugs in his underwear? Now that's a new one. So I checked his spots before he went to bed Tuesday night. A few more were there.

Wednesday I got a phone call from the dr. office to tell me his white blood count from the samples left were normal. I check Nephi's spots again before school. A few more - this time on the right buttocks and a couple starting on his leg. They don't itch. He doesn't have a fever. Or a sore throat. Or any ear pain. Nothing. Just these spots that resemble chicken pox. So he goes to school.

Wednesday night there are more spots between his legs. One on his left buttocks has ruptured. It's looking pretty pussy. Still no itching.

Thursday morning The spots appear to stay the same. However - I don't like the look of them so called the dr. office and took him in after school. Yes - he went to school. Does this make me a bad mother? No fever, no itching, no coughing, kids aren't touching where his underwear is, no exposed rash anywhere. I asked the dr. about it and she thought as long as he wasn't scratching school should be fine. I felt a little better.

At the dr. appt Thursday afternoon she was looking at this now lovely rash which is looking very itchy to me at least. She is pretty sure it's impetigo - a staph infection on the skin. She took a culture from the big one that ruptured on his left buttocks. I am expecting a phone call tomorrow to let us know for sure what it is. The lab takes a couple days I guess.

Friday. Nephi is home today. He said the spots on his knee are starting to itch. He is on antibiotics to get rid of the infection. He also has a prescription strength topical cream that goes on his sores 2 x a day. There are even more spots this morning. Even with 3 doses of antibiotics in him. Makes me wonder if it's something other than impetigo.

A good thing is Nephi's stomach doesn't hurt anymore. I am wondering if there is a correlation between the sore stomach and the rash. When one went away the other appeared.

On a side note - the transmission in the van is making funny noises. It started yesterday after I took dinner to a family in our ward. At least I got that part done. I have to go help at a funeral this afternoon and take some food in to the church so I am hoping the car will survive a trip to town and back home again.

Life in the moment... Is crazy at times.

Happy 9th Birthday Michael!

2010-04-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

The day you joined our family was quite the eventful one! Here I am holding you for the first time. I can barely hold you though because 1. You were heavy. and 2. I had lost a lot of blood and was very weak. We were happy you joined our family though. Life has never been dull since your arrival.

When you were a toddler you could be found IN the cupboards. Any cupboard that you could fit in. It didn't matter what was supposed to be in it. You found a way.

You could also be found emptying the cupboards. You did this lovely number while I was getting a quick shower. You are shoveling it in as quickly as you can. I guess the living room floor was an acceptable place to put your food on since the bowls would have been too high for you.

Now you are a young man of 9. You have opinions on how things should be done. You have a good work ethic for the most part. You do struggle with things that do not come easily to you. Before long you will be old enough to do lots of things the bigger boys can do. We are so happy you are part of our family.

The arrival of spring begins with these...

2010-04-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

These are the new daffodils I planted that came up. The middles are really frilly and this picture turned out a LOT darker than I wanted. Bummer. My tulips had a really hard time this year. The ones that have come up got pummeled by hail. Lots of hail and high winds and pouring rain.

But on the bright side....
Yesterday was Fuscia Saturday at Fred Meyers. The plants were on sale. A really good sale! We took in our empty flower pots. Picked out our flowers and paid for them and then the store potted our plants for free! They use the really good potting soil too - which if I had to buy would be really expensive for all the pots we took in. We now have 7 hanging baskets of strawberries. I am really excited about these. And the basil pot. And the oregano pot. And all the other flower pots with....
just flowers! Russell and I had a fun date picking out fun colors and plants. This will just have to be a tradition!

10 April 2010 Pinewood Derby!

2010-04-11T06:40:00.001-07:00

Let the races begin!
Michael's car is the black one in the front.

Russ, Donovan, Chris and Nephi watching the big screen as car numbers are called up.

This would be Michael's very first pinewood derby! He was pretty excited about it....

He was excited when it was his car's turn to race. His is the one on the far left...

He was excited to see it go down the track. At first. Then was very disappointed it didn't do well at all. It was a good experience for him though. It will give him something to look forward to next year when he designs a different car.

2010 Christmas presents in the works...

2010-04-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a lot like an elf from the North Pole. I started back in January working on a Christmas idea for all the nieces and nephews. I think I have 26 or so total. I would have to go check my paper. Anyway - I asked one of my sisters what she thought her children would prefer. She said scripture or Sunday bags. So....

I made this reversible scripture bag for my soon to be 8 year old niece. This is one side.

This is the other. I had fun with the colors. She likes pinks and purples so I think this will suit her nicely.

I made her little brother a cosmic Sunday bag. There are actually little planets all over the darker material. I think he will like it as he likes reds and yellows and greens and blues.

When August rolls around with back to school sales I will stock up of a few extra things for his "special" bag.

Resetting goals...

2010-04-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

You know how January comes along and everyone is in a frenzy to set New Year's goals - most likely without the intention of EVER doing them? Well I did that. I made a goal back in January to be more consistent in my exercising. I am not fat or overweight. I did well for a while. Then life got in the way. Then I wanted to go walking. The sun was sunny and the rains were gone. But alas....I am just a girl and walking by myself along country roads is not my idea of a good time. Maybe I'm just paranoid. I keep looking over my shoulder to see if a car is trailing me. One did stop one time while Russell was running and I was...ahem...trying to. Russell was long gone by then so I had to run. This brings me to my dilemma.

I want to be able to walk. I need to be able to walk. I have noticed little body changes here and there and need to be able to exercise. The Wii isn't my idea of exercise. Walking in place doing steps isn't taking me anywhere. I would like to get a treadmill or stationary bike. I could really go places on either of those.

My goals revisited....somehow find a treadmill or stationary bike so I can exercise indoors while the rains come down outdoors. It does that A LOT where I am.

Things are MUCH clearer....

2010-03-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

About 3 weeks ago Michael informed me he couldn't see the time on the clock from the family room any more. So....I told him I would make an appointment to get his eyes checked when spring break got here. Last week his school teacher called to tell me she had noticed for the past few weeks Michael couldn't see things across the classroom anymore. She noticed he couldn't see what she was writing on the board so he was moved to the front. She said that still wasn't helping. I told her he already had an eye appointment scheduled. She was relieved to hear that. Today - the glasses came in! Michael was so excited to be able to SEE!
One eye is 20/40. The other is 20/50. He has astigmatism in his right eye as well.

We take something as simple as eyesight for granted sometimes. I know I have been known to do that. When things start looking blurry - glasses are a godsend. It's so nice to be able to see what 's around us and be thankful for the fact we can see.

A perfect day for a beach trip to Pacific City!

2010-03-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of our Spring Break! Can't you tell...the weather was gorgeous! Beautiful blue skies and warm weather. Am I really at the Oregon coast? I took the boys on an adventure today. We went down to Pacific City since we've never been. We had a blast!

There is a gigantic sand dune there. Donovan informed us all about it. He has been here before with a school outing. He told the younger boys it would take them hours and hours to get to the top. They believed him.

The white dots are Donovan and Chris. Michael is in red and Nephi in blue.

The dots...um....I mean boys...are at the top or almost there now! I zoomed in so I could see the boys.

Running down. See the two kids crawling up? That's what Nephi did the whole way. It's a really steep sand dune.

Here they come! I do believe Michael is carrying a stick. Just what I don't want to see. A boy of mine running pell mell down a sand dune. I can just see the impaling of the stick into his body. Can you? Once he reached me I took it away.

Here comes Donovan!

Nephi taking his sweet time. I think he is coming down with something. Hasn't been feeling well the past couple days.

Michael pelting down the hill again! Without the beforementioned stick.

Nephi is getting closer!

Checking out one of many tide pools. This beach is really cool! It's only 25 minutes or so from our house!

So far...sand dunes, tide pools and now this! Check out the wonderful colors on these rocks! WOW! Boys and rocks go great together.

Nephi and his climbing skills.

Donovan.

I asked someone to take a family picture. I am OCD about stuff like that. I want to be able to look back at the fun times we had with ME in the picture!

Checking out the rocks and tide pools. The water was off limits. Too cold.

And the tide was coming in.

Nephi's face says how he is feeling.

Yay! More rocks to climb!

Hello Michael and Donovan! You can come down now....the way you went up would be preferrable.

There was even this rock. It had little grooves in it for climbing I am guessing. That's what my boys used it for anyway. This beach had everything beachy!

FOS BSA 100th Anniversary District-wide Breakfast

2010-03-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

This morning our scouting district within the Cascade Pacific Council had a Friends of Scouting district wide breakfast. The boy scouts and cub scouts were asked to participate by serving breakfast to those in attendance and be in a skit. We had 3 of our boys helping with this event.
Donovan came to show me his "Man Skirt."

Chris' face says all that is on his mind at this point. He was not happy to be there.

Our cub scouts from our den. Only 3 showed up.

Michael is part of the Boy Scout Promise skit.

There is my smiling boy Chris. I do believe he had 2 helpings of breakfast. Serving is hard work you know. I know a little food always puts a smile on my face as well!

Our pack 687's display.

The majority of the scouts who helped set up/clean up/serve, etc. Some had already left before the picture was taken.

Hoquarton Slough Cub Scout Outing

2010-03-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

On 12 March 2010 I went on my last cub scout outing as an official cub scout den leader. :( It was a cold, blustery day. A day to match my mixed emotions of stepping down from an organization I love so much so others could step up with fresh ideas and learn to love what I came to love.

We were helping our Bear with one of the requirements he chose. So...we piled in a couple cars and headed to Hoquarton Slough in the middle of town. It's a place where the boys learned about the habitat surrounding where we live and how we can affect the waterways around us - for good or bad. We learned some history of the town as well. The slough park is fairly new and a lot of hard work has gone into making it look really neat. One of my favorite parts was the cement side walk. They made different prints of animals, birds and humans in various spots. Loved it!

One of my favorite animal prints.

Our small cub scout den with their new leaders. The Hoquarton Slough is just behind them.

Reading about the slough and trying not to turn into popsicles.

Another reading spot. The boys really enjoyed the various stations.

Crazy busy!

2010-03-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks have gone by really fast. Michael and I had a crazy day loading the Goodwill truck with other cub scouts 2 Saturdays ago. Then we had to leave early so Russell and I could go to the Temple. We had a really nice time there with other members of our ward and stake. The following Sunday was our Young Women's New Beginnings and the girls received the bracelets I worked so hard on. I don't know for sure - but think they like them. Have only seen 1 or 2 girls wearing theirs. While we were cleaning up after everyone left I took the trash out to the dumpster. The dumpster and I are not friends right now. While trying to close it....I re-tore my healing stomach muscles. Nothing feels as wonderful as a searing pain accompanied by tearing where there shouldn't be tearing! So....I gingerly made my way back into the building to get the YW Prez and had her help me close the dumpster. I think the combination of packing up the super swap the previous Friday, loading the Goodwill truck Saturday and setting up/cleaning up for the YW night made my body hold up several white surrender flags. No fear though. I've just been released from being a Cub Scout den leader so don't need to worry about that any more. I will miss it. Been doing it for the past 3 1/2 years. I am excited for an upcoming combined activity. The Mia Maids (my girls) are in charge. They wanted to do a scavenger hunt. They wanted to drive all over town. Um...not a good idea with the limited time and large group. So we told them they could have it at the church. We invited them to meet us this past Friday at the church to help locate hiding spots and come up with clues. No one showed but myself and our prez. So....I am gleefully happy they didn't. This will be a surprise for them. Which is what I want. I labeled the scavenger hunt by calling it "Where are your Treasures?" If you are in YW (Becky) and are interested for your activities - I will send you an email. I guess I should look at my YW lessons as well as I teach for the next 2 Sundays.
Let's see....what else. Oh - this weekend is another crazy busy one. Thursday night our district is having a dress rehearsal for a 100th Anniversary BSA breakfast. Then the boys have to return to said building by 7 a.m. Friday morning for the actual event. 3 of our boys are to be busy serving/whatever else needs help. N gets to be with me. I am really bummed Russell can't come but his school district doesn't start spring break until the following Monday. Then the real icing on the cake is the YW truck wash at PUD. We told the YM they could come and if they did - we would split the money earned for our various summer camps. I have strict orders from my wonderful hubby to NOT wash any trucks. I am allowed to man the hose and paperwork and that is IT! I hope there are a lot of little worker bees showing up cuz if not - we will be there all day. And I still have a cough. Not near as frequent but still deep. I have to double over when I do cough as I can feel the stomach muscles not liking the strain. I am now allergic to all narcotics and the one medicine I can take I can only take at night as it makes me sleepy.

It's felt like a really long road....

2010-02-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

These past 2 weeks have really been something else. First I had bronchitis. The coughs were so hard, long and deep that they tore my stomach muscles. At first I thought I gave myself a hernia - I actually felt something tear on my left side - so off we went to the ER. Nope - just tore the muscles. Not that that is any less painful. I've had my share of hernias and they are no walk in the park.
So the ER doctor gave a prescription for some serious cough medicine. It has Vicodene in it. Come to find out after I have 2 doses - I am allergic to vicodene. This medicine made me ITCH all over. Not just little itches. Big ITCHES. Then my tongue swelled up. This was in the middle of the night so didn't bother waking Russell. Not that I could talk anyway. I tried moving it around. No such luck. Eventually the itching subsided and my tongue went back to normal. I called the ER nurse the next morning and told her what happened. She said add this to my list of allergies.
The doctor calls in another prescription. "Please make sure is NOT a narcotic" I say. I am beginning to think I shouldn't go into the drug business of any kind. I wouldn't be good at recommending since I am allergic to the good stuff. lol Russell picks it up for me after church. The first dose seems to be going alright. Kept the cough at bay so I could get some rest. Took the second dose at the prescribed time. Almost immediately the itching started again. There is something in this medicine I am allergic too. Not sure what - but I am taking it back to the pharmacy so they can tell me. I have to know.
So for now - my cough medicine that is supposed to be all powerful is sitting by my bed. It's of no use to me. Back to the OTC Delsym for now. The cough isn't near as wet as it was. The phlegm is going down. My side only hurts occasionally now. Especially when I cough. Which I hope is getting less frequent.
In the meantime - my house is a disaster. Russell has done his best to keep things moving while I was down. He informed me it takes 5 people to replace me. Wow. That's a lot!

I got majorly kicked in the butt!

2010-02-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

About a week and a half ago Donovan and Michael had bronchitis. They would NOT cover their mouths. Grrr......

So....Saturday morning I got up not feeling well. By the afternoon I started feeling fine again. So I went on a 3 mile walk with Russell.

Sunday morning woke up feeling fine. Got home from church Sunday and....

WHAMOO.

It hit me like a ton of bricks. The coughing. The body aches. The chills. The fevers. The ribs hurting. This is different than the body aches. Trust me on this. It just is. Did I mention the coughing? Oh, and the coughing. The never ending coughing.

Monday I woke up and somehow made my way to the couch. Nephi comes out crying. His ear hurts. Russell takes him to the doctor. Gasp. They were actually open on a holiday! He had an ear infection. He is doing much better.

Tuesday I wake up with my ribs hurting so bad I am beginning to wonder if this warrants a trip to the ER or doctor. We consult the nurse. Not much help. "It's up to you if you want to be seen or not. We really can't verify if the ribs hurting is a bad thing or not." No....it's never okay if your ribs hurt. Unless you were kicked by a horse or something.

So Russell took me in. Bronchitis. I am on horse size pills of amoxicillan for 10 days. Can't have a Z-pack because I am allergic to erythimycin (sp). They are in the same family. Don't want to go that route.

Wednesday night I took some Delsym before I went to bed and had about 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It was pure bliss. Then the Delsym wore off. The coughing wasn't as near as bad though. Which is a good thing. I was feeling pretty phlegmy.

Life is so short....

2010-02-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

I just found out today that a friend's husband is being sent home from the hospital with hospice. He's been battling cancer for a while now. He and his wife haven't been married for very long. They have a 2 year old daughter.
I know this woman though. She is a woman of great faith. I know she's poured her heart out to Heavenly Father many times on her husband's behalf. I know that because they were sealed in the Temple - they will be together again.
Life is so short. We never know when our turn will come or the circumstances that will surround it.
Give your children an extra hug and tell them that you love them. Give your spouse an extra hug and kiss and tell him/her that you love them. Life is so short to not take these precious opportunities for the good.

Update...
My friend's husband has passed away.

A thought provoking blog...

2010-02-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Russell, my dear husband has started a blog. It's called http://thepatienceofthesaints.blogspot.com/ . It makes me stop and think.

Now I must be off to make some pies while I ponder what I have read.

"Value" bracelets

2010-02-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

In our church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Young Women have a special meeting at the beginning of the year called New Beginnings. It's to welcome the new girls and to recognize the work of the other girls in the Personal Progress books. I wanted to do something the same yet individual for each of our girls. Something they would want to wear and be reminded of the values they hold dear. These bracelets are what I came up with. Each has an orange, green, blue, yellow, red, white, gold and purple bead. These represent the 8 values found in the Personal Progress book. I had each girl choose 3 charms to put on their bracelets to make it individual. I also found out what their favorite colors were so I could use the colors as spacers. I think these turned out really well. I hope the girls like them as much as I do! I sure had fun making them!

Lethargic I am...

2010-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a lot lethargic today. A really long nap sounds really, really good. Too bad it's Friday. I have cub scouts in a few hours. If I fall asleep now - I might not wake up in time to pick up Michael and his friend from school. I really, really hope I am not catching what the boys have had in the past 2 weeks. It's a nasty virus that I don't really have time for.

Leave your germs at the door....

2010-01-31T20:17:00.000-08:00

This past week has been infectious. In more ways than one! lol Monday started off with Christopher coming home from school not feeling too well. It escalated into a sore throat, fever and really bad body aches. A trip to the doctor confirmed he did not have strep. Just a nasty virus. Well the sore throat went away and in it's place came a cough. A really nasty wet cough. He has spent most of the week on his bed. Or in the tub. Lots of hot baths - as hot as he can stand for those poor achy body aches. I sent him to school on Friday since Thursday he really didn't want to be confined to a prone position any longer. About 2 hours into the school day he called not feeling well. I go pick him up.
Friday after scouts Michael started in with a fever and a really nasty headache. Off to bed he went. All day Saturday and today. He is starting to do better. He has a cough. Not as bad as Christopher's - but a cough nonetheless.
Thursday I noticed Donovan starting in with little cough here and there. It was dry at first. He was supposed to go camping Friday night and Saturday. As Thursday night progressed I could hear the distinct difference in the coughing spells. I told him he couldn't go. He wasn't happy about it. Friday afternoon I get home from scouts and Donovan informs me he has a fever of 102. I am so glad he didn't go camping. Later Friday night and most of the day Saturday his fever has been right around 104.
Today the three older boys stayed home from church. I told them they had to stay on their beds except to use the bathroom. We put a small t.v. and dvd player in their room so they could at least watch a movie while laying down and resting. So far - this seems to have worked well. They have been generous in the time spent sleeping and very wise with how long they watch something. I give them kudos for that.
This evening they appear to be feeling better and on the mend. Tomorrow there is no school so we are cleaning house in a big way. This will be the true test of how they are feeling.
I think somebody just threw up. Better go.

Moving on...

2010-01-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are my customers with my skin care business...I have already contacted you. If for some reason I didn't....I am closing the doors as of 31 March 2010. If you need anything before then....let me know. I have decided being self employed at this particular time isn't working out. I have a job with NW Seniors with Disabilities and love helping them. I will be pursuing my efforts in that direction.

Young Women's

2010-01-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday was my first time in Young Women's since I was in that age group. I am over the Mia Maids. What a great group of girls! I am so excited to be with them as we learn together. I love the lessons they get each week. I get to teach every other week and have been having a blast reading through the lesson and preparing for Sunday. I also have the opportunity to "re-earn" my Young Women Medallion!

A new leaf...

2010-01-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

Lately I have become increasingly overwhelmed with different aspects of my life. Cub Scouts, Day Camp to name a few. I was at the point where I didn't want to be in charge of anything anymore. I didn't want to have others depend on me to figure out what to do/solve their problems/fix the solution. I was feeling like I was at the end of my rope.
Sunday came along. I got up. Got ready for church as usual. Got the boys to church. Before church starts Brother Josi asked to talk to me. Okay. Sure. I need to get a building key anyway for scouts since I can't seem to remember to get Russell's.
So I go see Brother Josi. He has issued a calling. Yes I say. I don't even know what it is yet. Then I got to thinking...maybe I should find out what I am supposed to be doing. We want to you be the 1st counselor in Young Women's. Oh says I. I haven't been in YW for 20 years. This will be a new experience.
So much for not being overwhelmed and not being in charge. Apparently this will be my life for a while. I will just hop on the train and go along for the ride. :) And be happy about it.
I am so excited to get to be with girls! I am excited to get to know the Mia Maids and Laurels from our ward. I've spent the past 3 1/2 years in Primary with the younger kids and enjoyed that immensely.
My life at home is with all guys. Sometimes it feels like a testosterone competition! Too much for one lone momma bear to handle sometimes.

Somebody turned 14 today and like all 14 year olds....knows everything! :)

2010-01-02T17:54:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to yoU! Happy birthday dear Donovan.....Happy birthday to YOU!
On this day 14 years ago you were the firstborn into our family. It changed our lives and for the better! You were a good baby which made taking care of you a joy and a blessing.

Now you are a 14 year old young man with dreams of your own. Follow your dreams and work hard for what you want in life. Taking the easy road and just getting by doesn't cut it in the real world. We love you so much!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's 2010? I am not ready for another year to begin. I guess I really don't have a say in the matter so best to suck it up, move forward and make some goals.
My goals this coming year....
1. exercise - I am pretty sure being a couch potato is in my genes so have to continually remind myself to get up and around. I cannot allow myself to put on extra weight due to back problems. So far - I don't weigh anything like I did on my mission. I hover right around 140 and like it there.
2. study the scriptures better - I read them regularly. But am I getting enough out of them? I really loved Sister Walker's video she showed in Sunday School when we visited my in-laws church. It made what was in the scriptures come to life. Something I struggle with. How do I make it personal for me? How can I teach my children to apply the scriptures to them if I struggle with making it personal for me?
3. I know there was another one - but can't remember what it was. I guess it wasn't important. If it was - maybe the thought will resurface before the end of the year. :)

What are your 2010 goals? Good luck in accomplishing them!

The end of the year Boy Scout Mt. Hood camp out!

2009-12-31T16:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know the correct order of the pictures. There are a lot. You have been warned. I love them all!

My guys. L-R Christopher, Russell and Donovan.

My boys at breakfast time. They are looking a little chilly! They took breakfast burritos to warm by the fire.

One of my favorite pictures.

Another favorite.

Our van with 4 inches of new snow which is sitting on 4 feet of snow!

Another favorite picture. I loved this one so much I made it my background on the computer.

The tent where my guys spent the night.

Another favorite shot. Those flakes coming down are HUGE!

Overall - it looks the scouts had a great snow camp out! All this sledding makes me want to camping up on Mt. Hood this very minute! (With lots of hot cocoa in tow of course. ) lol

It can't be the end of the year. Can it?

2009-12-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

This year has gone by incredibly fast. Too fast as a matter of fact. At least we didn't have any broken bones this time around. Russell had some heart problems but is doing well. I had lateral epicondilytis which has improved tons. I am not able to hand quilt any more but I can still do bead stuff and crochet.
We had a great time at Christmas visiting family, staying up way to late, eating lots of good food, playing lots of games and enjoying each other's company.
Russell and the older boys left early this morning for a boy scout snow camp out on Mt. Hood. They are expected to get 6-10 inches of new snow tonight. I am anxious to see the pictures I hope Russell is taking. :) This is a wonderful experience and probably a once in a lifetime one for the boys. I don't know if the scouts go every year or not.
When Russell gets home tomorrow I will share what pictures he took. Driving could be treacherous as the Portland area also has snow right now. They have about 4 inches of sticking snow that isn't going away any time soon.
To top off the end of the year....we have a flood watch in effect for later this week on the coast. Aren't we so lucky? Hopefully I can go to work on Thursday and turn my voucher in at DHS so I can get paid.

My least favorite thing about this time of the year...

2009-12-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Mice. And rats. Big or small. I don't care for them. Any at all.
I went to bed last night around 9:30 and fell promptly asleep. I was having a great sleep actually. Until about 11 p.m.
Russell: "Candace....wake up."
me: "huh?"
Russell: "Candace...wake up - there is a rat in the house."
me: "Did you see it?"
Russell: "Yeah it was really huge."
By this time I am thinking we have gigantor roaming in the other room if Russell woke me up. (Not that I would be of any assistance mind you. I would actually be a hinderance. Wouldn't he remember that from last time?) We go out to the family room and Russell said he saw it come out from the kitchen and start towards the laundry room. When it saw Russ it went back to the kitchen - either behind the refrigerator or under the dishwasher...he thought.
So....
Russell starts moving the refrigerator around to see if there is any mouse/rat behind it. Nothing. Next he unscrews the dishwasher from the counter so he can pull it out. He finds a dead teeny tiny mouse. Not the one he saw earlier. By this time the dishwasher is completely out and he has crawled behind it. Slightly insane if you ask me. Russell has his flashlight looking around. No mouse/rat. He does spy a drainpipe though that is big enough for the critters to come and go through. So he says he needs to go to the garage to get some nails and wood.
me: "Don't you dare leave me alone in this house with a loose mouse/rat."
Russell: "But I need to get the materials to fix the hole."
me: "Fine. Leave me the broom then." Not that a broom is any match for a rodent. I start stomping around the kitchen and banging the broom just so the rodent knows it has met it's match. Likely me running and screaming would be most appropriate in such a circumstance.
Around midnight Russell has finished covering up said hole near drainpipe, reinstalled the dishwasher and put out some mouse/rat bait called OneBite. I love this stuff. We have been putting it under the house and it keeps disappearing every day. This is beginning to remind of the movie Ratatouille when all the rats come pouring out of the little old lady's house. EW.
Anyway - we leave a little pile in the middle of the kitchen floor and go to bed. Soon I hear sleeping sounds coming from Russell. How can he sleep with a rodent loose in the house? I guess it doesn't phase a guy.
Me....
I lay in bed and toss and turn. My feet are popsicles. I am too scared to get out of bed to get some socks for them. Every single noise I hear is...
oh - that's just the fire in the wood stove.
oh - Chris is turning over again.
wait....what's that sound? Should I wake Russ up?
all is quiet.
oh - I hear noises again. Oh...just the wood stove.
Repeat noises for several hours. I think I dozed off around 4:30 or so with being startled by every noise this house makes at night.
We get up.
me: "Russ - I need you to check the kitchen before I go in there to make lunches."
Russell: He goes out and looks at the bait. "Doesn't look like anything touched it. Hmmm. Wonder where the mouse is. Guess it went away."
After he gets dressed AND puts his contacts IN....and goes back to the kitchen for breakfast...
"WOW! This is a big mouse! Pretty plump too!"
By this time Michael and Nephi want in on the action. "Can we see Dad?"
So Russell being Russell starts chasing them around with a dead mouse.
Mouse is found.
Caulking for drainpipe is purchased.
Dust masks are purchased so Russell can go under the house and caulk pipe without inhaling mouse poopies and discard any mouse/rat carcasses he comes across. He is the man of the house after all. Right?
The least favorite thing of this time of year is uninvited guests taking up residence in the house. The very chilly temperatures and sunshine sure are making beautiful scenery on the rivers though. How often will I get to see the Tillamook River start freezing over like it is now? Not very often!

My most favorite time of the year!

2009-11-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

And busiest I think! I have been making scarves for each of my cub scouts and have been selling some on the side. I have also made myself a wool sweater vest that I really like and discovered it goes with just about everything in my closet! :)

This week is going to be crazy to say the least. As my boys wander around the house they create mini hurricanes as they go. They don't have school at all this week due to Thanksgiving break. Who ever heard of such a thing? So...

Tomorrow I have to clean the house so it will hopefully be clean by Wednesday when we go to my most wonderful in-laws house.

Tuesday is the baking day. I need to make enough pies for 20 people for my side of the family for Thanksgiving dinner. I will be doing pumpkin, apple, peach, blackberry or a combination of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry. And whatever else my in-laws want us to bring to chow on the rest of the time we are at their house.

Wednesday morning I have to work for part of the time and pack for going out of town.

Can you say busy?

Do you hear what I hear?

2009-11-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

My sister Becky has this summed up really well.
Last night I was sleeping soundly. All of a sudden I wake up hearing little pitter patter feet of a mouse scurrying across the floor in the other room. I wake up Russell. This is 3 a.m. He doesn't hear anything. I try going back to sleep. A few minutes later I hear it again. I wake up Russell again. This goes on for some time. Eventually he gets up and goes to the other room to check on flood conditions on the computer. I figure if he's out in the other room there must not be a mouse in the house. I venture out to see if I can still hear anything.
Nada.
Nothing.
Zip.
We go back to bed. I start to fall asleep and start hearing pitter patters running across the ceiling - the roof side of course.
Did you hear that? How can you not hear that? It was right over our heads!
Am I going crazy here? I certainly feel like it. How come you can't hear these noises? Is this mouse just out to get me?

I probably should mention this isn't the first time this has happened either.
So....
Do you hear what I hear?

A Christmas idea update!

2009-11-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

At my dear sister's request - a photo of one of the scarves I am working on! This one is for one of my cub scouts. His favorite colors happen to be brown and green.

I have sold 2 scarves already! :)

A Christmas idea....

2009-11-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

I have been working on Christmas scarves for my little cub scouts. That got me to thinking...
yeah I know...a scary thought!
I could make scarves for people for stocking stuffers or gift giving for a reasonable price. It's something that could be used over and over with the blustery winter weather coming up and it could be whatever color choice the recipient likes! If there are any interested people that would like scarves for Christmas - let me know right away!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! :)

Oink oink...

2009-10-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Boohoo guess who has the swine flu? Russell does! Apparently his school district has been hit pretty hard in the past few weeks. He brought it home 3 weeks ago and we both were so sick. I had the really high fever for about a week, tired, achey all over and diarrhea. He had all the above minus diarrhea plus nasty cough and runny nose. He has round 2 of the really high fever, tired, achey body, runny nose and yucky cough. The county is saying don't go to the doctor. They won't give anything or check for swine flu specifically. Since the regular flu season doesn't start for another 2 months the doctor offices are treating all flu-like symptoms as H1N1. Lucky us. We are stocked up on OJ, bananas, toast, kleenex, afrin, cough drops, chollidial of silver and whatever else keeps us comfy and not so miserable.

The silver lining? The boys and I are happy and healthy. It's much easier to take care of one sick person than be sick myself.

Oink cough snort snort oink oink......

A not so great discovery....

2009-10-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

I was relacing part of my tennis shoe this morning. I discovered while trying this procedure - you need a little bit of hand strength. Which I am clearly lacking in my left hand. Not sure what is going on but am seeing the doctor about it on Friday. I have discovered I can still crochet but after a while my hand/arm/shoulder feel really aggravated. As for hand quilting and such - I can't even grasp the needle properly. So....I have decided that the triple irish quilt I started a few years ago - I will pull out the stitches I have already done (which amounts to 3/4 of it) and give it to my mother-in-law to machine quilt. Mom - if you are reading this...you will have a project soon. :)

Neglect is your ally....

2009-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

I hope. :) Nothing too exciting has been happening so I haven't posted anything. Just busy working for a few hours a week as a home health care worker. Did my 4 sessions of Family,Church and Scouting last Saturday and our Primary program was this past Sunday. The stress level in my life shot way down so I am feeling a bit lost. lol What to do, what to do, what to do!

I have a part-time out of the house job.

2009-10-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

It's official! I have a part-time 16 hours a month job as a home healthcare worker. I had my first day today.

2009-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday dear Chris!
You have turned into a very handsome 12 year old young man.

You were born during a BYU football game on Oct. 3rd. You weighed in at 6 lbs 8 oz and were 19 inches long. My how you've grown! You used to be blonder than blonde and now your hair is dark. You try your best to be happy and be a peacemaker. You weren't always this way and it's been a joy to watch you change. I am so happy you are in our family! :)

Emotional Roller Coasters...

2009-10-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Today is an emotional roller coaster for me. I am able to listen to an amazing General Conference - great topics, awesome speakers, could feel the spirit - even while canning tomatoes and pumpkin.
It is also Christopher's 12th birthday! Happy birthday - now you can attend the Priesthood Session of General Conference with your dad and brother. (Maybe not the most exciting thing to do on your birthday - but you chose to come on this day. ) :)
I also found out a dear friend I met on recipezaar died this morning. She had stage 4 breast cancer that mestatized to her brain. Rest in peace dear Ellie. I will miss you and so will your family and all your internet recipezaar family as well.

Christmas in September...

2009-09-27T17:13:00.001-07:00

Russell and I have been gathering tomatoes just as they are starting to change from really light green on up to red. The green ones can ripen on the counter - and do in just a few days. Well this afternoon we went out to gather some tomatoes as we had a light frost this morning and didn't want to lose what was growing. I ended up with two huge bowls - making it 4 total with what I already had in the house.
We also picked the remainder of the zucchini so we wouldn't lose that either. There is red and green all over my kitchen! It's looking very festive. :) I love this time of year.

Sick and tired of being sick and tired.

2009-09-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. First it started out as sneezing. Then a runaway nose. Allergies right? I wish. Allergies don't have fevers associated with them to my knowledge. Or achy bodies. It's been a week now.
I was being nice and let Russell go to the doctor on Thursday since he had the same symptoms I do - plus an sinus infection. The diagnosis? A super nasty virus they can't do anything for.
Glad I didn't bother going in.
I am finding out Theriflu tastes horrible but works somewhat. I am hoping to feel better soon. I would like to go to church tomorrow. We are working on our Primary program and I play the piano.

Then as I was chatting with my sister online - the funniest thought came into my head. What if this is ALL in my head and not a virus at all! What if I am having massive hot flashes! That gave me a really good laugh. I've had hot flashes before that have felt feverish but not the achy body. So...
I guess it's back to I really am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

A really neat letter from a favorite author.

2009-09-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Last year in 5th Grade - Christopher's class wrote to different people in the hopes they would receive a reply. Chris chose to write to Cressida Cowell - author of "How to Train Your Dragon" - one of his favorite reads. This was many months ago. Either early this week or late last week he received the following letter. Needless to say - it really made his day!

Cressida Cowell even drew a dragon just for Chris! How cool is THAT?

Cub Scout outing to the Kilchis River Park

2009-09-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we took our small pack of boys to the Kilchis River Park. The theme this month is all about pockets and the collection of things boys invariably have in their pockets at all times. We were on the search for smallish rocks so the boys could make a little rock person if they wanted.
All the Wolves and lone Bear needed some swing time before heading out.

Michael emptied his water bottle and used it as an underwater magnifying glass. It worked he said.

We are missing a boy. He and his mom ran up to use the restroom. The boys sure had a fun time though.

The great rock search begins!

This picture I took has nothing to do with the boys. I really liked the little stream with the orange leaves floating down. It's now the background on my computer. I find it a very relaxing picture to look at.

Got Beaver?

2009-09-20T20:27:00.001-07:00

We have a new resident on our premises. Russell was out cutting flowers for me and saw a bunch of bushes missing. He was a bit perplexed until he looked closer.

This is the entrance to and from the river where said beaver makes his nightly forages on our plant life.

He/She ATE/TOOK this huge azalea bush. Apparently Russell was wanting to get rid of it anyway. Looks like he had a helper. Some of my favorite flowers have been smooshed to the ground as this said beaver parks/moves his/her cumbersome body around. :(

Well - guess we don't need to hire a landscaper anytime soon! lol Leave it to Mother Nature. She fixes everything sooner or later.

Happy Birthday Nephi!

2009-09-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

On this evening 7 years ago - Nephi joined our family! He was on his own agenda and came 5 weeks early. Weighing in at 4 lbs 14 oz didn't stop him from becoming the happy go lucky boy he is today!

And all he wants for his birthday is his two front teeth! (Not really. ) Nephi - we are so happy you are part of our family! You liven things up and keep us entertained. We hope you have a good year ahead of you and that you can be a good example to your friends in school. In another year you can be baptized. This is an exciting time for you!

Garden Gold

2009-09-16T18:30:00.001-07:00

In my kitchen pumpkins and carrots are garden gold. I just love this time of year. The harvesting and processing of our garden produce. I find it very fulfilling. I think I was born to be a farmer deep down inside.

These past two weeks have been extremely chaotic (to put it mildly) in my kitchen. I felt like a three ring circus juggling ripening fruit, kids lunches for school and getting dinner on the table at the end of day. I felt overwhelmed at times but plowed through anyway. I've kept a few late nights (much later than I would like - not a night owl). In the end I am grateful for the sacrifices made on everyone's parts as we helped each other in our yearly quest to expand our food storage.

Learning...

2009-09-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

My sister and I did a trade. She was wanting to get rid of all her beads and beading accessories and I was one day wanting to acquire such a set. She wanted Mary Kay make-up which I could supply. The trade was a done deal.

For months now I have been saving beading magazines. Mostly for the few designs I have seen in there. What I want to know is how do I get the really cool images I see in my brain to actually take fruition in a set of earrings, necklace or bracelet? Am I artistic enough for such a venture? Could I be good enough to actually make some money at it? Would it be too hard on my eyes/hands over time? These questions keep plaguing me. I have every intention to sit down and try my hand. But when? Not this week. Maybe not even next week.

In the meantime I will reread these said magazines and look at the beads I currently have. It's definitely not like a quilt where you can imagine the finished product in your mind as you work on it. The images I see in my mind are simple and beautiful. I lack the know-how to get to the finished product.

Wish me luck as I learn new things. Maybe I will be good enough that you just might find a little something from me in your Christmas stocking this year.

Peeling. Slicing. Shredding. Oh my!

2009-09-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

You know that song from ABBA called the "Dancing Queen?" Replace that with "Canning Queen." I feel like I have been in the kitchen Monday - Thursday all day and about an hour today - probably because I was! I finished the pears, peaches, tomatoes sitting on the counter and worked my way through all the zucchini as well. It has been a very productive week.

Wednesday's, Thursday's and today's productivity yielded 26 quarts of peaches, 5 peach pies in the freezer, 4 quarts of tomatoes, 24 half pints and 5 pints of shredded zucchini pineapple, 2 quarts and 1 pint of the juice used to make the zucchini pineapple and 5 quarts of pears!

Monday's productivity yielded 50 quarts of pears and 6 pints of zucchini salsa. It's nice to be able to sit down and take a break now. Next week I need to be out in the garden getting corn, carrots, potatoes and pumpkin. Whew!

September 2009 Boy Scout Court of Honor

2009-09-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

A couple nights ago the boy scouts in our ward had a court of honor. They don't have one regularly like the cub scouts have pack meeting each month. The boys earned various awards at this court of honor - mostly from summer camp. Thanks Russell for taking pictures!

Donovan receiving his awards. He earned: Family Life, Indian Lore, Forestry, Archery and a partial Astronomy. Good job!

This is Christopher's first court of honor. He was able to attend summer camp as well since Russell was there. He earned: Fish and Wildlife, Forestry, Mammal Studies, Indian Lore and a partial Nature. Good job!

Patiently waiting. It's so nice to see all these young men in their uniforms.

Pondering.

The first day of school has arrived!

2009-09-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

Donovan's first day of school was the 9th. He's a big 8th grader now and is on his last year at the junior high! How did that happen?

The first day of school has arrived on a foggy day at the coast.

Michael is all ready and not so excited for the 3rd grade. He thinks school is a waste of time because it cuts into his play time. Ah....to be young again...

Nephi is ready and very excited for 1st grade and everything that entails. Especially his very own lunch box!

Christopher was not excited about his picture - but is super excited about the upcoming school year in 6th grade! Almost all the kids in his primary class are also in his school class. How cool is that!

Our morning ritual. We always wave to each other as the boys go down the road to the bus. See you this afternoon! Make good choices! :) Love you!

You do "BEET" all!

2009-09-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

This alien life form is the largest beet from our garden! It filled 3 jars when I was canning beets the other day. If you want to know more about canning beets - go to http://candaceskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/09/canning-beets.html .

After 20 years....

2009-08-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Our graduating high school class had our reunion this past Friday evening and Saturday. We only attended Saturday's family picnic. We brought our camera but were having so much fun catching up with friends we haven't seen in 20 years that we forgot to take pictures!

Our senior class pictures make good name tags.

At least I got a picture of the cake!

2009 August Pack meeting

2009-08-30T14:41:00.001-07:00

Pack meeting this month was a bittersweet one. We had two boys (brothers) move up to 11 year old scouts - the sad part cuz this means they are growing up....and two more boys came in! Which is very sweet. :) Michael's awards this month included a bicycle belt loop, bike rodeo segment and flag football segment, swimming belt loop and civic service segment from helping with the stake service project. We also received (the 2 of us) a new special 100 year anniversary patch to go around the world crest emblem.

Oh what do YOU do in the summertime?

2009-08-25T12:10:00.001-07:00

I like to pick blackberries! The season is short so watching for them is essential! I like to make pies for the freezer and the leftover berries make really good crisp! If you bring the ice cream - I'll share! :)

The....most....wonder...ful...time....of the year....

2009-08-25T10:51:00.001-07:00

Organizing canning equipment and taking inventory - it's one of my favorite things to do...

I rearranged the top shelf so both pressure canners up there, both water baths, dehydrator, juice and electric juicer as well.

I took stock of jars I already had filled and stocked up the shelves. And did some rearranging.

The white apple boxes on the left and ALL the boxes on the top shelf are empty jars! So many to fill! Yippee! All the bottom boxes are full of full jars.

This is in my inventory as of today:

Pears, Peaches, Cranberry Sauce, Applesauce, Apple Pie Filling, Blueberries, Zukeapple (fake pineapple), Pineapple Juice, Cherries, Chicken, Chicken Soup, Chicken Stock, Beef Stock, Venison Stew Meat, Ham, Ham Stock, Beets, Green Beans, Pickles, Relish, Cherry Jam, Peach Jelly, Tuna, Pork, Tomatoes, Pumpkin, Pinto Beans, Black Beans and White Beans.

I will be adding:

Dilly Beans, Carrots and Potatoes.

Let's go fly a kite...up to the highest height...

2009-08-23T06:54:00.001-07:00

Friday at cub scouts we had a kite derby. They boys made their kites out of newspaper and brown paper bags. Some of them did better than others. Yesterday Russell helped Michael make a different kite out of a plastic garbage bag to see if it would fly any better.

Russell is adjusting the tail - not sure if it's too light or too heavy. Kite flying is a science experiment I am finding out! The boys loved it though.

Holding it for Michael while waiting for the perfect breeze. It came in spurts - which makes for a not so fun kite flying experience - but the anticipation of a wind coming keeps them at it.

It came! Michael is flying his kite! (Even though the thrill lasted for a few seconds - until the next wind came along!)

Donovan even made himself a kite from Michael's book. The wind isn't helping him much.

Let's go fly a kite...

Up to the highest height...

Let's go.....

Fly a kite!

Boot the crutches...

2009-08-18T20:17:00.001-07:00

I have been "upgraded." To a boot. In this nice lovely hot weather we are having. At least my foot isn't broken. I have the boot for tendonitis and steroids for neuroma. I am so lucky!

Impaled by...

2009-08-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Crutches! Not really. Michael got a hold of my crutches this evening to see if he can use them. I will update about me later when I know what is going on. For now - the top of my right foot is killing me. It's been hurting for a couple weeks. It's swollen with a sharp stabbing pain and hurt so bad last night that I had Russell take me to the ER in the middle of the night. They took x-rays but nothing appears to be broken. I see the podiatrist on Tuesday. I was supposed to see her yesterday BUT we got to the dr. office and they said....

"We're sorry but we scheduled you with the wrong doctor. You will have to reschedule because the person you need to see isn't in today. At all."

I am really glad that wasn't the only reason we headed to Portland yesterday.

So for now I get to wear a "boot" so my foot can't bend. At all. And use crutches.

Introducing...

2009-08-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

One of many zucchini faces! I would like you to meet zucchinipineapple. It's a very tasty way to put up all the yummy goodness from the garden. I think it tastes like pineapple. It can be used the same way regular canned pineapple is used. I now have 22 half pints of "pineapple!"

A gift from the garden...

2009-08-10T20:55:00.001-07:00

I have lots of zinnias and lobelia to enjoy. So...I brought some inside! A gift from the garden to me. And I am sharing with you!

A good haul...

2009-08-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

I went out early this morning to pick green beans in the garden. Well - I got a little bit more than just beans!
All this zucchini yielded 49 cups of shredded goodness to go in the freezer. There are several more zukes in the garden just growing away.
The cucumbers I stuck in the fridge. Under those were peas. Russell shelled them and those yielded over 2 cups - also for the freezer.

This huge tub is 2/3 full of green beans. I got 16 pints and 1 half pint today. It was a good haul.

A fair update again...

2009-08-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

I worked at the fair today in the culinary department. I checked on my quilts and afghans right before my shift started. This is what I got...

My denim quilt got 1st place. From what I heard - the judges absolutely loved this quilt. Very cool!

This baby quilt got 3rd place.

The afghan I made Michael got 2nd place.

My ripple afghan - I didn't think would do anything but....

got 1st place as well! I can pick them up Saturday night after 9 p.m.

Fair update...

2009-08-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

I got a phone call from someone we know telling me I should go to the fair tonight to see how we did. It's still free on Tuesday evening and most of the judging is finished. So I grabbed Russell and we went on a short "date" to the fair. This is what we found!

Nephi got a 1st place ribbon!

Michael got a 3rd place ribbon...

And a 1st place ribbon....

And a 1st place ribbon!

This is the picture Donovan did. He didn't get anything that we know of. There are special awards to still be handed out. He is hoping...

My strawberry freezer jam got a 1st place ribbon....

so did my raspberry freezer jam....

and my UNpickled beets got a 1st place ribbon as well....

My cranberry sauce received a 3rd place ribbon. I was very excited! I didn't think I would get so many awards.

The only place I didn't see was Textiles. The judges were still working in there. I will have to be patient and wait until Thursday when I do a shift at the fair!

School shopping...

2009-08-04T16:27:00.001-07:00

School shopping. You know you like it. You know you do! :) Russell and I had been talking about ways to help the boys with budgeting money. We gave each of the 4 boys $150. We helped them go through the clothes they already had to see what was still decent for school.

Then we helped them write down what they needed. I am very proud to say they each did very well. We told them if there was any money left over - it would be their's to keep and do with what they liked. They made sure to have new shoes, socks, underwear, some needed extra shirts, sweatshirts and jeans. They all needed new belts. Nephi will need a new winter coat - so we are waiting for those to show up in the store and THEN go on sale. :)

Never pay for anything full price. That's my motto and I'm sticking to it.