Summer Adventures Begin

Our summer is off to a busy start! We were fortunate enough to get into the first session of swim lessons. Even though we've only had a couple cold windy mornings, we're grateful to have an indoor swimming pool. The kids have done great! My only expectation was for them to build up some confidence and overcome a fear of the water. They are both swimming! They're not quite ready for the swim team but they are moving forward in the water, with purpose. Success!

(That's Zane, swimming with his face in the water, next to the swim coach.)

Last weekend Scott and I celebrated our 15th anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been that long! Scott was actually able to get the weekend off so we left the little ones with Brit and headed to Utah. (Morgan's first sleepover without me! She only got two canker sores and she slept good.)  

Scott was anxious to visit Smith and Edwards and then we made a stop at the Logan temple. The temple was busy with weddings and it was exciting to see families gathered, waiting for their brides and grooms to appear. We each ate our weight in Mexican food and managed to eat some Cold Stone Creamery ice cream as well. Then we went into food comas. Luckily we had a super comfy bed to sleep in. The next day we drove to Bear Lake and took the scenic route back to Idaho. Who knew there was a Paris, Idaho?

(Paris Tabernacle- www.visitidaho.org)

When we returned home Sunday evening, it seemed that our old dog, Tucker, was having a great deal of difficulty walking. Monday morning he appeared to be doing better and was on the porch as we left for swim lessons. He even joined us for a pizza picnic in the yard that afternoon. He's had a hard time getting around since he retired a few years ago, but on good days he loves to explore the yard and pasture or just follow the kids on their bikes.

Tuesday, Tucker was on the porch when we left for swimming, sprawled out in a patch of sunshine. He wasn't on the porch when we came home. Not too unusual. We weren't home long and then left again and we were gone most of the afternoon. When we returned for dinner, I saw Tucker in the yard and thought he must be feeling pretty good. Then I noticed he seemed to be struggling to walk again. 

We hurried and ate dinner and then took Morgan to the church for her activity. Tucker was still in the yard when Zane and I returned home and I wondered if he had been on the porch since morning. I walked up to him and he collapsed at my feet. Zane hurried and got his water bowl and I helped Tucker drink. He guzzled three bowls of water which confirmed my suspicion that he hadn't been able to get up on the porch.

Tucker was finally able to stand up and I guided/drug him to the trailer where he sleeps at night. He again collapsed in his bed, on his head. He weighs more than my children but I managed to get him straightened out and tried to make him comfortable. What to do?

We picked up Morgan and I was getting the kids ready for bed when Scott called. (He was moving cows in Montana and still on the road, four hours away.) I told him what was going on and he didn't know what to do either. Once everyone was tucked in, I crawled into bed, exhausted, to wait for Scott. I fell asleep around midnight and barely remember him coming in about 2:30. (22 hour work days really stink!)

After breakfast I made Scott come to the trailer with me. Tucker was barely able to lift his head and having difficulty breathing. Scott called the vet that comes to the ranch but he wouldn't be out for a few days. Too long to wait. I found another vet nearby and helped Scott wrap and load Tucker into the back of the truck.

And then I got the kids and we were off for swim lessons and scout activities and speech therapy and all the adventures of the day. But when we returned home, our fluffy door mat wasn't there to great us and wag his tail.

Excuses

I can't seem to keep up on my blogging. 

But I have some good excuses!

In high school, I had a boss who would always say, "Excuses are like noses, everyone has them." He was right. So here are mine:

1. I feel like I can't keep up with technology. Things change and by the time I figure them out they are changing again. 

No! I am NOT old!

2. Time moves faster every day and so there just isn't time to do everything I want to. This includes blogging, reading, and washing dishes. 

I want to, but there just isn't time.

3. You will notice a direct correlation to the decrease in posts with the time we started trying to identify Morgan's learning challenges. I continue to spend A LOT of time researching her conditions and things I can do to help her understand this big, scary world.

4. Related to number three, I also spend a great deal of time taking sweet Morgan to therapies and helping her complete homework assignments. 

(I may or may not have typed her entire DARE essay. I'll never tell.)

5. I also try to make sure I am giving Zane his fair share of time and attention. I have to get him to football practice and scout activities. He is VERY patient and kind and often offers to help complete Morgan's homework as well. (He may or may not have helped her write sentences for her spelling words, on more than one occasion. Again, we're not telling.)

6. I also have to give Brittany and her family their fair share of my time and attention. This requires sending multiple text messages, face timing, and getting together with them as much as possible. 

It's a lot of work but our grandson is getting more ADORABLE everyday and we don't want to miss any of it!

7. My husband works crazy hours and so I must be ready to haul bulls, check fence, or purchase horse shoes with him at the drop of a hat. When he calls, I drop everything and put on my boots. I may not see him again until bed time!

8. Trying to help those living with an anxiety disorder can be a bit exhausting. It takes effort to always be the calm one. It also requires a lot of spiritual guidance. I find myself on my knees now more than I ever have before. 

And that's okay.

9. Teaching the Gospel Doctrine class in my ward also requires a lot of spiritual guidance. Although I don't teach every week, I find myself preparing and pondering and planning every day.

10. And just to make it an even number, I have dishes to wash. 

Always. Every day. The dishes are never done!

So, there you have it. My excuses. And now it's summer so I have a lawn to mow, swimming lessons, picnics at the park, and bike rides to attend to. I make no promises, but I will try to share.

Graduation Day

Have you ever been to an elementary school, end-of-year, awards ceremony where there is one kid in one class that seems to get all of the awards – highest math achievement, best reader, influential leader, and voted kindest by her classmates? The kid keeps going up to receive her certificates, the audience keeps clapping for her, and the mom keeps screaming “way to go” at every announcement. I’ve been that mom. I’ve had that daughter. I’ve beamed with pride and not even noticed the kids who received no awards.

Today I had the opportunity to be on the other side of this experience. Today I sat quietly as other mom’s cheered for their award winning students. Today I watched my daughter cheer for her friends while there was no award under her chair. From the three classes, 25 students were called up to receive an award for excelling in math and reading. I’m sure they all worked hard to pass up those benchmarks and I added my applause too.

In my heart, I wondered why there were no awards for special education students… My daughter didn’t meet the benchmark but she advanced almost two full reading levels this year. She didn’t meet the benchmark in math either but she earned her “B” grade with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. She didn’t have perfect attendance but the one day that she missed was because she was truly sick and not because she had a panic attack on the way to school. That is true success!

 

Morgan, you are my hero! Even though there isn't a room full of people cheering for your progress, your family cheers for you each and every day.

Hidey-Ho Neighbor

My kids LOVE animals! Morgan has wanted a brood of chickens since she was about 4 years old. Last year, she thought she had figured out how to keep a few as pets, in her bedroom. We've just never been in a place where it was feasible to have chickens.

Our neighbors have quite the barnyard! We were thrilled when they called and asked if we could care for the animals while they were gone for four whole days. 

 

They not only have chickens but also rabbits, goats, dogs, and two very pregnant cats. The kids were in HEAVEN! I think they would have liked to camp in the barn every night. The kids were eager to check the hen's nest every evening to see how many eggs were there. 

It was better than Easter morning!

It was great exercise walking down the hill to their home twice a day. And even I enjoyed puttering around the barnyard, conversing with the animals.

Where did you come from? Where did you go?

When I sprained my ankle last summer, I thought I would have all this time to post all of these wonderful things on my blog. But I found other things to do instead. When I was sitting inside, I would work on family history. When I hobbled outside, I would sit and play catch and help design relay races for my kids. When I felt real adventurous, I took them to the lake where I could sit and watch them play in the water. There was no way I was going to let an injury stop all the summer fun!

In addition to gymnastics, Morgan participated in the Summer Exploration event at the middle school and Zane played baseball. Morgan had a little whiplash from a fall when we were in Oregon so we also had regular visits to the chiropractor to treat her injury. (We all need bubble wrap!)

 The kids wanted to celebrate their birthdays at the Oregon Coast so we made another trip to Oregon. We had a great time at the ocean and Morgan decided she would like to live there and eat shrimp kabobs every day. We visited the aquarium, the science center, and an old light house. The kids loved exploring the beach and walking in the historic downtown of Newport the best. We also stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory to see how cheese was made. Yummy!

We went to a little family reunion and got to see relatives on my mom's side that we haven't seen in a long time. We also got to see my grandma one last time. We were even able to make a third trip to Oregon to attend grandma's funeral and see even more relatives. Summer was full of activities!

Zane had his eighth birthday which means we also had a baptism in September. It was great to have family travel to be with us, especially my parents who came all the way from Oregon. 

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating!

Summer ended and the kids went back to school, Zane started 2nd grade and Morgan started 6th grade at the middle school. Scott had a couple job interviews and I began packing boxes. In October, Scott accepted a new job and we moved to Idaho Falls. Fortunately, it was not too far away and it was still in Idaho and still close to Brittany and Levi.

Morgan is able to continue her therapies with the therapists that she knows and loves. She is also able to continue gymnastics at the same gym and with her favorite coach. However, the kids did have to change schools and Morgan went back to elementary school for 6th grade. She was bummed but it has been the best for her.

In November, Brit and Levi blessed us with our first grandson. He was born a few weeks early and had to spend a week in NICU but he is a trooper. He is the sweetest little thing you ever did see! 

Isn't it amazing that our hearts never run out of love?!

And before I knew it, Christmas had come and the year was over. 

Just like that!

With IEP meetings, and therapies, and sports, and activities, and my husband traveling for work, and a new grandson to snuggle it seems we are always running and I never take the time to sit and write. 

I will try to do better. 

Forever Family

For the first time ever I took my kids out of school early. They were disappointed to miss all the fun of the last day, but we had a good reason. My older brother and his wife just had baby number six and my other brother and his family flew to Oregon from Georgia. The last time we were all together was when Brit graduated, four years ago. Scott couldn't get time off so I loaded up the kids and made the drive to Oregon without him. 

We had a few things to finish up first. We couldn't miss the Indian Races. (How do they ride so fast without a saddle?) And there was a graduation card to make for Scott's niece and of course a baby gift to take to the new baby.

Nothing says family love quite like a paintball war.

Sweet little Hunter absolutely LOVED Levi. He kept calling him "police" even when he was reminded that Levi did have a name. Levi pinned his badge on him and let him wear it for a minute. Hunter beamed with pride. He is an amazing kid who melts everyone's hearts.

The kids helped sand and paint the front fence at my parents home. They worked hard and earned the paintball reward. There were a few minor injuries, some paint was eaten, and a few tears were shed. And that was just the fence painting! (Hahaha) 

For the most part, we had a great time!

Yes, even I got in on the action. (The mask really brings out my eyes. I may wear one more often.) Morgan and Levi worked on some strategy and Morgan captured the flag. Way to go!

The kids and I camped out at the Grange Hall while we were there. They loved sleeping in the camper and learning how to play the "real" UNO game. And there were more trees to climb. Heaven!

We had a few cold days but we found enough sunshine to go swimming a couple times. We also managed a rowdy soccer game between cloud bursts. My parents and I hung out with Hunter while the rest of them played. It was funny to watch the older "kids" start out dominating the game. They were all over the field and the younger kids hardly got to play. But, magically, about half way through the game the older guys were hanging back and letting the little guys go after the ball more. (wink-wink)

There was lots of yummy food to eat. Always. 

I didn't get a picture, but we were able to visit Great Grandma Hug. Her cat even let us pet her this time. And I managed to run up to the cemetery with my kids to bring a flower to their Grandma Mary.

My parent's cat had kittens a few weeks before we came. While we were there they all became very ill. They went from wild, feisty, playful babies to sleeping all the time and refusing to eat. I remembered the vet told us to give our dog Gatorade once when he wasn't feeling well. My mom happened to have some so they started feeding them with an eye dropper. I talked to Scott and he told me to get an electrolyte solution for animals. After a few days of the solution, all the kitties were starting to feel better. So glad we figured out how to save them!

We had to make a stop at Riverside Park. My kids call it the Castle Park because of the awesome play thing that looks like a giant castle. It amazes me how different the river looks now. They now have a walking bridge that goes over the river. One of our swimming holes isn't even there any more. Sometimes, it's hard to grow up and see everything change.

We had a wonderful week! It was hardly enough time to do all that we wanted to do and see all the people we wanted to see. Morgan says we have to go back soon.

America's Hope

The fifth graders learned all about the United States this year. Then they shared what they learned, in song. They sang about states and capitals. They sang about how the government is set up. They sang about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They sang their hearts out!

They were amazing!

2 - 4 - 6 - 8 Who do we appreciate?

I have had the amazing opportunity of working with a fabulous first grade teacher this year! I have been helping Zane's class during reading time and absolutely was thrilled with the progress the kids made. Most of the time I worked with the kids who were struggling and needed more one on one help. (Which means I didn't get to work with Zane very much. He still gave me hugs, though.) It was great to see them learn to read actual books!

For Teacher Appreciation Week, I surprised Mrs. Johnston with a fingerprint tree that I made with the kids. I snuck in on a day when she had a substitute and got all of the kids fingerprints. Not one of them told her I had been there and she was truly surprised. Awesome!

I also helped Morgan and Zane make a little gift for their teachers. We were so blessed to have such great teachers this year.
 

But, as great as it has been, we are even more excited to only have three weeks of school left. One last book report. We can make it!

Mountain Air

Scott has been anxious to go on an adventure in the mountains. Amazingly, I think we were the only ones up there. It was a bit windy and there was still snow on the ground and we couldn't go very far but we managed to find a spot to build a fire and roast hot dogs for dinner.

 We found some monkeys in the trees.

And we found a stream to throw rocks in.

But most importantly, we found signs of spring.

Birthday Time

For Scott's birthday, the kids and I put together a candygram card. We had so much fun picking out some of his favorite treats and then writing a birthday wish. He's hard to surprise but we got him this time.

It was great to have Brit and Levi here to celebrate with us too.

Brit and Levi came back for my birthday as well. We braved the rain and went to Olive Garden for lunch. Best birthday present ever!

{Easter}

Morgan and Zane have been begging to decorate eggs all week.

They had a great time creating new colors and designs. Zane thinks we should do this every day.

The Easter Bunny made us read scriptures before we could see the gifts in the basket this year. It was great to discuss the real meaning of Easter and remember that it is all about Christ.

Happy Easter!

A Night at the Theater

The fourth and fifth graders worked hard to put on a play for the community. Morgan got to play the part of one of the statues. She did a great job! 

All the kids did a great job!

Brittany was able to get off work a little early and drive over for the show. Morgan was beyond thrilled!

Spring Chicken

While shopping at Cal-Ranch, we heard the sweet sound of new baby chicks just a few aisles over. Morgan grabbed my hand and insisted we needed to see the chicks. She didn't even wait for me to respond as she drug me over to where the cages were lined up, full of little baby chicks.

Fluffy baby chicks are so cute and... SO FLUFFY! Morgan thinks they are absolutely adorable and REALLY wants one. We go through this every spring.
"Just one?!" she always begs.

As we talked about how we have no place for chickens, and the fact that the dog would eat them, she continued to insist we could make it work. Then she saw a family picking out chicks and noticed the store clerk was putting them in a little cardboard box. That's when she announced she would keep the chick in her room in the cute little box. Ummmm.... NO.

Someday, we'll find a place where we can have a chicken coop full of chickens. I wonder if Morgan will still LOVE the chicks when she has to feed them and gather eggs every day. She might.

Celebrate!

Christmas came and went. I had big plans to bake goodies and do amazing activities with my children. And then... the flu bug hit us. All of us. The good thing was that it was Christmas break so we didn't miss any school. The bad thing, it was Christmas break! We spent a lot of time cuddled up together watching movies.

Morgan got hit hard on Christmas Eve. This was the first Christmas in MANY years that Scott actually had the day off. Good thing. Instead of waking up before the sun and trying to open presents before he left for work, we slept in and waited for Morgan to feel well enough to sit up.

 Before the illness struck, we managed to make some gifts for the teachers and our favorite neighbors.

We did get to spend some time with Brit and Levi. They have big changes coming in their lives and will be moving closer. After being hundreds of miles apart, we are extremely excited!

And then, Christmas was over and it was suddenly Super Bowl Sunday. How did that happen?! 

We've even had a little snow to play in. 

Soon winter will be gone and spring will be blowing in.

So Thankful!

We were so blessed this Thanksgiving! Brittany and Levi got to come home and Scott actually had the day off. It was great to be together as a family!

We had a wonderful feast with the best turkey EVER. We had a super yummy pomegranate salad, real mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie, cherry pie, and Butterfinger pie for dessert. I was too busy cooking and filling my belly to take pictures. It was a glorious day!

 Yes, that is my dessert plate. Brittany managed to snap a picture before I gobbled it all up. It's a good thing Thanksgiving only comes once a year.

Friday, we needed something to do that did not involve any stores. Lucky for us, the Museum of Idaho was open. As we drove in to town, Zane kept saying we were going to the Museum of Natural History. Not quiet that far of a drive.

We spent a few hours looking at the guitar display, learning and exploring the history of the guitar, as well as some local Idaho history. The kids had a great time and are anxious to go back. Maybe at Christmas time...

There was a fun room where the kids got to climb a mountain to look in the eagles nest, crawl through the beaver dam, sit inside a teepee, and make a meal in a real log cabin. They loved exploring and playing. I love that the museum has many hands on displays. It was good for my HANDS ON kids.

It's so wonderful to pause and think about all that we have to be thankful for.

We are so blessed!

Happy Halloween!

The pumpkins from our garden did not grow very big. (I guess that's what happens when you plant so late.) Luckily, our neighbor's pumpkins grew big and they had lots of them. Thank you for sharing!

Zane wanted his to look like an alien villain that Superman might destroy. (Dad helped him carve that up.) Morgan wanted hers to be winking and have a stitched mouth. We did our best to create their visions.

 We have a Spiderman costume and a Batman costume. What did Zane want to dress up as? Superman, of course. Stores were selling out fast but we managed to snag one. He looked so tough! Morgan struggled to decide on what she wanted to be. She finally said she wanted to be a minion, from Despicable Me, but it had to be a girl. We found some stuff at home that worked to create her costume. And the thrift store had a long sleeve yellow shirt and a pair of safety goggles that were easy to paint. She looked so cute!

We let the kids choose - trunk-or-treat a the town hall or go knock on doors. They both said they liked knocking on doors better. Since it's a school night, we only went to a few neighborhoods. They didn't bring home as much candy as last year and I'm okay with that.

AND... We made monster cookies using some cool monster eye candies. I think Zane ate them as fast as he frosted them. I finished my burlap wreath and hung it on the back door. It looks so pretty against the red. And as the temperatures begin to drop, I had to cut a few of my flowers and bring them inside to enjoy a little longer. However, I think summer is officially over.