You know you live in a small town when...

The local principal drives his tractor to work!



Disclaimer: For the record- the principal happens to be my Uncle. I later did ask my Aunt what the tractor was being used for and there was a perfectly good explanation for it, but I'm not telling that part of it. It's more fun to have you believe this is an everyday occurrence here in cow town.

At our place this week:

* Abby gave her first talk in primary today. It was really cute to watch her talk about service and all that her little hands can do to help others around her. I was so proud of her, and amazed at her lack of fear when it comes to public speaking. When I was little, (let's face it even now) I would burst into tears as soon as I had to speak infront of a group. Abby was thrilled to get the chance. Infact when she was asked a few days ago, she started jumping up and down saying, "My first talk! My first talk EVER!" I just looked at her and told her she was strange. She did GREAT!

* John has been Mr. Volleyball lately. In the last two weeks he has had two out of town tournaments, 6 practices and 2 games. I am past the point of feeling sorry for myself as would normally be the case. John was a tired man yesturday as he got up early to go to his last tourney of the season. Things are winding down, and hopefully his team does well when all is said and done. It's been fun to watch him do his coaching thing.

* I've been trying really hard to keep things organized and clean. It's crazy how life seems to fall apart when John is not around. I don't fold laundry, don't cook as well, don't use make up! Yikes! I've read some great books lately. Far from the Madding Crowd, and Roots have been two of my favorite. ROOTS is a giant book that follows the life of one man from the time he is kidnapped from his african village and brought to America by the white people. This book has been a difficult read, mainly because I can not believe how brutal and harshly a group of people can be treated. Still, it has provided a good glimpse for me into a part of both the African culture, and the American culture of that day.

* I've found some great recipe sites lately which have me totally stoked. Like every other blogger out there I am a blog STALKER and I'm more than proud to admit it. Why shouldn't I be, when I gather so much useful information from others. I've learned about photography, art, reading, and yes...cooking from other people. You know how people say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Well in John's case, I think that is true. Seriously I think that is how I managed to get him to marry me. I can't wait to try some of these new dishes. I tell ya, John is going to be a happy man. ....uh I hope.

I think we've taught her well

John and I got a good chuckle out of this sign that appeared on Abby's bedroom door the other day. She wrote it herself and when we asked her what it said she breathed a giant, dramatic sigh and laid down the rules as follows:
"No Boys Allowed.
PS: or Fruit Bats
PS: or Platypus"


We know that at her age boys have cooties and they are boring, but we couldn't help but wonder what she has against the fruit bats and platypus of the world! Oh well. Too bad for them:)

Oh hello Mr.Paparazzi

This past monday was election day right? That's a rhetorical question, I know it was, I'm just trying to set up this story for you. Election Day. John and I go down to the local civic center to cast our votes. We have to wait in line for awhile, and we have the kids with us. Perhaps we could have left the kids at home and taken turns coming alone, but we felt it was important that the kids see us vote, thus developing a deep love for the democratic system they've been born into. So the kids quickly get tired of standing in line and all three of them go up to play on the stage with other bored children. John is viisiting with someone. I'm in a dazed stupor and contemplating whether or not I was wise to have left dinner cooking in the oven. This is obviously going to take longer then planned. Suddenly, Wham! Sam wipes out... on the stage... infront of half the town! He's got a bloody nose. We leave the line up, and take Sam to the bathroom to tend to him. Abby and Jess are mad at us for making them get off the stage, and Sam is vehemently assuring us that there is no blood -there is- but he still wants to go back to play. Yeah, like that's going to happen. Everything calms down. We get back in line. Take the 30 seconds to cast our vote, and prepare to leave. Where are Sam's boots? Where's his coat? Abby wants a drink at the fountain. Jessica wants to PLAY in the fountain!!! DINNER IS BURNING! Finally we are all headed out the door, and we hear a cheer from inside as we leave. K not really but I wouldn't have been surprised to hear one.

Can you invision that? I had to describe it in that light so that you would understand that at that point the only thing I was thinking about was getting these kids to the van. And fast.

A few days later I go to buy a copy of the local paper that comes out every Thursday and look who made the front page!





I looked at this and all I could think is, "you've got to be kidding." Right there, taking up the entire front page is our happy little family. I had to scan this into our computer so you might not be able to see it clearly. We are all there - John, kindly holding the door open for an elderly couple, Jess, Abby.... and me with a scowl on my face and my son practically in a headlock!!! Ahhh! We didn't even know someone was taking our picture. Trust me I would have atleast SMILED while restrianing my three year old. Just my luck to. One bad moment, and WHAM there's someone lurking down the street with a ZOOM lense.

I mean honestly Mr. Paparrazi: I'm fine with being on the front page and all. Really. Next time could you just wait 2 SECONDS for a better shot. Deal?



Of more importance, I should share some exciting news. For months now we have talked about getting a second vehicle. We have talked and talked about it. Would we actually use two cars? Shouldn't we walk more? Is it worth it? Can we afford it? yadda yadda yadda. I for one have always been for getting a second car, primarily because I've grown tired of waking the kids up on those cold winter mornings just to get John to school by 7:00. Mind you, we aren't struggling with that issue yet as the weather has been nice and John is happy to walk. However with John coaching there are weekly games and tournaments which usually means he's getting home late (real late) and phoning me to come get him, which I'm happy to do, but the kids are all snug in their beds snoring logs by this point. What to do? I was glad when John finally took matters into his own hands this week, and got us a second vehicle:


The thing is...we just can't park it at our house!






He went and got his class 2 and now he is a liscenced bus driver, (which will come in handy on those nights he has games). We are so proud of you honey!


So you see. He's got his wheels, and I've got mine.


Who says I can't compromise?

The only time you get to do this!

Over the thanksgiving holiday we attended a Rausch family reunion. It was fun to see all of my siblings as well as our extended family. Aunts, Uncles, ...cousins. At the end of the day my brother was so excited to have laid claim on this MASSIVE store bought chocolate cake that was left over from the potluck dinner. However, by the time we got back to Chad's place none of us were in the mood for cake. (That probably had something to do with the massive amounts of food we'd ingested over the weekend already.) Looking at the colossal pile of chocolate goodness we wondered what to do with it.

The kids put it to good use!




I had to tell Abby several times that she only gets to eat like this at Uncle Chads and Aunt Heathers!

I am so glad that it is Thanksgiving weekend! Not only to I plan on eating a TONNE of Turkey, but I have so much to truly feel grateful for. You know, I don't think I stop often enough to consider just how fortunate I am. I mean I know in the back of my mind that life is good, but I usually let the busyness of my day, or the little (and I do mean LITTLE) problems overshadow those things that really matter. Luckily we have holidays like this, which help bring us back to the important things in life.

For me, they are:

My kids. I have three VERY great kids who I love more then anything! It is sometimes difficult for me to pause and enjoy the little moments in a day, and let's be honest, there are a lot of things about Motherhood that I'm not thankful for. You know - stinky diapers, messy bedrooms, dirty clothes right after I washed them...etc. What I am grateful for however are the smiles, the laughter, the silly games and the "I love you mommy" moments. They keep me busy -yet laughing every day.

Our home. I love our home. I know that it is small, and not too new, but it is ours and I love it! I'm grateful to have a mortgage that I know we can afford. I'm grateful that I don't have to go to work, and that I can stay at home! There are times when we pull into our drive way and I feel so glad to be HOME.

Our health Yeah, I realize that those who know me really well will understand that to say I'm grateful for health is an understatement. I spend a lot of hours worrying about the health of my family and I. Seriously, I've practically earned a PhD in medicine with all the research and Dr's visits I've made since being a mom! Still, and in my defense I truly believe that our health is one of the greatest blessing we enjoy. I'd take health over wealth any day. Which ...is good because...that's what we've got! :)

Siblings I LOVE my Brother and my SISTERS! I can't imagine going a day without talking to them. They are always there for me and I do take that for granted. While I'm on the subject I should also express gratitude for the amazing sister-in-laws that I have as well. I am so glad I get to live close to so many of them.

Parents I am so grateful for the parents that I had. My Mom and Dad have both done more for me, and continue to influence me daily, more then any body else. I enjoyed Elder Hollands talk at this past weeks General Conference. He spoke about the Angels in our lives, who help us. I am GRATEFUL for my angel parents.

John. Most of all I am grateful to be married to a husband who is a better person than me in every way. I don't know what else to say except that. I'm incredibly lucky - and don't think I don't know it!

The Church. I don't think I've talked much about my religion on this blog, but it wouldn't be right to not mention how grateful I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The belief I have that families can be together eternally, and that there is a God who is directly concerned with my individual well being is at the root of everything that I do. I'm not perfect by any means - perhaps that's why I'm so THANKFUL for the gospel!

I truly believe that God is a "giver", and if I ever fail to appreciate that, all I have to do is look at everything good in my life.







Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
(Oh yeah...and Turkey! I'm thankful for TURKEY!)

Just a little off these days

I don't know what the deal is lately but I have to say, I'm falling a little bit short of my normal abilities these days. Do you ever feel like that? It's as though I know I should be doing better with things, yet I keep making the silliest mistakes. If I didn't know better, I'd say that the stars are aligned in such a way right now thus making it ineveitable that I will flub up.

Take this afternoon for example. Our local forecasters are predicting snow for the weekend. Now although this has me totally STOKED at the thought of the first snowfall of the year, it has increased my resolve to get our yard work done in time. The goal today was to mow the grass. Now if you've seen our house you'll understand that mowing is no small task. We do have a tractor mower which is nice, but there is a lot of prep work. First I spent an hour or so raking the entire lawn. Then I packed up the hoses, cut down the flower beds and raked there, I whipped around every tree trunk and edge, and then finally I proceeded to mow. After mowing for about 45 minutes I paused to survey my work, and for the life of me I could not figure out why the lawn looked exactly the same. I continued mowing for 20 minutes more wondering if the blades were just dull or was there something wrong. Why was the grass not any shorter. After an hour of this I realized that the grass would look shorter if I'd remember to actually DROP THE BLADE!!! I had spent ALL that time just DRIVING over the lawn. So I then went over the lawn a second time...only this time, I actually cut the grass!

Abby has been sick for a couple of days. Nothing major, you know just a cold. Itchy eyes. Swelling around the eyes. ...Incredibly Pink. After a day of this I decided maybe I should perhaps take her in to get her looked at. The diagnosis: PINK EYE and an ear infection. Not only that but Sam and Jess were both diagnosed with the same as well.
I wish I'd thought of Pink Eye as a possibility BEFORE I sent Abby to school yesturday. I love being the mother of the SICKO. Now when the entire morning Kindergarten class gets sick all the parents will know that it was because of me! Worse then that is the fact that I know that I now can never look at other parents judgementally and say, "As if you'd send your kid to school sick!" Yup. I am that mom.

My youngest girl has been insisting on wearing her swimsuit. It doesn't matter what the weather is like or where we are headed - she wants her suit on. I know it's a little redneck, wearing a swimsuit over your pants and sweater, but what I care more about right now is avoiding a fight. So...swimsuit it is! ...for the fourth day in a row.

But you know it's all good. Infact I've noticed some similar things about John the past few days. He may not appreciate me saying this but I did notice that when he went to the priesthood broadcast the other day- he only wore a white shirt and tie, instead of the three peice suit he'd normally wear to a priesthood meeting. And last night -get this - last night, he came home carrying goods that he'd neglected to pay for! Sure, he obviously felt bad bout it as he rushed back to the store to pay for it, but hey, Shoplifting is still Shoplifting!

So you see, I may not be at the top of my game these days, but I'm not alone in that. And that gives me a whole lot of comfort!

We joined jewel's family out in Waterton yesturday. I took some family photos of them, we enjoyed some delicious campfire dinners, looked for bears (and found some by the way outside of a DEN, and watched the elk for awhile.



I have loved spending so much time lately in waterton, and I LOVED being there with Jewel. Check out our art blog for a few pics of her fam!

Just a little side note, we are loving General Conference, and I can't wait for the rest of the talks tomorrow! Happy listening everyone!

My sister Jewel, babysat the kids today so that I could spend a morning out in Waterton on my own. It was so nice to go out there and not have to worry about strollers, juiceboxes, diaper bags etc. It was breathtaking there, as all the fall colors are so vibrant. I couldn't decide what pictures were my favorite, so I posted oh I don't know, only a dozen of the ones I like most.











Thanks Jewel for giving me a great morning!

Call me crazy

I've been going through the photos stored on our old computer and came across this one. It was taken last spring outside our front door. Am I crazy, or does this not look incredibly cozy. A day like this one would be so nice right about now. I'd turn up the heat, make some hot chocolate...the kids would be out having a BLAST in the snow. Yet I remember that day swearing that if I had to shovel "one more inch of snow..." I'd probably lose it!

It got me thinking about all the times I fail to appreciate what is right before me. When it is hot out, I want it to be cold. When it is cold, I wish it to be warm. Is everyone like that or is it just me? Perhaps I need to try to be more grateful for the situations I am in at any given moment, instead of always wishing for another. My goal for this year is of course to learn how to Savor the things in my life. I don't remember savoring this day. Perhaps I'll just stare at this photo for a bit and appreciate that day now.

Lions..and cougars?...and bears

One of my favorite stages of childhood development is when little ones start making animal sounds. Jessica is going through that phase right now, and she gets such a kick out of answering our questions ("what does a _____sound like?") She is so darn cute when telling us how a lion sounds. She puts her whole body into it, and she roars with more expression that I thought possible. She's even begun ROARING at Sam when she is angry at him. Now that shouldn't be as cute- but it still is.

This past week has been all about COUGARS! (At least for John that is) He's been coaching the JV boys Volleyball team, and so far those little cougars are doing well. John has been at practices, games, and tournaments for 6 days out of this week! Does anybody feel sorry for me right now?
On Wednesday we went and watched their game. You know, so that the kids actually remember that they have a Dad and all. Just kidding. It was fun to see him do his whole coaching thing. When I say we enjoyed "watching it", what really happened was a little bit of watching, and a whole lot of chasing after the kids as they ran through the halls of the high school. Honestly:) For a brief moment...Sam watched.



And there were bears this week! What would a week be without a trip out to Waterton. I drove out specifically to spot some bears. I brought my sister in law along because I knew she had the knack for CALLING BEARS! It must have worked because we spotted a mama and her two cubs eating off in the distance.


It wasn't long though before they crossed the road right in front of us, forcing me to get back in the van.


We watched them as they ate along the roadside just a couple of feet away from us. It is always so amazing when we get the chance to watch animals like this in their own habitat.


We've sure had our fill of the WILD around here!

I've had this problem for awhile now, and I keep hoping that if I just ignore it, then it will all go away. You know? All week I've tried and tried to pretend that it wasn't bothering me, but the truth of the matter is that it has been nagging at me endlessly. I know I need to sit down and confront this "problem" but it has been left unchecked for so long, that by this point, it just seems too daunting. Still I know that John and I have to get serious and really tackle things. One of us has to step up change things for the better, for the sake of all the entire family. I mean seriously....



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Eventually, one of us is going to have to give in and fold this pile of laundry!

The perfect time

to be in Waterton is RIGHT NOW! I'm not kidding either. My sister Jewel and her family drove out there earlier in the week. After talking with her, I knew I had to go this weekend. Waterton in September is AMAZING!
The leaves are starting to turn, and in another week or two the fall colors will be as vibrant as they'll get. Still today, it was pretty darn gorgeous.




We've been hearing about all the wildlife that people are seeing there. The other day some friends of my sisters saw 11 bears! Today - we only saw 5, but that was on one road only.


I wish these photos were better. What we need is one of those huge giant lenses. There were dozens and dozens of wildlife photographers out today, and their cameras were so big they needed tripods just to hold up their lense! That would be sweet. There is something about seeing wildlife in it's natural environment. So regal. As we looked for bears we also saw a couple of bald eagles soaring above us.











We met up with Jordan and Luce for a wiener roast down by pass creek. The kids got nice and dirty, and we all got good and smoky, but the food was yummy!




If you like s'mores then you will LOVE this. It was Luci's idea, and I don't think I'll ever enjoy a s'more made any other way from this point on. What you need:
Marshmallows, graham crackers, and the secret ingredient Nutella Hazelnut spread.


Roast the marshmallow to perfection.


Add it to the cracker with a very generous spread of that delicious chocolate, and sit back to enjoy!
Try it. I don't think you'll regret it!








After we ate, John and Jordan went to the Prince of Wales Hotel to fly there planes over the cliff there. It was actually really cool to watch it fly BELOW us at times. The backdrop of course was stunning! As much as I enjoy watching those planes, I convinced Luce to come with the kids and I to go find the ELK! This time of year they are all congregating in the lower fields. Jewel was telling me how last year, they saw hundreds of them!



On the way we spotted this wolf, just off the side of the road. okay Okay I realize it may have been just a coyote, but I still maintain that it was a wolf. It looked right at me with it's Wolf Eyes!
All who think it is a Wolf, say "AYE". Anyone who thinks it is a coyote...well just keep your opinion to yourself okay? ha Just kidding.






This was the funnest part of the evening. All we had to do was follow the other cars. We were all headed in the same direction. For the longest time we sat and watched these amazing creatures. The picture doesn't show it well, but we actually could see them so well. The bulls were so impressive with giant antlers! Occasionally two bulls would fight a little and we could hear the cracking as they banged their racks together. Constantly we could hear the bellowing and bugling as they communicated together. Again I was wishing for a great camera.
It was amazing.


Today was awesome. Nature at it's finest, and I'm glad we got to enjoy it a bit! Thanks for the heads up Jewel!

What a day for the little guy!

Doesn't this look like a first day of school type photo? Well for Sam, today was a first day.

A few months ago Sam was assessed by some language therapists, and the results came back indicating some delays in certain areas of his language development. Nothing major but you know, I've managed to apply some good old self inflicted guilt about this. I've often wondered what I could have done to help him more. (no doubt it was those 9 months when I was pregnant and did nothing but let him watch TV!) Shouldn't of done that! Well he did great at his first speech class, and he has improved tremendously over the past couple of months even, so they were all really surprised. The diego back pack was a nice touch - I needed him to feel like he was a big boy going to school!!! It worked like a charm, and he was so proud to be just like Abby going to a REAL school!!


I was digging some carrots today when the phone rang. It was my sister on the phone, which is great because I can't seem to go a day without talking to one of my sisters. After several minutes I remembered the job I'd started outside. I went out to find the kids, and instead this is what I found. ...

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When Sam saw me, he looked up from his "work" , (if I can call it that), and said in his broken (but soon to approve) english: "see a Happy Face Van!"

I can be patriotic too you know!

Tonight I helped harvest some of my Father-in-law's corn over at his house. Now that is not the noteworthy part of this post because my current attitude about the "harvest" should not be put into words. So enough said. HOWEVER, as Luci (my sis in law) and I were cutting and bagging those tasty little kernels of corn, it just so happened that Luci recited the preamble to the American Constition. Not only did she recite it, but she had actions..patriotism in her voice...and a tear of gratitude on her left cheek. ha ha I'm kidding...about some of that. But she did recite it, and suddenly I didn't feel like mocking her american self like I normally would have! In fact, I thought it was pretty darn cool. And when she asked me if I knew the preamble to the CANADIAN constitution I couldn't help but feel a little sheepish. So yes at 11:30 at night- I've done a little research and Luci this is for you.

It is actually called the Canadian Charter of RIghts and Freedoms. (that much I knew) ...REALLY

Now to the best of my googling abilities- this is it:

(The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the introductory sentence (preamble) to the Constitution of Canada's Charter of Rights and Constitution Act, 1982. The principles it invokes are the "supremacy of God" and the "rule of law.")
In full, it reads,


“ Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law ”



Go Canada!! (and boo on corn)!

I can't say I've had a lot of time to work on painting lately. But this is the summer long project that is finally completed! It was a challenge to paint the trees and the water, both of which are weeknesses for me. Still though, I'm happy that it is done. On to the next thing I guess. Hopefully I get it done sooner than three months from now!