Party Hardy Week 2 - Camp!

This family camp was a good idea, that is all there is to it!  

I think planning for it began early in the new year and it all started when John's brother Ben asked if any of us wanted to join them for a couple of days in Waterton.

We were like, "Waterton you say?   Um...ok!"

So one Thursday afternoon we spent an entire morning loading up our van, coolers and backpacks with everything we'd need and then a few extra things for good measure;)   By Thursday afternoon John and four of his 7 siblings (and their families) were off on the first ever family camping trip!   

Each of us had our own site (most were adjoining) but John's and my site quickly became the base.  Some of us had decided to cook/eat together and we conveniently

 took over this camp kitchen.    Grandpa joined us each evening for supper which was nice and super helpful as he would bring out a warm meal to us.   (Hardly camping when you don't have to cook the supper, I know.  There were times it felt more like "Glam"ping!!;)

The first evening was spent:

* setting up camp

* eating a milkman dinner (yum!)

* taking the boat out on upper waterton lake 

* going fishing

* swinging in Calebs hammock (which him and Mala actually slept in each night, the brave souls!)

* attending the falls theatre where some of the kids became participants in the show!

* Enjoying hot chocolate and fish (in lieu of s'mores I suppose?) before bed 

* enjoying a perfectly calm and still evening

While I was watching a theatre production with some of the kids, John was fishing with Sam and a few others nearby.   I joined them just as the sun was going down and watched them row towards shore with Sam excitedly calling out that he'd caught a fish.   I'll admit, it was a nice looking fish and John was determined to keep it and take it home.   I, however, was equally determined that we were NOT hanging on to that thing for the next two days!   Our coolers were filled to the brim with other food and even if they hadn't been, I did not want the extra hastle of trying to keep a fish carcass cool for the duration of our trip.   Can you imagine how stinky that thing would have been?  Carrying around a dead fish for two days was just not part of my plans at all;)   So  there we were at a complete standstill.   This ridiculous 2 lb fish was quite truly the straw that broke the proverbial camels back, and as I stood there on that Waterton shore I called out to him the one and only option:
"Cook that sucker up or SET.IT.FREE!!"

John begrudgingly tried to set it free, but the poor thing instantly went belly up so there he was (at 10:30 at night) by the light of a kerosene lamp gutting and cooking up Sam's prized lake trout.
And can I just say -it was delicious!!!
Like, truly scrumptious and by far the yummiest fish I'd eaten in well...forever maybe.   As an added bonus, John's family all huddled around him and thought it was the coolest thing ever.   The combination of Hot Chocolate and fish before bed didn't seem weird to them at all!  It was so strange to me, but in an instant John's and my "fish feud" had quickly been put to rest.   All's well that ends well, I guess!  haha

Our one full day in Waterton was spent in the most perfect way (for me at least;) :  

* 6:30 am - early morning bike ride from the campground to the park entrance!  (I've always wanted to try that new trail they added and I was glad Sarah, Caleb and Mala were willing to let me tag along!  And tag along, I did.  Way...back...much further along! haha.   I hadn't even reached the park entrance yet when Caleb and Mala breezed past me already headed back to camp.  Seriously, to be a teenager again!   Or fit even.  (I'd settle for that;)

* After a mediocre breakfast, a few of us hiked bears hump.   It's our second time this year doing it, and I'm more and more proud of Nate for managing that hike all on his own.  I love sitting on top and looking over at the town site!

* After lunch, we adventured/played up at Red Rock for a bit

* Stopped off at Emerald Bay

* Got caught in a surprise rainstorm

* Enjoyed Zums chicken and fries for dinner (thanks Grandpa!)

* Took the boat up to Cameron lake for, you guessed it, MORE fishing!!!  (After previous nights successful fish fry, everyone had high hopes of a repeat cook off this second night.   It was hilarious to me that three separate family members contributed during the day with newly purchased salt/pepper, fresh lemons, and dill!   John was definitely feeling the pressure;)

* Watched Caleb's entertaining paddle board trip to the far end of Cameron.  (I love his adventurous spirit and I think his mom Sarah does too;)    

* Got caught in yet ANOTHER torrential downpour.  We had to load up all the fishing/boating gear in a hurry.  (and when I say "we" I mean John.  I was sitting in the van trying to be helpful from there;)    The mountains sure can be unpredictable!

That storm that caught us unaware up at Cameron lake rolled over Waterton and brought with it a fierce wind that stayed with us for most of the night.   We still enjoyed one last fish fry in the camp kitchen before bed and Mala even slept out in the hammock despite the wind - but it definitely put a bit of a damper on things and sent many of us to our tents.

I woke up the next morning though to the most calm and peaceful scene!

I love waking up in Waterton, before anyone else, and going for a walk.   It is such a special time.

By the time I got back to our site, others were waking up and we began the task of taking down camp.   

It always amazes me how much work Camping is; how my van gets filled to the roof with things we need in order to live a little more rustic?  It's so ironic.   But one walk along a bubbling brook as the sun rises - and it all feels absolutely worth it!!

Party Hardy Week 1 - Highlights

Back at the end of June, a few of John's siblings (and their fams) arrived in town for a two-four week stay!   To say it was a "busy couple of weeks" would be an understatement.   

A "constant party" is more like it!

I have to admit as June 30th approached I grew increasingly nervous about the logistics of the next couple of weeks.   I was scheduled for a surgery shortly before their arrival and we were in the throws of house hunting, both of which were making me feeling kind of wiggy.   (I'm really not sure what that means but I think it is what I was feeling;)  We were doing our best to carve out our schedules, but in the process were likely disappointing others.  I think we said "no" more last month then we have all year!  (Which is okay, I know, but not easy)   It was a little overwhelming, but looking back, I think it is my nature to feel overwhelmed about the unknown.  The REALITY however (how things really end up being) is always so much better than any logistic I worry up.   So, the next few posts will consist of my own synopsis of this wonderful, entertaining, exhausting (we're talking late nights people!) and fulfilling past few weeks.

These are some of the Highlights:

Rachel and her two kids arrived first and my kids were THRILLED to get to see Savanna and Maddax again.  It had been six months at least since they'd seen them last.  Poor Rach hadn't even been here a day before John and Sam lured them out (pardon the pun) for a bit of fishing!   John and Sam would fish every.single.day if schedules permitted and I think it would be fair to warn all future company of this fact;)     This was certainly one of our most um...entertaining fishing trips for sure.  

I never want to forget how hard we laughed as we watched two year old Savanna fish.   It involved slapping the rod repetitively on the water while calling to the fish.   We learned quickly not to try to help her either, she was determined that her way was the best way!    Maddax caught on quickly and enjoyed fishing.   He enjoyed it so much that I think he would have fished all night!    At one point some dark clouds rolled over us and released a torrential rainfall that caused us all to drop our things and run for the van.   Dear Maddax though -stood on that shoreline yelling, 

"No no no.  Don't go!  Ma not done fishing yet!!!!"

We decided to wait out the storm and I am glad we did!   It was a lovely evening after that.   We didn't catch any fish, but I now have a lovely picture of Grandpa with some of his Grandkids - under a rainbow.  So I went home happy.

For Canada Day this year we decided to do something a little bit different.    Sarah, Rach, Jordan and their families joined us in Waterton for the bicycle parade.   In the past we've always gone out to Raymond for the morning, but Waterton just seemed like the place to be.   I'm pretty sure we've started a new tradition!   The parade was about three minutes long (and I'm being generous) but it was the most scenic parade I've ever seen.   Afterwards we had a picnic down by the lake and hiked up to Bertha Falls.   We made it back into town just in time to enjoy a party down at the park.   For those in the family who were able to stay up late - the fireworks were especially grand this year!!!

Another highlight was celebrating Libbys birthday on the 4th.  None of the pics in the following collage actually depict Libby BUT Jess is shown here trying out Libbys new birthday gift - a mermaid tale!!   Seriously, what will they think of next?;)    Prior to Libby's pool party we spent the first part of the day out at St. Mary's.   Many of John's siblings were fiercely determined to find a dinosaur fossil and others were determined to take this fun fishing boat out on it's maiden voyage.  (ahem...John in particular!;)   It's bound to increase the number of nights we spend fishing exponentially.

Of course, I had to squeeze in a couple of family photo sessions, which always seems like a gong show in the moment.  But alas - a couple of picture perfect Families.  So sweet!

(PS:  If any family reading this wonder if Brent was photoshopped in, I promise he actually did come to visit!   He just wanted to wait until everyone left so we could enjoy him all to ourselves.  haha;)

It's never a complete family visit until we've made a trip out to Walleys Beach.  The sun was blazing hot on this particular day, the mosquitoes were relatively few, and we didn't have a care in the world.   

AKA:  perfection

Of course our first ever family Camping trip was a HUGE highlight but I figured that deserved a post of it's very own!!!

Stay tuned.....

Beautiful Beazer

My Aunt Karen and Uncle George invited us out to their land a few weeks back for an evening of visiting and fun.   I had no doubt at all that it would be a great time as I can't picture many places in this area as beautiful and lovely as the "Diamond Dipper."     My Grandma Afton grew up in Beazer and I often wonder if it was right around here that she played as a girl.   What a charming place this would have been to grow up!

All of their kids were home for the week as well which made the outing extra sweet!  It was fun to see them all and catch up.   The kids played in Lee Creek, zip lined, and Sam even did a bit of fishing!  (shocker;)  It was cool to watching these kids run around (some barefoot) finding all sorts of outdoorsy things to do to stay busy.   Watching them reminded me once again of the importance of getting outside and away from the devices that seriously stifle everything imaginative and creative.   There are some qualities in all of us that I'm convinced only come alive when we get into the great outdoors!!

I so enjoyed listening to my Uncle George as he shared all sorts of info about this area, particularly Waterton and how it was formed by Glaciers, the evidence of which is still seen today.  It was cool stuff and I only wish my little brain could have remembered it all! 

As the day came to an end and dusk began to set in we watched a couple of nighthawks fly above us and try to listen to the humming of their wings.    It was a lovely time and a perfect break from all that had kept John and I so busy up until then.   

So grateful for their invite and for the extended family in my life who I am so proud to associate with, even if only occasionally.  Every visit with them gets stored up in my heart and will be treasured always!

1st Young Women's camp EVER!

Um...hello.    When did this girl get old enough to go to YW camp?    

I don't really want to talk about this much (I'm too lost in existential thought wondering where the time has gone) other than to say:

* she loved it!

* she got to go at a time when her Uncle Kendall was her Bishop, her Aunt Jewel was her young women leader and her cousins Ava and Mya were with her  (perhaps the reason why she loved it so much?)

* She didn't miss us at all

* I missed her like crazy 

That is all.  

I think I might cry.

End of School Fun

Wow, it is hard to believe that this was a month ago already.  What a fun day it was!!!  

June is always an interesting month, full of field trips, dress up days and such.  One thing is always certain though - the Kids marathon is a MUST!

For the first time ever, John and Abby couldn't join us  (John had to administer a final and Abby was writing an exam of her own) so we braved the rainy day without them.   Thankfully, it didn't really pour down on us until after the run and yummy Subway lunch.   Such a fun activity each year!!!

Abby was kept busy the last week of June writing several PAT exams and I was super proud of her when her Uncle Kendall told us that she had scored one of the two top marks on the science government exam.   She'd actually only gotten 1 question wrong!!  They invited us parents to attend an assembly in which she was recognized for that and given a medal.  At the same assembly she was also given a Citizenship award which made me even MORE proud!!   I'm grateful that grade 6 is behind her now and am looking forward to see how her remaining junior high years unfold.  

June was a big month for Sam as well, one where he certainly got to enjoy the results of some of his hard work.   For starters, he was among a small group of students who did not miss one single day of school the entire year!!!   What the WHAT?!!!    How did that happen?

This is the same kid who used to fake sick on a regular basis, just to be able to come home!

I think it says a lot about his teacher and experience this year and I am grateful that it was such a positive one for him.   

To celebrate this 100% milestone, these kids, their parents and their teacher all got to attend a BBQ one noon hour in honor of those hardworking students.  It was fun to go and sit with him and watch him bask in his awesomeness!!

This year Sam was a part of a program called "Recorder Karate."   He was given a recorder and a set of music to practice (at home of course;) and pass off before earning a specific level.   (red belt, black belt etc.)  There were two components of this program though and it typically takes students a couple of years to move up through the levels.   Sam, however had the end in sight right from the get go!   He practiced every.single.day (usually around supper time;) and then every morning before school.   He met with his music teacher often and it was inspiring to watch him work towards his goal in such a way.   I can't say I (or John, or Grandpa) always loved the dinner time serenades but we sure were proud of him!!!

Jess finished up Grade 2 and was sad to leave my Aunt Karen's class.   What a year for her and how lucky she felt to be able to call her teacher "Aunt!"  haha.  She definitely felt privileged;)

  

Nate finished preschool at the beginning of June and as we walked out of the school on his last day he looked up at me and said, "Okay, so when is Grade 1?"     I loved his "Bring It" attitude and he has been well prepared by the most amazing preschool teacher any kid could have.   Mrs. Toth has been the one to introduce all four of my kids to the world of school and I have come to appreciate her perception and approach as she's worked with each of them!

It's crazy how fast time will fly and before we know it a new school year will be here.   

We'll look back on this one fondly though, that is for sure!

June Fishing Adventures

This month it has been all about the fishing around here!!

For Christmas last year, every one of our kids got a fishing rod of their very own.   As the weather has turned warmer, John has grown increasingly anxious to get the kids out there again.  By mid may we had our fishing licences bought and we were ready to go.

As mentioned in a previous entry, our first trip of the year was to Romeril lake with all of my family.  

The week later, we drove out towards St.Mary's and fished in some of the narrow channels that branch out from the reservoir!  We'd seen some crazy size fish that friends of ours had caught (35 pound pike) and John was hopeful he'd catch a big one like that too!   Both him and Sam caught fish that evening (1 walleye and 1 pike) and Sam humbly dubbed himself "the Pikemaster!"  

Clearly, Nate enjoys fishing as well?   We learned fast that if we want this boy to come along, we need to be well prepared.  (As in stocked with juice boxes, popcorn twists and a fully charged cell phone!)

Our third fishing trip was a fun one for John.  He caught a HUGE pike.  So fun!

Just this past week, John and I went on a little fishing date, sans enfants!   It was so much fun!!
Because we didn't have the kids with us we were able to walk around Romeril lake and fish all along the way.  We found some great pockets with lots of pike.   There were three times when John and I both pulled in fish at the exact same time.   We must have been impressive fishers because we attracted quite a crowd.   

I had high hopes of this being a more relaxing evening for John, seeing as he wouldn't need to untangle the kids' lines or re-tie their hooks or anything like that - but nope!   He pretty much had to take care of me as much as ever;)   

With each catch I got, he had to remove the hooks for me (pike teeth are sharp!!) and more than once he had to free my hook from the bottom of the lake.   He didn't seem to mind though, bless his heart:)

This little family hobby has made for many perfect evenings this past month.   

We're looking forward to many more!!!

Magrath Reunion

Every June all of my Rausch relatives get together in Magrath for a two day reunion.   

Abby was committed to participate in her final basketball tournament of the season, so we were only able to attend the reunion on the first day- but it was such fun.  As always! 

The water slide down the hill is always a highlight and Nate soared down this year all by himself!!

John and the kids spent some time down at the creek, catching frogs and such.  They came across this spectacular birds nest with one brand new little baby bird even!  

It was a beautiful Friday evening!

Waterton Food Festival

The town of Waterton did something kind of cool this year.  They hosted the 1st ever Annual Waterton Food festival!!   

That meant that for 3 or 4 days, participating restaurants offered discounted prices on many of their dishes, entertainment was amped up, and celebration was in the air!!  (Okay, maybe it just meant that I had one more excuse to drive out there.  To EAT!)

I waited until I had dropped off Nate for school (that would give me three solid hours alone) and I headed out.   It was the PERFECT afternoon in the mountains.  

 Hot. Windless. And brimming with life!

So many wildflowers are starting to bloom, but oddly enough, what stole my attention today was all of the dandelions.   The landscape was covered in yellow and white and though I know these noxious weeds aren't really native to Waterton, I think they fit in quite beautifully here.

I can't stand the things at home in my own front yard, but find them really quite lovely in Waterton;)

I didn't drive out here though for the flowers (or the weeds;) so I quickly reminded myself that this day was all about the food.   They were offering a little photo contest on Instagram where they encouraged you to snap a photo and then give it the hashtag #mywatertonEATS.   I desperately wanted to win, so I stopped in at my favorite little treat and got to work,photographing those delicious sweet potato fries in all of my favorite Waterton spots!  

First we took a drive (them and I;) up to the Prince of Whales hotel.    

I'll admit I felt a little bit awkward staging my food and photographing it.   This picture represents the time a group of tourists were standing nearby and I didn't want to look totally weird so I just held them up sort of in front of me and did my best to make it look as though I wasn't photographing my lunch.  haha.

I took it a little more seriously up at Cameron Lake though as there was virtually nobody around.  

I love Cameron Lake in the off season.   My favorite thing to do is sit on the dock and watch the clouds as they slowly move across the sky.  I'll admit, I get a bit nervous up here alone though as I always wonder what I would do if a bear were to show up.   

But alas, here I sat, photographing my fries and watching the sky.

For the record, after I finished photographing my fries (and then finally eating them;) I stood up and got ready to leave when what do you think I saw?    A BEAR - right there at the visitor centre, smack dab in between me and my van!   It watched me for a bit and started to walk towards the dock, which had me questioning what I would do if he actually ventured out toward me?    

Would I jump in the water?   

Go into the fetal position?

Stop drop and roll?

Punch it in the nose?

Luckily, I didn't have to resort to any of those as I noticed that behind the bear a small group of people had arrived and were preparing to come my way.   I called out to them to let them know a bear was in front of them.   That yelling was enough to cause the bear to lumber away from the dock (and my remaining fries) and explore the bushes, thus giving me the opportunity to skuttle on back to my vehicle (though I tried to look calm and cool as a cucumber;)!

The ride back down from Cameron Lake was just as eventful.  I followed lots of Bighorn Sheep for a good stretch of the time and even came across this very light colored cub.   It was all by itself, though I wasn't about to take any chances.  I stayed stayed in my van with the windows rolled down just enough to snap some pictures.

I didn't want to risk an encounter with a mamma bear!

I got down from the mountain in good time and whipped back into town so I could be home before the kids.  I love being able to have little adventures like this every now and then.   (Though I always find a long delayed To-Do list waiting for me when I get back:)

Thanks Waterton.   The 1st annual Food Festival was a real slice!!

Life on the bleachers

This past month has been all about the sports!  As mentioned in a previous post, I feel a tad bit over scheduled with it all, but the kids are loving life and their not sitting around watching TV so much, so I really should be thrilled!

Sam's track and field day with the school was last week.  I'm not going to lie, he didn't do so great.  BUT he was cheered on by his little posse of pals and coming in 5th or 6th never seemed to damped their enthusiasm.   haha.   It clearly was not about the event at all!  

Sam's also been playing on a minors (baseball) team.  A few months back, when I registered him for it, I thought he'd be playing twice a week from 6-7.    Our first week in, I quickly realized that wasn't really the case.   Baseball is 9 innings people!!!!!   He leaves around 5 on game days (for a pre-game practice) and sometimes doesn't get home until 8:30.   Oh, and apparently when you are in minors, you compete with other towns, which means there has been a bit of travelling to Magrath and Raymond to support this little dude.   

(methinks I should have read the fine print;)

In reality, he is LOVING it and learning lots.   He's been working on his pitching skills and can slide into "Home" like nobody' business!

Nate is fierce!  

He wanted to be in soccer so bad, and for weeks leading up to is first game day, he would meticulously keep his little shoes, socks and shin guards folded neatly beside his bed.  I'll admit he doesn't necessarily love going to soccer these days, but that is only because all they do is work on drills and play relay games that are supposed to teach them basic skills.   For an organization trying to build great future soccer players, it makes perfect sense.   For a little boy who just wants to play a "real game" it's become an exercise in patience for him. 

 The boy wants to play!;)

Abby has been playing on a Spring League basketball team since April and has grown as a player in many ways.  She's the tallest one on her team (and many teams for that matter) and that has it's advantages and disadvantages.   I hope in the weeks/months and years to come, she'll grow to see her height for the gift that it is!  In the mean time, I'll try to stop yelling at her to "JUMP!" or "Get that rebound!"   I'm really very proud of her.  She's had to turn down babysitting jobs, fun with family, and her ward youth days to honour her basketball commitments and that hasn't been easy for her.   She's been to four tourneys in Lethbridge, with her final one being this weekend.  This has been a big deal for us, because I really don't go to Lethbridge often.  (I've gone more in the last two months then I did all last year!;)   Sigh...I hope she appreciates it!  haha

This past month she's really stepped up and tried hard at Track & Field as well.   She started running with John some mornings to build up some endurance and together they would practice/train for other events.  She placed 2nd and 3rd in a few of the events and was able to advance to divisional.

We were able to go watch her compete yesterday and I enjoyed seeing her push herself.  

Her track & field experience ends here, this year, but she's feeling pretty determined to focus more on this next year, perhaps instead of Spring league.  

We've been so very blessed and lucky that Grandpa has been there for these kids, supporting them every step of the way.   What a great man Max is.   One day he is watching Sam, the next he is cheering on Abby, then he's down in Montana cheering on a grandson there, and soon he'll be in Utah and then Idaho supported milestones in other grandkids' lives.   I sure love him and admire all that he does for family near and far.

I myself am looking forward to summer when their are a few less games to go and watch, but don't tell anyone I said that! ;)  

I know what that is!!!

A few years back John and I had driven down to Pleasant Grove to visit his brother and his family.   It was a trip that almost didn't happen, as just a day or two before we were to leave, our van broke down and needed a repair that was going to cost well over two thousand.    I remember at the time being absolutely devastated by this unexpected cost and I wondered if we should just call off the whole trip.  Looking back though, I'm so glad that we didn't!  Not only were we able to experience all the amazing things that Utah has to offer (um, hello Sweet Tooth Fairy;) I also remember this trip as the time in which John and I learned one of the most important lessons we've ever learned, to date!   It was on our first night there, as we sat in Jordan and Luci's kitchen after the kids had gone to bed, that we got into a conversation about pornography.   It's a conversation that we really haven't ceased having, ever since!

  John's brother Jordan had recently taken a passionate interest in warning others (particularly parents, children and youth) about the tactics used by the porn industry to draw in young viewers and the addictive drug like characteristics of pornography.  On this particular night, he was sharing with us many components of his presentation - which was basically chalk full of everything I didn't know about pornography!!!    I still remember sitting there feeling kinda sick with the realization that despite John's and my efforts to be "good parents" we were really quite naive and we had missed the mark - by a long shot!    By the time we went to bed that night,  we both knew that lots of things had to change!   

I'm not certain that we've done all that we could do since then to prepare our kids for this reality - but we certainly have tried.   We've welcomed opportunities to hear Jordan speak on the subject, we've increased the level of filtering in our home, we've changed the computer habits in our family, banned the internet from bedrooms, but mostly we've just tried to be comfortable talking about it with the kids.   A couple of times a month we devote a portion of family home evening to reinforce some of our feelings and concerns about pornography.  We share experiences we've had where we maybe came across it and how we handled it.  We found a CAN DO plan that we refer to often with them that consists of 5 things that our "CAN DO" when they come across pornography:

1.  Close your eyes (stop looking at it)

2. Alert a trusted adult

3. Name it for what it is.  (ie: That is pornography!)

4. Distract yourself and picture something positive 

5.  Order your thinking brain to be the boss

To be honest, I've worried that our conversations have been in vain and I've wondered if they would really even recognize pornography when confronted with it?  And would they even tell us if they had?

The other day I was thrilled when I went to pick up the kids from school and the moment Sam got in the van (before he told me anything else about his day) he said, "Mom!  Today I saw pornography!"    

Ok... that part didn't thrill me, in fact my heart sank a little and I tried to sound casual as I asked him to describe to me what happened.   He said he'd had an assignment in which he needed to use the internet to research 5 facts about Kevin Durant.  He described how, as he was googling for facts, an image appeared on the sidebar that instantly made him feel uncomfortable.   He said it was a picture of a woman in a very "bad bikini" with the words "how to be sexy for your man" written below it.   (Now, to be entirely fair, I am sure that the school has some sort of filter set up for their school computers and I really don't know how bad that picture actually was. Was it hard core porn?  Probably not.  For all I know, it could have been a Gap add - but to Sam, it was not ok and that is all that really matters.)

He continued to tell me how he felt when it popped up, and how he immediately wanted to close the lid of the laptop.  Then he picked up the computer, carried it up to his teachers desk and said "Mrs______ there is some pornography on my computer and I need you to get rid of it for me."   

 Again, I'm not sure what it was his teacher saw, whether most of us would have found it to be rather benign or not, but I'm glad she responded in the validating way that she did.   She opened the computer, checked for herself and said, "You are right Sam.  This is not something you need to look at.  Let me clean it up and I'll bring your computer back to you when the picture is gone."

WOOT WOOT!!!

I know many will think this is not a big deal, these things are all around us and yes, darn near impossible to keep from my kids.  To me though, it wasn't really about what he saw at all!

   I was bursting at the seams proud of him for deciding for himself that what he saw was not okay to him!  I was proud of him for realizing that he had the ability to control how he responded to what he saw.   I was proud of him for having the courage to take it to his teacher even though he was afraid she'd get mad at him.   Mostly though, I was so grateful that the first thing he wanted to do when he saw me was share this experience with me.  To him, this was a victory, and that (if you ask me) was reason enough to celebrate!!!   

So...I took him to Dave's-Drive-In and bought him the biggest milkshake he could get;)

                       

I know as parents, our job is to teach our kids how to think, not necessarily what to think, but that is a constant challenge for me to figure out sometimes where one begins and the other ends.   I feel very anxious when I think of all that is thrown at my kids; things that I have absolutely no control of and I desperately want to stop it before it ever even reaches them.   I suppose the only comfort that I will feel will come with knowing that my kids will act according to what they feel is right.      

The best part of the whole day came when he said to me, "Mom, I just knew what it was."

Absolutely music to my ears!!

Celebrating 35

This past week I turned 35 which I am THRILLED about!   

I'm not like many who dread to admit their ages, rather I embrace each additional year with all my heart!   I'll even go one step more and say I can't WAIT to reach 50!!!  haha.    

It was a fun day on Friday and I felt so grateful for all of the loving people in my life.   

Abigail made me laugh so much when shortly after 9:00 that morning she called me from school.  When I picked up, she said, "Mom.  We have a message from you from all of Mr.Hardy's homeroom class:"    The entire class proceeded to sing/yell/scream Happy birthday to me over the phone.   (Abby swears that Uncle Kendall was in the classroom and gave her permission to do that, but I don't see how any teacher would authorize such craziness!;)     When they had finished singing, Abby then sang one more song with a few of her friends, which was a little less joyful.    It went a little bit like this:

Happy Birthday to you

It's your Birthday.

Pain and Misery to spare- 

people dying everywhere, 

but it's your birthday.

So, Happy Birthday.

It was pretty much the most morbid Birthday song I've ever heard, but it had me looking forward to my 50th more than ever!!! ;)    It was hilarious!

That evening we all went over to Jim and Jeanne Gladdings house for a Birthday picnic.  The kids had been planning this with them all week long, and though it was not a surprise like last years Birthday dinner, it was still just as fun!   Jeanne told me that they were the ones who chose the menu (fried chicken, potato salad, egg salad sandwiches and veggies), they baked the cake, prepped all of the food and dear Nate set the table.    

The kids had all gone over to the Gladdings the day before to help with some of the food prep and to bake the cake.   Naturally it included a lot of sugary stars.  How can you tell this was designed by a bunch of kids? ;)

It was fun to visit with them, as we have truly missed them since leaving the ward, and it was especially fun to watch my kids work to put on a dinner.   I was proud of them and so thankful to the Gladdings!!!

My brother Chad and sister Crystal (and their families) were also in town at this same time.  We didn't visit much on Friday due to the above plans, but we were able to make up for that on Saturday.   One of the gifts John had gotten me was a fishing rod of my own!!  (He's grown tired of me tangling up his line perhaps?;)  At any rate- I was thrilled and took it as a sign that he was willing to go fishing with me!   We could hardly wait, and so on Saturday we talked the family into going fishing out at Romeril.    It was a gorgeous afternoon!!!

Picture 16 kids (8 months-15 yrs), 3 dogs, 12 fishing rods, and 8 adults - all searching for a spot to enjoy and relax in our own chosen way.  I was impressed at how many of the younger kids wanted to fish!

Nate was so determined to catch a fish this time, it was breaking my heart!  

He's developed a pretty good cast though and we're certain that he'll catch one soon - but still, so sad to see his quivering lip at the end of the day and here him exclaim that he's "just not a fisherman."   

What a little man!

Sam, on the other hand, was celebrating big time, when just as we were getting ready to call it quits, managed to real in a catch.  His first PIKE!   It was made all the better by the fact that 15 of his cousins were cheering him on and rejoicing with him.   (Later that night I heard him talking/singing to himself in his room that "this was the best day ever - yes it was!!!)  

(That is seriously a gross looking fish.   Doesn't even look tasty if you ask me;)

It was a really fun weekend with them, full of visiting and celebrating of birthdays.   It was a wonderful reminder to me that these people that make up our families are the ones we'll know and care about through all of the eternities.   My younger sister often reminds me that it's often these eternal relationships that require the most effort and that shape and mould us the most.   I know I sometimes get so preoccupied thinking about schedules and logistics that I forget to just be in the moment and enjoy the ones I am with.   

 What matters most is what lasts the longest - and our families are forever!  

                                                                                      -Elder Ballard

When life gets busy...it helps to eat out;)

There are a few months of the year that try my patience (as in- it wears so thin it's practically transulenscent;) and I've grown convinced that May, September and December were all created to teach me a lesson!   What that lesson is, I'm still deciding, but I think it has something to do with balance.  Or maybe the lesson is about staying calm when there is no balance to be found, I'm not sure, but one of these days I'm going to get it down pat!:)

Though deep down I do love May, (the sun starts shining, the flower beds start showing signs of growth, and evenings get longer) - our schedules always fill up mega fast with all sorts of events that I have no control of.   It all tends to breed a little bit of resentment in this controlling little heart of mine.  (Oh May, how I wish I could just sit back and enjoy you a little bit more!) 

 Thankfully, my kids have embraced the spring busy-ness with full enthusiasm.   They've gracefully juggled cubs, activity days, young women's, soccer, baseball, spring league, recitals, concerts and more without even batting an eye.   (I could probably learn a thing or two from each of them!)

On one particularly busy day this past week I was rushing around, kinda fretting about what we should do for dinner when Abby nonchalantly said, "Easy.  Why don't we just eat out?"  She said it as though this is a common occurrance for our family, when I can literally count on one hand the number of times my kids have eaten dinner in a restaurant.  I think she was hoping that I was actually desperate enough to consider her suggestion and in a way - I guess I was:

I've learned that when things get so crazy and so busy with exterior demands that it starts making me cranky, the best thing to do is take a step back (and a deep breathe or two while I'm at it;) leave the cleaning and schedules behind and go where peace and calm is always waiting to be found.  

This time that place happened to be St. Mary's!

Thanks to the amazing invention called a Wonder Box, I was able to grab our half cooked lasagna, a few things from the fridge and some granola bars for dessert and oila... we were dining Al Fresco in no time!!!

Nate wouldn't join us at the picnic table, but rather found his own little table for one.  (Not that he really needed it.  He ate a carrot, drank some water and then explored this play place that was his dining room for the evening;)

After we all ate and visited, we took a little stroll that I knew would lead us to our favourite place to find fossils.   John found a large fossil that he suspects is a leg bone or a rib but it hardly seemed exciting compared to the teeth he usually discovers.  

The marmots were sticking their heads out of the ground, watching us, and it was fun to see so many little marmot babies too!  Before heading home we made sure to stop off at the playground so that the younger kids could burn off the last of their energy before bed.  

It was a perfect evening and the best way to get away from our schedules and just be together.

It reminded me of how much I really do LOVE May!!!

           I absolutely love that this is what 

      "Eating Out" looks like to my family!