SumMeR WiSh LisT

Summer is fast approaching and I have decided this summer I am going to make a wish list of things we want to do.. either as a couple or a family. Hopefully later we will be posting about the success of fulfilling our wish list!

*** Go to the Temple (it has been 2 1/2 years)

**Get Mike on a couple of fishing trips

*Camping (this is easy to fulfill on the week we have Cow Camp)

*Swimming at the lake

*One boating trip

* A trip to Utah for me and the kids

* At least 2 days at Mike's family reunion

**See "Singing In The Rain" at the Big Fork Playhouse

Like I said this is a "wish" list. Mike usually only gets Sundays off in the summer, so we will see how much we get done. (*** means top priority, ** means I really would love to see this done, *means we will live if it doesn't happen!)

I hope that everyone has a great summer. Enjoy what time you have with family and friends because time goes by so fast and before you know it your wondering where it went.

OuR WeEkEnD

I have been asked, a numerous amount of times, what we will be doing with our Memorial Day weekend? Well, nothing more then what is usual, for us. Friday night Mike and I spent 3 hours on our yard, and although Better Homes and Gardens will not be calling, I am happier! Saturday we both did our early morning things like feed cows and run, then we collected 5 horses and our kids to head up to the Gates of the Mountains and help brand at a ranch there.
This is Mike's horse Cisco, he bought as a colt with his graduation money and then broke him. One thing to know about him is that he loves roping calves. He comes alive when he gets to. You can see it in him, and that is why he and Mike fit so well together!

We bought Hyrum these yellow topped boots off of ebay for $6.83 brand new. Aren't they great and they fit his personality. He couldn't wait for them to come in the mail. Spencer got a pair of orange topped ones just like them brand new. I have to say that Mike's ebay browsing pays off once in awhile.

Yep and here they are, my 4 children. Sometimes I stop and look at these 4 and get so overwhelmed that they are all mine and that I have such responsibility. Mike and I let time pass and then before we know it we have a 9, 8, 5, and 3 year old who depend on us and look up to us. We love them so much and are grateful they fit into our lifestyle!

I am also happy to report that I witnessed and photographed both Spencer and KwinLee roping and dragging a calf. My day was completed by a barbecue of pork ribs, baked beans, potato salad and lemon bars. Summer can officially begin!

RaCe FoR ThE CurE

Sharlene, Tiffany, Me, and Nichole

Anna, Stephanie, Tiffany, Sharlene, Me, and Nichole

Below...Me

Not really cute pictures of me. I don't photograph well after I haver ran over 3 miles (anytime really). But I did it. I ran 3.2 miles in 33 mins and 34 secs. Not a fabulous time, but it beat what I hoped it would be! In 3 weeks it will be over 6 miles...
This race was important for more then just running. It was The Race For The Cure and Breast Cancer Awareness. Something I feel strongly about. One year ago I missed this race to be at this special woman's funeral. This year I ran in memory of her, and I even imagined what Coach McGraw would be saying to me when I wanted to slow down or stop. She was a wonderful woman, who touched my life more then I understood as a "young punk kid"! I think of her often!

MoThER's DaY

It's Mother's Day. A day we celebrate the wonderful women who have or are raising children (is the job ever really done?). The day when we recognize all the efforts that have been made in our behalf. I am grateful for the "moms" in my life. All the ones that I have been touched by, especially my own mom. She who knows me "Oh, so well". She has loved me for 30 years and is literally a part of my daily life! I love you mom and hope you know how important you are in my life and the best part for me is to know you are only a phone call away!
Spencer made this cute little flower basket for me. I love the little hand made gifts on Mother's Day, the are so cherished.

Mike got me a wonderful bouquet of red roses and I love them! He also will be cooking me dinner with a yummy chocolate dessert. I can't wait!

My day started this morning at 4:30 am, when I loaded 4 sleepy, groggy kids into the car and headed home from Lima. We spent the night at Grandpa Steve's to celebrate his Birthday. Mike was out working already when I got here so I fed the kids, bathed the little boys, ironed church clothes, cleaned up a bad nasty mess in the bathroom on the floor and all over the toilet, and then cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. Yep, what better way to celebrate Mother's Day then doing motherly things!

Happy Mother's Day!

GiRlS CaN ToO!

Well it is with much pride that I sit here today to report that KwinLee roped her first calf yesterday too! She too caught by both back feet and drug it to the fire. Once again, I was not there to witness it and no pictures were taken. But I am so happy for her, I won't mention how old I was the first time I got to rope in the branding trap. But yes.. Girls Can TOO!

We have been fairly busy lately. It seems this time of year makes it that way. Today is my DAD"S BIRTHDAY. Happy Birthday "Old Man"...