The Boys are Back in Town

Jacob and Erik made it back, safe and sound, from scout camp. Neither one had showered all week, so we made them get clean before even telling us about it. Jacob earned 4 merit badges, and Erik earned 5! It's hard to get a lot of information from them, but it sounded like they had a good time. I am glad to have my family all in one place again!

Ducks, Fish and a Muskrat

This is a terrible picture, but you get the idea. Emily and I went to our local duck pond for a picnic lunch. We always have fun feeding the ducks and fish. Today a little muskrat joined the party! It was the size of a small cat, with a long, bald tail.... disgusting, but interesting!!

Today we also went the the play "The Pirates of Penzance". It was very well done, and the pirate king in "Heelies" was hilarious! Em and I would both like to be in a local play sometime.

Missing My Boys

On Sunday, my boys left for Camp Grizzley, a boy scout camp near Moscow, Idaho. I was looking forward to a lazy, quiet week. I didn't realize how much I would miss them!! The house is way too quiet and there is too much food in the fridge! I planned on getting all kinds of projects done, but Emily is bored and wants my constant attention. I am having fun spending time with her, but I'm not getting ahead on anything!! I hope the boys are having fun and learning lots, but I'm really looking forward to seeing them Saturday afternoon!

Lost Horse Overlook

The Bitterroot Valley is a beautiful place. We are so blessed to live here!! We spent Saturday morning having a yard sale. By the time we deducted the newspaper ad, pizza for lunch, and a day's worth of work, we made about $4. From now on I will just donate my old stuff to anyone who can use it!! It will be a lot easier!!

After our long, hot morning, we escaped to the mountains for a "weenie roast". The Lost Horse Overlook is one of the most spectacular spots I know. A few clouds came in, and we enjoyed listening to the thunder roll around the mountain peaks.

More quilt blocks

Yeah!!! I finally got caught up with the Star quilt-a-long!!! Here are blocks #5,6,7, and 8. I got a new foot for my sewing maching that guides the fabric to make a perfect 1/4 inch seam. I love it, except I have to trim off all my little triangle "ears" or it messes up. I also bought a walking foot and a darning foot. This may be the first quilt that I try to "machine quilt". I'll have to practice a lot before I get brave enough to work on a full size quilt!!!

Spiderman Cake

I thought I made a pretty cool Spider-man cake for Erik's birthday. I was informed that it was "pretty good", but the eyes should have been white, outlined with black. Oh well!! I want to get caught up with the star quilt-a-long, but I keep having to create holiday celebrations. After our Primary water activity this afternoon, then a Girls Camp first-aid/camp cooking event tonight, I might be able to sew a little.

Watch out!! Erik's a teenager!!

It's been 13 years since this picture was taken!! Erik still has the same dark hair and sparkley eyes. He has a goofy sense of humor. His favorite things include: video games, reading, watching movies, and eating. He is a bottomless pit when it comes to food!!! Erik has had more emergency room visits than the other two kids together. Hopefully he'll be as wonderful in his teenage years as he has been in the previous ones! We love you Erik!!!

Here's to Dad

My dad got me roses when we went to a Daddy-Daughter party together. Through my entire life he has been my friend and teacher. He taught me how to drive, how to catch a fish, how to work, and how to have fun. He is a Disney fan, and we had some great trips, sleeping in our van, on the way to Disneyland. I am thankful for all the skills and memories my Dad has given me. Happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there!!!

Happy Anniversary

• Today is our 16th wedding anniversary! Tony and I have had a lot of adventures together, and we look forward to many more. These are some of the reasons that I fell in love with my sweetheart:

He plays me special songs

He is smart

He works hard

His eyes twinkle when he laughs

He loves children

He holds and honors the priesthood

He is sensitive (even when he doesn't show it)

He can always make me laugh

He is generous

He loves me and takes care of me

I am so grateful to have a wonderful husband!!!! To celebrate, we are going to the Stake Center and spend the evening housing/registering about 350 youth for our Tri-stake Youth Conference. There's nothing I'd rather do than work along-side my sweetie!!

Weary Woman

I am physically, mentally, and emotionally drained!!! Why do we do this to ourselves??!! I seriously over-scheduled this week, and I'm so glad it's almost over. Here is a summary of things I've done since Monday morning:

• Paint (ceilings included) 2 bedrooms(including closet interiors), one bathroom, one large living room, hallway/common area, and a nasty laundry room


• Help with 8th grade trip to Missoula for swimming and bowling


• Attend 2nd Grade class concert


• Have my living room carpet cleaned


• Have van carpet and upholstery cleaned


• Attend 8th grade graduation ceremony


• Chaperone 8th grade dance/party


• Bake cookies for husband's work bake sale


• Help set up and serve at elementary school barbecue


• Paint t-shirts for end-of year celebration with Emily's friends


• Help a friend pack and clean her house


• Provide each of my kids with a special " graduation" dinner

I am so far behind on laundry, cleaning, yard work, etc... Tomorrow I am going to Spokane with the youth temple trip. I am really looking forward to sitting for the 3 hour drive, and possibly taking a little nap! I am especially looking forward to the peace and calm of the temple!!

A Special Gift - Jacob's Big Day

Last night, we were given a special gift. I have to go back in time to explain.

Fourteen years ago, our first child, Jacob was born. All parents feel that their child is special, but I knew that there was something "extra" about Jacob. When he was 3 years old, he was diagnosed with autism. At that time he threw tantrums, screamed, banged his head, and did not communicate or respond to us. Our hearts were broken... it was as if we had lost our boy.

Last night, Jacob graduated from Middle School. He takes regular classes, and excells in them. He is happy. He is smart, funny, and talented. He definitely has hard times and acts "socially unacceptable". His class is wonderful and supportive.

At the ceremony last night, there was a "slide show" where each student was shown, along with a sentence that told what they want to do during high school. Some pictures got laughs, all got applause. When Jacob's picture came up, the entire 8th grade jumped to their feet, yelling and cheering. I don't think there was a dry eye in the building. I'll never forget the way I felt. I've had tears leaking from my eyes since then.

Autism has brought many tears throughout the years, but last night they were tears of gratitude and love and pride. I'm so thankful for the love and support of our friends and family. I don't know if those kids will ever know how they have touched our family, but the gift they gave to Jacob and our family will never be forgotten!!!

Go Mom, Go!!!

This is a crazy, crazy week! I'll write more about it later. I took a few minutes to water my plants tonite, and saw that my poppies have started to bloom. As I looked closer, one seemed to be smiling at me. It made me smile and lightened my load for a few minutes. Thank heaven for the little blessings!!