I REALLY Hate Spiders

What's with the spiders lately? I killed two really big ones today. For some reason, hobo spiders really love the stairs down to my basement. I go up and down the stairs dozens of times a day, and it would probably be hilarious for anyone watching me. I keep my broom near the top of the stairs, and my can of "Raid" at the bottom. First I open the door and do a swift glance around. If I see nothing, I peer over the rail to scan the lower portion. If I see anything, I grab for whatever killing agent is nearest and apply it with enthusiasm! If the coast looks clear, I quickly scamper down, being careful to keep my feet on the front edges of the step, because sometime the little buggers hide on the vertical parts that I can't see. At the bottom, I swiftly turn around and check the front of the steps. If I see any creepy-crawlies, they are promptly hosed down with spray, or smashed into atoms with my broom. Then I have to leap over the remains, not touching the step, to get back upstairs. It's a carefully calculated process, that only a true arachnaphobic would understand. To the rest of the world... I'm sure you have your goofy routines also!!!

Magic Beans

These are magic beans... the "magic thing about them is that my kids like them!!! They like the purple ones best of all, because they turn green as they cook. Pretty fun, huh? I don't really grow enough beans to can them, but I do freeze a few quarts every year to enjoy during the winter. Fresh beans in January is pretty "magical" too!!!

I Done Got Edgicatted

I had a great weekend at BYU-Idaho. Tony, Jacob, and I spent 3 days at Education Week. I love being in Rexburg... it brings back a lot of fun memories from my college days. This was Jacob's first year, and I don't think he was really impressed. He did love Marvin Goldstein's (pianist) classes. I love the chance to learn and be spiritually fed!!!



Tony and I are also BYU-Idaho Alumni Ambassadors for our area. In conjunction with Ed. Week, we had an Amassador Conference, which was very informative! We enjoyed one luncheon where we sat with and visited Henry J. Eyring. Now I know more about what my role as an ambassador should be, and I'm excited about it!!




We also swung down to Tony's hometown for "That Famous Preston Night Rodeo". It was fun, but the seating was too crowded. I highly recommend seeing the rodeo! We picked up Em and Erik from their Aunt Shara Kay. She has been wonderful and taken care of them for the past several years while we go to Education Week. I am so grateful for my husbands family and for all they do for us! Where would we be without our families!?!

More about Huckleberries

This morning I went up Lost Horse Canyon with my parents and kids. We were on a mission to pick more huckleberries. The thing is, you can only pick them in a few areas, and for a few weeks out of the year. If you miss them, you don't get another chance! I think a lot of things in life are like that... If you don't take your opportunities, they will be gone. It's so important to find the good things that are happening right now... the quiet moments, kind words, smiles, flowers, a puppy, and on and on. We miss so much if we spend all of our time looking for "huckleberries" in the middle of January, instead of enjoying the snowflakes!

Berry Delicious

This is the time of year for picking raspberries. I think they are so beautiful! There's nothing like going out first thing in the morning, before it gets hot, and listening to the world wake up while picking raspberries. For me, this is a very soul-soothing experience. I also love to to munch the cool, sweet berries before my breakfast!!



Yesterday I went "huckleberrying" with my mom and Emily. We didn't find a lot... but here they are. They will be just enough to throw into a batch of pancakes or muffins. I don't know what it is about Montanans and their huckleberries, but I don't feel like the summer is complete without their tart, wild taste.

I Am Vanilla

That's right... no nuts, no chocolate, no bits of fruit or marshmallows... just plain old vanilla.

 

I actually don't really like ice cream (unless it's home-made) so I wasn't surprised to find out that I am compared to plain old vanilla. I actually liked the description though... most of it seemed to fit me.

"You're as popular and relaxing as vanilla ice cream. You go with the flow, and get along with all sorts of people. You appreciate peace and simplicity, so you sometimes find crowds and loud noises overwhelming. You are a chilled-out, calming influence on the people in your life, and your friends appreciate how supportive and flexible you are. "

To find out what flavor you are, click www.the-n.com/quizzes/quiz_main.php?id=3243 and take the quiz. Let me know!

Pizza Hut At Home

This morning we went to the Logger Days parade in Darby.  What fun!!!  There were lots of 4-wheelers and logging trucks.  The streets were literally littered with candy, so the kids thought it was great.  As we walked around town, (in Darby it doesn't take long) we stopped at a yard sale and saw these benches.  They were asking $10 each for them.  I practiced my bargaining skills, and got the pair for $15.  They were removed from Pizza Hut a few years ago, during a remodel.  I wasn't sure I liked them, but they seem to fit, and they are growing on me.  If  I decide not to keep them, I'll bequeath them to my little brother, who worked at Pizza Hut for many years.  Meanwhile, the kids think they are pretty cool!