Catch Up

Wow!  I haven't posted since November!  That's almost a year gone by.  How the heck did that happen?  Well, I'll just recap what's happened in the past year to catch you up. 

December I got to spend 3 weeks with Steve's Sister and Brother-in-law at their home in PA helping Stacey out because she had a sweet baby boy.  (Jaxon)  What a wonderful time that was to spend with them.  Steve and the kids joined me after about 2 weeks there by myself.  It was a wonderful three weeks!

Keith went through 9th grade.  Had GREAT grades and participated in track.  Although he was injured within the 1st couple of weeks and missed most of the season.

Kelly went through 5th grade.  Last year of elementary and realized her love of tennis!  She took leasons at the Spokane Club and really enjoyed it.

I continue to work at Business Innovations.  I got to go to Nashville TN and Atlanta GA for some training, which was fun.  My godsister Erin works for the same company and we were up giggling late into the night (or morning!) just like when we were kids.  I had surgery in April, and spent time recovering from that.

Steve continues to run his hardwood floor business and consitantly heads out to witness to others about Jesus Christ.

The summer of 2012 has been crazy busy! 

We got to go to PA again twice in 6 months!  We spent 10 days there and then Steve, Kelly and I headed home and Keith stayed to visit for another two weeks. 

We had our annual camping trip with the Benson's and also went camping with our family and Kelly's friend Holly. 

We also spent a week at Hayden Lake with my family.  We had a great time relaxing, swimming, fishing, and I got to ride my bike.

Keith has been working this summer.  Mowing lawns to save money to buy his own car.  Oct. 13th and he'll be 16 and ready to get his driving license.  SCARY!

Today is the first day of school for both kids.  I no longer have a child in elementary school.  Kelly started middle school today and Keith entered his Sophmore year of high school.  My how time flies! 

Black November

This poem really makes me chuckle

When I was a young turkey, new to the coop, my big brother Mike took me out to the stoop.

Then he sat me down and he spoke real slow.  And he told me there was something I just had to know.

His look and his tone I will always remember, when he told me of the horrors of Black November.

Come about August, now listen to me, each day you’ll get six meals instead of just three

And soon you’ll be thick, where once you were thin, and you’ll grow a big rubbery thing under your chin.

And then one morning, when you’re warm in your bed, in will burst the farmers wife, and hack of your head.

Then she’ll pluck out your feathers till you’re bald and pink, and then scoop out your insides leavin ya lyin in the sink.  And then comes the worst part he said not bluffing, she’ll come in

and pack your rear end with stuffing.

Well, the rest of his words were too grim to repeat, I sat on the stoop like a winged piece of meat, and decided on the spot to avoid being cooked, I’d have to lay low and remain overlooked.

I began a new diet of nuts and granola, high roughage salads, juice and diet soda.  And as others ate pastires, chocolate and crepes, I stayed in my room doing Jane Fonda tapes, I

maintained my weight of two pounds and a half and tried not to notice when the bigger birds laughed.

But twas I who was laughing, under my breath, as they chomped and chewed ever closer to death.  And sure enough when Black November rolled around, I was the last turkey left in the entire compound.

So now I’m a pet in the farmer’s wife’s lap, I haven’t a worry, so I eat and I nap.  She held me today, while sewing and humming.  And smiled at me saying…CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

We've Been... (Just for you Heather)

teaching the kids the difference between wants and needs, responsibility, and what our priorities in life should be.

getting ready for school, and for 10 days of Steve being at the fair sharing Christ with others.

working on recognizing God's blessings.

hanging on to God's promises.

soaking up every last bit of sun we possibly can.

researching products for my clients.

singing praise!

listening to the killdeer at night and enjoying it before they go away for winter.

playing any chance we get!

praying for those that will hear the gospel for the first time at the fair.

saving all the money we can for winter.  :)

baking nothing it's to hot!

planning to head out 3 times a week to visit prospects for my business.

seeing my children grow into the people I had hoped and prayed that they would.

watching to see if we get any veges from the garden because we planted it a little to late.

wishing our house was paid off so Steve could retire so he could witness full time.

looking forward to someday being successful with Business Innovations but now for new clients to build my business.

having lots of fun with visiting family and looking forward to visiting them in Dec.

starting to think about college for my son (which doesn't seem right)

thanking God for providing what we need when we need it.  And for loving us (who truly don't deserve it) so much he would sacrifice His son for our salvation.

Not to old

I love that my 14, soon to be 15 year old, son still wants his Dad and I to tuck him in each night.  His bedroom is down in the basement and some nights we get distracted after he's headed off to bed and forget to go down to say goodnight.

Tonight I got a text after he'd disappeared downstairs for awhile that said, "Are you guys coming down?"  I headed downstairs, kissed him on the top of the head and said, "Night Bud, see you in the morning, I love you." Just like I always do, and he said "Night.  Is Dad coming down?"  I said, "I'm sure he will."  He said "Tell him to ok?"  I said "Ok I will."  I closed the door and smiled because even though he's growing up so fast and sometimes it feels like he's pulling away, he still wants his good night kiss from his Mom and Dad.

Montana

A few weeks ago I got to head to Kalispell MT.  Fay was taking her kiddos to spend a week with her Mom and Dad.  Kelly and I thought we'd tag along to see where Fay grew up and where her parents live.  We had such a nice time.  Their home was gorgeous and her Dad cooked the best food for us!  They had just gotten back from Alaska where Rod had caught a 97 pound Halibut and he cooked some of it up for us.  IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!!  Even Kelly liked it and normally if I make her eat fish she cries.  (Don't worry Carol, I don't make her eat fish often.)  Kalispell is beautiful.  I can understand why Fay has such fond memories of her childhood and growing up there.  Thanks for sharing it with me friend.  And thanks for your hospitality Rod and Connie.  I wish we could have stayed longer.

View from Fay's front yard.  Gorgeous!

The home Fay grew up in

Back yard

Rod cooking us some breakfast.  Yummy crepes!

Kelly and Avery in the livingroom

Gorgeous views in Montana.   Loved the color of this river.

4th of July

I am so behind with my posts, I'm finally getting around to putting 4th of July photos up. Every year we go to the Indians Game with the Bensons. This year their friends from the Tri-Cities joined us. We had a nice BBQ and then enjoyed the game and fireworks. Fun times as always!

We always need a picture with Steve being completely obnoxious!

There we go that's better no Steve!

I think those two made Joe a little nervous!

Typical

Kids got to head down to the field for "Take Me Out to the Ball Game!"

Dad and Mom's 40th Anniversary

Dad and Mom celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary on June 12th.  Life was busy that month, so Kristin and I planned a surprise BBQ for them in July.  It was a success.  There was lots of friends and family there and they were very surprised.  I only took a few pictures, but we found out they never served each other cake and smashed it in each other's faces, so we had them fix that.  Congratulations Mom and Dad.  We love you!