Watchin' potatoes grow . . .

Viva Las Vegas!

2010-09-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Rhett has never really done Vegas so I surprised him for his birthday, and lets just say I really showed him what Vegas is all about.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas . . . enough said!!!

Our Redneck ways . . .

2010-07-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

To class up Rhett's derby car for the 4th of July parade I thought a Derby Queen would be just the ticket. I elected myself Miss Derby Queen 2009. This was my only chance to be any kind of a Queen, so I took my chance and ran with it. It turned out to be the hit of the parade!

I think my being the Derby Queen and all must have brought some good luck to Rhett. He ended up getting 2nd place in the derby! With his derby car being in 6 derby's already, it was me being his good luck charm that got him through, I am sure of it!!! Right Rhett???

Jett was so excited that his name was on the car and his Dad got a trophy. He asked his Dad if he would be able to hear him cheer if he cheered really loud. Rhett said no, so Jett said "Dad, just look for the kid that is jumping up and down." And he was jumping up and down, and screaming and he couldn't figure our why Dad couldn't see or hear him.

Oh dear me! Our Redneck ways!

Country girl? City girl? But we get there just the same!

2010-07-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

Two family reunions and they could not have been any more different. Not that any one of them was better than the other. But looking back I realize that I am a very well rounded person. I get a taste of two worlds. And you know, it's great! I can be tough and rough, and I can wear French perfume and stilettos! And I will get there just the same! Yeee Haa!

This pic is of my Father-in-law showing me the ropes of how to go about chopping a chicken's head off. He told me to imagine the worst thing that Rhett has ever done to me, picture Rhett's head on the chopping block, and really put my back into it. Well, that is exactly what I did and that poor chicken didn't have a chance.

Let me just give a little back ground on how I exactly ended up here at this unlikely place. I just happened to be watching Oprah one day (a show my husband does not particularly love because I sometimes get some crazy ideas, this maybe one of them) It was a show about how awful these meat farms are, very inhumane. I just happened to tell Rhett how sad I thought it was and that the meat was not healthy. He then, without hesitation, told me he would raise me some 'organic chickens' for our family. The next week I had 50 baby chicks in my garage in cages. And this is where this story began. I am all for eating more healthy, and I gladly jumped on the band wagon, thinking of course that I would not be present on butcher day. I would happily cook the healthy chicken up for my family to enjoy. Well in the Summers family that is just flat out unacceptable, which I should have known. So here I am on butcher day, dressed in my white jeans thinking to myself 'I really can't believe I got myself into this!' But I was not about to 'Chicken out' I had to be a tough country chick and get the job done!

This was nothing but a light snack for Rhett's Grandma. She had to do this every year and pluck and gut the chickens all herself. She says whatever you do "just don't name what's soon to be dinner!"

Not all was blood and guts that week. We had a great time at the pond and being together. The Summers' do know how to keep life crazy and interesting.

Next stop . . . the Country Club. A little golf, tennis, spa, pool. We did it all. There was supposed to be a little R&R in there, but with kids running wild all day it never really seemed to happen.

The men gearing up for the big golf tourney.

Grandpa Dwight's favorite dessert . . . toasted marshmallows. He especially likes them sticking to the bottom of his shoe or in his hair. Yummmm!

Rhett's latest prized trophy. It was about all those four men could handle getting that big boy up on the wall. Thank goodness Tylor has been diligent with the PX 90 or that elk might have been sleeping in the middle of me and Rhett.

Aaaaaaah. The spa. Now that is how to spend a day. Relaxing with my gals. We finally got our day just like the guys, but we need to somehow now incorporate a 'practice round' into the schedule. Any ideas ladies???

The annual Golf Tournament. Although very cold it was beautiful.

Rhett's redneck putter didn't quite pull him through. If he could only get it to preform like his redneck derby car he would be set.

Jordan hasn't lost his swagger on the course, even though he is not used to 'extreme' weather conditions.

The Big Kahuna showing 'em how it's done. No really, he does pride himself on being an excellent coach, just ask Jordan . . and Rhett . . and Eric . . and Tylor . . .

The chicken butcher team cleans up well don't they??

The big winner's of the race horse . . . Eric and Greg. I think we will all remember what Eric contributed his win to . . .

The two biggest winners of the day! The farmer and the banker.

And here are our golfer's in training.

A few of us found some time for a little R&R along the way.

Our little furry friend came for a visit right in our backyard.

So here's to Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness, Wherever you may find it!

Back in the Tractor again

2010-05-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

THE FARMER
Without delay he's up each day before the crack of dawn. After breakfast, a kiss from his wife, he yawns and pulls his work boots on.
Out the door he stands with pause to smile at the gold-blue sky. The rooster crows and the man steps off with purpose in his stride.
There's livestock to feed and fences to mend, till the soil and plant some seed. His list of chores has no end for there's a hungry world to feed.
This is what he's called to do as steward of God's good Earth. Like his father and the fathers before, 'twas passed to him by birth.
The sun has set and he's earned the right to relax on his old back porch. He shuts his eyes and breaths in the night praying tomorrow he'll rise once more.
-Debra B.-

Dirt, bugs, baby chicks, baby kitties, tractors, trucks, these are a few of my son's favorite things! Oh how they love to get Back in the Tractor again.

Jett made sure that we made some cupcakes for all to enjoy. Most especially him.

And the best part . . . . Mmmmmmm!

You have to realize that heading to the farm is no easy task. Getting the kids all fed, dressed, happy, lunch for Rhett, and most importantly, trying to time my arrival to the field juuust right. To make one round in a field can take up to 30 minutes. Then Rhett has to stop the tractor at the one end to get more seed and fertilizer in the tractor. If I get to the field right when he has just started a new round, well lets just say I have to listen to crying kids for the next half hour. Then we get loaded in the tractor and the kids are somehow always hungry again. Then the button pushing begins, don't touch this, and don't touch that, I want to sit here, he wants to sit there. Rhett is talking on the radio telling us to quiet down he can't hear, Jory is crying to get down, Jett needs to go to the bathroom, all five of us crammed into a not so large tractor cab. You get the picture. But then something happens, Rhett and I look at each other with our land and three beautiful boys all around us and realize that Life is good. We wouldn't want our lives any other way than what it is here and now. We will never have this moment again.

This is what we have worked for and this is what we have always dreamed of.

Yes, we're livin' 'the' dream . . . . Right???

One great Mother's Day gift!

2010-05-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hunting for eggs . . . and Spring!

2010-04-09T15:52:00.001-07:00

My little Men dressed to the Nines!

You cannot imagine the bribery and threats that occur during the process of trying to get three kids under the age of 5 to cooperate and get some family pics. We usually have a thousand of these kind of pics with everyone crying and not acting the perfect child. And every once in awhile you happen to get a winner, one with all looking their very best,

picture perfect as they say.

This is what we woke up to Easter morning at our cabin, a winter wonderland. Where is spring? We wonder, but I also secretly wish winter to stay just a little bit longer so my husband will not once again disappear into the endless fields ready to be planted.

Egg coloring, almost the best part of Easter. The boys loved it. We managed to only crack a few, and amazingly did not spill any of the die. Thank goodness! The Easter Bunny had plenty of eggs to hide.

One of the best parts of Easter . . . there was absolutely no crying, no begging, no one pleading starvation or a thirst that is unquenchable. They marched up to bed, climbed into bed, and nothing else was heard. Aaaaaaah, now THAT'S a Holiday!

The bikes, they were loved, but maybe not quite as much as all that yummy candy. The Easter egg hunt was the highlight. Sawyer would find an egg, sit down and eat the candy, then continue on to find another candy filled egg.

Jory John would find some remnants of forgotten candy on the floor and b-line it over to enjoy the delicious delicacy. He is becoming a professional scavenger.

They also got some paints and they went right to work on creating some masterpieces.

Jett just had to try out the new wheels. We bundled up and hit the pavement. The spider-man bike is super fast but can't quite make it up some of the hills without a little push. Even though spring was missing, I don't think it was missed!

While we've been out . . . .

2010-03-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

While we've been out . . . we have been busy living a lot of life!

Quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep!
-Author unknown-

Along the way we have had a few bumps and bruises . . . .

But also a few adventures!

Iowa was an amazing trip. So great to see Eric and Reagan. The trip was well worth the free, all you can eat, crab leg dinner! (Very smooth Reagan and Rhett!)

Our little crop is getting so big!

Iowa turned out to be Rhett's dream land, John Deere Capital of the World!

As long as we remembered to bring the thumb and two fingers, we were good to go.

Nauvoo . . . I want to go back. What an amazing place. I will never forget walking the Trail of Tears in the bitter cold as the Saints did so many years ago. Thank you Eric and Reagan, we love you and miss you.

A happy 2nd birthday for our Sawyer boy.

And who slept with all of his presents? . . . I will give you a hint . . .

Lots and lots of trips to our cabin and the ski hill . . .

A little Alph Alpha action in the mix as well.

We did get a little spring fever along the way.

Sawyer had his first try at strapping on some skis. He did great.

Happiness is the intoxication produced by the moment

of poise between a satisfactory past, and an

immediate future, rich with promise.

-Ella Mailhart-

A dive, a face plant, and a swim in the creek!

2010-01-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon at our cabin. We all decided that we needed to have a family outing and enjoy the great outdoors together. I dressed Jory John in about 5 layers of clothing and stuffed him in the backpack. Rhett got Boone hooked to the harness with the sled for Jett and Sawyer. We headed down the trail with smiles on our faces. It was great to get out and feel that fresh air! Sue and her boys led the way. Not to far down the trail Boone spotted the little creek. He was heading straight for the creek and we all saw it coming. We all shouted "No Boone, NO!!" Rhett skiied for all he was worth and dove for the sled. Jett luckily saw what was a comin' and bailed off the sled just in the nick of time. Sawyer wasn't so lucky. He ended up right in the middle of the creek. Rhett's heroic efforts to catch the sled unfortunately did nothing but dump Jory John head first into a pile of snow.
And thus ended our wonderful family outing!
These chain of events happened quickly, but will always be remembered!

An Aggie in the making!

2010-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

I do not believe in any sort of brainwashing or bribery of any kind with my children. So when I teach my kids the Aggie fight song and take them to an Aggie basketball game, that is in no way
brainwashing my child. Go Aggies, Go Aggies, HEY HEY HEY!!!

And in no way did my Father ever try to persuade me to attend USU. The countless tailgating parties and sitting through football games come rain or shine for a team that rarely won a game, well that was just true team spirit! Wait a minute . . . . . . . .

Well my Dad did end up with a 50% success rate. I might as well give it a shot!

We interrupt this Marriage to bring you . . . Hunting Season!

2009-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

We interrupt this Marriage to bring you . . . . Hunting Season!

Yes folks, this is the story of my life. When I saw this quote I just about fell off my chair. We then bought it and had a good chuckle. This will be posted in my home for years to come. This is to all those ladies out there who can relate!

My three little monkeys, And I am going BANANAS!

2009-11-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

Who done It???

2009-10-28T13:23:00.001-07:00

Meet the characters of our murder mystery party. A hot blooded Italian girl; a Frenchmen that knows his wine; a no-nonsense, tough talking business man; a sassy, sexy, knows what she wants, gold digger; a priest; a gypsy palm reader; a sad and desperate widow; and an aspiring professional soccer player. All in all, these characters added up to one great night of laughs, accusations, and cover-ups!

This is Rocco Scarfazzi. A very rich business man. He is dressed in none other than vintage clothing from Dwight's closet. I thought the stach completed the look perfectly.

I am Tira Misu, Rocco's fiance. I am dressed to kill in a vintage dress from the closet of Rhett's Grandma Iola. The boa went with it nicely. I then thought it would be a fabulous idea to put some fake lashes on. Well, in the process I just about glued my eye shut. Me and the lash glue did not get along. Those buggers are hard to get on! How do you do it so expertly Reagan?

How could this dashing and debonair couple be suspects in a murder! NEVER!

We don't look guilty do we???

You had a birthday shout HOORAY!

2009-10-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

Jett waited for his birthday this year with much anticipation. His list of birthday presents that he would like, kept growing and growing. The two things that he most wanted were a grain harvester, just like Dad's, and a gun with fire on it. And as parents we will go out of our way to make all our kids dreams come true! So I set out trying to find a grain harvester that looked exactly like Rhett's. Well that was a little more difficult than I had anticipated, and more expensive of course. I looked everywhere I could think of. A week before his birthday I thought I would go to the local Cal Ranch store to see what they had. Well, I was in luck! They had any farm/ranch toy you could think of. They also had good prices. So he ended up getting what he wanted.

Then Rhett set out to make a fire gun for him. He went to a friends wood working shop and rigged up an awesome gun that shoots elastics. He even managed to get a little fire on that gun. Thinking ahead, he made two more for upcoming birthdays for other boys! I have a very handy husband. And then there is me. I am nothing like Martha Stewart. This cake was about all I could handle!

Opening presents was very serious business for Jett.

One of his favorite toys is his "life saver" that Aunt Suzie brought him. When he opened it he said "this is EXACTLY what I wanted!" He also really loves the spider man costume that is out on loan from Matthew. It was Matthew's favorite outfit to wear and now it is Jett's. Suzie couldn't get the costume off of Matthew, and now I can't get the costume off of Jett! Jett has never even seen the movie, but he is a real fan. He even knows how to throw webs.

Josh made him an awesome bow and arrow and he did it all himself. It was so cute. I have a house full of weapons now. Sawyer look out!

It took awhile for Jett to figure out how to load his elastic gun without shooting himself. So Grandpa and Dad sat down with him and figured out the best way to go about loading his gun without shooting his eye out! "You'll shoot your eye out!" this quote from the classic Christmas Story movie was running through my head as I watched from afar my sweet little boy loading his weapon of choice! And Dad looked on with a hint of pride in his eye.

At least he has a few experts showing him how it's done.

The grand finale was the blowing of the candles and making a wish. He loved his cake and asked every five minutes when he could eat it. He finally got to eat it and he loved it. The next day he also got to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Another year gone, one happy boy, and one Mom that hates to see time pass by so quickly.

You had a birthday shout HOORAY!!!

Now we Reap the Harvest

2009-10-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

The weather turns cold. Family from all around start arriving. My favorite farm boots are put on (and no, Gary, they are not irrigation boots, and no I don't want to move pipe, they are way hip and trendy wellies!). The tractors are started up. The first whiffs of dirt and potatoes are smelled. That's right. There is nothing like the smell of a potato cellar. If it only could be bottled. Aaaah yes, the smell of harvest. Harvest has Arrived!

And there they are, Bonnie and Clyde. Always up to no good when they are together. It all started with shopping secretly together for my wedding ring, and has never stopped since. You never know what those two little devils will do next!

My Dad was going to take a crack at taking the old potato truck for a round or two. But when the Boss was floundering trying to load under the digger he decided to sit this one out. We are definitely going to get him behind the wheel next year and see if there is any farm boy left in him!

We were so excited to finally meet little Ascher. What a cutey. I think he even liked the tractor ride.

In between all the harvest craziness we decided to bless Jory and Ascher. It was a very special day. Lots of family, unfortunately we were missing my sisters and brother. The spirit was so strong. We are so blessed with such a wonderful family and kids. Thank you all for all your love and support. These moments are what life is all about.

Great Grandma LaRee with the two new additions to the family.

Great Grandma Boosa and little Jory.

Thanks Mom and Dad for making this such a special day. I could not have done it without you.

Rhett's side of the family.

And my somewhat smaller side of the family.

The two guests of honor.

Jory John and Ascher Kai.

No these are not pictures from last winter. These are pictures of Jett and Rhett making a snowman when they should be out harvesting potatoes! Mother Nature is sometimes a hard women to deal with! We can't complain though, she was real agreeable this summer. She can be unpredictable. . . . Hmmm is there a reason nature is named after a woman????

This year there was some competition over who got to ride with Dad. When I would drop off Jett, Sawyer would start crying and say "go . . go." I couldn't resist those puppy dog eyes that he so expertly uses against me. He got to be a big boy this year and ride all by himself with Dad.

One of my favorite places to be during harvest is in "the pit." I love to get in on all the action. Who is broke down, who got their but chewed by Gary, talking and telling jokes. And of course, the smell of dirt and potatoes, with a hint of fumes from the trucks. Oh yes, all those lovers of harvest know what I am talking about!

This year we had a scary thing happen to Matthew. He was working in "the pit" and he somehow got his hand stuck in the piler. It was very scary. They shut it down and had to get his hand unstuck before seeing what real damage had been done. Thankfully he had all of his fingers and no open wounds. He came out of it with only a chipped bone in his finger. Wow, that was a close one. He was blessed. That is one thing about farming, it can be dangerous.

With the same amount of acres planted in potatoes we had our three cellars filled to capacity. Plus, we had enough potatoes to fill another whole cellar. Rhett set a new record for this farm. Rhett has one big fat green thumb! He attributes his success to; great weather, good fertilizer, watering just right, and a little TLC!

The moral of this story is . . . . . EAT POTATOES!!!

More potassium than a banana, more vitamin c than an orange! How could you go wrong?

So please go to the local grocer and pick up some Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes today!

A chocolately grin

2009-09-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

Rhett and I are huge dark chocolate fans. We get those huge Hershey dark chocolate bars and have a couple squares a day, or it might be after every meal! (OK I admit it, I have a mouth full of sweet teeth!) But lately, there have been these little bit marks all around the outside of the bar. Go figure, how could this be happening?? So today I was feeding the baby and it was very quiet. When it gets quiet, warning bells start going off, where is Jett?? So I called his name.

Jett: What?

Mom: What are you doing?

Jett: Nothing.

Mom: Are you eating candy?

Jett: No. I am just relaxing.

Mom: Relaxing huh???

Jett: Uuuu Huu.

When I finally made it over there to investigate, he was shoving the last bar in his mouth with a big grin. What is a mother to do? I could hardly get mad at that chocolatey grin. Besides, do I not sneak chocolate on occasion myself??? He had me and he knew it. That little devil.

A shout out to my hubby!

2009-09-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just a little SHOUT OUT to my red neck hubby for getting first place in the Rexburg derby this season. Great job Matt for getting second as well! In the Shelley derby he got robbed. He should have won that one as well, but he was black flagged unfairly. Let's just say that I was sure glad that Mark was there with his wrestling skills and Mckayla with her big boot to help us out, if it came to an all out brawl. What a crazy hobby my husband has, red neck in the extreme. But I gotta tell ya, it is a real kick in the pants. Better have your car ready for next year Mark!

Be back in 3!

2009-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

When I took Jett to preschool the first day he happily took his teachers hand and walked off without ever looking back, to my chagrin. But as he went through those big glass doors he did come back to tell me 'Mom, come pick me up in 3 minutes, OK?' Little did he know
how much I really did want to go through those doors and take him back home with me and relive those last 3 years. Where did they go??? Did I spend enough time with him? Did I teach him enough? I want to remember every moment I had with him. The late nights, the early mornings, the laughs, the crying, each smile, each new thing he learned, I want to remember it always. So yes Jett, I will be back in 3. I will always come back. I don't want to miss a thing.

Sweet dreams and surprises

2009-09-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

How soft and fresh he breathes!

Look! He is dreaming! Visions sure of joy

Are gladdening his rest; and, ah! who knows

But waiting angels do converse in sleep

With babes like this!

-Bishop Coxe

Happy 3 month birthday my sweet little surprise!

Farm life is the life for me

2009-09-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

I made it! I made it to harvest time without checking myself into the nut house! Having a new baby in June, two other kids under four years old, and a husband that is Never around was a daunting task to say the least. There were days when Rhett would come home to all four of us crying. And now the end is near. I can see light at the end of the tunnel. After the craziness of harvest is over I will be a farm widow no more. So now I can take a breath, and enjoy my favorite time of year. Harvest, football, the weather, the leaves, the clothes, the food, all of the wonderful things about fall I absolutely love! And in the end, oh how I love all my farm boys! It was all worth it. Farm life is the life for me.

I have tried to give all you city slickers a little taste of the farm and to see how it all goes down at grain harvest. It is quite the operation to have all these things going at once.
After a long summer of hard work it is wonderful to see such great results. Jett spent almost all of harvest riding with Dad or Grandpa on the harvesters or the grain trucks. He loves playing in the dirt just like his Dad. Even little Jory and Sawyer got to ride a few rounds. It was a full house in the harvester this year!

My house is now full of wheat. We had it in our boots, our pockets, even some diapers came home full of wheat! But it sure was fun playing on that pile of wheat!

This is where we store our wheat. It is about 5 miles from our farm.

This pic really shows how big those harvesters really are.

Yes, Farm life is the life for me!

Hail, hail the gangs all here!

2009-08-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

The fun all started with the boys eating yummy cherries outside at Grandma Elaine's house. Yes outside, because her garage is fully carpeted. What a gal! May I just say here and now, that I was questioning if there were any adults present on this two week adventure when looking through my photos. Why is it that I get a million of the kids and none to speak of with any adult? (some exceptions of course). I am of course furious with myself for not getting more of the whole group. Yes, we were all in attendance. Hail, hail the gangs all here! Well, except for Rhett and Eric who had to work. Not really a good excuse for missing the annual rendevous! However, Eric got in on a little fun by giving a little doctor advice about some ring worm that Tylor had. And we will leave the rest to be remembered by those in attendance.

Merik started out of the shoot with a bike accident. He got scratched up a bit, but he got right back in the game. What a tough kid!

And here, the two new arrivals to the tribe. Welcome aboard Jory and MariElle.

No family get together would be complete without a fashion show and 'The CatWalk.'
It is tradition I tell you! Dwight would be the director, producer, and leading role of this event. He was actually on location in Alaska for this event unfortunately.
Need fashion advice? You know who to call.

Enjoying some time at our new cabin. We all had a great time breaking it in.

Here are our lady killers chattin' it up with the ladies in the hot tub! What is a Mom to do???

Jett and Merik's favorite thing to do in Jackson Hole? Sticking their fingers in the Buffalo's nose.

The everyday event. Ice cream cones!

We were sure happy when Grandma Boosa decided to tag along. She is an expert at settling the babies down. Thank goodness! I was flying solo on this trip and I had my hands full!

Here the kids are after visiting the tattoo parlor. This is becoming a tradition! Is it a good thing that the guys down at the hot tub thought we had the coolest kids, and RoWan tells them that 'we had to get tatted up before we came to the pool'? It sure was fun anyway! We all came home with a little souvineir, even my Grandma! (Dang, no pic once again!)

We couldn't forget the babies! Total white trash when your two month old gets a tatt!

Almost half of those kids are mine! Yikes!

Alpine slide. Still so fun. Ty and Merik kicked me and Jett's butt. Jordan came out with no scrapes, riped up clothing, or broken bones. The Alpine slide and Jordan have not gotten along in past years.

I think Merik got whip lash they were going so fast!

Candied apples. The sweetest way to end another great family reunion. So sad to think that I might not be seeing Jordan or Reagan for another year! Way to long, we need to do something about that.

North to Alaska

2009-08-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

I think possibly this is my husbands first love. If he could live in Alaska, he would.

If I could live in New York, I would. And so we met somewhere in the middle and ended up in Idaho! Or maybe that was just because the farm can't move. So he has to head North every once in awhile to get a little taste of what he loves. What I want to know is when is my trip to New York???

And there is my Dad trying to catch "The Big One"

And it looks like he did.

It looks like Rhett had a little problem with the fish trying to catch him rather than the other way around!

And the catch of the day is . . . .

The best fishermen of them all? Shan, what a tough old gal!

Overall I think the trip was a success! I think Rhett is already booking his tickets for next time. But not before I book mine to New York!

Before Rhett left Jett put his order in for a red lobster and a red fish. And Dad delivered!

Sawyer got the moose.

19 boxes, 50 pounds each, 11 people. You do the math. That is a whole lot of fish. I don't think we will go hungry this winter.

Future Farmers of America

2009-07-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Snips and snails, and puppy dog tails!

2009-06-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

June 23rd at 11:20 p.m.
8 lbs. 2 oz.
20 1/2 inches.
Jory John
We love our new baby brother.

Our family is made up of snips and snails, and puppy dog tails!
And that's the way we like it!

Leaving our footprints at Mamma's house

2009-06-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

I think we left a lot more at Mamma's house than just little footprints. I think we left some fingerprints, some unwanted chalk on the driveway, some flowers that may need to be replanted, and 'the good red milk, not Mamma's bad (skim) milk' as Jett would say. But I also think we left behind some great times with cousins and grandparents!

First we had to do a little yard work before we could play. Jett and Sawyer were such good little helpers. Jett thought Mamma should probably have another shovel for him to plant flowers with though. Only one shovel, what is she thinking!

Always so great to see all the family when we come home. The kids play so cute together. And we can never get enough of Grandma Boosa's chocolate cake. Yum!

Oh my sweet little thumb sucker! How I love to cuddle with you.

We spent hours . . . and hours painting (with water) and drawing with chalk on Grandpa's nice clean driveway. Oh how he loved that. How is it that the grandkids get away with things that I never could do??? Chalk on the driveway, NEVER! What a mess! I think my Dad has losened up a bit.

And our two sweet baby boys just watching all the action from a safe distance away.

Hours . . . and hours playing in the water.

And the classic scene of the whole week. A farm boy teaching a Doctors daughter how to pee outside!

What happens at Mamma's, stays at Mamma's. Kids peeing outside and tatt's on the toddler's. Oh the shame of it all! What kind of parents are we???

The Old Ephraim stories live on! And somehow Jett and RoWan are the stars in them now. Jett is still talking about the nice bear that helps us out. 'Can he carry our house Mom?' Well in all the stories I remember, he probably could Jett.

Oh, how sweet it is to go back home and relive my childhood through my children. Hanging out with my sister and parents while my kids play with all my old toys and learn from the greatest parents ever. We love you! Thank you for putting up with all the noise,
and the footprints we left behind.

It's that time of year again

2009-05-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again. The early mornings, the late nights, the dirty laundry, the dusty floors, and yet, it is still so much fun to get out in the dirt again! Jett asks every morning if he can go ride the tractor with Dad. When he planted some grain with Rhett, he asked why it wasn't growing. Rhett replied that it needed to be watered and Heavenly Father would help it grow. Jett then insisted on taking his water gun the next day on the farm so that he could water the grain so it would grow. What great lessons Jett is already learning on the farm. No better place to be than on the farm working side by side with his Dad and Grandpa.

Jett had to dress himself the first day he got to ride on the tractor. He had to have the boots and most importantly, the hat. No good farmer goes to work without his hat!

What cute little farm boys! Soon it will be Sawyer riding on the tractor with Dad.

So now we have sown the seed . . . . . .

Say Cheese!

2009-04-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sawyer's first word was duck. Dad was so proud. Then came cheese. We must take a lot of pictures! I want to know what happened to saying Mama first???

Mr. Bunny came to visit

2009-04-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

For a month now Jett has been anticipating the arrival of "Mr. Bunny with my gun that goes peeww." He was very inquisitive as to how this whole Easter Bunny thing works. He asked where the Easter Bunny lives, what he looks like, and if he has a car to get to all the little kids houses. All very good questions that I was scrabbling to find answers for. The night before the big arrival of "Mr. Bunny" Jett then decided that maybe he didn't want a Bunny hopping around his house and perhaps running into him at some point. I assured him that "Mr. Bunny" was only there to get the job done. In the end "Mr. Bunny" did get the job done and put smiles on everyone's face, including my own.

There is nothing cuter than dressing up in our new Easter outfits for church. So cute!
Jett was most excited about his new sandals that he even wore to bed the night before.

Coloring Easter eggs with my little boy brought back such great memories. The dozens and dozens of eggs my Grandma Elaine boiled for the eventual coloring to come. The perfectly color coordinated cups for each color we had to choose from to color our eggs. The stickers, the crayons, the diapers (for baby eggs of course). And last, but certainly not least, the millions of great places for the Easter Bunny to hide the many beautifully colored eggs! Truly, Easter was a magical time at Grandma Elaine's house. It still is one of my favorite holidays. Now making those magical memories for my boys has brought that magic back to me.

The Easter Bunny did a great job, if I do say so myself!

Sawyer ignored the mower, the ball, and book. He went straight for the candy! Finding those Easter eggs with the candy in them was his favorite part.

Jett of course loved all the presents, including Sawyer's. He especially loved the gun. A gun of Rhett's that he had when he was a little boy, so cute. Jett had to shoot all the eggs before he would pick them up after finding them. He shot everything in sight all day. Dad showed him the right technique for shooting accurately. The aiming, breathing slowly, closing one eye (Great! Another hunter!) All the instructions Jett took very seriously as you can see in the clip. He now sleeps with the gun and pretty much everything in our house now, is dead. What am I teaching my kid???

I am looking forward to the many more Easter eggs to be boiled, colored, stickered, and diapered! Let it be known Brother, Sisters, and Cousins; Those color coordinated cups are Mine!

Good times with cousins!

2009-04-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks for a great time Dayton family!

Flyin' high

2009-03-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks Mamma and Grandpa Dwight for coming to see us. It was short, but it was sweet!

We Love You!

My professional organizer

2009-03-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

One might ask, 'How does Annalise stay so organized?' Well, today I am going to tell my secret. I have a professional organizer! He is very proficient at what he does. In fact, he does random drawers throughout my house on a daily basis. This day he decided to go through the important files and bills that we have.

First he takes all the papers out of the files, to get a good look of course.

Then he color codes all of the papers. He finds just the right color and puts a mark on each paper. I am not quite sure how that system works exactly.

Then this, my friends is the finished product! Such incredible results in such little time! What would I do without this little man in my house!

If you are interested in hiring him, let me know and I will get you his rates and see when he will be available to come organize your life!

Ski Bums

2009-03-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Instead of getting cabin fever this winter we decided to hit the slopes, and we really did. We loaded up skis, hats, gloves, boots, goggles, diapers, lunch, back pack, kids, and we were off. This was no easy task, but when we would get to the ski mountain, it was all worth it. Jett really loves to ski, and I think Sawyer liked getting out in the fresh air. When the lifts would close at the end of the day, Jett would start crying because he didn't want to go home, he wanted to ski! He is already a die hard!

We really are Ski Bums!

Sawyer even caught a little shut eye while cruising down the hill!

It was always treat time when we would board the lift. Even Sawyer caught on and would start whining until we got the treats out!

Jett's two favorite things were the 'Dora trail' through the trees, and the jumps. He was even catching a little air every once in awhile.

Rhett carried Sawyer on his back, I carried a baby in my tummy, and we both helped Jett! Some people thought we were absolutely crazy! We just had a good time.

Jett even got to ski with his cousins. He really thought he was big stuff and had a lot of fun.

Off to the Sun State

2009-02-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

So much to do, so many people to see, but we did it! We managed to fit it all in. First stop, Grandma Shan and Grandpa Gary's fabulous house with so many fun things to do. Also, to add to the fun, our good friends Rod and Steph were able to meet us there. Golfing, the jeep ride, swimming, the cookout, hiking, hanging on the deck, the Sun, we enjoyed it all. The only problem . . . it went way to fast!

Water, the greatest toy ever!

Our great friends Rod and Steph with their kids.

A super cool hiding place Jett and Gabe found.

Jett's favorite hangout, the cave by Grandma Shan's house.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a great time! You have all the fun play toys and the kids love it. So many fun memories.

One of the highlights of the trip . . . Sawyer started walking! He loved walking behind the truck. He took about four steps without holding on to anything. He is getting so big.

Second stop, MiKell and Ty's. What do they not live by??? Tons of parks, swimming pool, trails, great shopping, In n' Out, the zoo. Could it get any better? Our kids loved it. To much to do and not enough time.

And Jett's favorite thing about the trip . . . visiting the coolest zoo ever!

There was a carousel.

Giraffes.

Awesome Stingrays that kids could touch.

A petting zoo.

And the two favorites, the orangutans and the camel rides! It was super fun, especially since we were with Merik, MiKell, and Ty (Why didn't we get a group pic?). It was a perfect day.

Jett and Merik have become fast friends. I can just see these two lady killers in a few years. This could be a problem! We love you MiKell, Ty, and Merik! Thank you for such a fabulous time. These are the kind of memories and relationships that we love to make with our kids. To bad it just can't happen more often.

Number One in lots of ways

2009-02-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

I loved you from the very start,

You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
Our life together has just begun
You're part of me my little one.
As mother with child, each day I grew,
My mind was filled with thoughts of you.

I'd daydream of the things we'd share,
Like late-night bottles and Teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees,
Like bedtime stories and ABC's.
I thought of things you'd want to know,
Like how birds fly and flowers grow.

I thought of lessons I'd need to share,
Like standing tall and playing fair.
When I first saw your precious face,
I prayed your life be touched with grace.
I thanked the angels from above,
And promised you unending love.

Each night I lay you down to sleep,
I gently kiss your head and cheek.
I count your little fingers and toes;
I memorize your eyes and nose.
I linger at your nursery door,
Awed each day I love you more.

Through misty eyes, I dim the light,
I whisper, "I love you" every night.
I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
As mother and child our journeys begin,
My heart's yours forever little one.

-Author Unknown-

Happy 1st Birthday Sawyer!

We are having a . . . . .

2009-02-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

A wee bit of heaven
drifted from above.
A handful of happiness,
a heart full of Love.
Author unknown

After a week of negotiations, the verdict was in. Rhett and I agreed to disagree. I found out what the new baby is going to be and Rhett chose not to find out. My whole side of the family gets to find out and Rhett's family gets to wait it out with him. This is just crazy! Let's just hope I can keep this to myself for another four months. Here's to modern medical technology!

Shakin' what their Mama gave 'em

2009-02-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Who's Who???

2009-02-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Sawyer's new tricks!

2009-02-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

Vintage couture

2009-02-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

We had a 60's party to go to and while we were getting ready Jett wanted to know where his costume was. So he went to my closet and found himself one. He insisted on the lipstick to complete the look. Rhett and I decided to go vintage. Rhett is wearing head to toe Dwight couture, including the shades! Although the jacket is really pretty cool, the pants I can't quite believe my Dad wore! He said he wore them golfing and he was really happening in those. I chose to wear an outfit given to me by my Aunt Anna. She thought I would look smashing in it, and boy was she right! I am sure glad my Mom held on to these little goodies. Nothing is better than vintage.

Sail away!

2009-02-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing get's Rhett more excited for a trip than the thoughts of a bloody mary mix waiting for him on the plane. He can hardly wait to order his bloody mary mix, with a lime of course. Then I have to deal with the stinky tomato breath! Aah, the perks of traveling.

A wonderful getaway. Another honeymoon. Dropped the kids off at grandma's house and flew away to the sunshine and beaches! What could be better? Especially when we received my most beloved new camera that I have been coveting for awhile now, the canon rebel! I was so excited to try it out on our trip. These are the beautiful scenic pictures I took . . . .

. . . And these are the scenic pictures my dear husband took! Is there something wrong with this picture? Something that does not belong??? Oh yes, all the other women that aren't me!!! Rhett was having a great time getting in all the scenic sites around the pool. He really likes the new camera. How did I end up marrying my Father!!! I should have known better than to marry a scorpio. Funny thing is I ended up joining him in finding the best beach bod. Then when we got home Rhett shared his good fortune with my Dad! Wow, I guess I have been married way to long when our romantic getaway turns into this!

This is a ice sculpture and watermelon sculptures, wow, pretty amazing. This was in the dining room.

Jamaica was a beautiful island. We loved it there. We had a great time just taking in the sites.

Rhett tried parasailing. He liked it, but not quit the thrill he thought it would be. But then again we are talking about Rhett, the pilot.

The Dunn's Falls that we hiked up was probably one of the highlights. It was gorgeous and so much fun to hike right up the waterfall.

We shopped a little bit, but we didn't have much time, just got some presents for the kids.

I would say that these chickens are hanging out on the wrong side of town! HA HA!

The other island we stopped at was Grand Cayman. We had a great time here too. The highlight here was swimming with the stingrays. They would come right up to you and rub your leg. They are an amazing animal. We got to hold them and everything. At first, as you can see, I was a little hesitant, but they grew on me after awhile. Our guide told us that if we kissed there fin we would have 7 years good luck, but if we french kissed it we would get good luck for life. I opted for the fin, and thought I would visit again in another 7 years. Rhett however, decided to go for the big one. And here he is french kissing a stingray! After that all the guys in our group couldn't look like pansies so they had to do it too. What a stud, except for the fact that I am the other person kissing those lips.

The snorkling was really fun also.

Rhett getting in a few laps around the track before we go and eat again for the 20th time that day. I just sat and watched and waved when he went by. Vacation is no time to exercise!

This is going to be our yaht someday. We thought the name was perfect.

Rhett decided to try the duck one night for dinner. And yes, it is still our mutual decision that duck should not be eaten by humans! Domesticated duck or wild duck, it is all the same, disgusting. To bad they are so much fun to shoot. I was brave and decided to try escargot. Although I actually enjoyed the flavor, I believe that it made me sick the next day. So our consensus was that we just are not fancy rich food lovers. We love the farm home cookin'. Shooooot, are we redneck's or what!

In the end, I was the girl that Rhett took the most pictures of. And I guess that's what counts! We had such a great time. We are sold on cruising. It was fun to getaway with just the two of us. I think I remember why I like him so much! However, I don't know when I turned into one of those parents that talked about their kids the whole time we were gone! How is it that you can't wait to get away, but the moment you do you miss them. Thanks to Mamma they had just as much fun as we did. And that was the calm before the storm . . . kid number three coming soon to add more chaos, and of course more fun!

Olympian in the making

2009-01-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

Daddy's little side kick

2009-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

Another red neck in the making. Rhett took Jett out duck hunting and Jett couldn't wait to go. He insisted he had to take his little toy gun with him because he couldn't shoot any ducks without it! Rhett and he would sneak up on the ducks and then both shoot down the ducks. Jett came home with a record number of ducks shot with a toy gun, 3! Wow! What a hunter. And of course, Dad couldn't be happier to have a life long hunting partner.

Traditions

2009-01-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Traditions. They can't be broken can they??? Every year it is home to Utah for all of my siblings. Except for Jordan going on a mission, Reagan's husband not getting work off, and a trip to Paris for MiKell, this tradition is set in STONE. However, when our bags are pretty much falling out the front door (really, I should have taken a picture!) And every open space on the floor is someone's bed, it stands to reason that perhaps no one will be coming home for Christmas anymore. NEVER!!! I certainly am not going to be the first not to come home, and I am sure the rest agree. Although, I will probably be the first one voted off being the one that will have THREE kids the next go around. There is just something about coming home for Christmas. Maybe it's the fact that I don't have to be the only Mom, that I can forget that I am the Mom. That the magic of Christmas when I was little can stay alive. In any case, the tradition will live on, will live on until we cannot fit the gifts into the car, our bags really will fall out the front door, and there is no more room at the 'Inn.' Until then, we will treasure all the fun times with all the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandpa, grandma's!

Lion King was watched at least twice a day.

My sweet Sawyer, somehow doesn't always get the camera time as his brother. He just doesn't make enough noise! He is just as loved though.

Christmas Eve at Grandma Boosa's
Jett loved being the Wiseman for the Nativity. Uncle Tylor told him he was a 'Ladies-man' instead of a Wiseman and ever after he asked if he could be a 'Ladies-man.' If he is anything like his father, he most definitely will be exactly that! Oh No!

As our most intelligent men of the family struggled to find the right Nativity story in the scriptures, our little actors got a little frustrated. Merik took off the garb and started cooking. And the rest look somewhat annoyed at being put on hold. We will get it right next year. But they sure are the cutest Nativity I have ever seen.

Our Grandma Boosa. Could there be anyone sweeter in the world??? Now my little boy get's to find out just how sweet she is.

Santa's little elves. We are all hoping that Santa will bring just the right thing for all those kids. Luckily, he did! He knew exactly what they wanted and remembered to bring it!! Unfortunately once you become a parent Santa doesn't bring anything for us! No fun! And my parents went to bed and said they were retired from being Santa's little elves. I have decided it is much more fun to be the kid at Christmas!

It was fun to see all those smiles on Christmas. That is where the magic is, seeing Jett so excited about his Christmas morning stash.

$4 Doc the car, $50 Elmo. Watching Jett completely ignore Elmo and never let go of Doc, Priceless. Memo to Santa,
Money is no object!

Nothing like a White Christmas.

There is no greater gift on Christmas than marrying your true love for time and all eternity. What a special day for Jordan and Becca. It could not have been a better day. Well, having a nanny along could have been very helpful. Losing Jett three times that day, I had the thought at the back of my mind all day, 'how am I going to do this with three???' Thanks for all your help Mckayla and Mark, we couldn't have done it without you!

We are so happy for you Jordan. What an amazing journey you have began.

Jett kept telling RoWan that she looked so pretty. He keeps telling us that she is his 'best giwl.'

A fountain at the reception. A good thing or a bad thing? Great babysitter, not so great when they took a swim in their clothes!

The cousins. All in a row. All grown up.

More cousins, and more presents! This year Rhett's family got together after Christmas, we got to celebrate twice. So much fun!

What is my son holding? That couldn't be a dead, bloody duck could it? Oh no, not another red neck!

Yea for Aunt Shalee and Uncle Jeff! Big announcement to the whole family that they are pregnant. Not only that but she is due 11 days after me! Now we are just hoping for three little girls with MiKell, me, and Shalee all having babies within three weeks of each other.

Why is it that I cannot keep my son completely clothed? He is our little streaker!

And to end a perfect holiday, a baptism for Matthew. How special. Our future missionaries. Trouble makers now, yes, but there is lots of potential!

And of course we have to go fishing at least once.

And here's to another Great year!

P.S. 1. New Year's Resolution . . . Do not have a baby and get pregnant again in the same year!!!

Just watching big brother

2008-12-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Meeting the Big Red Guy!

2008-12-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

Jett was very excited to finally meet Santa Claus for the first time. It was all business when he introduced himself and said Merry Christmas. He told Santa that he wanted Big Doc, (the character from the Cars movie) and Elmo. He thought it was pretty great sitting on the Big Red Guys lap, until we went to leave and he still had not received his presents that he asked for! He figured that as soon as he told Santa what he wanted, that Santa would hand those toys right over. Unfortunately, he has to wait a few more days for the big day to arrive! We heard all about his distress over no presents while shopping, all the way out to the car, and home. Oh what fun this season brings, for whom, I am not sure!!!

Sawyer really liked that beard. He is always such a good baby. We never heard a peep out of him. He wasn't scared at all to sit on Santa's lap. And this little clip is when we were toy shopping. Jett just loved ALL the toys! He didnt, however, like leaving all those toys at the toy shop!

Merry Christmas! And to all, a Happy Shopping Experience!

I'm thinking of a White Christmas

2008-12-08T17:30:00.000-08:00

The first snowstorm of the year! And the snow is sticking. We were beginning to wonder if we would have a white Christmas. The moment Jett woke up he geared up to play in the snow. The excitement of the first snowfall is contagious!

Our Sweet little Surprise

2008-12-08T15:16:00.001-08:00

It was October 27th, just like any other day. I decided to go for a little jog. When I was not to far from home I was astonished to find I was out of breath and very dizzy. Thinking that this was very out of the ordinary, the first thought that went through my head was 'oh my goodness, I am pregnant!' Fighting that outrageous thought out of my head, I went straight home and took a pregnancy test! Yes, I Annalise, Mother of a 3 year old and a 9 month old found myself, once again, 6 weeks pregnant! Sheer panic was my first emotion. This could not be happening! Immediately calling Rhett, he also got the shock of his life. Being the calm, cool, and collected one, he assured me that this was meant to be. Now seeing this little life inside of me growing, I do believe that this is meant to be. We are blessed to have another sweet spirit coming to us straight from heaven on June 17th 2009. This baby will always be

Our Sweet Little Surprise!

For Thy Goodness

2008-12-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

The big hunt!

The feast, yes we are not all sitting down at the same time, quite impossible with Rhett's family!

The great Christmas Tree hunt.

The Salsa Cook off! And the winner is . . . . Seleste!

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;

Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

~~Author Unknown.~~

Off and . . . Tumbling!

2008-11-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

Jumping off the couch, jumping off the stairs, jumping off his bed, running and doing a somersault, all these skills can now be put to the test in a great little thing called Gymnastics! I love it as much as Jett does. It gives us something to look forward to when those days stuck inside drag on. Jett gets all that energy out, while I get to talk with all the mothers, and Sawyer plays with all of the babies. Jett asks me everyday when he can go to 'gymnasis house.'

Here you leave Today . . .

2008-11-16T19:33:00.000-08:00

"Here you leave today,
And enter the world of
Yesterday, tomorrow, and Fantasy."

Only at the Happiest Place on Earth could you get away with this fashion statement, bug eyes. Your just part of the crowd at Disneyland, with mickey ears and princess costumes, the fashion statement of choice for all. I don't care how old you are, you are NEVER to old for Disneyland!!! Most definitely a magical place, for young and old. We all had a grin from ear to ear as we boarded the tram, destination, Disneyland! However, the grin soon faded as we soon realized that I had misplaced the tickets!!! How was I entrusted with the tickets in the first place is still in question. We all know that Mom is always the one to keep track of things! Not me, who has my stuff scattered from here to China! Luckily, the tickets were found and the crisis was diverted. And off we were to one fabulous day at the Happiest Place on Earth!Splash Mountain!Star siting! Ryan Seacrest.
Yes, I have been known to run into a few things here and there.
It was late, and we were dead tired from a long day of fun. But no way we were going to give it up until they kicked us out of Disneyland! Reagan however, was the one that finally threw in the towel. We told her that her age was showing. She had lots of excuses why it was not at all her age that was the problem! . . . We didn't fall for it!Here is a glimpse of Disneyland for all to enjoy. It is a magical place, and we had a magical time!

This is the place that will be known in the books as Jordan and Becca's Beach. This is where Jordan popped the big question. And having to be in on everything, we had to see it for ourselves. We are, infact, the most important four girls in his life, until now. Now there is
one . . . . plus four! Being a romantic myself, it was a beautiful place for this momentous occasion. I felt like I was back in Idaho, the wind about knocked us all over, luckily the weather was a lot nicer for Jordan and Becca.

The bed I will someday have in my master suite at my palace. This we saw at the Getti Museum. What an amazing place.

This was a surprise wedding shower for Jordan at his office. Jordan was shocked, as you can see in the clip. What a great party, and what great people that Jordan works with. The gifts he received were all for the kitchen. Unfortunately, Jordan is not at all savvy in the kitchen. He is really pulling for Becca to be a Betty Crocker!

All in all, a fabulous bash before we give the groom away (let me clarify, we are not giving him 'away', just letting in one more member to our elite club, there are initiations required!)

Trick or Treat!

2008-11-03T09:26:00.001-08:00

Jett kept watching out the window waiting for Dad to get home so that we could go trick or treating! He could not wait. Sawyer was the farmer, with no hat, because he would not keep it on. Jett was the chicken, and he would bagaeck like a chicken.

He would ring the door bell, say trick or treat, walk right in, take some candy, and sit right down. He made himself right at home! I think he did that because the first houses we went to were family, so we would go in and sit to chat a bit.

Look at all that Loot!

Now everyday since Halloween he asks if we can go trick or treating!
Sorry buddy, not until next year.

How do those pearly whites look Doc?

2008-10-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Jett had his first visit to the dentist! He did great other than not wanting to lay down for that long. And the pearly whites? They look great! Keep up the good work! Aunt MiKell, we sure wish you were the one cleaning this mouth. This one was for you! I hope your proud.

A Guys Only Red Neck Trip

2008-10-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

"I did not need the alarm clock.
It is hunting season and something inside me knows the time.

That is how it is when what you want to do is inside you.
What has meaning, just now, is getting up, making coffee, checking off the list etched in my heart

And closing the door quietly behind me,
Matching my heartsteps with my footsteps once again."
-Byron Hoot

What could be better than spending some quality time with your father as well as your father-in-law. I think the trip was a success. Any hunters paradise!

Happy 3rd Birthday Jett!

2008-10-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Can it be true that I have a three year old already! The years have passed by so quickly. Three years and nine months ago I was in Arizona on one of those crazy hikes that Shan and Gary insisted we go on. And somewhere along the way, with Dennis being the only thing keeping me going with his endless jokes, I had an epiphany. I guess I figured, if I got off that mountain alive, I could handle having a baby. I told Rhett that I was finally ready, after his hounding me for over a year, and of course he was thrilled. That very next month we were pregnant. Words cannot describe how excited we were for this new addition to our family.

Jett is such a special boy. He has personality to spare. He makes everyone feel so loved and special when he runs, hugs you, and screams your name. He is not shy at all, going up to everyone and introducing himself and telling all about what he has been up to. Jett is always up for showing off his singing abilities as well as his story telling skills. So Jett, in your words, you are 'way cool' and 'so awesome!!' When I told Jett happy birthday he said 'happy birthday Mom.' Yes Jett, it is a happy birthday for me. It gives me such joy to see you grow into such a wonderful, happy boy.

My life is just that much SWEETER with you in it.

My attempt at making a car cake!

Such a fun birthday with all his cousins!

Cars, cars, and more cars!

Sawyer loved all the party goods too.

Egg in the face

2008-10-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Watch carefully, this is an old army trick Grandpa Gary learned. How does he do that??? I don't know, but I'm sure Matthew would really like to know! Nobody likes to get

Egg in the Face!!!

The Blessing of the Harvest

2008-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

No more than at this time of year do I love being a farmers wife. There is something to the law of the harvest. There is nothing more fulfilling than family and friends coming together to reap what we have sown. To look over the vast acres that we have planted, plowed, and watered is somewhat of a spiritual experience. For a little boy, the farm is a wonderland. Being able to go to work with his father, drive the tractor, and play in the dirt, could there possibly be anything more thrilling? I am thankful that my son's will be able to work the land with their father just like the many generations before.
They will truly understand the Blessing of the Harvest. There is no better place to learn hard work than at the farm. The legacy of Grandpa Roy's father was passed to him. Rhett's father Gary passed it to him. And hopefully Rhett can pass it to our sons for the fifth generation. Gary, what a gift you have given your son and now to your grandsons! You could have done no greater thing, and I thank you for being the kind of man you are.

This is how it all works in the potato cellar (the pit)

Let me clarify the video, that one cellar holds 8 million pounds of spuds, and we have 3 of those cellars. So there are a lot of potatoes!

Falling asleep on the job!

Grain Harvest

We are so thankful for the safe, fun harvest we had. We had 7% increase in yield per acre this year! And the potatoes look great. What a successful year. Not all of our family was able to come and enjoy the harvest with us, so we hope that next year more of you can come and reap The Blessing of the Harvest.