Amber alert...

I have breaking news from our household. A murdered and battered Barbie doll was found decapitated and dead in our yard this morning. I have put on my FBI radar and confronted possible perpetrators but so far no one will admit to this monstrous act. In the meantime I will be locking away any and all barbies for their own safety.

Growing out of the park...

What happened to my used to be toddlers, halee and Austin?? Once upon a time the park used to be the highlight of summer for these two. Now when we go they dread it. I miss them being little... I really do. Sigh...thankfully I still have a few little ones left,

Fish hatchery..,

I'm going to be mighty sad when summer ends. Austin and Connor are at scout camp so I took the remaining kiddos to the dam and fish hatchery. The little girls and Christian were so excited to see all the big fish. It's kinda pathetic that with only 4 kids I felt like we were such such a small group. Something tells me other people who saw us didn't think that.

Manna...

When we first moved in our home 3 years ago we planted lots of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and grapes. This is the 1st year we have truly reaped the benefits. Truth be told I have been stalking the grapes daily. I've seen them trying to ripen so tonight when Chris dug out these purple beauties I was ecstatic. And boy were they yummy. There's nothing like reaping the benefits of your own hard work.

Sticky phone fingers....

This is what happens when your child sneaks into your iPhone without you knowing. Try finding and erasing 20+ photos of almost the same exact picture. Ahhhh.... Good times.

Make believe...

One of my all time favorite childhood shows was the muppet babies. I loved how they could imagine themselves into doing all kinds of fun things all from the safety of their playroom. The only thing that bugged the crap outta me was the fact that you could only see the Nannies legs and not her face but that's beside the point. The four youngest of my children reminded me of how much fun it is to play with your siblings. The older they get the less they do this so today was a real treat when they played restaurant for over an hour. The boys were the waiters and they made lunch for Grace and Scarlett. For dessert they made these cute faces out of grasshopper cookies and raspberries. It kinda sorta made my day.

Making children into runners...

When I first started running over 3 years ago I never realized that my life wouldn't  be the only one impacted. My children seem to think that running is a true privilege that once they get older they will be able to fully embrace. This past week in fact Scarlett has been begging me to "take her running!" I finally took the time this evening and we went on a 1/4 mile jog. The look on her face was priceless. She looked proud to be running. She felt so good about herself doing this. When we ran back home we could hear the other kids in the distance chanting in unison "lets go Scarlett, lets go" over and over. Scarlett beamed. It made me realize that even though I take time away from the family to run, the payoff is more than just me staying in shape. It's a teaching tool to set goals and better yourself. This was happy realization for me.

Short but sweet...

So we went to portland for one night this weekend. Sometimes getting away is splendid isn't it? We took the kids to Olive Garden and they thought they were in heaven because we really don't take them to nice restaurants very often. Swimming at the hotel pool was the highlight as well. I love building memories with Chris and the kids. They are my happy place.

Who says girls aren't tough...

Scarlett got into Connor football equipment. Is she scary or what?

It happened...

We've had chickens for about 6 months now. We got them when they were babies. They are full grown and we've been checking the henhouse daily hoping for a treasured egg. Today it happened. Austin came running in screaming and I thought someone had died...literally. Now we need more though because one egg isn't going to feed this family.

Jealousy...

If your anything like me and you like pastries and cake and fatty stuff this picture might make you jealous. It might also offend you. Connor could be flipping you off in the close up pic of the waffles. We had a good laugh about that. Not sure how it happened but because it was by accident it made my day.

Sabbath...

Sundays are the best aren't they? Sometimes I feel like I'm addicted to work. Cleaning, cooking, yard work, cleaning and cleaning more. But Sundays is my reprieve. Today we are sitting in our yard eating strawberries from our garden and laughing and talking. Yep, pretty sure Sunday is the best day of the week.

Farm life...

This is a day where I feel like I literally live on a farm. Our chickens are running around in the yard. Lazy cats are laying around. We are painting our 100 year old porch. I'm sweating, kids are fussing and husband is working his butt off. Life is good .

A little of everything...

I straightened Scarlett's hair today. Halfway through I couldn't help but take a picture. Straight hair gave her 5 extra inches in length. She is a Beauty either way. Doesn't she look super excited about the whole process??

My sweet...

My dear halee has been at girls camp this week. My friend took this Picture while she was There. Boy oh boy I gotta tell you, halee and I butt heads sometimes like a couple of angry cows. But then when she is gone my heart misses her so much. Tomorrow she will be home and I can't wait to give her a big mama bear hug. I love her and love that she KNOWS who she is.

Swimming

Okay so did I ever tell you that I hate swimming? We grew up with a pool and I loved it then but now?? Not so much. This is another reason I love my  husband. He will take the kids swimming and let me watch while he does all the work. Is that awesome or what.

I did it!!

I'm no longer a member of the land of the lost. Remember that show? I was like 6 when that was on. But that's beside the point. Ladies and gentleman I have an iPhone. I never thought It would happen but lately when I'm in my car and I need a number to a store or directions somewhere I have longed for one. Pathetic. But I have to say I love love love it. Apple is my new best friend. Now if only I could figure out how to get my kids unobsessed with it....