Antique heaven...

Sometimes I think I was meant to live in another time period. When I see antiques I suddenly get the urge to spend money. It's not always a good thing. But I found this old fashioned roll top desk for an amazing price....so I'm guiltless today. I can't stop looking at it. Is that pathetic, or what?

Scrapes...

Thank goodness for brothers. Today we went on a walk along the trail and Scarlett fell and scraped up her knee and shoulder. Austin carried her the whole way back. There are time that the kids seem to be morbid enemies. Then stuff like this happens and I'm reminded how much they love each other.

The fair...

I did something I haven't done in years. I took my children to the fair. I am what you might call an anti-fair kinda girl. It's overpriced, the rides seem squeaky and questionable. And the people tend to be...well...you know. Anyway, I felt guilt when the kids begged saying they had NEVER been to the fair. I must say, it was a money sucker, but the kids had a blast and it was totally fun watching them enjoy themselves. Maybe in 10 more years, we will go back.

This can't be happening...

Halee is on a date...a REAL DATE. Are you kidding me? How? When? Where? How? How? Ok, I'll stop. I just can't believe it. I told my best friend this afternoon that halee was going on a date tonight and she said "No! She's only 14!" I reminded her that halee is indeed 16. And scared out of her mind for her first date. I just can't believe it. The end.

I will admit it...I'm a wimp...

This pic was shot as we were looking the raft over for whitewater rafting (my sibs and I) my niece caught this shot. It made me realize that I wear my expression on my sleeve. If that doesn't look like a scaredy cat, I don't know what does.

Just a little awesomeness...

I did something that was kinda against my will, because I'm a baby that way. My sisters and brother forced me into going white water rafting. I was so brave...I sat right smack up front and carried the brunt of the weight when it came to rowing. I was freaking amazing. Ok, that's the biggest lie ever, but I just wanted to see what it was like to say it out loud. In reality...I begged the guide to let me sit in the back with him. And he gave into my begging. I screamed like a girl (cuz I am one.) but by golly, I did it, and it was a total blast. Being with my siblings made it totally worth it.

You make me happy...

Did I mention lately how much I love Chris? He's such a loving dad. He takes the kids on outings all the time after work these days. It's a treasured time with just dad. Goodness, I'm blessed to have him in my life. Oh, and he's crazy about me...which makes me feel totally loved and special. What girl doesn't need a little of that in her life?

My family is the most awesome family on earth...

Ok, can I just say that I have the best family ever? My sister and my niece came all the way from Florida to see us Oregonians. My sisters and brother make me laugh my head off. I can't help it. They are just so funny, and the best part is we identify with each other on so many levels. We take pic after selfie pic... (see below) and it's hilarious trying to make all three of us happy with the photo.

I'm blessed to have so many amazing people that belong to me. I love you all. 

P.S we missed you Gina beans!

My daughter the baker...

Call it brainwashing, call it teaching, call it whatever. My daughter makes pies and I don't know what I've done to inspire her but I'm one happy girl because of it. She made cherry pie last week with the cherries from our cherry tree, and today she made peach pie with peaches our neighbor gave us. These pies are like no other. They are super delicious and buttery and literally make your mouth water. Keep it up halee, you are going to have one happy husband one day.

Limbs...

Notice anything interesting about this picture? It has limbs. Not just tree limbs...Scarlett limbs. She's been spending lots of time in this tree of ours. She started this about three days ago. She climbs on in, and gets cozy. I asked her what she does in there. I said "are you just enjoying the peace and quiet? She said "no way mom, I'm playing monkeys." Oh, ok...why didn't I think if that? 

July...

July is here. Let the boating begin. This means, grape soda. Hair in the breeze. Yummy not so good for you food. Swimming. Tubing. Memories. I love Summer.

Happy fourth....

So proud of my kiddos today. Halee and Austin set a goal to run in our towns annual Fourth of July run. It's a seven mile run that has a hill that's about a mile long. They have trained religiously since may. They did a.maz.ing. Austin ran ahead of us, and that was a-ok. We were proud of him. And halee amazed me by how strong of a runner she is becoming. We also ran with friends and that made it 100% entertaining.

At the last 1/8 mile, grace, Scarlett and Christian ran in with us. They were so excited. Connor wanted desperately to do the whole run but he's had some ankle/foot issues. Next year, my sweet boy.

Happy Fourth of July. I am so very blessed to have freedom.

Summer...

We went on a hike this morning. The air was warm. The skies were clear. The view was breathtaking. We were together. This is what Summer is all about.

Christian turns double digits...

I feel birthdayed out. Yes...I just made up that word. 2 bdays in March, 2 bdays in May, and 3 bdays in June. I probably should of thought about this little fact when I planned for spring/summer babies. But, I would never pass up the opportunity to celebrate my sweet Christians birthday. You are a bright light in our home, Christian. A kind, sensitive, sweet, handsome (not so little) boy. Thank you for being born.