Fun Dad's And Love Notes....

One of my favorite things to recall in my own childhood is the fact that I had such a fun, and funny dad! He may have traveled often due to business, but when he was home, he was always making up funny songs and forcing them to rhyme even if they made virtually no sense. But that is what made them funny. I always wanted to marry someone that would be an outstanding dad also. One who would be playful and fun. Chris is JUST that. Periodically he becomes "big mean scary guy." He will chase the kids through the house like a mad man and they just LOVE IT!!! Our neighbors probably think someone is getting abused around here with how loud it gets. Here he is being "Big mean scary guy..." He wasn't too happy that I took his picture, and little does he know I'm sharing it. ;)

I don't know how I managed catching Halee mid-air. But when dad is chasing the kids are running like crazy.

One more thing to share...It's not often I get love notes from other men besides Chris, but I had to share this sweet one from Austin. He is such a sensitive boy, and has a huge part of my heart like all my sweet kiddies do.

Computer Addictions And Sharing Beds...

I think I have been somewhat of a bad example to my 16 month old. I found her sitting at the computer looking at a blank screen and typing. When I tried to pull her away she got angry...hmm...I think she may take after her mommy. :) At least I am actually looking at something on the screen when I am on it though!

Every night before I go to bed I check on the kids to make sure they are all safe and sound. Connor and Christian share a full size bed, but according t0 this picture I guess the would prefer a twin size! I thought it was sweet...
And this morning I came into this. The kids all crammed into one bed to warm up. It's these rare moments as a mother that remind me how fun and wonderful it is to have all these children.

Home Schooling....

So, most of you know that our kids go to a private school and that it is VERY small. Halee is in 5Th grade, and 5Th through 8th is combined totalling about 25 kids in those grades. The whole school has around 50 kids total. Anyhow, Halee is friends with all the 6Th grade girls because there are no girls in her grade. To make a long story short, all the 6Th graders went to an outdoor school program this week leaving Halee with no one anywhere near her age (except boys.) So, I arranged with the Teacher to do her work at home this week. I have to say I have learned two things from this so far. One...I could DO this if I really wanted to, and actually have fun with it!! And, I'm wondering why Halee is at school for 8 hours when we got her work done in half the time? I love that my kids are happy in school, and I will continue to send them because I am just not enough of a super mom to take that on, but I do wish there wasn't so much wasted time! Sorry to sound negative. All in all, I loved having Halee around and helping and watching her learn. It was great! :)

My Silly Little Girl....

I love this age because the most odd things can be such great entertainment. Grace played with this cowboy hat for a good half hour. Half the time she wore it clear down over her whole face. She's lucky she didn't run into something! When I tried to take it away she WAS ticked. I gave up and let her have her fun! :)

Wallowa Lake

We got back yesterday from our 4 day trip to Wallowa Lake. It was so nice to be together as a family! We stayed at a cabin that was in such a beautiful and private setting. It was great because there was no T.V or telephones...just what the Doctor ordered. The highlight of the trip was riding a tram car up 8,200 feet into the beautiful mountains. The chipmunks and squirrels just ate right out of your hand! The kids LOVED it! I told Chris that being up so high made me feel I was closer to heaven then EVER! IT was just magnificent. I guess all good things come to an end though. Here are some pics from our trip...

This is on top where all the mountains surrounded us. We hiked a few miles and the kids didn't mind because of all the cute animals along the way...

This is where we stayed...the kids played ball and there was a huge red barn they loved looking through and rabbits were there. We would see about 5 deer in the yard every morning when we woke up. It made we want to live in the country SO bad!

The hammock was one of my favorite pastimes....
Until next years vacation....

Whew!!!!

I thought I would post an update as to all the sadness I was feeling last week when the kids started school. I have absolutely LOVED all this time to get stuff done!!! I of course still miss the kids but they are so happy in school and with their classmates and teachers. So I am not sad anymore and in fact have been able to get back to exercising (which I went about two months doing nothing in that area.) Plus I actually have time to clean and cook more stuff more often. My most favorite part though is that I have so much one on one time with Grace. She is so much fun!!! I was so worried that we would be bored, but we have kept so busy and it's been so much FUN!!!!! So no more tears here. And to all you moms with little ones at home, it DOES get easier!!!! :)

Family Visits And Lost Lake...

My sister April and her son (my nephew) Josh came to visit this weekend. We had so much staying up late eating cold mexican and too much chocolate! I wanted to share some photo's from our venture out to lost lake. ENJOY!