Ding-A-Lings!

2010-04-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

2010-04-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Bush Family Farm

2010-04-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

This week we have officially started the "Bush Family Farm". I have always wanted to have chickens, and now have the perfect spot for them. We picked up 6 baby chicks on Wednesday. 5 Arucauna's and 1 Rhode Island Red. The Rhode Island chick will lay brown eggs and the other 5 will lay blueish green. We each picked our own to name. Larry's is Over Easy, mine is Claire, Cannon's is Cluckster, Gabe's is Christine, Logan's is Coop, and Christian's is Sally.

This Saturday we also brought home our first pig. Cannon wanted to try 4H, and picked raising a pig. He named her Hamlet, we brought her home from Grace Idaho. She sat in the back of the car in the dog crate, and stunk the car up the whole way home, NASTY! This should really be a learning experience for us all. He has to learn to walk her around an arena and keep her happy and healthy. Well, I think this is enough of a change for our family for a good month or so, hee hee. I will keep you posted on the well being of the animals, and how well we keep up with them.

2010-04-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

We went to the pond a couple weeks ago to see if it had started thawing yet. Once it does we want to get some frog eggs and bring them home to hatch. Of course we plan on taking the tadpoles back to the pond. What on earth would we do with tadpoles? Anyway, it was still frozen solid so we took the chance of walking across it instead. Something scary with 5 boys (we had a friend with us), but always fun!

Frozen fun and Dingle Pond

2010-04-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday Sledding

2010-03-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday Shooting

2010-03-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally took my gun out that I got for Christmas. It was a blast. We have the perfect little cove by the house, that we can go shoot in. The dirt road is covered in snow, so the boys rode their sleds down the hill while we took turns shooting. Not much else has been happening that is worthy of sharing. We have shared pneumonia and strep around the family. Finally everyone seems to be halfway healthy. We are still waiting for the lawsuit to be resolved. I have applied for 2 different jobs, and have not gotten either. Which I understand, I am the outsider and they are very loyal to who they know. I don't mind really, besides the fact that I would even go rent somewhere if I just had a little extra income. Summer is coming, and we need our own space. Other than that everything is great. We are making friends, and the kids are still loving school!

2010-03-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

2010-01-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

We had a new animal move into the garage. The kitten was doing nothing about it, of course this muskrat was bigger than she is. Rafter couldn't get around all the boxes to get it out very easily. So one fine, sunny day Larry decided to go move some things around and let Rafter have at it. What a great dog we have! He sniffed out the muskrat and killed it for us. The best part of the whole story is that the muskrat ran over Larry's bare foot, and it freaked Larry out so badly that he jumped and hit his big toe on something hard. Poor Larry that didn't even do the hunt and kill came away with the only war wound. He limped around for the rest of the day. But let's not tell him I told you that part. What a hero he is, to get that muskrat out of our garage and away from my boxed up belongings!

Muskrat Extermination!

2010-01-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

Our very own Charlie Brown Tree!

2010-01-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

2010-01-01T19:37:00.001-08:00

Holiday Hub-bub!

2010-01-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

I have decided that it doesn't seem worth my effort to blog without pictures to post. The really lame thing about that is that we bought a floor model camera that did not come with a cable and a few convenient accessories. So the process of getting pictures from my camera to the computer is a headache. So much for saving money, next time I will know better!

November and December were very eventful months. Christian's preschool class had a Thanksgiving meal. He dressed up like an Indian and was so proud of his paper bag costume. We went to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving break.

December started with Logan and Dennis both having surgeries on December 4th. Logan got his tonsils and adenoids out, and tubes in his ears. Dennis had his knee replaced. Everything went well for both, Logan sleeps and sounds so much better. Then we had Larry's birthday celebrations. Wow 36 years old! I never really thought ahead that far. He is so close to 40 it scares me. We tried out the one Chinese restaurant in Montpelier, and loved the Orange Chicken! Logan and I bought our $10 permit to go cut down our own Christmas tree. The effort and memories are worth the Charlie Brown tree we brought home. I sent mom pictures of our sad little tree, and she laughed so hard she cried. The story behind the tree is this...

We hiked around as a family for two hours just pointing out trees we liked and playing in the snow. Finally the younger kids got a little too cold in the 9 degree weather, so I took them back to the car. Larry and Cannon then went out to get one of the many trees we had picked. Needless to say they came back with a puny, little, branch, like thing. He swears it was one we picked but we all just laugh at him. Well, it went up and made the day of many who were privileged enough to glance at it. We will do better next year, we know now not to leave Larry in charge.

December also had lots of school activities. The elementary singing performance. Which was awesome. Our school here still gets away with teaching the true meaning of Christmas. I know that won't last forever, and it is sad that I was shocked to hear teachers telling about Joseph, Mary, and Christ in the classrooms. But I love it while it lasts! Gabe also entered the town merchants coloring contests. He was one of the winners for Arctic Circle and Subway. (Yes, we have both in town!) He was very excited and I was so proud. Our ward Young Women also took a trip to Salt Lake for last minute Christmas shopping, lights at Temple Square, and seeing New Moon. It was a blast, I love my calling, our ward, and our youth. I wish we could swing that in the budget every year. The best of the month of course was Christmas. Patience and Lauralee came up, and we had a great time. Our traditions are watching Scrooge and Luke II as a family. Christmas morning the boys woke up at 2 a.m., and every hour after that, begging to get up. Finally and 5 I told them they could get their stockings and come into my room with them. Then at 6 we woke everyone up for gift opening. The favorite gifts this year are; Larry- a picture of Christ helping a little boy pray on his lap. Me- a picture of four little boys on the front porch dressed up as missionaries, and my 22 rifle. Cannon- his Flip camcorder. Gabe- his kitten "Shadow". Logan- night vision binoculars. Christian- Batman Imaginext play set. What a perfect time of year. I love spending so much time with the family. It makes me sad that we only have 2 days left, then back to reality.

Once again sorry about the novel, I would really prefer doing shorter posts, but I just run out of time.

Very Eventful Week

2009-12-02T20:35:00.001-08:00

It is only Wednesday, but I feel like I need to write what has been happening so far so I don't forget anything. We will start with the fact that we decided to sign Cannon and Gabe up for Ski School. In Salt Lake it didn't start until 6th or 7th grade. Here in Idaho they start in 3rd. The boys just have to decide if they want to learn skiing or snowboarding. Call me old fashioned, but I think they should start with skiing. I think it is harder, and once they have that down I would think they could learn snowboarding on their own. But I am just the mom, and of course they want to do what the majority of their friends are doing. They have 6 lessons, all day on Friday's through January and February. They get on the school bus and go to the resort in Cokeville WY., which I heard is about 40 minutes away. I am so excited for them.

Cannon got a letter in the mail saying he made the Honor Roll. He was excited to have the recognition this time. I don't even know what his GPA was, just his letter grades. Almost all A's, but not quite. I think he has this "Middle School" thing figured out now though.

Logan went in to have his physical before his surgery on Friday. He is having his adenoids and tonsils removed, and possibly tubes put in. (I don't think he needs tubes, it just happened that he had an ear infection the day he saw the surgeon.) Larry's dad, Dennis is having his knee replaced the same day. This should be an interesting month!

Cannon has been very interested in 4H since we moved here. The Skinner girls down the road have talked to him about raising cows and pigs, and the money they make from it. We learned though that starting with pigs is wise. I called today to learn more about it and got excited myself. Cannon will be buying a piglet in April it sounds like, he will take education classes to learn more about them. He will also be training it to walk the arena and auctioning it at the Fair, (if it gets to be 220 pounds or more). He has to start working with Larry on Saturday's though so he can earn the $200 he needs to buy the pig and the food for the duration. I don't think Gabe has decided if he wants to be responsible for a pig yet. I am sure he has some fears of getting too close.

Logan and I also went and bought our Christmas tree permit today. Listen to how awesome this is. We pay $10 for a tree up to 12 feet. $15 for a tree 12+ feet. Then we go chop ourselves a fresh tree. I can just picture our family having a "National Lampoon" experience. I can't wait! Pictures will definitely be posted of that adventure.

It already makes me sad to think that some of these experiences are just going to become ordinary to us. I love how excited we all feel to try these new things. I just hope we can always appreciate what we have, and enjoy it for many years to come!

Can you believe it is only Wednesday? Wow, how much more can happen this week? I will let you know!

2009-11-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

2009-11-29T19:53:00.000-08:00

Here I am sitting and thinking that I need to write something again. While I sit and think of the last time I wrote I about had a heart attack. What the heck? Is November really over?! What did we do in November that really took the time away so quickly? I realize that time flies by as you get older. I remember being young and driving to Lagoon took FOREVER. Now we drive 3 hours to get home from moms and it seems to fly by. I keep waiting for my gray hair to come in thick enough that I can stop coloring my hair and just be happy with pretty gray hair. I just can't let these half curly wiry things take over my head for now.

Yet, through all of this I look at my kids and can't believe they are mine. I am not old enough to have a 11 year old for my oldest and a 4 year old for my youngest. I don't feel that old, I should be grateful for that right? I am grateful for that until I look in the mirror and remember again that I am getting older. Well, on with my happier November thoughts.

It has been over 2 years since Gabe was attacked by the rottweiler. He just went in for a 3 hour evaluation with a different therapist. This one is supposed to know more of the legal side of paperwork. I certainly hope so after paying about $1,000 just for the appointment. We still have no idea when it will be over. I honestly don't know why anyone would ever sue someone thinking that it will make their lives easier. This has been the most annoying, expensive, time consuming, putting life on hold thing we have ever done. If it wasn't for the well being of Gabe I would have never gone through with this. I still hope we made the right choice to this day.

Just today Cannon and Logan had to give talks in Primary. Logan did a great job. They both talked on Service. This was Logan's first time giving his entire talk from memory. Scripture, story and all. Without having it all written down though he got a little nervous and edited his story quit a bit. It just ended a little sooner than he had planned. But he is so darn cute! Cannon of course did a fantastic job. He has always been able to give a talk from memory, he hears something once and doesn't forget it. While giving his talk on service he started taking off articles of clothing. At the end he said "you probably won't remember a word I said, but you will remember what I did, because actions speak louder than words." Well, two great talks in this ward has him on the radar. He was just asked tonight to speak at the Priesthood Preview, and we were warned he may be asked to speak at the Nursing home this month. Good thing he prepares his own talks!

Logan is scheduled to get his tonsils out on Friday, we are just waiting to see if insurance will pay for it. If not we may wait 4 more months until they will for sure. I don't want any more medical bills!!!! Christian's preschool teachers informed me that he is on his own timeline. They try to get him to hurry and finish his pictures or projects so he can catch up to the rest of the class and he ends up going slower. They asked if I knew what would work. I had to laugh and tell them no, so if they figure it out before me they need to let me know. Gabe is also doing great. Teachers at his new school are figuring out his quirks. Like the fact that you may not think he is listening to a thing you are saying, but if you ask he can tell you everything. He has the best teacher in the school, I think. He is also doing great with his fear of every animal. I think he realizes animals are good, if you know that they are being raised in a loving home.

Well, hopefully time in December goes a little slower so I can soak it all in.

Christian's Birthday Party

2009-10-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

2009-10-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

It just so happened that we were doing our site seeing shopping in town, when we discovered the Homecoming parade was about to start. So we parked in front of Cannon's Middle School and watched. The other old building that the VFW are in front of is our Tabernacle. Very pretty, we love the meeting we get to go to in there.

Homecoming Parade

2009-10-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Bear Lake Bears Homecoming Parade

2009-10-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Our first visitors came up the weekend before Christian's fourth birthday. Mom, Aunt Teeny, and Pop. We had lots to do. Pumpkins to carve, Homecoming Parades to attend, 4 talks to give in church, birthday presents to unwrap, and of course tours of our lovely Dingle to give. Wow, it sounds like more work than it was. We had a great time.

Cannon and Gabe gave awesome talks once again. Gabe picked to do his on baptism, and told where each of the 16 prophets were baptized. Cannon chose his subject on having a positive attitude. He told a great story of how a boy learned to love to do the dishes, and a story about a giant corndog. Then finished up with scripture stories, and personal stories. They make me so proud. Next time I am calling in sick, or making them write my talk for me! Larry gave his talk on Christlike love, and mine was on setting personal goals. Glad they are over!

Christian turned four on the 19th. Ever since his birthday, he thinks he can ask for EVERYTHING he sees on T.V. He really thinks he will get it. Maybe he was a little too spoiled. What will he think after Christmas?

Well that is a brief synopsis of our last couple weeks. I love this so much more than writing in a journal.

My lil' pumpkins

2009-10-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

Picture Me in the Past

2009-10-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Christian's Preschool Pictures

2009-10-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

The boys love to go play at the creek. We went down today to see the berries on the bushes all over the place. It was fun, but cold. Of course the weather yesterday while they were at school was perfect. Larry, Christian and I were able to go plant our bulbs for next spring. But today with all the kids home it is a little too cool to play outside. Well, we are going to go pick out our pumpkins later and have a good time in the house!

Down by the creek

2009-10-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

2009-09-28T08:20:00.001-07:00

We told the boys we would take a picnic up the canyon after church on Sunday. I took the camera with because we had just driven through the night before and knew the colors were beautiful. Well, we got there and the boys were having more fun taking pictures than eating. They would each find a spot that they thought would be a great backdrop for a picture, and ask us to take their pictures there. After two hours of picture taking we decided to head home. That is when they realized that we hadn't had the picnic yet. Oh well, we ate in the car!

Sunday Afternoon in the Canyon

2009-09-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

2009-09-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

2009-09-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

2009-09-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Day at Dingle Park

2009-09-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

2009-09-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

The boys found a huge mound of dirt on the way to the pond. It took two of them just to get one bike up the mound. But the ride down was worth it. Hmmm, maybe I should have had them wear helmets! They had so much fun. Too bad it takes 35 minutes just to ride our bikes over there. Well, they would be faster if I wasn't holding them back. But I am not about to miss out on the fun though!

The dirt bike hill

2009-09-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

2009-09-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

We just moved from our favorite neighborhood and ward we have ever been in. We lived there for 8 years, and made friendships to last a lifetime. I just wanted to add these to my blog for my own sentiments. Now whenever I am having an "I am lonely day" I can just pull these up and wallow in my memories. We love you guys, but are still excited to see what new adventures await our family.

Our West Jordan Home

2009-09-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

2009-09-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

We rode our bikes to the pond to catch frogs. Not the best of luck on our first attempt, but later we went back with the 4 neighbor girls and brought them home by the bucket load. It just took four cute girls to get my boys to step it up. What a blast. Another thing to love up here!

A day at Dingle Pond

2009-09-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

2009-09-23T19:12:00.001-07:00

Our boys were mostly excited for their first day of school up here at Bear Lake. Cannon was a little nervous to be starting middle school. He was sad that he was missing out being the king of the school, since 6th grade was the last in Elementary in Utah. But here he was starting middle school! All three of them were dreading the hour long bus ride to and from school everyday. Well, they loved it. All three of them loved everything about it. We are so proud of them, and excited to see what the year brings!

First day of school

2009-09-23T19:07:00.000-07:00