My Favorite Tree

This is my first "Valentine's Day Tree" from Mike. He gave it to me when we lived in the cabin at Mission Springs. It lived in a pot for a few years but when we moved to the parsonage we planted it in the front yard. Earlier this year, for Mother's Day, Michael and Ben Wylie transplanted it into my yard. It was not an easy task...but oh, so worth it. Isn't it bright and beautiful?! Thanks Michael!

Trick Or Treat

We took the kids trick or treating in our neighborhood early in the evening. We were lucky to have cute costumes available for borrowing. Brianne was a pirate, complete with a long brown braid attached to her hat. Maicee was Super Girl and enjoyed wearing real make-up. Josiah was the cutest Captain Hook ever. He wasn't shy at all, knocking on doors, saying 'trick or treat' and then promptly, 'thank you!'. He couldn't get over the fact that all we had to do was knock on the door and people gave him candy. Who would have thought! Abby Lehman joined us for the evening knowing that our neighborhood is THE place to be around here on Halloween.

Soccer Party

Brianne had a great season playing for the Pine Grove Bulls. Ben Wylie and Mike were her coaches. She played all positions but her favorite was mid-field. She had many great assists and scored one goal. We had a fun end-of-the-season party at the Wylie's home.

2 years of wellness

Today marks 2 years since Josiah was hospitalized with Botulism. I love that he is an active, talkative, healthy boy with light and life in his eyes. There were many times during his battle with Botulism that I thought we'd have to say good bye. Thank you Jesus for healing him!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:11-13

"with a quack quack here and a ribbit ribbit there"

2 ducks & a frog

2 pigs & a frog

a pig, a frog & a cat

3 monkeys

B's 8th birthday

Brianne turned 8 and we celebrated with the Wylies with pizza and 'make-your-own-sundaes'. Her birthday fell on a busy Sunday so we did gifts early in the morning. I can't believe I have an 8 year old!!

First day of school

The first day of school was exciting. This is the first year in two years I don't have a kindergartener going half-days. Brianne started 2nd grade with teacher Mr. Keys. She has more homework this year but is exceeding in language arts. She continuously gets 100% on spelling tests and is doing really well reading above her grade level. Like her mama, however, she recoils at the thought of math and needs dad's support and understanding to conquer it. Brianne is playing soccer again this year and has become more aggressive and even faster. If we can just get her to kick the ball sooner into the goal instead of dribbling all the way up to it, she' may score this year.

Maicee started 1st grade with teacher Mrs. Price. She also is excelling in spelling and learning to read more words. Mrs. Price is known for her great readers. She flys through her homework and asks to do more however, in her haste to complete it forgets to focus on the details. She's turning out to be quite a leader and gentle reminders about not needing to be "in charge" are needed. She started karate with Mike and Papa Jr. this year and she really enjoys it.

That leaves Josiah home with mom or dad which he doesn't seem to mind so much. The first day of school was hard for him and, of course, he wanted to have HIS picture taken with HIS backpack too. He was upset and cried after walking Sisters to class. He wanted me to leave him there too. Every evening when I'm packing lunches and ask what the girls want, he chimes in "penabutta n hunny too".

Roaring Camp Railroad

During our Church Family Campout, we took our kids to Roaring Camp Railroad in the Santa Cruz Redwoods. It's an hour ride through the beautiful trees and along the San Lorenzo River into downtown Santa Cruz. We ended up at the Boardwalk and road a few rides, then boarded the train again for the hour long trip back up. It was relaxing enough to put Josiah to sleep on the way back.

The Beach

I didn't get many pictures of our beach trip this year. I guess we were enjoying ourselves too much. It was a great week with family and always my kids "favorite" part of their summer - they love their cousins! Josiah and Graeson were best buds all week and got along great for 2 year olds. We took a break from the Beach and went to Mark and Giselle's wedding, where Mike officiated and the girls were flower girls.

my sibs

Good for the soul

Thanks to Mom and Dad, Mike and I took an entire day to ourselves and went for a hike and picnic. We went above Kirkwood and hiked about 5 miles at 9000 feet elevation. It was beautiful! At some points we were hiking through snow. We had lunch at Frog Lake and then hiked onto Lake Winnemucca. It was so good to have hours of uninterrupted time together. It was breathtaking and the silence was soothing to the soul. We hope to do it again next month when all the wildflowers will be blooming.