Some Randoms...

...every once in a while it seems my whole day is full of random things/thoughts/events.  Today was one of those days. 

We started the day with Dax's track/field day.  This year they did field day more the way I remember my field days, playing with my classmates.  Greg has the pictures.  He is such a good dad, he hung out most of the day while I took advantage of having the kids with him and worked. 

Skye and Colt ran hills pretty much all morning.

They didn't measure the running long jump (?!), but Dax did really well - and looked good doing it!

I don't know if Dax has done this before, but he was pretty darn good at it.

Dax jumped 4'3" in the standing long jump!

Volleyball with the biggest basketball Skye has ever seen :)

What a fun day ... good job Dax!

After field day Dax and Skye were invited to go help feed a mini pony that has been rejected by the momma.  (Greg also has those pictures) they loved the experience. Jacey was beyond bummed she missed out.  She asked me to volunteer for her to go help them this summer...we will see.  I am sure they would love her help. 

I had a photo shoot in Burley (finally got the chance to use some fun walls).  I got there a little early so I parked the car, locked it and with keys in hand wandered around for a bit.  Got back in my cat and turned on the cooler (it was hot) sat around until I got a text saying they were there.  I stuck my phone and keys in my camera bag and somewhere between getting out on the busy road, and grabbing my cool orange bucket i locked the car doors and shut them.  Only to see my camera bag sitting on the seat.  I was so flustered I was going to have to reschedule our shoot.  Went to meet the family (with 2 young kids) and barrow their phone and see if we could reschedule...THEN i realized somewhere along the way I had taken my camera out of my bag and it was safely hanging around my neck.  MIRACLE!!  So I called Greg and asked him to come rescue me, went about my photo shoot, and by the time I was done so was Greg and the locksmith.  YAY!  So as far as yesterday's challenge go, yes I did see God's hand in my life today. 

Ended the night at graduation...awe! 3 of my Laurels graduated, it was bittersweet.  I didn't get teary eyed until I realized that they are now RS sisters and not my girls anymore (okay, I am still going to claim they are mine.) Such sweet amazing girls.  I am excited to see where life takes them.  I will miss you Jessica, Hayley and Kelby!!

During graduation I sat next to my friend and EMT teacher, Shirley Hubbard, she is retiring this year and I have to say with all the changes in the school district as well as with Idaho EMS I can't say I blame her.  She mentioned that it wasn't fun anymore and she didn't want to work.  We got to chit chat and she told me I needed to get my Advanced EMT and start teaching.  I told her as soon as my youngest was in school I was there!  I really would love to do it.  Who knows what will happen in the meantime.  There just might not be a teacher around these parts for a few years.  

Trying New Things...

...trying to get out of my winter slump (maybe I should stop taking January off so I don't become lazy!). I found a pattern for this cowl on pinterest and followed the link HERE (kirst I posted the pattern just for you) figured out the jest of it and went to town. I can't follow a pattern, no really, I can't, but I think it turned out similar enough that I am happy. I even wore it to church. It is soft and comfy, yet cute (don't burst my bubble, I think it is cute) and super simple to boot!



Okay on to a new food...cauliflower I have had it before. It is nasty raw! I love it in mashed potatoes, soups and pretty much pureed until it is unrecognizable. I don't dislike it like I do celery, but it is just not something I pick up at the grocery store very often, UNTIL I tried it roasted...oh my addicting yumminess. I think it is probably not far off to say that I ate at least half a head by myself. I made the kids try one. Jacey and Skye both went back for more, Dax not so much. All I did was cut the cauliflower up, toss it with a little oil and seasonings (I used cajun) and then roasted it at 350 for probably 20 minutes I took it out a couple of times to shake it around the pan, but that probably wasn't necessary. A little salt on top and indulge!
We finally got around to making the v-day boxes...aren't they cute?!

Happy Veterans Day...

...and Happy birthday to Papa Nielson. We had a fantastic day, starting it off with the school's Veterans Day Program. The 4th, 5th and 6th graders start practicing for this the first day of school. Back early October Jacey came home from school and asked me if she could invite Uncle Grant to come watch her. I was proud that she thought of him, and we were all so excited when Carrie and Grant were able to come. She was sooooo excited! This picture only shows about 1/2 of the kids that performed (I had my spy lens on so this is all I could get in one frame)

Everyone involved did an amazing job, and I had water in my eyes more than once! Especially when the guy sitting next to me stood and was honored during the Air Force song. I am proud to know Grant and am eternally grateful for his (and Carrie's) sacrifice, as well as all the other men and women past and present serving in the armed forces. Grant will leave in a few weeks and it will be hard, but I know he knows he is doing what needs to be done and he will serve proudly! He will be prayed for many times a day, and I know Heavenly Father will watch over him and his beautiful wife. LOVE YOU GUYS!

Phew...on to some less sappy stuff...after the program we had a blast hanging out and laughing our guts off (mostly at our husband's expenses). When the kids got home from school we headed to twin to impress them with the canyon, I think they were impressed.

No, Carrie is not morphing into a grasshopper, but I am concerned with ths crack along the walk way, a little scary!

The First Day...

...ahhh it has come and is soon to be gone. The kids loved every minute of it and had no complaints, except from Skye who got mad at me for not getting her homework book at the store when I went to get all the other kids stuff. We had a great day!

Colt missed his brother and sister and really wanted to go find them

secretly I think Skye enjoyed having most of the house to herself.
She was my big helper. She made cookies for the kids and played so well with Colt.

And They Are Off...

...to bed, that is. Jacey has already come out twice, Dax and Colt are in playing, who knows what time sleep will actually come. Even though we are all ready for the school year to start, I still can't believe summer is over. I think the hardest part of seeing summer end is not knowing what next summer will bring. Greg will be done with school by then and who knows what life will throw our way.

Greg was able to give the kids Father's Blessings, and I am convinced that they are just as much for me as they are for the kids. I am so very grateful that Greg is able to do this for them, and I love him for it.