Memorial Day

Because it is Memorial Day I pulled out a few pictures from 2006 when my husband was deployed to Afghanistan for 15 months. We missed him so much, but we were honored to have him serve our country, and to help the people of that country.

Also, we honor those who have lost their lives in the quest for freedom for all people.

Stewart Falls Hike

Todays hike was beautiful. Up past Sundance resort called Stewart Falls. Because of the memorial day holiday it was very crowded. Luckily we got there early because there was no parking by the time we got back to the car. Pretty easy trail, great for families. My GPS said it was 1.5 miles each way. Took us hiking time 1hr. 35min. That time was for the slow pokes in the back who were actually enjoying the journey. The boys want to go back in the warmer weather and swim in the creek. They tryed this time but it was a bit clilly.

Y Mountain Hike

A beautiful day for a hike. Todays hike was to the Y up on the mountain. First time our family has done this hike. It's pretty much straight up. Lot's of people do this trail. All types of people. It is tough tho and the people carrying babies were getting a great work out. One guy brought his dog with a broken leg and carried it all the way down. It was about a 50lb. dog. The dog loved it.
This picture of me actually doesn't show the huge amounts of sweat dripping from my face. I don't usually have to keep drinking water while I hike, but this one I had to. Love my new waterbottle. It's awesome.

C did a great job. She never complained and was a head of me the whole way.

Mini Society

At our school the fifth graders learn throughout the year how businesses work. For a reward system they receive "auction bucks" pretend money and at the end of the year they hold a mini carnival. With their money they purchase a business license, rent for their space, food handlers permit, pay for electricity if needed, etc. for their individual shops. Then at their own expense, hold a carnival. The rest of the students in school and parents are given "auction bucks" to spend at the carnival. It is a lot of fun for those attending, and a great learning experience for the fifth graders.

Some parents are very kind and donated more than others. This year I got the most awesome smoothie (thanks Amy). You can also get nachos, soda, and play a lot of fun games.
My son (in the blue shirt) and his friend sold water balloons and toys he didn't want any more. I think they were very successful. Best of all it only cost me two bucks for the balloons!!! And, he learned some valuable skills.

Summer Movies

Well, I love a good movie now and then, especially in the Summer. Not just a good movie, but one that is really worth my time.....and money! So far it looks like the line up leans on the testosterone side making my husband a very happy camper. Luckily 5 hours of Pride and Prejudice can torture him as much as Terminator Salvation will torture me. Getting even is sometimes a must.

First out, Star Trek.....loved it! Movie theater worthy!!! Hope you can see it. It is fun and action packed. That's all I'm saying tho, because the discoveries in it are the fun part.

Like I said Terminator will be next. Thanks to Christian Bale, (and a slushy) I may survive.

Night at the Museum.....?....we'll see? This may be a renter unless my kids have some kind of say or I'm totally bored.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince......I'm hoping this is good, and kid appropriate. They'll be disappointed if not.

I couldn't find any others that looked interesting enough. Looks like I'll have to hit the library and borrow a good old classic. Well, hope everyone has a great Summer.

Young Women

On www.youtube.com In the search box type in: Virtue: For Such a Time as This (Esther 4:14)

This is an awesome video.

In my church I work with about 350 young women ages 12 to 18 and many adults who serve as their leaders. These young women always amaze me. They are all so strong and have such conviction to live the way their Savior would have them live. They try so hard to make choices now, that will help them have happiness now and in their future. I'm so grateful for their example and to have the opportunity to work with all of them.

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day this year, my sister-in-law and I made our mother-in-law a not only beautiful but yummy fruit bouquet. Sister-in-law had seen this in a magazine and decided we could do it for cheaper. Also, it came from us so we hope it had a little extra meaning in it. Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day celebrating not only mother's but being a woman.

Just a little hike

This morning for the exercise I decided we needed a change, so called friend and we hiked to the cross on the hill. The total distance from the resevoir was 2.20miles. But, with the ups and downs it felt like about four. Which is just perfect. The fresh air was totally worth it. It felt like it cleaned a few cobwebs out of the head. Just what I needed.

Yard Sale Treasures

Well, another glorious Saturday! This time no rain. Yea! I even got a short run in before I hit the yard sale mecca. Today I went with a friend, which is the best way to go. The second one we went to we picked up another friend who was just out for her walk and had stopped to check things out. So the three of us wound our way through the neighborhood scoring little bits of this and that. I always look for tennis shoes because my four boys, ages 10 to 16 wear them out so fast and luckily don't care if they are brand new or not. The girl is another story. Today I found three pair for them, and one for me to just hang out in maybe camping. Each pair was $1.00 AMAZING!

I also got a skirt, blouse and jacket (Gap) all for $2.50.

Great deals, and best of all great fun with the friends!

Doctors visits

For the second time in a week I made a visit to the ol doctor. The first one was for my daughter who had cold sores in her mouth. Yea, that hurt. The second, today, for my monkey son who has strained his ankle. Because it is the season of testing in the schools I just told him to tell his teacher that he has strained his posterior talofibular ligament. That would impress her. No doin, he won't even try to say it. Oh well, I tried. Too bad for him since it is his favorite time of the year. Track season. He is a high jumper and will have to train himself to jump off his left foot instead. I know he can do it, that's why I call him my monkey son.

Book Club

I love to read and so I thought I would share a new discovery for me. Because I am fairly busy, I don't get to read as much as I would like. Also, I belong to a book club and we are currently reading all of Jane Austen's books. It is the book clubs fault that I am addicted to "Pride and Prejudice". I won't name names, girls you know who you are.:) Ok, to the discovery, www.librivox.org. You can download books for free and play them on your MP3s or ipods. It is wonderful. Because it is a free thing, each chapter may be read by a different person. This hasn't bothered me yet. Now I can listen to the book I'm reading while I work in the house or yard. Or, while I'm out walking. It has even made me go a little longer, because I just have to finish the chapter. Also, hearing Jane Austen's works outloud with personality helps me understand what the heck they are saying a little better. You should all check it out. It is so much fun. Happy reading everyone.

Yard Sales

I'm so excited for the warmer weather and for the great time of searching the yard sales for great treasures. I woke up this morning at a leasurely 8:30am, and realized I was late. So, I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes, and a hat, and I was off. Luckily today's great find was just in my own neighborhood.

The first place I went I admired a picture, and she said just to take it....free!!! Score for me. Even if I don't like the picture, the frame is pretty and can be repainted.

The next place was across the street. I mostly just went over there to say hello and noticed in the back of her garage was a headboard. I've been looking for one for quite a while. We've never had one and because of cost have put it off. Not only is it a headboard but a footboard as well. All for the right price of $40. Some may be impressed, but I know my yard sale buddy guru could have got it for $20. Oh well, I have a new bed. Awesome!