Happy Father's Day!

I know that I'm a few days late with this. There's no good reason for it. Pure laziness. But I have to say Happy Father's Day to the wonderful men in my life! Mostly my Dad and my husband. Both amazing men who inspire me to do and be better. Both kind, gentle and funny. I love those guys!

Anyway, here is Timothy on Father's Day. The girls made him an apron, we got him a BBQ cookbook and some new BBQ tools.

He loves his girls and they love him!

I thought I'd show you some of the amazing work that Timothy has been doing all spring. Some of you know that our house was not very well kept when we moved in. That included the yard. Well, Timothy has been slaving over our yard. We've had two HUGE pine trees cut down, major improvement there, and been growing grass like crazy! It is really starting to look good and we're excited to be able to play on real grass. Not just dirt clumps. We've been building fence, planting trees (not pines. those should not exist in the city.), flowers and some veggies. Here's a peek, but the pictures don't do it justice!

From the street. (My next goal is to have the satellite removed. We have cable. And it's ugly.)

From front to back on the side. (We'd like to do 'French drains', underground drainage, eventually.)

Back to front on side.

And the backyard. I love that you can't even tell where the pine was in this picture! The grass is coming in so good. Good work baby! I love you! (p.s. If you look carefully, you can see, where the drain comes out on the left side, a ring slightly darker. That's where the tree was.)

Oh yeah, one more thing seems fitting for my Father's Day post.

Happy Father's Day!

The Mountain

**Warning: This is really, really long. I kinda ramble. Sorry. Don't feel like you have to read it. I won't know the difference.**
So, we have some friends whose family own some land not too far from here. They are always going to 'the mountain' the hang out, fish, hunt, etc. Well, we finally had a day that we could go with them. It took about an hour to get there but before I get into it too much, I want to tell you about getting there. First of all, for those of you who don't know, we live in a military town. Half of our population is made up of the Air Force Base here. So, it's common to see military vehicles, feel Blackhawks shake my windows, and watch some really fast planes flying in pretty shapes. (Can you tell, I don't really 'get' the military thing yet... must be the Canadian in me. Anyway...) We were meeting up out of town to follow our friends and, we were running a little bit late. So, she called to see where we were. We were almost there and she was like, well, look out for the missile transport. We were like, awesome. So, after a few minutes driving, we see a helicopter circling overhead. Then, a couple of Humvee's taking both lanes (I don't know if I spelled that right but I know that's what they're called, they're just hummers. I don't know why they don't call them hummers.) Following the 'Humvee' a rather large semi truck, white, unmarked sides with panels all over it... with a helicopter circling it. Seriously, this guy was flying so low, we thought at one point he might hit a car on the freeway. Unfortunately, he circled a little bit wider just as we got close, my friend said you could see a guy hanging out with his weaponry at the ready. After that whole procession, a couple more 'Humvee's. I know that this was a long and pointless story, but the question is, would you have passed? I mean, it's not like they were going very fast. I would have wanted to pass. Would the guy in the helicopter open fire if you did? These questions and more haunt me to this day. Well, not really. On with our mountain trip.

So, we drive for a while longer, then, there is no more road (I mean, we're already off the gravel). We're driving on dirt paths through farmer's fields. We have to stop every so often to open and close gates. At one of these, my friend says to us, when it gets too rough for you, let us know and we can all pile in our car (because, for some reason, she thought their 4x4 could handle more than our mini van?). We keep driving and let me tell you, I was really nervous we were going to go over. We were driving on nothing on the edges of steep hills. Let me help some of you understand, think of the road from the farm to the river, but for several miles. I was practically hyperventilating. I know that I tend to exaggerate some things, but ask Timothy, it may not have been quite as bad as I'm describing, but I was still panicked. Anyway, eventually, there was no road at all, just a mountain path. And I thought of Twilight and longed to have that Jeep. But it was absolutely beautiful! We got to a 'bridge' over a river with a water fall on the side (it was really just some planks, watch where you put your tires!). There we stopped for some fishing! This was my second time ever fishing, my first being days after Emma was born in a stocked pond.

So, this is what we saw when we got out of the car. So peaceful and beautiful. Ahhh.

Timothy was so excited to be fishing, he threw his line in first (I know it's not called throwing, but I don't remember what it is called. Casting?) right off the 'bridge'. And almost immediately,

Here are some more fishing shots.

Timothy trying to catch them as they jump up the waterfall. (I have never seen that in real life. Those fish are crazy!)

Our friend, trying her luck.

And me, not quite fishing. But on my way.

The girls (and boy) playing.

Nice family picture. We can never get everyone looking at the same time. Silly Wicket, wouldn't even pose.

After about an hour of fishing and playing in the water, no one else had caught anything, so, we decided to head up to 'camp' and roast some hot dogs.

We drove for a little bit, over some more 'bridges' before stopping next to some machinery. They're like, this is as far as you go, get whatever you want to bring and get in. So, we all pile in to their jeep-like-thing. Four adults, three kids, a dog, and all our picnic stuff. It was cozy. We start driving a little more and I discover the need for the 4x4. They haven't built the last bridge yet. Luckily, the water was not high at this point and things went smoothly. At camp they've got a little cook house and permanent tents. It was really neat. They also run an outfitting thing (guided hunting) so they have the outfitters camp there too. It was neat. Anyway, we had fun around the fire and, we ate Timothy's fish. I don't like fish. But, eating it fresh out of the water, cooked over a campfire, it was pretty tasty.

Here's KK, dirty face=good time!

Timothy likes these next two pictures because I look so angry. I'm really not. I was trying to roast the dogs perfectly in the first, and just relaxin' in the second. Maybe smoke was blowing in my eyes, I don't' know. I promise, I really was having fun. Next time tell me you're taking pictures!

Anyway, I think I've jabbered on for long enough. We had a great time! So much fun and just beautiful! We loved it!

Happy Birthday Kaylee!!

Kaylee turned 2 on the 17th of May. She is such a big girl! Literally. She is over 3feet tall, that puts her in the 98.81% for her age. We love her so much. She is so sweet and cuddly, observant and loves to laugh. We are grateful that we have her in our lives. She's my baby! Here are some pictures from her birthday party. We didn't do anything huge, Grandma Allred came up for the weekend and we just kinda played. Grandma did show up with a surprise though, a car FULL of balloons. There is nothing more magical to a two year old.

I feel the need to explain my outfit. We raced Grandma home from the temple. She won. So, I was still in my Church attire. Plus, my slippers. So, it makes for a really hot look. Please don't judge me.

This is KK at the park down the street. She climbed this big ladder all by herself.

Kaylee loves cows. So, we did a cow cake for her. I don't think she cared.

And, here we are singing to her. We are in the living room because we've got Grandma and Grandpa Gibb on skype. We love technology. (Doesn't she look impressed by her cake?)

Here's Kaylee opening a present, with help from her big sis. She wasn't really sure what to do with the paper.

And my beautiful babes Sunday morning, her actual birthday. Aren't they cute?

Sorry that this was so long over due, I've got some more updates that really need to get written. I'll work on that, I promise!

Happy Mother's Day

Well, I thought that I should post today because I really do sometimes try to post once a week. (How's that for a confusing statement?) But I really didn't have anything exciting or new to say. So, I uploaded the pictures from our camera from the last week, hoping that there would be any pictures on it at all. And I discovered that my husband has been taking pictures. Which is wonderful. Better yet, they are of our awesome kids and so for mother's day this year, I'm going to show off -very briefly, don't worry- my babies.
The other day, I was playing the piano, which I never get to do alone, but this time, the kids, who generally fight over my book, brought their own. Timothy thought it was pretty cute -and it was- so he snapped a shot. Because it's mother's day, I'm not even going to say anything about how I don't like the way my hair looks in the back or how I look like I have back fat in this picture. What I will comment on is Kaylee's book. She is just too cute, I promise.
Last Sunday, the girls were playing outside a little bit (we've been getting out as much as possible this week because you never know when we'll get 2 more feet of snow). Anyway, ring leader Emma took a couple of rags from the kitchen and then got the water spray bottle that I used to do their hair that morning (of course, it was not put away because it was Sunday and you know how Sunday mornings go...). We found them washing the van. They even got the tires. Wanna place bets on whether or not they'll do this in ten years?


And, last but not least, with all the sun we've been getting this last week (all right, it's rained a couple of times and been really kinda windy, but still, the sun has appeared a little bit), I needed some new sunglasses because I lost my last pair. Anyway, while at the dollar store, picking some out (I always get my sunglasses at the dollar store, that way it's not really upsetting when you lose them in Walmart) Emma asked if she could get a pair. So, the girls have enjoyed wearing them around the house and every so often in the car. This morning while I was in the shower, this picture was taken of my sweet babies while they ate.
Anyway, that's that. We haven't really been too exciting this week. But I do want to wish all you mothers who read this a Happy Mother's day. I wish I could say something really sweet and sentimental about how great mothers are and stuff, but I'm just not really in the mood for that. So, keep up the good work and remember that you're amazing!
Now, for a quick update on Timothy's knee, for all interested. He had an MRI last Tuesday and saw the orthopedic 'guy' on Friday. He tore his meniscus. He has a meniscule tear. I'm not very good at spelling stuff and I don't even know, really, what he did. But, he's got surgery on the 20th and they will fix him up.
So, that's all for now. Sorry for all the rambling. Can you tell that Timothy's at work and I've only had conversation with pre-schoolers today?

26 inches

That was the final count. It snowed from Tuesday morning, about 10am, until Thursday around noon. It did not stop. We broke all kinds of records! Yeah for us!

So of course, we had to build a snowman. The snow was perfect for it too! Don't mock our snowman, Emma made him.

On another note, Timothy blew out his knee Wednesday night playing basketball at the Church. His girls (all of us) have loved having him home for these couple of days. He can't go back to work until after his MRI on Tuesday. We're not really sure what happened but I'm really hoping that he doesn't need surgery. What are the chances? Anyway, we'll enjoy having him around more while we've got him and we'll hope that its nothing too major.

I almost forgot! Thursday night was the fundraiser dinner and auction. I have to tell you that I did not stay for the auction. The girls and I had to go without Timothy, who can't walk without crutches. I asked a friend who was there what the quilt went for. Needless to say, there were no actual cat fights over it. It only went for $70. That barely covers material. Let alone time. Whoever got it probably doesn't even know what a huge steal of a deal it was! The auctioneer apparently held it up folded and didn't even mention that it was hand quilted. Oh well. At least they've got $70 more than they had before. Next year I will definitely not do a quilt!

Thought you'd like to know...

how our day started. Well, actually, this started yesterday morning. And hasn't stopped.
This is looking out our front door at about 8am today.


I took this about 20min ago. Just thought you'd like to see our progress.

You can't really see how deep it is from this. I'd say we've got about 2 feet on the grass. Just a little less on the sidewalks.

You wanna know what really stinks? I discovered that I can fly out of Missoula to LA for $9.

Please send spring!

Updates galore!

Hey, we got our computer fixed! And, we got to keep everything on our hard drive! YEAH!!! I would still recommend that you backup your pictures though. Anyway, I have been posting for like, an hour, to get you all caught up. And it's funny, while I've been posting, people have been checking our blog alot. So, here's a head's up, there's a couple of posts in a row and I promise, I have tried not to say much. I just have to tell you two funny stories. First, Emma asked what I was doing. I told her that I was putting pictures up so that our friends and family would know what we've been doing lately. Then I thought about how self centered I am because I actually think that you care! I mean, besides our parents and siblings. Anyway, I don't know about you guys, but I really look at all of the blogs on my list at least once a week. Anyway, other story. Never mind, I just realized it's even more dull than the last one. So, enjoy the pictures. Glad you could see me.

The Quilt

That's supposed to read, the quilt. Like, the only one in the world. Because I feel like it is. It has
taken over my life. And for some reason, I'm in love with it. It's going to be hard to give it away.
Thanks to all who helped out with this venture! Couldn't have done it without you! (really) We had two experienced quilters come and help us hand quilt this sucker and they worked like dogs for a day and a half to get this done on time. I'm taking it over to the Scottish Rite today to get it ready for the auction. So, here are some pictures of my baby. Please, don't ever underestimate a quilt ever again. Way more work than I ever thought.



I will keep you informed of any fights.

Party!

We recently had some house guests. One of them, unfortunately, is a massage therapist (pity). Timothy hurt his knee playing basketball one night and she offered to help him out with it. It was pretty funny, at least to me, and I thought I'd share it with you. Don't think that I'm totally heartless. It was a good pain...kinda. At least it feels better now.

One night we had some friends over for a BBQ and Timothy decided to build him a fire. We don't have a fire pit so he used a large dutch oven (didn't know we had one of those either...). It was pretty fun. The kids loved roasting marshmallows.

Kaylee threw a little fit when Timothy tried to help her with her marshmallow. I thought it was kinda funny. She's really, really, 2.

Easter

Here is a quick run-down of our Easter weekend. I will try not to say too much as a picture says a thousand words.
Saturday we went out to Timothy's aunt's house. The community there puts on a fantastic Easter egg hunt.

Then out to the ranch for the usual farm fun. Kaylee wouldn't even go near the tractor but we managed to get Emma into it. Notice the 'scared fingers'.


Not so sure about sitting up there by herself...

And of course, Easter Sunday. I don't remember if I said that I was making dresses for the girls or not. But, I did. The only problem was, I don't really sew. I picked a really easy pattern. Then made the dresses sizes 3 and 5 for my 2 and 3 year olds. Why? Because they're both tall. Kaylee is almost in size 3 and Emma is almost in size 5. However, these dresses have a large neckline. Oh well. They'll grow into them. Sorry the picture is not so great, we were running late for Church. (anyone shocked?)

We had the missionaries and some friends over for dinner. I was not so proud of my turkey but I loved my cakes! Aren't they so cute? I'm pretty much amazing. (p.s. they're supposed to be bunnies, not guinea pigs, as some people thought. Whatever, I still think they're cute.)

Then we did our own Easter egg hunt and played in the yard. All in all, a great weekend.