Got Gold?

We do!
We now have 3 Gold Belts in Karate.
Wipe On! Wipe Off!

Hudson, Abbi and Weston started Karate last fall. They have really enjoyed it. Their teacher is a neighbor friend and their practices are close-by (4-wheeler distance)!

They have learned self-defense, many karate moves, made new(and some old) friends and they get lots of exercise.

Ben and Weston

Abby and Abbi

They tested last week for their Gold belts and they each received one.

Weston

Abbi

Hudson

Way to go!
Congratulations!!

Elizabeth

Thank you for all of the sweet comments and prayers for Elizabeth after her "tumble" off the top bunk.

She is feeling and doing great!

The following are her 6 year old pics from this past summer...

Red and Pink - Kisses and Hugs!

Valentines Dinner Party
If you have been following our blog for more than year, than you know 
our Valentines Tradition. 
For those of you, that have joined us more recently - let me give you a quick run down...

We decorate the dining room with red and pink stuff.

The girls have been making tons (and I mean TONS) of Fun-fusion. They used the hearts to decorate the table along with some candy hearts.

 

Our dinner is red and pink.

This year we had Chicken Bruschetta. YUM!

Raspberry juice, Pink Salad and a green salad with Craisins.  

First, we grilled the chicken.

Then, we topped it with yummy bruschetta stuff.

This is the whole crew ready to eat

I did not take this picture (obviously). It had some major issues. This was the best I could do to make it somewhat presentable.

A for effort.

This year the gifts had the theme of "painting" (except Caleb's).

 Caleb got a small first-aid kit for his  hunting-pack. The older kids got Paint-by-Number and the younger ones got ceramic figurines to paint. Tessa got her very most wanted gift - a PINK teddy bear. (she has been requesting one since Christmas)

Meet Rosy

Brian got his absolute favorite treat - Chocolate Covered Cherries.

I received cards from the children.

And this poem from Brian

A Poem For My Ash

Yarrow is white

Sage is green

but you are the prettiest thing

I've ever seen.

Cute as a button

and sassy as ever,

but trade you in

I would never!

You're the wind in my sail

and the Queen of my Castle

If it weren't for you

I'd have no one to "wrastle".

Each passing year 

gets better it seems

when I'm living with 

the girl of my dreams.

Love You!

INTROOODUUCIIING...

Naomi Joy

My new niece!

I told you she would be a cutie. 

I just want to "nibble" on those cheeks.

Mmm...mmm...

Love, Love, Love

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 
but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

AND

"Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love"

Jeremiah 31:3


THAT is great news that gives us great hope!

Valentines Eve Special

SHE has arrived!

My sister delivered a healthy baby girl at home (yes, on purpose) early this morning.
She weighed in at 8 lbs 2 oz

I have no pictures yet. But trust me, I know she is a cutie!
She has no name yet, either.
I will keep you posted.

Thanks for your prayers.

Five VERY Sweet...

VALENTINES!

Brian took his 5 sweeties to a Western Father/Daughter Dance at a local church.

They all had so much fun!

These girls love their Daddy!

AND...

their Daddy Lo-oves them!!!

Costing me a Fortune!!

 See these trees?

   

There is a row of them just down from our house. 

Nothing fancy. Just trees. 

However, in the winter, these not-so-fancy trees get frequent visits from the Bald Eagles and they come alive with beauty. Not just one Bald Eagle. Many! We have had as many as 18 at one time. 

Absolutely breathtaking.

Look carefully and you can see two in this picture.

Here is a close up. 

Most of the time they will NOT fly away as we drive by. This time I had my camera.

You may be asking yourself, "Why are these costing her a fortune? What is she talking about?" Well, you see, it all started back about a month ago when I was in the plow-truck with Brian. He told asked me to drop the plow whenever I was driving the truck. And I had been driving it quite a bit because the tires on my car were so bald that I could not get up to the camp. Anyways, I said, "Really? You want me to plow? You do such a great job." He said, "Yes. It is very easy and it will be helpful to me. Just drop it and turn the blade. You can do it." In my mind I was thinking - "ahhg! I REALLY don't want to. But... maybe. We'll see."

Well... we had a big Men's Retreat at Big Canyon. Brian was meeting with the men. It was snowing and I (unfortunately) had the truck. Argh! I toyed with the idea of plowing for Brian so he wouldn't have to leave early and the road would be clear for the men to leave. I wanted to help but I was fearful of "messing" something up. Who knows what. But I am sure I could find something. So I convinced myself NOT to. But, I knew it would be helpful.

Back and forth. 

Yes - No! Yes - No! 

OK! I will just do it! 

I finally decided I could/would do it and earn "points" with my husband. :-)

Abbi was with me. She was cheering me on. She kept saying, "Dad is going to love it. He is going to be so proud." I was just as excited as her.

We got down to Eagles Landing (the trees where the eagles sit) and there were about 5 in the trees and just as we passed 4 flew up from the ground and were flying right along with us. It was amazing.

Then that "something" happened!

I came to the cattle guard.

Let's just say... Not pretty.

Note to self: Lift plow when crossing the cattle guard and 

Don't get distracted by the Eagles.

The plow blade got caught.

It snapped!

Fixing the plow was NOT cheap.

I think I will be suing the Bald Eagles.

After-all, it IS their fault.

Know a good lawyer?

I am wondering if my husband will tell ask me to plow again... hmmm

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; 

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; 

they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31