Luke's 2010 Buck

Well, I am finally blogging about the deer I got this year. I have put off blogging about it in hopes that I would get a big bull elk and then I could blog about them both at the same time....maybe try to redeem myself for the deer I shot this year. But, alas, having been given 3, yes that's right T H R E E, shot opportunities on 3 DIFFERENT bulls I went home with tag soup.....anyway....


Here is the story: I left to go hunting one evening and as I was walking out the door Megan says, "Kill something this time, we need meat in the freezer". Perfectly fine thing to say....but not something I needed in my head when I saw this deer.

I had gone hiking above the Bountiful temple where I had previously placed a trail camera on a water hole I had found. After hiking up to the water hole and checking my camera I made the trek back down, hoping I would get lucky and stumble onto a decent buck. As I was walking down I did stumble onto a buck....but far from "decent". I had jumped a little two point that didn't have the sense God gave rocks. The little guy bolted from me and stopped at 30 yards. Just for practice I drew my bow on the deer. I had no intentions of shooting the small buck but I always practice just for good measure. The buck slowly walked off and I let down my bow.

The buck was gone about 1 minute before he came back, this time at 20 yards, trying to sniff the air and figure out what it was that was lurking just yards away in the tall grasses. Once again, I drew my bow. It was at this moment that I heard Megan's voice in my head telling me I needed to put meat in the freezer. I thought, "You DON'T want to kill this deer. He is just a little 2 point. You can get a bigger deer than this." So, as the deer walked away, I once again let down my bow.

The buck was gone about 1 minute before he came back, once again at 20 yards. He still couldn't figure out what I was and kept staring at me and sniffing the air. Once again, I drew my bow. Like the previous time I heard Megan's voice telling me we needed meat in the freezer. I thought, "You DON'T want to kill this deer. He is just a little 2 point. You can get a bigger deer than this........however, if were to kill this deer, you would want to spine shoot it to drop him in his tracks so he doesn't run down the hill making it a really tough drag back up." The deer walked away and I let down my bow.

The Buck was gone about 1 minute before he came back, once again at 20 yards. He stared right at me. I drew my bow as I heard in my head, "Shoot this deer. It will put meat in your freezer, Megan will be happy.....you can spend the rest of the season focusing on killing a bull elk. So, I took careful aim, aiming for a paralyzing spine shot, and released my arrow.

The buck dropped instantly and another shot to the heart sealed his fate. I saved myself the work of dragging him up hill but the hike out was far from "easy". I quickly cleaned the deer, took a few pictures, and threw the small buck over my shoulders. The 1 1/2 miles back to the Blazer with a deer on my shoulders is a pack-out that I will never forget. About half way through the hike out, I decided to leave my bow on the trail and I had to go back for it later. By the time I was done I was covered in sweat, blood, and dust.

Here are some pictures. Remember, I was all alone...kinda tough to take your own game pictures. Oh yeah, Sorry for the blood.....it is what it is, I guess.

P.S. Although he's not the biggest deer I've ever killed....he tastes pretty good!

the end of an era

Today is the end of an era. The end of Piderman. Today, Noah said, "Mom. I'm Spiderman!" I looked at my boy in astonishment. Spiderman? What happened to Piderman?!?!

Actually, it's okay. We work with Noah all the time with the soft S followed by a consonant so this should really be no surprise. But it is still sad.

Reminds me of the times when my niece, Taytum, called me Geman instead of Megan. I loved it and I think I may have cried the day that something in her brain clicked and she called me Megan instead. Boo.

Still, Noah is pronouncing snow as tow and stop as tops, so I still have some things to love.

Meanwhile, we are getting ready for Christmas. I feel a cold coming on which is a bummer because I was sick (with different ailments) the last two Christmases. I am overdosing on the VC and gargling with salt and baking soda (my mom's remedy). We'll see if I whoop this or end up in bed. I vote for whoopin' it!

today

I wanted to do a quick journal entry somewhere to remember a couple things... This morning Noah told me he saw Thomas the Train in his sleep. Cool! He told me all about this Thomas dream. This is the first time he has ever told me about a dream!

The kids are getting so excited for Christmas. Especially Noah. We took them for a quick drive before bed to look at Christmas lights and every time we saw a house with lights they would both shout, "More lights!" They loved it.

We saw "Father and Mother Christmas" at Swiss Christmas on Saturday. Noah was so excited to sit on Santa's lap. He has asked Santa for Woody and Buzz this year. Emma was happy just to retrieve her candy cane from the Mrs. And move on. I asked her later what she would like for Christmas and she replied, "Me!" I asked Noah if he knew what Emma wanted for Christmas and he replied, "Herself.". Hmmm. Not quite sure what to do with that.

I love the way the kids pronounce Christmas. Noah says Trifmas and Emma says Nimmas. It is so cute! I love hearing Emma and Noah getting excited as we walk through stores or drive around and shout Look! Nimmas Tree! Mom! There's more Trifmas lights!

And finally, tonight as I was putting the kids to bed Noah said, "I don't want my nighttime music." And I asked why not. He said, "I want Trifmas music because it make me happy!" So he fell asleep to the crooning festive tunes of John Denver, Bing Crosby among others.

Ah, the magic and fun of Christmas is finally here!

Sunday's Stupendous Six

September has slipped by and October is on its way out... so I thought I would pick up a new habit of blogging Six Stupendous things on Sunday before too much more time goes by and I just quit blogging altogether.

1. My sister's birthday! Today, it is my sister, Melanie's birthday. I won't mention her age, for that may give mine away. Love my sister. Miss my sister. We were supposed to be getting together in St. George next week but life gets in the way and nobody could make it. So bummed this isn't happening. I might need to plan myself a little road trip for my birthday or something. Love you Mel!

2. Blustery Days. Today was an exceptionally blustery day. We spent the day (after church) inside in cozy clothes, watching movies and reading books. Sometimes a blustery day is a good thing.

3. Soup! For our blustery day we had Minestrone. Yum. If I am feeling ambitious I might post my recipe. If.

4. My chickens. That's right. I have eleven and I love them all. They aren't laying yet, but we are all very excited. Hennie, Barb, Hero, Goldie and Blanche (can't tell these two apart), Roadie, Fez, Star, Lil' Red, Buffy, and Snowflake... here's to you.

5. Conversations with my kids. So entertaining. Last night Noah and I had a conversation that went a lil' something like this:

Noah: "Mom! That was a Christmas Tree at the big store." referring to the too-early trees at Wal-Mart a.k.a. The Big Store.

Me: "Yes it was. Christmas is almost here. Do you know why we celebrate Christmas?"

Noah: Puzzled look

Me: Proceed to tell a brief Christmas story ending with, "and we celebrate the birth of Jesus because he helped us and saved us so we can all live with him and Heavenly Father again."

Noah: "What about Spiderman? He helps people too!"

6. Halloween. Emma's birthday and Halloween. For which, Emma will be a Pirate (if you ask her, she says she will be Emma) and Noah will be Spiderman, or Piderman as he prounounces it. Hopefully we will be on the downslide of this Spiderman infatuation as Christmas nears or Noah will be expecting him to be a member of the manger scene or slide down our chimney. That is, if we had one.

The longest post I have ever written.

Warning... this may be the longest post I have ever written. There are several pictures to keep you entertained, though, so don't give up just yet. And it is late, I am tired, so if I seem a little slap happy, it's cause I am.

You know it has been a long time since you blogged/read blogs that when you go to type in your own blog address and can't quite remember what it is is. Yup, I had to try three times before getting it right. Whew! It has been way too long and I completely failed on my goal to have a fabulous July blog. And now, it is August 22 and I am so behind. Hey, in my defense, we have been on the move since Memorial Day and we are just barely getting to hold still.

It has been a super eventful, super fun summer and I don't regret a thing. But boy, am I whooped! I am actually looking forward to winter so that I can stay in my house and hold still! That is not good! Don't worry, I'll be back to complaining about the weather by January 15th.

Summer was a slow start for everyone this year with the crazy weather. But we took full advantage of every warm opportunity. We played at the pool as much as we could before Chelsie and Blair moved...

For Memorial Day we were (of course) in Duchesne. This year, we decided to check out Nine Mile Canyon which really deserves a blog post of its own, as most of this does... but for now you will have to be satisfied with knowing that it is totally worth the trip and we are planning to go back sometime soon.

We also spent the 4th of July out there with the whole Merkley crew and that is always a blast. One of the highlights was a balloon blowing contest... the catch was that you had to blow them up with your nose! I don't know if Eli wins for two at a time or Ali wins for biggest. Honorable mention to Luke for filling a balloon with snot...

We took some great pictures of the Merkley grandchildren...

Then, we took a last minute trip to Jackson, Wyo., for my family's annual timeshare. We had such a blast and it was made even better that my sister Melanie and her four fabulous kids came from Phoenix. It is always so fun to see them and I miss them so much!

In Jackson we had a bit of a hiccup, though. We arrived super late on Monday night and had to leave Thursday, so we wanted to make the most of it. On Wednesday, we headed to the Tetons to take the kids on the ferry across the Jenny Lake and take a small hike. Long story short, Emma stepped on a diamond plate metal cover (that was covering some sort of hole in the ground) and burned the holy moly out of her feet. After having her 'examined' by the EMT Ranger on duty, we rushed back to Jackson and spend the afternoon in the ER. Not fun whilst on vacay.

The blisters were horrifying, to say the least. And the next few pictures are not for the faint of heart...

These pictures are of her left foot. The right foot was equally as bad, but the blister extended to her heel.

We were instructed to have her follow up at the Burn Center at the U of U on Friday. They cut the blisters open, relieving all of the pressure and Emma was immediately a happier girl. We didn't think she was going to be able to walk for two weeks or so, but she was putting pressure on her feet by Saturday and walking on Sunday. Then the real challenge started, as Emma CANNOT hold still.

This is what her feet looked like on Monday when we changed the dressings.

Our next appointment was on Thursday and they declared her healed, just 8 days after the burns. All of the staff was impressed with how quickly she healed and how she didn't have any complications. Power of the Priesthood, I tell you. It's good stuff.

We had a great Knight family reunion and it was so fun to be with all of my family. Knight Family tradition is to have a talent show the first night of the reunion. It turns out to be super silly and mostly mocking. Luke and I put on a good showing of...

Any guesses?

Oh, let's see. What happened next? I have stayed busy in my garden, raised a flock of laying hens, been laid off from my job, reorganized my house (whoops, still working on that one). And, big bummer, Garret and Jocelyn moved to Georgia. We miss them like crazy, but it must have been where they need to be, cause we have heard they are doing great.

Noah's 3rd birthday was August 3rd.

We celebrated the day of by going to Applebees, where I thought they would make a deal of it, but that just turned out to be a disappointment so it was great that we had a super fun party planned.

We had a backyard water party and it was so much fun! Grandpa Merkley got right in there with the kids and had a great squirt gun water fight. We had lunch and the kids played on the slip and slide and in the alligator pool that Noah got as his birthday present. It was so fun and I owe a big thanks to all the family and sweet friends that came and celebrated with us, not to mention spoil Noah rotten with presents. Truly the highlight was daredevil Rya, being thrown down the slip and slide and running up the hill for more. I think she went down the slide at least 20 times.

Emma was finally adventurous enough to go down the slide with Rya after the water was turned off.

Then we went back out to Duchesne for the County Fair, one of our favorite staycation traditions. It was a great weekend, with the exception of no sleep and Rya falling through the bleachers at the rodeo.  And somehow, I have lost the pictures. I took hundreds, I know, so hang tight. The drive has to be here somewhere.

Amidst all of this summer madness we have also spent some great days at the park, Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Museum and Farm Country, This is the Place Heritage Park, South Davis Rec Center, to name a few. We have been so busy!

Luke has tested with several different departments, but no job yet. He made it to the #2 spot with Duchesne, but they hired within so that is a bummer. Right now he is testing with Park City and Kaysville and we keep checking for job announcements every day. Here is hoping that the reason he is always in the top 3 is because he hasn't applied to wherever we are meant to be. The moment he does, all will fall into place and we will know where we are supposed to spend the next 5-50 years of our lives.

I am enjoying my mini mini farm with my overgrown garden and my chickies. I have most of them named now, and I will post pictures as soon as I can. They are funny little birds and I enjoy them so much more than I thought I would. I have been spending my mornings weeding and picking ripe vegetables, then I move on to feeding and watering the chickens. Giving them any scraps from the garden that don't look great and they love it! Then into the house to see what I can make with my spoils before they spoil. So far, I have pickled peppers, too much jam, several batches of salsa (in several flavors) and I haven't even begun yet. I love it!

I am also loving this time right now with my kids. They are at great ages and they are so funny! Noah speaks so well and the things he picks up on and repeats amaze me. He has also started that adorable kid thing where he gets it backwards... "Mom, I want to carry you. Mom, I want to hold you." I have been waiting for this and I love it! Emma just talks constantly and it can be a little wearing, but she is so sweet you can't get too frustrated. She has a huge vocabulary and I think I am the only one who understands it. Cracker, Tigger, Copper, Color sound all of the same. So funny. And you would never know that she had burned her feet so badly.  She runs all over the yard with bare feet. She is a tough little woman. She gets that from me :).

Tonight, we had dinner for Steve's 52nd birthday! Happy Birthday, Grandpa Merkley! It was a quick dinner because Luke and Steve got elk fever and wanted to head to their hunt tonight. They packed everything up and will be gone for 4-7 days. Good luck to them! In the meantime, I am going to sleep in the middle of the bed. I need my rest! This week I've got canning to do! The tomatoes in my garden are ready and I will be one busy girl. I hope you have enjoyed this humongo post.

Til next time!

Happy Independence Day!

And Happy Birthday to Chelsie!

Chelsie turned 25 today! She is a great sister in law and an amazing mother! Chelsie has two little girls almost the exact same age as my kids. It has been really fun living close and letting the kids get to know each other and play this summer. Chelsie's husband, Blair, is travelling for work right now, so she is doing so much on her own, and doing a great job! I am so proud of her. Love you Chelsie!

Happy Birthday to one of my good friends from Utah State, Dede! I don't get to see Dede very often, in fact, I think it has been over a year, but I get to 'keep in touch' via her blog and she, too, is an amazing mother to a darling little boy named Oliver. Dear Dede, hope you have a wonderful birthday and a great fourth. Wish I saw you more!

P.S.

Happy Birthday to Isaac!

Isaac is our little cousin who is turning 3 today! We live close to Ben and Kelly and family, so Noah and Isaac are becoming great friends through nursery. They are having so much fun together. Wish I had a picture

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday and I would like to think that he has the ability to occasionally check my blog if he wanted to.

My dad has now been gone for 15 years and I miss him today as much as ever. I wish that I had the opportunity to know as an adult. I wish that he knew my kids and got to see how amazing they are. But I'm also a little jealous that my kids have seen him since I have ;).
My dad was a great man. The other day I thought of him as I busted out whistling at church. If you knew my dad, you know that he never sang a song at church; he whistled.

I am grateful to have had 14 years with my dad and I hope to see him again soon.

I love you, Dad!

Hello Summer!

Wow! Did summer hit us with a bang, or what?! It has been so mild and rainy and now we are in the fourth straight day of high 90 degree weather! I can't believe how hot it has been and how quickly June has passed. Tomorrow is the 1st of July! We have such a fun packed July. Our July is crazy with birthdays, both friends and family. I am hoping (hoping!) to do a little tribute to each on on their day of birth, so stay tuned, cause it's gonna be a lot!

We have been so busy with the garden and with Luke's interviewing/testing (which is going well, btw). Luke is currently testing and interviewing with Duchesne County, Lone Peak (Highland/Alpine), and SLC. He also has applications going into Bountiful, Woods Cross and Kaysville. Hmmm. Any guesses on where Luke hopes we end up? And any guesses on what I'm thinking? We are excited about all of the possibilities and hope something turns up soon!

The summer festivities start with, of course, Independence Day, which is always fun. This year we will be spending it at the farm again for a Merkley family reunion. Then, we were planning on going to Jackson, Wyo. with my family, but somehow the dates got a little screwy, and we aren't going to be able to go. We have too many other conflicts with Luke's testing and interviewing, among other things.

Then, we have another family reunion! My mom's family is in desperate need for a reunion, and so I have helped planned a fun filled time and hopefully we have a great turnout. It has been so hard to get this little family together recently! July will then be over and my baby boy will turn 3. I can't believe it is here so quickly. It really seems like he has been around forever, but also just yesterday that he was born. I love this little guy, and can't wait for a fun birthday celebration!

who knew?

Probably most of you. I am a little behind the times, but after Rachel's TESTING post, I figured I could probably blog remotely, too!

I am cozied up in what is known as The Adventure Room at my mom's house. Luke is on his way to Duchesne to test bright and early with the County Sheriff's Department. We will be joining him in a couple of days for a relaxing weekend.

Tomorrow night my mom and I are headed to a organizing extravaganza thingy that her Relief Society is having. It sounds interesting and I could definitely use some pointers. It takes me about a year after moving to really get settles and organized. Unfortunately, about the time that happens, we usually move again! I've moved about thirteen times in the last ten years and I am eager to put down some serious roots. So here's hoping we get a job somewhere amazing and I can stay put!

Silence

It's amazingly quiet as both my children are down for an afternoon slumber. This almost never happens anymore and I am just enjoying the silence. Especially since the kids have been fighting, fighting, fighting lately!

They have been fighting over toys, fighting over cups, fighting over who gets to sit on mom's lap. Fighting over tub duckies, fighting over blankies, fighting over fighting. And inevitably, someone gets pushed, punched, gouged, slapped, etc. etc. What is wrong with my beautiful angel children!?!?!

They are also getting very possessive. Everything is mine. Even other kid's toys, at THEIR houses, somehow belong to my children. And then they fight over them! AAAGGGGHHHH. I am exhausted and exasperated. I don't know what has brought this on! Is it an age thing? Noah is almost 3 (Aug.3) and Emma is 20 months. I am hoping they will grow out of this. I don't want to be doomed for a lifetime of fighting. Although, I know I really fought with my siblings.

So, Mom, I am sorry. Sorry for fighting so much with the others. Sorry, because now I really know what it meant when you said, "I am gonna knock your heads together!"

P.S. Help and advice is required for reading this post. Please leave your thoughts and comments or I'll knock your heads together.

Get downtown in your fwip fwops to taste... That taste!

Noah has been saying the funniest things lately and I never want to forget!

The most random of all... Noah has been stating, with much enthusiasm I might add, "Get downtown!" No idea where this comes from or why he says it. No pattern on when he says it. It is hilarious. Loud, boisterous, and full of spunk. That's right... get downtown!

He has a new pair of 4th of July flip flops and he loves them. Wants to sleep with them on and everything. The other day he says to me, "Mom. That's my fwip fwops. My fwip fwops are really cool."

Still loves food and is very complimentary to the chef, aka, ME. I love when he compliments my cooking and I always tell him how much I appreciate him telling me. Lately, his compliment has been, "MMMmmmmm. That taste! Nummy!" I love it. That taste! Where does he come up with this stuff?

Oh, I am sure there are more and I will add them as they come to me. Just be happy for now that my little guy makes me laugh. All the time!

Another painting

I finished this a little bit ago and am posting for all to see. This painting was a little different because of the "canvas" used. I found this skull and antlers on our farm in Duchesne and wanted to do something fun with them. When I found them there was still hair on the forehead and everything was bleached totally white. The idian painted on it was of a picture Megan took while we were at a POW-WOW in Fort Duchesne last year. I need more practice and there are some things on this painting I might change later..... Anyway, Enjoy!

Memorial Day 2010

I had a great, long, weekend. Just got home tonight and I feel like tomorrow should be Monday, since we generally come home on Sunday evening. I love the farm. I love Duchesne. There, I said it. I love Duchesne! And its quiet peaceful evenings. I love listening to the sprinklers of all the farm equipment as they hit the barn and swing back out. It's comforting somehow. I like being so close to the lake in the summer and close to hiking/four wheeling.

As you may remember from previous years, we always try to go and find something different and fun to do in Duchesne. This time we went to Nine Mile Canyon. We spent 4+ hours driving there (it is a slow dirt road) and can't wait to go back! We are planning a camping trip where we can spend more time hiking up the little canyons to see the petroglyphs and pictographs left by Ute and Fremont Indians. The Pioneer history and the Indian history in this area is amazing.

Monday, of course, we spent at the cemetary. And it is fun to take to the old folks in town and here the stories.... one in particular y'all might enjoy, now try to keep up... Luke's Great Grandpa Wilson's brother married the daughter of Sundance Kid! Isn't that funny? Last year, he was dug up for the THIRD time to try to identify his DNA and it has been confirmed. He is buried two plots away from Luke's grandparents. And, 'Aunt Connie' said, "Well, as a child, we all knew he was an outlaw. We didn't ask what kind and it was just not talked about." Then, they find out it was Sundance Kid. He settled down in Duchesne under the name of William Long. Check it out if you are ever there!

Reminiscing

I wish I had the courage to say all the things I have wanted to say over the years. There have been so many missed moments in my life when I should have said something, but didn't and maybe things would have turned out differently.

Tonight, as I was wandering on facebook, I came across a name I remembered and a face I did not. I pulled out the yearbooks, which everyone knows turns into too much time spent reminiscing. But this reminising made me sad. Sad for the friendships and relationships that 10+ years has worn. As a very small gesture, I would like to thank that amazing group of friends. Hopefully you know who you are and maybe keep tabs on me and maybe secretly blog stalk me. You know who you are.

I can't begin to describe the lost, small soul I was after my dad died in 1995, just before my high school years. Shortly thereafter, my Grandma died and my brother was in a life altering car accident. There was an indescribable hole in my life that I filled with amazing people. It was a time that could have gone terribly wrong, but I chose to fill it with the best people I could find. I don't believe I have ever told them how important our relationships were to me in a time where my life otherwise was very sad. I have huge, major holes in my memory (everyone in my family does) of that time and I have lost some things. But I remember friends who sat up with me all night, friends who let me say nothing, and that was enough. Friends who let me sleep over, just cause. Friends who would let me come to their houses and have all night dance parties, play, be silly,, laugh til we peed and help me forget.

I miss these friends. I miss being in their lives and I so deeply regret not staying closer to them. I feel so awkward, as time has passed, but want them to know how much they have meant to me. They helped shape me, put me back together and I don't think any of them realize it. Because I did not tell them. So, if you get a random thank you card from me, please open it, and write back.

To my friends... I love you. I miss you. Hope to see you again.

I journaled by hand last night and it is amazing how badly my hand hurt after 15 minutes! Probably not even that long! I have completed all my point for my wellness challenge today except for exercising. I haven't missed a day yet this week but I just can't do it today. My head is pounding. Noah and Emma have been sort of sick all week and yesterday morning Noah's cough was too barky for my liking.

This morning, we took Noah to the doctor only to find that he has croupe, again. Bummer, especially because he was supposed to go camping with Luke and Steve at 'Fathers and Sons.' Poor little Noah has been looking forward to this (to the best of his understanding) for 2 weeks. Everytime we put anything in our little tent trailer to get it geared up he says, "I go camping!" And then we do a roll call of who is going. Well, for now, he thinks his daddy went to help Granpda with something and won't be back until tomorrow. And Luke has decided that he and Noah will go camping in the backyard tomorrow night after they get home.

Short story long, I am home with two sick kids and a whopper headache. They are taking kids climbing on me, fighting over me, and needing hugs. Not my ideal Friday night, but it goes with the territory of being a mommy, I guess. I love my kids, just don't love it when they fight over me. It makes life hard 'cause I am usually the one that gets hurt... gets my hair pulled or my eye gauged.

Next week it is my goal to seriously tackle the basement and my bedroom. They are totally out of control! I have so much organizing to do that I have tried to do ever since we moved in and haven't been able to. So that is my goal for next week. I am so excited because I know I will accomplish it and I know it will look great! Yay for a clean house!!

My Grandpa Ervin

My Grandpa turned 80 on March 24 (he shares a b-day with Lukey). We got together as a family in April and celebrated his life. It was so great to have the family together. It has been a long time since this many people were in the same room! I was in charge of snapping some pictures of everybody with Grandpa, but I don't think there is enough space left on the internet to share them all. So just me is what you get.

My Grandpa was born in 1930 in his family home in Evanston, Wyo. He was hit by a car at a young age and was kept out of school for a couple years to heal. In 1951, he graduated from high school and married my Grandma I think about 5 minutes later. And for being so young and married almost 60 years, you will never meet a couple so lovey-dovey in smoochy goochy love. It is seriously kind of funny sometimes.

My Granpda and Grandma had six children, my dad being the second oldest. My Granpda worked for Kennecott and found odd jobs when he got laid off to make ends meet and raise six kids. He and my Grandma used to take all of their grandchildren camping in the Uintahs every summer. Some of the best memories of my childhood are camping with my Granpda. He loves to sing, although most of his songs are made up. He loves to hunt, although his hunting days are now done. He loves his family, and that means the most.

Happy (late) Birthday Grandpa!

Day 2

I am really grateful for this challenge to journal everyday because it is going to give me the opportunity to catch up on some much needed blogging. There will be several posts with pictures coming, as I haven't posted much lately.

I just love these three pictures of my little lady. The first, Emma hugging our dog Copper, while in the dog bed with Sahara, too. Emma is a puppy, no doubt. She eats with the dogs when they eat dog food and we often find her splashing in the toilet, an endearing trick, I am sure she learned from Sahara. I am just so grateful she hasn't picked up Sahara's licking habit. If you know Sahara, you know what I mean and are probably secretly annoyed right now thinking of the last time she 'drive-by' licked you.

Emma is just so funny. The girl has loads of personality. Loads! And loads of hair, as evidenced by the next two pictures. We went out to the farm a little while ago and Emma won the best bedhead contest every morning. It was hilarious.

So to quickly chronicle the second day of my challenge. I have to admit... I was so sore all day today. My workout yesterday worked muscles that I haven't worked in a long time. So I was a little scared to work out today, but I just got done and I feel so much better! I think I stretched all those sore muscles and I'm feeling good. I probably won't be able to move tomorrow morning ;). I haven't missed sweets, yet, but I do miss the soda. I'm sure that will pass. My personal goal this week is to be in bed at 10:30; I must sign off. Until next time!

Wellness Challenge

Today I start a Wellness Challenge. Thanks to my friend, Jenni, for posting it on her blog. I am so excited and so nervous. It is going to be life changing! Literally, I have to change so much in my day to day life. Which pretty much means that I am not eating like I am supposed to! Ooops.

One of the major reasons I chose this particular challenge, though, is that it incorporates spiritual and mental well being in addition to physical well being. I will be reading 15 minutes of scriptures/uplifting material a day and writing in a journal. Plus a weekly personal goal to be met each day. What should it be for the first week and subsequent weeks? Any suggestions?

Nutrionally and physically is going to be the most demanding, I think. 45 minutes of exercise, no soda and no treates are the major changes for me. Holy smokes. If you have seen me lately, in three months I will be changed person! Go me. Thanks for reading, as this is my journal entry for the day and the only journal I keep, so I will be updating. A lot.

Post POST

Luke is finally done with the Police Academy. He graduated on April 30. I am so proud of him! He is really excited now to get a job! Luke is currently applying with several different departments, so we will keep you posted when we hear anything and if we are moving somewhere.

Taking the Code and Oath of Ethics.

Receiving his certificate.

Our family.

Emma Dawn

I've been meaning to write a few notes on Emma for a couple of weeks. This sweet little girl makes me laugh every day. Emma has begun to put things down her shirt as if it was a pouch. And since more often than not she is wearing a snapped up shirt, the items stay there and she pulls them out to play later. I have found some awesome things in her shirt and sometimes, down the front of her diaper. Dimes, matchbox cars, felt storyboard pieces, pens, sticks, candy, you name it. Yesterday she had a long stick like thing in her shirt and I couldn't figure out what it could be. I just left it there and she came back a couple of minutes later, glowing E.T. style. What the!?! Oh! It was a flashlight down her shirt. It's even funnier when you ask her what is in her shirt and she pulls out the neck and looks in... and then says, "Oh!"

Emma is learning so many words, I can't keep up. Her favorites right now are buffalo, elk, deer, and of course, No! The other day, Noah wasn't doing what I had asked him to and I began to count to 5. Well, I didn't get very far... Me: ONE! Emma: (pointing at Noah), TWO! And then looking back at me for confirmation. Trying not to laugh, I said, "That's right. What comes next?" And Noah said, "Three, four, five!" Oh, kids, you've got me figured out.

Emma loves the bath and tries to barrel in with her clothes on while the water is still running. She loves the bubbles. Bathtime is a fun time with Emma. Emma is also our little country girl. I have probably mentioned this before, but I am not joking when I say her first word was 'deer." She loves horses and hats, deer and elk. And, she even has her rodeo queen wave down, definitely WITHOUT instruction from me. I can barely stay on the horse, let alone wave while riding! Check it out...

I love feeling like I am contributing to my food storgage and to our sustainability. I just want to remember this! I feel so productive right now I thought I would sit down, rest my legs and surf the net a bit. And I'm also wishing I had worn my support hose. I have been patiently waiting for 5 days for my Steam Canner to arrive. I had looked at all the stores and could not find one! I felt bad borrowing, because other people need their Steam Canners too, right? So, I broke down and purchased one from Amazon. I love Amazon! They had such a good price, and of course free shipping.

Today, my steam canner arrived and I could finally work on the potatoes and strawberries piling up in the corners of my kitchen. I put up 13 qts. of potatoes and made 7 pints of Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate. Yummy! I also had some apples about to kick it, so I made an apple pie for dessert.

Last Saturday my mom and I decided to get our garden started and planted our seeds in starter pots. They are supposed to take 2-4 weeks to sprout, but check mine out! I don't know what happened, but these little guys are on turbo speed! I swear, you can see them growing minute by minute. I have my herb pots planted too, but no sprouts yet. Now, all we need is the SNOW to stop SNOWING! Then I can get outside and plant these babies. Can't wait! Hopefully they grow outside as well as they have inside.

My Family

This picture is several weeks old, but I am testing out this new template so I thought I would post it. I am hoping for the large format that the instructions promised. We'll see when I hit PUBLISH POST!

On a note about this picture... isn't it great?? It's just a snapshot in my mom's living room, but I love that we were all there. All the kids and no prego bellies (he, he, that I know of! And I love, love, love how much we have grown! It seems such a short while ago that it was just a few of us and now there are 12 grandkids! Crazy.

The Sweetest Thing, EVER!

Although it is currently past bedtime for Noah, he is wandering around, not willing to go to sleep. I think we are done with naps, at least until summer and we are outside more. Despite being somewhat irritated, Noah is the sweetest thing I ever created. Yup. It's true. Sweetest thing ever... and five points to prove it.

1. Noah loves temples. He gets very excited whenever we see a temple driving anywhere on I-15 and he sees one. Lucky for him, on some drives, that means he gets to see six. Aren't we so lucky to live so close to the temples? He loves pictures of the temples, too. He loves the little pass along cards that are published by the church and carries them around and says, "Look, Mom! The Temple!" His enthusiasm for the temple is absolutely amazing and I have no idea where it came from. It is just as though somewhere deep inside he knows about the wonderful and special things that happen at the temple. It is very special and my words are not doing this justice at all. Now, when he sees a temple, he wants to sing, "I Love to See the Temple." Priceless.

2. Speaking of singing, my little guy loves to sing. He sings everything. This week, besides "I Love to See the Temple" his favorite songs to sing are "Rock a bye baby," "Happy Birthday to You," and "ABC's." It amazes me how many songs he knows. The other day when we were in the car he started singing along with Lady A. So funny to hear him sing, "... all alone and I need you now-ow-ow." Love it! Expect to hear more from him as he loves, loves, loves to sing.

3. Second to singing, he loves to dance. He will come into my bedroom and ask me to turn on the radio and start dancing to whatever is on. He especially loves to dance to hip-hop style stuff, on the bed with his arms flailing! I'm not an expert on hip-hop, but Jocelyn says he has some pretty good moves!

4. Loves to say, "I wuv you." And it makes me feel so loved, too. He rubs my arm and leans his head in and says so sweetly, "I wuv you, Mom." He has also been telling me lately, "Mom, I wuv Topper boy."

5. And last but not least, to prove how sweet he is... while I was getting the kids ready for church on Sunday, I put Emma (in her dress) up on the counter to comb her hair. Noah said, "Oh, look, Mom! Emma is a princess!"

So that's it. Proof that my boy is the sweetest thing ever!!

I haven't taken very many pictures lately. Not sure why. Just haven't busted out the camera. So when I did, to load pictures onto my mom's blog, I found some oldies. And some of them are pretty funny.

This is our new little dog and Noah. Noah calls him Topper, his name is Copper. Luke and Emma at Hardware Ranch.

Emma and Noah like to clean sometimes. This day, they decided to scrub my antique steamer trunk.

Rockin' the close-ups.

Nobody holds a candle to me in my red high heels.

I just wanted to post a update on my latest painting. This painting was supposed to be done for Christmas for Megan's sister and brother-in-law but I tend to be a slacker and didn't get it finished until just recently. The bad thing is that they live in Arizona and they forgot to take the painting home with them when they were just up here. Oh well, it is what it is! Anyway, this is the 4th painting I've done. I need to start painting more. It helps me relax at nights after the police academy. Enjoy!

Girls... Getaway!

Hey Girls! Wanna get away? Take a girl's trip to New York City! Call your sisters, mom and girlfriends and let's plan! Click on these pics for more information. Call me or comment if you have any questions.

I remembered!

Okay, so I remembered two of the funny things Noah did.

After I put the kids to bed, Luke and I decided to watch a movie. I kept hearing a funny noise, so I kept making Luke mute the movie. In the silence, we heard nothing. But when watching the movie, I would hear the noise again. I went on a walkabout the house to find the noise and discovered it was Noah. He was singing to himself! The best part? He was singing 'Happy Birthday To You!' So sweet.

Another night, the dogs started dancing while we were eating dinner. I got up from the table to take them out and left Noah and Emma at the table. As I was about to walk out the door Noah said, "Mom! Sit down and eat your dinner!" Yep. He's learning young that we sit when we eat. What a cutie!

Ramblings

When I think about blogging I get overwhelmed because I think of all of events of life that have gone un-documented. So instead, I decided to just skip it and start anew as if I have documented the last eight weeks of our lives perfectly. I may mention a few things that have come and gone. Just pretend you know what I'm talking about and ask questions if so inclined :).

I thought I would include a funny thing that Noah did the other day and for the life of me, I can't remember just now what it was. Maybe it will come to me as I ramble on about... whatever... I have spent my time mostly running like a chicken with my head cut off trying to fit in taking care of home, kids, husband, pets and working. My day should begin sooner to accomplish it all but I am a sleepy sort of person. I work for two hours during what I call, "quiet time" and then after the kids go to bed. This is another quiet time as Luke is still at school until about 10 pm. It is wonderful to have the extra money and use my skills I acquired at school and in life, but it is absolutely amazing how much a house can fall behind when you take four hours out of a day!

These are the times that I wish to have the boundless energy of my sister, Melanie. She has four kids, a small farm (so, like, 20 more pets), a work at home job and a police officer husband. Yet she manages it all with a frenzy and still have a good chat with at least 1 of her siblings and my mom, everyday! Plus, she looks fabulous doing it. At least, every time I see her which is about every six months! Hehe. Can't have a blog without a picture two blogs in a row, so here is out latest sister pic. Melanie is on my right, Mich on my left.


Luke finishes POST in a couple of short months and we search and pray for a job every day. We really, really, really don't want to move having just done it, so we are hoping for an agency in the near vicinity to hire him. But we both say that we will move if necessary. Can't think about that, it makes me tired!

The kids are wonderful. They really are wonderful kids. And most of the time, so well behaved. We are really struggling right now with Emma. She is at that rough stage where she knows what she wants but can't quite verbalize it. And don't tell me to try teaching sign!!! I have tried with that girl and she just tilts her head to one side and smiles. A smile so sweet you have to visit the dentist later. The other day, I was trying for the bizillionth time to teach her 'more' and she just looked at me and said, "More?" Tada. Same thing happened with Noah. They don't give a hoot about signing. Noah went through this same stage and so the fabulous thing is that I know there is an end to the squealing. I just hope it comes sooner than later.

Still can't remember the funny thing Noah did. Well, as the dryer has just buzzed, I will sign off and it will come to me at midnight right as my eyelids close. Maybe I will be just crazy enough to blog twice in one day.

Neglect

Dear blog, blog readers, other blogs I read,

Many apologies for neglecting y'all. It's been more than busy for more than six weeks.

December... moved amidst Christmas.
December - January... went to Arizona for a week.
January... unpacking, organizing, cleaning, dejunking, started POST, started working from home, fostering a dog, potty training said dog, attempting to potty train Noah, attempting to wean Emma from a bottle, attempting to get Emma to sleep through the night.

Life is hectic. Life is good. Stay tuned. 2010 is going to rock.

Love,

Luke, Megan, Noah, Emma, Sahara and Copper