Peaches, Peaches!

A few weeks ago we took the kids peach picking at the church orchards in Caldwell, ID. They loved it! Avery thought the green and yellow peaches were best. Gage just liked the ladders. Ashley was very particular with her selections and careful with the fruit. Steven was very brave--climbing as high as he could go! You may pick for service and then are allowed to purchase the fruit at great prices. We came home with a few bushels of peaches. They have been delicious! I bottled 14 quarts of them this year (which is a miracle considering last years' experience and nearly swearing off canning forever) I realize 14 quarts is a meager attempt at homemaking- but I'm proud of it! Next year, perhaps I will attempt 20! Ha Ha. Fresh peach pie was delicious too! My good friend Cheri came over during a BSU football game to make pie with me. The 'boys' watched the game and we made pie--to each his own! I miss having the fresh fruit around--but I don't miss the fruit flies!

Here are a few 'in the middle' photos of our ongoing project. Of course I didn't take any 'before' pictures of the bathrooms--remember, I'm the mom who still hasn't taken the first day of school snap shots. I guess these will have to do. I plan on posting an 'after' picture when everything is complete. I can't wait! Our good friend Tom Nate came from Blackfoot to help us out. In fact, he did the whole thing (all the tile and plumbing). We still need to seal the tile, remove the wallpaper border, paint, install cabinets, and replace the lighting. Ryan can't wait to shower without having to duck under the shower head--we've never lived where a shower head was high enough for him. Also pictured is "Aunt Lori". She joined her hubby the last evening and helped him finish up. She also made these cute hair clips with my girls. They wear them every day! Thanks guys! We celebrated our 12th anniversary on the 21st of September. Ryan had tickets for the Boise State Football game in Eugene, OR that weekend. I must admit, a football game was not on the top of my list of favorite things to do. However, I am flattered that my husband still invites me to attend--I know more than a handful of others who would have 'sold their birth rites' to go! I still get 'flack' for turning down free tickets and airfare to the Fiesta Bowl two years ago. I know, I know--what was I thinking? I had a great day in Eugene with my husband (and friends). It was fun to get away and enjoy something together. The game was fantastic...a bit nail biting and loud, but isn't that what makes it fun? (Especially when you WIN! Go Boise State!) We arrived at the airport a few minutes before the team. They passed through security just behind us. It was exciting to be 'so close'. Ha Ha! Thanks to Tyson and Amber for watching the kids and cleaning the house!

What should I do next?

It's nearing ten o'clock. I think all of the kiddos are asleep. Ryan started a new five week course tonight. I'm sure he'll go back to work to study and get caught up (if that's possible). Whatever shall I do? I don't think I've even 'cracked open' the day's to-do list. (Who am I kidding--I don't even make those any more!) I could fold the mound of clothes behind me or put away the piles I folded several days ago. I could empty the dishwasher and make room for the next wash (patiently waiting all over my counter tops). I could sweep and mop--again. I could start sealing the tile and grout; scrub the dutch oven on the back porch (it's been there for a week now); or do something domestic with our daily harvest. Writing thank you notes would be appreciated as would a letter to our missionaries. I ought to work on my upcoming lesson or tear down the wallpaper in the bathroom and nursery. I still haven't cleaned Ryan's office. The van needs a good wash and the garage is a disaster! I don't know when I last shaved my legs! Ha. It truly isn't possible to get it all done, is it? Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. I seriously need to find a better balance. Perhaps that is something we attempt to do all the days of our lives but never really accomplish. I do have some fun things to post, but I'm falling asleep as I type. I'll keep you in suspense another day--Ha Ha.

Belated Occassions

You know the special sections in the card isles for belated birthdays, graduations, holidays, and other occassions? Well, they were made especially for people like me. Gage had his first birthday a month and a half ago. We still haven't celebrated, taken pictures, wrapped a gift, or gobbled down a morsel of cake. Did school start in Boise? (You might have cause to wonder )Yes, that was two weeks ago. I haven't taken the 'first day of school' photos either. My children are fed, however (daily, I promise!) I'm pretty sure they've been going to school in clean clothes (underwear included), we're gettting most of the daily homework done, the piano practiced, and I've even volunteered in the classroom already! I love to do that!

Ashley was more than ready for her first day of kindergarten. No reservations whatsoever! She marched right in the classroom, found her place and anxiously awaited for instruction. Didn't even look up to say goodbye! When I picked her up after class, her head and shoulders were slumped over and she didn't look very happy. Upon asking how the day went, she replied: "This just isn't working out for me. All they have in there are toys for babies! The only thing I liked was the pladoh!" So, there you have it. The first day of kindergarten--sorely disappointing. She has perked up a bit since then (it took all of ten minutes). Besides, music class and P.E. are really cool, and Mrs. Makaafi knows some pretty neat stuff! I think we're going to be okay.

Steven (3rd grade) seems to go with the flow. Whatever works. Peace (you know). I think he would like any teacher, but Mrs. Cox is perfect for him. She is very straightforward with expectations, etc. Third grade is where the 'rubber hits the pavement' so to speak. I think we'll do alright if we can keep him (Steven) focused. Is that a problem for other eight year old boys? He just had his first football game on Saturday. It was great fun! He's actually 'getting' it this year! Last year, it was all about the treats, trophy, and getting to wear a cool uniform. This year he's pulling flags, memorizing plays, and actually has a hustle in his step! Shew! (Now, if we could incorporate the hustle at home--chores, getting ready for school, etc.--it would be FAB!)

We are housing Tyson and Ambers' piano while they try to sell their home in Caldwell and find a new place to live in Kimberly. Steven will actually have some real ivory to practice on! Hurray! We shuffled furniture around to make it fit. All of the kids enjoy the 'new' piece of furniture and the noise it makes. Gage inparticular. I suppose the novelty of it will wear off soon. Steven begins another season of lessons this Thursday. He remembers more than I thought he would after a long summer of sporatic practicing.

So, our garden has produced very well this year. I haven't been able to keep up with it. Out of literally hundreds of cucumbers, I've bottled just one batch of pickles. Just one batch of zuchhini relish as well. I have several dozen tomatoes waiting for some TLC. Gage loves them---squishing them that is. Gross! I hope to get some chili sauce made this year. Kudos to those of you who manage to bottle, and bottle, and bottle. Sigh. Just writing about it wears me out!

I have been teaching at a local athletic club for about four months--subbing a variety of classes until last week. I officially have my own two classes (step and strength, and a cardio interval class) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings! I still get very nervous to teach, but I love it! Besides, now I get paid to work out. How cool is that?

I've been 'tagged' to post six quirky things about myself. Haven't forgotten. I'm just glad I'm posting at all! (you'll understand when I post some of those quirks)