Fair Day and hounds

I actually had a FUN mom day and took the kids to the fair this year--all by myself! We had a blast! Ashley surprised me--she's much more fearless than I expected. Had she been a few inches taller, she would have riden with the bravest! This is the first year Steven was tall enough to ride anything he wanted (and the first year he's had a wrist band). He simply couldn't get around to everything fast enough! Avery thought she was in Disneyland! Gage enjoyed his ride in the back pack and watching all the action! Sure was fun to see them all so happy! Brought back fun memories for me of the Eastern Idaho State Fair--something my family looked forward to every year! I anticipated the food most of all--since carnival rides have always made me ill. So, why is it that I only allowed my children to have a snowcone? ONE snow cone--all five of us shared it! It's a lot different being on the parenting end of the food and fun. We had a great day!

I think Gage's fascination with animals is hilarious! However, it could get him into a world of hurt! Good thing the dog was friendly--and yes, I did ask before I let him near. This was taken at the Johnson Family Reunion in Jerome a few months ago.

Gage--officially a year old!

Since we finally celebrated with a cake and small family party, I guess I have to admit that Gage is a year old. (Actually 15 months--his actual birth date is July 23rd) At our house, if there is no cake, then there is no birthday!

It's been a fun year with Gage around. Steven and Ashley remind me often how happy they are to have another baby at our house. How very much we love him!

Mission Farewells

We spent Labor Day Weekend in Logan, Utah for the mission farewell of Jessica and Daniel Edwards (Our niece and nephew--bottom left, pictured with Grandpa Daniel) Jessica is serving in Chile and Daniel in Guatemala. They entered the MTC on the same day (talk about a tear jerker!) It was a great weekend with family. We kept grandkids busy forming human pyramids, alphabet letters, other shapes, and of course enjoyed LOTS of food! The Daniel clan are always 'game' for a good party. We look forward to hearing experiences from the mission field!

(Upper Right photo--Avery thought it was fun to perform wearing Aunt Sherry's headphones...don't they look a bit out dated?) Ha Ha!

Ever Tried This?

In case you're wondering, we still haven't finished our bathroom remodels. We removed the wallpaper border preparing to prime the walls and discovered a problem--the last layer of paint had not bonded to the wall correctly. Soooo, we've had to peel it off, one piece at a time! If you soak a small area with a wet sponge and let it sit five minutes or so, the paint will soften (it's water-base paint) and you can peel it away! Sounds like fun huh? My kids thought so. It was a fabulous way to keep little fingers busy for a few hours! But, the fun only lasts so long. The tough spots are still clinging--and we aren't very willing to get back at it. It makes quite a mess. So, we just keep the door closed and pretend it isn't there. Some day--right?

McCall, Idaho

We've spent a weekend in McCall each Fall for the last several years. It's something the kids look forward to every year. These are a few glimpes of visits past and present.

(It's been two and a half hours since I began this post. Obviously this isn't something I find easy to do--but I'm getting through it.....trying not to sink into "technical despair.")

Hey, look at that! I figured out how to change font color! I'm so excited!

We had a great time in McCall last weekend. The kids swam five times in two days--definitely the highlight of the trip. The girls enjoyed watching Barbie and the Diamond Castle--something they've been anxiously waiting to do. Steven chose to watch Nim's Island--but fell asleep half way through. Too much swimming I guess! Gage was happier than ever--almost giddy! He ran around the condo sqealing and laughing most of the time.

Mint Chocolate Chip Icecream

I keep viewing the cutest blogs! It's so much fun! Way to go you creative gals! I'd like to change the look of my own, but Ashley would be broken hearted--she loves this one because it looks like mint chocolate chip icecream. Doesn't that sound delicious?

I had to hire a babysitter for this morning (5:25 am) so I could teach at the gym. I think I paid the babysitter more than I actually made teaching class. Gripe! Oh, well. Atleast I got in a work out today...something that doesn't always happen when Ryan is out of town. He should be home again tomorrow evening. This is a short post. I've got LOTS to do.

I am: A wife, mother, friend, daughter
I think: I worry too much
I know: How to make yummy cinnamon rolls
I want: To be a better mom
I dislike: Watching television
I miss: My Grandma Bingham
I fear: Failure and alzheimers
I feel: Buried in piles of things to do and unrealistic expectations
I hear: Nothing--that can't be good, three of my children are here!
I smell: Downy fresh laundry
I crave: Sweet potatoes (can't wait for Thanksgiving!)
I cry: Rarely
I search: Yard sales for great deals
I wonder: How my children will 'turn out'
I regret: Selling our property in Wyoming
I love: My family and all babies!
I care: Too much about having a clean house
I always: Brush my teeth
I worry: About the mistakes I make as a mother
I am not: Very organized
I remember: Few details about anything--thus my fear of alzheimers
I believe: In hard work
I dance: Are you kidding? I have no rhythm.
I sing: For family home evening and in Sacrament meeting (sometimes)
I don’t always: Eat right
I argue: Seldom. Well, maybe I 'argue' with my kids
I write: Over a hundred Christmas cards every year
I win: Hmmm.
I lose: When I try to reason with Avery (it can't be done)
I wish: I were more intelligent
I listen: To a variety of music. It used to be only country
I don't understand: Computers (or anything technical)
I can usually be found: In the kitchen or at the gym
I am scared: Of not being good enough
I need: To serve more
I forget: To take Steven to Scouts (3 weeks running now)
I am happy: With my life