{1} The boys & I have been turning in cans & bottles ... and recycling as much as we possibly can. This week has been a bit over the top. {in a good way}
but ... I'm so very, very thankful that today at 4:06 ... when I get into my car after a good day in room 1 ... that my car will not smell like a brewery or refried beans any more.
{2} It's my nephew Derrek's birthday today. He's {2}. I love {2}.
February has been, and continues to be, a busy birthday month. My cousin Brooke, my papa Sundberg, Clint, a couple of important Presidents, Karl, Blair, my husband, Derrek, Jeannie, my mom, Landon ... just to name a few. I love birthdays. Mainly because in my opinion, people don't get celebrated enough & I love to celebrate people.
{3} Mack is in this {I mad mommy} stage. I'm not enjoying it one bit. In fact, I don't think any of us are {including Mack himself}. If only I could convince him to say {I happy mommy} instead.
Mason has been making his bed almost every morning since we've moved into our new home. {I'm praying that habit never wears off ... and I'm thinking his future college roommate might appreciate it too}
Ian {and our herd of cows} have found themselves wrapping up another pretty successful calving season. Several twins, only 1 C-Section, and mild winter weather = happy cows, cute babies & a happy cattleman.
I am really missing Bama. I keep finding cards and notes she sent to us over the years, and I'm just missing her.
February 25, 2010
missing Mason.
President's Day weekend Mason took a road trip.
He enjoyed a Valentine celebration at school, jumped in the car with Mimzy, Leslie & Morgan ... and then headed west to the beach for a long weekend.
I'm not certain of all of the details of the trip, but it's a guarantee that it was a fun-filled adventure for all ... and that the sales of certain items at McDonald's went up along I-84.
.............................
Beach trips.
Shorepine.
Dune grass & picnics.
Baseball.
Scooters.
Clams.
... and for Mason ... embracing a whole lot of pink for a weekend too.
I guess it was Valentine's Day. {grin}
Thanks Papa George and Mimzy ... Mason's still talking about it!
And somehow we managed to survive the long weekend with only one boy at home and extra amounts of {peace and quiet}.
Now how is that possible?!
He enjoyed a Valentine celebration at school, jumped in the car with Mimzy, Leslie & Morgan ... and then headed west to the beach for a long weekend.
I'm not certain of all of the details of the trip, but it's a guarantee that it was a fun-filled adventure for all ... and that the sales of certain items at McDonald's went up along I-84.
.............................
Beach trips.
Shorepine.
Dune grass & picnics.
Baseball.
Scooters.
Clams.
... and for Mason ... embracing a whole lot of pink for a weekend too.
I guess it was Valentine's Day. {grin}
Thanks Papa George and Mimzy ... Mason's still talking about it!
And somehow we managed to survive the long weekend with only one boy at home and extra amounts of {peace and quiet}.
Now how is that possible?!
February 24, 2010
February 23, 2010
blurry.
Sometimes the best moments in life are blurry.
Not focused.
Rushed.
And then gone.
They're moments captured in your mind ... and maybe even on your memory card if you're lucky ... that aren't perfect in any way, shape, or form.
The lighting is off.
The focus is on a clod of dirt instead of the smile.
Or it's just totally {wrong}.
But you've done all you can do to catch a glimpse of that {moment} you don't want to forget.
The sad part is {and reality for me today} that sometimes I forget how important it is to take the focus off of me ... and what a {blurry} picture might do to my image ... to simply capture that moment I don't want to miss.
................................
You know what moments I'm talking about don't you?!
They're the moments that are rarely posted on any blog or album.
They're the moments that aren't framed or hung on your wall.
Truth be told, they ARE the moments that make up {most} of your life ... and not just the parts or pieces you want others to see.
.......................
I like to take pictures.
I like to write.
I like to read your comments.
And sometimes ....
worrying about the quality of the picture ... or questioning whether or not it's {good enough}
to click on {publish post} ... well ...
it's not worth it.
.............................
Life isn't meant to be focused all the time ... because if it was, we wouldn't recognize {blurry} if we saw it.
February 22, 2010
alive. {and living well}
101. McTeacher's night and another year of {lovin’ it} with my co-workers.
102. Notes to applaud, encourage and thank.
103. Homemade Peanut Butter.
104. Perfect wiener wraps and unexpected conversation.
105. A prayer warrior and his mama … and a Wal-Mart shopping cart with a purse still in it.
106. A freezer full of hamburger.
107. Several birthdays & friends to share them with.
108. Cell phones and laughter. Uncontrollable laughter.
109. Sunshine and a scrapbook.
110. Live music & a bottle of local wine.
111. Electricity & a power company that can restore it when it vanishes without warning.
112. A camera with a history of so much in its short little life.
113. A Sunday picnic on the deck with a view that is indescribable.
115. New storage devices and the comfort they give to know everything is backed up. Twice.
116. A boy and a bummer calf that both seem to be growing by the hour.
117. Light. So many, many shades of beautiful light.
118. A forgiving little fire-fighter and his smile that melts any frustration I could possibly have. {most of the time}
102. Notes to applaud, encourage and thank.
103. Homemade Peanut Butter.
104. Perfect wiener wraps and unexpected conversation.
105. A prayer warrior and his mama … and a Wal-Mart shopping cart with a purse still in it.
106. A freezer full of hamburger.
107. Several birthdays & friends to share them with.
108. Cell phones and laughter. Uncontrollable laughter.
109. Sunshine and a scrapbook.
110. Live music & a bottle of local wine.
111. Electricity & a power company that can restore it when it vanishes without warning.
112. A camera with a history of so much in its short little life.
113. A Sunday picnic on the deck with a view that is indescribable.
115. New storage devices and the comfort they give to know everything is backed up. Twice.
116. A boy and a bummer calf that both seem to be growing by the hour.
117. Light. So many, many shades of beautiful light.
118. A forgiving little fire-fighter and his smile that melts any frustration I could possibly have. {most of the time}
119. A birthday of the one I love most ... and another opportunity to celebrate him!
................................February 19, 2010
hot-wire rolling ... at its finest.
His contraption.
1 gas powered motor.
2 rims to wrap wire around.
1 handle to control the speed and the turning of the rims.
Miles and miles of hot wire.
........................
Ian made this contraption.
And I've never loved anything so much.
Well, maybe not {anything} ... but I really do {adore} it.
Why do I love a hot-wire roller contraption/thingamajig so much you ask?
Well ... I no longer have to crank a pole or walk for miles ... instead ... all I have to do is watch it work and take pictures.
Now who wouldn't love that?!
And yes - my husband does smile.
Really.
I'm thinking he just doesn't want to be caught looking at the camera.
Or maybe he thinks if he looks at me, he'd be admiting he really does like my love of taking pictures.
Either way, he's mostly stubborn. {grin}
Go figure.
1 gas powered motor.
2 rims to wrap wire around.
1 handle to control the speed and the turning of the rims.
Miles and miles of hot wire.
........................
Ian made this contraption.
And I've never loved anything so much.
Well, maybe not {anything} ... but I really do {adore} it.
Why do I love a hot-wire roller contraption/thingamajig so much you ask?
Well ... I no longer have to crank a pole or walk for miles ... instead ... all I have to do is watch it work and take pictures.
Now who wouldn't love that?!
And yes - my husband does smile.
Really.
I'm thinking he just doesn't want to be caught looking at the camera.
Or maybe he thinks if he looks at me, he'd be admiting he really does like my love of taking pictures.
Either way, he's mostly stubborn. {grin}
Go figure.
cooking with {hearts}
The 1/2 of a cake we couldn't leave the preschool auction without. Thanks Kriss :)
Oatmeal with craisins ... one of our favorite breakfast dishes.
And pumpkin pie. Who says you can't have pumpkin pie in February? Not us.
What's your favorite thing to cook/make with hearts?
Oatmeal with craisins ... one of our favorite breakfast dishes.
And pumpkin pie. Who says you can't have pumpkin pie in February? Not us.
What's your favorite thing to cook/make with hearts?
February 18, 2010
February 17, 2010
a good book {or four}
I’ve always been a reader.
Historical fiction has always been my favorite.
The year I did my student teaching I lived with my cooperating teacher and her husband.
They lived on a farm about 25 miles from town.
I had been good friends with their boys at college, and somehow found myself on their back porch with Rubbermaid totes in hand during my senior year – ready to tackle the world & even a classroom or two.
Our rides to and from school each day, were filled with priceless conversations, prayers and laughter.
Judy and I became fast friends, and although many years separated us in age, our love of life, Christ, family, education, and community made us almost identical.
It was just the beginning of the training God knew I needed years to come.
I learned to shop in bulk.
I learned to enjoy cooking in large quantities.
I learned how to serve on committees and serve well.
I learned how to teach.
I learned how to live out of town.
I learned how to be the wife of a farmer/rancher.
Those months I lived with them also brought my love of reading alive in a new way.
Judy would drive to and from school and I would read aloud.
And during those few months where our lives were intertwined, we finished a series of books that I know both us of think of often.
We’d sit in the parking lot at school and finish the chapter we were on – even if it meant that we were late … and often pulled into the driveway at home and read by the light in the car.
We didn’t take them in the house.
We weren’t in a rush to finish, but oh how we looked forward to the next morning or evening.
That series … those months … they took us away to a different time, and gave us a unique bonding experience as well.
My student teaching experience didn’t just teach me about the world of education.
It opened my eyes to a world of rural living that I’ve grown to love.
A world of giving much, and in return, receiving abundant amounts of blessings and love.
..............................
I just finished re-reading the series this past weekend.
It did my heart such good to read the 4 books again.
Books where the characters sought after God’s heart.
Stories where love wasn’t superficial or misguided.
Characters that I found myself relating to and wanting to be friends with … hundreds of years later.
Families that helped each other and church members that spurred one another toward God’s best.
A time where miles didn’t inconvenience anyone and letter writing proved to be a gift in itself.
..............................
12 years have passed since I read that series in the car with Judy.
During the 7 years after my student teaching year, I continued to teach 1st grade right next door to her.
And honestly, the past 5years {since she retired} just haven’t been the same.
I called her Monday night – just to visit.
I didn’t need anything.
There was no agenda.
It was a call to simply remember the past and smile at the thought of how much those books meant to both of us.
................................
Someday, I hope and pray that I get to share a similar experience with a future teacher because honestly, there is nothing quite like it in the world.
Nothing at all.
And if you were curious ... the series we read was the Rocky Mountains Memories Series by Lori Wick ... an adult version of Little House on the Prairie. {grin}
Historical fiction has always been my favorite.
The year I did my student teaching I lived with my cooperating teacher and her husband.
They lived on a farm about 25 miles from town.
I had been good friends with their boys at college, and somehow found myself on their back porch with Rubbermaid totes in hand during my senior year – ready to tackle the world & even a classroom or two.
Our rides to and from school each day, were filled with priceless conversations, prayers and laughter.
Judy and I became fast friends, and although many years separated us in age, our love of life, Christ, family, education, and community made us almost identical.
It was just the beginning of the training God knew I needed years to come.
I learned to shop in bulk.
I learned to enjoy cooking in large quantities.
I learned how to serve on committees and serve well.
I learned how to teach.
I learned how to live out of town.
I learned how to be the wife of a farmer/rancher.
Those months I lived with them also brought my love of reading alive in a new way.
Judy would drive to and from school and I would read aloud.
And during those few months where our lives were intertwined, we finished a series of books that I know both us of think of often.
We’d sit in the parking lot at school and finish the chapter we were on – even if it meant that we were late … and often pulled into the driveway at home and read by the light in the car.
We didn’t take them in the house.
We weren’t in a rush to finish, but oh how we looked forward to the next morning or evening.
That series … those months … they took us away to a different time, and gave us a unique bonding experience as well.
My student teaching experience didn’t just teach me about the world of education.
It opened my eyes to a world of rural living that I’ve grown to love.
A world of giving much, and in return, receiving abundant amounts of blessings and love.
..............................
I just finished re-reading the series this past weekend.
It did my heart such good to read the 4 books again.
Books where the characters sought after God’s heart.
Stories where love wasn’t superficial or misguided.
Characters that I found myself relating to and wanting to be friends with … hundreds of years later.
Families that helped each other and church members that spurred one another toward God’s best.
A time where miles didn’t inconvenience anyone and letter writing proved to be a gift in itself.
..............................
12 years have passed since I read that series in the car with Judy.
During the 7 years after my student teaching year, I continued to teach 1st grade right next door to her.
And honestly, the past 5years {since she retired} just haven’t been the same.
I called her Monday night – just to visit.
I didn’t need anything.
There was no agenda.
It was a call to simply remember the past and smile at the thought of how much those books meant to both of us.
................................
Someday, I hope and pray that I get to share a similar experience with a future teacher because honestly, there is nothing quite like it in the world.
Nothing at all.
And if you were curious ... the series we read was the Rocky Mountains Memories Series by Lori Wick ... an adult version of Little House on the Prairie. {grin}
February 15, 2010
much ado about everything.
{72- 87 were supposed to be posted on Monday, February 8th} ... better late than never.
72. dinner and dessert brought out from town by friends.
73. dipped pretzels and sprinkles.
74. a good book on a foggy, gray day.
75. Valentine's that make Mason grin from ear to ear.
76. coupons, menu planning, and a kitchen to cook in.
77. a birthday party.
78. a Sunday afternoon nap.
79. co-workers that know you {inside and out} and love you just the same.
80. stationary.
81. popping popcorn and watching Dennis the Menace.
82. tears that stick.
83. a boy and his horse.
84. new babies and a mean mama ... and the laughter my husband and I shared.
85. real mail for Mason ... and Mack!
86. Fireproof.
87. forgiveness.
...................................................
88. quiet
89. boxes and boxes and boxes of chocolate
90. coupons worth so much ... and the opportunity to use them.
91. a basement to unbox & the joy it brought to sit on Bama's couch and look through treasures.
92. hot-wire, rain boots, and a heater.
93. pie crust, pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes ... and a family to share it with.
94. our view. our spectacular view.
95. deliveries from friends.
96. a boy home from the beach.
97. a happy, smiling husband.
98. valentines & special envelopes.
99. honest, real and sincere phone conversations across the miles.
100. love.
....................................
We're still settling in.
Finding out how we work and live and love at our new home.
Praying you're finding ways in your world to enjoy life to the fullest as well.
....................................
** I had so many pictures to share with you ... but left my card reader at home.
oh well - I guess it will give you one more reason to come back here tomorrow :)
February 14, 2010
Laughter. Lollipops. & {LOVE}
From our family to yours ... Happy Valentine's Day!!
And thank you to definingdetails.com for the pictures!
February 12, 2010
Chapter 571,432.
Not that I actually have any idea what chapter I'm on in this thing called life, but it has to be a pretty big number.
Or maybe not.
Either way.
It's a new chapter today.
...................................
I arrived home to a clean house and rested boys last night. Thanks Mimzy.
A few chores needed to be done and a new baby had arrived. We all headed out the door.
Ian was close to Pullman and couldn't seem to get there fast enough.
Clash - his roping horse - was with him ... headed to the WSU vet hospital for surgery.
The boys and I finished chores,ate tacos for dinner, and then had a piece of the half of a cake I purchased at the pre-school cake auction from the actual buyer. Mason was an absolute mess that I didn't buy the one he had his eye on Wednesday night ... and the wonderful people that paid for it ended up cutting it down the middle so we could at least have half.
He's one loved boy.
The boys and I laid on the couch, read books and watched The Little Bear movie for about the 59th time. I still love it ... and so do they.
Ian called around 9. Clash was gone.
Chapter closed.
....................................
Things happen every day.
You sit at stop lights and wait and then quietly move forward as the light turns green.
You pay bills.
You drive to and from work or school or maybe just the store.
You watch the same programs you watched the week before.
You open your email.
You make a few phone calls.
You eat.
You sleep.
And all of that {stuff} that you get to do every single day ... day after day after day ...
it happens because you're alive.
Alive. Living. Breathing.
and waiting as your story is being written and told.
People are reading along.
Some are watching from a distance.
They're cheering you on.
And they're pulling for you to inch your way closer to that amazing event they just know is around the next corner.
Or the next chapter.
...............................
So here's to chapter 571,432.
It's going to be a good one.
Because even when rough things happen, and we feel like it may be the end ...
Turns out, it's not.
{goodness} ... {mercy} ... and a whole lot of {grace}
are right around the corner.
Or maybe not.
Either way.
It's a new chapter today.
...................................
I arrived home to a clean house and rested boys last night. Thanks Mimzy.
A few chores needed to be done and a new baby had arrived. We all headed out the door.
Ian was close to Pullman and couldn't seem to get there fast enough.
Clash - his roping horse - was with him ... headed to the WSU vet hospital for surgery.
The boys and I finished chores,ate tacos for dinner, and then had a piece of the half of a cake I purchased at the pre-school cake auction from the actual buyer. Mason was an absolute mess that I didn't buy the one he had his eye on Wednesday night ... and the wonderful people that paid for it ended up cutting it down the middle so we could at least have half.
He's one loved boy.
The boys and I laid on the couch, read books and watched The Little Bear movie for about the 59th time. I still love it ... and so do they.
Ian called around 9. Clash was gone.
Chapter closed.
....................................
Things happen every day.
You sit at stop lights and wait and then quietly move forward as the light turns green.
You pay bills.
You drive to and from work or school or maybe just the store.
You watch the same programs you watched the week before.
You open your email.
You make a few phone calls.
You eat.
You sleep.
And all of that {stuff} that you get to do every single day ... day after day after day ...
it happens because you're alive.
Alive. Living. Breathing.
and waiting as your story is being written and told.
People are reading along.
Some are watching from a distance.
They're cheering you on.
And they're pulling for you to inch your way closer to that amazing event they just know is around the next corner.
Or the next chapter.
...............................
So here's to chapter 571,432.
It's going to be a good one.
Because even when rough things happen, and we feel like it may be the end ...
Turns out, it's not.
{goodness} ... {mercy} ... and a whole lot of {grace}
are right around the corner.
February 11, 2010
Not hard to believe.
I'm not so good at communicating clearly all the time.
I have high expectations.
I am not always as kind as I should be.
I sometimes wish I could rewind what comes out of my mouth.
I wear my heart on my sleeve.
I'm emotional.
.......................
Not hard to believe.
......................
I've had a rough couple of days.
A lot coming at me and instead of just coming by for a visit ... the {stuff} has made it's way into my thoughts throughout the day.
Tough conversations.
Tears.
Anxiety.
Love.
......................
Not hard to believe.
......................
I'm in the profession of educating children.
And just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean I'm perfect.
Far from it.
Teacher = Life Long Learner.
That's me.
Still learning.
And far from mastering the art of educating anything or anyone.
.........................................
Not hard to believe.
.........................................
I'm going to ride this little storm out.
I've set my sail high and am looking for smooth waters.
I'm going to learn from this chapter in my story and move forward.
Sometimes a chapter is years long.
Sometimes it's a day.
This chapter I'm in right now has been two days long ... and Lord willing, is coming to a close tonight.
I'm ready for a new chapter.
...................................
And these boys of mine ...
Well ... I love every inch of them.
Tears.
Torn jeans.
Chapped lips.
Eyelashes a mile long.
Silly smiles.
And so much more.
Yep.
Every inch.
...........................
Not hard to believe.
I have high expectations.
I am not always as kind as I should be.
I sometimes wish I could rewind what comes out of my mouth.
I wear my heart on my sleeve.
I'm emotional.
.......................
Not hard to believe.
......................
I've had a rough couple of days.
A lot coming at me and instead of just coming by for a visit ... the {stuff} has made it's way into my thoughts throughout the day.
Tough conversations.
Tears.
Anxiety.
Love.
......................
Not hard to believe.
......................
I'm in the profession of educating children.
And just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean I'm perfect.
Far from it.
Teacher = Life Long Learner.
That's me.
Still learning.
And far from mastering the art of educating anything or anyone.
.........................................
Not hard to believe.
.........................................
I'm going to ride this little storm out.
I've set my sail high and am looking for smooth waters.
I'm going to learn from this chapter in my story and move forward.
Sometimes a chapter is years long.
Sometimes it's a day.
This chapter I'm in right now has been two days long ... and Lord willing, is coming to a close tonight.
I'm ready for a new chapter.
...................................
And these boys of mine ...
Well ... I love every inch of them.
Tears.
Torn jeans.
Chapped lips.
Eyelashes a mile long.
Silly smiles.
And so much more.
Yep.
Every inch.
...........................
Not hard to believe.
February 10, 2010
Quiet. {but not silent}
How is it that life goes by ... one day at a time ... and suddenly you realize that another month is here or that it's almost Friday {again}?
How is it that I've not put a single post up for an entire week?
How is it that so many good things ... and a few rough things too ... have happened during the past month and week ... and yet the date on my top blog post doesn't change?
...........................
Things have been quiet.
But not silent.
Kind of like the past few weeks with God.
Quiet.
Reflective.
Thoughtful.
But not silent.
.............................
He's not silent.
He whispers.
He touches.
He shows.
He demonstrates.
He loves.
...............................
I'm learning about being a ranch wife all over again.
One that isn't close to the store or a neighbor.
One who's family has chosen to live without satellite television and Internet for a while.
One who drives 25 miles to and from work every day.
One who has a ton of little errands to run almost every day, but about 3 stops into it decides that the crying and tired eyes have {home} written all over them.
One who plans meals weeks at a time, and loves that {eating out} is a special treat.
One who has enjoyed re-reading books that haven't been read for a few years. Lori Wick is still one of my favorite Christian fiction authors.
One who has started reading Farmer Boy to her oldest son at night.
One who journals.
One who feeds baby calves.
One who is seeing life with new eyes.
....................................................
I finished the book.
A million miles and a thousand years.
I think I need to re-read it again.
I also think it would be great to meet Donald Miller.
I read it in just a few short days and am still thinking about it.
Thinking about all of the amazing twists and turns a person's story can take.
Thinking about all of the characters in my story and their importance in my life.
I ear-marked page after page and when I got to the end, I seriously sat in my chair and just dreamed/thought/pondered for at least 30 minutes.
.......................................
I'm in a quiet period of my life right now.
Quiet, but not silent.
My story is changing a little bit.
Some of the characters are still the same, but some are different too.
And most importantly ... I'm focused on how my story is unfolding and how it is influencing those I love most.
......................................
Yesterday I was home sick.
Today I'm trying to catch up on everything I fell behind on in one day.
Today I'm quiet.
Quiet, but not silent.
How is it that I've not put a single post up for an entire week?
How is it that so many good things ... and a few rough things too ... have happened during the past month and week ... and yet the date on my top blog post doesn't change?
...........................
Things have been quiet.
But not silent.
Kind of like the past few weeks with God.
Quiet.
Reflective.
Thoughtful.
But not silent.
.............................
He's not silent.
He whispers.
He touches.
He shows.
He demonstrates.
He loves.
...............................
I'm learning about being a ranch wife all over again.
One that isn't close to the store or a neighbor.
One who's family has chosen to live without satellite television and Internet for a while.
One who drives 25 miles to and from work every day.
One who has a ton of little errands to run almost every day, but about 3 stops into it decides that the crying and tired eyes have {home} written all over them.
One who plans meals weeks at a time, and loves that {eating out} is a special treat.
One who has enjoyed re-reading books that haven't been read for a few years. Lori Wick is still one of my favorite Christian fiction authors.
One who has started reading Farmer Boy to her oldest son at night.
One who journals.
One who feeds baby calves.
One who is seeing life with new eyes.
....................................................
I finished the book.
A million miles and a thousand years.
I think I need to re-read it again.
I also think it would be great to meet Donald Miller.
I read it in just a few short days and am still thinking about it.
Thinking about all of the amazing twists and turns a person's story can take.
Thinking about all of the characters in my story and their importance in my life.
I ear-marked page after page and when I got to the end, I seriously sat in my chair and just dreamed/thought/pondered for at least 30 minutes.
.......................................
I'm in a quiet period of my life right now.
Quiet, but not silent.
My story is changing a little bit.
Some of the characters are still the same, but some are different too.
And most importantly ... I'm focused on how my story is unfolding and how it is influencing those I love most.
......................................
Yesterday I was home sick.
Today I'm trying to catch up on everything I fell behind on in one day.
Today I'm quiet.
Quiet, but not silent.
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