Just Jack

He's just cute! I just wish he could give up his binkie and potty train himself. ahhhhhhhh. . .

Jeff's Finishes Cubscouts

I can't believe he is done. It went really fast. I have to say I love the Cubscout program. Being from a family of all girls, it was a foreign land for me at first. I thought it was a bit geeky, but I was proved wrong. It is a great program for the boys to set goals and accomplish tasks. He did his last pinewood derby car in April and finished up all his requirements to receive his Arrow of Light days before his birthday. The pack meeting where he received his reward was at the Veteran's Memorial in Portland. If you look closely in the pictures you'll see Mt. St. Helens in the background. Kinda cool! I'm so proud of Jeff and so grateful to Ben, Delbert, his amazing leaders and his family for helping him make this happen. Good job Buddy!

Benny Buns 35th Birthday

Funny how this man can remember clearly how OLD I am, but just can't seem to remember how old he is????? Denial? Likely! Well buddy . . . you're getting older too.

We realized we have a son closer to going on a mission than when we served our missions. It's been almost 14 years since we were released and Jeff is only 8 years from serving his own mission.


Someone may of slipped away during present time. He went over to the cake for a nibble or two.

Tulip Festival in April

I love going to the Tulip Festival. Ben would rather . . . not. We hadn't been in a few years, so he put on his happy face and we went. It was a beautiful day and the flowers were stunning as usual. The kids had a blast! You can tell what each one enjoyed the most . . . Molly on the pony, Jack on the tractor, Hannah took MANY pictures of the tulips and loved the jumping thingy, and obviously Jeff's favorite was taking a pictures with his sister. You can just see the love in his face . . . stinker!

My Own Personal Everest

We all have times in our lives when some things are more difficult than other times in our lives. For instance . . . walking 2 miles was a piece of cake a few years ago. In fact 2 miles was 5 miles. I would do it 4 times a week with friends right from my house. It was a daily highlight. I loved it.

Fast forward 2.5 years and it is as if I was climbing Mt. Everest to get 2 babies, 2 binkies, 2 blankets, 2 sippy cups, 2 hats, the double stroller and myself ready and out the door for a 2 mile walk. I talk myself through every step. Knowing that at any moment I may have to turn around because one or both babies are throwing a fit. It is more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge. Though I am pushing 60 pounds of baby and stroller. I'm always glad that I've done it, but getting the courage up to make that first step toward preparation and then out the door is a leap of faith for me. Silly to some, pathetic to others, "I've been there for many", and finally an accomplishment for me. This is my first day of accomplishing it and can gladly say I have done it many times since. Even beating off some dogs in the journey on some days. But I do it and I love it even if I don't make it the whole way some days.

Before my sister and mother stone me . . .

Here are a few highlights from the last 2 months . . . we've been havin' fun.








Maui in May with the Merritt's! I frequently visit this trip in my mind to relax and chill. It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!


Actually I'm going to bed. My babies will be up soon . . . tomorrow is another day. I'll return . . . soon.