Just a drink of water!

I love summer. I love being outside. I love my garden. I just wanted to remember this simple pleasure of summer. The other day while I was out with my friends, the flowers. I was so thirsty I looked down at that hose with all that water spilling out and thought why not? I don't know why I even had to think about it, maybe it's because we grow up and we see things like the water has to run through that rubber hose. Or maybe we've gotten where we just drink water from a bottle. Maybe all the water in our house has been filtered. What ever the case, I put the hose up to my mouth and felt the cool clean water rush past my lips, I loved it. No kidding I had forgotten the simple joy of drinking out of a hose. I said to myself as I brushed the excess water from my face with the back of my hand, "I'm not ever going to forget how much I love to drink out of the hose!"

Oh what do you do in the Summer time?

Summer while not over with is showing signs of coming to an end. I love summer and have enjoyed this summer as much or more than other summers. I loved spending time on the mountain with family and friends. I spent a Saturday afternoon at Ely watching the boys race. Loved having the kids home for the 24th of July. Shared a few days with my mother and all my sisters visiting Mom's brother and sisters. Then this last week Trace spent the week with us and we went to Veyo pool everyday. "That was pretty fun" as Trace would say.

Even though there is a story in every adventure I'll just keep it short. I do want to remember, how much love I feel for my kids, how much I love being part of my sisters and mothers life, how nice it is to know your Uncles and Aunts, the joy and nervousness I feel when watching my kids race, and the sound of Trace laughter echoing off the water. I dont want to forget that I'm blessed, that all this and more brings joy and happiness to my life.

UP UP and Away!

What a fun thing to do! I got to ride in a Hot air Balloon! Thank you Nick and Erica! We went to the balloon fest in Panguitch the last weekend in June. On Saturday morning early we went out and helped set up the balloon Wild Thing. When they took her up I was in the basket. This was such a fun thing for me I had a awesome ride, flying higher than all the balloons that were there that morning. The morning was still and quiet. We hardly drifted at all, but the view was unreal. Latara and Koy went up in another balloon that they had helped with. When everything was done Nick, Erica and Jeremy had not gotten to go for rides. They went up the next day. Eric went with them. I felt like this was a chance in a life time.

Happy Birthday to you!

Today is my Birthday and I've spent most of the day hoping that Steven was having a good day. When I turned 26 I received the neatest Birthday present I could have ever wished for, Steven Tyler Pickering! So Steven Happy Birthday! I love you so much and hope you are having a great day. Thanks for being mine. I sure love you. MOM

Hiking Cave Lake

I love my family! We had so much fun this last Monday. We spent the day at a little place called Cave Lake. The day started off cloudy and cool, but by the time we were ready to play it was perfect. The lake was the perfect place to skip a few rocks. Everyone tried a few. Trace thought the big ones did the best, at least they made the best splash! We cooked some hot dogs, had chips, fruit salad, and ate a pan of brownies.
After we let our food settle we were off on our hike. Now at the time I didn't think a thing about our choice of hikes. That thought won't come to me until the middle of the night when I can't sleep. When the thought of dragging Maddie and Trace up and across the side of a steep mountain wakes me up. Even though I laid awake contemplating the "what ifs" I still come to the same conclusion, I'd do it again.
We hiked up the side of the mountain to a small cave at the top. The cave wasn't much of a cave, just a dent in the mountain. As we made our way down We realised just how steep this hike was. Knocking rocks down, sliding on our bums, and trying to stay right side up as we worked our way to the bottom.
We just needed to work our way around the edge of the lake and we'd be back on flat ground. OK, so I lost my balance and fell in the lake! It was so funny, I'm sure I looked hilarious as I fell. Arms flying around like they'd do me some good. The lake was so cold it took my breath away! As I turn around I look up into the faces of my adoring children and this is more or less what I see. Jenny, trying so hard not to laugh, but waiting to bust up just as soon as she can get the OK. Eric, he took a "I'll wait and see if she needs anything approach". Erica, was actually coming to my rescue. Nick, was looking at Erica to see if she might end up with my same fate. Trace was concerned and a little scared for me. He just wanted me to get dry clothes on. I glance toward Matt and Latara just in time to see them both set down on there butts laughing. I glance back at Steven and Jessica, It was just in time to see Steve shaking his head slowly back and forth as if to say no. Really I'm sure what he meant was only you'd fall in the lake mom! I put them all out there misery when I bust out a laugh that echoed off the side of the mountain.
As we headed back I could tell as we passed the people fishing that they had seen (or heard) the whole thing

Erica's story click here

Kenni K 2010

Congradulations! My little Kenni is getting all grown up. I've looked the other way, put my thumb on her, made her report if plans change, and all the other things I could think of to keep Kenni just my little girl. Now here it is right in my face "look mom I'm big enough to graduate!" I wouldn't want it any other way, but dang my house is going to be quiet!

Your just so little!

Kenni I love you. Thanks for being such a good girl. I hope life is ready for you. I know your ready for everything life has for you. Remember you are loved!

Another Year Older!

Well all I can say is "Happy Birthday to all of you!" Since Maddie's Birthday we have had one celebration after another. Trace turned 3 on April 15th, Eric on April 17th, Latara turned 21 on April 18th, Koy had a birthday and turned 15, Jeremy turned sweet 16 on the 30th. Shaynae had a birthday on the 5th of May and is 17. Today Kenni turns 18







Thanks Aunt Marvene for the group cake and sign! Kenni was sick of me trying to get a good picture.