Bountiful Baskets

Here's some pictures of our good ol' crew doing our every-other-Saturday ritual.  What a blessing Bountiful Baskets has been to our area.  I'm so grateful for the good friends I've made through it.  I can't believe it's been about a year and a half since Becky and I ventured out to start a site!  Since then, Camp Verde has two sites now, and some gals and I branched out (miss you Becky) and started our Rimrock site to spread the love a little more.  Go fruits and veggies!

John's Father's Day Quilt

Here's a picture of the quilt that I made (yes, that's what I said, I made it) John for Father's Day.  I've been working religiously every Tuesday evening since February on it.  It's a queen size quilt made from the jeans of everyone in the family.  My good friend and neighbor Jo Birch has taken on the brave task of teaching me how to sew.  I've made the kids pajama pants and now this quilt.  I never thought I'd say this, but I love to sew!!!  My next project is a Jedi Halloween costume.  Wish me luck. 

Putting this quilt together has been such a learning experience for me.  It hasn't just been a lesson of sewing and quilting itself, but so much more on a personal level.  The big lesson was a reminder that I can do hard things.  I've never been one to sew.  I've never had a desire to either.  But I do have a desire to be more self-sufficient.  So, I decided to face one of my weaknesses and wa' la!  It was such an empowering task,  I can't wait to do another one!

Happy Father's Day

Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.

-unknown-

We love you Daddy, thank you for working so hard for us, and for being such a great example to us.  We're so blessed.

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person; he believed in me.

-Jim Valvano-

Thank you Daddy, for the world of difference you've made in my world, over and over again. 

Super Brothers!

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.

-Marc Brown-

A cape to hide your secret powers,

Swords can make you smile for hours.

Magic spells and wizard's wand,

In far off lands you greet the dawn.

-Julie Perkins Cantrell

Everyday, when Race and Witt play together, I say a little prayer of thanks that they have each other.  Lane just can't wait to keep up!

Legos and Noses don't go Together

This is one of those stories I love to read about and laugh, never dreaming it would actually happen to one of my kids.  But it did...Just when I think life can't get more exciting...yes, Witten stuck a Lego up his nose. Actually Race and Witt stuck legos up their noses (a brother bonding moment?), but John was able to get Race's out.  He saw Witt's was a little too far up so went to find something to fish it out with; when he came back, Witt had his finger clear up his nostril, trying to fish it out saying, "I can't get it out Daddy!  It's stuck!"  John took a look, and couldn't see a thing...

After 3 days of doctors and deciding what to do (plastic doesn't show up on x-rays), Friday we went to the hospital in Payson for the ENT, Dr. Zenouski to retrieve the Lego.  When we pulled into the hospital, Witten looked around at all the cars and said very seriously and confused, "Do all these people have Lego's up their noses?"  I'm pretty sure the kid will never stick another one up his nose again.

So yes, Witt was put under anesthesia, got a little loopy with the stuff too.  He was saying the funniest things!  One of the nurses made the comment to never let this kid have alcohol when he gets older...don't worry, we won't. 

This is Witt after they gave him some loopy medicine, saying, "those are beautiful trashcans."

I'm not kidding, he's actually saying, "Luke, I am your father!"  We just watched "Empire Strikes Back" this week, Race is into Star Wars right now.

So, all that drama and you guessed it, no Lego in the nose.  But it had been there.  The doctor said he must have swallowed it or something.  Witt's nose is a bit sore from the Lego itself and the the procedure.  What an exciting day...what a long day.  After all the frustration, anxiety, worry and praying, I am finally laughing about it.  He's back to his funny exciting little self.  Gotta love that kid!

Race's Kindergarden Promotion

I can't believe it!  Already!  We're so blessed to be a part of this great school, The Montessori Children's House, it's been so good for Race.  We love you Ms. Suzanne and Ms. Eva, thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Of course I have a special place in my heart for teachers...

Race did so well at reciting his poem (Undersea) with his good buddy Jason.   He didn't get shy at all despite the 200+ people who were there.  Ms. Suzanne said so many wonderful things about him, and while she talked about him he gave the crowd some entertainment.  He did a little dance...not shy at all.