A day of fishing...

You might not know this about me, so here is a little story to go along with my fishing pictures. I decided to tell a story because at this little fishing outing there are no photos of me. I was there. Sitting in the truck. With ice on my foot that incidently looked like I had a fish hook hanging out of my foot, but I will leave that story for another time. I did have a diet coke and my camera so I took a bunch of fun pictures. Here is my story. I went to BYU where I worked hard. Worked hard at school and worked even harder to pay for my school. So, when I got out of school what did I want to do? More school. Fun school. I took several different classes, some at UVU, some community ed. One of the comm. ed. classes that I took was fly fishing. I conned my brother into taking it with me. He's an awesome fly fisher, too. I was the only girl in the class. There was a grandpa taking the class with his grandson and a bunch of other middle aged men who looked like they belonged behind a computer not a fly rod. Oh well. Our instructor was great. I learned a lot and one of my greatest accomplishments (well, before I got married and had kids) is that I was the very first person in the class to catch a fish. I don't have a picture of that event, however, because somewhere on that outing I lost my camera to the depths of the Provo River. After Rick and I met, we shared this same interest and spent a lot of time fly fishing before we were married and a little after, too. Seems that once we left Utah to go to medical school, we never really had the right environment for the fly fishing we once enjoyed in Utah and I mostly lost interest. and time. kids take a lot of time.

This is a picture of Hooee getting in on the fishing action. He was hesitant at first, but once he realized how shallow the water was, he was jumping in all afternoon. Rick had him completely worn out. It was so funny though because even if he was running and tired and wanted to rest, if Rick threw his toy into the water, he'd run full-speed right back into the water to retrieve his toy.

Nothin' hotter than a left handed fly fisherman.

We mostly just catch and release. This bottom picture is from across the lake (and if you've ever been to Boulger you'll know that when I say lake, I really mean very small body of water) right after Rick let his huge white albino trout go.

I was hoping to get a good picture, but Rick was too quick.

Fishing Trip to Boulger

Summer wasn't a big fan of fishing with a worm. It was a little too boring to just sit and wait for the fish to bite.

Sierra got a little bit bored, too. But mostly this picture just shows how "ticked" she was that she didn't catch a fish.

Cole's biggest concern was that his shoes got muddy.

Hum, doesn't seem to bother him when we're at home...

Cole and Sierra caught in a little shoving match. I took a whole series of photos, but this pretty much illustrates the events that took place quite accurately...

A day of fishing ends on a high note with a box of junior mints. that's my girl.

The Nebo Loop

I have to confess that I have never done the "Nebo Loop" before. We went last week.

We stopped at an overlook where you can look down this deep canyon and up to the back side of Mt. Nebo. It was 95 in the Valley, but our temp. gauge on the truck read 72. With the wind chill Sierra predicted that it was 50 and that we should have brought our coats.

I thought it felt quite nice.

Cole was a little freaked out about looking over the edge but I had to include this picture to prove that I was actually there. He was holding on so tightly so he didn't fall over the edge.

I just bought a book

I just bought this 800 page book. And not at the thrift store either. Paid full price. I can't wait to read it. I'm not a HUGE fan of the Work and the Glory books.

But I am a huge fan of this book, so I was hoping that the Undaunted is equally as good. When I read the Fire of the Covenant, it took me a while to get into it, but it was one of those I read in like 3 days and finished it, with a box of Kleenex at 3 in the morning. Wowzer.

I have been reading about Gerald Lund and his research and experiences with this book. I'm pretty impressed with all that went into writing this book even though it is fiction. It seems as though Gerald Lund has taken pains to make sure all of the events and details are correct and written in a way that the reader really understands the way the events took place. He does say that it is amazing the way we, as Mormons are so knowledgeable and proud of our pioneer heritage, yet so many of us, especially Utahns know next to nothing of the Hole-in-the-Rock events.

Anways, I hope it's a good book. If not, I think I will go back and read all of the Harry Potter books. Or maybe start the Lord of the Rings series...

The kids are reading Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls.

It's just a Monday

OK, so we had to finish up our health until for school. We had a few random things to do and one of them was to talk about rules. A suggestion was to take photos of different traffic signs and talk about laws and rules and how they apply to each of us. It was fun. And Summer got to use her new camera she got for her birthday...

So, we took all of the pictures and downloaded them to Walmart one hour photo so we could pick them up and make a little photo book for our activity. I decided that it would be OK to do double duty and count some of this stuff for Family Home Evening. I love it when I multitask!! So, for FHE, I talked about the random things we needed to check off the Safety List for Health, like Stranger Danger, fire escape plan, vehicle safety rules, seat belts, how to call 911 and family rules. Rick wrapped up with gun safety. It's something that you always think that you need to teach your kids, but then you never really get around to doing it. Well, we did it tonight. Thanks Rick. Now, we just need to remember to do it again soon so we don't all forget what we learned.

While I was fixing dinner this afternoon Cole came in the kitchen and asked me if he could take the training wheels off his bike and I said, "Not today!" So, he asked Summer if she would take the training wheels off his and and darn her, she did. That over achiever.

So, this was what I saw about 30 minutes later:

And speaking of bike safety, this kid can have his naughty moments, like 3 hours every Sunday Morning from 9 to say, about 12. But, bless his heart...every time he gets on that bike he puts on his helmet. I'm glad he does because that thing is dented in and scraped over every corner of it. I guess I can say that it was money well spent.

And speaking of money well spent...

I thrifted today. It was awesome. The green bowl and orange plates are Fiesta and the little top two are Pyrex refrigerator dishes that match the set of 4 bowls that I have wanted FOREVER and Rick got them for me for Mother's Day this year. So, for $3.50 I got me some good old stuff. Sierra thought the orange plates were adorable and asked me if she could have my Fiestaware when I died. I don't know if that is a complement or she just wants me dead. But, I do know that I have said the same thing to my mother, so I think it is a compliment and it means that I have good junk.

AND, I went to the dr. today and he said my foot is healing perfectly (I've heard that one before), but the pin is not quite ready to come out of my toe. It needs a couple more weeks. I will save the pictures and lengthy explination for another post, since I'm about to outdo myself.

Wow, what a busy day. And I think the peach crisp that is in the oven is about ready so I best be done.

Summer is 12

I know I'm a little bit late, but the power was out for 4 hours on Summer's birthday and well, I'm just plain slow at getting around to this post. Summer turned 12 on Wednesday.

Here are a few things you may or may not know about Summer:

1. She is the oldest child and therefore she is the peacemaker.

2. Summer loves projects. Her latest projects include modgepodge. I'll leave it at that

3. Summer loves to read. I went with Sierra to Funfinity to buy Summer a book for her birthday and we had a hard time finding a book she hasn't read.

4. Summer talks, a lot.

5. Summer is an awesome swimmer and is certified in SCUBA.

6. Summer is the current Little Miss Pleasant Valley Days Queen in the 11 to 15 age group.

7. Summer talks in her sleep and sometimes sleeps with her eyes open (creepy!)

8. The picture of Summer in the red shorts sitting on the cement bench was taken in Nauvoo at the old temple foundation before the temple was rebuilt. We lived near Nauvoo for 2 years. We attended the temple Ground Breaking and later the Temple Open House. Summer got to see President Hinckley.

9. Summer has visited 30 of the United States.

10. Summer attended 5 different elementary schools.

11. Summer does so much to help her family. I depend on her a lot. Earlier this week, the kids spent the day with Grandma Nan and BK. Grandma mentioned that Summer was a big help and having Summer around is necessary when Cole is visiting. She is a great big sister. Sierra looks up to her a lot, too.

12. Happy 12 Summer. I'm so happy to have you in our family and I am very excited for you to become part of the Young Woman program.

new recipes and things

Is it too late to grow beets?  I have been reading on the internet and it says that they should be ready to harvest in 60 days.  So, there is plenty of time still to grown beets, right?  But it also says that they don't like hot weather and by golly, it's pretty hot right now.

Does anyone know.  I REALLY want pickled beets.

And ketchup?  anyone made homemade ketchup.  I've read some recipes and reviews.  The one I found on the foodnetwork said that if you start making your own homemade ketchup, it will be so tasty that you'll never try the grocery story stuff again.  I'm just getting some ideas for my gazillion tomatoes that I hope to harvest.  I ate one from the garden tonight in my egg white omelet and it was so delish.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

And what is the deal with cucumbers?  And watermelon?  all of 'em--dead.  But darn it all, the zucchini is thriving.

And last of all...artichokes.  I picked one up last year at the nursery on a whim.  I had no idea what to do with it, so I looked it up on the internet.  I don't live in the right zone to grow artichoke.  Oh well.  I planted in anyways and prepared for it to die.  I was kinda ticked at the nursery for selling me something that won't even grow here.  And they don't produce fruit in the first year.  UGH.  But this spring there was a tiny little green speck on the pile of dead artichoke so I didn't pull it out, I left it and guess what?  We ate artichoke this week.  it was good.  We picked 3 and left the big one to see what it looks like when it flowers.  There are at least 3 more left on the plant.  You should plant about 5 artichoke plants per person in the family who likes artichokes, so I will be going out to get myself 24 more plants next year so that in about 5 years we can actually have enough to eat between the 5 of us for the summer. Maybe by then I will know better how to cook them.  or dry them for decorations.  

feeding the birds in Scofield

We took our dried bread down to the lake to feed the birds.  There are ducks, pelicans, geese, and blue heron.  however, there are no pictures of us feeding the birds because we scared them all away.  We kept the bread and threw it in the freezer and will attempt the feed the more tame Utah Valley seagulls later today.

Summer and Sierra

Rick was trying to take some pictures of the girls and they kept laughing and being silly.  So he just took the pictures.  I think they turned out kind of funny.  when I look at them I can almost hear Sierra's contagious laugh.

Sierra

Summer

Fun in Fairview

So last week when we were in the mountains for a few days we decided we needed a change of scenery and did the "over the top" drive.  that means we left Scofield and headed west, up to Skyline drive and down into Fairview.  Then South through Sanpete County.  Since I already seem to be in a sentimental mood, I'll tell you how it makes me feel when I take that drive.  It reminds me of my dad.  He had a cabin near Fairview at Skyline Mountain Resort.  Every time we come down out of Fairview canyon, it just reminds me of him.  One time (I think I was pregnant with Sierra, so that would be 9 years ago)  I helped my dad at his cabin one week.  We were tiling the bathroom.  He was cutting tile with my mom and I was laying the tile in the bathroom.  We only had one little mess up but it was behind the toilet.  I was quite proud of our little bathroom.  It was fun to hang out and work side by side with my dad.  I spent 13 years working side by side with him at Arctic Circle and it was fun to do that under different circumstances.  When we were done with the job, Dad drove "over the top" back to Scofield to drop me off where Rick and Summer were waiting for me.  I remember that drive and just chit chatting with my dad.  One specific thing that I remember is that we heard on the radio that Ricks College in Rexburg would become BYU-Idaho.  I have no idea why I remember that little detail.  But you know how you remember things like "Where I was when I heard Michael Jackson died...(dropping off a load of grass at the compost place in Provo)...?  Well, I will always remember where I was when I found out the great news about BYU-Idaho.  I was in Fairview with my dad.  hum, funny, the little details, how they stick out in my mind...

Back to the real story.  Last week we stopped at a few little antique stores and gift shops on our drive.  The last stop was this place in Fairview:

It's called the Corner Station.  They have been open for 10 months and business is doing well.  It is similar to Funfunity in Springville, the Imagination Station in Flint, or that other cool store at Dogwood Festival Market by Old Navy in Flowood.  But we all decided that this one tops them all.  The kids loved it.  We let them each pick out one little thing for being good kids on the drive and for getting their jobs done during the week.  I got a couple of little things, too. And the best thing of all was one of those mobiles of the planets that was marked 50% off.  I'm all about bribery so we told the kids that if they get their jobs done for the next month or so, we'll take them back to the Corner Station in Fairview to choose another item.  They have tons of EEBOO brand games and toys, Melissa & Doug stuff, books, jewelry, antiques, homemade gifts and much more.  I'm sure it will help the jobs get done around here, and I'm always happy to help out the little guy and spend my money at the small town, mom and pop businesses.  I think you all should bribe your kids and visit the Corner Station in Fairview. 

See that cardboard box in the bottom picture?  It had a little had written note on it that said, "Take me, I'm free and your kids will have hours of fun with this free box."

Saturday in Richfield

So, my cousin, Alexia, got married yesterday in Annabella at my Aunt Connie's house.  At the last minute my mom and I loaded up the car with my kids, some diet coke, and a donut and headed south.  I was very glad we went.  I think my dad would have been pleased with us for being there.  Speaking of my dad...when we parked and headed up the walkway to the yard, I spotted my Uncle Dell.  He is the youngest of the 6 kids, my dad being the oldest.  Anyway, I never thought my dad and his brother looked alike, but for about 5 seconds I thought my dad was standing there.  I started to cry.  All I could think of was my dad and how much I missed him.  Especially when family events like this come up.  

For some reason, Cole took an instant liking to Uncle Dell and engaged him in several water bottle sword fights.  I thought it was so sweet to see the Father of the Bride take a few minutes to entertain my little blonde boy. 

Dell went to sit in the shade and take a drink.  Cole leaned over to me and said, "Mom, who is that man?"  I said, "He is Papa Kent's brother.  His name is Uncle Dell."  He said, "I'm going to go tell that man that I love him."  My aunt Connie was standing there and she heard him tell Dell that he loved her.  They both started to cry.  

Me and Uncle Dell

Shirley (dad's sister) , Kelli, Lori (cousin), Connie (dad's other sister), and Nan (my mom)

Summer

Photo shoot preview.  

Sierra and Hooee

Just one more picture before I clean the kitchen.

Cole

My "to-do" list just keeps getting longer and longer, but I couldn't resist this cute picture of Cole.  We put the training wheels on his little "hand me down" 2 wheeler bike and he hasn't stopped.  I think he is about to wear right through those little tires.  He doesn't like to pose much (he leaves that to this sisters and believe me, I've got a million pictures of them over the last week).  but he did stop and smile for Dad while he we trying to climb this gate.  I love it.  He's all boy.  The scar on his chin and the purple nail on his big toe prove it! 

The Helper Train Museum

Ok, we have been spoiled for the last few days.  We left on June 29 to go to Scofield and we just got back today.  I have 600 pictures to upload and sort but, I thought I'd give you an idea of what is to come.  Activities included Rhino rides, museums, toy store, temples, treasure hunts, talent competitions, treats, parades, fireworks,  cleaning projects, photo shoots, and  much more. 

We asked Cole what he wanted to do on Tuesday and he wanted to go to the Helper Train Museum.  I figured that was OK, because there is an antique store that I love right across the street.  Well, at least there used to be.  It is no longer open.  I was bummed, but Cole was thrilled.  I cashed in some ones and gave him a stack of quarters.  He kept the trains running for an hour while the rest of used checked out the museum.  I asked Cole what he wanted to do the next day and he said he wanted to go to the train museum.  boy, he's so predictable.  We went to Fairview instead.

As soon as I get some groceries in the fridge and the laundry caught up I'll get some pictures on here.  Have a good day.

PS, my lawn in burning up, weeds are taking over, garden looks terrible, and my house needs to be dusted.  I thought I had all these things taken care of when I left the house.

spring garden

These are my irises.  i think that they are beautiful.  well, at least for a few weeks in the spring. 

They all came from my mom's yard.  she gave them to me because they weren't blooming very well.   When she saw them in my yard this spring, she wanted them back.

I will be thinning them out soon.  They are getting too thick.  They are also starting to crowd out the tomatoes, tomatillos and squash that are planted in front of them.  If you want any of them (and you know who you are, Amara) come and get them.  I tried to include these pictures so that kind of, maybe you can tell which colors you are getting.  If we're home, great.  If not, dig in, just be nice to the tomatillos.  And speaking of tomatillos...I was so careful to plant tomatillos seeds in the basement window this spring so that I could get a head start.  I so LOVE the tomatillo salsa I made last year.  I babied my little seedlings all spring.  They looked so pathetic when it was time to move them to the garden.  And what do you know, tomatillos are coming up like weeds out in the garden where I had them growing last year.  I am actually pulling them out to thin them and make room for the things I actually planted out there.  that figures.   

And I have lots of tomato blossoms.  I'm really pleased with the way my tomatoes are looking at this point.  I have about 20 plants.  I hope we get lots and lots of tomatoes, especially the yellow, white and stripey ones.  I probably have about 10 different varieties of tomatoes.  whaahoo.