sally's spot

It's Quiet Over Here

2011-10-20T16:22:00.000-06:00

It's been a long time since I last posted. What happened you may ask, well I came to the conclusion there is just too much on my plate. I have these three plus one on the way to take care of, not to mention work. Needless to say just trying to post this small little note has been crazy as kids are running around playing and falling and well just about everything BUT cleaning up their bedroom.

So as we move into fall I will be absent from this blog for a while but when I feel like I have a bit more control over my life I will begin sharing all the fun crafts and silly things I do. Thank you for reading.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T03:32:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T03:30:00.000-06:00

Shoshone Falls

2011-07-05T03:20:00.000-06:00

After tax season this year we went on a little day trip. I'd been telling the kids that we were going to the waterfall for a few months. So when we finally went they were way excited. I had also been wanting to visit Shoshone Falls for a long time myself, so we were all excited to leave town for a day.

We had packed all our winter clothing. I was so glad we had brought it because I forgot how wet waterfall areas were.

Apparently we've hit the stage of silly photographs. This was so worth the drive and a lot of fun.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T08:05:00.000-06:00

Can you guess who's turning two on Saturday? I know most of my babies look alike, nice & plump! Little Charlotte will be two on Saturday, my how time flies.

Wish the photos weren't so fuzzy but that's just life with a newborn.

And yes, I'm going to be ambitious this year and make this cake all on my own. This year I shouldn't get sun poisoning so I think I'll be enjoying the cake much more!

Camping

2011-06-26T05:23:00.000-06:00

He's just waiting for us to get off the sand dune. Thankfully he had Charlotte to play with.

Wishing I was here

2011-06-19T05:21:00.002-06:00

Sometimes scooter can't get close enough for a good snuggle. I guess my shoes and dirty socks suffice when he can't find me.

Scooter & Snow

2011-06-12T04:18:00.000-06:00

Introducing the Varsity and JV team

2011-06-09T20:14:00.000-06:00

Cousin Joshua issued a challenge earlier today. Our varsity squad wants you to know he is busy practicing and gearing up for the big challenge. Notice all five fingers are holding olives.

Not to be forgotten, the JV squad is cheering on her big brother.

But don't think she's all games. Oh no this girl is ready for some serious olive eating.

Scooter's Thoughts

2011-05-22T03:31:00.000-06:00

I smell chocolate, looks like Bonnie went on an Easter egg hunt. Let's hope she drops some for me.

She has to drop something right?

Ok, did she drop anything here?

No, she dropped nothing. I'll just keep following her till she drops something.

Toddlers drop stuff all the time.

Ok, I'm sitting here patiently. Please do me a favor and drop the chocolate!

Scooter & snow

2011-05-15T04:26:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday - Summer 2010

2011-05-11T08:32:00.002-06:00

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T18:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Here's Mom holding baby Charlotte. I wish we could be with you to celebrate this wonderful day. I love this photo because it reminds me of you holding all of my babies and doing what you do best, loving your grandchildren. I hope you had a wonderful day. We love you.

Scooter & Chas

2011-05-08T03:07:00.000-06:00

This photo was taken back when Chas could barely walk. I was going to say that if scooter ran by too quick he'd tip over but it is still that way today.

I guess Chas has always been trying to throw the ball for scooter.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T10:50:00.000-06:00

Family Photo

2011-05-01T01:17:00.000-06:00

Bonnie had Daddy help her draw a picture of our family. Notice Scooter in the lower left corner of the pic, we sure do love him.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2011-04-27T08:55:00.000-06:00

Always part of the fun

2011-04-24T01:15:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T17:36:00.000-06:00

The sun was in their eyes.

12 years and counting

2011-04-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

Twelve years ago today Jay & I had a super busy day. During that busy day we were married and we've been having a blast ever since. Love ya babe, looking forward to the next 12 years.

Baby Sidekick

2011-04-17T01:12:00.002-06:00

Scooter always likes a good sidekick.

Please throw the ball

2011-04-10T01:09:00.001-06:00

Backyard Play

2011-04-03T01:02:00.001-06:00

Corgi Sunday

2011-03-27T12:59:00.000-06:00

I would like to start posting photos of scooter on Sundays. I know starting this new thing three weeks before tax season is over is a little much. But scooter is a big part of our family and he doesn't get enough screen time. So here is the beginning of scooter Sundays.

Of course scooter won't be alone. He loves us and we love him. Thankfully I can get him to sit still long enough sometimes with the kids. He's a very personal dog and doesn't like his photo taken. Luckily he likes his kids so I can sometimes get a photo of him. Whoever heard of a camera shy corgi?

Wabbit Hunting

2011-03-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Last night at dinner Bonnie was singing a song to Jay. She was trying to get him to listen to the song she learned in preschool. It was really just so darn cute.

Jay turned to her and began singing, "Kill the Rabbit, Kill the Rabbit, Kill the Rabbit." Which of course made all of use laugh, dads have that effect.

Please tell me that everyone reading this blog knows who Elmer Fudd is.

Even though the sun was gone and it was twilight (didn't see any vampires) we headed into the backyard. On a side note my father has informed me I no longer live on an acre but live on an estate. So from here on out we'll call my yard the estate.

So we ran out into the estate. All three kids, Jay, and me. Bonnie and Chas were so cute running around looking for rabbits. Charlotte held my hand and we walked around following her siblings. We headed all the way to the back of our estate, Bonnie looking for rabbits, Jay & I looking at the blackberry bushes.

We ran around a while and pretended to just miss rabbits. All in all it was just so fun and little Charlotte did not want to come inside, you should of heard the commotion.

If you don't know who Elmer Fudd is, go look it up.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

My Sister posted a cute photo of these two so I thought it would be fun to do it here. I think these two had cookies in the hands at all times that weekend.

Mike & Allison's Wedding

2011-02-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Taken with Jay's phone. I'm not sure if I ever shared this photo, just love it. The kids were just goofing off and Jay told me to go have fun and he'd watch them.

Wordless Wednesday - Bonnie & Boomer

2011-02-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

February Bag Finished

2011-02-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that I finished my bag for February. I'm in a little create a bag a month group for the year.

I really enjoyed making this bag. It was fun and easy. Just the way I like it. This is the exterior view and the next photo is the exterior backside of the bag.

This is the Everyday Reversible Bag in the Amy Butler book I bought. If you're interested in the bag along group it's in the side bar.

This last photo is of the interior of my bag. Their is also a pocket on the inside. This would be a great bag for shopping of any kind.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T17:14:00.001-07:00

Fabric for Reversible Everyday Shopper bag
Originally uploaded by Jay&Sally

Music

2011-01-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have thought so many times that I want to talk about music. But I never seem to get around to it or I'm occupied by other things and I tend to skip over important details in any story I try to tell, so usually I just don't. But right now it's late, my kids are asleep, and my husband is busy playing the Wii, so I think I'm free to let my mind wander.

One of my husbands best qualities is finding great music. He had an impressive collection when we met and he's only added to it since. On New Years Eve we happen to be at his parents house before heading out for the night. He was flipping channels (I was learning to make a super yummy Japanese dish) and found a music video channel. As we were driving that night Jay played "100 Yard Dash" by Raphael Saadiq, I think he got it off his phone or Pandora. I was instantly hooked, I love soul music and man this album did not disappoint.

Then later that night we heard another great song, "Moneygrabber" by Fitz & The Tantrums. Even better the kids love it so Bonnie will ask to hear it again and as you can imagine I'm happy to oblige. Again I'm hooked and can't get enough.

Then I'm lead to discuss my most current bank I just discovered. Jay & I do not have an antenna to get digital television, so we don't see a lot of ads or commercials. But I had been noticing this song a lot and since I've now said it, I don't have tv, so hearing a song over and over again made me finally do the investigation it deserved. I did the investigation because I thought maybe it was a soul song but then I couldn't figure out why all these ads would be playing an old soul song. Little did I know it wasn't an old soul song but another new band (yes I realize I'm probably very behind the times but I live in Idaho and spend 90% of my time with kids or working) "How You Like Me Now" by The Heavy. So today I've been walking around the house and say to everyone, How you like me. I'm pretty sure Jay is sick of hearing it but he loves me so he doesn't say anything.

It's late and I've probably pushed my limit on the writing abilities for the evening. This little rambling just barely scratched the surface of my love of music. Another time and another post may reveal more.

I finished the Cosmo Bag !

2011-01-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

Cosmo Bag Finished!
Originally uploaded by Jay&Sally

I finally finished my first bag of the year. This year I decided to join an online group and every month we'll be making a new bag. I thought this would be a good idea since I'm not very good at making bags and it's a great outlet.

What was the big hold up on finishing this bag? I kept trying to make the covered button more complicated then it needed to be. Once I figured out what I was doing wrong, I fixed it and just like that I had a button!

Wordless Wednesday - Almost Done

2011-01-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

Just need to add the big button.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

I Need More Ed

2011-01-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Do you love Ed? (don't deny it)

Do you want Ed? (you know you do)

Do you need Ed? (did I just hear you giggle like a school girl)

Do you know who Ed is? (don't admit it, you'd just be embarrassing us all)

You should visit this website, you could win a free painting of Ed.
Then you could see Ed everyday.

Do it, I dare you.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

The office cake cleanup crew - no cake was left uneaten.

He's Three

2011-01-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

He's gone from this

To this

Happy Birthday little buddy!

Preschool

2011-01-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Chas started his first day of preschool on Monday. He was just so excited to be going to school with his big sister.

In preparation for school Chas kept asking me what he could take. He wanted to take books and I finally allowed him to take one. He asked if he could take his blankets to school and I told him school didn't allow blankets. He really thought about that one and then decided it was ok.

When he got to school a friend from church recognized him and gave Chas a big hug. I knew he was going to be alright.

After school Chas said he had a great time. In fact today he talked to Grandma McLean on the phone and talked and talked about school. I can never get that much info out of the kids about school. Good to know they like it.

Sunshine Sunshine Sunshine

2010-12-31T08:56:00.001-07:00

It's beautiful here. The sun is out and it is really lifting my spirits. But then when I accidentally forget what time of year it is I run out in my t-shirt to get the mail and oh my goodness I'm freezing! It's just super cold. So in the theme of freezing cold and sunny mornings, I thought I'd just put some pics up of a few flowers from last spring.

This past fall Bonnie & I planted over 100 bulbs in the front yard. I really can't wait for March to get here because it's gonna be good!

Happy New Year.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T03:14:00.001-07:00

Christmas Dresses

2010-12-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

This year I made the girls each matching Christmas dresses. I'm probably having way too much fun with matching clothes. But I'll keep it up until the kids won't do it anymore, they look so cute.

I tried photographing the girls together but right now it's really hard to keep Charlotte still. So I gave up and tried to get a good shot of each of the girls.

Bonnie had a red dress and Charlotte had a green one. I thought it was kind of cute with the different colors but the same dress.

The girls looked so cute. I was so happy with the finished dresses.

Christmas Morning

2010-12-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

This Christmas is definitely on my top 5 list. We had so much fun with the kids and I was so excited for Christmas morning myself. This year we tried to keep things simple.

We bought the kids a kitchen for Christmas. It was the main huge gift. I bought extra food for the kitchen also. It has been played with non-stop since they woke up on Saturday.

If you notice Charlotte has something in her hand.

I noticed when I looked back at our Christmas photos that Charlotte has the little telephone in her hands during all the present opening. I'm not sure she let go of it till we headed off to Aunt Sue Sue's house later that morning.

Santa brought the kids Buzz Light year, Jessie, and Woody from Toy Story. We are a big toy story family.

The kids were so happy.

Bonnie got a tea set from her cousins and loved it. We've been served tea regularly every few hours. It has been so fun.

Probably the most amazing thing that has happened is the sharing. I don't know if it's because the kids received the kitchen as a big gift but all the toys they have gotten they've shared with each other. There haven't been any fights. I'm counting my lucky stars.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

The cute pose, and then the runaway pose. Merry Christmas.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-22T04:53:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - An Apple for her Teacher

2010-12-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - 100% Birthday Edition

2010-12-08T02:34:00.000-07:00

Vacations

2010-12-06T02:31:00.000-07:00

My favorite part about vacations are the quiet moments. The moments when your little ones walk over with pillow and blankets in hand. All Chas wanted to do was cuddle up to Daddy and take a nap. Could life get any better then this?

Nevada Southern Railroad

2010-12-03T02:17:00.000-07:00

For the past two years we've taken the kids to the Nevada Southern Railroad while visiting Grandma & Grandpa McLean. This is by far super fun for the kids and is just the perfect length. Even the 17 month old did great on the trip.

We always get there early because there are so many cool trains to look at while we wait.

This year they had a post office train for us to walk into and look at. It was really neat just to see how the train car would of been set up.

This year we arrived a little earlier then expected. It turned out to be the best decision ever. They were letting people into the driver's seat to see how the train operated. I think the adults may of been more excited then the kids but the kids did get to pull the train whistle.

While riding on the train even our little Charlotte had a blast looking out the windows.

Wordless Wednesday - 100% All Boy Edition

2010-12-01T02:11:00.000-07:00

Note: No children were injured in the jumping session.

Las Vegas

2010-11-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

We took a long Thanksgiving break this year. Our school system took the entire week of Thanksgiving off and so Bonnie's preschool did also. This gave us a full week of vacationing with Grandpa & Grandma McLean. The kids couldn't wait to go.

I planned an outing for every day because the kids would just get restless if we didn't do something. It was also a good idea I planned activities because it was freezing in Vegas and not a lot of fun playing at the park.

Our first day there took us to the Atomic Testing Museum. It was so cool but I didn't take a lot of photos, it's more of an adult museum with a lot of great stuff to read.

Our second day there took us to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. This museum was awesome. All three kids had a blast and we didn't leave until temper tantrums didn't stop.

Bonnie & Chas had a blast flying a plane and occasionally I heard them blasting off into space!

Charlotte had fun doing her own thing most of the time.

One of her other favorite activities was trying to tackle the stairs.

One of the favorite activities was the bubble station. There were all kinds of things to do there.

Even Charlotte had fun playing with the bubbles. Although I think she just enjoyed the taste!

Yes that is Charlotte's little hand.

Upstairs there was this cool seat that you could put kids in and use a pully to hoist them up. If the kids were older they could do it themselves. Behind Charlotte is another cool toy the kids spend a ton of time playing at.

Really this place was so fun and we would of stayed longer but I forgot sippy cups. Take sippy cups so your kids can last longer. The best part for parents was that the discovery center had benches for the adults to just sit and watch. But all the toys were probably as much fun for us as them.

Happy Birthday Bonnie

2010-11-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

My first born is turning five today. She's been telling me for months that when she turns five she'll be able to do all kinds of different things. Today we are at my parents house and I think she is just having a really great day.

I don't have many baby photos because they are on a different computer, which isn't with us. Happy Birthday big girl. We love you so much.

Happy Birthday!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T07:06:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-03T18:55:00.000-06:00

Halloween

2010-11-01T10:23:00.000-06:00

We had a busy and fun Halloween. The kids dressed up and had a great time collecting candy. Charlotte really got the hang of it this year, I was proud of her.

Here the two girls are anxiously awaiting their brother. I think he was taking care of business before we left.

We carved six pumpkins this year, we had some green ones that we didn't even cut into either. Two small pumpkins we picked up on the field trip and the other four we grew in our yard. The kids and I had a fun time watching them grow.

The kids just loved the pumpkins. Charlotte was especially concerned about the pumpkin she is in front of in this photo.

This year we had a princess, alligator monster, and a little bat. This is about as still as I could get the kids for a photo.

Even though we asked him to stay, the alligator monster was on the move.

Then the alligator monster walked right out of the photo shoot and headed off trick or treating. I'm just glad I actually got a picture of all three kids together. Hope you had a wonderful Halloween too!

Scooter Potholders

2010-10-21T10:55:00.000-06:00

Last night Jay and I attended a party for a friend who came back in town, during the summer he is gone fighting fires. He's a pilot. It was great fun catching up with him, his stories, and everyone else. It's amazing how life takes control and all of the sudden you realize you haven't seen your friends in over a month or two.

Our other friends that hosted the party had just bought their house during the summer and had had a party but unfortunately for us life was too hectic and we just couldn't make it. But it was ok because I wasn't finished with their house warming gift yet. I finally finished it a little bit ago and was able to give the present to them last night.

They loved the potholders and so did everyone else. As I was trying to figure out what to do for the house warming gift it kind of hit me, we all ride scooters together, I hadn't been able to figure out what to do with the fabric till now, and who doesn't love a scooter pin up girl. So thankfully it was the perfect gift! I'm just so glad they liked it, I might still be glowing a little from happiness.

Tim & Sally 2 mos

2010-10-20T08:24:00.001-06:00

Tim & Sally 2 mos
Originally uploaded by DanMcLean

Somethings will never change, Tim will always be taller then me! Happy Birthday Tim!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T07:08:00.000-06:00

Corgis

2010-10-11T08:25:00.000-06:00

I just read on another blog that someone had to put their corgi to sleep. So in honor of our beloved corgis out there here's a pic of Bonnie and Scooter.

Can you see the pink tongue that is licking her cheek. We love our Scooter dog.

Pumpkin Patch and Tractor Rides

2010-10-08T15:27:00.000-06:00

Monday afternoon found Bonnie, Chas, and I off on a pumpkin patch field trip. The kids were so excited and could barely contain themselves on the way there.

We hadn't even entered the pumpkin patch place but they found a big pumpkin and felt that they had to sit by it.

As soon as the teacher showed up we were headed off to the tractor, Chas was the most excited about this. Mostly because anything with wheels are just the coolest at the moment.

Here they are waiting to be pulled by the tractor. The ride was nice and long with a few bumps along the way. Exactly just what they needed, especially since we were all lifted off at one point when we hit an especially big bump.

Then we were told how to get the pumpkins off the vines and they were off.

Bonnie and her friend Eva were off on their search too. They followed a wheel path left by the tractor. The search for the perfect pumpkin was on.

They found the pumpkins they liked and then promptly gave them to me to carry. I didn't mind, I was really just enjoying watching them have so much fun. But that wasn't the end of our trip, oh no, there was so much more fun to have.

Then Bonnie and Chas were off running in the kid's size corn maze. I'm not kidding, they were really running.

They did the maze a few more times and then discovered the tractor tires they were allowed to play with.

It's safe to say they had an awesome time. I'd even say they were a little tuckered by the end.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-06T03:34:00.000-06:00

ABC's

2010-10-04T11:32:00.000-06:00

While visiting my sister last August I snuck off to her fabric store. This little store is a gem! I found some of the cutest fabric, I had been looking around for this fabric and couldn't believe I found it.

As soon as I got home it was all I could do to stop myself from getting the quilt made. It took a little time and since August, September, and the first half of October are always busy months for me.

This is just the quilt top, but soon I hope to have it quilted. Especially since the original idea I had for this blanket was to use on our couch this fall and winter. I may have underestimated the immense size of this thing. But I've fallen in love with it.

The center panel has the alphabet with matching animals and I love that it's not the usual animals. For example, U is for Urchin.

I can't wait to finish quilting this baby. I'm so excited to sit under the quilt and watch some great movies this fall.

Finally

2010-09-30T08:44:00.000-06:00

I finally got Bonnie to wear the dress I made for her ages ago. I had one photo of her wearing it and then all summer it was a no go, she wouldn't wear it. Thankfully a few weeks ago I was able to convince her to wear it on the same Sunday Charlotte wore her dress.

You notice as she walks closer you see a bump on Charlotte's head. Yeah I don't know where the heck that came from. These days she just appears with new bumps all the time, it must be from walking.

Wordless Wednesday - the 9 month old edition

2010-09-22T04:31:00.000-06:00

Camping again

2010-09-19T16:31:00.000-06:00

This past weekend found us camping out at the Bruneau Sand Dunes. It was really quite fun and a relatively short drive to the park. We arrived early enough to pick a nice campground with some shade, there is not a lot of trees there. We unpacked the kids and began setting up a tent. As we were setting up the tent the only other campers there at the moment showed up and asked if we'd already paid for our spot. When you pay for this camping spot you put your money into a big basket thing that the parks people pick up later, so if someone had paid for a spot and left without leaving any proof that they are camping there, it's basically free game. The husband looks at his wife and says, "Well that just Great!" I felt kind of bad but oh well, we referred to him as grumpy for the rest of the trip.

When we first got to the park we stopped in at the visitors center. Inside they had a lot of animals and birds stuffed and moving around as if they were real. They had a Golden Eagle feeding her babies a dead bunny. The kids were full of questions, what happened to the bunny, why is it dead. I tried to explain to them that the birds need bunnies like we need meat or cow. Yeah it didn't click but it was fun.

After setting up the camp site we just sat around while the kids ran. It was surprisingly hot. After dinner we headed up to the sand dunes, unfortunately we forgot sled but we still had fun. We parked and the kids raced off to the mountain of sand.

They ran up part of the hill and then I noticed them crawling up the hill.

I realized that they may just need my help and couldn't figure out why I thought these two little ones should go on their own. So I headed up after them.

I stared walking up after them and realized why they were crawling. It was hard to climb up and have your feet sinking into the ground while you did this. By the time I reached Chas I was really thinking I should of brought some water. It felt like I was breathing in sand.

We finally made it to the top. It was really really cool. I felt like Lawrence of Arabia while we walked the ridge across the top of the sand mountain.

I tried to get the kids to walk down the ridge instead of going straight back down the hill. It just seemed very steep to me.

It was really fun to say the least. I think at this point scooter was trying to figure out what the heck we were up to.

Once we were down we hiked over the the astronomy area. The parks has a huge telescope that you can look at the stars. They also have a pair of Navy binoculars that you could look through. I wasn't able to see anything but clouds through the large telescope but the binoculars were awesome. We were able to see the moon and it was so neat to see it three-dimensional. We also moved the binoculars over the the sand dunes and watched people hike. The kids could focus on them easier then the moon. It was just really cool. Unfortunately we didn't get to see any stars so we headed back to our camp.

When we got back a ton more scouts had showed up and were playing football by us. I laughed and thought it was a good thing grumpy didn't camp where we were camping because of the kids. I asked Jay when he thought the kids would quiet down, he said around 11pm. He was right. Luckily I was so tired it didn't matter.

Time Really Does Fly

2010-09-17T03:57:00.000-06:00

It doesn't seem like it's been this long but so much has changed.

I was watching Charlotte try to walk around the back yard today and thought it just seems like yesterday Bonnie was learning to walk. I also found proof that it was really Bonnie who started the screams that now all the kids love to do, just for fun half the time.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T03:57:00.000-06:00

Corgi Monday

2010-09-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

Scooter just wanted to stop in and say Hi! He's been missed on my blog for a while.

Precious

2010-09-10T09:05:00.000-06:00

The other night the kids and I headed out to the backyard to read a few books. We've moved a bench I recently put back together toward the middle of the backyard area.

Here is Bonnie being silly on the bench. As we were sitting there reading a few books I heard this thudding coming up behind me. I kind of cringed knowing that wouldn't save us from whatever is coming towards us. Once the thudding stopped I turned around and there she was.

This is Precious. She is our neighbors cow but now is our friend too. She likes to come over anytime she spots us in the pasture. She comes over and we feed her apples from our apple tree.

Well two nights ago Grandpa stopped by and we told him about Precious and our reading books outside. I secretly think she wanted to be read to also. So we all headed outside. Unfortunately Precious was all the over at the other end of her field.

At first we couldn't even see her, but then I spotted her. We began calling and waving our arms for to her. We called and called and called. Even the kids were calling for her. She walked a little bit away from her barn and feeding area. Then she saw us and trotted over. I rarely see cows run but Precious must like us because she ran all the way over to us. We were all so happy. We began to reward her with plenty of apples from our tree.

Then Grandpa found some apples too and began feeding her.

Then we thought we should probably go inside, but then she gave us this face.

So we gave her a few more apples. But then it was time to go inside and go to bed. So we all said goodbye.

Never did I think we'd have a big cow as a friend, but we definitely love her. She shows up now whenever we are outside.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-08T07:34:00.000-06:00

Hot Air Balloons

2010-09-06T02:33:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Boise decided to do the hot air balloon lift off, I'm sure it wasn't a last minute decision. Anyone in town could get up early and head down to Ann Morrison Park and watch the balloons take off.

Saturday morning came and we dragged ourselves out of bed while it was still dark! We headed over to the park and saw the droves of people. It was a little more busy then I had realized. But thankfully Daddy knew what to do and he took us into the middle of the balloons, no standing on the side for us. We were feet away from the hot air balloons while they filled up and then took off!

Chas is always happy for a photo opportunity. The two oldest kids loved watching the balloons take off, even given the loud noise.

I don't know if Charlotte like the balloons or not but she tolerated us dragging her off to the balloons.

The balloons they just kept blowing up and up and up.

By far our favorite balloon was rocket.

Then we discovered we were surrounded by pirates! We do love pirates at our house.

You may not be able to see but that small flag is a pirate flag. We noticed a few other balloons had pirate flags.

Then the show finished off with a Coca Cola balloon. When the sun was behind the balloon the color was so bright.

But then it wasn't over. The weather changed (I didn't feel a breeze) and a few balloons passed over us to move to a different clearing to try to take off.

While we were heading out they began the port-a-pottie knock over contest. Yes the balloons got low and began knocking over port-a-potties. It was pretty funny. Of course we were getting hungry and a certain someone was done with sitting in her storller.

The poor girl was just hungry. We got her home and few and she was the most pleasant little person for the rest of the day. Which was so nice considering the rough teething week we've had.

Next year we are marking our calendars and heading out to this fun hot air balloon event again, it's a family must do.

First Day of PreSchool

2010-09-05T07:32:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday Bonnie headed off to her second year of preschool. She just loves it there. She still prefers to be goofy or not be in photos at all.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T05:05:00.000-06:00

Driving with children

2010-08-16T05:07:00.002-06:00

Jay and I love to take road trips. We enjoy listening to music and also just having silly conversations. One of my favorite things we do on road trips is when all the kids are asleep we'll pick a year of our lives and tell one memory we have from that year.

Having kids has definitely put a damper on road trips. For some weird reason they don't enjoy sitting locked down in a car seat for hours on end. Our current protester of long car rides would be Charlotte. She absolutely dislikes all car rides that don't end within 30 minutes, which incidentally is just the amount of time it takes to get to my sister's house.

On Friday we left our house around nap time, Jay and I strategically leave at nap time so all the kids will fall asleep while we are on the road for an hour or two. Charlotte has this uncanny ability to not fall asleep at that time but she then falls asleep right before we stop for gas. This last Friday was no exception. I am sure she screamed for half the ride till I turned around and entertained her for another 30 minutes, which at that point I was totally sick from the twisty road and had to turn around and look straight ahead. The road to McCall follows a river and is absolutely beautiful but also has the potential to make you car sick. At that point I turned on a lullaby CD, which is not something I normally do and within three songs she finally fell asleep.

Yeah, that's a picture of happiness right there. Actually I thought it would be fun to show her this photo when she gets bigger, heck maybe I'll sneak it into her wedding video when she's all grown up!

Camping

2010-08-15T16:56:00.000-06:00

We spent another wonderful weekend in McCall. Our whole family had such a good time. This was the first time we've taken the kids camping for two nights and I have to say the second night is the best because everyone is so tired they all slept through the night! It rocked.

While camping we did our best to wear out the kids beyond all belief. The first night there we took the kids huckleberry picking.

Bonnie did a really great job helping Jay pick berries. I had Charlotte in my arms so I wasn't much good except for telling them which bushes were full berries. These are the yummiest berries ever! Jay and I had huckleberry pancakes for breakfast the next morning (the pancakes rocked)!

The next day we spent at the beach, as the kids like to say. It was really Payette Lake and was so beautiful. The weather was just perfect and Bonnie had a great time seeing how far she could get in waist deep.

Chas just played on the beach and Charlotte scooted around all day on the beach. It was just a blast.

We got back to our campsite pretty late that night. Charlotte went straight to bed and the kids & I watched a movie. Isn't camping grand? We have a small portable DVD player and it was so worth the money, at night it's a great way to get the kids in the tent and just calm down before you stick them in bed.

We camped right by the big rock again and had many adventures trying to climb the rock. But at this point in my day all I want to do is this:

Oh how I love to sleep.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T08:57:00.000-06:00

Photo taken by my friend.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T07:25:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T17:30:00.000-06:00

The Little Guy

2010-07-16T09:40:00.000-06:00

Remember this little guy?

A few weeks ago Bonnie had become extremely exhausted on a Sunday and ended up throwing up. On Monday morning she still wasn't feeling very good. I decided it was time to pull out the good old sprite soda remedy. I told Jay I was headed to the gas station to get her some soda and asked him if he wanted anything. He suggested donuts.

I'm not the type of girl that eats standard donuts, I have to have the good stuff. So I asked him if he meant the good stuff or the powder donuts from the gas station. He meant the gas station.

Back home I handed out the donuts. Chas ended up eating maybe three of four. Jay was still at the table eating breakfast while I checked on Bonnie and got her soda. Yeah Bonnie was in heaven, she was getting soda.

I headed back into the kitchen to have a few donuts and saw Chas still sitting on his seat at the table. The next thing I see is him as he reached his hand slowly over to the top left hand corner and taps his fingers on the edge of the computer. Then he slowly leaned over, he looked like he had no clue as to what he was actually going to do. Then with his head next to the corner of the computer he opened his mouth and began gnawing on the computer! Jay grabbed the computer and we told him you weren't allowed to gnaw on the computer.

He ran off to the other room on a serious sugar high. I laughed about that for days and really wish I could of gotten a picture of him chewing on the computer. We haven't made the same mistake since, no powdered sugar donuts for that boy in the morning anymore.

Another Dress for Charlotte

2010-07-15T16:02:00.000-06:00

I made a matching dress for Charlotte and now her and Bonnie match.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-14T11:19:00.001-06:00

Grandma & laughing Charlotte
Originally uploaded by DanMcLean

The Birthday Dress

2010-07-13T16:42:00.001-06:00

I'm a little late on posting this fun dress I made for Charlotte's first birthday.

Family Hike

2010-07-12T10:24:00.000-06:00

While down in Utah visiting my sister everyone but myself went for a hike. I was at the time sick, so I was excused from the trip.

It was a fun hike that all the kids could do and they had a blast, I can't wait till I go back and can go on the hike.

Jay said they had great little bridges like this throughout the hike. He said both kids loved it.

Unlike her sister, Charlotte had a good time in the baby carrier. Back when Bonnie was a baby she really didn't like the carrier when we hiked Mount Timpanogas.

The hike was a success. The kids all came home and took a nap (and so did Donna)!

Bonnie's Ice Cream Dress

2010-07-08T03:39:00.002-06:00

Finished a new dress for Bonnie. I finally got her to try it on this afternoon after much pleading.

I'm really happy with the look of this dress and the fabrics are so very fun together. I so wish I would look cute in something like this.

Here is a close up of the two fabrics.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-07T05:26:00.001-06:00

Aunt Donna with Charlotte and Chas.

Big Bowl

2010-07-06T04:45:00.000-06:00

This is what happens after you use all the normal size bowls for cake, Chris was left with using a salad bowl or a tiny little bowl for breakfast. He decided to go big.

I'm pretty sure Bonnie and Chris are watching either a western or war movie right at the moment.

My Baby turned 1!

2010-07-05T09:57:00.000-06:00

Last Friday Charlotte turned one. I am so amazed time has flown by so quickly. We were down visiting my sister in Utah and had a wonderful party. The cake was more then amazing.

Here Donna is applying the third layer to Charlotte's cake.

Oh yes I hear you saying wow, that's a lot of cake. Just wait.

Yes that is the fourth layer of the cake.

Donna frosting on top of the fifth layer.

Finally all the layers were applied. At this point we'd used all the frosting we had made. So then we made another batch of frosting.

But our second batch of frosting wasn't enough so we had to make a third batch of frosting. Finally we had it all frosted and it was time to party!

Everyone is excited about this cake. We put four candles on the cake because there were three big kids that wanted to help blow out the candles.

Looks like we weren't cutting the cake quick enough. Chas finally HAD to taste the frosting. He'd been holding back all evening but he just couldn't take it anymore.

Ta-Da, a rainbow cake!! Donna & I were so pleased with how cute this cake turned out. In fact everyone was in awe. That's the best part about my family, we are always up for an adventure when it comes to dessert. We had to use paper towels for the cake because it was too big for plates!

Most importantly the birthday girl approved. She loved it the cake. I fed it to her in color portions because I didn't' want the doggies getting all the cake.

Proof that she's part me. There is still cake left on her tray but as you can see she was busy eating the icing first.

We just thought we'd use a diet coke can to reference the height of this awesome cake. We had a great birthday party for the little one. Happy Birthday Charlotte.

Red Fish Lake, One Last Time

2010-06-28T10:30:00.000-06:00

While visiting Red Fish Lake on Saturday morning Jay was getting ansy. He decided he wanted to take us to the trail head for Hell Roaring Lake. It would of been fun to hike the mile up to the lake but with little ones we would not of made it.

The road to the trail head was quiet an adventure itself (I was scared to death half the time on the route). The route was all off road and very very bumpy. After we took a very big hill (later I would say it was nothing) we decided to stop. Bonnie was totally freaking out about the whole adventure. She was not enjoying the ride and letting all of us know her opinion about off roading.

Chas was sitting on a rock and laughing hard as Bonnie was running through the forest. Bonnie refused to sit still so I could get a picture of her.

So after they ran around a bit we got back in the pickup and headed farther down the trail/road. While we had been playing a Jeep passed us, so we figured when we got to the trail head we'd run into them again.

Once we were on our way again we had to drive very carefully because logs were sticking out in the trail. During the ride I commented to Jay it seemed like the forest service had made little effort to move these logs as if daring us to go further. We both laughed and figured yep that was what they were up too.

This is just a random photo of us on the road. I was trying to capture the Sawtooth Mountains because they are just beautiful but in the end I captured the road!

We got to one part of the road and had not only caught up to the Jeep we saw pass us but another Jeep. We thought maybe they were traveling together and stopping every once in a while to talk. Then we had to drive under the branch they had to drive under.

When we headed back down the road I took a picture of us working our way under the branch.

Once we got to the trail head we noticed the first Jeep had two college boys in it. We were talking to them and they said they sawed five logs and moved them out of the way. Then on the last tree we drove under they said they just sawed off the branches sticking down. So it turned out it wasn't the forest service barely moving the logs out of the way but the boys were getting the trees out of the way so they could hike into the mountains. We played around a bit once we made it to the trail head. The creek was really big this time of year and it was just beautiful up where we were.

Chas made sure, once were at the trail head, that all rocks available were being thrown into the water.

Charlotte and myself on by the creek.

You may wonder how we got Bonnie to stop freaking out.

Basically with technology she's not a 14 year old at 4. She listened to the ipod most of the way there, they entire way home, and then for most of the rest of the weekend.

Red Fish Lake Night 1

2010-06-25T04:17:00.000-06:00

The first night staying up at Red Fish Lake found us in this fun Lake Cabin instead of the big roomy one we usually have. We were moving into the roomier cabin the next day. When we pulled up Jay and I were totally excited because last year we had walked by this cabin a million times and talked about how fun it would be to stay in that cabin. This cabin was close to the lake and had tall windows on one side of the house so when you looked out from the main floor or the loft you could see the lake. It was a beautiful view. At that point we were wishing we didn't have to move the following day.

Charlotte was very happy with the cabin too. She was just excited to get out of the truck.

That night we put Charlotte to bed with ease, babies can be so easy sometimes. Then when we put Chas to bed he was screaming up a storm, he didn't like going to bed in a strange place and all alone. Bonnie was sleeping in a different room so we didn't worry about her. Chas' cries woke up Charlotte and they were screaming together. Meanwhile Jay and I tried to enjoy a movie on the laptop in the front room. As we were sitting on the couch when we heard squeaking noises. I looked at the chimney and we both figured bats lived in the chimney. No biggie right.

Finally we gave up and went into the bedroom to watch our movie so Chas would finally go to sleep. As we were laying there watching a movie I noticed something flying around the ceiling. At first I thought it might be a bug by the night light and looked over at the night light. Nothing, absolutely no bugs flying around the night light. I kind of jumped a little at that point.

Jay looked at me and asked me what was wrong. I told him something was flying around the ceiling. He looked up and confirmed my suspicion. We had a bat in our room!

I jumped out of bed kind of freaking out and not sure what to do. The bat swooped down at me and I let out a little scream, the kids were finally asleep and I didn't want to wake them up. I ran to the door and opened the door, the bat did not follow. Jay suggested I run downstairs and turn on the lights down there. I did that and the bat followed, the bat flew down to the front room and I screamed while hurtling up the stair back to my room. I know, total baby.

At this point April came out of her room to see what was going on. We showed her the bat flying around. Bonnie got a little scared so her and I went back into her room and hung out while Jay and April tried to get the bat outside. While sitting with Bonnie and trying to make her laugh I heard shuffling, shoes being flung, and general chaos in the outer loft and front room area. The bat wasn't leaving, so finally we all gave up and shut our doors and went to bed. We made sure the put clothes across the crack on the bottom of our floor so the bat couldn't sneak back in.

The next morning we were all getting ready, we had one bathroom so it took a while. I showered and then Jay showered. As he was brushing his teeth he saw movement out of the corner of his eyes. He looked over at the wall and saw a wing open up and a little head pop out to look at him. Being more calm in nature then I, he finished brushing teeth slowing with no sudden movements and came out to tell us all that the bat had moved to the bathroom.

If you look at the second dark line (middle of the picture) you'll notice something a little darker closer to the other wall. That was our bat.

April came to the rescue us and use of the bathroom, seeing as how I declared I wouldn't go in there again. She got the bat to fly out the window. Lets just say Jay and I were very happy to move to the newer bat-less cabin the next day.

Redfish Lake Part 1

2010-06-24T04:46:00.001-06:00

Last weekend was my Hubby's family reunion. This is such a fun reunion because we head up to Red Fish Lake Lodge and rent a cabin. Then we have the lake to play on all weekend, a beautiful view of the Sawtooth Mountains, 60 degree weather all weekend, food, and family. Can't imagine a better weekend!

This year since I was not 38 weeks pregnant I did a little research before we left to see what kind of fun activities there were to be had. Idaho is full of ghost towns and we were lucky enough to find two along with The Yankee Fork Gold Dredge.

We first drove through Bonanza, an old abandoned ghost town. All we could do was drive through because it's on private property and the houses were falling down. Three little kids would not do so well in that environment.

Then we headed to the Dredge. This was a really magnificent sight. Here are Bonnie & Chas standing outside the dredge.

We got to take a tour through the old dredge and it was really amazing.

Behind Chas in this photo are the iron buckets that would pick up the sediment. They were huge! As was the dredge itself.

This is the third set of scary stairs we had to walk up to get to the top of the dredge. Once up there it was a slow walk down as we were told all about the dredge and how it worked.

Working the levers.

The engine Room.

Once were finished at the dredge we headed over to Custer. That was a fun little ghost town owned by the Forest Service so it was nicely maintained and had a few volunteers that could tell us a little about the area.

This is where Charlotte was during most of the walk through Custer. Custer
was a blast. The kids could run around into all the buildings and check things out. Then in the school house they could sit in school desks and write on chalk boards. I'd say the highlight was then getting to ring the school bell. They thought that was the best. Then we all headed home because we were pretty tired from running around a ghost town all afternoon.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-23T07:24:00.001-06:00

Camping

2010-06-06T20:38:00.001-06:00

This past weekend the family headed up to McCall, ID and did some cold night camping. Even with the rain on Friday night we had a really great time. We camped right by a big rock and by the time we left Bonnie had mastered climbing and sliding down the big rock.

Friday night it stopped raining enough for us to roast marshmallows. Jay got the fire going and we started roasting. Chas say me squat down to roast my mallows and he proceeded to do the same. He was so cute and serious about the whole roasting process.

The kids had a great time climbing this rock. If you have kids I suggest camping by big rocks, they love them.

Bonnie decided to scar me when she jumped up from behind the rock. It was a fun weekend.

Superman or Batman

2010-05-28T06:03:00.000-06:00

As you already know Sister's Weekend is a blast and I can't talk enough about it. My sister Jeni created super hero capes for the kids this year.

Chas is modeling his Superman side and on the other side of the cape is his batman cape.

Bonnie got a really cute super hero cape too. She has a bird on one side and a flower on the other. I think we can easily say she loves her super hero cape too.

The best part is we can visit their cousin's and they have super hero capes too. It ends up that all four kids run around playing super heros. It's a good life!

The Winner is...

2010-05-26T08:33:00.002-06:00

I printed off all the names and put them in a bowl. Bonnie pulled one out and it was,,

Midwestern Gone Idahoan

Congrats!

I'll get thsi quilt to you when you get back in town.

I really wish I could of given everyone a prize but I don't have that many doll quilts let alone that much time. Thans for your comments.

Photo Booth

2010-05-26T06:44:00.000-06:00

The fun thing about having a mac is there is a little application called Photo Booth. While I was down in Vegas for Sister's Weekend the kids had a fun morning taking photos with the photo booth.

Here is a fun one of Bonnie hiding behind her blanket.

They had a lot of fun making funny faces at the camera. I just loved looking through those photos and to remember what fun and silly kids these two are.

Buckle Up

2010-05-25T08:02:00.000-06:00

My Sister Donna has been trying to spread the word to buckle up when you're in the car. Their son, even though he was told regularly, would take his seat belt off when they were in the car going places. I know I did all the time when I was his age. Unfortunately on a trip down to visit our parents the car went off the highway and flipped three times, Calvin was not wearing his seat belt. Everyone but Calvin survived the crash. Now Donna's family spends time trying to spread the word to wear your seat belt.

If you'd like to hear the great new clip, it's right here.

Remember to always buckle up.

200th Post and a Giveaway!!

2010-05-24T05:32:00.001-06:00

Today is my 200th post on this blog.

As a way to celebrate I thought I'd do a giveaway. Over the weekend I worked on a small doll quilt. Now it's not perfect and it's definitely wonky but I think most little girls would love a new doll quilt.

It's a small little quilt and I'm really happy to say I didn't buy anything to make it. I was able to use everything from my stash.

So leave a comment if you'd like to be entered in the giveaway.

If you'd like a second chance of winning the quilt become a follower and let me know. If you are already a follower let me know too so you can have two chances of winning.

You have till Tuesday the 25th at midnight to sign up for the giveaway. I'll randomly pick a winner the next day. Good Luck!

Versatile Blogger

2010-05-20T14:56:00.002-06:00

I was given this award from Suzanne over at Midwestern gone Idahoan.

The Rules for the award are:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic! (in no particular order...)

4. Contact the blogger you've picked and let them know about the award.

Thanks Suzanne. I just love reading your blog and living close enough to get together and play all the time. This will be fun and challenging for me.

Ok seven things about myself:

-1 I love riding Lambretta Scooters (if you couldn't tell). My husband rebuilds them for me and I get to ride them without any effort of working on the bike. It's something that I was a little nervous about but this summer I'm not pregnant and I'm getting better at riding.
-2 I have a habit of creating new words. It cracks my husband up when I try to use some word that doesn't exist. It's a habit I think my entire family has.
-3 Being a mom hasn't come naturally to me. It's been tough and some days I think I've finally got it figured out but then they next day arrives and I realize I haven't figured anything out.
-4 I love chocolate - I could eat it for any meal.
-5 I love to travel and have adventures with my family.
-6 I'm older then I ever thought I'd be. It's not scary because at least I get to age with my best friend.
-7 I love getting packages in the mail. I know a dangerous obsession but I try to contain it.

Ok now onto 15 bloggers that I like. Oh this isn't going to be easy.

1. Make it and Love it

2. Oh, Fransson!

3. Kristen Doran Design

4. How About Orange

5. doe-c-doe

6. hop skip jump

7. Jenn Ski

8. Wee Wonderfuls

9. a la mode fabric

10. Cluck Cluck Sew

11. homemade by jill

12. Made by Rae

13. the red thread

14. radpots pottery

Ok I have to go and take care of my sick little girl.

On Monday I'm doing a giveaway for my 200th post. Crazy huh. Here's a little pictures of what I'm working on.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Absent

2010-05-18T08:15:00.002-06:00

I've been absent from my blog for over a week now. It's not because I'm lazy, trust me. Oh no a many many different things were going on.

Last week we plugged in the power source to our Mac and it smelled like something was burning. Turns out the computer was dropped on it's side at some point. Big surprise at our house, you've seen my three kids. I think the guy at Mac Life was offended that we'd let kids near our computer, clearly childless.

So on Tuesday I packed all three kids in the car and planned to head over to Mac Life to have the computer fixed. I guess that wasn't the plan for the day. As I sat at the stop light I was hit from behind. And let me tell you we were hit HARD.

So where have I been you may ask? Seriously I don't know. Time just seems to fly by and I can't seem to get answers to my questions. Such as will my car be fixable? You know the important things in life.

I wish I had some awesome funny thing to say like oh yeah we were in Hawaii, because that would rock. Nope I'm at home and I'm not even allowed to clean (so you can imagine what the house is beginning to look like).

2010-05-07T06:44:00.000-06:00

Remember this little one?

Oh yeah she's my baby, of course everyone knows who she is. Lately she has begun climbing things. Since we don't have any stairs in our house the next best option is the treadmill. It totally cracks me up when she does this because she can't get down. It's almost like my very own babysitter because she doesn't try to climb off. The other kids don't care for this because the treadmill was their own stage but now I believe Charlotte may be claiming it.