Inks Lake and Enchanted Rock

Keeping with our annual tradition of camping over Spring Break, this year we headed to the "other side" of Austin to Inks Lake and Enchanted Rock State Parks.  And, this time the whole Texas clan came along.

Trying out our new hammocks.

Going fishing...don't confuse that with catching fish.

 Beginning our ascent to the top of Enchanted Rock.

Still going ...

Robyn loved every bit of it!

Still going up to the summit.

At the top!  

Just love this picture of my mother and us three sisters.  We were trying to get a group picture and the wind wasn't cooperating!

On the other side is a cluster of caves (who knows how many there really are...we didn't explore all the crevices). 

I hiked down into one of them and couldn't get out becaue of the people blocking the entrance.   So, I waited...this is me looking up out of one of the crevices.  Jaren tried to convince me to climb up but we decided that I was too short to reach the hand or foot holds.

 Splashing in Spring Creek back at Inks Lake

All the cousins with Grandma!

 To anybody wondering of young children can hike Enchanted Rock.  Yes, they can.  Though, some may come down looking like this:

 Yes, she slept pretty much during the whole descent.

I've gone mental...

With some of this:

Wood Badge 13-2 here I come.  I was a participant on Course 1023 back in 2010.  This year, I'm on staff as a Troop Guide.  I'm very much a greenie at this voluntary assignment (yep, I know...I'm a little crazy).  It's a whole new experience, I tell ya.  But worth it for all the life lessons.

And more of this:

Yep, I went back to school this year.  Obviously, I'm not on campus at BYU-I in Rexburg.  I started their online Pathway program about seven weeks ago en route to finish my BA.  

Oh my...it has changed my life!  

 And LOTS of this:

Still my favorite part...being surrounded by this particular support group.  

Someone once asked me how I was juggling everything.  Well, my brain hurts all the time.  I haven't exercised it like this in years.  Other than that, it's not all that stressful since we significantly downsized the amount of extracurricular stuff we had going on.  I have to admit that life is just getting better and better each and everyday.

  

I've been pretty terrible at posting on my blog.  Life was busy before...now--just as busy. 

Ballerina in the making

No...not me--though I was in ballet for a while a LONG time ago. I actually have very fond memories of it. I know a friend of my mother's helped with the bow that was sewn on the shoulder. I could go on and on about my adventures of ballet. Like I said, I remember it very well...I loved it.

Me as a ballerina, 1986

While up in the attic today rotating toys, I ran across this old ballet costume of mine. Of course, Robyn saw it and snatched it up. She spent much of her Sunday afternoon in it dancing all over the house!

I think I found her halloween costume....just need some ballet shoes (I'm sure I can dig some old ones up at grandma's house).

Favorite Places, Part 2

From the cold, windy Oregon coast to the dry deserts of Utah...

I know I visited here as a child--6th grade as I recall. Right now, the Visitor's Center for Dinosaur National Monument is closed for renovations until October. I was in the mood for some hiking, so it was fine that there was no Visitor's Center to see all the dinosaur bones along the side of a hill.

We took a bus ride up into the Dinosaur National Monument Area and took the "Fossil Discovery" hike. Not sure how long the hike was--only that there wasn't a single bit of shade. What do you expect when you're hiking in East Utah?

Right off the bat, Hunter took off to be right up front with the Ranger asking all sorts of questions and being very attentive.

I started behind (way behind) and hiked alongside Robyn who was moving at a comfortable, let's-touch-every-rock, kind of pace.

She was a good, little hiker.

The Ranger would constantly ask Robyn questions to which she always enthusiastically replied "YEAH!" (See picture below--you can see the ranger's feet in the upper left corner of the photo) Even though she had no clue...

While the Discovery Trail was an adventure, my favorite part of the day was when we ventured off the beaten path (literally) and drove into the canyon. For a moment there we thought we were lost as we followed the map given to us by the ranger. But, we eventually came to a place called Josie's Cabin.

An oasis in the middle of the desert. Lots of shade trees and picnic tables--perfect for a picnic lunch.

Learning the story of Josie Bassett Morris is quite intriguing! You could take some short hikes into Box Canyon if you wanted while relaxing here and wandering around this old homestead complete with a four room cabin, a chicken coop (pictured), a cellar and livestock (okay, there aren't any livestock here anymore).

So, if you're venturing through this part of Utah I recommend picnicking at Josie's Cabin--a bit off the beaten path but you won't regret it. If you appreciate the desert, the drive is quite scenic.

Fort Extravaganza

May 11, 2011. This day was met with RAIN! And, may I say that it rained for a good, long while. For those of you not from the area...we really needed it. Our Pack and other members of our congregation were out in it mulching the church grounds. Quite a sight to watch all the boys at work not caring about the rain.

But, this was not the grand highlight of our day for the family. The Fort Extravaganza was! (Given that wonderful name by our MC of the evening). While this ceremony was originally just a ceremony for me, due to schedule conflicts and a busy Summer coming up I knew the boys wouldn't be present at a Pack Meeting for several months. So, we opted to celebrate all of our accomplishments at this ceremony.

Hunter earned his Wolf Rank and several Arrow Points. Aidan received his Webelos Rank and all the awards that go with that.
I completed my Wood Badge Ticket requirements and therefore was awarded my Wood Badge beads, Neckerchief and Woggle. Basically, I graduated from the course after 15 long months of working on my ticket!
To avoid writing all about the significance of each tradition in Wood Badge you can read about them here. I, for one, find it quite interesting and am very privileged to be among this elite group of people in the scouting world.
(me with my Troop Guide and SR-1023 Course Director)

Yes, I know I'm short...must you keep reminding me...

Now I can join the ranks of my other family members who are not only former Wood Badge graduates but also members of the Buffalo Patrol. Yep--we all have a thing for the Buffalo...
Thanks for the gift to start my own Buffalo collection


The ceremony ended with the blowing of the Kudu Horn! Hunter commented that he must have meant to say "Fog Horn".


Us Scouters will admit that we are a little weird but we have so much fun!

Course, we had to top off the night with this cake sporting my Course SR-1023 logo, our Buffalo Totem (center) and our various Patrol yells...oh, and I realized this morning that those are little Buffalo tracks all over the cake! My sister did a great job portraying Wood Badge for me. It's great having a sister like her (that's putting it very mildly)!

It was a momentous and memorable occasion for me and I'm very grateful for those friends and family who gave up their late evening to attend, participate and support me and my family.

To my other Buffalo Patrol members: Get movin' and finish those tickets!

Mother Nature Rambles

I've spent my morning watching nature in my backyard. For some reasons it's quite entertaining today! After watering, birds flock in to grab the worms and hang out at the bird feeders.
The Gardenia bush is in full bloom (a month earlier than last year)
and Aidan's wildflowers are going crazy (still can't identify them yet).
Then there are my first Black Swallowtail caterpillars on my dill. Yes, I planted dill for the caterpillars...not really to harvest.
I watch as a feisty Blue Jay comes down and plucks one off the plant and flies away. I feel torn: I love seeing Mr. Blue Jay and the caterpillars--but the bird will always prevail. So, I have to let go of my ridiculous sadness for losing a caterpillar and be joyful that I've supplied a natural food for the birds as well. I'm sure they'll be back for more. They better or I'll run out of dill for the little crawlers.

Just gets me more excited as I wait for the day-lilies to bloom and for the Hummingbirds to return...still waiting for their favorite flowers to start blooming (any day now). Last but not least, waiting for the Monarch caterpillars to come back to the milkweed.

I didn't plant a vegetable garden for me this year. I just wanted to plant for Mother Nature.

Maybe you think I'm weird--but I find it entertaining to watch it all. I will sometimes drop everything to just sit and observe.

Thanks friend

I had planned to do some serious birthday shopping for a certain boy in the family. I was going to be at it all morning and into the afternoon... I was preparing for a long (possibly frustrating) day shopping for the perfect gifts. Who knows if I would have been able to find what I was looking for.

Instead, I dropped it all and went for a nice long walk with a friend!

It made my day. It made my week!

Thanks friend! I sure needed it. I'll go out tomorrow or Monday...or Tuesday...

I Dreamed A Dream

For some reason, that song from Les Miserable has been playing in my head over and over again! Then I got to thinking...perhaps I am absolutely "dreaming dreams". But, Fantine's lyrics are in no way similar to what I'm dreaming of (thank goodness). My life isn't hell, my hope's aren't torn apart, my God is forgiving and I believe every storm can be weathered.

Nevertheless, I dream. But, I'm not sure I can call it dreaming when I'm really wide awake because my mind won't stop thinking. Yes, the story of my nights--every night for the past six weeks. The absence of sleep and the onset of dreams.

I tried to make a mental list (why should that be so hard when my brain won't stop making lists) of all those random things that I'm dreaming about. I realized they most of them are projects. So, here's just a sampling of what's been going on in my head:

Card Table Playhouse. I've been wanting to do something like this but it wasn't until I finally started searching for ideas that I finally got a mental grasp of the project. For all you crafty moms--such a cool idea! I would love to make one for Robyn's 2nd birthday now that I own an actual card table. It's already all drawn out in my head.

Felt Foods. Another set of toys that I've always wanted. But, I can't justify paying for them! The other day I ventured out and wanted to try to make some on my own. I thought I'd try a strawberry, an oreo cookie, ravioli and crackers. The strawberries turned out okay--albeit rather small. I quit half way through the oreo cookie and thus never made it to the starches. I continue to dream about them.

Wooden Dolls. Now, these are something else that I could totally go crazy with!

Other things include a matching dress for Robyn (to match the red dress I made for our cruise). I want to make her one so we can get some formal family pictures done this Spring.

The other day Jaren and I were discussing our Dream House! Periodically we do that. Every time we talk about it, more details get added.

I look out my back window and wonder when the backyard will EVER get finished.

I had a 5 year old come over for a "trial" piano lesson. Yes, she wasn't ready for serious lessons but it was absolutely fun to just explorer music with her! Since then, the idea of running a Music Program for children ages 3-5 has also occupied a spot in my brain. So many possibilities and so much fun! In case you don't know, I LOVE this age! Crazy, but true!

But, for right now...I continue to dream. It seems that when reality just isn't all I hoped it to be, the continuous dreaming is what keeps me going. However, the sleepless nights are starting to wear on me.

To be 30...

Maybe some of you don't think about it because you hit the big 3-0 years ago. But, I'm the baby of the family so the idea of "the baby" being 30... (I'm at a loss for words)

At least I don't have to celebrate it alone! Happy Birthday Andy! Can't remember the last time us twins were able to celebrate together.

FYI: I'm still "the baby"...by 8 minutes

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

There are 2 reasons why I do not own a pair of "real" boots:

1) I have small, fat feet. No one ANYWHERE makes a decent pair of boots for a woman who wears a size 3...in girls. Once you tell the salesperson what size I need, they kind of chuckle and politely say that they don't sell women's boots that small. Surprise, surprise.

2) My shoe collection consists of functional footwear (we won't talk about my collection of dress sandals). To me, a pair of boots is not functional for me! They are made to ride horses!! They are made for true, blue cowgirls....which I AM NOT. So, what would a pair of boots do for me?

Bless my dear husband--who for ten years now--has been encouraging me to have my own pair. Whenever we'd come across a store that sells boots he'd drag me in. Typically we never stayed very long simply because I could never get over the ridiculous idea of owning a pair of boots--a dysfunctional piece of footwear for me.

But, alas this time Jaren dragged me into a store (actually a vendor at the local Rodeo). We told the salesman my "sob" story of unsuccessful boot shopping. Who would have expected the guy to come out with the perfect pair of boots...they fit like a glove! OOOHHHH so that's what a pair of boots is supposed to feel like?! They really aren't that bad. And, apparently it's normal for people to own boots that don't use them for ranching or riding. Kind of like why people buy SUVs.

So, call me crazy...but I am now the proud owner of a pair of Twisted X Genuine All-Leather boots. The look on Jaren's face when he sees me in them is well...priceless. And, that's worth it for me.
Now all I need is a belt buckle and a hat. Anyone got any horses I can try them out on??

Maybe one day I may be that "Ol' Cowhand from the Rio Grande" that I used to sing about as a kid. (Gold family--do you remember that Anniversary Celebration of our Grandparents in the 80s?)

It's fine being 29 in 2009!

It seemed selfish to wish myself a Happy Birthday but I have to say Happy Birthday to my beloved twin brother way up there in New York.

Back when we were still innocent in 1982....

My New Invention

Okay, to all you mom's out there, I'm sure you've had the same problem that I've encountered. Those dang burp cloths...can't go anywhere without them. However, I seem to get home without them. They tend to get lost or dropped along the way without anyone noticing. And, why not? They are practically weightless!

Robyn and I (she was in the sling) were walking home with Hunter from school one day. And the burp cloth was dropped along the way. Course, I didn't notice it was gone until I actually needed it. My third burp cloth "lost" this week. Time to do something.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love those toy links and blessed are the toy makers who make toys that can be clipped to those links! With that in mind, I just simply sewed buttonholes at the corners of my burp cloths so they too could be attached to those links which can be clipped to my sling, my stroller, my purse, her car seat, etc. No more dropped burp cloths!Honestly, there's nothing fancy about this idea. But, I think it's pretty clever! I just wish I would have thought of it sooner!

Birthday Party Anxiety!

Okay, so do you remember that handsome picture of that young man on my previous post? Do you remember a post a while back that mentions that I'm a "party pooper?" Okay, I enjoy parties...when someone else is planning them! Well, I promised Aidan a party for his 8th birthday before we head up to Washington. The sheer thought of planning a birthday party just gives me a headache. Aidan's been to many parties. And, to be honest--very few of them are planned by the parent. Most of them are at some party place where the parent pays outrageous amounts of money for these children to bounce around on inflatables, eat LOTS of cake and...pizza. Not to mention the goody bags are just ridiculous. He would rather have a smaller party in his home. By the way, Aidan hates pizza (and hot dogs) and has never been impressed with those types of parties.

So, I've decided it's about time I gave in and "got over" this fear of birthday parties. I know, y'all are probably thinking how crazy I am for being afraid of a bunch of 8 yr. olds. The fact that most of them are bigger than me just doesn't mean anything, right? It's embarrassing that I fear a room full of 8 year olds that must be entertained! Sad but VERY true! Give me as many 3 yr. olds as you want and I can handle it just fine. But, once they get to be five or six...

I also know how much Aidan would love this party so as his mother, I feel it necessary to do this for him. Honestly he doesn't ask for much. And, it takes a lot to get him excited about anything. To see him excited about a party excites me so we're gonna do it.Took very little to excite Aidan for his 1st birthday...

Anyway, I have less than a month to come up with something.

Seriously, anybody...everybody...I need ideas!

Our New Best Friend

*Honestly, it took us a while to like you.
*First impressions weren't all that great.
*You were hard to "get along with" at first.
*Even when we said we liked you, we were still hesistant to come to you in times of need.
*But, eventually we worked out our differences...
*And we realized how much we do LIKE you!
*And now we can't go anywhere without you...just in case we might need you.

Meet our new friend, the Ring Sling!The story:
Robyn and I were having some real issues with certain things. Must I list them!! You remember my fall at church? The baby carrier that I can hardly carry because to me it's too heavy. Not to mention, when I put the carrier "on" the shopping cart like you're supposed to, I can't see over it cuz I'm SOOO short. Have you tried grocery shopping with the carrier actually in the cart?? Or, when you have to get a cart just so you have a place to put the carrier when all you're doing is picking up a prescription. And, let me tell ya--strollers don't work well in furniture stores, the post office, or in a crowded elementary school! And hey, this girl is not a small infant! She's approaching 14lbs. already! I love her, but she's so huggably chubby that those "front" carriers just don't work. I could just hear the life getting sucked right out of her as I would try to buckle/adjust it in all the right places. Not to mention it would take forever to get all situated! We were never comfortable. So, we had to find a solution.

The Solution:

I first became intrigued by these when I saw my visiting teacher using it all the time with her infant. So, we met. I had a lot of issues as I started researching them. For example: these slings are not cheap!! Most places sell them online for $75 or more! Are you kidding me?! Relax, you can find them on ebay for much cheaper (that's where I got 2 of mine). But I had questions about safety, durability, sizing, length, pockets? Can a child honestly be comfortable in that? Can you really carry a 3-yr. old? They look SOOO HOT to wear! The list went on. I was really, really skeptical at first. I've also realized that they are not hard to make yourself if you really wanted to. And, it took A LOT of practice (and watching YouTube to see how other mothers did it) to get each "position" just right. Obviously I got all my issues worked out cuz now I own three. I have one made of SolarVeil for the hot weather that we just love to experience down here. This one that I'm wearing in the picture is my "church-going" formal one.

Life has become better for the both of us since we started using ours on a constant basis.

Thank you Ring Sling for coming to our rescue! Robyn and I LOVE you!

16 going on 29

I was out shopping today with Robyn and I got "the look" again. The look that says, "What in the world are you doing with a baby?" I always get certain comments and looks when I'm out with my babies and it's been going on since I had my first. Sometimes I just get SOOO tired of it...

I appreciate the "grandmas" who compliment me on such a beautiful baby. I can even tolerate the tween who just stares...creepy!! Anyway, the comments I just can't get used to are all the negative ones that have to do with how old "I look." (I get the same looks when I'm pregnant.)

"You're too young to have a baby!"

"It's teens like you who make it look like it's okay to have one!"

"So, do you know who the father is?" (WHAT???!! Do you see the ring on my finger?!)

"Oh, you have such a cute little sister!"

"Where's your mom? Or, are you here with a babysitter!" (again, WHAT???!! Do I honestly look 12??!!)

Sometimes I want to say, "You think this looks bad, I've got two more at home!!" What's wrong with these people?? But, then I think about what day in age we're in. Why am I so surprised...

Seriously people, do I look that young?? Don't answer that...

Some of the comments I get...come on!! I wish I had better comebacks. I should just embrace it and have fun with it, right Andy? Anyone got any good comebacks--please share!

Course, maybe someday I'll share with you ALL the stories Jaren and I have as a married couple. Before we had our own kids we were never seen in public as a married couple--always just siblings or father and daughter...I know, sad. How about the time, two days after we were married, we checked into a hotel and the receipt said "One adult and one child!" Hello??!! For the longest time whenever we'd go into restaurants it was one adult menu and one child menu ...

My favorite, when it was just the four of us...the family was going to dinner with one of Jaren's best friends. We walked into a neighborhood Applebee's with Jaren and his friend Nate leading the way with me and the two boys trailing behind....The hostess just looked at us. Okay, we were in Seattle so who knows what she was thinking!! But, in the end, she tried to hand us two adult menus and three kids' menus. People, just ask--don't assume!

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Hey, we were even featured in our local newspaper back in Kennewick, WA because we looked so "mismatched".

Everyone says I should embrace the fact that I look younger than I am. I try to use it to my advantage but I do try my hardest (usually) to look my age. Thankfully, I do act it...so that helps.

Me, 1997, age 17 at my Jr. Prom

Do I really still look like that (minus "a few" pounds and gray hairs)??