Rebecca's Birthday!

Well, our sweet little Rebecca is now a big 8 year old! Her birthday falls right at the end of school and the great thing about having a warm-weather birthday is having the party OUTSIDE and at the PARK! As opposed to trying to entertain tons of loud and crazy kids cooped up in our house.

We invited kids from her class and first we had pizza and let them go crazy on the playground:

And in case you haven't noticed...Rebecca is crazy about horses. So instead of trying to make a horse cake, I bought one, thankyouverymuch:

The little boy on the right is one of her best friends:

Of course up here, you're not guaranteed warm weather in June. We were actually really happy that the rain held off during the party. Here you can see Rebecca (on the right, pink shirt), Jessica (across from Rebecca, digging in the cake), Mackenzie (on the right, blondie in the striped shirt), and Jake (across from Mackenzie in the red shirt):

Presents are always fun!

And here's our little cutie at about a year and a half old (in the purple jacket):

And here she is now! This is the morning after her party...her actual birthday. She still had the present from us and some cards to open:

The girls have been saving up their money to by a Nintendo DS, for about a year now, and the goods inside the cards sent her over the top so she had just enough to buy the DS and a Little Pet Shop game! Thank you, grandparents!!!

And yes, we're still in our jammies (except for Rebecca...I had her get dressed and brush her hair...because I roll that way. Oh and Jake was dressed just because he needed a fresh diaper and it's just as easy to put on his clothes rather than put jammies back on.) See...

Jessica looks like she's been caught. Not surprising.

Mackenzie's wondering how much money she still needs before she can get a DS.

Summer Craft Project For Kids!

Now that summer vacation is here moms all over the country are wondering...

What in the world am I going to do with these kids for the next three months?!

On top of the usual summertime fun activities I received an email with an idea that will get the kids involved and thinking about other children around the country and the world who are struggling through economic hardships, natural disasters or political conflicts.

Personally, my heart goes out to these children but I don't always know the best way to get my own kids involved in helping them. I want my kids' hearts to connect with these little ones in need and to feel like they really did something to help.

In addition to giving money (most younger kids don't really understand the value of it yet), they can also send a Comfort Critter with a personal message through Operation Kid-to-Kid.

Here's how it works:

First, go to the Operation Kid-to-Kid website and read more about the program. The Comfort Critters go along with a whole Crocodile Dock VBS program (and they offer other programs as well). But lets not get overwhelmed!

OK2K suggests you get two Comfort Critters for each child participating...one to give away and one to keep. When you order the "God Cares" turtle you will get 10 pairs of them, enough for 10 children to have one to give away and one to keep. The pack of 20 turtles runs $17.99. So feel free to split it with other families or use in a Sunday school class.

The kids stuff the turtles (no sewing involved) and there is a pocket on each turtle for the kids to send their own personal message to the child receiving the turtle. Then send the turtles back to the address provided and they will get distributed to the children in need. OK2K also suggests sending a Survivor Booklet ($0.79 each) along with each Critter.

Of course you can adapt the critters project and use them for local community service or outreach.


A little more FYI:

What is Operation Kid-to-Kid?

Operation Kid-to-Kid™ is a partnership of Group Publishing, Inc. and nondenominational Christian organizations dedicated to creating hands-on service projects for children in North America. Operation Kid-to-Kid™ projects have ministered to kids all over the world. Over the years, Group’s Operation Kid-to-Kid™ has become one of the largest forces mobilizing children in serving other children around the world. Millions have been impacted with gifts of comfort critters, school supplies, Bibles, hygiene kits, Christmas gifts, Bible coloring books, and socks and shoes. Operation Kid-to-Kid™ gives children a meaningful service project that will change their hearts as they help change the world.

What is a Comfort Critter and why are they effective?

Comfort Critters are adorable, easy-to-assemble crafts designed especially for kids to make and receive. This year’s special critter is a cuddly little turtle that reads “God Cares” and features a pocket so each child can include a special message to another child in need.

Children learn by doing. While activities like collecting spare change definitely serve a good purpose, it’s hard for young children, who don’t really understand the value of money yet, to understand how the money they collect will minister to other children. But all children know what it’s like to be scared or lonely. They know how a teddy bear, stuffed animal, or blankie makes them feel better. As they use their own hands to make these little turtles, they are creating personal, tangible expressions of compassion. The handy sewn in pocket gives them the opportunity to send a message from their own hearts. And because they make two turtles—one to give away and one to keep—they will have a touchable reminder that other children are struggling and in need of compassion and comfort.

In the Merry Month of May

Ok so I haven't posted in a month. I am SO on top of things!

So here is the month in pictures...

May seems to be a really good time for sunsets:

I love this!

Usually we can hear Jake saying yelling, "STOP-IT, BECCA!!!" But she's also good for snuggling up with for a movie, too.

(But it's all in turn...when Rebecca was little she would yell, "HUSH! JUST HUSH Tenzie YEN!" ...that's "Mackenzie Lynn")

Well, he's got the most important things on...the boots.

And the diaper!

This is a common scene in our house (but with pants on, or jammies)...Jake running and pushing his dump truck all around the house. He does this at least a hundred times a day.

It makes the girls run and scream because getting rammed by a speeding dump truck is painful on the ol' ankles. He's learned not to ram momma...doesn't like the consequences.

And last but not least....

Oh yes! We got a boat!! Whadda ya think?!

We took it out on it's maiden voyage (for us, anyway...it's a '99) on Memorial Day Weekend! No pressure! Just the busiest day of the year on the lake (so far) and two people who haven't driven a boat in over a decade!

Actually the dock wasn't that crowded. Except for that one guy who made us look like we were pros. I didn't dare laugh because that could have easily been me!

Now, I did take the camera with us on the lake. Really! I DID!!! I just didn't take any pictures.

Jake was not pleased with having to sit down while the boat was going, and that he couldn't lean over the side when the boat was going, and that he couldn't help drive the boat by pushing all the buttons he could reach. Where's the love?! Not to mention that bulky life jacket that was in his way all day.

He'll learn. And he'll like it! Or else we'll strap him to the front of the boat and make him like it. (Kidding of course...don't call CPS!)

All About Jake

Well, and one of Mackenzie too. These pictures are from February, March and April. I'm trying not to confuse myself with going backwards in posting these pictures!

This was from Mackenzie's 4th grade concert (they only had to wear the hats on one song):


Here's Jake sporting his fashion sense in footwear:

...and in eye wear:

And back to footwear. He loves his boots:

He wears the boots with anything and everything:

Don't forget the hat and horse as well:

Playing it cool:

Not now, Mom. A guy needs some time to himself:

And that concludes this series on picture catch-up. Can you tell this was a desperate attempt to flood Jake with pictures in order to distract from the fact that I rarely have him on the video camera? Other than Christmas and birthdays I think the last time I have him on video is when he first learned to roll over.

Our Easter Trip

Since the girls had a 4 day weekend we took a much needed trip out of town. So we went to Idaho. Doesn't everyone go to Idaho whenever they get the chance?! No? Well I'll have you know that northern Idaho has Silverwood, the biggest theme park in the Northwest (that's really not saying much, though). But we didn't go there. It's too cold to be open yet.

And Coeur d' Alene has a nice little lake to browse around, and Pend Oreille (c'mon Idaho! let's speak some English here!) is another larger lake that should be fun in the summer (you'll still need a wetsuit to swim/ski, though).

But the main attraction in Idaho is....

CABELAS!!!!! Yes, Post Falls has a new Cabelas store. The dream destination of millions. Oh yes, we went there.

But Post Falls also has a large outlet mall. Or at least it did until the economy shut most of it down. Hmpf!

Anyway, it was fun to get away for a few days to play and shop. The highlight for Stan and Jake was, of course, Cabelas. The highlight for the girls was shoe shopping and swimming in the hotel pool. The highlight for mom was naptime. Kidding! I enjoyed everything except Jake's sleepless nights.


So here we are at Cabelas:


I didn't get a picture but they also had a fun shooting range in the store. Not real guns, of course. But for a couple of tokens you can shoot at several different objects in an outdoor-looking setting. We all enjoyed that one!

Jake was so funny. He could not get enough of it all. He was running and jumping around, so excited! It was like Christmas for him!

The dam at Post Falls:

On our way home we decided to take the scenic route and went up to where Stan's territory ends on the railroad, then followed the tracks all the way home. In the 4 years we've been here I haven't ever seen this side of his territory so it was fun to see where he works.

The tracks follow the river:

Don't you just feel sorry for him that he has to work in places like this?

Here, the tracks are behind me when I took this picture. You can see how far out from the shore is still ice and where it melts further out:

The ice is breaking up and melting:

Such horrible working conditions. No one should have to suffer through this kind of scenery while on the job. The tracks are along the right side of the river:

Half way home we stopped where Stan sometimes stays when he's out of town. We stayed in a two-story cabin next to the river with three queen beds and a full size futon, complete kitchen, and a jacuzzi tub. Now that's roughing it!

We also scoped out some camping spots for this summer!

Picture Catch-up Time!

I've been lacking in the picture category and I even realized I did not take one picture during the month of January! The horror!!! I missed cataloging one whole month of my kids' lives! Will they ever forgive me?! ;o)

Since there are quite a few pictures to share, I'll do this over the next few posts.

So here we go...hope you have broadband!


This is Easter. Actually, no it's not. It's the week after Easter because we took a little trip on Easter weekend (will be in another post) so we postponed the egg hunt for a week.





Funny how the Easter Bunny hides the eggs in a neglected wood pile. Anyone want to come split wood with us?!

Here's Rebecca gathering her stash:

Mackenzie helped to teach Jake the ins and outs of finding eggs...what a concept! (And yes, we keep our lawn mower in a cage...it tends to get kind of hyper during these festive events.)

Jessica is quite serious about finding eggs. And apparently she thinks the Easter Bunny likes climbing on wood piles just like she does. Not so. Sorry girl, the Easter Bunny is lazy and put all the eggs within arms reach.

...that is, the Easter Bunny's reach, not necessarily the kids' reach!

Jake is bummed that his bucket isn't full and his sisters deserted him in their own quest for goodies:

Ah, Rebecca to the rescue! Like our yard art?!

And finally all eggs were found and everyone is happy. Jake is still confused by the whole event.

Overwhelming Responses!

It seems we had quite the response with the new Spring Fashions!

Three! Yes three! Three people responded, thus demonstrating their interest in looking their best this season.

So today I will answer the plethora of questions from my readers:


Do you think it would be okay to wear the shorts with tights and cowboy boots? I want to be fashionable on a budget and I already have the c'boy boots...dying to know,

Slave to Fashion Trends in Oklahoma...


Dear Slave to Fashion Trends in Oklahoma,

This outfit can certainly be adjusted to fit any region in the USA. Cowboy boots are perfect for our southern ladies. Be sure to finish it off with the cowboy hat. And throw in a bandana for nostalgia (since the northern people think you still wear them anyway). In Minnesota I recommend tall insulated snow boots, but the parka just won't do. The sacrifices we make for beauty! Of course in the Dakotas I suggest waders right now, considering the recent flooding, but once the danger is over you should really go back to galoshes. I mean really...waders cover up the tights! And in California (or Florida!) we're in the process of creating a flip-flop-slash-boot. We'll call it the flip boot (or the boot flop!). It will be all the rage...just wait!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

(apparently from Jenni at talking hairdryer)

Hahahahahah! I don't care who you are, that's funny.


Dear Talking Hairdryer person,

Larry! I told you to stay in the truck and stop hijacking peoples blogs!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm just concerned about the poor girl in the swimsuit in the pic with the m c hammer outfit. Do they not let those models go to the bathroom? What a shame!

Dear Concerned Citizen,

Ah yes, I too am deeply troubled by that poor soul in the swimsuit. Bless her heart! I don't think she was too traumatized by having her rear-end posted on the WWW for all to see. However, the Pee-Pee Dance she's doing is just too painful to watch. If you're ever caught in that situation, shuck those heels and RUN! Run, I say! To the nearest bathroom facility. Even if it is (*gasp*) a Port-a-Potty. And too bad she's in a one-piece. More wasted time. But on another note...be sure to check out her shoes. Once again, shoes make a big statement for the outfit. Shouldn't we all wear 6 inch heels to the lake/beach?! She's one smart cookie!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

So there you have it. I hope this answers your questions and when in doubt just listen to that little voice in your head that says "This will look stupid!" and ignore it. Wear it anyway.


Because it's fashion, y'all!

And "they" know fashion!

Spring Trends ~ Must-Have Fashions!

I'm not one to scope out the new season's trends, by any means. But this morning, on a whim, I actually clicked on the MSN's What To Wear This Spring link. Surely I couldn't have been that bored! At first I sat there rolling my eyes at each picture, thinking "yeah, right!" and "why haven't I clicked off this page yet?"

Then as I looked at the other people in the background it hit me. They're mocking us! They're sporting the most hideous combination of clothing and accessories to watch America run out and spend big bucks. Then they're going to sit back and laugh their heads off at how silly we look.

I always wonder if anyone ever stands back to look at those models and says, "Really? That? You've lost your mind! Whatever that designer was drinking, I'll have two."

So in honor of the new spring fashions I'd like to pay tribute to these new trends and the people who love them.

Above we have the pastels. Pastels are fun. But I would like to point out the shoes. For this spring, you must run out and find the bulkiest shoes you can find, especially if they look like casts on your feet with, of course, an air hole for the toes. We wouldn't want you to have sweaty feet. But make sure the heels are longer than your foot, like the girl on the left wearing all black.

Notice, however, the girl in black is scowling at the model in front. She was picked up for soliciting the night before and got out of jail just in time for the main event. The girl in front was the one who tipped the police off so that she could have the runway all to herself. Thought you'd like a little backstage gossip!

Moving along...

This one is the "biblike necklace."

I'll pause so that can sink in.

Biblike necklace. *sigh* Anyway, I'd like to share some tips for creating this look for a fraction of the cost. Go outside. Find whatever you can that is big, round-ish and flat (some ideas would be...a rock, a cow patty, some moss from the bottom of the lake), then fashion some rope to it and hang it around your neck. Your friends will be awed and inspired!

I'll have you know that whoever wrote the caption for this picture on the MSN site knew it was ridiculous because the whole description was trying to strongly convince the reader they really did need this. Really.

Now for the dress. Throw that iron and ironing board out of the window (please check to make sure you won't hit anyone, though...we are not liable for any injuries). Dig around in the bottom of your closet and find some clothes that look like you slept in them have that textured look. Voila! Instant success! (If you're in a real bind, simply don the clothes the night before and then actually sleep in them. Saves time!)

This look is called "Can't Touch This." It's so easy to replicate! You remember the 80's, so just dig deep, deep into the bottom of your closet and find those MC Hammer pants, match them with a little slinky tank top from the 70's and you have instant Y2K awesomeness! If you actually threw out those Hammer pants years ago, what were you thinking?! That's ok...just go to the local used clothing store. I'm sure they haven't sold any either.

(What is that guy doing behind her?! I think he's laughing and is about to fall down.)

Now this one. This one! Stripes and polka dots. And look at the guy on the left. Plaids and prints. Never fear when you just flat ran out of creativity. Simply concede to the opposite of common sense and throw together the outfit that clashes the worst. But be sure to color coordinate. We wouldn't want to look ridiculous now, would we?

The model above looks just fabulous. Just find some animal print material and wrap it around you like a towel. If you're feeling especially frisky, simply add a matching animal print turban.

But the main attraction in this photo is the woman on the left. I'm pretty sure she's not one of the models, but her ensemble screams...well, it just screams. Only a fashion genius would think...striped tights, cut-off denim shorts that bag a little in the rear-end, wading boots, a khaki safari shirt, and an over-the-shoulder purse/bag that hangs down to her knees.

Actually, she was mucking out the stalls and realized she was about to miss the big event so she hosed her boots off and ran as fast as should to see all the anorexic ladies.

Now, I didn't post all the pictures on here, but one included the 80's big earrings and another would be inappropriate because apparently it was quite cold in that room. Ahem!

So there you go. I hope you liked the show and are inspired to run screaming from the insanity use creativity in your own wardrobe.

There's some really great music out there that was written (and performed) by people stoned out of their minds. It worked for them. It can work for clothing fashions too!

And for the sake of credit, I did not take these pictures. Obviously. I wouldn't waste the space on my memory disk. I took these from MSN and I'm pretty sure it said they were all taken by some guy named Mark Leibowitz. Poor disillusioned guy.