Barry's Annual Campout at Pack Saddle Lake

Every year Barry spends a week at Pack Saddle Lake with the kids. Due to school stress this was the first year I have been able to join him. The only draw back was half our kids had just left for Texas but it was really fun. Despite how it looks these were not all taken the same day - I just wore the same jacket everyday! Yes we went in July and yes that is snow in some of the pictures - yes we do live in Idaho! We had tons of fun and I am already excited for next year - hopefully all our kids will be there - I tried riding the dirt bike again and as you can tell from my face I was scared to death! I thought that little ol'creek would be the death of me.

The bigger boys (Stetson and Justin) told the littler kids that they would pay them $20 if they could get to the end of this log. They all made a good effort at it and in my opinion Justin and Stetson should owe them all $20 but I am sure noone will ever see it.

Our good friends the Cutlers joined us one evening for dinner - that was lots of fun. Us girls cooked chicken noodle soup with garlic toast and the boys fished. Bryce and Sherry along with Brooke and Addy joined us that night also but somehow we don't have any pics of that event.
I was a little nervous at first when we saw bear tracks and bear poop on our way down the trail but we never did see any other signs of bear. The kids thought it would have been exciting to at least see one but they were dissappointed in this desire - not me!

We really did have a great time. We hiked, and rode ATV's, played in the sun, and the snow!, I read and relaxed - I think I read 5 books in the 5 days that we camped. So fun!! We have such great kids they all helped set up and break down camp - we sure love you guys!

Sorry this is such a long post but I had so many pics - this isn't even half but there you go. Enjoy!

Another Try

Ok So I'm sure you all noticed that for some reason or another my last two posts didn't work out so great so I'm must going to load pics the old fashioned way. Sorry about having to scroll through them all but hey at least I'm up dating right?!!!

The Promised Update - I know, I know - Finally!

If you go by the weather we have been having lately summer 2009 had come to an abrupt end. It was certainly fun while it lasted though. Our family spent the summer doing yard work, camping, working, playing, swimming, camping, more camping, and lots and lots of fun. Since I need to pretty much capture the whole summer in one blog there will be lots of pics - hope you enjoy them! I will add the pics in slideshows - hope you enjoy!

I'm so far behind!

Ok Ok I know I haven't been very good at posting lately. It has been a crazy busy summer and I won't try to make any more of an excuse then that. We have been camping, visiting family, and other various activites all summer long. I promise to get some pics up soon but I won't promise that it will be sooner then a week or two. I also have an ulterior motive for posting today. I need a favor.....
I have really been struggling lately with some personal issues related to my divorce and I would love some extra prayers thrown my way. I'm not always certain how to handle the situation I am in and want to make the best decisions for all involved. Thanks everybody!

Fathers Day

Daddy’s Hands
“I remember daddy’s hands folded silently in prayer, and reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare. You could read quite a story in the calluses and lines, years of work and worry had left there marks behind. I remember daddy’s hands how they held mama tight, and patted my back for something done right. There are things I have forgotten that I love about the man, but I’ll always remember the love in daddy’s hands. Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was crying, daddy’s hands were hard as steel when I done wrong. Daddy’s hands weren't always gentle but I’ve come to understand there was always love in Daddy’s hands. I remember Daddy’s hands working 'til they bled. He sacrificed unselfishly to keep us all fed. If I could do things over and live my life again, I’d never take for granted the love in daddy’s hands.”

____________________________________________________________________

Ever since I was a little girl this song has reminded me of my Father. He was always sacrificing for our family, and worked countless hours so that our needs would be met. He has always lived his life in the way he believed to be right - there never seemed to be grey boundaries - simply white and black - right or wrong. And he chose the right. This picture is my Dad with his brother Paul - I love the look on his face - he is so happy to be with his family. Serving his Lord and spending time with family and friends is his way of life. I have many memories of receiving fathers blessings as a child and even more as an adult when life wasn't going quite how I wanted it to. I have always counted on my Dad's faith and love. I love you Dad and I am so happy to be your daughter.

____________________________________________________________________

I also want to take a few minutes and thank Barry for the father that he is. He loves his children so much. He takes such good care of all of us. We had a great time camping this weekend and I want to thank him for being such a good father to all of our children. I have learned in the last few years that not everyone has the oppurtunity to grow up in a home with a loving and caring father - I was one of those lucky ones and it would seem that my children are getting that same oppurtunity. Thank you Barry for being worthy of the priesthood and being the kind of man to be willing to work hard everyday so that we can be taken care of. I love you! This picture of Barry was taken while we were still dating. This is the way he always is - helping with the children and making me feel loved and supported. I love you babe and I am incredibly happy to be your wife

- Happy Fathers Day to my two favorite men! -

____________________________________________________________________