Thursday, June 25, 2009
Our First Camping Trip
Well, here's the long overdue pictures from our camping trip Memorial Day weekend with Patrick, Kayla and their boys, Nathan and William. Unfortunately, I misplaced my camera until the last evening we were there. (At least I took a few pictures!!)
We spent a few days at a campground not 5 miles from where we live called Springy Point. We thought that would be a good place to start for the year. Close by in case we forgot anything. Ha ha... we made probably three trips back the first evening. And at least went back for a shower once a day. It was great! Definitely an awesome advantage of living in the middle of the mountains.
The campground is right next to the lake where they are fishing in a little cove of Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced Lake Pond Oray). If you notice all the mud, it's because they hadn't completely let out all the dams yet to control flooding from all the snow melt off, so it's actually part of the lake bed. Now the shore is up quite a ways further.
We all had a great time. There was a little paved road that wound it's way through the campsites. It was perfect for walks with strollers and all the HOURS of bike riding the boys wanted to do. There was also a place to go swimming... if you like swimming in glacier water! The boys didn't seem to mind. I think I'll wait till it warms up a bit. I was told around late July or August. All in all, very relaxing.
I wish I would have taken pictures of my ducks there. :) I think that was one of my favorite moments. Especially when I got to feed them with Charlie who was able to visit with his parents and sister of course Sunday afternoon. We fed them Cheerios.
We also had the privilege of observing a pair of eagles that had nested in the area. While we were down by the lake, they would swoop over us. Back and forth. They are huge! I know why people associate them with being "majestic". It's because they are. They are king and queen of their territory. When they peer down at you from a tree branch with those intense eyes, it's as if they are observing you as a monarch would a commoner who appeared in their castle. (It's not quite the same when they're in a zoo.) It was absolutely breathtaking to watch them in the wild.
I've also had an eagle swoop over my car a few times while crossing the Long Bridge into Sandpoint. Might be one of the same pair. One time he/she came so close, about 15 feet, to my car that I could clearly see the huge trout still writhing in it's grasp. It was a National Geographic moment. It was nearing a sunset. The sun was glistening off of the fish and the eagle's wings were spread wide. OH! That's the other thing. When they fly, the sound of their wings is like something out of Jurassic Park. Wooomp! Wooomp! Not a whhooosh. Definitely a Wooomp!
At the end of the trip, the boys declared that they LOVED camping! In fact, they had no desire to go home. I think part of it was, that we didn't make them eat anything they didn't like, they got to get dirty and it was okay, and they could run and play to their hearts content. Oh yeah, they thought the tent was cool too. I have a feeling this is the first of MANY, MANY camping trips with all my boys.
Our next trip is going to be the weekend of the Fourth of July. We have some relatives coming up to camp as well. I'm so excited. I requested those days off, so please pray I get them. At least the next campground isn't too far away either. It's only about 30 minutes.
Now I'm going to finish my Junior Mints that Jacob brought me then get ready to work. I get to work from 3pm till probably 1-2 a.m.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
May I Take Your Order?
Good morning! Well, it's morning here anyway. :) I have been thoroughly enjoying the updates of all your blogs. Keep them coming. I haven't been able to do as many on my blog 'cause I'm a working woman now. Yeah. Don't know what I told you all since Jacob lost his job, but he is now collecting unemployment while searching hard for a long-term career. So, while his unemployment checks are rolling in, I took a job at McDonald's and am in training for management. Thanks to my resume, they are starting me somewhat higher than minimum. (I can hear you laughing! haha Bet you never thought to hear of me working there again.)
Actually, for it being a grease factory, as I jokingly refer to it, it's not too bad. The people there are a good bunch. They all are very grateful for there positions, since jobs are VERY scarce up here right now. I know Jacob and I are really thankful for it. The only thing I might have to complain about is that at this location, they aren't very good at scheduling the breaks. For instance, I was scheduled to work eight hours. They gave me my half hour lunch two hours after I got there. Then they had me work an extra hour and a half after my shift ended. My feet and back were killing me!! At least it was extremely busy all day. It helped the time go by quickly. Couldn't wait to go home to see Jacob and my monkeys!!
Yes, the automated, fast food chain has changed quite a bit since working there fifteen years ago. It's like learning everything all over again. Even the salt for the fries is now premeasured! Crazy! They also have a thing called a "McWash" timer. It beeps out a reminder every hour for everyone to go wash there hands. Everything has a bleeping beeper!! I dream about them. One sounds like the Jaws theme. Oh, and everything, of course, is still prefaced with Mc-.
So, I am supposed to be working full time and then some. I decided to take this avenue since it would be an easier schedule to work with. I would have more time with the boys the way they set up the shifts. Also, they are so well staffed, it would be simple to exchange shifts or change them if necessary let's say, if Jacob had an interview or something.
We're still asking for prayers for God's guidance in what we're supposed to do long term. Again, we have appreciated all the prayers and support emotionally and financially! Thanks again.
On a personal note, I have to say I already miss my boys a lot! I'm used to their chatter and presence all day. They think my job is "Awesome!!" as they put it. They keep asking me why I haven't brought home Happy Meals yet with the toys. I think they are enjoying their time with Dad too. He's been so good with them, and I can tell they are quite content. It's been a nightly routine now when I get home for them ALL to want to sit on my lap at the same time. And I let them. They are wiggly, giggly, and very squirmy, but I look forward to this and will let them sit there till my legs fall asleep.
Actually, for it being a grease factory, as I jokingly refer to it, it's not too bad. The people there are a good bunch. They all are very grateful for there positions, since jobs are VERY scarce up here right now. I know Jacob and I are really thankful for it. The only thing I might have to complain about is that at this location, they aren't very good at scheduling the breaks. For instance, I was scheduled to work eight hours. They gave me my half hour lunch two hours after I got there. Then they had me work an extra hour and a half after my shift ended. My feet and back were killing me!! At least it was extremely busy all day. It helped the time go by quickly. Couldn't wait to go home to see Jacob and my monkeys!!
Yes, the automated, fast food chain has changed quite a bit since working there fifteen years ago. It's like learning everything all over again. Even the salt for the fries is now premeasured! Crazy! They also have a thing called a "McWash" timer. It beeps out a reminder every hour for everyone to go wash there hands. Everything has a bleeping beeper!! I dream about them. One sounds like the Jaws theme. Oh, and everything, of course, is still prefaced with Mc-.
So, I am supposed to be working full time and then some. I decided to take this avenue since it would be an easier schedule to work with. I would have more time with the boys the way they set up the shifts. Also, they are so well staffed, it would be simple to exchange shifts or change them if necessary let's say, if Jacob had an interview or something.
We're still asking for prayers for God's guidance in what we're supposed to do long term. Again, we have appreciated all the prayers and support emotionally and financially! Thanks again.
On a personal note, I have to say I already miss my boys a lot! I'm used to their chatter and presence all day. They think my job is "Awesome!!" as they put it. They keep asking me why I haven't brought home Happy Meals yet with the toys. I think they are enjoying their time with Dad too. He's been so good with them, and I can tell they are quite content. It's been a nightly routine now when I get home for them ALL to want to sit on my lap at the same time. And I let them. They are wiggly, giggly, and very squirmy, but I look forward to this and will let them sit there till my legs fall asleep.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dragonslayers
"Mom, your the princess, OK?" says Kris this week as I was feeding Kolbein a bottle.
"And we're going to protect you!" exclaimed Jared as he brandished his home made sword of taped together Hot Wheels tracks. (Electrical tape has many uses.)
"An' we're going to chop off the heads of the dragons!!" Kristopher declared swinging his own Hot Wheel tracks sword.
"I'll get the red one, Kris! You get the green one!!" Orders my oldest knight in shining armor. (In reality, they were both still in PJ's.)
"Watch out so you don't get fired!!"
"Quick behind you!!"
"I got 'im!!"
I lost track of who was saying/yelling what, but there was quite the battle going on in our little living room. Luckily, I was stowed safely upon my royal couch and was advised that I should continue to "stay put" if I didn't want to be eaten. Since this princess had no desire to be ripped to shreds by rude, fire spitting dragons, (or wayward swords whacking at everything imaginable) I did as told protecting yon baby prince as best as I could.
"I'm dead!" hollered Kris spralled on the floor unmoving. "Help me, Jared! He took my sword!"
"I'll save you!" roared Jared as he crawled over what I was guessing to be imaginary vertical rocks. "I'm coming!!"
Kris arose with the touch of Jared's healing hand. Swords were recovered. The dragons were slain. "Chopped to pieces with blood everywhere," was the official royal report.
The weather has been very wet and rainy out this past week and a half, so besides a trip to the podiatrist for me and a library visit, the kids have been cooped up in the house. We've had to be creative in order to keep them entertained. We don't like them completely zoning out on the TV or video games all the time. Anyway, who needs TV with their little imaginations going at full speed?
I've included pictures of them in the middle of playing this or that. We've done everything from putting villainous teddy bears in jail (under a laundry basket) to finger painting. Even the laundry plays a roll. We no longer just switch the loads. We have a top secret delivery that must make it from station one (the washer) to station two (the dryer), but we have to watch out for the bad guys that want to steal it or we might have no clothes to wear! Swords are always worn as a precaution.
Kolbein has tried his hardest to be included in whatever his older brothers are doing too. Sometimes they love it, other times I hear the inevitable "Moooooooooom!! He's eating our play dough!" or "Moooooomm! He's eating our train track!" It's actually been a real joy watching them together.
Kolbein is pulling himself up and standing now. Now that he got his second tooth in, he thinks he's something else. Anything he can pull himself up on, he does. I included a picture of him doing it to the little barn that the kids were playing with. You can tell Jared is at a loss what to do. He wants to open it back up, but Kolbein was in the way.
Through all the thunder and rain this week, I've enjoyed all their antics. I think their top favorite thing is the sword fighting. That's when their imaginations become the most vivd. They forget that I'm listening and other times include me right along in their play. (I couldn't ask for a better compliment.) I think when they play at sword fighting, that it's my favorite too... as long as someone isn't being whacked with one, particularly myself. There's been a few welts here and there, but no blood, which is always a good thing when measuring the quality of play time when you're dealing with boys.
They love to play the hero. Some might think it's too violent, but I think it's little men in the making. They always have the view of keeping someone safe, or trying to protect me from bad guys. They also want to do thorough jobs of it. When they are saving their teddy bears or me, they always show the utmost gentleness and chivalry. (Which to them is yanking me around by the hand or pushing me as hard and as fast as possible so that I can scurry out of danger.)
So, they kill the dragons of boredom and grey skies. They get me in touch with my own childish imagination. Through their eyes, the world can be anything you want to make of it. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. They are indeed my little heroes!
"And we're going to protect you!" exclaimed Jared as he brandished his home made sword of taped together Hot Wheels tracks. (Electrical tape has many uses.)
"An' we're going to chop off the heads of the dragons!!" Kristopher declared swinging his own Hot Wheel tracks sword.
"I'll get the red one, Kris! You get the green one!!" Orders my oldest knight in shining armor. (In reality, they were both still in PJ's.)
"Watch out so you don't get fired!!"
"Quick behind you!!"
"I got 'im!!"
I lost track of who was saying/yelling what, but there was quite the battle going on in our little living room. Luckily, I was stowed safely upon my royal couch and was advised that I should continue to "stay put" if I didn't want to be eaten. Since this princess had no desire to be ripped to shreds by rude, fire spitting dragons, (or wayward swords whacking at everything imaginable) I did as told protecting yon baby prince as best as I could.
"I'm dead!" hollered Kris spralled on the floor unmoving. "Help me, Jared! He took my sword!"
"I'll save you!" roared Jared as he crawled over what I was guessing to be imaginary vertical rocks. "I'm coming!!"
Kris arose with the touch of Jared's healing hand. Swords were recovered. The dragons were slain. "Chopped to pieces with blood everywhere," was the official royal report.
The weather has been very wet and rainy out this past week and a half, so besides a trip to the podiatrist for me and a library visit, the kids have been cooped up in the house. We've had to be creative in order to keep them entertained. We don't like them completely zoning out on the TV or video games all the time. Anyway, who needs TV with their little imaginations going at full speed?
I've included pictures of them in the middle of playing this or that. We've done everything from putting villainous teddy bears in jail (under a laundry basket) to finger painting. Even the laundry plays a roll. We no longer just switch the loads. We have a top secret delivery that must make it from station one (the washer) to station two (the dryer), but we have to watch out for the bad guys that want to steal it or we might have no clothes to wear! Swords are always worn as a precaution.
Kolbein has tried his hardest to be included in whatever his older brothers are doing too. Sometimes they love it, other times I hear the inevitable "Moooooooooom!! He's eating our play dough!" or "Moooooomm! He's eating our train track!" It's actually been a real joy watching them together.
Kolbein is pulling himself up and standing now. Now that he got his second tooth in, he thinks he's something else. Anything he can pull himself up on, he does. I included a picture of him doing it to the little barn that the kids were playing with. You can tell Jared is at a loss what to do. He wants to open it back up, but Kolbein was in the way.
Through all the thunder and rain this week, I've enjoyed all their antics. I think their top favorite thing is the sword fighting. That's when their imaginations become the most vivd. They forget that I'm listening and other times include me right along in their play. (I couldn't ask for a better compliment.) I think when they play at sword fighting, that it's my favorite too... as long as someone isn't being whacked with one, particularly myself. There's been a few welts here and there, but no blood, which is always a good thing when measuring the quality of play time when you're dealing with boys.
They love to play the hero. Some might think it's too violent, but I think it's little men in the making. They always have the view of keeping someone safe, or trying to protect me from bad guys. They also want to do thorough jobs of it. When they are saving their teddy bears or me, they always show the utmost gentleness and chivalry. (Which to them is yanking me around by the hand or pushing me as hard and as fast as possible so that I can scurry out of danger.)
So, they kill the dragons of boredom and grey skies. They get me in touch with my own childish imagination. Through their eyes, the world can be anything you want to make of it. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. They are indeed my little heroes!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Yaaaaawwwwn
Can't believe it has been so long since I last wrote. It's been a busy few weeks with a lot going on. The kids are doing well besides a sore throat-head cold all three of them have. Jacob came down with it a few nights ago as well. I have a little bit of the sore throat, but not nearly to the scale they do so I can't complain.
I do feel sorry for Kolbein though. I think he's got it the toughest. He's teething, and he's got this cold thing. He's been waking up every hour for the past four nights. Needless to say, that leaves for a very cranky baby. (And very tired parents!) It's not slowing him down while he's up and about. Not one bit. In fact he's getting pretty good about voicing his opinion when removed from something he considered fascinating.
I think the biggest thing for us lately, was a little job issue. I won't go into details on this blog, but it kind of threw us for a HUGE financial loop! Completely unexpected. We were reminded how to pray really hard and are still praying. We are very thankful for all the prayers sent on our behalf as well some gifts that a few family members surprised us with. We would be a lot harder off without it. So thank you! Thank you!!
We are still waiting for everything to get back to normal with Jacob's company, so please feel free to continue praying. We can't tell you how much we appreciate it! After finding out some info and seeing some company paperwork today, we are happy to report that it looks as if things are going to be set right very soon. It just takes time. (If you wish to know more, feel free to call me.)
I do have some pictures I've been taking of the boys, sunsets etc... I think after doing a ton of housework today that involved a lot of standing, I just want to go to bed. So, I'll try to post them tomorrow.
Good night!
I do feel sorry for Kolbein though. I think he's got it the toughest. He's teething, and he's got this cold thing. He's been waking up every hour for the past four nights. Needless to say, that leaves for a very cranky baby. (And very tired parents!) It's not slowing him down while he's up and about. Not one bit. In fact he's getting pretty good about voicing his opinion when removed from something he considered fascinating.
I think the biggest thing for us lately, was a little job issue. I won't go into details on this blog, but it kind of threw us for a HUGE financial loop! Completely unexpected. We were reminded how to pray really hard and are still praying. We are very thankful for all the prayers sent on our behalf as well some gifts that a few family members surprised us with. We would be a lot harder off without it. So thank you! Thank you!!
We are still waiting for everything to get back to normal with Jacob's company, so please feel free to continue praying. We can't tell you how much we appreciate it! After finding out some info and seeing some company paperwork today, we are happy to report that it looks as if things are going to be set right very soon. It just takes time. (If you wish to know more, feel free to call me.)
I do have some pictures I've been taking of the boys, sunsets etc... I think after doing a ton of housework today that involved a lot of standing, I just want to go to bed. So, I'll try to post them tomorrow.
Good night!
Friday, May 1, 2009
May Day! May Day!
May Day turned out to be a pretty typical day, for the most part. The normal chores followed by more regular chores. Kids constantly hungry and full of energy. Kolbein eating everything in sight.
As far as Kolbein goes, this is a milestone week for him. On the twenty-ninth, which was the day he turned nine months, I swabbed his mouth out to discover his first tooth!!! FINALLY!! When you're looking at him, it's his bottom, right, front tooth. (Adrianna would know the proper name for it.) He's a much happier baby. I think it's been bugging him for a while.
I've also decided to keep a list of what he puts in his mouth. He's better than a Kirby vacuum! Today he managed to eat blue play dough, sheet rock, a piece of snipped cable, paper, old cheerios he stashed under his high chair, a plastic ring, a bread bag clip and who knows what else.
Speaking of teeth, poor Kristopher! He and Jared were playing outside climbing on some giant boulders. Just as I was thinking that I might make them get down, he slipped. Of course he was screaming as I ran over to assess the damage. There was some crumbs of something on his bloody lower lip. As I was quickly brushing them off, I realized that they were parts of his top, front tooth! He had hit his teeth again! Other than his tooth being severely fractured, and his gums were a little red, he looked okay. It didn't look like any nerves were exposed, but I gave him some ibuprofen anyway. We'll have to keep an eye on him for the next few days. He did manage to eat the pizza I made at his request pretty well. Had to be cut up however.
While Kolbein took his first of two naps, Jared, Kristopher and I went for a walk. We just went down our driveway a little ways. They of course threw every stick they found. They told me they were getting it out of the way for Dad when he came home. When they found out they had to go back up the hill, they were none too pleased. I really thought I was going to have to carry them/drag them back up. That is until the blue butterfly showed up.
The boys were fascinated with the little bluey-purple butterfly. It proceeded to flutter up the driveway showing off its delicate wings. From somewhere the boys found bursts of energy to chase it a ways. Jared almost caught it several times. Then it played a game with us and landed on each of us in turn. Kris wasn't so sure about that, but Jared was thrilled that he had a new little pet. I managed to catch it (without touching its wings of course), and it happily sat on my hand for a moment before it danced away. We observed all of its marvelous details, such as the dots on its wings and its curly tongue. I hope I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. Such a simple thing to experience with my boys. It reminded me of what babies they still are and how brand new this whole "living" thing is for them.
Well, I hope to be writing more often. I came down with some weird eye-lid infection last Sunday. Kind of like a sty. It got pretty bad and looked like someone had punched me. haha. It was almost swollen shut and the swelling was below my nose into my cheekbones. A real beauty queen. Between Jacob and Kayla, they made me go to the doctor. Glad I did because it turned out I needed antibiotics. (I never want to go when I really should go.) Ended up getting some foot x-rays while I was there too. Still waiting to hear on those, but I am so happy that the eye is doing much, much better. Just a little redness around the lid. That, and I can see again! Yahoo!
Well, the last notable was Tessa and Mom coming up for a night on Tuesday and left Wednesday morning. Tessa just needed to pick up some things before she headed back for Portland. I was so glad to see her again and even more glad to see Mom. I have to say that I miss them both very, very much already. I wished it had worked out for Tessa up here, but who knows? May be she'll give it another shot someday. :)
Now that the movie in the background is over, Jurassic Park II, I think I'm done. That was interesting trying to write with dinosaurs screeching in the background. Always love a challenge.
More later.
As far as Kolbein goes, this is a milestone week for him. On the twenty-ninth, which was the day he turned nine months, I swabbed his mouth out to discover his first tooth!!! FINALLY!! When you're looking at him, it's his bottom, right, front tooth. (Adrianna would know the proper name for it.) He's a much happier baby. I think it's been bugging him for a while.
I've also decided to keep a list of what he puts in his mouth. He's better than a Kirby vacuum! Today he managed to eat blue play dough, sheet rock, a piece of snipped cable, paper, old cheerios he stashed under his high chair, a plastic ring, a bread bag clip and who knows what else.
Speaking of teeth, poor Kristopher! He and Jared were playing outside climbing on some giant boulders. Just as I was thinking that I might make them get down, he slipped. Of course he was screaming as I ran over to assess the damage. There was some crumbs of something on his bloody lower lip. As I was quickly brushing them off, I realized that they were parts of his top, front tooth! He had hit his teeth again! Other than his tooth being severely fractured, and his gums were a little red, he looked okay. It didn't look like any nerves were exposed, but I gave him some ibuprofen anyway. We'll have to keep an eye on him for the next few days. He did manage to eat the pizza I made at his request pretty well. Had to be cut up however.
While Kolbein took his first of two naps, Jared, Kristopher and I went for a walk. We just went down our driveway a little ways. They of course threw every stick they found. They told me they were getting it out of the way for Dad when he came home. When they found out they had to go back up the hill, they were none too pleased. I really thought I was going to have to carry them/drag them back up. That is until the blue butterfly showed up.
The boys were fascinated with the little bluey-purple butterfly. It proceeded to flutter up the driveway showing off its delicate wings. From somewhere the boys found bursts of energy to chase it a ways. Jared almost caught it several times. Then it played a game with us and landed on each of us in turn. Kris wasn't so sure about that, but Jared was thrilled that he had a new little pet. I managed to catch it (without touching its wings of course), and it happily sat on my hand for a moment before it danced away. We observed all of its marvelous details, such as the dots on its wings and its curly tongue. I hope I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. Such a simple thing to experience with my boys. It reminded me of what babies they still are and how brand new this whole "living" thing is for them.
Well, I hope to be writing more often. I came down with some weird eye-lid infection last Sunday. Kind of like a sty. It got pretty bad and looked like someone had punched me. haha. It was almost swollen shut and the swelling was below my nose into my cheekbones. A real beauty queen. Between Jacob and Kayla, they made me go to the doctor. Glad I did because it turned out I needed antibiotics. (I never want to go when I really should go.) Ended up getting some foot x-rays while I was there too. Still waiting to hear on those, but I am so happy that the eye is doing much, much better. Just a little redness around the lid. That, and I can see again! Yahoo!
Well, the last notable was Tessa and Mom coming up for a night on Tuesday and left Wednesday morning. Tessa just needed to pick up some things before she headed back for Portland. I was so glad to see her again and even more glad to see Mom. I have to say that I miss them both very, very much already. I wished it had worked out for Tessa up here, but who knows? May be she'll give it another shot someday. :)
Now that the movie in the background is over, Jurassic Park II, I think I'm done. That was interesting trying to write with dinosaurs screeching in the background. Always love a challenge.
More later.
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