Something That Makes Me Shudder!!

*Warning* : This is a graphic post. For those who continue on with reading and scrolling down I advise that your stomach is not weak and you are sitting down. (Most people do though when they're online though.) What I am about to show you is the part of my life that I just can't get rid of. It lurks from every direction. It seeps from every crack. There is no end in sight. Even when I think I get rid of it....IT COMES BACK !!!!! HELP!



*What you are about to see is a picture taken this morning. *













Sad isn't it! I probably shouldn't post a truth like this on the www. But, it's clean.....this is just how it ends up after it goes the the washing and drying process. Now guess what I'm headed off to take care of? .....(right after I check my FarmTown on facebook)

Summer Happenings

Here are a few random things that have happened so far this summer.


Running through the sprinkler. Its a given for any summer!!!

Raccoons sneaking in the garage and eating the cat food.

Riggles cleaning the moss off the roof. (He's learning how to be a homeowner one project at a time.)

Benny at 15lbs 40z and full of smiles!!!!!! (He loves rice cereal)

Benny munching on his toes. (This is my favorite thing that babies do.)

I'm sure there are a few other notable posts...but these are the ones I have pictures of.

What The Girlies Do Every Day

On the hill in our back yard these two girls spend a lot of time. The dig in the dirt and put the dirt back. Then they dig some more. (You would think they were boys with how much they like to get dirty.) They are covered from head to toe with dirt everyday. We are switching to showers for them at night instead of baths so they don't end up swimming in the dirt too.

A Very Special Week

The last week of June we ventured onto our next Summer trip which was Logan, Utah. Our first stop was....Federal Way, Washington...ok I know that isn't that great...but Garrett and the girls decided they had to go potty.

But the real first stop was Pendleton, OR. We always try to stop somewhere along the way that has a pool. We stayed at the new Hampton Inn. (Thanks for the recommendation Gretchen!) It was way nice and super clean. One of the elevators had an extra R1 button. We told the kiddos that R1 meant that it was for the Resurrected ghosts and they were Resting. And if we were to push that button it would take us too the haunted side of the Hotel. They freaked out! Riggles would go to try and push it and Quinna would cover it up and say, "No! I hate it!" Very funny stuff! We were in the elevator a lot and it never got old. LOL. Later that night when the kids were laying down for sleep, Sammy claimed, "I pushed the R1 button and saw the ghost." I asked her about it and she continued, " It was a Spanish ghost, it said, "Hola!"" She is a riot...very creative and full of stories like that.

We made it to Logan on Wednesday. And that Thursday my sister Les, and my Mom and I got to hang out and go shopping for special clothes. We went to lunch and had a GREAT day! Then on Friday was our special temple trip. Both Les and I went for our first time. It was sooo awesome to have my Mom and 3 of my 5 sisters there. (I can't wait until all six of us girls and my mom can go.) Very great experience and I'm looking forward to more temple visits with friends and family.

Then on Saturday we headed up to Bear Lake. It was fun fun fun. I'm so glad we got to hang out and relax. Enjoy some cool water and and a not too hot of a day. I wish we could do it more often.

Ben and his cousin Nick

Then on Sunday, Benny Boo had his special day. He got a blessing from his Uncle. It was extremely awesome. I teared up being the boob I am. But I'm ok with that! We had just about the whole family there. (Minus my dad who has a broken back from a horse fall.) All and all it was one of the best weeks ever. I love spending time with my family. My sisters are the bestest friends in the whole world. I wish I could see them more often. I guess that's why the times we are all together are more special and worth every mile!!

In the Mood to Brag

So..my baby thinks he's a big boy. I've been trying to keep Ben from rolling over too much but it seems he just wants to move around and see what is going on in this chaotic house. I hesitated a bit before I brought out the walker knowing that it will just speed up the fact that he is getting bigger. He had a hay day the first time I put him in. He really thought he was hot stuff. He will sit in here a good 20 minutes until he is bored and tired and ready for something new.

Today he he was a bit cranky and needed a nap. I told the older kids to get him a blanky (because he likes to cuddle to fall asleep). Well, they gave him the blanky but he didn't quit fussing till he got a hold of the bra that was lying by him. Then he got cozy and dozed off. I love this little guy. Sam is the one Benny really likes right now. She can really get him giggling and smiling like crazy. I don't know what its is but she's got it.

Speaking of Sam...she had her dance recital today. I'm definitely not bias when I say she did the best in her class. Or most classes her age and some older even. I know what your thinking, "Of course she is gonna say that, she is the Mom." All the dancers were great. And the little ones were extremely cute. But seriously i will prove to anybody that Sam is the best when the DVD comes out.

A Trip to Libby

So here we are in the middle of June and school is not out yet. Sad isn't it. We started our Summer trips anyway with our trip to the ocean as posted earlier and next we headed off to see our family in Libby, Montana.

Kasie (Riggles' sister) got married to a great guy named Tim while we were there. Aquinna warmed right up to him and all they kids were excited to have a new uncle. They had a nice reception where we all hung out with the families and the kids played and played and played some more.

Samantha and Aquinna both loved to help Nana in the greenhouse. The sold flowers to customers with a great 'Have a Nice Day!' I hardly saw them the whole time we were there. They caught these cute little bumblebee moths and carried them around. Riggles planted up some window boxes and pots for his Mom. He was very proud of his work though I think he might've enjoyed that a little too much.

The girls would also sit on their Papas lap and ramble out random letters for Papa to spell...it was quite humorous. (G R Y L N F A ) or (B P N M S P K) I was quite impressed with Papas vocabulary in such a language. Papa also had some fun magic tricks to share with the kids...even the big kids (Me and Riggles).

I just hung out with my little Benny all weekend. I didn't plant anything or clean anything I was quite unproductive...I found a few things.....which seems to be my forte...even when I don't know what I'm looking for. All around it was a nice, relaxing, enjoyable trip.

Taking a break

Riggles had to go to court over by the coast this week. We weighed the idea of all going as a family for a little seaside break. It was back and forth whether we were going to head out or not all morning. It was 7 minutes before the school bus came to pick up Garrett when we decided just to go. I think the kid-o's liked the surprise when we told them. They love to stay at hotels...love to swim...and they travel really really well. The hardest part this trip was the wait in the small town of Montesano, Wa were Riggles had court. But after that, the jet to Ocean Shores was short and sweet and worth the wait.


Cold and Windy Wednesday Evening
Even with the ice cold water the kids had a blast running in and out of it letting the waves chase them. I admit I was a pansy and got one toe wet, whined and walked away. Quinna had to be carried back to the hotel because her feet were so cold and her pants were so wet that they kept falling off.





Warm warm warm on Thursday
Garrett thought it was great to fly the kite. He would have to steer and dodge away from the rocks that his Dad would throw up at the kite. (It wasn't too high) Garrett would crack up when it got hit.

Sandcastles, Sun and Smiles
I'm so glad we just picked up and left. Little breaks like this make your days go by better. I am so thankful that we get opportunities to do these kinds of things. I'm all ready planning our next getaway!!!