Summer

I am really enjoying summer so far. Not to hot. There have been rainy days however not to many. I really like not having to get up and out on time. I have been busy cleaning but yet even that is low key enough. I am realizing about myself that I like to get a lot done in one day. So, I have really been working at stopping to play. Today we put a ladder golf thing together and played. It was so much fun. Brayden also has had one birthday party already. (Jim is gone for his birthday) And recieved lots of games. So even though it was hard. I stopped putting the kitchen back together from breakfast and stopped and played a game.
Jim and I have been very busy with birthday parties, graduation (my youngest brother) and weddings. So, Saturday we will go to another. Then we are done for awhile. He heads off for a month with the Army. Not a big deal. But life is going to be crazy if you look at the calendar and yet so chill cause it is fun stuff. We are going to Seattle and the beach. B has camp and Riley and I have some play dates to catch up on.
I hope summer is treating you well also.

Camping

I love being outside. I enjoy hiking, walking, playing games, fire pits, sprinklers, trampolines, swimming, all of it.
However, as I have gotten older I have realized I don't LOVE camping. Oh it is fun to leave town and relax. But camping is a lot of work. As I have gotten older I have also realized that my body doesn't sleep well camping either.
So as we have done in the past, tonight we built a fire in our fire pit and enjoyed our dinner and smores. The best part. I got to have a hot shower and I get to sleep great in my own bed and if I have to go to the bathroom, It is right there.
Now I know with the kids that I have camping will happen again. However, until that happens. I hope to keep them happy with a fire pit in the back yard.
I was a great first day of summer vacation. Tomorrow my wonderful grandma comes. We are so excited.

Change

I am sure I have posted about this before but I don't like change.

School is almost out which I am thrilled about. Except that then Brayden will be in 2nd grade. He will no longer have Mrs. Huff. The BEST teacher. And we will no longer be at Harritt and he is growing up. All of those things make me very sad.
We have been so very happy at Harritt. The staff is wonderful, the kids are great. We are so fortunate to have had an AMAZING teacher. She is a wonderful Christian woman. She is very sensitive which is great. Brayden is as well. So even though I am excited to have the freedom and relaxation of summer. I am so sad to be leaving the group at Harritt. I am sad that Riley won't have Mrs. Huff.
Other changes that we have going on are Jim being gone. He has to leave for a month this summer. We are way bummed. I know that sounds silly since we have done so much time away. However in the last 2 years he has been home a lot more. So having him gone now is really weird. So, I am planning lots of fun times for the kids. We are going to make the most of it. It will be great.

We are very excited that Jim will be in town for the last of my siblings to graduate from High school. He was not here for the other two. And we are so proud of Kyle. He is amazing. We love him and how great he is. My other brother and his wife are buying their first house in Seattle. So I think on of the things the kids and I do will be to go visit. And my amazing sister is possibly going to head off on an adventure of being a missionary. We are praying so hard for her. She is amazing and would do awesome at it. Oh and my grandma is coming. We have her all set up to come and visit over Kyle's grad week. Very fun. The kids keep talking about all the stuff we are going to do with Nanny. I love my grandma and can't wait til she is here.

I was also so proud of my son tonight when he informed me that we should go to Africa. I asked why and he said well they need to know about Jesus. Love that kid.

Oh and to make sure I get this down so I don't forget. Brayden defended a girl at school. I guess she accidentally hit a boy while running and he was not happy and wanted to hit her. But B stepped in the middle and told him he can't hit a girl. Then spent the rest of recess making sure he didn't.

Feel very blessed to have such great kids.
There I think I semi got us caught up.

Suburbs vs. country living

I have made it no secret that I love country life. The simplicity of it and the joy of peace and quiet. I still love those things. However, today as I was cleaning out the chicken mess and picking up dog poop, I realized something. I really like living in town. I love that my kids love playing together in our good sized back yard. They have neighbor kids to play with. We live close enough to town that to run down the hill for ice cream or a movie we can.
I also believe I have mentioned how I am a hard worker. I am not afraid of hard work and do so whenever I need to. I realized today as I was cleaning out the chickens and pulling weeds, how much I like my nice sized yard and small flower beds and that the chickens are here just for a few more weeks. I like that for the most part my work load at home is simple, basic and not all the time. I am able to play with my kids and jump and swing with them.
All these things to say I am so thankful and content at where God has us. The other thing about country living is that it tends to be harder to be involved. So much more driving and planning and just work that has to be done.

Looking pretty

I clean houses. Not just mine. (Although that has suffered the last two weeks) But I do it to make extra money. I don't mind normally. However, whenever I clean a lived in empty house. I come home in almost a coma. It is HARD work cleaning other people's left behind dirt. It makes me feel 2 things: Dirty and that I am never going to move. I don't mind cleaning peoples homes that live there. The people I do on a regular is great. They all think they are SO dirty. They are so not.
Anyway. I came home from a 5 hour cleaning of an empty house yesterday and thought I was dying. My left hand and wrist hurt so bad. My knees hurt so bad. I fell asleep on the couch after the kids were in bed. (okay that happens often)
But today is a new day. I clean today but it is for my neighbor. They think they are SO dirty. Again they so aren't. She called me over yesterday for a disaster. I laughed. She said no Kristin, really it is a disaster. Again I got there and laughed.
Anyway after yesterday and longed to be pretty. I wanted a shower and lotion. Feeling much better this morning. But I will actually do my hair and I might even get all crazy and wear makeup.
Off for a fun day of bible study and cleaning. Then to Brayden's school choir concert.

Our new babies

I realized that I blog so much. (In my head) Then I sit down, I completely forget what I was going to write. Easter was nice. We weren't with family this year so that was strange. We have some great friends who are like family, so we were with them. It was nice.
We have started T-ball again. LOVE IT. It has been so fun. Jim is the HEAD coach this year. Brayden thinks that is so cool. I am the team mom. Not a major job but it is good. We have amazing parents and the kids are so fun.
I am craving sun. The sun was out on Saturday and it was so great. Just lifts the spirits and makes life great. However, thinking of places that are sunny all the time is a bummer. I love having our down rainy days at time. Don't get me wrong. It has been wet far to long this spring. Hoping for a stretch of sun. But, it does make me grateful for the rain and that it isn't snow. When I saw pictures from where I am from in Canada. Yes, that's right they still have snow. Even with the rain Easter would be very odd with SNOW.
Brayden and Riley shot the bebe gun yesterday. They had such a great time.
Anyway on to what I originally was posting about. We have chicks. We are enjoying them. The kids go in the shop and talk with them. Riley did rock in her chair next to them and sing. They will be here a little longer and then head to our dear friends, where we get all our eggs, and live with the bigger chickens. Chickens are so easy and really very friendly. When we go to our friends house they follow us around and chatter on and on to us. The kids run around on their 10 acres and the chickens go with them. The Black lab does not bother the chickens, so they come right up to the house and wait for us to come outside. The reason we need new chickens? Something is getting the other ones. Last year we started with 19. Then we had to "take care of" 4 roosters. Which left us with 15 and now we are down to 6. So we have 4 to add to it and are hopping that we can catch what ever it is that is taking off with them. We really like our farm fresh eggs.

Food

So, I enjoy food. I used to have a weight issue due to eating so much of what I loved. However, I was blessed with babies who sucked the fat right out of me and made me smaller post kids than pre kids. I am not normal I know and I am so very grateful. I have kept the weight off and have changed some eating habits. We also don't eat fast food. We have sandwich places but we don't eat at Burger king, DQ (except for ice cream) Taco bell or any of that. Occassionally we do have McDonalds for the kids. Jim and I usually don't get anything. Funny thing about taco bell, one of the kids friends was talking about Taco Bell and my kids asked what that was. I actually took them there because they didn't know. I did get a burrito. Ended up not feeling good the rest of the night.
I have noticed, it must be age, but things are changing. I can't eat much salt or I wake up with little sausages for fingers. (even though I drink so much water) I also have been finding that meat gives me heart burn. I also am having harder times with red sauces. I used to be able to go out and have a drink but now, I can still do that but even one drink wakes me up in the night and I can't fall back asleep. So, no alcohol for me. Not like I mind, never been much of a drinker. But don't like to miss out on sweet sleep. I also don't like donuts, pie and things that have that yucky filmy feeling that stays in my mouth. Not all of the stuff do I mind having problems with. I mean it probably helps my weight staying off.
I am just glad that my husband also has the same problem. Hey maybe it is me getting sick because he has had tummy issues for so long. I don't know. It makes me just want to eat cereal and fruits and veggies. I also think it is interesting how Riley doesn't really enjoy meat. She took one bite of her hamburger. But cleaned the plate of lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. I don't think that is bad. I am guessing we could be veggitarians. We eat enough peanut butter to cover our protein intake :)

Has this happened with anyone else? As you have gotten older has your tastes and tummies changes?
Oh and don't even get me started on hot dogs and asian food.

Don't understand

I don't get it. Why do some women get disappointed to find out they are having a boy. The lady that makes my coffee found out she is having a boy. Then she tells me she was hoping for a girl. She has no kids so it isn't like she has 5 boys and thinks it would be nice to have a girl as well.
I am truly blessed to have one of each. And am so glad. I have a special bond with each of my children My boy is special to me as well. When we found out we were having a boy I was thrilled. I just don't understand. I am so one of those ladies that truly just wanted healthy kids.
I also find that boys are really fun. They love to play rough, get dirty and go on adventures. Good times.

Lent, Riley and again catch up

So Wednesday was the first day of Lent. I don't usually give anything up and am still learning more about it. However, I really want to draw closer to God and make Easter more meaningful. I know I have said this before but I am a very simple person. So my favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Easter. I love Christmas for what it stand for and all the family get togethers. However, I love the simplicity and meaning of Easter and Thanksgiving.
And Easter is such an important part of my Christian walk that I am always wanting to "get" it better. So originally thought I would give up sugar for lent. I am also doing a special devotional that our church has put together. However, after reading a little more I am feeling that that isn't quite what God is asking of me. See, I don't eat much sugar. It doesn't consume me in any real sense. So, for this year I will continue with my digging deeper of God's word and his desire for me. I do understand of giving up Facebook or internet or t.v. because I can see the time that takes away from digging deeper.

Now for my sweet girl Riley. She just turned 4. Yes 4. I can't believe it. She is so sweet and special. She is good and yet has a fun spunk to her that is great. She had 3 of her friends over after hearts at home and they had fun playing. Jim and I made her cupcakes that she had asked for. A little info, Jim is amazing, I have a fun thing about making our kids cakes. However, they don't turn out nearly as good without my husband. He is so good and gracious to me by helping me do them. So, this year was princess cupcakes. I will add pictures when my camera battery has charged.

Then on Friday my sister came home. She had been at bible school in New Zealand for almost six months. Our kids LOVE my sister. So it was a special birthday for Riley to have Auntie come home so close to her birthday. For Riley's birthday dinner she really wanted Red Robin. So since my sister came home the next day we had supper at home on her birthday and ate at the Red Robin by the airport with my sister. They loved it.

Then today was Riley's Family birthday party. We have some great friends we consider family and of course our actual families. We always feel so blessed when they come over.

Other than that life is slowing down. Basketball is over, we have a few weeks before baseball. Even though B is playing catch constantly. Tonight during his devotions it was on the outdoors and when I asked him his favorite thing to do outside he said playing baseball. School is great. He is advancing nicely. And even though we love his school and teacher I am thrilled for Spring Break.

It happened

Well I got the call this morning. My Grandpa has gone on to Heaven. I have been crying off and on all day. So sad talking with my grandma. She was so sad. She said Kristin, I miss him already. Riley was very matter of fact. "Mommy, why are you crying? He is in Heaven with Jesus and he has new bones!" Love kids. Brayden came home and I told him that papa has died and gone to heaven. He cried in my arms for awhile. We are hurting and yet so very happy for him to be in his true home. We can't wait to join him someday in our forever home.

My boy

I am bragging here but my boy makes me so proud. He is a sensitive guy. Things people do make him ask lot of questions. Questions that I love. They make me think even. Well he is playing upward basketball. I could go on about what an amazing program that is as well. But with upward every week after the game the coaches give stars. Like Red for good work on their defense or grey for offense. Well white is for Christ likeness. Brayden got one a few weeks ago and ever since he talks about it and how he wants it again. Like he wants to make sure he helps a player up if they fall and he wants to make sure they are going to be okay.
Brayden is not the best player out there. He is a great encourager. He gets very excited when the other boys on the team make a basket. Brayden is also that way at school. He gets excited about others achievements.
So, today a different coach gave the stars. (Jim is out of town) And he gave Brayden a WHITE one. He went up and Coach Will said how he gets excited to come to practice and games just to see Brayden. He has never met a team player who was so encouraging as Brayden and that he loves watching Brayden. I know I may be a strange mom. But that meant more to me than if he was an amazing player. Because in my mind and heart that is so much more important than anything. My boy striving to be like Christ!!

I did it again

I mean well. Truly I do. I have every intention of posting all those amazing blog posts that come into my head. However, I don't. I sit down and start reading all the other blogs and then they just pass out of my head. There are some really good blogs out there. I love all the ideas and seeing peoples pictures. I love reading peoples inspirational thoughts as well.
So, even though I have good intentions it just doesn't happen. I have been learning more and more about myself as well. I have known that I am not crafty, I don't like stuff.
I used to feel guilty that I wasn't good at doing crafts with my kids. I mean wow. Some of my friends would have made great art teachers. I mean we paint and do the basics. Then yesterday when Riley came home with some fun stuff. I was like okay off to the craft store we go. But, guess what? They didn't want to go. And more than that. They REALLY didn't want to go. So, I was like okay, hum. So, I have decided to let it go. To just be fine that they go to other peoples home to do crafts and that. I will continue buying blank paper for the pictures Brayden likes to draw that goes with the books he writes. And Riley and I will play house, barn and princesses. And I won't need more STUFF!! Yay. Oh and on another note. I think I am going to avoid Polly Pockets at all cost. SOOOOOO many pieces.

Another thing going on in our world. My wonderful and amazing grandfather is dying. His cancer is everywhere. They are thinking it won't be long. My mom went up to Canada for the weekend to see him in case. I have a very special relationship with he and my grandma. We are very close. It is hard thinking of him not being here and yet I am excited for him to head to heaven. But then I think of my grandma. 67 years with someone and then you are all alone. I mean yes you have your 7 kids, their spouses, 18 grandchildren and their spouses and 10 great grandkids. But when you go home at the end of the day you are by yourself. So sad to me. I wish we lived closer. Our kids love them so much. They have been in tears anytime it comes up. Today on the way to school Brayden brought up how he will probably cry for a whole day. Except at school. They are right after my parents as to who they call when they loose teeth, learn to ride a bike or have a good game. They are who they think of at school when the teacher tells them to write a letter to someone. I love that they are so special to my kids.

My wonderful grandma. We all measure up to her to see when we will be taller than her. Brayden called her the other day to tell her he is almost there. He is 4' 1 and she is 4'9.

The birthday boys. Brayden was due right around my grandpa's birthday. I so wanted him born on it. It was his 80th birthday. But he came early. So they are 2 weeks apart.


My wonderful grandpa. I got being an early riser from him. He taught me to ride four wheelers, horses, working on the farm. I help round up the cows, even helped deliver a calf with him. Helped shoot gophers and coyotes with him. So much love I have for the man. I am going now. I am crying thinking of all the fun and good times with him. I love him. Thank you God for such a great man in my life.

It's been awhile

We had a wonderful Christmas. We were all together this year. All of us except my wonderful and beautiful sister. She is in Austrailia right now. We miss her so much but get to skype often. We are hoping she gets to come home at the end of January. But we aren't sure where God is calling her right now.
I have been cleaning more houses right now which is always exciting and interesting. I love doing it and it helps out financially. I have applied at Salem Keizer schools and am waiting to hear on a interview I had last week.
I have not made this a secret that I am neither creative nor crafty. Oh I have my moments of thinking I want to be, but I'm not. The other day I had that feeling. So, Riley and I loaded up. Went to my parents. We got scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, all the fun stuff and came home to create our Thank you cards from Christmas. Well, we made 4 and stopped. I wasn't having fun. Riley wasn't having fun. We are just not that way. I am actually thinking of starting to send E-thank you cards. What do you think? Is that not personal enough. I really want my kids to show their appreiciation and thankfulness but they don't enjoy doing written ones and LOVE helping me choose on the computer. I feel like they are more actively involved if we do it that way.
Anyway, I have enjoyed reading your blogs and have actually started following some new ones due to finding blog friends of yours. I have been following one lady whose home burnt down the tuesday of Christmas. Thankfully their family has all survived. It has been interesting and humbling hearing how God is working through their lives.
Hope you are all well and have had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Ballet and the nutcracker

This fall Riley has been doing ballet. She has enjoyed it and was able to be in the nutcracker. She was an angel and did a great job. I was so proud of her.

Wow

I can't believe how time flies. I mean my kids are growing so fast. The holidays are coming so fast and I haven't written in my blog in over a month. Wow. I read blogs regularly, but I just don't feel like there is a lot to say. I have been cleaning more houses. And I know I am strange. But I actually enjoy it. I had one lady call and ask me to clean and organize her cupboards. I mean how great is that. To get paid to do something I enjoy. I also have started applying at the school district. I really want to be in the kids school. We are getting a new one here and so we don't know which one B will be at next year. But, I would like to work there and have the same days off and be home in the summer. So we shall see. I am praying super hard that it will happen.

Otherwise we are home for Christmas this year. I don't have my shopping done but I am not stressed. I will get it done this weekend. Riley is doing the nutcracker this weekend. So, next week it can snow. That would be amazing. I just really want Riley to get to experience her ballet. To be the angel she is. So exciting.

Can't do it!

I hear about all these amazing finds people find second hand shopping. I just can't. Every once in awhile I think and feel like I could go somewhere and find an amazing deal or stuff I am looking for. Doesn't happen. I went again today. Nothing. Then I went to TJ Maxx and found all kinds of stuff.
I don't think it is the used think cause I love getting hand me downs for my kids. Maybe it is the smell of those places. I don't know. I am always up for a deal. But I am unable to second hand shop. I love Walmart, target and Ross Dress for less. Tj maxx.
Do you think I am a snob?

Pioneer Woman

So, back in February or March so sweet friends brought up some ideas they got off "The Pioneer Woman" website. So, I got on and checked her out. OH MY GOODNESS! I find her hillarious. She just writes about fun things and does it with a sense of humor. I love it. When I told Jim about it he thought I was talking about an old fashioned lady in long dresses and gardening. So now he kind of likes her just cause I make him listen to some of the things she writes.
So thank you Vanessa and Julie for the fun.

Stella

I don't think I have made it any secret that I am not a die hard dog lover. I think I have realized that I like small dogs better than big dogs. But overall they are needy and under foot. They stink are in the way. They scratch and are insane.
But, how do you dislike a dog in all her instanity when your daughter loves her this much.


She also listens to Riley incredibly well. Sit, sit, siiiiiit. Lay, lay, laaaaaaaay. Good girl stella. And there are giggles and kisses when they play. So even though Jim and I think she is stupid and question our sanity at getting her. She will stay and be loved by Riley. And occasionally Brayden. He is to busy to care most of the time.

Style

I have been thinking lately. First I have been thinking about decorating. See my friend Vanessa over at southerninmyheart.blogspot.com (sorry I don't know how to do the attach thing.) And I love going to Vanessas. Her home is warm and cozy and very relaxing. But, she LOVES to decorate. As, I don't. I love to have cozy comfy things that don't take a lot of time to clean or maintain. I love rock and craftsman style. So it got me thinking. What is my style. And this is great. According to the internet it is Northwestern. So how perfect is that. I am in the right place.
I have also been thinking about what Jim and I are going to do when we are empty nesters and retired. Still trying to figure that out. Travel and golf are what we have so far. However, I have never golfed before. Even though I would like to learn.
Another thing is food. I had been in a funk on cooking. So I started researching recipes on line and found Allrecipes.com. LOVE it. So far everything we have tried has been wonderful. I love that I am finding new things that are simple and I have most of the ingredients.
Another thought I had but it was just this morning. If God knows everything and Satan can't read my thoughts. How come awful things come to my mind and yet I haven't spoken anything out loud. Especially when you know Satan put it there.
Well those are just random things.

1st Grade, Extreme Home makeover

Today my sweet boy started 1st grade. I can't believe it. He was great. He was so excited. He made his own lunch today and was ready early. (hoping we can keep that up) Riley was not happy about him going and being gone all day but hopefully we made it fun enough for her. I didn't cry which surprised me. I think it helped knowing that his teacher is a Christian lady and oh so sweet. I think he will thrive under her. He came out from his first day smiling and so happy. He LOVES 1st grade. So that is wonderful. He did tell me that he wouldn't go anymore if I miss him to much. I told him that it was okay. I would spend as much time with him after school as possible.
Then tonight after dinner we went to visit the building site for extreme home make over. It is one of our families favorite shows and to have it so close was awesome. Jim was part of the demo team on Monday and well we have hardly seen him since. They are short handed on skilled people to help and since Jim used to do construction he has been helping a lot. We didn't even get to see him while we were there. However, we were watching these guys hang the windows and realized the one on the ladder was our great friend Uncle Dan!! The kids thought that was great. Even though we couldn't get his attention with all the noise.
It was a nice time.
I will have to post pictures later.