True Redneck

I went to Blackfoot today to visit Sara and teach her a little more crocheting. When I got there, we went and grabbed a bite to eat, and she pointed this out to me. I thought it was so hilarious, I had to stop on my way home and take a picture to share with you.
She'd explained to me that it cracks her up every time she sees it, and has even seen people grilling on it. She calls it the "Redneck Deck". Can you guess why she would name it that??? Yes, this is the true side of BLACKFOOT, IDAHO.

I know that at first glance it's just a stack of pallets, but if you take a closer look, you'll see chairs on them, sadly, I know people who'd do something like this.(NO, it's NOT me.)

Hogle Zoo

Dave and I went to the zoo in Salt Lake yesterday, and though our feet were ACHING, we had a blast. We took the train ride, and saw almost all the animals they had to show. They have some new baby animals at the zoo, some of which weren't available for showing (the elephant was born on the 10th of Aug, and was in seclusion with it's mom to bond.)
I took a lot of pictures with my camera, though I admit it's not the best, I got a few good shots, and today's photo is of the Giraffes. Though I wasn't close, the camera took a good closeup of the baby. I don't know why, maybe because it's unique in it's own way, but I just love the Giraffe, they seem so graceful and mysterious. Enjoy the photo, there will be more of our trip to the zoo in the VERY near future.

Long Needed "ME" Time......

Today I went to Sara's house, it was the first time in 4 years that I've been there, I'm pretty ashamed of that, but we're working on it being more frequent. Anyway, she wanted to learn how to Crochet, and though I am not so good at it myself, I said I'd teach her what I know. I got to her house around 12-12:30 and we got started. We sat there, and I made her practice making chains until she felt they were good enough, then she learned a few stitches.
We talked, worked on stitches, talked and just had some good quality time together. Right around 2 she had to take William, her son, to the school to meet his teacher. She had asked me to stay and watch Hannah for her, and while she was gone, I tried teaching Hannah how to Crochet upon her request. It wasn't a very good lesson, and we both decided she needed to wait until she was a little older. I didn't leave their house until almost 5.
On the drive back, I got to thinking about all the fun times Sara and I had. I realized that though there was a 9yr. break, she's been my oldest friend. We're at least on our 19th year of being friends, and I think she could be the "Patty" I've longed for. She's more than a friend, she's a sister and I love her dearly. We have decided to use all our yarn scraps and make friendship quilts, throws, whatever you want to call them. I am also going to try to make a trip to her house every Tuesday.

It Doesn't Suprise Me

Today was a decent day. I got up in time to have Lunch with Dave. We went and got a Jamba Juice, then came home. Just as Dave's lunch was up, Marsh, Emily, and Tucker came over for "Brunch". Mom fixed French Toast, and it was only Marsh, Emily and me.

While we ate, Dad played with Tucker and swung him. He had to quit after a short time because he was quite winded. The reason behind it is he and Marsh went Fishing yesterday. Somehow he fell, got stabbed by a stick, and really did a number on himself.

Today, after he met with his siblings (except for Marae) he decided it was time to go to the ER because he was having a hard time breathing. Mom called and let us know that was where they were, and we decided we'd go hang out up there for a bit to see what the verdict was. Basically Dad got the crap beat out of him, by Mother Nature. From what Heather told me, they gave him good drugs and sent him home. He's got a nice scratch on his belly accompanied by a bruise though.

A Crafty Day.

Today I got Meado and Chloe a hour later than I was supposed to. By the time they showed up, I was a bit upset, tired and just didn't feel like dealing with kids. After their constant questioning, I pulled out my craft kit and began trying to focus on something other than wanting to strangle them. (Ok, so I really wouldn't strangle them.) Anyway, I began to paint some glass "rocks" as the girls looked on. Being as tired as I was, I wasn't sure how they'd turn out or how creative I was feeling, but I spent about 45 minutes painting them, and they turned out better then expected.

BUNCO!!!

Tonight was our monthly night of playing BUNCO. We play EVERY 2nd Wednesday of the month, and it has grown since we started our group. When we started over 2yrs ago, we only had 3 tables, now we're up to 5 tables and are totally enjoying ourselves, for the most part. There are a few people that tend to ruin it for others at times, but for the most part, it's fun.With the increase of tables comes the increase of the "winnings" . For example, tonight I walked away with the most wins, $13 cash. Mom won the most BUNCO's, I didn't catch who lost the most, but Dave walked away with the Boobie prize.

Thank the Lord Above

This is a photo that was taken shortly after I entered into Young Womens. It was one of the first activities I'd attended, and as you can tell, I didn't feel very comfortable in that dress. Just as the photo was taken, somebody said quite loud, that I needed boobs, at the time, that was embarassing to me. When I first saw this picture, I cringed. Wondered what the hell I was thinking agreeing to put that thing on. I've always been kind of a Tomboy, and don't like being in frilly, girly dresses.

I looked at this picture for a while after I found it a few months ago, and then pulled out one of my wedding photos, and realized what a butterfly I have turned into. I'm glad I didn't have the "princess" dress, that I was simple and "thrifty" with my choice of wedding dress. Though it was so simple, I had more compliments on it than I expected, and was so amazed at how well it turned out. I was worried it wouldn't turn out like I had in my head, but it was so much better. The kicker is when I look at that now, I realize how it has a bit of a Renassance look to it. That is what I love about the dress, and Mom likes that too. Here's a photo of that dress. Such a better one than the above.

One of The Beauties of Pocatello

I came across these flowers on our way home from your Sunday Evening walk. I thought they were pretty, and a bit unique, at least until I ran across some other ones right next to them, I swear, they're hybrids of these white ones and the pink ones next to them, they were awesome. Hope you like, at least as much as I did.

Father Son Bonding Time

Tonight when I got home from the Chaney's house, Marsh, Emily and Tucker were here visiting. Marsh had to show me that Tucker likes the "lollipop" song, yes, Marsh shouldn't quit his day job. Anyway, today's photo is of Marsh doing something that Tuck LOVES. I must say, the crazy child really is Marsh's , he is almost always carried upside down, has Marsh's signature SMELLY farts, and often times looks like him.

Anyway, it's fun to watch Marsh with him, and I get to go camping with them in a few weeks. I'm excited because it'll be a camping trip with Heather and Chas too. Yes, the siblings here in Potato Hell are all going to spend 2 days with each other, and quite possibly all in 1 vehicle. YIPPEE!!!!!
No worries, if things get tough, I've got the TajMahal of Tents, and can easily escape to it. I'll also take 2 cameras and LOTS of pictures, so you'll get them coming with the Photo of the Day. Thanks Chrystal, for the comments and motivation, lets see how long this lasts!

One of my Favorites!

Ok, so I know that I've had a lot of pictures of Kaitlynn on here, but I really couldn't resist this one. I found Dave's camera last week, and decided to wipe the memory card clean. When I did, this is one of the photos I found. It was taken when she was a few months old.

I really like this one, because it looks like she's saying "And if you look here" or something to the effect. This was one of the days when we were working on delivering phone books, and to keep her in the yard, we filled a kiddie pool with toys and pillows while we prepped the phone books for delivery. So, this is todays photo, and the last one until I can get internet access. Hope you enjoyed the blogs, and that I can pick up on them again sometime down the road.

Layla Jean Christiansen

I've babysat Layla and Colby Christiansen for quite some time now, at least for all of Layla's life. At first, she would have nothing to do with Dave, she was all about being around me, now that she's older, it's reversed. She totally adores Dave and has nothing to do with me or anyone else when he's in the room. Lately she's been trying to walk, and it's fun to watch her take her first few steps before taking the easy way out and begins to crawl. As you can see in the photo, she isn't very big, and it's kind of wierd to see this "midget" baby walking through the room.
Like her older brother, Layla has a lot of personality, and is quite smart for a toddler. I got a wild hair the other day when they were here, and began to teach her how to say "eat" and "more" in sign language. She got them after the first try. I must say that my favorite thing about babysitting is watching the kids grow and learn new things. To think the most simple things in life are exciting and new, experience things for the first time. I like being a help in their development, and try to do things that aren't just educational, but fun as well. I adore these kids, and love watching them.

A Nice Surprise

Today Dave and I went to pick up some EPSOM salt to soak my toe in, and when we returned home, Mom said that I had company coming. Not getting much sleep, I couldn't figure out who, so she told me. Jordyn and her son were coming to visit. I don't know why, but the little one has taken to me quite well, and it's so cute watching him with Jordyn.

Because I know the situation between Archer's parents, I also knew that Jordyn doesn't get to see him much, so I told them I'd take a picture of them together. Archer is really a ham, and loves taking pictures. I must admit, it's strange to still hang out with my first love, and watch him/her become friends with my husband. I would have never thought, in a million years, that anything like that would happen.