Roping Lessons!

My sister-in-law recently emailed these pictures that were taken while branding calves earlier this year. Brent was giving our nephew roping lessons, and they were using Brent's brother as the roping dummy! I thought they were pretty cute.

Swing it like this.

Got him!

Do it again!!

Boating With the Family.

Summer is nearing the end so we took the opportunity to go boating with our family! We had a great time together, and the weather, and the water couldn't have been more perfect. This is a picture of Suzanne (in the blue) with her sister, and her sister's triplets, on their gigantic tube which was being pulled behind the boat.

Brent, and His Buddy.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to my sister's house for dinner. Our nephew, N, absolutely loves Brent- he is one of his FAVORITE people. They just seem to have a special connection. N has a fascination with hats, and is always wearing some type of hat whether it be a ball cap, a fishing hat, a pirate hat, you name it! When we got there for dinner, N said to Brent, "lets trade hats." So he took his hat off and traded with Brent. I'm not exactly sure what type of hat Brent ended up wearing-I think maybe it was a Peter Pan hat. It sure looks good on him!

A Perfect, Lazy, Rainy, Sunday Afternoon.

Today was the perfect, relaxing Sunday which was something we definitely needed. We started the day off attending church which was uplifting as always, and it something we look forward to each week. It is such a wonderful way to start our week with some spiritual "nourishment." After church we fixed lunch together, and since it was raining outside we took a nap! Oh, how I love Sunday afternoon naps!! Later we went for a walk together, and then picked some fresh produce from our garden for dinner. We visited with a friend, then took a drive up Birch Creek to turn out a couple of our horses to pasture. Today was purely a day of rest, relaxation, and quality time together. A perfect Sunday!

Thanks for making me laugh!!

Brent is one of the funniest people I know. He has a very funny personality, a great sense of humor, and he's ALWAYS making me laugh, sometimes intentionally, and sometimes unintentionally. Here is a perfect example. This happened on a day I wasn't particularly looking forward to, but because of him I couldn't help but start the day with a smile. A few days ago I woke up to Brent whispering in his sleep "I almost ordered a cheese burger and fries." I couldn't help but laugh out loud, which woke him up. I asked him what he was talking about, and he just smiled and said, "be quiet." He is always talking in his sleep, and I'm always curious to know what he was dreaming about (as I'm laughing at him). So I asked him again, and he explained that a friend of ours was trying to feed him dinner. That's all the explanation I got this time. Then there was the time when he was yelling in his sleep at a cougar that was at the elementary school trying to attack him, or the time when he was explaining which cows go in which pens. He has also once given me directions in his sleep on how to build something out of 2x4s, and I remember him saying once, "careful with that gate Johnny." I could keep going, but I'm probably embarrassing him!! He's very entertaining while he's sleeping, and if he forgot to tell me what he had done during the day, I am sometimes privileged to find out while he is sleeping! Thanks for the laughs, honey.

Appy.

This horse is often the center of many jokes because of his spotted hide (he's an Appaloosa, hence the name "Appy"). I actually think he's kind of pretty, and he's good natured, so it doesn't matter that people make fun of him!

Roping in Grace, Idaho.

This weekend we went to Grace, where Brent competed in a team branding, which is one of Brent's all time favorite things! He competed on a couple of teams with his brother, Jared, who is pictured here with Brent. Jared is the youngest in the family, and will be a junior in high school this year.

Brent and Jared.


Okay, I better explain exactly what a team branding is. Basically, there are 4 members on a team, and 4 cattle in the arena. Two of the team members have to rope (while horseback) 2 of the cattle around the head, and back feet. The other two team members brand the cattle, (with paint, or pancake batter-- harmless!) once they've been roped. Then they switch duties, and the two people who "branded" the first two cattle, rope the last 2 cattle, and the other 2 team members brand them. Sounds complicated, but it's really not. It is a timed event, and the team with the fastest time wins a cash prize!! Brent loves this event. . . really, he loves anything that has to do with roping, horses, and cows! He entered this one NINE TIMES!! Brent and J are the two on the ground running in the pic below.

Suzanne with our horse, "Appy" at the team branding.

From God's Arms To My Arms To Yours.

One of my favorite adoption songs is by Michael McClean called "From Gods Arms To My Arms To Yours." The song was written for a young mother to sing for the couple she had decided to place her baby for adoption with. She had a feeling this was the best thing she could do for her soon-to-be-born child, but she needed a song to seal the peace of her decision. The first time I heard this song, I was at a Michael McClean performance when I was around 12 years old. It touched my heart then, and I still love it to this day. While growing up, I always thought I would want to adopt, but I didn't realize it would become a reality (hopefully). I am so thankful for the blessing of adoption. I want to share with you the words to this beautiful song:

FROM GOD'S ARMS TO MY ARMS TO YOURS

"With so many wrong decisions in my past I'm not quite sure
If I can ever hope to trust my judgement anymore
But lately I've been thinking 'cause it's all I've had to do
And in my heart I feel that I should give this child to you

And maybe you can tell your baby
When you love him so, that he was loved before
By someone who delivered your son
From God's arms to my arms to yours

Now if you choose to tell him, or if he wants to know
How the one who gave him life could bear to let him go
Just tell him there were sleepless nights I prayed and paced the floors
And knew the only peace I'd find is if this child was yours

And maybe you can tell your baby
When you love him so, that he was loved before
By someone who delivered your son
From God's arms to my arms to yours

Now I know you don't have to do this
But could you kiss him once for me
The first time he ties his shoes
Or falls and skins his knee

And could you hold him twice as long
When he makes his mistakes
And tell him that he's not alone
Sometimes that's all it takes
I know how much he'll ache

Well this may not be the answer
For another girl like me
And I'm not on a soapbox saying
How we all should be
I'm just trusting in my feelings
And I'm trusting God above
And I'm trusting you can give this baby
Both his mother's love

And maybe you can tell your baby
When you love him so, that he was loved before
By someone who delivered your precious one
From God's arms to my arms to yours"

The great thing about OPEN ADOPTION is that, not only will we TELL our baby-to-be that he or she was loved before, but she will KNOW this, and be able to SEE this. We truly believe adoption is an act of love, and the greatest gift we could ever imagine. We hope and pray that we will have the opportunity to experience this gift which we will be eternally grateful for.

Lava Continued.

Here are a few more pics from our weekend in Lava.

Floating the River and Miniature Golf- Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

Brent and Suzanne floating through the rapids, hanging on for dear life!

Suzanne and "A" enjoying some calm water for a moment.

Not quite ready to sign on to the PGA-- yet.

Nice "putt!"

A Weekend in Lava Hot Springs.

We had a fabulous weekend! We went on a little "get away" with some friends, the Tegans, to Lava Hot Springs which is a really fun place to go in Southern Idaho. We rented a house, and had a weekend full of SUMMER FUN!! We floated the river that runs through town on tubes, and it was awesome!-- Although, some of us got dumped into the rapids a few times, luckily it wasn't very deep. When standing up we could touch the bottom. We played a little miniature golf, and went to the Olympic sized pool/ water park in Lava. At the pool there were speed slides, curly hydro tube slides, high dives, and plenty of sunshine. I used to spend my childhood summers doing these types of things, and Brent and I plan to continue these activities as a family. Our friends were so much fun to be with, and their 3 kids are adorable! Thanks for the memories Tegan family!!!

Brent and Suz floating the river.

We rented a double tube so we could ride together. That way we could save each other if we got dumped out!

The Tegan family. What a cute family!!

Pioneer Days Celebration.

Last week we celebrated Pioneer Days as our town was settled by pioneers in the 1800's who were heading out west. Every year, during the week of the 24th of July our town has a big celebration to honor the pioneers who settled this area. We look forward to it each year, and this year, as always, had a blast! (Our family was able to be here for part of the celebration.)

The week started off with a demolition derby-- this was the first one and let me tell you, it was interesting to say the least! A little "red neck," but very entertaining. People entered "beater" trashy cars into the race (they had to be 4 cylinder, with all of the glass removed) and they raced around the track while crashing into each other (sometimes purposely), and ran off the track several times. There wasn't much left of the cars by the time they each finished the race. It was pretty insane. The rest of the week included a team sorting, a kids rodeo (Brent was asked to be a judge for this. Our nephew competed in it, so Brent had to have the other judges score him when it was his turn so he wouldn't be biased--but our nephew still won the sheep riding)! There was also an IMPRA rodeo, a dance in the park after the rodeo (with a live band), a "deep pit" barbecue, a marathon (no, I didn't run in this--I wish, but I'm too out of shape!), a play ("Paint Your Wagon"), basketball tournaments, a parade (Brent and I were asked to be judges for this, and were able to pick a winning float) and much, much more!

The celebration ended with an AWESOME firework show after the rodeo Saturday night. Since Brent was helping with the rodeo, (he was helping with the bucking chutes) we had front row seats. We parked a flat bed trailer next to the arena to watch the rodeo, and then the fireworks were launched almost directly above us. It was incredible!! As we were sitting there watching the fireworks, I looked around and just soaked it all in. Brent and I were sitting there together surrounded by our family, and our close friends, and I thought to myself, "This is what life is all about. Being with the ones you love, having fun together, and enjoying one another's company." It was a perfect summer night. I just savored the moment, and didn't want it to end. Sorry, no pictures this time. . . though I wish I would've taken some. Odd for me not to take pictures-- Brent would testify to that!

All that's missing, baby, is YOU!

We have so many things to be thankful for. Just to name a few. . . We have been blessed with 9 AMAZING years of marriage. I have been lucky enough to be married to my best friend who is always there for me, and who loves me unconditionally, and fully. I love you with all my heart, and thank you for being the best husband eVeR! We have been blessed with incredible extended families who we love dearly, and who support us in every way imaginable. We have been blessed with a comfortable, safe home where we can grow with one another, laugh together, love, and experience life to the fullest. We look forward to each day we are allowed to spend together. With every day that passes, it only gets better! We truly could not ask for more. Except, someone is missing . . . We long for two little hands to hold, ten little toes to kiss, and a sweet smile to light up our lives. We will be there to bandage scraped knees, wipe away tears, and provide comfort when saddened. We look forward to the sound of tiny foot steps, and precious giggles filling our home. We are ready to welcome a bundle of joy into our lives with the opportunity to love, cuddle, hug, kiss, teach, cherish, and hold him or her in our arms. In the meantime we will keep waiting, and praying for the right birth family who is meant to be in our lives, and who will bring a sweet spirit into our family.

A day of fun and family!

Last weekend was my sister's birthday so we celebrated at our house. We invited my sister, and her husband, their 3 kids, and my sister's in-laws over. We all had dinner together and then took a little horse ride around our place. After this, we roasted marshmallows in our back yard. It was a perfect summer evening, and we had a great time together!! We are so lucky to have much of our family live close by. This way we are able spend a lot of time with them, and we can get together for birthdays, and other holidays.

Me, and my nephew, L, roasting marshmallows together in our back yard. He wanted to be careful, and wanted "white" roasted marshmallows, not brown ones!

Happy Birthday, M. Make a wish!!

Our niece and nephews loved every minute of riding our horse "Cougar." They kept asking for another turn, over and over, and they've been talking about Cougar ever since that night. I think they would've ridden him all night if they could have. Brent is so good with the kids, and very cautious with them around the horses. Watching him with them makes me love him even more. He's so good with them, and he has the makings of a great "daddy".

Here's a short video clip of Brent riding with our nephew. He took turns riding with each of them, and then let them ride while he lead the horse around. They kept saying "let's go fast Brent!" (sorry the video quality isn't the greatest, but hopefully you get the idea).

Here are a few more pictures from 4th of July weekend at the cabin.

4TH of July Continued.

Throughout the weekend our niece, and nephews were glued to Brent. This picture is a perfect example! They absoultely love Uncle Brent. They were constantly asking for shoulder rides, and leg rides, playing chase, and tag with him, playing on the walkie talkies, and climbing all over him. I think Brent had just as much fun they did! He's still a kid at heart!!

4th of July at the Cabin.

We love our family, and especially love hanging out, and spending time together. We had a great 4th of July weekend at the cabin with them.
Here's a picture of the whole family. Starting on the back row from left to right: Brent, our brother-in-law , Suzanne's dad, Suz's brother. (Middle row:) Suzanne's sister, Mom, and Suzanne. The three little ones are our triplet neice and nephews.
My mom, my sister, and I by the docks at the reservoir.

Alright, so there's a story behind this one. Brent, my Dad, my brother, and brother-in-law were out behind the cabin shooting the gun (target practice, I guess you could say). It was my turn to shoot, and I placed the scope of the gun a little too close to my eye . . . you can probably figure out what happened! Just a small goose egg above my right eye-- nothing big! Okay, so I'm not an avid sports woman! At least I hit the target that I was aiming for!

Happy 4th of July! . . . A Weekend at the Cabin.

Over the 4th of July, we spent the weekend with Suzanne's family at the cabin which is located in Southern Idaho, nestled on a reservoir. It was a great weekend filled with fun and family. Saturday morning we went to the nearest town (about 15 miles away) to watch the parade. Then we went to the park which was set up with games, activities, and rides for the kids. Our neice and nephews had a blast, and so did we! Following this we ate lunch in the park, had snow cones, and loads of junk food. That evening we saw an awesome firework show in town. It POURED right before the fireworks started, so we sat huddled in the car for about 20 minutes until the down pour stopped--I don't think I've seen it rain that hard for a long time! It was SO cold that night (odd for July), but it gave me a reason to snuggle close to Brent during the fireworks! Awww, how romantic! The rest of the weekend was spent out at the cabin where we fished, took motorcycle rides, went for walks, went shooting, ate plenty of good food, relaxed, laughed a lot, and ate more good food!


Brent and Suzanne with our nephews in the park.


Suz with her sister.

Waiting for the geyser to erupt!

Disneyland.

Sheena and Suzanne at Alice in Wonderland's house in Disneyland.
What a pretty flower -on the grounds of the San Diego temple.

Disneyland- whoo hoo!!

Two brothers having a blast in Toon Towne- can't you tell?

Vacation in San Diego.

Overlooking La Jolla, California. Don't get too close to the edge!
Beautiful La Jolla Beach!!

Brent (on the right) with his brother, Boyd, walking down to La Jolla Beach.

The San Diego temple is a favorite temple of ours.

Taking you back . . . Last fall we visited San Diego and Disneyland.

Last fall (2008) Brent's brother, Boyd, and his wife, Sheena, suggested going on a trip to San Diego together. We jumped at the chance- we were ready to get away and have some fun, and some R & R! We spent a week in the San Diego area, and made the drive up to Disneyland. It was well worth it. Suzanne hadn't been to Disneyland since she was a kid, and this was Brent's first time! We had a blast, even as adults!! The next time we go, we hope to take our future family. While we were in San Diego, we also went to the San Diego Zoo, toured Old Town, and spent time down town. We also went to Coronado Island, and La Jolla beach among many other things. We had a GREAT time- thanks Boyd and Sheena!!


Down town San Diego, California.
The beach at Coronado Island. It was a bit of a cold, windy day so didn't get wet.