adventures!

Ok so like I was saying in the previous post we are looking for ways for our kids to do hard things.  Today we got our sheep and I can honestly say it is a day that none of us will forget.  We go out to the ranch and are picking out which ewe we want, we are totally clueless, so we finally decide on one and Elijah ropes it for us, after a couple of tries.  We then try to get her into the trailer, holy that was quite the ordeal.  We finally get her loaded and head back home, we stop and get some straw from Katie and then some alfalfa hay from Huntsmans and get home about dusk.  We get her pen opened, backed the trailer right up to it and though she would just go in.  WRONG!  Brady was holding a metal gate to block the one open area, and she took him out.  Like knocked him over and took off running.  After about a half an hour Chas finally caught her in the farthest corner of the orchard and started yelling for us to bring a rope.  By now it is almost dark outside, we try to coax her and push and pull her to the shed, she won't budge.  Chas then tells Brooklyn to get the big blue tobaggon like sled and we would push her over on it and pull her in.  So that's what we did, in the mud.  Brooklyn and I got quite the workout that night from pulling her all the way into the house.  But the kids will never forget the day we brought home our sheep.  And that is what we are looking for, memories to make, adventures to be had and work to be done!

lambs

So we decided to make some dessert and head out to our friends, the Livingstons on sunday.  They are in the height of lambing season and have them all over the place.  We had such a great time watching all the little lambs and visiting.  We even got to see a little lamb be born, it was pretty cool.  And so guess what we are bringing a pregnant ewe home with us today.  We are going to try and see if sheep will keep down the weeds and grass out in the orchard, since it is such a pain to try and keep up.  Hopefully they will do the trick.
Chas and I have really been having some discussions lately on having the kids do hard things, preparatory for their missions and living on their own.  Scary enough Brooklyn will be 18 in 5 years!  We are getting constant counsel from local and church leaders to provide opportunities for our kids to do hard things.  The reason we moved out here to start with is so our kids would have work to do and animals to take care of.  Since Brooklyn's horse died, we have only had chickens and Ruby to take care of.  So we decided to add some more things to the mix, sheep and hopefully a couple of steers in  a week or so.  A part of us just really wants to keep the money and spend it on other more "fun" things, but we have to decide what is most important to us, and right now this is what it is.  Wish us luck! The sheep thing is totally new as neither of us has ever had sheep, but we are excited to have a new baby lamb! or maybe even two!  Honestly it makes me excited!

Spring Break

Since we had such a late night on Sunday the kids were pretty cranky on their first day of spring break! We did get their chores done, trim painted and most of the laundry done, but we didn't get to have game night because they all went to bed around 8.  I love having my kids home, but man I really need to keep them doing something all the time, or they just tease and egg each other on.  I am really trying to be patient and hope that if I respond with love they will get better at doing the same.  Tomorrow they get to play with friends, then Thursday we will be heading over to mom and dads, which the kids are so excited for!! YAy for living close!

Apparently I need to be quiet more...

Beckett: mom you know when my head told me to stop and look both ways before I crossed the street? I listened so I was safe.
Me: Good job, you have a smart head.
Beckett: You know what else my head tells me?
Me: What?
Beckett: You talk a lot.
Me: (laughing) Really, is that a good thing or a bad thing.  A good thing, I like it when you talk.
Mind you this conversation took place while we were weeding the raspberries in complete silence.
Love this kid!

Migraine

Yesterday I got a migraine, haven't had one in a long time.  It wasn't one of the worst I've had, at least half my face, my lip and my arm didn't go numb this time, but I still feel pretty terrible when I get one.  It couldn't see properly for about 2 hours, and then the residual headache is pretty intense for a couple of days.  So I didn't work out today and just took it easy, which actually was kind of nice.  Going to coach basketball with all the balls bouncing, about did me in, but I survived.  Chas was super helpful with dinner and the kids and everything.  They all went to mutual and they little ones went to bed, so it was a nice quiet night! Love those!

Timber

Today I called up our neighbor and asked if we could borrow their tractor, they are so great! She said sure come on up and get it, keep it however long you need to.  So Ammon went to town!! We pulled out like 20 trees (I think.)  It feels so nice to start getting things into shape around here!   There are still a few more I'd like to pull, but we'd need a bigger tractor for those.  Tyanna, Kayla, Janae, and I pruned and pruned! Oh it feels so good to get things done!  I might just get the whole orchard done this year! Amazing!  I also love that they like to work when they come.  We ended the evening a great weiner roast and of course marshmallows! The kids loved it, ok we did too.  It was a beautiful day to be outside!

Mini Family Reunion

Today we left to go down to Boise.  All of my family was there except for Amron and his family.  It was so good to see everyone and are so grateful for Lindsey for putting up with all of us for the weeked.  20 kids and 12 adults is a lot of people to stay at your house.  She is always such a good sport and we love her!
The kids took their sweet time getting ready to go and so we didn't leave until about 8:30.  We got there and went and did some shopping before going to Ezra's house, I knew we wouldn't get it done after we saw everyone.  We went to Joann's Fabrics hoping to find some fabric for Brooklyn's easter dress, we didn't find any she liked, but we did find some other things.  We then went to Dick's sporting goods for Brooklyn to buy some shorts and sandals, I love that they make their own money and have to save up for things they want.  They take much better care of the things they buy and realize that if they want something they have to work for it. Brady also got something he had had his eye on, so we left with everyone happy.
We got to Ez's, it's just so fun to see everyone! Tyanna was there, I so wish she lived closer!  Her kiddos are just so cute! Aaron was there and I haven't seen them for awhile either.  Brady sure loves playing with Cade and Connor.  The kids were all in cousin heaven and played and played the whole time.  It's so nice when there is no fighting or arguing they all played so well. We just visited and let the kids play the rest of the day.  The weather was so beautiful! We enjoyed soaking up the rays!
Chas came later with Mom and Dad and got there about 7:30.  We ate dinner and then rushed over to Keeton's to say hi and bye to Lynn and Dixie who were there for the week.  We stayed there which was really nice as ezzie's was a bit tight.







Saturday we woke up and went to Brynlee's baptism.  She is such a sweet girl, her and Emree are the best of friends and it makes me so happy!  She was beautiful and the baptism was great.  I got to hold Elise for Lindsey so she could pay attention and not have to worry about leaving with Elise, turns out she slept the whole time and was perfectly behaved!  It was funny to watch Cal and Drew with Ezra and Aaron, each one would follow the others Dad around thinking it was their own, so funny!







After the baptism we went back to Ezra's for a delicious brunch and then went to play softball.  It is awesome now that the kids are getting bigger, we had a great time.  Then we headed over to the park where the little kids could play, again we enjoyed visiting and soaking in the sun.
The adults got to go out for dinner that night, thanks to some friends and Brooklyn for watching ALL of the kids!







 


We headed back over to Ezra's for breakfast sunday morning and then went to Keeton's sacrament meeting before heading home.  Mom and Dad, Tyanna and Ammon followed us home.  We had a nice ham dinner together.  What a great weekend. Thanks Ezra and Lindsey for being such great hosts!