Common Conversations

I was driving in town yesterday after taking Joe to work. I have Ben, Kimmie and Ryan with me. I realize as we drive - we talk much...only I'm not usually ever the one leading the conversation - but the one answering - 'Momma, Mommy, Mommmm'.

As we were in between the blocks of Pizza Hut, Moose's and Barley's, all this happened in the span of a block and 1/2...due to slllloooww traffic ~

Ben: 'Mommy, why did you turn and not have your blinker on?' Me: 'Sorry, Ben, I'll remember next time.' Ben: 'Joe doesn't like it when you don't use your blinkers.' Me: 'I know Ben, and neither do the Police, I'll try to remember next time.'

Ryan: (who is trying desperatley to connect with the world of reading) 'Momma, that place S-A-O-O-N (he left out the L), is that a really old place?' Me: 'Yes, Moose's has been around for a long long time.' Ryan: 'It looks really old'

Kimmie: 'Mommm, when I go to bed and dream about monsters, does that mean that I am really going to see monsters? How does my dream know what they look like?' Me: 'I don't know Kimmie, maybe something you saw on TV, and something you shouldn't be seeing again.'

Ryan: 'YEAH! Like when you watched my movie 'Waterhorse'. You shouldn't see it anymore, only me and Ben.'

Kimmie: 'Mommm? I can't watch Waterhorse anymore?' Me: 'Yes you can Kimmie.' Kimmie: 'But Ryan SAID...' Ryan: 'I didn't say anything Kimmie.'

Ben: 'Mommy, you didn't turn your blinker on again when you turned........'

Christmas Finery

It's that time of year. When we all get dressed up for different reasons. The 3 little ones spiffed up for their Christmas Program at school today. Couldn't get every one to smile at the same time. This will have to do. Of course - the program was a 2-parter. Ben at 10. Then Ryan and Kimmie at 2. Lotsa driving that day.

Carri and I, or better known at the 'Golden Girls' at the 'Calling All Angels' Gala. Very fine time. So much bling - my eyes hurt...reminds me of a song we should have sung 'I wear my sunglasses at night'...

We look like Ma and Pa Kettle going to town fer da evenin. Yah it wuz gut time. Notice the golden deer in the picture ~ Yah gut time.

I love that these 2 got out with their husbands for a night of relaxing fun and finery ~

~~ My Mom ~~

It's been awhile since I blogged. Life is busy. During my busy time, my mom came to visit me and my family.

My mom has never been to the Flathead.

For the first issue - I was interested in who would be the kind people to bring my mom to visit me? I met Rosie and Dee. Funny women.

Rosie is a retired nurse - on oxygen. She has her oxygen on her while driving - then flips the tubing over her rear view mirror when she parks her car.

Rosie's 'co pilot' is Dee. Dee is a retired music teacher - who breaks out into song at any given moment - and is blind.

And there is my mom...who they graciously gave the whole back seat to...for their drive.

They stayed at the wonderful Outlook Inn here in Somers - the proprietors there were very kind to this trio.

Rosie and Dee took a day trip to Polson during their stay here and left my mom with me the whole day...at one point I grew concerned that maybe they would not come back...and it was all a hoax...to have my mom move to the Flathead...scary moment...but they returned...singing together

So here is a picture of me, my mom, Kimmie, Ben, Gordy and Joe...not alot of these exist...pictures of me and my mom.

That's all I'm going to say about that...

Bedknobs and Matching Night Stands

Gordy and I are getting a new bedroom set delivered tomorrow. We have been married 18years - and have never had a head board for our bed, never - or matching nightstands - or a dresser with a mirror on it. I am very excited. All our years have been surrounding tending to the kids and their needs and wants. Now it is time for us :)

I am so very excited.

~ The Circle of My Life ~

The past 2 months have been a whirl wind. Really unbelievable...with so much happening between September 1 and November 1.

Through it all - for me it has been about God's guidance, grace and glory.

Many have asked me - how do you do it? How do you do it all? Really - some days moved by so fast - I didn't fully have the opportunity to 'feel' all that was going on...just moving from activity to event to purpose.

I am glad that I took some pictures along the way. I have been fairly closed-mouth about all the 'behind the scenes' of most of my days...really because I was so busy thinking all the time - I couldn't articulate my thoughts...and feelings...

So - in the end - it's really about the circle of my life ~ my walk with God ~ my family ~ my work...take a look:


1st day of school: This is the first day of school - also my first day of working as a full time employee of Intermountain...the Home wasn't named yet - but many were selflessly working on this venture...


Randi and Char: On one of our many shopping trips. We filled my Durango many many times over. Part of the fun of setting up the Home - was the decorating with a purpose - the purpose of affirming the positives in life...even when life is hard.


Randi: Poor Randi...we had shopped and shopped - my Durango was so full - it really wasn't safe to drive. We had this very nice young DD man...'help' us pack the car..."Puzzles!!! I love puzzles!!!" He kept saying --- so so so funny!


The night before the first Open House: My children and I and Randi did a last minute shopping trip...it was pretty funny - they were troopers...Ryan's expression really depicts how I was feeling!


Nursery at Providence: The day of the first Open House...for the babies. Oh and Providence - finally a name...


Living Room at Providence: From the play table to Mickey's chair to the curtains - everything carefully picked and thought out.


Aquarium at Providence: We didn't want a TV in the main living area...not for the little ones...so we set up an aquarium. Thank you Petco for the wonderful discount to make this possible...


Family Room at Providence: A room to relax, laugh, chill...


Affirmation: Through out the house - we set affirmation statements - not so much for the children - but for staff...on the hard days :)


Fall: Our wonderful Fall weather has held out - all the way to November 1st...I stopped one day to pray after dropping the children off at school - the whole area was so golden and serene...beautiful


Ben turns 10: In the midst of the journey - Ben turned 10 - very excited about the new Wii games (Star Wars and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader)


Ben Birthday and Football: Of course - football was worked in.


Ryan chasing Andy: Ben's birthday was a wonderful Fall day - all were outside playing flag football...even Jesse and Joe.


Lady and Fluffy: What circle of life blog is complete without my puppies?


Full Moon: During this time - Ben was in Little Guy football. Which meant that he practiced 3x a week for 2 hours each practice...again the weather was wonderful and it gave the opportunity to witness outstanding Harvest moonlit nights.


Kimmie and Dancing: The little children liked to get dressed up in football jersey's - and Kimmie started ballet and hip hop dance class. So - Kimmie incorporated the 2 one day...football dancing...maybe it will catch on.


Jersey Time: The little ones - outside playing football...


End of Season Party: At the end of Little Guy Football season...of course there is a party...at Pizza Hut...a sea of green jerseys...and too much soda pop!


Aaron, Lisa, Azalea and Aden came to visit during this time - a fantastic time with the grandbabies...us at Wal-Mart...the only good thing about Wal-Mart that day.


Azalea and Nana: Enough said...


Aaron and Lisa: Spending quality time together...


Halloween: Those who know me well - know I am not a big fan of Halloween...but we get through it every year...my Ballerina, Darth Vadar and a stellar football player...


Back to the Beginning: Back to my children - in jersey - the Circle of my Life...

So in the end...much has happened...much that isn't portrayed in pictures...all the forms made, licensing application and meetings, contract writing, trips to Helena, goodbyes to friends and foes, my mother visited for the first time in the Flathead, a retired nurse, oxygen tanks and a blind co-pilot (I'll write about that later), Gordy's many road trips, drug testing and wonderful Nikki and Kyle taking care of Glacier Center...the list goes on and on...and through it all - God's presence is evident - God's guidance, grace and glory...day in and day out...

7 foot what???

Jesse's long ago friend has moved back to the Kalispell area.

When Tim and Jesse were younger - Tim was always larger than everyone - then suddenly TOOK OFF in height.

The last time I saw Tim - he was about 6'7" or 6'8".

Now the boys are 19...after church - we all went to lunch at Chinatown. I asked Tim how tall he is now. He's 7'1" TALL!!! Are you kidding me? Holy Cow...

As is the fashion today - all the boys pants are a little baggy over sized...etc...Tim gets up to refill his plate (I'm certain Chinatown lost $$$ on Tim)...and Gordy in all his quiet wisdom says: 'How did he find pants too big for him?'

Hahahahahahahahah

Love you Tiny Tim :)

It's 12:30 a.m. and do you know where your Mommy is???

It's 12:30...on a Saturday night.

I had planned on watching Saturday Night Live - but noooo...I'm glad I DVR'd it.

We had a wonderful shopping spree today...spent much $$$ on terrific things for the Children's Home.

Then arrived back at the Home - unloaded the car - and sat down to finish building the very most last of the paperwork...and realize...there is STILL policy and procedure to write...STILL!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am not sure where I get my late bursts of energy...must be God...cuz it sure ain't me...I'm old now...

So - finally - now - am fully finished...it's late...I have to venture outside...here in the wilderness...

I am so looking forward to church tomorrow - I just read Levi's blog and he is in NY City...but no matter - Jesse has a long ago friend visiting and we are all going to church - I am excited to see Tim again.

Okay - that's all for now...time to venture home and enjoy sleep...

Enough Already...

Life has been extremely busy lately. Some people have been very helpful and then some have been standing on the sidelines clucking their tongues about 'whether or not I can handle it all '- 'or always making comments to me about having too much on my plate' or whatever...those are not what I would consider encouraging or supportive statements - in fact - I find myself - dismissing them and their comments from my day...I can't attend to that type of negativity right now.

If anyone truly knows me and supports me as a woman, wife, mom, friend - they would take the time to say to me - 'I am praying for you', 'I thought about you today and wanted to let you know' - 'that even though you are too busy - I understand'.

I learned a long time ago - that I do not lead my life - God does. When I handed my life over to Him and I believe that He loves me - more than anything. More than a fat kid loves cake...

He told me - "it's you and me kid - some things are gonna hurt - but it will be good for you - growing is painful sometimes - that is why they call them 'growing pains' but through it all, all will be done to glorify Jesus - not Berni, get used to it." Then God promised me a life filled with hope, happiness and wealth.

Not wealth like lots of green money and financial freedom - but wealth in the ownership of viewing a wonderful sunrise - for free; wealth is the partnership of a marriage to a man that God created just for me; wealth in the abundance of many babies (that turn into wonderful adults) that I get to love daily; wealth in the enjoyment of friendships - some for a lifetime and some for a season.

And then the most awesome gift of all - a hope in life everlasting...

I start my day - in God's presence - sometimes it is a nice long conversation - sometimes - it's just a check in - like today's texting.

Today - I rec'd this daily devotional from Greg Laurie - his walk and talk with Jesus - really ministers to me - especially when others are not seeking to be supportive or encouraging.

I want to share pieces of it...maybe then some can understand that I'm not overwhelmed to the point of not being effective as a woman, wife, mom, friend - but I am fully seeking to do His Will - even when the days are long - and nights are short - and conversations with others are even shorter.

All I do - is for Him - from raising my babies; to the work I do....

Below is today Daily Devotional from Greg Laurie:

The Search for God

No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God.
— Romans 3:11

Often we hear people say, "I'm on a spiritual journey. I am trying to find the truth. I am trying to find the light. I am trying to find God. I'm searching for God." Yet the Bible says that no one is really searching for God.

You would think that with all the religious belief systems in the world, this could simply not be. Yet God plainly declares in His Word, "If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me" (Jeremiah 29:13).

Let me be blunt: If you are seeking God, then you will find your way to Jesus Christ. And if you don't find your way to Jesus Christ, then you are not seeking God.

You might be playing religious games. You might be dabbling with various belief systems. But the true seeker will find the true God, and those who claim to be true seekers yet reject Jesus Christ are not being honest with God or with themselves.

Religion is humanity's search for God. But Christianity is God's search for humanity.

I have heard people say, "I found the Lord 10 years ago," as though God had been lost. But God wasn't lost; we were. God is seeking to save us, and if we really want to know Him, then we will find Him.

People do not come to Jesus Christ because they bristle at the thought of being sinful. They are unwilling to accept God's assessment of them. They are unwilling to acknowledge their guilt. That just bothers them.

Instead, they want to believe they can get to heaven by their own merit, by their goodness, and by their own deeds. But the Bible says that simply isn't so.

~GREG LAURIE~

What's it all about? Anyway?

All around us are statements about 'just do it' 'strive for excellence' 'be the all you can be' etc...

But in the end...it isn't about us - being all we can be, striving for excellence by just doing whatever...

It's about seeking and cultivating and then protecting our relationship with Jesus.

Isn't that what it is all about - in our quiet times? Our stressful, painful times? Our times of joy and happiness? When we are lonely? Or are thankful for good fortune coming our way?

It's simple - not complicated. 1 John 4:19 - 'We love (Him) because He first loved us.'

Climbing Mexicans and No ears at Wal-Mart

After a long weekend...and Gordy having to leave for work...me and the little kids decided to drive to town - to get some items at Wal-Mart and on the way - they negotiated with me to eat at McDonald's in Wal-Mart.

After the negotiations are done, I remember that everytime I eat McDonald's - it takes about 10 minutes to not feel well. Heavy sigh.

We get to Wal-Mart and decide to eat first.

I truly think that 90% of the people we saw there...just are not normal.

First in the parking lot - a client (of course, this is why I tend to avoid Wal-Mart) asking me if I can tell her when I will be doing the class that she missed in August...proceeds to take out her phone and show me the day on her phone calendar and tells me that is when she went to the fair - instead of coming to class...so do I remember which one she missed? Are you kidding me???

Then the rest of the people...

By not normal, I mean, like each one had some part of their body or clothing that was tilted, off center or just plain missing. I swear that one guy didn't have ears...and everyone else - had huge large Dumbo ears...and very bad haircuts.

I saw 2 former clients across the aisle in the women's clothing - trying on clothing over their clothes...then they saw me - and left.

Our food came - and it was barely edible...our mountain of fries...looked just nasty. Of course the ketchup dispenser was empty - we got the little packets of ketchup and most of them were stuck together by some unidentifiable goo...ummm yeah...we moved on from the fries.

And the people - It was just scary - and I don't scare easily. I kept my purse in my lap - not on the back of my chair.

We left McDonald's - got our items...and left the building - quickly.

Memo to self - stay home Sunday nights and watch football - Wal-Mart is NOT a good idea.

We drive down Idaho - and I see that Taco Bell is CLOSED. It's 7 p.m. in the early evening. I am nosy - I drive around the block to see what the sign says: We will be closed the rest of today 10/12/8 do to equpment malfunction. 'And we will be closed most of tomro. Manangment.' Someone should call their headquarters.

On a side note; Ryan asked me today if he is German. I ask him if he knows Marty is German also. Ryan says that he is. I tell Ryan - that he has some German in him. Ryan - 'Yes and Mexico too.' I ask Ryan - 'What - why do you think you're Mexican?' Ryan - 'Because Mexican's like to climb and I like to climb too - so I'm German and Mexican.' HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA It was too cute.

So where are all those climbing Mexicans? Don't they know that MY Mexican son is muchly afraid of heights?

LIfe is Busy...

It's 8:33 a.m.

My goal this morning is to not leave my house until 10 a.m.

I am determined to actually be in my house for a 12 hour stretch.

It hasn't happened in a while...a very long while.

I had a banana and peanut butter sandwich breakfast.

Home cooking is wonderful :)

~The Love Dare~

This is such a good movie ... and a must see ... the theater was packed and at the end...clapping and cheering...

What was all the excitement about?

Marriage...a marriage that had gone bad and was, what appeared to be, irretrevably broken...until the LOVE DARE.

Very cool.

I believe that there should be a new verse in the marriage vows:

I promise, to love and honor you;

in sickness and in health,
for richer or for poorer and
forsaking all others...
til death do us part.

The new added verse should then be:
til death do us part and I will never divorce you.

Anyway - Just a thought...

The LOVE DARE...very cool

Earthly Minded or Heavenly Bound?

Lots of talk about Heaven lately. I have talked to friends about what motivates me daily - where I pull from to carry on when times are tough.

Tonight Greg Laurie spoke at my church. His message was specifically on Heaven. It was 'divinely' inspiring and has given me much to ponder.

One thing specifically is that he dispelled the 'Hollywood' version of Heaven - that we are all angels sitting around on clouds, hopping from one to another.

Greg also spoke about what the Bible says about our loved ones and others that have gone before us - very eloquent and forthright message.

And I was so happy to share this time with family and friends ~ very special for me.

Go to www.freshlifechurch.com to view the archived message - it's good and good for you..

~~Relaxing after all the Details are Tended to ~~

My son Aaron and his family are here - celebrating my daughter in law's (Lisa's) parents 25th wedding anniversary. Lisa has worked hard for her parents during this week - handmaking dresses, home made beautiful cake - decorating - etc...

Lisa is a very wonderful young woman - truly an answer to this mother's prayer.

This picture if of Aaron and Lisa's wedding day - it's one of my favorites - it was the HOTTEST day of the year that year...many details and very busy as weddings are. But in this pic - Aaron and Lisa are sitting at their table - relaxed as husband and wife.

I hope she has a moment like this tonight....love you Lisa....

~ No, no, no ~

I pirated this from my friend, Carri. Why, why, why?

I'm speechless...and I think they must be a cult...

Watch til the end...when he really lights up the dance floor.

And after all the work I do to get people OFF drugs...

Lipstick and Cameras...

Had the opportunity to be out a little tonight - to 'celebrate' a friends Kalispell departure. Celebrate isn't the correct word - but it felt like a celebratory event. At one point I felt a little guilty - like I should be home watching the newest Hurricane situation unfold in Texas.

So - now I am home. And watching the news. And there is coverage of Hurricane Ike. There are random TV journalists stationed in various sites in Texas - reporting on winds, rain and destruction.

There are no other people - ANYWHERE - on the streets. At one point - this journalist - still with her lipstick on - is DRENCHED and hanging on to a bush as the wind gusts.

Amazing. That is dedication to her job.

One would think that with all our technology - we could have cameras stationed in areas and be operated by remote - not putting the lives of journalists, cameramen, grips, and drivers in jeopardy.

Just a thought.

On a different note. I am excited about my friend's new venture. I am excited that she gets to be with her guy (and I wish I could have spent more time with the 2 of them). I am excited that we are now CO-WORKERS. How cool is that.

Now - back to my news....

Lady with a Pencil

Life is interesting sometimes. Those things that make you go hmmmm...

On Myspace there is this little - 'emotion status with statement' thing that you can do. Some people write their list of today's events, some make cryptic statements about something in their lives - and some just put how they are really feeling out there.

Today I had on my mind - meeting with the 'licensing lady' for my new venture. I was a little worried and concerned - but hoped that I had enough of my ducks in a row to do okay with it.

So - when I did my little emotion thingy - for some reason - it hit me to write 'why do some women shave their eyebrows - only to then pencil them in?' And I went about my day -

I meet with the 'licensing lady.'

She is about 62 - in fact she is retiring in December after 30 years on the job.

She has no eyebrows - only a very carefully penciled in line where they used to be.

I scare myself sometimes...

A New Day ~~~

It's interesting - how we go through life - living large - but a bit misty and unclear. Life has a way of creating subtle distractions to where we don't see everything fully clearly...happy at times, but as if we are behind a buffer...

Today my son, Jesse, was baptized. In Whitefish Lake. Few things comfort a mother's heart more than seeing men who seek God's heart - praying for and with her son.

I almost missed this - I had to drive from Whitefish Lake - to Frugal's and back again - with in 40 minutes. If you ever need instructions on how to get there by only passing through 4 lights - ask me!

I was with him in the delivery room - Jesus was with Jesse in the water...death to the sinful past - and hope in the life with Jesus ~ today in Worship we sang: 'Jesus, take everything - Jesus, my rescuing King...you're everything I need.'

A New Day~~~

Look - how clear - the picture - the smile - the mist and distractions gone...

Thank you Carri - few times I get to be in the picture :)

~~ Dr Ruth and Lions ~~

Okay - so - I don't know how many people remember Dr. Ruth. She was the 'sex-help' guru for a generation a while back. A small, petite, German woman that smiled as she discussed the prevails and details of people's intimacy and how they could enhance thier time together - or alone....Way before the introduction of 'Bob' the smiling man by the pool...and the nerdy wave.

In the mornings after we are all ready for school, work, we watch PBS a little. Today - 'Between the Lions' was on. I like it because it helps with reading and putting words together...Ryan benefits.

So - on today's episode - the guest was...Dr. Ruth. Helping a young lion read the word: UNDEFEATED. And she was there cheering him on - 'yes, yes you can do it! See doesn't that feel better now!'

What??? Holy Cow!!!

On a side note - I always like to include a picture if I can with my blog and googled Dr. Ruth...when I clicked on her site, this came up: WARNING - ENTERING THIS SITE MY HARM YOUR COMPUTER AND EXPOSE YOUR COMPUTER TO UNWANTED INFORMATION. I didn't venture in. I know there is a programming manager at 'Between the Lions' laughing laughing...

BWAHAAAHAHHAAAAA

Opportunity only comes once in a while...the house is dark...the older boys are out in the guest house...I am walking upstairs...I hear the back door creak and open...and realize it's probably Joe walking in the house...in the dark...bwahhhaaahahahaa....

I am stealth (hahahahaha) and go running into the dark kitchen and scream 'BOOOO!' Joe jumps and screams (his woman scream, yougottahearittobelieveit)...and turns on the light...yells at me...'MOM!!! What is wrong with you!!! Are you crazy?' I am laughing, laughing...(standing now in the lighted kitchen...in my crazy cheetah flannel pajamas)...

I walk out of the kitchen...Joe is yelling up to me...'How OLD are you anyway? You are too old to be doing that!!! Just wait - I will pay you back!!!' Uuuhhhh, I'm so scared...

BWAHAHHAAAAHHHAAAA

~~ Hurricane ~~ Payne ~~ Anniversary ~~

Today is my anniversary. Gordy and I have been married 18 years. Really long time. Lots of life lives within those years...


Our Anniversary was 'chill'. Because of tomorrow being the first day of school (YIPPEE!!) All our $ has gone to preparation for the entry into structure, learning and socialization...

So - why we were 'chill'...we had 2 things going on simultaniously today. Hurricane Gustav and The House of Payne.

I started this morning watching all the coverage of the Hurricane. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as it could have been and it appears that the powers that be - learned something from the disaster of Katrina and were better prepared. I hope for the sake of the people in the Gulf Coast - that they have seen the worst of the storm and can return soon to their homes.

Then we began watching the 'House of Payne' marathon. It has REALLY improved since it first debuted. We don't watch sitcoms anymore as a rule - they just aren't 'family friendly' at all. Not at all. But the 'House of Payne' had some very redeeming moments. All episodes had, in part, a moral issue that was dealt with, in some manner. The family home - was the family home - rules were expected to be followed, respect to elders was a must and family was valued.

And I liked that not everyone in the cast was 'hollywood'. The cast looks normal, some tall, some short, some slim, some not slim, etc...normal people

Kimmie loved it and has asked if we can DVR it every Wednesday. We will. The marathon ended with a 2-part wedding episode. God was honored, Jesus was spoken about and men loved and cared for their women. Great show to watch on our Anniversary!!!

And Gordy is still the best bar-b-quer EVER!!!

Next week - we dine at Tie-Buckers. No kids allowed.

Taco Bell....

Taco Bell...not always our first choice for a quick meal. But today we took the stab. We don't typically go there because the little kids aren't really fond of it and for me...I know too much about some of the employees to venture in.

But we ventured today. Most people can go into a fast food establishment and eat for pretty cheap. Not us - ever. $28.20 was our bill. It was only tacos for pity's sake. So we sit and visit - while we wait for them to fix and roll and wrap our tacos...and we wait...and we wait...we waited for over a half hour. Soooo I go up and inspect why has everyone else been served, eaten and left before us?

There is this assembly line process that is fixing meals. At the end is a young man...who appears to be in his 2nd hour of employ at Taco Bell. I ask the man at the til if he can check on our food....he is very busy putting the paper 'pads' on the trays...he tells me that he told me when I paid that it would take a while as it was a big order...I tell him I understand that - but it's been a half hour - maybe he can help the young man at the end of the line. He tells me no - he has to be at the til. There is no customers in line...but he can't step the 8 steps over to check things out.

Gordy...in all his North Dakota finesse - stomps up and states - 'why in the world is our food taking so long!!!' The man at the til states to him ... I told you it would be a while as it was a big order. Gordy stomps back to the table with Ryan, Kimmie and Ben - who have now sipped down their whole big sodas...on empty stomachs and are now...fairly animated and loud.

So - I move to standing at the counter and try to engage with the man I figure is the crew leader, team manager, head chef..what ever. He finally acknowledges me and I tell him - could he check on my order???

He looks at my order...and looks at the still struggling young man - who has now - precariously set two trays of food on top of shelves and warmers...looks at him and tells him - I almost got it all done. They spend ANOTHER 4 minutes...give us 2 trays of food - most of which we ordered - some of which we don't have a clue what it is...it must be a new menu item 'Taco Bell Surprise' and I take it all back to the table...then the head chef...REFUNDS US ALL OUR MONEY...GIVE ME $28.20 CASH BACK!!!

Well Done Taco Bell...

A side note - we now have a bag of left over 'Taco Bell Surprise' in our fridge...for snack tonight while watching 'Ice Road Truckers.'

~~~Only In Montana

Picking up my mail at our local post office today.

A sign on the bulletin board: Found a lama - call to identify - 270-8642...

Someone should tell them that llama is spelled with 2 'l's...

And how many lost llama's do we have running around Somers anyway?

On the hunt for school clothes...

This pic is from our wonderful 'Zoo Day' at the Portland Zoo with the children. It was a wonderfully cool, relaxing day. Much unlike my horridly hot, frantic evening of clothes shopping this evening.

We hit K-Mart. The clothes are 'buy one - get one 1/2 off' and I have 3 little ones that have all hit growth spurts this summer. And as I am the 'Lay-A-Way Queen' of the Flathead...the idea was a good one - until it was in the middle of execution.

Ben is in the 'in the middle' of sizes. I had chosen all the pants, shirts, dresses, outfits, coats, socks, underwear etc...then had the children try some of them one - just to be sure...

Tough for Ben...I wasn't able to purchase all I had chosen and the back and forth from the fitting rooms and boys section was a harried experience with Ryan's attention being done and Kimmie bouncing, bouncing and Ben just being done...

Then to back packs and lunch boxes...I will do school supplies and shoes later this week...thankfully the clerk was patient and good humored...and patient with me when I questioned numerous times about the pricing showing up 'buy one - get one 1/2 off'...but in the end...it was a real bargain...and I very grateful that the kids are still little enough that they don't care about name brands and such...

Aaannnd thank you Jesse and Jasmine for hanging with us to get it all done...

On another note...we are showing our house in the early afternoon - I will not be able to be here to get the house ready - having to be at work...say a prayer that my children are able to sparkle and shine their home...

I love Sundays, I love the end of summer, I love life...

Fun Sucker...

I have a somewhat 'hip' friend that jokingly calls me the 'fun sucker' of the bunch - in that I suck the fun out of everything...too cautious or in his case - too much of a moral compass to have around all the time...

I think my children at some times in their lives would TOTALLY agree with him.

The Fair is in town.

I hate the Fair. Not all Fairs, but the Kalispell Fair.

Not until the WHOLE staff of the Fair is drug tested EVERY DAY that the Fair is in operation...will I attend. The thought of all the carnies who run the games, set up the rides and operate the rides...not at any point being drug tested...makes me very concerned.

Okay - so maybe in this instance...I am a fun sucker...

Cool Changes

Time for a cool change...now that my life...is so rearranged...I know that it's time for a cooo-ool change...

Picture highlights of my past month. Sinbad ~ Azalea ~ Andrea ~ Beach and Family Time

Now it's time to get to work ~~~~

Sinbaaaad...best comedy show EVER...Most funnest night...


My beautiful wonderful Azalea & Andrea turning 3 on the same day.



















~ Cool Ocean ~ Cool Son ~
~ Cool Times ~ Cool Life ~

Waiting...holding our breathe

This is my son Ryan...he is busy.

At my office today - he picked up my key fob...the key fob that is for my security system - that instantly alerts the police that there is a crisis at my office and they respond VERY QUICKLY. I looked up and Ryan was holding it - he asked me what did 'the buttons start?'

I asked Ryan if he pushed any of the buttons. Ryan - with wide eyes - 'No.' Not very believable. I asked him again - he says - did I start your truck...I explain to Ryan that the key fob isn't to start a vehicle - it is to tell the police to come here - really quickly.

Ryan promised that he didn't push a button.

I sat and waited to see if police cars would come screaming to the building.

No police...Ryan's little busy fingers...were well behaved...