Man Day

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE
TARGET SON...

Man Day is now an official MANdated Day in our family. Our first "official" Man Day was spent at a private gun range; the boys were natural marksman...impressive actually. In addition to time at the range, we also spent time at range's STOCKED fish pond. And boy was it stocked! We came home with a ton of fish & I must mention that Riley's catch of the day was the most impressive!

CONFESSION of a mother: Initially, the thought of the boys shooting pistols & shotguns gave me a "mother's tummy ache". This "ache" was quickly replaced with pride as I watched each boy handle their weapon of choice with a responsible and confident attitude. Once we arrived home I was in the kitchen preparing our "catch" of the day, along with baking a fresh blueberry pie (freshly picked earlier that day). I'm already looking forward to our next MANdated day.

Just Wondering

Well, it's looking like my blogging experience has become more of an annual event. I wonder why? Is it that everytime summer starts to come to an end I become all mushy about another summer being over so quickly? Just wondering.

Or is it because I know, without a doubt, that summer with the my boys are numbered? Just wondering?

Or is it because I really will miss the constant laughter, the talks, the craziness that happens when the boys and their friends are a constant throughout our summer? Just Wonderinng?

Or is it because, unlike a typical school year, I have the time to sit down and realize that time is passing by much quicker than I would have ever thought it would. Just wondering?

The bottom line is I love my boys, all four (to include my darling husband) and more than ever I am painfully aware that our time is precious and limited. Today I want to embrace it all, be grateful for it all and treasure these "Just Wondering" moments.

Good Times in Yakima

We started our summer with a trip to Yakima -- the "other side" of Washington. Or, what I often think/say..."the Oklahoma side"; the "brownish", less green and being able to see for miles is why I often think of home when I crossover to the other side of WA.

Our time in Yakima was spent inside of multiple basketball courts; Riley participated in a tournament (the last for the season) & although we didn't win one game (this was the first time this occurred), we had a great time.

Wondering if I really AM a blogger type of gal???

Yes, I am wondering about this -- what holds me back?

• Writing the perfect blog?
• The time it takes to blog?
• Or, not having anything to really blog (or talk about)?

The answer to these questions would be...yes and no!

What does one do to be a faithful blogger (because I so want to be one!) Can you make a New Year's resolution in August? How about a fiscal new year...that works for me!

So today, Augusts 31st, I am making a commitment to blog more (which would be quite simple to accomplish) along with sharing these blogs with those I love & care about.

Football is Just Around the Corner...

As we were watching the Seahawks pre-season game (they won by the way) I couldn't help but get excited about fall being just around the corner. I mean -- I LOVE football, the fresh cool air of autumn, the changing colors of the trees...but wait a minute. Does that mean summer has ended? Does that mean we have to have a schedule that is not our own? Does that mean no more sleeping in, eating breakfast by 6:00 and heading out the door by 8:00 is just around the corner?

The Wonder of Christmas...

Yes, it's me sitting in front of the Christmas tree enjoying peace and everything that goes with it. The boys have opened their presents & once again we have succeeded in selecting that perfect gift for each boy. I also would have to say, that the boys did a wonderful job of selecting the most perfect gifts for me; each gift reflected their love for me..it brought those mama tears to my eyes.

As the boys quietly play with their new "toys", Mark is busy preparing our traditional Christmas breakfast & I'm enjoying this great cup of Jo...

Our wish for all of our family & friends is for a new year filled with precious memories & most important, as a time to reflect on the graciousness of our Lord. Our prayer for each of you is that you do truly understand that real REASON FOR THE SEASON & that you experience HIM in 2009. Much love from all of us!

Labor Day

Well, summer break is nearly over...no more late nights & our early mornings begin. We have completed all of our normal "back to school" rituals -- new clothes, new backpacks, bus route review, orientations, etc...



The boys are excited; they always look forward to seeing their friends. But, I have to say, I'm not quite so excited. Okay, I know, some may think "are you crazy?" -- I have heard mom's talk about actually camping out at the bus stop so their children wouldn't miss it the first day of school -- I've never seen them do it...



I like having the boys home; despite those "I wanna pull my hair out" moments, or constantly asking them to pick up their things, or NEVER feeling as if the house is clean -- having them home is something I value much much more. But tomorrow morning when the bus pulls off my house will feel particularly empty & I will be reminded that we are one year closer to them choosing to not kiss me good bye -- instead they will hug me (maybe), tell me they love me & off they go. I'm not looking forward to Riley graduating -- it will break my heart to know that the chapter of sending them off is over.



Okay, that's enough -- I gotta bake some cookies & then beat them off from eating all of them before tomorrow morning! Being a mom is the BEST & I'm glad that God chose me to the mother to Chris, Paul & Riley --