The View Out Our Front Door

James and I love the view out of our front door. There is farmland as far as the eye can see in front of and to the right of us and then a beautiful mountain range to the left. Fall gets all of the farmers in our ward a buzz about the harvest. It's quite rewarding to watch the fields get planted, watered, grow and then harvested every Fall. We have sugar beet, potato, bean, alfalfa, corn and hay fields surrounding our home. While Burley is not our intended place to remain, we sure wish we could take this view with us when we leave.

I've Got Connections-

I've been waiting and waiting for the day James's job as a cop would pay off for me. My wallet was lost (stolen?) last week while shopping at the one department store here in Burley. Along with ALL of my bank cards, stamps, 21 cents, Great Harvest punch card and brand new temple recommend was my license. OH! That dreaded license! I hated my license before I even got it. I was 7 mos. pregnant when it was time to renew. My face was puffy, my nose was bulbous and red and my neck looked like it could be a twin to John Goodman. I hated that license. The silver lining in having my wallet disappear was the need for a new one. I was quite pleased with such a prospect. We went down to the Sheriff's Department and were welcomed with open arms. I thought to myself, "Oh my goodness! Here's my chance for the perfect license picture! These ladies know my husband and seem to quite like him!" Sure enough, even with an office full of people waiting in line behind me, the lady cooed and talked with Tess, joked with James and let me take AS MANY PICTURES AS I WANTED until I got one I liked. I even tried out my "Magnum" look for the camera. In the end I walked away with a license to show off. Just ask me and I'll show you. Now if I can just get out of a ticket the next time I am pulled over...

Hello Friends!

I make the best voyeur! I've really enjoyed reading my cousin's new blogs that I decided to copycat them and create my own. It's pretty self serving on my end, but I hope you enjoy reading about us and what we're up too. If you see elements from your own blogs on here, my apologies! I just have a great appreciation for cleverness and yummy recipes! Give me a shout out every now and then-Love to you All!

Tess Alayna

Tess is our DREAM BABY! Of the four she is the 1st to sleep through the night before 1 yr. old. She is currently 6 mos. old and the apple of all of our eyes. Her Daddy is crazy about, her brothers can't get enough of her, her sister plays and plays all day with her and I enjoy every element about her. She is always happy, unless she is tired or hungry, which usually go hand in hand. Rarely do we have to guess about her needs. It's about time!

Nate Richard

The king of 2 year olds has NOT left the building! He is living at our house and rules with an iron fist. The following laws directly apply to Nate: If it's mine it's mine, if it's yours it's mine, if I like it is mine, if I can take it from you it is mine, if I am playing with something ALL of the pieces are mine, if I think it is mine it is, if I saw it first it's mine, if I had it then put it down it is still mine, if you had it then you put it down it is now mine, if it looks like the one I have at home it is mine, if it is broken it is yours.

He of course melts your heart as soon as he starts singing "Five Little Pumpkins" or "Popping Corn Popping".

Mark James

Mini James gives us just cause to laugh everyday. His hands are in constant motion as he describes everything from the 'flashing red light' he can see out his window at night to the way to put a Lego airplane together. The hands show it all. He started kindergarten this year and we get a little nervous every afternoon when we drop him off. What is he going to tell the teacher today?

Olivia Renee

Here is the girl we've learned everything on. Surprisingly enough she is surviving. Her trust is comforting and her bemusement at our falterings evident. Her mothering instincts are amazing. She changed her baby sister's dirty diaper the other morning and did a pretty dang good job. I emerged from my bedroom to find a happy Tess dressed for the day and playing happily with her older sister. I once worried the two would not be close due to the age difference. This was all erased the night Livvy dressed Tess up as a princess, tiara and all and Tess laughed and laughed as Livvy twirled her around.