You know how kids say the cutest, silliest, funniest and most adorable things.  Well Justus is no exception and I just had to record some things he's said.

Like this past week when he asked , "Can we have some Haagen Dogs?" (ice cream, should have been Haagen Dazs) 

Driving down the road several months ago, Justus asked me to give him some math questions.  "Okay," I said.  "You have 1 frog and mommy gives you 1 more.  How many do you have?"

"That's puny.  I mean questions like 6+6."

That same trip Justus seemed like he was going to vomit.  Thinking he was going to and knowing it would be a big mess since he had no bag to throw up in I said, "Lord, have mercy."  Later on he asked me, "Can you die from throwing up?"

I said, "No."

"Then why did you say 'Lord have mercy'?

For awhile every time he saw a cemetery he immediately thought a battle must have been fought there. Russell has talked quite a bit about the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and our founding fathers to the children and he's always listening.

On this particular occasion he saw the graves in a town we were travelling through and he said, "Oh, dad.  I bet a big battle was fought there."

"Yes, son, a big battle."

"Do you think George Washington was buried there or fought here?"

He hasn't asked about cemetery's and battlefields lately.  Maybe he's past that stage now.  He's growing so fast.  Turning 6, learning to read.  We're still his world right now and I find it a precious time.

Cowboy Justus will be celebrating his 6th birthday Saturday with a cowboy party.    Stop in on Monday and see how it went. Y'all hear?

Copyright 2009 Treasuring the Moments

A dozen red roses from my oldest son Seth, and my youngest son Justus started off my Mother's Day weekend.  They both thought of buying me flowers separately.  I don't feel very deserving of it but I sure do enjoy it just the same.   Thank you, my darlings.  I love you, too.

Add to that a planned picnic by Russell, along with a quad ride, and Mother's Day couldn't have been any better.

Five people on a quad.  No problem.  You just have to hang on tight.

We did concede we wouldn't be able to fit all 8 of us on one.  So, we took 2 quads. They boys just had to be sure they hung on, too.  It was a very steep trail so you wanted as much weight on the front as you could.  We drove about 7 miles and made a 1500'  climb in elevation to get to the top of the mesa (our destination).

We reached the top and could see all around for miles.

Audrey was so glad to be there that she kissed the tree and gave it a bear hug.

Our picnic lunch consisted of the finest and most timeless of foods.  Peanut butter & jelly, chips & fruit.  Russell didn't forget about drinks and dessert either.  Sparkling apple cider & popsicles packed in ice.  The popsicles were soft but not melted and that was after an hour in the ice chest!

The best six reasons why I'm glad to be a mother.

I told Russell that since he took me for a quad ride on Mother's Day, I was going to take him shopping for Father's Day.   He's feeling a little worried.

Copyright 2009 Treasuring the Moments

I always used to look younger than my actual age.  People would tell me that I would like that when I got older but I was so sure that I just wanted to look my age - not older - but just my age.  Apparently, my wish has come true and maybe even more than what I wished for.

I was purchasing a children's cowboy belt the other day when the cashier said, "Is this for your son or grandson?"  Okay, lady.  Do I look like some marshmallow that you can say anything to?  Of course, I would never say any such thing so I took my second option and just smiled sweetly.

When I came home and was bemoaning the whole incident, my daughter thought she would be kind and helpful and offer me a suggestion - a way to be young again - "Well, why don't you get a face lift?"

I'm still trying to recover from this blow to my pride comment that was meant to be helpful.

I love you anyways pioneergirl.

If I can pull myself away from the tissue box and get a hold of myself I'll try to be back Tuesday with a job I tackled this week.

Copyright 2009 Treasuring the Moments

We are now less a steer, lamb and pig on our little farm since 4-H EXPO was just this past Wednesday - Saturday.  I love EXPO which is where all the 4-H'ers and FFA members bring the animals they've raised to show them in classes for confirmation and showmanship.  On Saturday there is a big auction and all animals are sold.  It's really a fun and exciting time.

This year was a great year for us. 

Seth won Grand Champion Steer for confirmation as well as Reserve Grand Champion Showman.

This was Seth's last year in 4-H;  he's been in it for 10 years.  This year he named his steer Adios (which means goodbye in Spanish) as a farewell.  What an exciting way for him to finish.

Here Serenity is with some of her friends in the waiting pen getting ready to show their lambs. (Serenity's on the far left.)

They all did great!  Serenity won Grand Champion Lamb and her friend on the right won Reserve Grand Champion Lamb.  Mendy, on the left, goes to church with us and she didn't place BUT she helped us find the lamb Serenity showed.  She's a veritable sweetheart.  She's won Reserve Grand Champion Lamb twice in prior years.

Serenity now has one of those BIG belt buckles you see cowboy/cowgirls wearing.  Serenity also won Reserve Grand Champion Showman for Lamb (in the junior division).

I didn't get a single picture of Wesley with his pig.  He did not place but he did get pulled out in the final drive for consideration of Grand Champion Showman.  Good job, Wesley. 

Future 4-H'ers.   Justus and Audrey are the 3rd and 4th from the left.

Copyright 2009 Treasuring the Moments

20 years ago Russell and I tied the knot.  But it was a double knot tied that day for my sister was married also.

She was 25 and I had just turned 20.

In some ways it feels like a lifetime ago and in others it seems only a few years.

Dad bore it all quite well.  He was dealing with quite a bit.  Marrying off two daughters and having a wife (my mom) having a mastectomy just 3 weeks prior.

Looking back I think I was so young and naive.  Thankfully, God was directing my footsteps and gave me a wonderful man to share my life with.  My dear husband has helped me grow stronger as a person and has always believed in me.  I had so many hang-ups when we married but he has faithfully encouraged me through the years.  Thanks dear-heart.

Happy day

Towards evening, when the reception was winding down, Russell and I made our get-away in a helicopter.  That was a fun and memorable moment.  Everyone's hair was blowing along with their skirts.  It was like something out of a movie.

Thanks for joining me in a tribute to our 20 years of marriage.  Alas, we won't be doing anything special today for we'll be down at the rodeo grounds with our children for the next 4 days while they show and sell their animals for 4-H.  We'll be hot, dusty and tired but that's all part of marriage, too.  Twenty years later we are a family now with 6 kids.  Blessed we are!

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.  ~Author Unknown

Copyright 2009 Treasuring the Moments

The wedding that saw so much preparation is over and I have to say it was probably the nicest wedding I have been to (at least that I can remember). 

But let me show some pictures of the days leading up to the event and then I'll throw in a few of the wedding.

The rehearsal dinner was held at our place.  Much preparation went into getting everything ship-shape.  But then the day of - it started snowing and it was quite chilly. 

This picture shows the snow coming down. (if you look real hard)

I knew I could not seat 70 people inside my house but I figured we would try.  While I was figuring out the seating at home, Russell was at rehearsal working on the song he was singing for the wedding and Audrey was having fun practicing walking up the aisle as a flower girl.

The front of the church was decorated with brown material and paper lanterns with flowers.

Back at home I stretched out our dining room table to its full extent which would then hold 20 people, pushed the living furniture back against the walls and set up 2 banquet tables and placed 1 table in the library/schoolroom.  That was as much seating as I could provide.

Where would the food be served from?  I placed the plates and silverware on my entry way bureau (you know the bureau I'm talking about - the one with my garish gorgeous spring decor of eggs?)  I placed a small serving table in the entry way/hall and a few feet away another table in the living room.

You can probably guess what happened if you live in Arizona.  It stopped snowing and the sun came out!  But it was still quite chilly outside so all efforts were not wasted, although I was so hot from running around I could have ate outside in my short sleeves.

The mother of the groom served a lovely supper.  The family are commercial fisherman in Canada so they brought fresh pickeral for the meal.  I should amend that to say it had been frozen, which in their books causes the quality of the fish to drop.  It's not fresh any longer.  It was still delicious to eat and I didn't see anyone having a problem with it being previously frozen.

Oh dear, what is this?  My niece, who was one of the bridesmaids, doesn't look so good.  But all was well on the day of the wedding when they used some make-up to cover up the effects of her fight.   

Just kidding!

Walleyball was played that night while some stayed in the house to visit and still others braved the cold to sit around the campfire.

The rehearsal dinner was held two days before the wedding so Friday was a quiet day except instead of getting everything out in preparation - it was time to put it back away.

The day of the wedding was beautiful.  The weather had warmed 20° with no wind.

I don't have many good pictures of the wedding but here are a few acceptable ones.

The bride dealing with some last minute crisis.

These boys are becoming pro ushers.  They were given several compliments for how well they took care of everything.

Justus was the greeter.  When Audrey was first asked to be the flower girl, Justus went to his aunt and while snuggling up to her said, "I could be the ring bearer because then I could practice with Audrey."  The aunt already had another ring bearer so she figured she had better find him a job.

The get-away car was adorable - a smaller red convertible volkswagon with a "Just Married" sign across the back and some coke cans dragging from the bumper.

Serenity with her aunt and new uncle. 

 What a wonderful occasion!

Copyright 2009 Treasuring the Moments

The children's Sunday School teacher had the inspiration to do a play about Esther several years ago.  Her dream finally came to fruition Saturday when the play was finally performed.  She and all the children did an outstanding job.

From looking at Wesley's face, I would say they enjoyed it.

King Ahasuerus servant has just been told by Queen Vashti to tell the King to "Go jump in the lake."

After the King rids himself of Vashti he looks for another lady fit to be Queen.  This maiden has perfumed herself so much the smell fills the room causing the King some discomfort.

Justus was the royal fanner.

The King has just commanded Haman to give honor to Mordecai.  Haman is not very happy about this.

One of the girls became creative with their relish tray for the refreshments served afterwards. (What shape do you see?)

And finally, the weekend was finished with a couple visiting us from Germany while  on their honeymoon.  Both recently had birthdays, one while flying over on the plane.  I thought a little blackberry cobber was in order.  Blackberries from my mother's garden.  Thanks, mom.  You are amazing.  The recipe for this delicious cobbler can be found here.

Now, what does the Lord have in store for us this week ?

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

What might happen if you live in the country with plenty of open space around with room for lots of people?  Why you just might play host to a Civil War reenactment group!  That is exactly what happened here at the homestead this past Saturday, March 14. 

A group of 50 reenactors came and reenacted 2 battles to about a 100 of us homeschoolers.  They also gave about 25 boys a chance at becoming a soldier, complete with uniforms and guns which I think was the best thing about it all. 

Unfortunately, the weather was not a typically beautiful Arizona day.  At one point we had a lot of people crammed into the house as we were getting lunch ready.  Trying to serve coffee from a little 12 cup carafe and hot water for hot chocolate from a small tea kettle just didn't cut it!

Civil war rations of cornbread and chili were served with soft serve vanilla cream for dessert.  It was probably the simplest meal I have ever prepared for a large crowd.  Even so it still took quite a while to make 150 cornbread muffins!

Seth is the 10th from the left in this line-up.

 Moving the cannon into position for the battle.  This cannon does not belong to the reenactors.  It's ours; my husband built it.  I could not believe it when he purchased the barrel and then proceeded to build the whole thing.  Just goes to show these men never lose that little boys heart that loves noise and guns.  The louder the better.

The Battle

Helping the wounded off the field.

Father and Son with The Cannon

The Privy while out on the battlefield.

Father and Sons

A memorable time.  For Zachary he said he had the time of his life.  Seth really enjoyed it, too.  I think.  I actually don't remember if he said anything which is not too unusual for him.  He can be quite stingy with his words - unlike his momma.  They just flow out of me non-stop.  Do you know how hard it is for me to have a non-talkative sort?!  I just want to reach over and shake it out of him. (Shake, shake!)  Okay, enough!  I'll quit yammerin' in your ear.  I know you have plenty to do but thanks for stopping by anyway.  Have a beautiful day. 

 To see some more excellent photos go here.  http://www.wemakehistory.com/2009PolandJunction/2009PolandJunction.htm

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

Eleven days after my birthday Zachary has his on the 12th.  How many boy's would be this excited to get a pitch fork for their birthday?  Thank goodness he was easy to please.  It gets kind of hard trying to think of meaningful gifts that don't cost an arm and a leg.  (Pitch forks only cost an arm.)

Zachary, Your exuberance for life is something to behold.  You are a great example to your siblings and even me.  Keep walking with He who will lead you into paths of righteousness and everything will be alright.

Happy 17th Birthday!

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

Since I'm quite behind in posting I'll just give a quick round-up of some of the happenings in February.

My niece got married and both Seth and Zachary were ushers.  They were not too keen on wearing pastel pink ties with little pink hankies but they made it through.

Here Seth is surrounded by his cousins.

We had enough snowfall that the kids were able to make a few snowmen. (Kinda looks like a polar bear to me.)

A few families from Canada came to visit so we played tourist with them.

Here we are at Devil's Bridge in Sedona.  *Notice* I am not on the bridge but safely on the ground.  But my dear boys have not the same fear as their mother!  These kinds of actions just make me shudder!

A quick weekend trip was taken to see my parents in Nevada.  We were a bit crowded on the drive but we made it.

Then a few days before my actual birthday (March 1) my sweet Serenity planned a birthday breakfast for me.  Zachary and her prepared one of my most favorite breakfasts of biscuits and gravy.  Mmmm.  Zachary is quite handy in the kitchen and Serenity is a great helper!

Serenity crowned me Queen for the day.

Games were planned by Justus...

and Serenity.

What fun we had.  Serenity so blesses me by her thoughtful, giving ways.

And finally, a dear friend planned a tea luncheon for my birthday.  It was just lovely.  My friend doesn't consider herself to be any type of cook but from her heart she wanted to do something special for me.  Not only was it a wonderful gesture the food was delish too! 

Like my mother-in-law said when she turned 40, "Turning 40 is not bad, but turning 40 and being fat is a different story."

Amen!

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments