Happy Birthday Eric ~

Happy 12th Birthday Eric!

Holy cow, it seems such a short time ago that you were born and the nurses were washing you up and combing your blonde mop into a little manly coiffure.  Now, you are a young man preparing to embark upon your first hunting season.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you!

You love your little brothers and always have something to teach them.  You are a good sport (most of the time) even if we are trimming your hair into hilarious styles.  You would spend your days fishing if you could but are an incredible help to Daddy on the job sites too!

I love you!

Love,
Mom

This fish is a fat one ~

Nothing really needs to be said here ~

The boys were haulin'  them in this beautiful evening at Grandpa's pond ~

Open water practice for a triathlon ~ 

Fishing in Alaska?

Are you SERIOUS???

After the last gift Eric doesn't care who opens his presents!

I think I can handle 12 candles ~

because these lungs are always practicing!

And they're all out!

Our Bishop

We were blessed with our bishop coming out for dinner last week.  It never fails to amaze me that a man who is so busy can carve out time to join us for a family meal.  He delighted us with stories of his visits with the popes and his anticipation of meeting Pope Francis.  The dinner was a bit wild, as is typically the case at our house.  Hopefully he understood!  

Shannon remembers him in our daily prayers, but I often forget what responsibilities he labors under. It must be that they are both fathers with many responsibilities that Shan feels so strongly about praying for him, knowing just a taste of the weight Bishop Thomas carries. 

One topic of conversation was the fact that he hasn't seen a moose since returning to Montana.  Driving around the Diocese he has seen many animals, but no moose, so he was beginning to believe they were no longer in Montana, a bit of a unicorn.  Michaela had written in her Confirmation letter that if he confirmed her, she would show him a moose.  As luck, or Providence, would have it, a few minutes after his departure we received an excited call from him.  Almost immediately after pulling from our driveway, a moose had crossed the highway in front of him.  

Thank you, Bishop Thomas, for being such a gift to us!  

Annika

A couple weeks ago I found myself shopping at Walmart on a Saturday afternoon because I was too blasted tired to get going earlier.  That was a tortured experience, beginning with some schmuck stealing my cart, including my wallet, within the first few minutes of entering the store and ending with a frantic search for said wallet upon reaching the checkout.  I resolved not to shop that late in the day again!

Early this Saturday morning I pried myself from the coziness of the down comforter to get the week's groceries, but wishing those could be ordered online.  Sneaking into Annika's room, I invited her to join me.  Knowing there would be some treat, she eagerly got up.  

It is always enlightening to spend time with the kiddos individually.  Annika has so many ideas tumbling around in her little mind.  She loves being with her older sisters, but also loves hanging with her brothers.  Sometimes she acts like a little adult and other times, well, like the 8-year-old she is....but when she's shoppin' with momma there are very adult-like conversations goin' on.

As we headed to Costco she commented that it was the best store.  "Mom, Costco is the best isn't it?  I mean, with the food it has a pharmacy and a tire center too....I mean it has everything."

Indeed it does.  It is actually enjoyable shopping at Costco.

She was planning on riding horses with her sisters later on,so horses were on her mind as she sipped her coffee.  "Mom, do you think they make saddles with cup holders? That could be handy you know."

"Well, certainly some cowboy would have thought of that, a cold beer would probably be nice while they're herding cattle. I have never seen a saddle with a cup holder."

We stopped by the cemetery to visit Theresa's grave, which is an entirely different post for the most part.  However, the cemetery always leaves questions in a child's mind; among the less profound, "Momma, who will get your money and stuff when you die?" 

The morning reminded me how young she still is as we traipsed through flower nurseries and Home Depot and Costco.  The little boys consume so much time that I often forget Annika still needs her momma!

Beautiful flowers to choose at the nursery ~

My favorite flowers that the kiddos picked ~

Annika has her own sense of style, 

something she is teased about at times!

Dancing with Daddy ~

Nicholas had to join the fun ~

Best Friends & Worst Enemies

Dom and Nickles have a bit of a relationship struggle at the moment.  Nickles adores Dom, but his way of showing affection is downright terrible.  Dom keeps his distance just to protect himself.

So it goes with our cat and dog as well, so it made us giggle when the four of them were found snuggling on the coach this morning, especially since the cat is supposed to stay in the garage.  

Happy Birthday Katherine ~

You are fearfully and wonderfully made...Psalm 139

Happy Birthday Katherine.   What a gift you are to us.  Your creativity, your ability to persuade the youngers into doing anything is a marvel to witness.  As you grow older you think more and more of others, always wanting to help Grandma or bake for someone.

I love you!

Katherine loves fishing ~

Helping Nickles reel one in ~

Waiting to blow out her candles in her chocolate birthday mousse ~ 

Mm.m.m.mmmm ~

Of course the little found their way onto her lap....  

Then Joshie found his way into the picture!