Rebuilding the Cross

Many years ago, before my kiddos were even old enough to participate, some boys gathered for a camp up at our house.  At the time they climbed to the top of our hill and erected a cross.  A friend of ours looked forward to seeing the cross up there each time she crossed the Pass on her way to work at the prison.  It was a reminder to her of the sacrifice Christ made of His very life. The winds blew, the storms came and eventually our cross became a leaning pole.

We ran into our friend a couple weeks ago and she mentioned that the leaning pole still reminded her to pray for our family each time she passed our hill, but she was looking forward to a whole cross soon!  The boys and I decided we had better rectify the situation, especially if someone is praying for us.

Eric cutting a crossbeam ~

A cheerful helper as long as the going is easy ~

Dom was forced into labor up the hill.....

But after Dom fell..... 

....Eric was on his own.  

What made cowboy boots a good idea for climbing rocks is anybody's idea!

Climbing the last bit to the very top of the hill ~

Coming up with a plan ~

Mission accomplished!

 

21 Years of Wedded Bliss

This month we celebrated our 21st anniversary.  We have never really celebrated in typical fashion and this year was no exception.  I texted Shannon to meet me at a local motel following work.  After all, it was Discovery Channel's Shark Week!  We picked up pizza, various goodies and a bottle of wine and snuggled up with the kiddos to learn more about our favorite underwater creature.  Naturally, half way through the evening, Shannon had to run to the pool with everyone.  I mean, what is Shark Week without water?
Some may mock our lack of romance, but we loved celebrating the day with the fruit (s) of our love for one another!

Waiting for everyone to return from the pool ~

Mmmmmmm ~ shark bites!

    

Happy Birthday, Joshie ~ Now you are 11!

You're so special,
Oh so special.
God gave you to us.
It's no wonder that we LOVE you so!



You are growing into a little gentleman, Joshie.  You are always trying to help; your favorite spot to be is with Daddy on a job site using power tools.  School isn't your favorite right now, but your love for animals and how things work keep you reading about those interesting topics.  I love how you are always inventing something, especially your Lego piggy bank!  And when you're not busy making something, you are busy catching some little animal...or bug!  

I love you!

Love,
Mom

If I cannot find you, it's a good guess that your building Legos somewhere !

You began your birthday having a riding lesson ~ 

They say you're a natural ~

This is no surprise as every animal around gravitates to you. 

Eleven candles! 

I love you, Joshie!

First "Brother Bath"

The boys had their first bath together tonight.  It ended in tears for Maximo when Dom and Nickles began screaming because they had to actually have their hair washed....with shampoo.  Apparently, shampooing was a foreign experience.  Sadly, I have been telling them to go bathe on their own for the past months and they must have been neglecting the use of shampoo, soap, etc.  Nickles did try shaving a month ago so he must be familiar with the shaving cream.  Unfortunately, he shaved his head, and only in a few spots.

This is awesome ~ my brother is in the tub!

Wow! You're in here too!

Uh, Nickles, you're kinda close.

Dudes, you're crampin' my style! 

Seeley Tri 2014

Yesterday the girls and I zipped up to Seeley Lake to compete in a triathlon that T introduced us to several years ago.  It's a bit bittersweet participating in this event.  I'm not entirely sure why, but it reminds me of Theresa so much.  The girls (and me too) look forward to the excitement in the morning, the energy of all the athletes, that hangs in the air.  This year was slightly anticlimactic; the race coordinator failed to advertise the event on the triathlon website so there was about 1/5th of the typical turnout.  It was kinda depressing actually.  However, we were able to stay for the barbecue afterward due to the lack of people and a super short line!  The water in Seeley is always a perfect temperature and the run and bike are beautiful, winding through the trees and pretty darn flat.  The girls are preparing to do the tri alone next year and bag the team concept.  While it is fun to be with friends, they are ready for the challenge.
Watch out Seeley 2015!

The bikers ~

The anticipation builds ~

The itty-bitty group of swimmers making their way to shore ~

And here comes my girl ~

The transition area was so empty, there was even room for Max 

to hang out below the bike racks ~

Michaela's team ~

Funny guy, Colton is ~

Kath & Hannah-bee...we missed Uncle Ben in the pic,

In typical fashion, he pulled a disappearing act 

as soon as he was done ~:o( 

Our little mascot ~