Jordyn's 9th Birthday

With so much going on this year around Jordyn's birthday time, we opted for a small sleepover with some of her best friends.  They enjoyed pizza and then smores made on the BBQ.  All of the girls had a blast...and the Smores were SUPER messy...check it out for yourself...

Jordyn's 8th Birthday

This year, our beautiful baby girl turned 8 years old. Since she shares a birthday with one of her classmates, we decided to do a joint-party...you know, since they invite the same kids anyway. We celebrated at Claire's house since they have a pool and had an awesome Hannah Montana Pool Party. Music played in the background, kids splashed and sang and danced, ice cream cake was served, presents were opened AND, we also enjoyed a wonderful Sudsy-foam event too.

This is Makayla, one of Claire and Jordyn's classmates....she's such a goofball ;)

And of course Jeylin had to take part in the fun

All the guests!!!

He's such a Ham!

And here is the source of all that foam. A giant garbage can filled with water and loads of bubble bath with an air compresser hose tucked in for the air factor. It was so hilarious to see the kids race for the foam and just slip and slide all over the tarp. Then, just rinse and repeat for the perfect bath time =)

Kierra loved the pool

Daddy & Kierra

Hoopfest & Horses

This past weekend, Brad and I ventured to Spokane so he could play in
Hoopfest...this meant, a weekend WITHOUT the kids!!! How fabulous! But that also
meant joining in the madness of over 200,000 people cramming the streets of
Spokane for basketball. It was great!! There were 6,600 teams alone which
translates to 24,000 people just to play basketball...it was a record turnout!

Thursday, my mom took the kids to Grangeville with her and I had the rest of the
night and all of Friday (after work) to get packed up and ready to go. Brad
ended up getting off work early on Friday so we busted butt to leave early but
as fate would have it, we actually ended up leaving at about the same time as
originally expected. We met up with our friends Shane and Angie who were going
with us at Taco Johns for dinner before we left. When we were finishing up and
getting ready to leave, Shane received a phone call that his mom had broke her
arm. His parents were packing for a week long camping trip and she had fell down
the stairs in their house and broke her Humerus. So, after a quick stop at the
hospital to check on her, we were finally on our way at 7:45 pm.

We reached our destination, Ben & Kim Burt's house in Liberty Lake at 10:00. Ben was playing on the team and was gracious enough to allow all six of us stay at his apartment. It was a beautiful apartment and even better, Kim cooked on Saturday night!!! She was a great hostess and we really are incredibly grateful. We also liked the free parking pass that Ben had. All 8 of us loaded up in the mini van and parked for free....wonderful perk!! After about 2 hours of talking, unpacking and settling down, we all headed to bed. The boys played at 8:00 am and since we were 30 minutes from downtown Spokane, we needed to leave by 7:00 am and that meant, with only one bathroom and 8 people, we needed to wake up early.

The boys were ready to play Saturday morning but unfortunately, they lost that game. After that, we watched a couple of other people play since we didn't play again until 2:30 that afternoon. We watched our friend Tyler's team play as well as my cousin Brandon. My other cousin Brock was playing but we just missed his game since we decided to eat lunch at the good ol' Olive Garden.

The boys won their next game which was not the greatest game since the other team were a bunch of whiners. They tried to pull a bunch of fast ones but the Court Marshal made some good executive decisions and Shane scored the winning point with a great foul shot. After that, they had one more game at 5:00 that night. They also won this game because Shane was ON FIRE!!! I'm not sure how many 2 pointers (the equivalent of 3 pointers in normal basketball) he made but let's just say that they made it to 20 points in a matter of 18 minutes when the games have a 30 minute time limit. It was the best game they played and it was AWESOME!!

Sunday morning, they played again at 8:00. This game, we'd rather not talk about but oh well, I will anyway. Everyone was tired but the boys came to play. They did a good job but unfortunately, the other team bested them. This other team was truly a disgrace to Hoopfest. I'm not saying that just because they beat our team but truly because they were ridiculous. At one point, one of their players "chested up" to Bradley stating, "I've taken bigger men than you before!" It was absolutely retarded. When that happened, all of us girls were starting to walk onto the court as well as another team that was waiting to play the following game. No one could believe that this guy was being a jerk. At the end of the game, two Court Marshals became involved and said that for the next game that team played they would probably have the city police surround the court just to keep the peace. Really people, for Hoopfest??? That is stupid! Just kick the stupid team or at least that idiot out and let the rest of us play and have fun. Okay, enough of that, I'm done.

So anyway, the boys went 2 for 4. Not bad because at least they got to play both days. It was a fun weekend and we really enjoyed it. Not sure if we're going to go back next year but who knows.

Sam setting up the play

Brad taking the shot

And another one

Shane taking it to the hoop

Ben putting it up

I love Ben's face in this picture. It just says, "Dude Brad, I think that's a foul...yep, it's definitely a foul!"

Our friend Tyler making the jumper

While we were in Spokane, the kids had a blast at Nana & Papa's house. They went fishing on Saturday (which they kept the rewards for us to bring home) and they also had a great time riding their four-wheeler and Jordyn rode her pony Chico for the first time outside of the corral. The four wheeler was a Christmas present for the kids and they are now getting the hang of riding it. The pony was a birthday present for Jordyn. She loves him and talks about him every day. We wish that we were able to keep him closer to us so that she could take care of him and ride him more often but renting pasture is expensive so he stays on the farm. Chico is such a great pony and he LOVES Jordyn. He knows when she is on his back that she is inexperienced and he takes his time and listens very intently to what she wants him to do. It is so wonderful our kids have these experiences

Picture Tag

I was tagged by both Alaina and Becky. This version of tag is called "Photo" Tagging! The RULES are to go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures. Go to the 6th Folder, then pick the 6th picture in that folder. Post that picture on your blog and the story that goes along with the picture. Tag 6 other people that you know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.

I just recently cleaned the pictures off my computer so I only have the pictures that have already been posted on my blog still available but I'll try to come up with a new and interesting story for it...

Here is Jeylin in all his wonderful glory up on top of the straw-fort at the pumpkin patch at Wilson-Banner Ranch this past October. We take the kids every year to get their pumpkins, apple cider and of course, play around. This year it was a beautiful day and we were able to get some really great pictures. I have decided to tag the following six people...

~Anne~

~Laura~

~Chrissy~

~Taffee~

~Natalie~

~Amy~

Please help sponsor Jarrod...

A friend of mine put this on her blog about her husband Jarrod. I am passing this along to all of you so we can get the word out for his efforts. I will be donating on payday, I hope the rest of you can help as well.

Support Oregon Special Olympics!

Jarrod recently became a member of a fund raising committee for the Special Olympics Oregon. Prior to this, he was already involved in going to the events and handing out the medals to the athletes (in his military fatigues since its more exciting for a soldier to hand out the prizes!). On February 21st of this year, Jarrod will be taking part in the Portland Polar Plunge. This means that he will be jumping into the FREEZING Columbia River in an effort to raise more money for the cause. Unfortunately, the current economy situation affects non-profit organizations more than you might think. Fundraisers, such as this one, are vital for the athletes continuing success. If you are interested in supporting the Special Olympics athletes of Oregon, please make a donation by visiting Jarrod's Firstgiving page:

http://www.firstgiving.com/jarrodjohnson

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to Special Olympics Oregon by Firstgiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation. Any donation will help and is greatly appreciated.

Our Marriage Blessing Ceremony

Yesterday was a splendid day! As posted before, it took me a lot to get ready for this day but it wouldn't matter what I had to do, it was worth it. I have waited a little over 7 years for this day to come and a little over 1 in making it happen. Yesterday, October 11, 2008, Bradley and I had our marriage blessed in the Catholic Church. For most, this might seem like a simple thing but for me it was quite the process. I'll spare you with all the details but the good part is that I finally am back as a full parishioner in the Catholic church and I feel COMPLETE in every sense of the word. But, as you know, with wonderful "weddings" come even more-wonderful receptions!!! We outfitted our entire back yard with the whole shabam. Yes, we would have liked to been able to have the party a couple months ago when the weather was warmer than 57 degrees but hey, we had to wait until bonus time!! Anyway, we had it all! A large canopy covering 6 decorated tables, colorful Chinese lanterns, candles on the tables, a patio heater (definitely a necessity), a cooler of pop for the kids and another necessity, a large trough filled with beer and ice for the rest of the party-goers. It was potluck style with Bradley tending the barbecue and the rest of us catering with salads, bean dishes and finger foods. For dessert it was cheesecake with three topping choices for the adults and frosted cupcakes for the kids. We spent the entire afternoon and most of the evening outdoors, bundled up with many great friends and family members and Bradley even kept the party going after hours with his friends Shane and Chris and my brother Brad. I think he made it to bed around 1:00am. It was a wonderful day and even though it was mighty cold, we stayed warm with great love and wonderful support from all our guests!!! Here are a couple pictures from our blessing...

Bradley putting my ring on my finger

Me struggling to put his ring on

The perfect end to a perfect ceremony

Us with Father Tom

And, I'm Back with a Posting Marathon

WOW, I can't believe it's been three weeks since my last post! I guess time sure does fly by when your busy or in my case, EXTREMELY busy! Here's what I've been up to during my long absence...

September 22nd-28th

This week started with a coed softball game on the 22nd then again on the 24th and 25th. As well as the softball game on the 25th, I had to take Jordyn to soccer practice and a Josie-Girl Bowtique Open House Party the same night...it was non-stop running from one place to the next. On the 26th, I spent the day cleaning the house, packing our luggage for the weekend, preparing my PTA meeting, picking up pizza for said PTA meeting and attending the PTA meeting. On the 27th, Jordyn had her first soccer game which she only got to play 30 minutes of because then we were on the road to attend two weddings!That morning was outrageously crazy! I had to finish some packing that didn't get done, go shopping and buy some last minute outfit necessities, stop at Myklebust's and pick up two shirts for the ring bearer in one wedding because they sent him the wrong size, get the van packed, go to Jordyn's soccer game, come home and get her changed out of her soccer clothes, get gas in the car plus stop in Costco to pick something up for Kierra and finally get on the road. We arrived at the first wedding with about 20 minutes to spare before it started!

The entire day was spent driving the 20 minute drive between weddings but both were very BEAUTIFUL! This is a picture of Josh & Whitney Kaschmitter, the son of dear family friends.We were only able to make the reception of the second wedding but we ended up staying out until 1:00 that morning...it was nuts! Sunday was reserved for driving home, unpacking the van and RESTING!

September 29th-October 5th

The first part of this week was slow in comparison to the prior week but picked up again on the 1st. It was picture day for the kids so I ended up not going into work until after 11:00 so that I could stay home and get the kids dressed appropriately and Jordyn's hair done. Work ran a little late that day but nothing too serious. We ended the day with a softball game. On the 2nd Brad and I decided to head to Spokane for some much needed clothes shopping and to celebrate his upcoming birthday. We were only able to find someone to watch Jordyn since the schools were not in session those days all the daycares were full which meant we headed to Spokane with Jeylin and Kierra. Jordyn had soccer practice that day which was another reason she stayed behind. We left Lewiston around 10:00 that morning, a little later than I would have liked but I had to work so we couldn't leave until I was done. We got home from Spokane around 10:00 that night as well...it was an incredibly long day of "marathon" shopping as my friend Alaina puts it :) On the third, we had another softball game and on the 4th, after Jordyn's soccer game, we attended a birthday party for Alaina's son, Tristan. The 5th was spent recovering, AGAIN!

October 6th-Present Day

This week was CRAZY! I had so much to do because we were preparing for a party which I will tell you about in another post. Monday and Tuesday were spent painting Jeylin's room to try and get it ready for the party but it's still "in progress". Wednesday, we had playoff softball games which were the best out of three games and they didn't start until 7:45 that evening. We only had time to play two obviously since by city ordinance the park lights must be out by 11:00pm and we played until 10:30. It was freezing! By the time we were done playing my legs, toes, fingers, nose, ears and butt were completely numb. I got home and jumped straight into the tub and then remembered that I hadn't finished my fliers for the school to submit to parents, another wonderful part of being PTA president! I got right to work on those, wrapping up at around 1:00am and headed for bed only to be up at 5:00 for work. Thursday was a LONG day! I had a job interview and Jordyn had soccer practice again. We spent the rest of the week cleaning and preparing for our party on the 11th!

So as you can see, between softball games, soccer games and now, Bradley's starting football, PTA meetings and duties, trips to Spokane, home improvement projects, party planning, birthday parties, weddings, and job interviews, little time was left for blogging. I would like to say that since I'm now blogging that the rest of this month is looking promising, I must warn you that I might be away until November again. Upcoming for the remainder of October, my job office is moving to a new location all week long, Brad's 33rd birthday party on the 17th, Grangeville trip (to pick up the kids) on the 18th-19th, soccer practices every Thursday, soccer games every Saturday, another PTA meeting to be scheduled, scheduling of parent volunteers to work our Holy Family Bazaar (look for information to come), set-up for Bazaar on the 24th, Josie-Girl Bowtique Home Party in my home on the 25th (also more information to come), Holy Family Bazaar & Turkey dinner on the 26th, field trip to the pumpkin patch with Jeylin's pre-school class on the 29th, Holy Family Halloween party on the 30th and the ever-important Halloween on the 31st! Oh yeah and throw in the mix somewhere, early plannings of Kierra's 1st birthday party! Can you believe it?!?!?! She's grown so fast but I must say, I am really looking forward to November. Some time to rest, family visits and Thanksgiving day!! Well, until the next post!

Josie-Girl Bowtique

Hello all!! I just wanted to let you all know that Becky Sager, a friend of ours, has recently started her own business. She specializes in creating custom, handmade boutique quality barrettes, hairbows and tutu's. Her new business is called, Josie-Girl Bowtique and you can view her blog here. Her story goes as follows...

Becky started making hairbows and barrettes for her daughter, Josie, after she accidentally swallowed a small barrette at 10 months old. She was hesitant to put barrettes back in her hair after her surgery but found it difficult to find styish and safe barrettes locally and so, Josie-Girl Bowtique was born.

I encourage all of you to check out her site and see what amazing creations she has and please note that she creates customized designs as well. Please pass this on as well to everyone you know as I believe her products are outstanding because she knows first-hand what is needed to make a barrette safe for our precious little girls!!!

Asking for your prayers...

I would like to ask everyone I know to offer prayers for a few people who are close to me.

First off, please pray for Jordan & Randee Moss. These two people are really good friends of ours who just lost their first child. Baby Caleb was born four months premature and weighed 1 lb 6 oz. Sadly, he just wasn't strong enough to survive and is now back in God's loving hands. Please pray for Jordan & Randee and for all their families that they may get through this most difficult time.

Secondly, please pray for my brother, Brad. He is going through some medical issues right now and needs our prayers. My entire family has really been going through some tough times over the past year and a half and really need the help of all our friends, neighbors and relatives. Thank you to everyone who has already extended their blessings.

May the Lord bless each and every one of you for your gracious acts.