Stuck in a Rut

This last weekend we celebrated our anniversary.  We decided to take an over night trip to Baker City, OR.  As Tim and I enjoy history we decided to explore it.  Now we do enjoy a nice dinner and a movie....but we are stuck in a rut....and need to get out of it.  It's difficult sometimes...finding things to do together (minus the munchkins).  We can't travel a great distance...too expensive.  We only have one movie theatre in town...been there.  Same with restaurants....and Walmart.  My husband would not consider Walmart a date however.  That's more of a punishment for him.  So where do you "date" when you live in our neck of the woods?
  Well, Baker City proved perfect.  H-I-S-T-O-R-Y....museums...antique shops....and yes, a vintage B&B!  And.....it's close!  Perfect!!  Not sure why we didn't think of it before.
   We spent Friday evening exploring our B&B and the historical district of town.  There are some amazing old homes there.  If only to live there in Bakers hay day.......I wonder what it was like?  Victorian gardens, porches with rocking chairs, cottonwood trees, fiddles, prairie dresses......and I guess an occasional shootout and dialogue with the undertaker...lol.  So, I am quite sure it wasn't all roses...there was no indoor plumbing....or modern medicine....Walmart.....or Internet.....and if you had to call someone, you were at the mercy of the "party line"...ugh..the grape vine......I grew up with that and don't recommend it.  But Baker's "yesterday" has left behind a "Ora" of simpler times....hard work....satisfaction....and maybe a little romance.
  Our Saturday was spent eating a yummy three course breakfast at the B&B....I do recommend B&B's.  We stayed in a 19th Century establishment...rich with history (complete with a book).....and a wonderful breakfast.....for the price of an inexpensive hotel.  It was worth it......and so fun!   We then decided to take the slow lane home through Richland and Halfway......and we stopped to smell the roses.  Actually there were no roses but we did stop by the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.  I have been there a few times but Tim hadn't.  We walked around...took in the sites.....thoroughly enjoying our time.
  Part of "the tour" through the Interpretive Center includes a 2.5 mile hike down to the actual trail and back.  I have been to the center before but have never hiked down the trail.  Yes, I was wearing flip-flops, but we decided to hike anyway.....what are blisters????  We hiked the trail and I am so glad.  I can now say I have stood in the "ruts" of the Oregon Trail.  You can't help but wonder at the families...the mothers, children and fathers....that followed the trail.....that walked....looking longingly forward past the spot on which I stood.  What situations have those ruts been participant to??  Thousands crossed that spot.  Smiles....fatigue...tears...wariness...hunger...pregnancy....toddlers......  Each of the participants had their reasons for crossing.....each felt varying degrees of discouragement as well as anticipation.   They were in fact in Oregon at that point.  Wow.......so much to think about.... Anyway, back to our "date".
   After our time travel, I nursed my blisters and begin our homeward journey.  Stopping at a little restaurant called, "Annie's" for lunch we then enjoyed the sites and conversation with each other heading home. A good time.....and it wasn't just dinner and a movie.
  Standing in the "rut" of history was really more refreshing and fun....
Note to self: will do again next year.

The Oregon Trail....150 year old ruts

More of the Trail

Wonder how well those breaks really worked?

12 years Ago

I can't believe it's been 12 years already.  12 pretty cool years.  We've had our good times and our tough times, but I'd do it all over again if given the chance.

Our Honeymoon

 We've changed a little.  12 years have brought cool life changes for us.  Three kids...a dog...4 cats...some cows....some horses....some chickens....and a few grey hairs...but who's counting?!?  I love you!!  You stole my heart many years ago and still have it today!  Happy 12th Anniversary!!!

Red

It draws me in.
It's beautiful.

A Strawberry on the vine.

The Little Red School House

Ripe Raspberries.

The Perfect Gift

Goes Well With Silver.

Vine Ripened Tomatoes.

The Little Red Hand Pump.

Crisp Red Apple.

Red Cherries.

I cannot take credit for any of these wonderful pictures.  These are a few of my "finds"....and I love them.

My Dad

I am a little late.  Father's day is two days past.  That's the way I roll  sometimes.  In honor of Father's day, I wanted to tell you a little about my dad.  He is a blessing!  I love him.  He has shaped who I am in many ways.  (I also apologize in advance dad as I know you'll read this...and you don't enjoy being the subject of a blog).  But I am writing this anyway...because you are important to me.

In the Navy

Known around our house as "grandpa" my dad is a hit with my kids.  My son begs to drive the long journey to northern Idaho to see his "Grandpa".  Grandpa jumps on the trampoline with my kids...Grandpa plays with them....Grandpa bought each of my kids their own motor cycle helmets....and Grandpa takes them on ritualistic four-wheeler rides.  "Grandpa" and motor-cycles have become synonymous....as has "Grandpa" and fun!!!  He is very special in the eyes of my three munchkins...as well as their mother.
  As a little girl, I can remember getting on my dad's motorcycle.  My parents were both into motorcycles.  They each had their own.  I would ride with one of my parents...my sister the other.  We'd pack a picnic.  With a rope, dad would tie us to him....in case we fell asleep....which we usually did.  Mom would do the same.  We'd then adventure to the many parts of the county on two wheels...all day long.  So much fun and so many memories.  I remember hearing dad start the engine of his bike and feeling the rush of excitement...knowing we'd soon leave for another adventure.......a highlight for the week.
Dad taught us how to fish. To camp.  To work...and the value of a dollar.   He encouraged us to try our best, and that mediocrity was something to strive past.   He lives out his words....walks his talk. 
  One thing I am most thankful for:  the memory of seeing my dad reading his Bible and praying.  Every morning at 5:00am.  Everyday of my life.  That example set the way for me...I really appreciate my dad.  The things he's taught me...the things he's shown me.   And...the memories.  Those memories are special...

My Dad Today

I thank God for my dad.  He is a wonderful man.  Every girl needs a dad to look up to.   I am truly blessed!
    Happy Father's Day Dad!! 
                I love you!!

Really??? Poison Ivy????

Okay...so here it is....my house loves chaos.  We thrive off it.  If its not one thing, its another.  I am sure it always will be.  There are five busy people under our roof.  Boredom is rarely an issue.  Organization...well I love it but sometimes struggle too.  I don't always get the kids bathed when they need it.....that's why we have a creek, right??  <wink wink>  Not really....they usually come out of the creek muddier than they go in...lol

  Last week, in the chaos and busyness of  life, Annie and I somehow got poison ivy.  Poison Ivy....... Now where did that come from?  I've walked the creek many times and still have yet to see poison ivy.  I may not have gotten it there either....I've been a few other places too.  Well, as an RN, I avoid going to the doctor...lol.... Actually we don't have insurance and as an RN, I play resident family doctor and do it myself.  Well, after a week and a half of misery I was persuaded by my sweet husband to go to the doctor.  Argh!!! Spend money on the doctor!  

  Well, I did.  Annie and I had a 2:30 appointment.  I got the kids rounded up and headed to the car.  Hap found a flower and had to pick it....consequently "picking" an angry wasp too.  Screaming, my son ran back to the house.  We frantically flew threw cupboards looking for meds.  Hap's asthmatic and allergies hit him hard...and bee stings make me nervous.  

  Not finding "sting stop", I put his hand in a zip lock bag full of baking soda....kiss him and throw him in the car...  If we have to pay for the doctor...he'll look at Hap's hand too.  And...I come prepared with every asthmatic med known by man.

  We get to the clinic...my poison ivy rash quite apparent to anyone staring.  Who cares...I have a rash....<smile smile>  Who hasn't had a rash....lol  They call us back.  I suddenly realize I didn't comb Annie's hair or wash the PB & J off her face from lunch.  Argh!  That will look good with her rash... 

  The wonderful nurse pulls us into our room.  Hap starts coughing...his asthma triggered by the bee sting.  Mattie climbs onto the patient table and Annie and I sit in the corner chair.  Confused which of us is the patient, the nurse just smiles.  (Hap's hand still wrapped in baking soda and zip lock).  Oh NO!! Mattie also has PB & J on her face.  I smile.  The nurse asks what she can do for us.  I bare my "rashy" leg.....the nurse stares for a minute and confirms we have a problem.  I still think she is confused whether to treat us, my daughter on the patient table or my asthmatic son.

   The doctor steps in.  Asking to see Annie's rash, Annie pulls down her pants, showing him her legs.  I then realize Annie neglected underwear.  I smile at the doctor who still looks confused: should he be treating my asthmatic son, my semi naked daughter, the girl on the patient table or  their rashy mother?

 "My son is okay"...I tell the doctor... (as an "asthmatic" mom, I get used to coughing and wheezing...it's been our life).  I forget others aren't so used to it.  I can tell the doctor's not convinced.  He offers to get Hap  Benedryl....bless his heart.

So....back to the rashes.  After a minute of staring at rashes....and staring at rashes....and staring....the doctor  tells me he needs to "confer" with his colleagues.

A nice group of doctors shuffles into our room.  Poison ivy must be rare in our parts?  My sweet daughter voluntarily pulls down her pants again....again no underwear. :)  Being the sweet three year old she is, she then chooses to pass gas....her tummy sometimes dictates that.   And....bless her heart....it was potent.   Again....all I could do.....*smile*... as the doctors politely shuffle out of the room (glancing compassionately at the asthmatic 5 year old (hand in a bag of white stuff).  

  "Okay"....the doctor looks at us.  "I really think this is poison ivy."  "Go home and throw away your bar soap, and anything that's contacted the "ivy oils".   Huh??  It's been a week and a half..... (that will be half my house).  He then gives us a prescription and escorts us to the door.  

The kids each grab a sucker at the reception desk...all smiles.  I have to help Hap as his hand is still in baking soda.  We then shuffle out the door and climb in the brown durango with spilled sunflower seeds all over the floor.  Hap has now quit coughing....  We're done.

I have to wonder what the doctor thought....  I truthfully don't care....but still wonder.  It's good we don't come in often.  :)  

And I do normally bathe the kids.  <wink wink>

Vanilla Sugar

Its a yummy alternative to flavored coffee syrups.  No corn syrup or food dyes.  And.....it's easy to make!

Vanilla Beans

Take 1/2-1 vanilla bean (cut into several pieces and release seeds).  In a pint jar, add vanilla pieces to 2 cups of sugar, alternating sugar and pieces.   Place lid on the jar and allow to sit undisturbed for two weeks (time for vanilla to infuse into sugar).  Then use sugar in lieu of coffee flavoring.  Yum!! 
Use in coffee of tea....or any recipe calling for sugar. 

Vanilla Sugar

The Gravel Pit

I do love this place.  As I've said before, contentment has been an issue for me in the past.  The heat of summer mainly, the lack of trees, and the lack of snow in the winter.  God is gracious and so good.  He's giving me eyes to see the beauty around me.  Beauty I haven't always seen....Beauty despite lack of trees....snow or otherwise.  We have an elderly neighbor that loves kids.  He has no grand kids......and he cherishes little people.  Mr. "Ed"....lives alone with his two goats he calls his "girls"....and occasionally comes to visit us.
  Mr. Ed lives down the draw from us and owns a gravel pit....a child's dream!  Rock piles...rock piles...rock piles!!!  Everywhere!!!!  More dirt and rocks than a kid could ever dig through, throw or make pies out of.  He told us to bring our kiddos whenever we wanted....he can see the gravel pit from his front window.   I think he secretly watches from his window....wishing he had grand kids to climb those piles. 
  Two weeks ago, I finally brought my camera to the "gravel pit"...to record precious memories.  Mr. Ed won't be around much longer.  I don't know what will happen to his "rock collection" after he passes on.  I have decided to make moments count...and I want to record some memories before its too late:

A bath will be in order.

Rocks!!!!!  Everywhere!!!

Who can find the coolest one?

Annie found the one tree....a little Russian olive...just big enough to fit a blanket and picnic basket underneath.

I only wish I had a picture of Mr. Ed...I may go over and get one today.....
   Yes....the gravel pit is hot.....void of trees....a little dusty......
but there are still memories........precious ones.

Fishin'

 An activity to call our own.  To build memories around....."cherishable moments".  Something to talk about; to get excited about......to recall later in life.  "Do you remember when we......"  
  Last Friday evening we decided to go fishing.  Something the kids really looked forward to....counting the minutes until Dad got off work.
 Creating stories.... how they'd catch the  "biggest whopper".  As mama, it was all I could do to reign them in.... until dad got home....but SO exciting!  Summer is so wonderful!  We were GOING FISHIN!

We pulled in near the river....excitement soaring!!

We're here!!!!

 The Moment We've Been Waiting For....

 Dad tied knots and baited hooks....

Mama took pictures....

Hap waited patiently for his pole.....

Mattie danced.....

And....Annie....promptly
                
                         FELL IN......

Before:

After:

Thankful that "Daddy" is quick on his feet, our adventure still proved fun....
A little short....eventful...exciting...and chilly.

But, oh well.  A&W was just down the road and they made good ice cream.

Maybe next weekend.

Old Fashioned Baked Oatmeal

Alright...you've probably figured out we love Oatmeal.  Alot of my "food" posts have oatmeal in them.  This recipe is one of my favorites and my kids LOVE it!!!  It takes a small amount of preparation time, but its worth it!

 Old Fashioned Baked Oatmeal

1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Mix all ingredients in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.  When thoroughly mixed place into oven at 350 degrees.  Bake for 45 minutes.  Makes 4 servings.

When baking and mixing in the same dish, it cuts down on dishes!
It really is good...especially on rainy or snowy mornings.

Recipe found on page 35:

Don't Fit In?

Walking the line.  Truth.  Lies.  Which will I listen too?  I have a choice that needs made.
I will be honest.  I have felt that terrible feeling.  Not fitting in.  I wasn't like them.  I didn't measure up.  I was less than "them"....what was I doing there? 
The standards of measuring up....vague.  Not even sure what they are, but I don't meet them.
  And who's standards are they?  I didn't think about that.  Someones standards.  Perceived standards.  Important standards.  Standards that said I wasn't worthy.  Standards that held me back...kept me from being what God wanted.  Standards that kept me paralyzed.  Ineffective.  Miserable...unable to function...to be part of the group.  Made up standards subtly whispered into my thoughts....at the most inopportune times.
  The first year I went to church ladies retreat I struggled with this.  "What are you doing here?"  "You don't even own a pair of high heals!"  I know this sounds funny to some, but satan doesn't discriminate.  I didn't and still don't own a pair of high heals (and probably never will..sorry :) ).   I truly am okay with this now...I am not a high heal kind of girl.  But satan whispered that to me....and for a while I let it paralyze me.  I couldn't fellowship with other women because I hated high heals and didn't own a pair.  So dumb.....but so real.
  Oh....satan is good at whispering.  He's deceptive father of lies and he's good at whispering.  He knows how to hurt....where the blows hurt the most.   Especially if our focus is misplaced......if we're weak.
  But....God is truth.  He's given each of us a set of "truths" to live by.  A tool to measure thoughts by.  Are thoughts true or false?  Do they measure up to what He's said about me?  What does He say in His word?  If a thought doesn't align with the Bible I have a responsibility to throw it out.  To realize it for what it is.....a lie.
  I am His creation.  Created by an Almighty God.  I was created with a purpose.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I am beautiful because I am His........His daughter.  I am unique.  He's made me different than everyone...I have a specific purpose.  I don't need high heals to be important.   God made me to wear boots.
  But honestly, this is a battle I struggle with still.  It's not as difficult now....I asked God to show me the truth about myself...and He did.  That doesn't mean I don't need reminded.  I walk into a new life situation and those feelings resurface.
 I was recently talking with a friend.  Her thoughts of not "fitting in" at church kept her from attending.   I couldn't judge, I've been "thought" paralyzed too.  But it's so dumb!  Really...if you think about it.  We know the truth.  We have the book of truth.  We have a tool to measure our thoughts by...so why don't we use it?  I realize I was right where satan wanted me when I was ineffective.  God pulled me from that place and He will to anyone that asks.
"You don't fit in".  "You're not like them".  "You're not as holy as they are".  "You have made too many mistakes....you are too messed up".  "You don't have as much money as they do".  "You don't have the education."  "You lack experience." "You're not popular". "You're not....you're not....you're not...."
  He [Jesus] didn't fit in.  He wasn't like them.  He was sinless yet didn't act like the "holy" pharisees.  He died for mistakes.  He knew we'd mess up....He knew in advance...because we are sinners...that's what sinners do.  He didn't have money....he was a carpenters son.  His education?  .....a home taught carpenter.  His experience... three years.  He was not popular....He was killed because He was hated.
Did this matter?
If thoughts don't align with what God says ....they are a lie.

A Trip to Grandpa and Grandma's

This past weekend was a fun one.  A visit with my mom and dad (aka "Grandpa and Grandma").  Grandpa and Grandma live where the pavement ends....in Northern Idaho.
Memories.  Fun.  Grandpa and Grandma....WE LOVE YOU!

Once we arrived we were greeted by a warm kitchen and table waiting for guests:

Grandma

Grandma's Creations.

The Next Day: A Four Wheeler Trip with Grandpa:

The Kids with their awesome Grandpa!

So Much To See:

The Old School House:

Grandma's Barn:

The Frog Pond:

Pickin' Flowers:

Random Pics:

A Trip on the Tramp with Grandma:

Shocking!

A Quick Trip to the Children's Fair  Cotton Candy:

A Last Meal Before We Leave:

Princess the Cat:

Thank you for a wonderful trip.  We had a great time.  The kids were sad to go.  We love you!