Earl, basically over a weekend, became a chicken farmer and we are forming a partnership with my parents and buying into the family business. It's dirty work, but the rewards will be plenty. Although
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| Mill Creek HomeGrown |
10.21.2015
Not Looking Back
With updates (seriously short and not detailed enough) about the kids complete. I can move on and forward with the blog. No more looking back, it's my mantra.
Earl, basically over a weekend, became a chicken farmer and we are forming a partnership with my parents and buying into the family business. It's dirty work, but the rewards will be plenty. Althoughnot everything nothing has went smoothly in regards to our move, our biggest family lesson is that we are one. We can survive together, through whatever life throws our way. And that feels good. This feels good.
Earl, basically over a weekend, became a chicken farmer and we are forming a partnership with my parents and buying into the family business. It's dirty work, but the rewards will be plenty. Although
10.15.2015
Playing Catch Up, Part III
Morgann's turn. The littlest firecracker is 7. A lover of animals, but especially horses. Morgann participated in riding lessons over the last year and a half. She couldn't wait to move to the farm because she wanted a horse to be the first farm purchase. We haven't gotten there quite yet, but we are working on it.
She too, is playing soccer with a group of kids whose parents were my teammates! I'm getting a dose of what Earl lived in La Grande and it's awesome. Morgann is a second grader and works hard to learn. She keeps up and does so with a smile on her face.
She too, is playing soccer with a group of kids whose parents were my teammates! I'm getting a dose of what Earl lived in La Grande and it's awesome. Morgann is a second grader and works hard to learn. She keeps up and does so with a smile on her face.
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| Happy 7th Birthday! |
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| Playing goalie! |
10.14.2015
Playing Catch Up, Part II
This is our 8 year old, MaKenna. Growing and thriving and learning and loving. MaK started third grade here at Toledo Elementary School and has also made friends. MaK is currently playing soccer and of course, I'm coaching. She plays defender and despite her size keeps up with the biggest players. MaKenna is genuine and happy.
In August MaKenna went to her first concert, Taylor Swift at Century Link. Thank you to Aunt Michelle. The girl loved it!
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| Enjoying T-Swift |
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| Fun with JJ at T-Swift |
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| My little defender! |
10.13.2015
Playing Catch Up, Part I
All about Mason. Age 11 (CRAZY to think he is getting so OLD!). Serious sports fanatic. He played flag football, soccer (travel), basketball, baseball and is playing tackle football right now. His baseball team found serious success- OREGON STATE 9/10 DIVISION LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPS! This was the most amazing moment to watch. Mason was playing catcher and his buddy Sam went to the pitchers mound to close the game out during the last inning. The two have been playing baseball in our backyard for the last four years. Throwing so many balls, it paid off. Big time. We played for the title game on Wednesday 7/28/15. His baseball season started in January with hitting, so the team certainly worked hard and came a long ways!
Mason is finding success at Toledo Middle School right now, too. His teachers are old friends. Or siblings of old friends. He likes school and is finding friendships with some quality kids. He is loving the farm life and the freedom of a gator or four wheeler.
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| Mason with his coaches Left to Right- Doug Schow, Mitch Williams and Rich McIlmoil |
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| Most of the team during pre-game Left to Right- Jarrett Armstrong, Our AWESOME Catcher, Aiden Stanton, Kai Carson, Cole Shaffer, Justin Randolph, Sam Tsiatsos, Jace Schow, and Mitch Williams. Not pictured here are Derek Begin, Noah McIlMoil, Griff McIlMoil, and Brady Hutchins. |
10.12.2015
Here we are. Farmers.
...Right in the middle of our perfectly happy life, the five of us sat down one night in May of this year for a real deep family discussion. We talked about farming. What it would be like. How our life would change. Who we would miss. What our new schools would be like. If jobs were available for Mom. The joy of having Dad around in the summer. The weather over here. And whether or not we all wanted to jump right in...
So here we are, Mill Creek Farm(ers). And it just happens to be National Farmers Day!
So here we are, Mill Creek Farm(ers). And it just happens to be National Farmers Day!
1.01.2015
2015, Hello. Happy. New. Year!
We rang in 2015 last night. Family style. Perfection. The Holidays have been great, but with the new year. I'm yearning for some more organization and discipline. Maybe I'll wait until January 7? But why wait. Today is the day. Which seems to ring true in most of what I'm seeing, online. Live in the moment. For god sake, put the phone down. LIVE! NOW! Enjoy, today. #truth
9.07.2014
Yearly Hello.
I keep saying I'm coming back. Back to the blogging world. Then I post once. And leave again. I've left other places. FaceBook. Cycling. The Gym. Crossfit. Treatment Court. But I can't not come back. Not to mention that I seriously miss writing. Writing about life. Family. The little things. Those little things that, you know, actually matter. Matter in the big picture. I miss this. Blogging.
Just picking a few pictures out. Some of the ones that I love from the last yearish. And sharing in absolutely no particular order because that would be too complicated. My extended family grew, too. My niece Preslee Marceline was born on May 8th. I was lucky to be there with my sister again. And boy, is she a cutie. The girls took great care of Carson while Michelle was in the hospital. Holding his hand. Each time in and each time out.
Meet Preslee. And me, again. With the photo-bomber Mason. We spent a weekend at Lake Cushman this summer. Relaxing, boating, swimming, and just enjoying the company of those we love. My cousin Cindy and her family are amazing hosts.
The kids and I took a quick road trip or two or three... this summer. But the farthest was to Yellowstone. We saw a lot in only a few days. Bison, a bear, deer, antelope, moose, elk but the coolest were the three wolves we saw. WAY too close for my comfort. My instincts yelled at the kids to run. As fast as they could and fast. Hindsight that was all wrong. Thankfully, everyone is fine. Hidden in an little accidental phone picture was a wolf none of us saw, about 10 yards away.
Explore outdoors. The kids' summer theme. I'm glad they can find peace in the outdoors. All three of them would rather be outside, there isn't much gaming or TV in our house. Not only did we go to Yellowstone but the kids camped with JJ and Grandpa Dan for a week in Westport, Washington. Mason had an adventure deep sea fishing with my Dad while the girls hung out JST (JJ Standard Time). JST, is the best time ever to these three.
MaKenna just went into second grade. She is probably the sweetest thing you'd ever meet. Until she isn't. And when she isn't, it's just downright ugly. We all have those days though. Good thing they are few and far between. She danced, played soccer, softball and participated in Girl Scouts over the last year.
Mason entered fifth grade. His last year at Central (Read: next year I have a middle-schooler). Wait, what? He's ten. Below is his baseball team. He's been lucky to have his Dad and Chris coach him and Legacy Ford came a long way this year. He had a great season! Mason has also participated in basketball and soccer. Right now he is playing on a fall select soccer team. He played tackle football last year, but didn't love it. It looks like he gets one more year of flag then will get back into the hit again. Totally fine by me. One less concussion might be good in the longer run.
Morgann graduated. From kindergarten. At Heidi Ho, just like her dad, brother and sister. Putting her in first grade. I warned her teacher, she's nothing like the other two little M's you've had. I'm so proud, on her first week's report card she got all G's! G's for good and that is just downright good for her. Morgann started horseback riding lessons today! The girl is crazy for horses, must take after her Mama. Apparently, little girl dreams do come true, I saw it today.
I was sworn in on Morgann's 5th birthday (last year), when my dream came true. Well, dream job. It's a pretty awesome feeling to be doing exactly what you wanted but sadly, I've lost some while getting here. Full-time work is crazy and I've certainly learned some good life lessons. And life lessons are good for me and the changes that came with working full-time are just part of the lessons.
I've realized that home really is where your family is. And when I go home, like home home. I miss it. There are days when I want to be there. I dream of being a chicken farmer. No really. I've done it before. Then I remember it's about much more. Farming chickens is dirty and we spend a lot of time on the farm. I am so thankful for that. So much, the kids got chicken pox over spring break while chicken farming. And jumping in the saw dust, according to Morgann, was the reason. She told the other two last weekend while they were jumping, "there you go getting the pox again."
There you have it. Simply put. A year later, again. My world is below. The best three little people around. Sunshine and happiness. I'm just going to keep soaking them in, after all they teach me the most.
Our family grew by one. We got a dog. A sweet little girl. Her name is Annie and she's straight out of a rescue, PURPLE HEART RESCUE. She is home and all of the girls here are glad. Annie chews, but it doesn't seem to matter. Until she chews Jets collar off. Then, that's another story. Annie likes to go. Car rides, walks, runs, the farm, if we're going she'll take it. Just go. Go, dog.
Just picking a few pictures out. Some of the ones that I love from the last yearish. And sharing in absolutely no particular order because that would be too complicated. My extended family grew, too. My niece Preslee Marceline was born on May 8th. I was lucky to be there with my sister again. And boy, is she a cutie. The girls took great care of Carson while Michelle was in the hospital. Holding his hand. Each time in and each time out.
Meet Preslee. And me, again. With the photo-bomber Mason. We spent a weekend at Lake Cushman this summer. Relaxing, boating, swimming, and just enjoying the company of those we love. My cousin Cindy and her family are amazing hosts.
The kids and I took a quick road trip or two or three... this summer. But the farthest was to Yellowstone. We saw a lot in only a few days. Bison, a bear, deer, antelope, moose, elk but the coolest were the three wolves we saw. WAY too close for my comfort. My instincts yelled at the kids to run. As fast as they could and fast. Hindsight that was all wrong. Thankfully, everyone is fine. Hidden in an little accidental phone picture was a wolf none of us saw, about 10 yards away.
Explore outdoors. The kids' summer theme. I'm glad they can find peace in the outdoors. All three of them would rather be outside, there isn't much gaming or TV in our house. Not only did we go to Yellowstone but the kids camped with JJ and Grandpa Dan for a week in Westport, Washington. Mason had an adventure deep sea fishing with my Dad while the girls hung out JST (JJ Standard Time). JST, is the best time ever to these three.
MaKenna just went into second grade. She is probably the sweetest thing you'd ever meet. Until she isn't. And when she isn't, it's just downright ugly. We all have those days though. Good thing they are few and far between. She danced, played soccer, softball and participated in Girl Scouts over the last year.
Mason entered fifth grade. His last year at Central (Read: next year I have a middle-schooler). Wait, what? He's ten. Below is his baseball team. He's been lucky to have his Dad and Chris coach him and Legacy Ford came a long way this year. He had a great season! Mason has also participated in basketball and soccer. Right now he is playing on a fall select soccer team. He played tackle football last year, but didn't love it. It looks like he gets one more year of flag then will get back into the hit again. Totally fine by me. One less concussion might be good in the longer run.
Morgann graduated. From kindergarten. At Heidi Ho, just like her dad, brother and sister. Putting her in first grade. I warned her teacher, she's nothing like the other two little M's you've had. I'm so proud, on her first week's report card she got all G's! G's for good and that is just downright good for her. Morgann started horseback riding lessons today! The girl is crazy for horses, must take after her Mama. Apparently, little girl dreams do come true, I saw it today.
I was sworn in on Morgann's 5th birthday (last year), when my dream came true. Well, dream job. It's a pretty awesome feeling to be doing exactly what you wanted but sadly, I've lost some while getting here. Full-time work is crazy and I've certainly learned some good life lessons. And life lessons are good for me and the changes that came with working full-time are just part of the lessons.
I've realized that home really is where your family is. And when I go home, like home home. I miss it. There are days when I want to be there. I dream of being a chicken farmer. No really. I've done it before. Then I remember it's about much more. Farming chickens is dirty and we spend a lot of time on the farm. I am so thankful for that. So much, the kids got chicken pox over spring break while chicken farming. And jumping in the saw dust, according to Morgann, was the reason. She told the other two last weekend while they were jumping, "there you go getting the pox again."
There you have it. Simply put. A year later, again. My world is below. The best three little people around. Sunshine and happiness. I'm just going to keep soaking them in, after all they teach me the most.
Maybe I won't post for another year. But. Maybe I will.
7.26.2013
10.08.2012
9.11.2012
Things I've Google'd Lately.
1. Freezing Peaches and substitutes for fruit fresh. 2. Best defense set up for U10 select soccer. 3. Entertainment for smaller children while Mom coaches bigger kid. 4. Jake Owen 5. How to disengage repeat on iPhone 6. Spin routines 7. Training guide for relay races 8. Blue Moon Birthday Party ideas 9. Fun lunch ideas 10. La Grande Flag Football schedule 11. Dance Arts Inc. 12. Board commitments, rules and regulations 13. Strawberry pie recipe 14. National Fire News 15. Northeastern Oregon trails 16. Kids Mt Trek bike
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| Taken at 6:00A while trail running! My favorite outlet! |
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