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!

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

What's up Summer 2012?

It's been a little crazy around here. But we've decided that is how we play best and somehow our summer is nearly half way gone. And although this was the first weekend we didn't have something going on, we had some funthing(s) going on. Starting with mommy running for Team SWEET in the La Grande XTERRA!

Talk about mindovermatter that was my chant as I ran in the eighty plus degree weather. The run was a 10k, bike a 25k, and swim a 1k. It was a tough, hilly 10k. My final "official" time was 1:09.

Upon the arrival to a work barbecue after the XTERRA, I bragged that my time was 1:04ish. I seriously thought that it was. Apparently, I didn't look at my watch until 5 minutes into it. I can eat crow tomorrow when I confess that I really wasnotthatgreat.

At the Wilson Resort, the family had fun! We were the last to arrive (due to race) and last to leave by a longshot. We used their paddle boat on the pond, raced their golf carts around their nine hole course and snuck on their gator for a good ol' farm ride. The kids did NOT want to go. And cannot wait to go back! If we are lucky.



So Sunday I folded fifteen loads of laundry and washed and remade all four beds. While E mowed the lawn and cared for our garden. After household chores were done, we snuck out for a hike at Catherine Creek! Making it much further than we have in the past. MaKenna was a natural--wanted to be in first place and would rather run on the trail than walk. Sadly, we had to walk because Jet could not keep up any longer, nor could Morgann. We threw some rocks in the creek and headed home. 

After a crazy week of soccer coming up, we embark the second weekend of nothing to do. I'm sure we'll fill it with somethings. In fact, pending fire dispatch we just might luck out and go camping! Get out there!

8th Year

I cannot believe we've been going to Mt. Hood and staying in the same cozy cabin for eight years in a row now. Wearesopredictable. That, is what I love most about my family. And you know, the fact that they are oh so fun. Someone, get this man to the free run. Like, now.

Anyone else up for a late stroll through Govy Camp? 8 kids, snow, friends, all while sugared on homemade brownie sundaes! To those heading to Charlies or the Rat, watch out!

Here's to peace.

Love. Family. Special Memories. Friends.

New nephews. Who are totally sweet, cute and lovable!

And big girl days. Because, I am not going to lie. My fave day was Sunday afternoon. Happily talking and sipping some good brew.

What girl doesn't love a good talk?

And last but not least. Here's to new fur hats. Because the hubby is searching for just the right one. As I type.

Cat skiing, from our perspective.

We loaded up this morning for our first "real" ski day of the season. We went last weekend and had major mishap. Forgotten boots. Socks. Gloves. Ah. Today was nothing of the sort. In fact, it was full of fortune. Mason finally tested out and was successful on the ski's he was given for his birthday! Throw in MaKenna sharing her pink ski's, yes that is fortunate. The big red's are still a little long for Morgann, but they work when selfishness sets in.

I felt fortunate to be up there with awesome friends. But more so, that we were given rides on the cat. To get up the rope tow hill, that is. That really helped ease the thighs back into it!

He did more than hang out. Got some runs. Some air. Some pointers on teaching small children how to ski.

Wait. Who is driving that Cat?

Ok, maybe not driving. But riding shot gun! E and Morgann. Morgann liked riding in the front of the cat better than the back and she certainly was enjoying the trip back down!

Let Freedom Ring, 2011

This family is having quite possibly our craziest, busiest summer of all time. Once this move is complete, mommy returns from D.C., and Daddy gets out on a fire--we should be back to our regularly scheduled summer. Oh wait, we've got weddings and baby showers and 30th birthdays and soccer season and oh my. Breathe!

Easter 2011

Was everyone else's Easter weekend Super Busy?  And overflowing with sunshine, family and memories?

Turning hard-boiled eggs, the BRIGHTEST of colors;

Or with Daily hunts; 

Full of smiles and candy;  

LOVE;

Plastic Eggs;

Easter baskets;

BUNNIES;

Cousins;

Pointers for the most  unsuccessful egg hunts;

And most importantly, Family from Friday morning to Sunday night!

Ours WAS! And it was absolutely FANTASTIC!

SEVEN

I mis-typed or miscalculated. We have really been to Mt. Hood for seven years. It will be eight in 2012. Because, we are already planning our return trip. In honor of seven AWESOME years. Here are my top seven pictures from this year, 2011.

My little MaKenna took her first ride up the chairlift. She went right back up again. Something tells me she liked it. She just looks so small, sitting there with Grandpa Dan. She told me tonight, "I wasn't scared at all mommy!"

We added another family of five to our group this year. Which meant kids tugging at our clothes less often out of their need for entertainment. It was great that all six of them could entertain themselves and play together well for four straight days. And Cassidee came with us, too. Ya! The kids are always happy when she gets to come!

The weather was absolutely beautiful. I am not going to complain about blue bird days and powder. Great company, about 26 total. And food that was great. I am already trying to figure out when I can replicate my cousins four cheese lasagne.

This year the little kids were good enough to hit up the "free run." Timberline Lodge to Government Camp. These boys rocked it! Not only did they free run they also spent the majority of Sunday in the Terrain Park. Clearing bone pits like crazy. So were the adults, we liked it just as much as them. Maybe more.

JJ, You Rock! Keeping children entertained and happy isn't an easy job. My very, very selfish side is glad you don't ski. But in a few years, I hope that changes. Maybe you and Morgann can learn together next year?

Since we are, for the most part, a predictable family. Thursday night we met up at the Timberline Lodge for dinner at the Rams Head, drinks and games in the game room. Shuffle board and ping pong. And I might add, I almost beat Grandpa Dan. Almost.

One of the best years, yet. So good, I found myself on said "free run."  Right there with my fantastic hubby!

Grandpa Dan and JJ, Thank you for arranging our annual ski getaway. For taking such good care of us while we are there- from food and drinks to being our mountain guide. These are memories that we will forever treasure. In fact, Mason told me tonight that when he is "my age" he hopes we are still going to Mt. Hood.

Home and Happy

This weekend was so fun. For the kids and the parents! We all wore OTM shirts, symbolizing where Alex spent his time while on his mission. Picked him up at the Boise Airport and enjoyed the city for the remainder of our over night stay.

Alex was so missed. It's so GREAT to have him home. Besides Morgann, everyone ran to him. I wouldn't expect anything less from her. But now that she's warmed up--look out! She probably won't leave him alone, ever.

We played at Zoo Boise while Alex and his parents went to the Temple. Another part of the religion that I haven't grasped. The Zoo however was fun for all. My fave animal was the Sloth Bear. MaKenna's were the warty hogs, there were many. Mason LOVED the penguins. And Morgann didn't like the Monkeys, Birds, or Snakes.

And although these kids look bundled, the weather was perfect. Sunshine and temps a little above 50. I hate to say this, especially since Mt. Hood is next weekend, but HELLO spring! We can't wait to be outside again.

We stumbled upon Abe Lincoln, on his birthday I might add. February 12. A little Lincoln trivia. He was the 16th President and served March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He lead the country through the Civil War. He promoted the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment--abolishing slavery! His Gettysburg Address is one of the most quoted speeches in history! And my niece informed me as we talked about him this weekend that he kept his papers in his top hat.

This time was needed. Very much so.

Bye, Bye 2010

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

*Coming next- Hello 2011!

Beauty and the Beast

We just had a wonderful weekend with my parents and the dog. They came on Wednesday to enjoy the school festivities. I'm glad they were able to make it. Saturday we had Christmas morning and then headed to the Elgin Opera House for their Beauty and the Beast production. Before the play, we were able to eat lunch with the characters! Which provided plenty of photo opportunities as you'll see below.

"Jeggings, YA!"

"I think I like what she has..."

"Grandpa don't let go of me, the Beast is scary!"

Fun with Loumiere.

You'll notice a small trend. Morgann wouldn't let go of Grandpa. It wasn't until the lunch was just about over that I was able to get her to warm up enough to not only hug Belle, but be held by Belle! Thank you Mom and Dad for a fabulous weekend. It was the kind that you feel like you should pinch yourself, because everything was so enjoyable! We love your company!