Makes my Toes Curl

I think this is called color blind, lazy, or off kilter in la cabeza. These outrageously obnoxiously loud socks are the rage. To make matters worse, it is the fashion to wear them mismatched. Look on the "bright" side - it makes matching up socks in the laundry a cinch!

Looks like part of a wizard's wardrobe

A House FULL

We had some extra house monkeys guests that spent the night (along with older brother Levi). It's been awhile since we've had a little one around here - had to search for sippy lids, bibs, and brush up on diapering skills. I don't think you can beat the feeling of a clean little munchkin curled up on your lap.

Even the littlest tykes master scootering quickly in this house. Vroom Vroom Elle . . . come back soon.

Revelations . . .

Maren has lost her other front tooth and it has temporarily changed her thpeech:

We were discussing how thometimes kids are just a little bit naughty. After a pause, she commented that, "Well Mom, we are all just thinnerth (sinners)." After a "thnicker" I had to agree.

Trash or Treasure?

Hmmm, you ever regret purchasing a "project?" I've had this for a year and almost gave it up for kindling. I had an "ah-hah" moment remembering my pile of used green siding from Habitat -

Sten was my construction assistant wielding that staple gun with ease. It is stink'n adorable now.

Two very excited girlies on the first day of soccer camp. What? Are they the same height now?

Well, with a little assistance from a soccer ball. Notice Milah's new shoes - I think she might've slept with them.

As we were getting ready for our church convention, Sten modeled for us - looks like he needs to lay off the cheetos (SHAVING has also been gently (or not so gently) recommended by his mother multiple times ahem).

You Win Some, You Lose Some . . .

What you are lookin' at here is the most costly bunch of "free" wood in the state. A friend offered me some used fence boards for FREE and I, of course, did not turn her down. Unbeknownst to us, when we left to retrieve them, one of the dually tires was low and blew out 15 miles down the road. Had to buy 2 new tires (cha-ching) and replace brake line that was wiped out (cha-ching). What a bargain! Reminds me of some friends that were given a free puppy that hurried home to swallow a rubber ball requiring emergency surgery.

Garage Sale Finds

I have come to the conclusion that in order to make a profit transforming furniture or reselling trinkets, you must buy them at garage sales. Thrift stores are too blasted expensive. So, a friend and I have "hit" a few sales lately . . .

I grabbed this little bench for 3$. It was one of those sales where the odor of cat and dog "business" welcomes you at first whiff. The filthy children run like orphans and you feel like bathing in instant hand sanitizer when you head back to the car. You know the scene.

A fresh coat of paint and traces of its former life have disappeared

I have an itty bitty thing for ladders. They look great as a nightstand holding books, an alarm clock, and a flashlight. Beside a front door, they are adorable with a plant, a sign of some kind (of course), and a seasonal item. This rickety ladder needed a little some shabbying, so we dry brushed it a blue/gray color. (Milah and Maren helped on this one cuz it's a quick and dirty paint job) Now this 2$ wonder is ready for it's new home.

During the process, I somehow managed to get stung in the lip, giving me a natural botox injection. Wish my full lip made me look like Angelina Jolie, but I resemble Popeye. I grabbed a Benedryl on an empty stomach which made me real loopy - not sure I would be able to walk a straight line or touch my finger to my nose at this point.

WHAT?! Gullible isn't in the Dictionary?

Way back when, before we were married, we went on a hot date to Fossil Oregon - another remote location. On the way, Scott pointed out this type of terrain and told me that it was evidence of "sidehill gouging". He further explained (in a very serious tone) that some cows were bred for this specific ground with the legs on one side of their body shorter than the other side to accomodate for the slope and make it easier for grazing. I was extremely skeptical, he was very convincing. Seeing these ridges (that are caused by the movement of soil downhill) always makes me snicker. By the way - I don't think it has EVER been this green in Fossil.

Wallowa - you Must

Last week, we enjoyed (and I do mean ENJOYED) a business/pleasure trip to Eastern Oregon . . .

75 years ago, this was the rage in swimwear ... and probably worn by the ladies as they visited the pool in Cove, Oregon.

The pool and surroundings probably haven't changed much - but the swimwear sure has. The pool at Cove is worth the trip. Heated to 86 degrees, it is the perfect temp - especially on a scorching Eastern Oregon day. If you're looking for waves or 5 story slides, you won't find them. But if you want tranquil, simple, clean and relaxing - we give it 5 stars.

The kids enjoyed this "graduated" diving board. The black patch in the water is rocks where the hot springs bubble from the earth.

Burns - someone please restore this! Doug???

Baker City

There is something romantic about the country/ranching way of life. Many times I have fantasized about living on a remote ranch with my most beloved, a few thousand acres of crops or herds of dusty animals, and our suntanned, barefoot children in bleached overalls. Of course, in my fantasy - I am a natural beauty with slightly tousled hair at home on a tractor or at the stove whipping up a delicious meal. A trip to Wallowa County kicks up these thoughts once again- if you haven't been - you MUST put it on your "to do" list. Yep, it is out of the way, but you will enjoy every mile. I have to admit, my fantasy also includes a small plane that would whisk me away to civilization on a whim. Oh and I tend to forget the idea of getting up early, no eating out, worrying about the weather, and stocking up on groceries for weeks at a time.

This friendly fella at Wallowa Lake was tame - practically allowing people to hang from his antlers.

Stopped for a (small)cone at Little Bear

Sten and Scott were admiring the fields and bales of alfalfa as well as all the farm equipment. Maren piped up and asked "Dad, what's A falfa?" (insert hysterical laughter here)

ahhh, can't you feel the romance?

Country Girl's Birthday Bash

We celebrated Maren's bday way late as she wished to go to the river and we were waiting on the weather to cooperate. Lucky for her, it was her friend E's bday too. (her friend reminds me of my cousin Aleta when she was young)

Beauty and the Bark

Crawdad catch'n

Rope Swing'n