More Paunsegaunt

Kylie caught this out of the little stream running around our camp site. She was so happy! She is usually the one that can't catch a fish. Everyone around her can be reeling them in, but those fish seem to sense Kylie's presence and swim to another line when she drops her pole in the water. It was an excellent moment!!

Part of the reason we return to King's year after year, is for the critters. In the past we have made them pets, only to be annoyed over the amount of crickets the little horny toads can pack away. Now it is an experience enjoyed only in the wild.
Our camp site was heavenly! ( Despite the fact that we lost Mom for a day. ) She didn't expect us to camp so far south. While we were frantically searching the area for her dead body, and calling siblings to hear if she had wrecked en route; she was patiently waiting on the side of the road, watching the birds, and fully expecting that sooner or later we would drive by.
THAT'S SOooo MOM!
Kylie and Kobe loved playing in the stream. They netted hundreds of little fingerlings and spent many hours of enjoyment wading and swimming. The weather was fantastic and the company was even better. We really enjoyed taking Keith, the Prestons, and Mom. One thing I love about my Mom is her ability to enjoy whatever place she is in. She is always cheerful and loving, easy company, and kind and generous with her time and attention to us, and the grandchildren. She is the best! I truly admire her.

One of the best parts about camping is spending time with your own family. Ty and I seem to get along the best when we are in the outdoors...sort of like ying and yang or cheese and crackers.

Path of Destruction?

I just got done reading Maren's blogspot "Path of Destruction". While she is picking up Easter Potatos from off the floor; I am 10 years down the road with a teenager who spreads a different path of destruction.

It started with the fact that he wanted my help with a homework project so he could go shooting---

So I settle down beside him to help him think of ideas for this project, lovingly reminding him how to spell "who" and "manifesto".....

He turns to me and says, "I learned what's wrong with you in class today." And then proceeded to tell me all the reasons why he thinks I am such a bad mother and why it is that he can't get along with me.

Grrr....

(Well, let me tell you!!! There is alot more wrong with me now than there was a few minutes ago!)

And buddy you still aren't going shooting until you HOMEWORK is done.

Kings! Kings! Kings!

Anyone who knows anything about me, knows that I love to camp! I plan all winter and save my vacation hours so that we will have time to go and play in the Mountains. One of my favorite places to go is Kings Campground, better known as Tropic reservoir. It is one of God's secret gardens. The lush green valleys and the red canyons, the beautiful wildlife and gurgling streams let my mind at peace with the world. It is a blessed release from the grind of life and it's daily pressures. This year we went with Mom and the Prestons' and Ty's Dad. We had so much fun! There was a little
stream that surrounded our camp that the kids pulled fingerlings from and even some big enough for a hook!

P.S. Beware TY, You are Next!!!

April Fools!?!

This morning I was pulled out of a dead sleep by Ty explaining to me that the hospital had burned down during the night. "What?! Was anybody hurt? Man, I guess I'm going to have to find a job."
All to end to the tune of ---APRIL FOOLS!!!

So then we began to plan how to best fool our sweet unsuspecting kids. Kobe and Clay were brought to a very solemn meeting this morning to tell them we will not put up with their fighting any longer. We had decided that they would play with each other and ONLY each other for one month. No friends, no snowmobiling, no cousins, etc.... Boy! that raised some cain! Ha! Ha! Ha! APRIL FOOLS!!

Kylie was still asleep at this point and so, still unsuspecting. I enlisted Kobe's help to prank Kylie. At breakfast I very sadly informed Kylie that we would not be able to afford the chicken coop or chickens this year (what with the economy sinking in the toilet and all). Kobe did his very best to look appropriately morose. (Good Job, Kobe!)

I thought Kylie would start to protest, but instead, promptly began to CRY! Yikes! It took me 30 whole minutes to stop the flood and explain that it was April Fools' Day and that we really were going to have a chicken coop and cute little baby chickens. Good Grief! Somebody serve up the BAD MOTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD , I'm waiting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! OLD MAN!!!

Another year older and wiser? Hmmm.... I don't know about that. But another year older sure! We love you!

So, you are now 41. Now, that's OLD! Thanks to all the Blanchard Fam, who made it over to celebrate! The apple pie was great! Mom, you always make it so good. The best part was having everyone there, especially the Huffords, and the Tuckers. Since we don't see you-all very often. It was nice to have a full house!

Ahh Haa!!!

After many hours of blood, sweat, and tears, (on Mark's part) I am finally blogging again. THANK YOU!!!! Oh, by the way, did I say THANK YOU!!!! You are the best!