Home With Stars in Our Eyes

We are happily home from our star struck family camping trip. I am exhausted. We saw some fantastic shooting stars on Wednesday night - before the clouds rolled in, unfortunately, those clouds thought we were there to see them. The meteorites that we did see were incredible. Our favorites were the big ones with tails. We painted T shirts and quilt blocks, made bracelets and rock necklaces, rode motorized toys, practiced target shooting, had a paint ball war, ate good food, sang good songs, loved great children, enjoyed toasty fires and celebrated our family. We are making a 'star' quilt which we will give to a lucky member of the family in the future. I think we have a new family tradition. Thanks to all the great family members, each of which took the time to share and give to their siblings and parents. Each of them had a great attitude and tried to make sure everyone had fun. As usual, I enjoyed the moment and thus forgot to take enough pictures. Someday we will find out what that strange screaming you heard was about!
Next time let's not order a snow storm to escort us home!

Triumphant Return

They made it home victorious! Steve's knee didn't even bother him. They caught fish, had a good relationship with the rangers, had fires, survived the storms and returned home as lean mean working machines. Steve caught a 16 inch fish! Carter finally tried eating fish and liked it. Hayden was like a warrior carrying that heavy pack. They found great places to bunk down. All their equipment worked. The springs were fantastic as usual and they return home with their precious booty. (Spring water in a bottle). I guess I was the only one having a hard 50 miler.

I Miss Steve

It has seemed like a very long week. The positives: my house has remained relatively clean,no chickens have passed on, the temperatures dropped, the cars are still running, no bounced checks...yet, lunch twice with my parents,saw three of my grandchildren this week. The negatives: are they laying under a tree somewhere the victims of a mass lightning strike? one more year of Steve giving his vacation up, trouble sleeping because Steve is gone, no music from Hayden, no hugs from Carter, phone calls and doors from people not remembering they are gone, all the work is mine to do, chickens loved the cucumbers, my heart is lonely,the dang dog barked almost every night (was it the boogey man?), my hobby of worrying has really been exercised.
They get home tonight. I am planning a good dinner for them and bracing myself for all the clutter, stinky boys and no hot water as they relax in the showers.
Whew! I am sure looking forward to tonight!

I am NOT Eggs agerating

Steve, Hayden and Carter are not available to eat these beauties...I am getting sick of eggs. PLEEAAAASSSE come and get some. I have 8 dozen in my fridge right now and am expecting around a dozen a day all week. The first six dozen, I will give away free! (Maybe more, I just won't tell you what number visitor you are!) There is a catch, you have to take lemon cucumbers also. Becky does not live by eggs and cucumbers only. They are delicious, but again, I can get tired of them. If you love me, you will come and get some of our bounties. We are very blessed. Come and share.(Call me to make sure I am home)

Perseid Peeks on August 12

Every August, the Perseid Comet passes close enough to earth to give us a star show. For years now, I have been wanting to enjoy the show. We have spent the evening on Bountiful Peak once. But I need less light pollution and more time to enjoy. We have planned a family camping trip to celebrate. Everyone that is my family...or should have been my family is invited to enjoy the week at Whitney Lake in the Uintahs. It is BLM camping....no established campground...no toilets. We have full week planned. We need a head count. The following activities will require advanced preparation: Shirt painting- please bring a gray T- shirt to paint for each family member. Making bracelets- please bring some of your own beads, clasps etc. I will have a limited amount to share. Campfire singing- we are excited to announce a new edition of the Flaming Marshmallow. I need to know you are coming to get that edition in your hands...please be familiar with as many songs as possible. Please contact me to know what we are doing about meals. I will try and upload some of our pictures from star parties in the past. It will be an "Ex-star-avaganza!!


Lacey was ready for the show


Here was what we really got to see!


We ate dinner on the ground...never my favorite!



I have no idea when this was taken. Does it look familiar to anyone!! I know we had no trees for the last star party and no fire either. Who is that in the chair? Could it be a younger Hayden? Correctly identify the occupant first and get a pat on the back.

Meet The Turtle

Carter went for a bike ride on the other day and happened upon a rare surprise. He met this lovely slider turtle. He brought it home and has made a lovely habitat for her. He has been researching all he can and I am thrilled with that. Her name changes daily. Ethan has been enjoying her as a swimming partner....we have to watch him like a hawk!
I'm sure she will only be with us a short time.(She is fast when she gets out of the pen.) BUt we think she is nifty.

Officially a Teenager...Mutant Ninja Turtle to Follow Later

Carter will be thirteen tomorrow! I still remember the night before he was born. I cherished feeling him moving within me and knowing that the next day it would all be over. Steve and Mike gave me a blessing that evening. I remember in the blessing that the baby would be born healthy and then Steve hesitated for at least 60 seconds...a long time when you are wondering if something is going to go wrong. He blessed me that I would be able to recover from the birth.....long story shortened- emergency C-section with lots of fun stories, but I am glad that my bitty boy arrived safely.
He has been a bundle of fun.
Some favorite stories and one liners:
'Way to go Hayden now you can be baaaaaad" (picture a three year old with thumbs up)
"What are you doing?" "Nothing" (It was usually something)
The 4 year old pictorial, including a self reflection...and the neighbor lady's chest.
Stabbing himself in the foot with the ski pole and the infection that followed, porcupiine quills...infecting
He is still the reigning King of West Bountiful.
Please add any more memories in the comments. Enjoy the pictures...they are only as old as our digital camera...someday I'll scan the good ones.
Happy Birthday Carter!