...Bear River day 2 (10/04/11)

Thuesday was 'Wilderness Survival Day'. We did a little 4-wheeling, then some hiking to get to a pretty remote spot in the forrest surrounding Bear River Lake.

 Dad taught us some valuable lessons in survival. We emptied our packs, to assess our supplies. Needless to say, when we got home, we made a bee-line for the camping section of a local retailer to complete our packs. Thanks for the tips, tricks, and advice, Poppy!

 Along the hike, I was distracted slightly by my beautiful surroundings.

 After the hike and trail ride back to camp, I decided to go scouting/deer hunting with dad. In total, we saw 19 fawns and does. It was awesome!

...Bear River vacation day 1 (10/03/11)...

Monday October 3, 2011 we celebrated Fall Break with a week-long camping trip to one of my favorite places: Bear River. Up around 7700ft, this place has offered cool weather, wilderness to explore, and opportunities to make awesome memories to my family for years.

This was the second time that I have taken my kids, and they had a blast!

After we set up camp, we decided to take off and go exploring. We didn't know how long the nice weather would last, the forecast called for rain for Tuesday and Wednesday.

 Kevin and I strapped the kids into Poppy's jeep and we followed mom and dad in their Razr to this great (but windy and cold) lookout point. The view was spectacular, and was well worth the bumpy ride over the dry riverbed of rocks.

 On the way back, mom was super cold so she switched me places and I rode with dad, while she got to warm up in the jeep with Kevin and the kids. Kevin loved the 4-wheeling. I think the smile on his face says it all!

 After the ride, dad brought out the AR and we all got to fire a few rounds. This was Justice and Kayden's first time shooting an AR and they both had fun.

Kayden is very much a homebody - he enjoys being at home, and in bed. So after the novelty of camping wore off for day 1, Kayden laid down on his bunk and wanted to watch his cartoons.

(mobile post)...Triumph...

Today I was flipping trough the 200+ channels on tv, and I happened to pause on a program which depicted a young man overcoming all odds to claim triumph. Victory.
I was subtly reminded (if you know me, you know that this is NOT always so subtle) that victory never tastes so sweet as when we have to work for it. When we truly triumph, we have overcome the odds. There isn't "winning" unless a battle is waged. Consequently, there is no "losing" either. This applies to all areas of our lives.
I reflected on my own past battles and realized that God had purposely placed me in the struggles, so I would know what complete victory IN HIM and WITH HIM would feel like. So that I would be face-to-face with my own mortality, weaknesses, and pain, and have to completely rely on His strength, patience, love, and faithfulness to overcome. So that I would know - I mean truly KNOW - what it means to be victorious. You see, too often we think we are the ones capable of success. Pride dashes our reliance in the Creator. We think we actually have some mysterious power, all on our own, to "win" in life.
We are wrong.
We need guidance. We need a Shield. We need help. We need deliverance.
Feebly, we assume that we "catch a break" when some minute detail is favorable to our circumstances. We act on impulses and dig our proverbial graves, then numbly stammer about until, magically, we get unstuck.
We forget to praise and thank the One who raises us from the muck and sets us on the path to triumph. We neglect our responsibility to Him who has already won the battle, Who so graciously shares the spoils of salvation with those who could never earn it.
We would all be so smart to realize and remember that these minuscule "triumphs" are merely the catalyst of spiritual growth to Kingdom service, and they can each be attributed to God's loving grace and the mercy of Christ.

Not to us, but to YOUR NAME be the glory, Lord!

...Kahler Dairy...

Today marked the END of the FIRST QUARTER of KINDERGARTEN!!!

 Justice's class went to Kahler Dairy for field trip #3.

Kayden and I got to go too. We had so much fun!

When asked what they enjoyed the most, Justice replied, "...when we had ice cream and also when we got to feed the cows."

Kayden: "my favorite was feeding the cows."

Here are some of my favorite pictures:

 Kayden's ready to go!

 oink oink!!

Moo

Yes, that's my girl!

 She didn't want to at first, but she did it!

 Kayden has no fear

my kids

 touching the feed

 the class in the feed barn

 the Three Amigos! Kayden, Justice and Paige!

 mommy boots

 my handsome boy, before he started making "animal sounds"

even I got to feed the cows

!

 Kayden loved this part!

 Justice

look how long that cow tongue is!

 the kids in the barn

Justice feeding another cow

Kayden's cute little arm!

 Justice was not afraid at all of feeding them the alfalfa 

look, mom!

 I practically had to carry him out of there, he loved it so much!

  

Then it was on to feeding the calfs!

 Justice and Morgan feeding this little female some water

giving another baby some water 

 "ok, mom... I want to go home"

everyone got a special treat after the tour of the milking barn. yummy vanilla ice cream!

  

(mobile post)...Yellow Note!...

Today Justice came home with a yellow note from school. Apparently she shared a crayon with a girl who was missing that particular color, and she also helped a friend on the playground. TWO star punches on the yellow note! Atta'girl, Jus!! We are proud of you!

Also, we signed Justice up for Upward basketball. We are very excited, and can't wait for this adventure to start!

...(not so) Extreme Couponing...

This week, my girl friend Pam and I put to motion our newest craze: couponing!

For the past two weeks, we have been scouring the internet, and the printed ads for the best deals.

I admit, I am not "extreme" - nor do I ever intend to be.

But if a few extra minutes of clipping or clicking can save me a few extra dollars on the things that I am going to buy anyway, I'm in!

Yesterday I tested my skills with a trip to Safeway: 

My total before coupons/club card was $47.42. I spent $27.51.

Today I realized that I forgot a few things that I needed, so back to Safeway I went:

My total before coupons/club card was $66.26. I spent $43.76.

To date, my grocery savings is $42.41.... That's 37.3%

(mobile post) ...Congrats G and Tony...

Saturday Night we went to the wedding of Gianna Marie Torrente (affectionately know to us as "G") and Anthony (Tony) Nasello. The ceremony was at the Reserve at Spanos Park on the putting green. Mike Glover officiated and it was truly a wedding that captured the personalities of G and Tony.
Kevin and I reflected on the many weddings that we have been to this year, and how blessed we are to have had such a fantastic party when we married.
Congrats to all the 2011 married couples, and to those that are yet to say "I Do!" this year. Thanks to Amanda and Vidal, Sara and Steve, Nicole and Matt (AKA Pablo South America) and G and Tony, whos vows we have been happy to witness. We love you all and pray God continues to shine in each marriage.
Here are some pictures from Saturday September 17, 2011: