McCall on steroids

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(Talented Rush Blue, sweeping the tournament in Bend, Oregon...coming away once again, with a first place medal!)

Road tripped to Bend, just me and my soccer lovin' girl. Sipped soda and sucked the salt off sunflower seeds til' our swollen tongues felt numb against our notably raw cheeks. We shoulder shook and head bobbed to Jack Johnson, and before we knew it our wheels rolled into town.

We were immediately greeted by Mt. Bachelor and Jefferson, two snow capped peaks sitting above the city, welcoming us to picturesque Bend. Who knew? I certainly did not. I had no idea my weekend away with my girl would be spent in a place I can only describe as McCall on steroids.

We stayed in a little resort tucked back in the woods and nestled down by the river, a river who quickly became my friend as I woke early and joined her for a run along her curvy figure over and around dirt trails sprinkled with wild flowers and bulging river rock.

Most of the day Payton was busy with her team, this left time for me to just be. I took my book down to the pool and layed in quiet, uninterrupted, bliss almost giddy about the situation, me basking in sunshine with no kids, job, house to clean, or meals to cook. When I wasn't relishing in the serenity of aloneness I was joining the other parents for lunch, dinner, shopping, river floating, and site seeing, in a city that stole my heart and beckons me to return.

As extraordinary as being just "me" for the weekend was, without a baby on my hip, little ones at my feet, and a big, busy puzzle of daily chaos just a waitin' for my assembling,

the fabulousness was trumped by moments with HER.

Thank you, Miss Payton, for forgoing slumber with the rest of your team in a giant sea of silky, nylon bags accompanied by brightly colored pillow cases in the middle of the family room floor, to retire to my room, snuggle, chat, laugh and snooze... with me.

Thank you, Miss Payton, for running into my arms after each game and thanking me for being there and telling me how happy you were that I was.

Thank you, Miss Payton, for waiting in the middle of the river, paddling desperately to stay in place, screaming, "mom" and encouraging me to catch up so you could link your arm in mine and we could float the rest of the way, together.

I sure relished in my time "away" cheering my girl to victory in a city of grand beauty, building memories I'll not too soon forget, but quite honestly, Pay, it was the simple moments shared with YOU, that meant the most.

XOXOXO

MOM

G E O R G I A

Trips with our "Bronco Buddies" have become a tradition. We hit the big games together and scream, shout, and ROAR the Broncos to a victory. I don't know what it is about this time of year, this sport, this team, these friends, that brings us so much joy, but I must say.....THEY DO!

When growing up we would take a few family trips now and then. During the vacation my dad would refer to ALL of us as "fun seekers". Let's go "fun seekers", whose with me "fun seekers", what's next "fun seekers?" I always loved that chipper term and more so the man who delivered it. Among many of life's lessons my dad taught, ....Happiness can be found seeking fun with those you care about, is one of my favorites.

Guess what I'm trying to say is, thanks.

Thanks, "Bronco Buddies", for being some terrific, "fun seeking" friends!

From Movies

s e v e n

She has a wildly, invaluable imagination. She is Junie B. and Romona Q. all bundled up in ONE. She's sassy and quick witted, and the unrivaled teacher of patience and tolerance. She knows one volume and speed. She's a lover of pickles, popsicles and everything purple. She dreams of being a jockey and rides her horse, Ginger (incognito as a rip-stick scooter) all hours of the day. She is my mini-me, I'm told, a hasty comfort to the sad and a greathearted gifter of love.

From Movies

A face tells a thousand words.

"Are ya kiddin', mom, really? The tradition is to MAKE a fun cake for our birthdays, and this sure isn't the rock n' roll, roller skate I chose and you promised to deliver!"

Well, mama tried, but let's be real, the cake decorating skills belong to Robert, and since he was too busy to assist, the skate was a flop and a sweet treat from Dairy Queen became the surrogate.

Nevertheless, she made a wish.

.....and something bout' her expression tells me she's inventive enough to know

the wish isn't contingent upon the cake.

And her hopes for one coming true,

are just the same.

For you, Miss Avery J, my spicy seven year old girl...

I'd walk to the moon.

xoxoxo

Mom

t r a d i t i o n

A Memorial Day tradition mobilized when we moved to the area, close enough to visit the grave sight of Bob's dad, who lost his battle to cancer when Bob was just six years old. Payton was a wee babe then. I have a pic. of the three of us standing just as we are presently, smiling behind the head stone. It's kind of surreal to see us now, how much we've grown as a family, and I'm not just speaking of size and numbers.

Bob's been out of town a lot in the last few weeks. In the midst of feeling empty and sad without him, I'm reminded how FULL he makes our world and grateful for his LOVE and fervor in constructing a good life for us.

From horse riding

I'm appreciative for this tradition he holds us to and what it teaches our children about remembering those who lived before, even those who fought and died for our freedom. It's favored by the kids, for sure, because afterwards we retire to the ranch where they take joy in Uncle Barry's horse rides.

From Collages

....and I don't think there's any place on earth, my horse lovin' girl would rather be.

It works out rather well for Bob and myself too, enjoying Aunt Phyllis's contagious, happy spirit, and devouring her delicious home made treats, like moist chocolate cupcakes smothered in buttery smooth, silky cocoa frosting.

....and I can't help but to wonder when I see Bob with his uncle, if his adoration for him stems a bit from the wonderment that Uncle Barry, being so close to his dad, is perhaps a little bit...

like he might have been.

Every time we pull out of town, and proceed to the open road, I turn and take a gander, one by one, of my sweet baby's faces. Sure makes me sad to think of leaving this life so young without my little crew, as Robert's dad did, but I know full well and have great faith in the "plan." I look out the window, not wanting Bob to see, and try to hide the moisture with my over sized shades, but my eyes take a swim as a picture of the back side of Danny's head stone rolls forward in my mind. Five children left behind, each with their name en graven perfectly in a formation of lineage on the course, gray stone. I take a moment, consider Bob and his siblings, and can't help but to think how proud their dad must be of each, and not for any other accomplishment more than that of....

the lives they've created with their families.

FREEDOM

Over a month and NO updates. I regret that. I've got a big bag of excuses but perhaps it boils down to one, FREEDOM. Being a slave to the computer 9 months out of the year, makes me shy from it during the summer season, and even though I love to document our happenings and take a breather now and then to "write" what's on my mind, weighing on my shoulders, or tuggin' at my heart..........wait it must.

At least this is what my inner voice conveys as the pictures heap and the "moments" we've experienced this summer reuniting with friends and family, racing, boating, vacationing, and just lounging with the kids.....tarry tolerantly for a post.

From Max in the tub

Until then, here's the Mr.

...still coveting bath time and crackin' up the fam with his fabricated, cheese ball, dramatic, attention seekin' EXPRESSIONS!

celebratin'

From Max's 1st

From Max cake

It's hard to believe the pages in your first year of life have completely turned.

Your birth captivated our hearts, filled a space within, and made our family complete.

The joy and smiles you have brought over the past 12 months have most certainly, enriched our lives.

Our love for you, completely immeasurable.

Oh boy can daily cheer be found perched quietly on your enticing cheeks and undoubtedly felt by devouring your sweet, chunkyness!

Simply put, we adore you.

It's a good life, Max.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Nervous energy

From Payton track

Nervous energy is good for one thing.........winning.

Those mad butterflies carried Payton first across the finish line, in both her running events.
Walking away from her first track meet with blue ribbons was most certainly groovy, but the real excitement stemmed from the aftermath. The phone call came today, requesting her information and promising a letter, THE official letter inviting her to State, in good ole' Rexburg, Idaho! If that nervous energy can nudge her first across the finish line there too......an all expense paid trip to Hershey Pennsylvania, where's she wined, dined and able to compete against the fastest kids in the nation, will be her fortune. Now we have no idea how this cookie's going to crumble, but I must admit... the thought of it ALL, releases a whole lot of nervous energy, and I wish I were just speaking for the young one with fleeting limbs!

maybe a thousand

From owen 1st day

I shed a tear or two or maybe a hundred, 9 months ago, the day Owen started pre-school.

Cousin Beckham was in town visiting. I just happened to notice that the grey Beatles T, Beck is sportin' in the photo above, is ironically enough, the same Mr. Max is wearing at this very moment. Sure am grateful for hand me downs, and for a sister in law with good taste!

From Owen pre-school graduation

I shed a tear or two or maybe a hundred, just last week, the day Owen waved good-bye to friends and wonderful teacher Summers, shuffled away wearing his paper cap and holding a fancy certificate, credentials and validation for learning brass tacks,

and just like that...............his pre-school days are behind him.

From kid pic.

Mr. O has been my side-kick for 5 momentous years. I'll keep him close and have him to myself all summer long, but in mid August when the night winds start to cool and the buzz of a new school year rings in the air,

I'll shed a tear, or two, or maybe this time.......a thousand.......because then "inevitable" arrives, taking Owen by the hand and leading him forward, onward, schoolward, while Mama is left standing in the shadows, mustering up the strength...........

to face the music and let him soar.

From jump

Braggin' rights

From Coach Pete Run

I BEAT PETE!

......said I was gonna!

Ya beat Pete around here, ya get braggin' rights and a t-shirt to prove it!

Congrats to my speedy Payton, who I tried desperately to keep up with but only lasted a measly 10 yards, and all my fast friends who earned the "winning" shirt.

Hats off to Uncle J. who came all the way from Twin Falls to join us for the big race. We love you, buddy!

Pete, you know how we hate to see you lose

...................unless it's to US and the annual Beat Pete Scholarship Run!

Hot Babes in Monkey Suits

Who throws the tots in the vehicle and drives 10 hours through the lowly desert, in a last minute effort to bask in blue skies and feel Mr. Sunshine's kisses?

WE DO!

After lugging a chunky monkey and his bag of necessities, the big, old camera seemed an added nuisance. I surrendered the MM and chose to snap shots with my nifty new phone instead. Sad ending to the story is I can't quite figure out how to get the darn things downloaded to the P0000ter!

I'm on a mission to download portraits, hopefully sooner than later.......

cuz' something tells me the G'ma's are dying for more shots of the hot babe in his monkey suit!

P.S. I am laughing. I just looked over the post and noticed Bob's hole and wound vac are showin'. It's so second nature round here, I didn't even regard it! Sorry for the eye sore, ignore and focus on Max's amazin' baby figure, chunka legs and all!