Bushels of Fruit

During the spring and summer we were so excited about the bounty of fruit on our pear tree. Its not a very big tree but it was loaded with fruit. After all the work it took to preserve the pears I'm ready to go and cut the tree down. We canned 27 quarts of pears and it was hard work. The boys enjoyed picking the pears or more like climbing the ladder. We are glad its done. Now we are on to apples and then salsa is next.

Signs of a true fisherman

We went fishing with my brother Jason's family and my parents. Timmy had way more fun with the cat tails then the fish. Wesley loved fishing with his Daddy. He did really good at reeling the fish in and proclaiming how big his fish were. He exagerated every time by a good foot or so. He sounds just like his daddy.

"Oh Wesley"

I don't know how to turn the picture, sorry. The Friday before Labor Day I took the kids to The Red Lion to pick up our race packets for the 10K that Jim and I traditionally run. When we first arrived at the Red Lion we made it out of the lobby as Wesley flew down the hallway while turning to Timmy to have him catch him. At that precise moment a door stood in the way. Wesley dropped and I saw the wound. I had my composure initially until the blood covered his entire face. I may have over-reacted as I scooped him up and went to the desk as exclaimed "can somebody help me." The spectators didn't know the extent of his injury since there was quite a bit of blood. Someone called 911, another person exclaimed "he needs medical attention immediately." Another lady said "I think he will need plastic surgery." I told my helpers that my sister was a PA and could stitch him up, but she was in Idaho Falls. With the influence of the others they said I needed to get him in immediately. I called the children's clinic to see if they could do the stitches, and the spectators told me I should go to the ER. I ignored the advice and went to the clinic where Wesley got 6 stitches. When all was said and done and we had all over-reacted I should of just taken him to Shawna's home in Blackfoot where we could have ignored the drama and my sister would of fixed him up just fine. I'm sure there will be a next time though.

Natalie's Best Friend

These are the two most perfect babies. Collectively these two would make the Best twins. Natalie on the left is ours and Brianna is my sister Shawna's baby. Shawna has just started employment as a Physicians Assistant and I have been babysitting her two children while she is doing her training. Natalie and Brianna are perfect. Its those boys who are the trouble makers.

Why buy beds

I gave Jim instructions to put the kids to bed while I went for a jog. Natalie fell asleep in her bumbo (thanks aunt Jenny for a super cool gift). Wesley cuddled up to elmo in the front room and Timmy of course was still awake. The picture of Timmy is later that night. He loves books and can't go to sleep unless he is encircled by them.

Harvesting Time

This is a sample of our first crop. Harvesting time is bitter sweet. There is so much work involved in canning and perserving. Although I love being able to go to the garden and get all the fixins for salsa or dinner or to satisfy cravings. Timmy sure loves to pick onions even if they are still the size they started. Wesley is a big help in picking the right sized cucumbers for pickles and making sure Timmy knows if they are ready or not. We have already canned 30+ quarts of pickles, lots of apricot jam, and squash. We are getting ready to do applesauce and when our pears are ripe will can them as well.