The baby

Disclaimer: Just because that is the title of my post, doesn't mean I have baby fever.

I call this our baby because:

We have been helping it grow for 9 months...

It has occupied our minds for many nights....

It has taken blood, sweat, and tears....

It doesn't look like us (or our dream home) but we have kids that don't look like us....

It is overdue!

Isn't she beautiful...

Yes, she even has a name. It is the first time I have named our home, but even though we aren't in it, and possibly may never be, she just like a baby has to have a name. I am not sure if I should share it...I try to not let myself get too attached until it is official ( that is how I am with babies too) But the truth be known, I am attached, just like I am with the babies.

Her name you ask?

Look to the right of the picture, that is the hint. Do you see the sloping ground? Just beyond the photo is a beautiful, magical, right on our property, creek. And thankfully for my sanity, it is only about 6 inches deep on a good day. ( I know, children can drown in an inch of water). It is otter creek, minus the otters (another thank you for my sanity).

Her name....

Otter Creek Homestead

.... the goods

What do you think about these. Do you see those little caps, those are to put out the candles. Delicious or what!! Do you see the little piggy toes...guess who wants to be in the picture. I am not sure how to polish these. I would love to really burn candles in them, but the wax would not be good to deal with. (These are not my courting candlestick, you have to come to visit to actually see it in person. I might even let you touch it...if you wash your hands first.) 1.85 for both.

See this ugly fellow (I know, I am mean) He is about 5 inches tall and uglier than heck. But do you see the potential!!?? He will go along great with my staircase idea, like I mentioned earlier. Should he be brown or black? Oh, I love him!

Thrift Store Morning

I needed a little Amber time today so I brought Katie with me and we hit the three second hand stores in Vernal. I still can't believe there are three...and how does Amber time still include one child? I didn't bring much money because I was more interested in shopping rather than purchasing. I also told myself that I wasn't going to buy any books. On the way to the second one, Julie called and told me about fabric at the Thrift store...I said "We are headed there right now" So we met up with our favorite shopping buddies. I didn't buy the fabric (With cleaning I realized how much fabric and blankets we have) but I found something WONDERFULL!! Something I have been wanting for a VERY LONG TIME.

A Courting Candlestick

I know, I am thrilled. Three and a half bones and it was mine.

Then we convinced our buddies to head to DI with us and finish up our shopping. I walked in, and there they were, in the glass case for ONLY 3.00.........

A complete set of McGuffy Readers!!!

Oh, I am tickled pink. I have been wanting a set for.....well ever since I started homeschooling. They run about 100 plus I think.

It was a good day Thrifting. (yes it is a word in my world)

PS I did get two things that will be made over for personality in our new home. I will take some before and after pictures and keep you posted.

Eureka!

Either spring is here, or I have cabin fever. I am ready to de-clutter, clean and organize. i made Mike bring in the crap, I men stuff from the garage and I have been going through it. I shamefully say some of it has been packed since I moved away from home. I have been finding some great stuff, and we have had many laughs. We showed the kids our scrapbook from our trip to Canada. We explained that even though we looked about 12, we really were married.

I found a notebook that on the front in big writing it read:

1/2 finished Play

1/2 finished Novel

I was on the floor laughing, trying to explain it to Mike. He asked, "How do you know when it is half finished"

The play seemed A LOT like Little Women if you ask me.

I found travel permits for Boy Scouts of America. I am really glad I have been saving those.

I found this recipe:

2 C Flour

1/4 C Shortening

2 tea. Bak Pow

2/3 c Milk

1 tea salt

8 oz tom sauce

1 onion

1/2 tea oregano

1/4 tea pep

garlic pwd

425 20-25 min

What is this, like onion casserole!!

Oh and at the bottom of the page it says:

The gospel won't be influence, it will be what you are.

Have I mentioned I need to organize my recipes?

Pictures

Future Mothers of America
Future Missionaries if I've ever seen them! Where is MY son's tie!!??
A play the kids put on with their cousins
Yes, we are sisters. No wonder that girl kept calling me Shana.
The cuties before the Nutcracker (The real one we went to)

Sorry these are random pictures, and kinda sloppy. Someday I will figure out ow to make this cute and organized.

New Years Weekend top 8 (So what...I couldn't think of 10 before the kids woke up)

Aren't these just the cutest kids in the world!!

Meeting Rosa and visiting with her and Dad

Hearing Randy's DETAILED story of his missing finger...pictures included

Buying a broken shot glass at Ziggys 5.24 Parley though he would see if it bounced like a ball.

New Years Eve party at Jaques playing Pinocle

Visiting with so much family

Going to Miracle Hot Springs...I think my children are fish

Eating a dinner of Chinese Haystacks with the Ray family...If that isn't a tradition, I don't know what is.

Realizing still that I love where I live and don't miss Gooding. I did miss Idaho for a long time, and wanted to go back. Over time Vernal has grown on me. I truly love it here.

Vernals got talent

I have so much to blog about with Christmas and two trips, but I am a little behind in other things from traveling, so the blog is having a little break. However, tonight Michael and I got an in house show. It was called the Nutcracker and it was two ballerinas, one grasshopper, and the music of Taylor Swift.

It was very ummmm Inspiring.

I loved it but made myself not laugh because it was so cute.

The kids have been so happy...I think they like being home as much as I do.