Just Us

My hump, my hump...My Lovely BABY bump-Check it out

2012-01-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

Now that I got that awesome song stuck in your head...here are some baby bump pix.

(These are for you Chellie and Katie!!)

I am for sure showing now-hard to hide or suck it in :/

I am bigger at night than in the morning (which is when I shoot my pix)

I have finally gotten over most of the morning sickness stage-

it lasted until a little over 19 weeks.

I am feeling more tired than I was in my first trimester,

but I am also doing more to try and catch up from all the sick time I had.

I haven't really felt the baby move yet consistently...but I think I have felt him.

I haven't really had any cravings but...

I am loving citrus fruits

(it has calmed my stomach this whole pregnancy)

milk products

(see the amazing apricot shake and swedish cream...)

bread

fruits

pizza

Michelinas cheese lasagna

frozen burritos with nacho cheese sauce (its gross I know)

cereal (my saving grace the first 3 months)

pancakes

I am trying to eat more veggies and protein and less carbs...

carbs were really the only thing that went well the first 19 weeks.

Protein has been a real struggle and veggies don't come up so well so I am eating what I can and trying to balance back out.

This pregnancy has been anything but what I thought it would be,

but that's okay because it has taught me patience and to be straight up with others.

It has put me behind on my business and my home stuff,

but I am learning to manage and get done what I can-

I hear it will be great practice for when the baby comes.

Best of all-I am healthy and so is the baby.

It's funny though...

I worked out and ate super healthy so that I would be ready when I got pregnant and I went from eating no carbs and working out to eating all carbs and not being able to work out. I will be changing the working out issue now that my nights are going better.

We found out at our last appointment that it's a boy.

We have also found out that I am RH- and I have placenta previa...

but both should be fine since we know about them,

just hope the one doesn't make the other more difficult.

We are still debating on names...

after all it only took us 7 years to decide on a girls name only to find out it is a boy :0)

I am looking at nursery themes and baby needs-

its all so darn expensive and hard to decide on.

I am leaning towards a very modern oval crib (you can see it on my Pinterest)-

that will be pricey but sturdy...thank goodness for photography $$.

I am also trying to decide between Robots or Monsters...maybe woodland creatures,

but I like the others better.

For Monsters I have a super cool funky wood frame wall collage in mind and for Robots I have an amazing modern painting in mind.

Hoping my amazing mom and grandma will help me out with the bedding.

I'd love any feedback or ideas (all I have found is posted on my Pinterest).

We'll keep ya'll posted...

Luv to all our friends!

Christmas 2011 Style

2012-01-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

My friend Shanoa painted this amazing painting for Eric...we absolutely love it!! His fish room is starting to have quite the collection of custom paintings :0).
Opening the fish paintings

Eric bought me these amazing cage shoes...luv them :0)....ignore the fact that I look like a walking zombie

Our amazing gingerbread houses

This photo is pretty priceless, because it doesn't happen much. Mara has always had an aversion to Uncle Eric-even if I was holding her sitting next to him she would flip out unless she was on the other side of me. Finally this trip she started to warm up to him. We all went bowling and had an absolute blast. It was fun to spend time with Amber, Shayne, and all the kiddos. It was pretty entertaining to watch them bowl-Eric even got a strike while on the phone dealing with some business issues. *** Funny side note: Payden asked my mom when she said that we were coming if "Uncle Eric is the one with the big muscles"-my mom said yes and Payden replied, "Oh good, because he gives the best anaconda hugs"-haha, yup Eric likes Nacho Libre a little too much sometimes.

Eric's awesome reaction to a gift at his basketball Christmas party. His assistant coach is a big black dude...and the funny thing is when you put him and Eric together from the back they resemble Rob and Big. Eric's other assistant Trey got them shirts that say Rob and Big on the back, Eric thought it was pretty amusing-we all did in fact :0)

We had a great Christmas this year in Pocatello. It was a busy whirlwind like usual but we did some super fun things:

*Idaho Falls pre-Christmas shopping
*Twin Falls shopping and seeing friends

*Lunch with Jen and Dane

*Gingerbread houses on Christmas Eve

*Bowling with Amber's fam

*Sleep-over with the Hoskins kiddos

*Eric and Shayne Crossfitting

*Seeing 2 Grandpa's and 2 Grandma's

*Dinner @ Sandpiper

*Eating almost a whole tray of cinnamon rolls (that'd be me)

*Unwrap gifts and Christmas dinner

*ISU vs Wyoming-really good first 1/2, awesome to watch Adam play

Hope all of your Holidays were as bright as ours :0)

Nothing like a little pre-Christmas burpee session. Eric bet Paige that she couldn't do 50 burpees and she proved him wrong. Mara caught on and was loving it....Payden, not so much-lol.

.:2011:.

2012-01-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

We have had such a good year this year...even with all the struggles, we have been blessed.

We have had so many good things come our way in 2011

& to recap here are a few of the things we have to be thankful for:

A New Little Oram :0)

The Selling Of Our House

A Trip To Hawaii

Seeing family for the 4th of July, Easter, Thanksgiving, & Christmas

A New Job

Twins!!

A Trip to New Jersey

Head Basketball Coach

Zero Hour

Guiding

Sold The Boat

Sold The Car

Went On A Cruise

Scrapbooking In Lava

Pure Performance

Housing Bonus-Wahoo!

Photography

Many Many Learning experiences

Most of all we have been healthy, happy, and our way to becoming better people. We have learned through our trials and have been blessed through them as well. We are excited to find out this Friday if our little Oram is a Miss or Mister...and oh so excited to meet them in May. All in all 2011 was a great year, but we know that 2012 is going to be even better! Love to all our family/friends & Happy New Year!!

Because What We Do Matters

2011-11-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

The Folded Napkin ..
A Truckers Story
If this doesn't light your fire ... your
wood is wet!

I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His
placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable
busboy.
But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I
wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie.
He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and
thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of
my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses
tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are
homemade.
The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy
college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish
their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded
"truck stop germ" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense
accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with.
I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely
watched him for the first few weeks.
I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff
wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck
regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers
thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old kid in blue jeans and Nikes,
eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his
duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a
bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the
table. Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table
until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the
background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning
the dining room until a table was empty.Then he would scurry to the
empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and
meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag.
If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with
added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and
you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he
met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was
disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their
Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck
stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often,
admitted they had
fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was
probably the difference between them being able to live together and
Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a
gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three
years that Stevie missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or
something put in his heart. His social worker said that people with
Downs Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this
wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through
the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.
A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when
word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine.
Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance
in the aisle when she heard the good news.
Marvin Ringers, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the
sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy
beside his table.
Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Marvin a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was
the surgery about?"
Frannie quickly told Marvin and the other two drivers sitting at his
booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: " Yeah, I'm glad he is
going to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are
going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely
getting by as it is." Marvin nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried
off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to
round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace
him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided
what to do.
After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a
couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I didn't get that table where Marvin and his friends were sitting
cleared off after they left, and Pete and Tony were sitting there when
I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and tucked
under a coffee cup."
She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk
when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed
"Something For Stevie."
"Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him
about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and
Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me
another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its
outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at
me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply:
"truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day
Stevie is supposed to be back to work.
His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor
said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday.
He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was
coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in
jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met
them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day
back.
Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed
through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and
busing cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his
mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate your
coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!" I led them
toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room.
I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we
marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw
booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession.
We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with
coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked
on dozens of folded paper napkins. "First thing you have to do,
Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern.
Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of
the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As
he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.
Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from
beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I
turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on
that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about
your problems. "Happy Thanksgiving."
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and
shouting, and there were a few tears, as well.
But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands
and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big smile on his face, was busy
clearing all the cups and dishes from the table..
Best worker I ever hired.

This story made me cry...and it isn't due to the pregnancy hormones. I would be lying to say that I won't miss my job @ the school. I start my new job on Monday, and I will miss the kids. I will miss seeing the progress that they make...all their little milestones. The things that they accomplish that seem so little...but we know that it was like climbing a mountain. I am excited to see the new path that my life is taking, and I am thankful for the gentle reminders that show me that I can make a difference anywhere-because the truth is, people do it all the time. What we do truly does matter...in fact I think it matters more than of us will ever know.
Here's to making a difference for all my friends!
Liz

BIG NEWS

2011-11-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

I have been so crazy with the business photos lately that I haven't been that great about taking any of us or our life or posting anything...case in point: I loaded the photos off of 1 of our cameras and it had pictures from a year ago on it! Yea...that's life I suppose. That leads into our BIG NEWS though, I was loading the photos of our lil' peanut (don't mind the spotted mirror-just one more thing I have little desire to do). Yup, we're expecting May 31st. I was going to try and keep the news secret until I was through the 1st trimester...however this lil' peanut of ours is making my body go through a gamete of hormone unpleasantness right now. I was sick so it was hard to hide at work...so we decided to go ahead and tell our families and let word spread from there. We have since gone in for our first appointment. The lil' peanut is doing great...it was pretty amazing, made it all more real when we could see the fingers and limbs moving. Baby Oram was moving all over the place...this is probably a sign of things to come, neither of us were babies content with sitting still. I am going to a clinic in Jackson Hole that has 4 women on staff-which I am thrilled about. They have 2 OBGYN's, 1 NP, and 1 midwife. Not sure what to think as far as my birthing options go, but I am keeping an open mind. Tomorrow I will be 11 weeks-crazy to think. I took the first pregnancy test on my birthday, October 3rd, and it was a faint line. Alas, the box said any line was a line...so I kinda freaked a little-it's very surreal. It had happened on our 2nd month of trying-I thought for sure it would take longer than that! I retested on that Friday and the results were in...we were definitely expecting. I had some symptoms, but mostly nothing had changed at that point. 2 weeks later though the sickness hit. First it was morning, then afternoon, then whenever, and then at night. It kept getting worse, until we went to our first appointment and I got on medication to help me....and help it did! I started the meds last Thursday and have been way more functional since then. It has come with it's own side effects that are not pleasant, but it beats worshipping the porcelain god! I am still struggling to eat meat, but I am now able to eat more than cold cereal :0). Eric and I, although a little nervous, are super excited. We can't wait to see what baby Oram will look like...and I am especially hoping for a small Oram sized baby. As far as the rest of our life right now, I have put in my 2 weeks notice @ work so that I can move on to a different job that is more flexible and something I can keep doing when the baby comes. Eric starts basketball next week and is continuing his progress with Pure Performance and ZERO. I am starting to climb out of my editing hole...now that I can finally edit without feeling sick. All in all life is good, but different....and we're good with that :0).

Good days for all my friends!

Liz

.:Goodbye 26:.

2011-10-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe another year has flown by. I am not sure if anyone else has this...but I have had an age in my mind that I have always thought would be a great one-26-and now it is gone, just like that. 26 was a great year though-a lot occurred in that year. So to send it off in honor here are the 26 big things for 26 in no particular order:
1. New House Progressed...Learned Electrical
2. Sold New House...Learned How To Sell On My Own
3. Eric Took The Basketball Head Coaching Job
4. Involved in Pure Performance & ZERO
5. Started Crossfit & Got 5 lbs Within My Ultimate Goal Weight
6. Learned How To Upholster A Chair
7. Cruised To Honduras And Belize
8. Dream Vacay To Hawaii
9. Photography Business Took Off
10. Got Lights For Photography & A Printing Company
11. Successfully Continued Scrap Swap
12. Wrote A Bit For Ella Publishing
13. Finally Got Internet-lol :0)
14. Revamped The Business Logo & Blog (all by myself)
15. Got My Photo Collages Put Together (now to actually get them hung up)
16. Competed In A Crossfit Competition
17. Taught Myself To Create Posters
18. Become An Auntie to Twins
19. Learned How To Be An Apartment Dweller Again
20. Scrapped & Played
21. Loved & Made New Friends
22. Started A New Adventure (more on that later)
23. Sang Karaoke
24. Camped @ The Family Reunion
25. Learned To Surf
26. Read Too Many Books To Count

Uplifting

2011-09-26T12:55:00.001-07:00

Watch this and read this...it will change your day and your outlook...We never know how great we truly have it! I wish you all the best of days :0). Much love friends and know that God and Jesus Christ are always among us.
***This picture can be found via Liz Lemon Swindle @ Deseret Book. She says of this image: "When Mothers Without Borders approached me about going to Africa, I told them I was not interested. For me Africa was a world away, “and besides,” I thought, “I am too busy.” Imagine my surprise when I found myself on a plane to Zambia in June 2007.
One of the first children I met was Kennedy, the little boy you see in the painting. At three years old he has lost both of his parents to AIDS and was found living alone with his six year old brother and ten year old sister. When I thought of those three children struggling to survive and the millions of others across Africa in similar circumstances, I felt an overwhelming hopelessness and said to myself, “No amount of money can fix this.”
Later that day while we were filming, Kennedy climbed into the arms of the man portraying the Savior. As I stood watching them, Kennedy turned towards me and our eyes met. At that moment I knew it wasn’t hopeless. I realized that the Savior could fix not only the problems of Africa, but of the whole world…and we can be His hands to do it.
For the first time in my life I felt what Isaiah meant when he said, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.” To Kennedy and all who struggle to understand why, I promise that God has not forgotten you.
Looking back I realize that my reasons for not wanting to go to Africa are likely the same as yours. We are busy and feel like we cannot make a difference, but I know now that neither is true. We are never too busy to lift another and every good work is known to Him who said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of…these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

HAWAII

2011-09-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful. Serene. Dreams fulfilled. Message. Turtles. Complete Bliss. Relaxing. Green. Totally active. Warm. Palms. Big surf. Blue. Colorful. Breath taking. Snorkeling. Surfing. Amazing waterfalls. Kayaking. Flying. Wonderful food. Tan. Celebrity. Endless fun. Natives. Culture. Winding roads. Learning. Exploring. Open views. Volcano. Beaches. This sums up the majority of our trip. Most if it is hard to describe. It was worth the wait and the money. We learned to surf and thus one of my lifetime dreams has been fulfilled. Each island had something completely amazing to offer. We loved the food in Kauai the most and would most likely go back to Maui. It was all time well wasted and just what we needed before coming home to pack, move, and start work again. I have around a thousand pix...so here are quite a few, but it's hard to pick with as much as we saw and did. It will definitely be a trip that is never forgotten.

Pending...

2011-07-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

It's crazy to think it...let alone say it, but our house is pending contract. I almost don't want to say anything for fear that it won't go through...but I really have felt God's guidance in this. It just feels right. There are so many great things I will miss about our house...amazing view, walkout basement (that we haven't even used), beautiful tile work, constant antelope (the babies are so cute!), our newly finished front porch, room for everything, large garages, double sinks, walk-in shower, and the list could go on and on. It's with mixed feeling that I think of selling...I am soooo excited to think of new possibilities, but sad to think that I won't get to experience the fully finished product. I am excited to pass our house on to someone who I know will take great care of it---and love it as we have. They are also going to work hard to finish it and bring it to it's full potential. When we were building I know I said that it was like a baby...all the time and energy, so I guess this is like sending a child off to be an adult. You wish you could keep it forever because you want to be sure it reaches the full potential that you see for it, but alas it gets passed on to someone else who you hope will make it all it can be. I can't wait to start another chapter in our lives...and I am positive that it's going to get even better here soon. Change is coming-I can feel it, and know God is preparing us for something...not sure what, but I feel an odd mix of calm and excitement. Wish us luck-we might need it :0).
Blessings for all my friends!
Liz

.:29:.

2011-06-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Eric turned 29 on Friday...kinda a big day. I mean in the realization that he is almost 30-it's a scary thing people. We went to Cody and ate Sushi-a cheat in his super strict eating, but well worth it (Cody has an amazing sushi restaurant...if you ever go I recommend the Rainbow roll and the Fried rice bowl). We competed in a crossfit competition (see the post below), hung out with family, enjoyed the sun, and watched Cam play baseball. I think it was a pretty great birthday for him in one of his most favorite places with some of his most favorite people! Here are 29 things I love about my 29 year old hot hubbster:

1. He is an amazing teacher
2. His zest for life
3. His give it a 150% attitude...if he wants something there is no holding him back
4. He is a great brother
5. He is awesome with his mom
6. He is an amazing coach
7. He started a new program at Pinedale with very little support
8. If he doesn't know something he will do research to learn
9. His devotion to his health
10. He is money savvy
11. He is great with kiddos
12. He can encourage and reach kids that most people can't
13. He is willing to go above and beyond without recognition or pay
14. He lets me be me
15. We can travel together
16. He isn't afraid to try new things
17. He rarely complains about my cooking
18. He is becoming a grill master
19. He has an amazing bod (yea, it might be TMI...but he's worked hard for it & since he's my hub it's okay-lol)
20. He is a great fishing guide (I am basing this off the one time he has taken me...he was pretty patient and didn't freak too bad when I ran his boat into the rock wall-whoops!)
21. He is always trying harder to be better
22. His basketball skillz
23. He lets me be me
24. He goes to church with me
25. He works hard to support us
26. He'll get dirty and work on the house
27. He's level headed
28. He is silly...and usually it's funny
29. His story telling abilities

Happy birthday Mister Oram...I hope it was a great one!

Crossfittin'

2011-06-20T12:07:00.001-07:00

I told Eric for his birthday to pick what we wanted to do. After some debating he decided to go go to Cody to compete in their first crossfit competition versus staying in Pinedale to camp in the rain. The competition was called The Amazing Race...and amazing it was. We put a team together with T & Lib. They have never done crossfit before and I have only done 3 workouts so we were definitely the underdog. However we came in 5th of 6 teams. The teams we competed with were amazing-so friendly and encouraging...great since Eric is the only one who really had an idea of what we were getting into. Eric has been doing Crossfit for about 8 months and is looking for a place to certify as a level one trainer. We will be in Hawaii when they're offering the certification he wants to go to...so he is keeping his eyes open for the next one. This was one of the hardest workouts I have ever done...there is a reason why crossfit is so successful-it works! Eric is a testament to that-he looks amazing! Here is a lowdown on the relay style competition...because I know you all are going to want to try it:
*20 Burpee's
*20 95lbs (deadlifts for girls and overheads for guys)
*20 Kettlebell swings (35lbs for girls and 55lbs for guys)
*20 walking lunges
*Run 3/4 mile with sandbags (20lbs, 30lbs, 40lbs)
*As a team complete: 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, 100 overhead raises (girls 20lbs, guys 40lbs), and 100 squats
*Swim across the pond-that has the coldest water you will ever experience...try to find something around 30 degrees (think you might drown because you can't breathe...empathize with those who have gone through hypothermia)
*Re-do the first 4 drills in reverse: 20 walking lunges, 20 Kettlebell swings, 20 Deadlifts, and 20 burpee's
...that will take around 30 minutes (if you want to be competative) and then you might find yourself on the ground trying to decide if that was the greatest gift you could have ever given your husband...or the cruelest way he could have ever wanted to celebrate his birthday. The next day you may also find yourself unable to lift your arms to do your hair or get a shirt on. ({lol}) It was a great way to jumpstart my working out (better than P90X could ever be) and it was awesome to be able to say that I comepeted. I am glad Eric pushed us all into doing this-he is an inspiration as far as eating and working out are concerned...hopefully he will have whipped my flabby buns in to shape by the time we head out for Hawaii.

Sore muscles for all my friends!
Liz

Learning...

2011-06-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

I am always thinking I would love to take up this new hobby...or that one...or maybe both. Usually it ends up becoming overwhelming, or sitting on the shelf until next month I might actually have time. This one has been sitting in the garage for about a year and a half...but, I finally learned something new with one of my most favorite people-my mom. She helped me to tackle this old chair I got for free (or stole from a garage where it had been abandoned{with permission from the actual garage owner}...I like to think it was rescued). I think we did a pretty great job for first timers, but I know I couldn't have done it without my mom, especially since I was sick on and off throughout the project. We pulled out about 10,000 staples, but we were able to put it all back together with very few problems. It went from nasty dirty mauve to a soft new brown to put in our bedroom.

I can't wait to see my parents again-they're always teaching us new things. I love when they are here and I loved having my parents come for the long weekend! I hope next time they can come in sunshine with no projects to do...and no illness!

.:Six:.

2011-05-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

We've hit six years...today to be exact. We're at six years and onto to eternity. It's been:

Six years...of getting to know my best friend.

Six years...of ups and downs.

Six years...of laughter and life.

Six years...of lots of love with a little heartbreak.

Six years...of adventure.

Six years...of devotion and caring.

It's crazy to see those old people holding hands on the park bench and think wow-they've made it a long time, but I am starting to get it...after six years of marriage experience. It gets easier and I have learned that your love won't diminish if you help it grow. We're working at learning what works for us-and although we aren't ever perfect, I love what we are and what we have and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's like the book Aladdin that I read with the kids today: you could take the easy way and use magic to get something, but it will always vanish...or you could work hard for what you have and make it last forever. Our love is like that-the road might not always be easy, but it is most definitely worth it. I also heard a song today that said something to the effect that: there were two young kids who got married with cheap wedding bands (maybe our weren't and maybe he doesn't even own his anymore but...)and they had nothing to their name but big dreams and the belief that they would make it, and I thought-yea our love is like that. In six years I have learned that it takes love, work, trust, God, and the belief in what we have. I believe in what we have-an eternal marriage, the starting of an eternal family-nothing is more important to me than that and I love knowing that Eric will be my eternity...my one and only for the rest of forever.

Eric is an amazing person...so fun loving and caring. Great with the kids he works with. He has a huge zest for life and goes at everything he does with 110%. He loves me despite my quirks and OCD-like issues. He supports and trusts me and the decisions I make. He is willing to go on my crazy adventures with me (even when he never sees me because I am working hard to pay for those adventures). He is willing to take a backseat and let me lead when I need to. He involves me in his life and activities. He wants me to be a part of his family and wants to be a part of mine. He is adorable with babies and little ones...and someday I know he will make an amazing dad. He is amazing to his mom. He loves his family. He brings the priesthood into our home. He's not afraid to ask questions. He works hard and isn't afraid to get dirty. He knows how to play and relax. He is great to snuggle. He lets me use him to warm up at night. He puts up with my moods and my crap. He loves to joke and laugh. He is a talented ball player and an amazing coach. He isn't afraid to dream or to work hard to achieve what he wants. Most of all he's wonderful...he's hot...and he's mine for all eternity :0).

Love you so much babe...happy anniversary! Here is to another 6(x10)!

Heart

2011-05-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give props to some amazing kids...I am sure we don't ever give it enough. It seems hard sometimes to find kids that are good. It's tough to be good and do the right thing...especially when it is the least cool thing to do-but that is exactly what these kids are and are doing (and there are many more like them in Pinedale and all over). It takes heart-that's all there is to it. Parents help, coaches help, friends help, teachers help-but honestly it all comes down to the kid. They have to want it more than anything else and they have to work hard all the time-and these 2 do. It is a reminder to me that the world will still be in good hands...if we continue to encourage kids and help kids, we'll have more like this-the good ones, who have heart.

To all my friends...praise a kid, you never know who needs it most and they are all deserving.

Always~Liz

BTW...these photos are of 2 of Eric's track kids this last weekend when we hosted Regionals. Both qualified for State which is this weekend. The top one went to State last year in Shot Put and is going back to defend his title.

Whew...

2011-04-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

We have been working like crazy it seems! I have finally posted some of our old adventures...hopefully I can get around to doing Christmas soon ;0). Anyways, check out the posts, there's a few of them. While you're at it check out Eric's new work...it's pretty inspiring-he's doing big things for the kids and he's just the man for the job! Eric has an amazing passion for Athletics and Physical Educations and overall kids in general. He has done a ton of work on this and it is going to be amazing! This is one of the posters I created that they will be using for their new program. We're both happy and healthy and busy as ever. Me with 3 jobs+photography (we're saving for Hawaii in August!) and him with Track/Work/Pure Performance/and hopefully ZERO. Love all our friends!! And remember to work hard so you can slow down and take a vacation from life :0)!

Cruisin'!!!

2011-04-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Eric and I went on our Spring Break with our friend Scott to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Honduras, and Belize. It was soooo amazing! We were on the Carnival Legend and we had an absolute blast seeing sites and getting tan-it was such a nice break from the snow! We used the new underwater camera we bought for Eric's guiding-and I think it worked awesome. It was so much easier than lugging around my beast, and the underwater photos are so cool (although next time I think they'll be better on the right setting-haha). We did so many things in 7 days! We hung out with family in Florida and ate amazing food, went snorkeling, held sea turtles/monkeys/parrots/stingrays, saw a Mayan temple, went to Hell, ate some more amazing food on the cruise, mini-golfed, and went zip lining. We had a chance to work out together and relax-it was a much needed break and the sun was just what the doctor ordered (literally.:lol:.)!

Chicago!!!

2011-04-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

This post should have been done forever ago...and right now I really should be doing work, but I figured if I didn't do it now-I probably never would. I was given the opportunity to buy a ticket to Chicago for $75...a ticket from last year with work that didn't get used-so I jumped on it. It was a blast to hang out with my two Chicago ladies-Linds and Jaime (and their adorable families). They were so great to me...and Linds and the kiddos were so patient! I ran them ragged trying to get in all the sites of Chicago. It is truly an amazing city and I would love to go back when it is warm and take the hubs. We did so many things: the zoo, bean, aquarium, jelly-belly factory, mueseums, pizza, craft fair, shopping...and the list goes on and on-all in 4 days! I would say that the highlight of the trip was seeing WICKED, Ben got us amazing seats (YOU ROCK). I would go again anyday-it is phenomenal! Enjoy the photos...(I could have posted them for days, but I tried to hold back)!

Family

2011-04-27T17:24:00.001-07:00

I took these photos at Thanksgiving of the fam...good times trying to get so many people in one place and happy all at the same time :0). For more check out my photography blog.

Life...as we know it

2011-03-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been over 2 months since I last posted...but we don't have Internet so when I need to post it's usually over at my photography site. We have been busy building, coaching, shooting, working, traveling, creating, and just trying to keep up. I keep thinking life will slow down, but I think I will have to go on vacation for that to happen...thank goodness our cruise is in 2 weeks-WAHOOO! During basketball season I either did books/clock or took photos while Eric coached. They didn't come out with any wins this year (we knew it was going to be rough with a very young and inexperienced team), but those boys worked so hard. We're hoping for a better season next year now that they have had lots of playing time. My parents also came over to help us do electrical in the basement. We're about a third done, but can't wait to be able to use it (even though we're still planning on listing it)! My photography has been busy and I love that I get to meet so many great people and capture their lives. I am starting to get things in order to do photo printing, and a website (new name and much more-maybe even a studio soon!). I just did photos for the basketball teams here which was a new adventure for me. Eric has now started track, and has been having fun while he can in Cody, and now in Las Vegas. We have also been the recipients of a lot of snow this year-which can make our drive way interesting sometimes. We have really appreciated the help of others as they plow to keep it easier to go up and down. I have also had a little bit of time to create and thus make more messes to keep up on. I am still doing a scrap swap (but a mini-version) and I have recently been making flowers to put on vintage baby sweaters (lots of friends here are preggo) and I love how they are turning out! Until next time.....

Relaxation to all my friends!

Liz

[one]{one}[one]{one}

2011-01-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Wow...a new year already! I would love to post our super energetic photo from last night, but my computer is on the fritz so you will have to wait to see Eric super excited face until a later date (he loves photos-especially ones I take and re-take from arm's length-lol). Super short and sweet today I wanted to post the 11 things I want to accomplish in 2011...so here we go!

1-finish the basement
2-finish the exterior rock
3-drywall and put shelves in garage
4-keep my house organized-1 place for all things
5-finish and hang my wall murals
6-re-cover 2 chairs (one for our room and one for photography)
7-finish my mail/key slot, and message center
8-get published for scrappin
9-finish 100 scrap pages
10-take and print more photos
11-create a photo studio

I have a feeling that this year is the year for changes. We're both changing our fitness to prepare for our spring break cruise (and hopefully continue that through the summer with Hawaii-a girl can hope right?). We have plans to finish the house and hopefully still sell it to start a new adventure. I am going to try to do more things with Eric which will most likely include more gym time, more fishing, and maybe hunters safety. I have idea for crafts, simple creativeness, and home decor. There might also be some plans to expand our household...yup-it's gonna be a good year!

Happy 2011 to all my friends!
Liz

Thanksgiving

2010-12-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving we were able to go to my parents and hang out with the whole family. We had a really great time shopping, cooking, eating, crafting, playing, and catching up. We brought this wig that Eric's mom had. Eric had worn it for Halloween and I sent a photo of me wearing it to Amber and convinced her that I had gotten a horrible haircut. Mara tried it on and that started everyone trying it-so funny. We tried to get Mara to do the rock-on sign with it, she never quite got it but we enjoyed watching her try. I wish we were going for Christmas, but hopefully next year everyone can get together again soon.

Love to all my family!

Liz

First Big Snow

2010-11-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

This has been the first big snow for our winter this year, although it isn't as big as they predicted. Last year we had a huge snow storm in October coming home from Utah...this year it decided to come just before we leave for Idaho. I do love it though...it is more hassle...but it makes everything look so pretty. I have come to appreciate shoveling snow, we have a lot of concrete and therefor a lot of snow to shovel :0). Lately we have had an antelope herd of about 50 head or so on our property. We live on a wintering range for them and they are coming out of the woodwork's because of the weather. They have been so close to the house, but you hardly notice them at all. I have also been working on putting the rest of the house together. I have 3 more wall murals to put up (that still need photos too), but so far I have made great progress. I had a jewelry party this last week so I tried to get our house in order for that. I finally got a filing cabinet-and it is amazing! Eric and I picked this up at our schools big sale-it's an awesome one and I got it for 10bucks! Way better than anything I could have bought for 100bucks! So, the big corner is finally cleared out and only contains the bench my dad made me. The spare room is all done and soon the doors will be painted as well. I hung up Eric's new trophy mount next the painting of his dad (that we love!!-Danen Friedley is the artist of both paintings in this room-the other is Eric). I know we are still trying to sale, but I have decided that I still want to make this house more of us and a little less sterile-wish me luck!

Pretty white stuff for all my friends (as long as it's off the road that is!)

Liz

Ella

2010-11-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Check out my last installation of adding texture to your scrapbooking paper projects...I hope it inspires you to go and do something creative!

All Hallows Eve...

2010-11-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

We went to Cody for Halloween this year to hand out with the family and to watch Cam-man play basketball. I wish I would've shot photos at the beginning of his game because they blew them out of the water so he didn't play much the 2nd half. He and his teammates are very good at what they do, and the starting 5 are so tall for 8th grade that it has made them completely unstoppable. I wish we lived closer so we could watch him more-I love having a team to cheer for! I think as long as these boys are around together most teams won't stand a chance until they graduate. We were also able to see T and Lib's little family. The girls are sooo cute! It was fun to do Halloween with everyone-even Eric got in the spirit and dressed up. I love Halloween, unfortunately I married someone who could care less about it and dressing up-hopefully this is a sign of what's to come when we have our own little ones...maybe he will do group themed costumes with me after all?? A girl could only hope right? I was a spider web, Eric was a scrub from the early 90's (funny some people took that as his real hair and he had tons of people not recognize him), TJ's family were pigs and pig farmers-so cute! Anyways, we had a great time and wish we could do it more often-too bad 5 hours is so long! Love to all your Oram's (and we missed you Chad/Jessica/Caydence!!)

Family Fun for all my friends!

Liz

End of October Musings

2010-10-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

When you live in Wyoming sometimes you see crazy things...like this antelope wearing what appears to be a clown wig (really it's just plastic chicken coop mesh). I think he picked it up to try and charm his lady friend...I guess mating is getting a little tougher all around I see (haha). Anyways, after I watched him and snapped photos I called the game warden to make sure all would be well. He assured me that things like this happen all the time and that usually they can get it to break off rubbing against sage brush-which consequently is how they get into the problem in the first place. They are constantly rubbing their horns on things to show their masculinity. Leave it up to male egotism and the rut...haha, at least it provided entertainment.

I had the awesome opportunity to go to the scraphouse with my mom, sister, and lots of great friends. I was soooo happy when I found out that it was the same weekend as our hunting holiday this year so that I could finally go again. I learned how to make flowers and watchbands (which is why there is a massive photo of my self {also thanks Amber for the shirt...I luv it}), and I got 17 pages done. It's funny though-all of my favorite pages were made during the witching hours. It was super fun to hang out with Kira and Kristen...just like old times. 2 sets of sisters+2 sets of friends=double the fun for sure!! On my way there I passed this fire...it was crazy, just acres away from houses! Eric had a great time fishing with my dad and seeing his family in Rexburg/Rigby while I was gone.

Check me out...I'm goin' LIVE!

2010-10-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have been working for a while now with a place called Ella. I love the amazing inspirations I find...and it's even better that it's all free. Most people who know me well, know I am a scrapbook junkie. I love it...it's not even just the creating pages that I love, but all aspects. I love shopping, I love looking at other scrappers work, I love teaching-I really just love it all. It has been a pleasure to work with Angie Lucas and Wendy Smedley, they are super talented women who work hard at something they love-what's not to admire there? I have recently had the opportunity to do a 3 week series for them on how to get texture in paper crafting...this week I went live with paper. I will have a new post come out each Friday for the next 2 Fridays. I had a great time making this page...I hope you will all check it out and join me for a challenge!

Check this out...

2010-10-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Creativity at it's best!

Wow

2010-10-13T14:09:00.001-07:00

Check out this amazing giveaway if Life.Camera.Actions. at Simple As That!

Fall Review

2010-10-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Wow...life has been crazy lately. Even as I post this I know I should be doing a million other things, but such is life right? Anyways, these past couple months have been a bit of a blur. We have started school, gotten older, and see Fall come and go. We had the opportunity to spend my birthday weekend in Utah(the big 26...the year I always thought would be best). We hung out with Chad, Jessica, Caydence, Peggy, and Cameron. We all went to Lagoon for Frightmares and had a blast! Eric has been able to go fishing and hunting. He killed an average sized buck on some private property that made for easy hunting...except dragging it back across a river. The worst part I think was hanging it when he got home. He was the muscle that picked it up...while I tried to pull the rope tight. It was pretty humorous because we had it tied off to 2 anchors and a freezer. Eric was supposed to go with a friend the week before, but then his friend hurt his knee and couldn't go. Although he was bummed he made the most of it and went fishing instead. The mouse photo is kinda funny because I put up 2 traps and had them full within 20 minutes...but we haven't seen a mouse since. Eric was freaking out because he had to help clean them out to reset them...the only reason we even knew was because the one was caught at the mid-section but still alive. I really hate mice, but I guess that's part of living in the country without a cat (which I refuse to get-yuck!). Beside mouse catching and laughing my head off working in K-1, I have been crafting and editing like a crazy woman. A friend from school and I put together a basket for another friend who was getting married. We went with a cooking theme and made bathroom people aprons...that went perfect with the card I had made. I have 2 upcoming posts at Ella this week which kept me busy creating this weekend. I also had the opportunity to trade my photo services for getting my car detailed...which turned out amazing! I haven't had it cleaned really well since we bought it...because it was a lease to a family it was kinda dirty in places I couldn't reach. It has been so awesome, although hard, because now I almost don't even want to drive in it because I know it will get dirty. We have also done some work on the house...including cleaning up the rock and getting the deck done. We only have to do a bit more to get the deck done which will be nice. I have also almost finished up the upstairs and have most of our things hung. The crazy thing about all of this is we are for sure going to sell. It's no longer an if, but a when. We are super excited about this though and already planning the next house (at least I am-hehe). I am looking forward to being able to go to the scrapbook retreat with family and friends this weekend...and will have more to post about soon I am sure. Although it has been a crazy fast fall, we have been super blessed and are having an amazing time way out here in Wyoming.
Until next time...Fall love to all my friends!
Liz

Learning To Be

2010-09-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

*Greasy after race photos to come soon-I'm sure you will be biting your nails on the edge of your chair waiting right?*

I have been wanting to run a 1/2 marathon for around a year now. My friend from high school (Ashley) inspired me when she was training to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Needless to say, that's about where I stopped-with the inspiration and minor desire. You see, I have never been a runner (just ask my softball coach who made me run back and forth from 3rd to home until I left the field because I just wasn't fast enough). I was bound to defy all of this though and do a 1/2 marathon. Then reality hit and I realized that I would have to train to do so...hmmm, gotta plan ahead and stick to it? Not really my thing lately, especially with photography and the house (but I digress). Anyways, I discovered that the little town of Pinedale has a 1/2 marathon and 10K....so I think to myself, self-you could do that (at least the 10K anyway). Then I find out I have a photography shoot and all hopes go out the window (really I was quite relieved). The weekend before the marathon I get a call and the shoot is rescheduled, hmmm...no excuse now to be a quitter-so I signed up that next Monday. No time to train (as I am editing photos) so I figured I would just go with it (I had just up and run 5 miles and 8 miles with some friends the month before so I could surely do it again, right?[keep in mind before this the most I have ever run in my life for the sake of running is 1 mile] ). It actually turned out pretty darn well. Race day came and I was a little nervous at the starting line (really mostly because I might trip and everyone would fall over me, or that they might have to drag me off half way) but off I went with my friend Stephanie and her sister Melissa. We kept a good pace for awhile and then I got water and Stephanie took off (she did amazing!). Luckily Melissa stayed with me and we kept a great pace. I didn't finish first, but I didn't finish last. I wasn't as sore or as tired as I thought I would be. Although I never got a runners high (maybe because I was jogging-haha) when I finished I was already thinking about signing up for a 1/2 marathon soon. I don't think I will become a runner, but I am proving to myself that I could if I wanted to-and really that's all it comes down to. You don't have to be born something to be that something-just be it anyway!

Happy Dreams To All My Friends!

Liz

BTW if you want a great race to run-join me next year for the Pinedale Half Marathon (they give post race massages/free shirt/free socks if that is any more convincing!)

Inspirational

2010-08-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, okay-a lot of the time-Eric and I spend an evening together watching a movie or two. I have seen some great ones, funny ones, quirky ones, boring ones, lovey ones (not Eric's fav), sporty ones (definitely his fav), and every now and again we get the opportunity to watch an inspirational life changing one. I thought I would post about 2 of these so that other people can enjoy them with me. The first is called "How To Save A Life", and the second is called "Letters To God". They are both amazing, and based on true stories. It reminds me that miracles are still happening and that awesome people are still a huge part of this world. It's too bad though, I just wish the world was more in to things of this nature instead of the influx of rated R flicks. Maybe, someday-all our choices will be inspiring...wouldn't that be amazing?
Inspirations for all my friends!
Liz

Birthday Girls

2010-08-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

After I finished unpacking the school and Eric got done with guiding for the week we were able to visit Poky one last time for this summer. We went for two very important girlies birthdays. We were originally going for a surprise 50th birthday that we planned for my mom, and luckily Mara turned 2 that Friday which made for a convenient cover-up. We spent part of our Friday traveling and shopping in Idaho Falls, and the rest in Poky. That night was Mara's party and she was so cute! She would open a present and then walk around and show everyone. Grandpa Murphy was her favorite person to show and in the one photo she is showing him the crazy purple ball that Eric and I gave to her (she picked it out in the store with us). Amber borrowed a large cupcake pan from a friend and Mara was in heaven-she really did eat quite a bit of it by shoving her face into it to get a bite...she was so cute I couldn't resist taking a photo of her saying "cheese". She has finally warmed up to Eric and his crazy antics, she even let him help her blow some bubbles...however, he ended up wearing some of it too. She is definitely full of spunk and one of my most favorite girlies in the whole world. One of my other favorites outdid her sister with the frosting mustache and made hers a full beard-haha, silly kiddos. The next day I did a little shopping and helped get everything ready for my mom's surprise birthday party. I think she was mostly surprised...but we did do it for my dad last year so she had an inkling. We made pasta (her favorite) with 3 sauce choices, and 3 meat choices (my first time ever cooking scallops) with cheesecake for desert...the only bummer was that my mom had a late lunch with my grandma who took her shopping so she didn't eat. However, it turned out really nice, and as you can tell we all had a great time with the vultures I borrowed from work (I found them when I was unpacking-along with all the 50th signs). Mara warmed up to them after awhile, but she was pretty freaked to start with. Eric entertained us with his Jungle Book impersonation-such a handsome goofball, but I'll keep him ;0)! I love the photo of my mom laughing at the card Jason and Amber gave her-seriously so funny! You open that sweet looking card to a photo of a shirtless man that sings "Happy Birthday" while laughing-he laughs because in order to get him to sing you have to 'tickle his abs'...one of the best birthday cards ever made! I love going back to see family, and although it always seems to be a whirlwind-I never regret going. There's just something about being home. I can't explain it, but it hits me every time we see the exit ramp. It reminds me of the song that says, "it feels like home to me"...not sure if you've heard it, but it sums up my feelings. I know someday that somewhere else will probably feel pretty close, and even though I don't want to come back and live there-I will never shake the feeling that it's home. Thanks to everyone-I love you all very much! And to my birthday girls-I hope your days were both amazing-love you!
A place to call home for all my friends!
Liz

August Whirwind

2010-08-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

I was hoping as we were nearing the end of August things would start to slow down so we could have a break before we went back to work...but alas, it's not happening. We have been able to do some great things though. We went to Boise (last post), had family photos taken (just started getting a peak at a few and I love them!), I finished up my swap kit early (and with no help-amazing I know!), had an early Christmas from my Grandma and finally received new (and much needed) pans, and were able to camping with Eric's mom and brother. You can see in the photo that our old pots from Walmart had seen their days...they were literally starting to fall apart...the only one that remained semi-nice was one from Jen and Mike Higbee for a wedding gift, so I guess now we know-Walmart pans have limited years of usage. We had tons of fun going camping with Eric's family, however, I got a nasty summer head cold and went home early. While we were there though Eric took Cam-Man fishing, and I went on a four-wheeler ride with Peggy and Frank. The scenery was beautiful and I had a great time....but being stuffed up made for a tough ride. They broke me in fast on the four-wheeler...I should have taken a photo! My four-wheeler came back the dirtiest even though we all went through the exact same stuff. I went through deep water, mud, up steep stuff and down steep stuff, through a rainstorm, and even had to reverse through a mud bog. We were on our trip for about 6 hours and saw 8 deer, 1 moose, and lots of amazing Wyoming scenery! I have been finishing up the rest of the softball season with the team that picked me up (finals are tonight), my summer curriculum work, and next week I will be working to unpack the school. Eric has been guiding and fishing as much as he can. We still have one more trip back to Pocatello for my nieces birthday, another week for me to nanny and work on the house, and then school starts again. I cannot believe a whole summer has almost gone by! All in all our summer has been great but fast...only 2 more weeks before we go back!
Slower Augusts for all my friends!
Liz

Destination: Boise-August 2010

2010-08-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Eric and I had the chance to finally go to Boise and see my brothers family. We got to see their new house, meet their new baby, and hang out with all of them. We haven't been able to be around them much so it was great to see them and spend time with them and their kiddos. They blessed their newest addition Hudson, so the whole family was there! It was a pretty busy weekend for us, we drove to Pocatello to meet up with my parents. Then we drove to Boise, went to the zoo, had a Bar-b-Que, hung out, and swam. The next day was the blessing, pictures, a luncheon, and driving back to Poky. On Monday we hung out in Poky and I ran errands while Eric fished with my dad. Then that night we had a friend take our photos. I have only seen one, but know they are going to turn out amazing!! Her name is Jen Simmons and she is awesome!! We were able to go out to dinner with her and her husband after photos and my parents along with my cousin Ben joined us. It was a crazy busy weekend-but so much fun!! We also finished up our softball season and even though we didn't do so well this year we had fun. Luckily though, I got picked up by another team so I am playing in the tournament. We have won our first 2 games so we will get to play again on Wednesday. All in all we have a had good but very busy summer. I am not excited to start school up again because we still have a lot to accomplish, but I have to just keep telling myself one thing at a time.

Fun Augusts for all my friends!

Liz

Check Out Ella

2010-07-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hey all my scrappin'/Twilight friends out there! Check out Ella and join me for a challenge that will get you thinking (and swooning...every girl needs a little eye candy!).

You and Me Goin' Fishin In the Boat...

2010-07-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Eric finally got me to go fishing with him on his new raft...and amazingly enough I didn't hook him, lose any flies, or tip the boat over! I surprised myself by enjoying it, until I tried my hand at rowing and about ran us into a cliff ledge. I think I will stick with floating or fishing...for the rafts sake! We boated a couple good ones, and I lost some that seemed to be bigger than the biggest I caught...but at least I actually caught a few (fishing is no fun without catching!). The biggest one I caught I didn't get a photo with though. Eric got one and then it was my turn and it flopped out of my hands and hit the edge of the net which caused it to fall into the water-bummer, but at least we got a photo!! We went up and camped the night before and can I just say that whoever made tents with those pole systems is a genius!! I am always amazed at how little time it takes for us to get our tent up! We cooked some dinner and hung out. Dinner was made super easy with the cool new dutch oven I scored at 1/2 off!! The lid comes off to make a skillet...pretty cool! Our camping spot was super neat too...right on the river...so peaceful! The sleeping conditions were not fun! Being that we are not spring chickens and pretty spoiled with our soft bed...the ground was super hard! Even worse...I forgot that Pinedale summer camping is colder than other places and forgot to pack socks or anything warm to sleep in so I was cold all night. However, lesson learned and I will remember next time. All in all we had a great trip...and I am beginning to see why Eric spend almost every day in his raft! Even when he is not guiding he is fishing himself...and although I don't think I will ever be that devoted, I think I have found a new hobby to do with the hubs!

Happy camping to all my friends!

Liz

Family Time!!

2010-07-21T10:47:00.001-07:00

I finally sat down and finished the painting that I started when we moved here. The plain white canvases seemed a little blank for me so I decided to pull out my inner David Bromstad (who I wish would come and do my whole house-love him!!) and put a little color on them. I think they turned out pretty good for my first time and I can't wait to put them up in my house today now that they are dry!! It's starting to come together...finally!

We were sooo happy to have Eric's brother TJ and his family come for a visit on their way to Utah. The boys went fishing on Friday while Lib, Eve, Sage, and myself hung out in town. Lib and Eve went swimming at the pack while Sage and I cuddled. Lib and I spent some quality early morning hours together while she was up with the baby and I was up with back pain. The night before they left we took them to this great little cookout spot we found by the lake to do Philly sandwiches and over the fire cinnamon rolls. Eve enjoyed the cherries, while Eric and I struggled to toast our cinnamon rolls right. All in all it was a very fun visit!! Thanks for coming T and Lib!!

My Susies...

2010-07-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

I just read this e-mail that I received from my mom and sister and it hit me pretty hard. Lately I've been looking around and contemplating how it is that I fit in. In my world, my life...in my job, my church, my family, my friends, and in this new place I call home. Figuring out who I am is kind of a constant for me. I used to feel so sure about life, and through a series of different events I found that I wasn't so sure anymore. I guess that's the lords way of keeping me on my toes, and it's really helped me to become pretty independent. Most days I don't mind being by myself or having alone time, but there are times where that just isn't enough. Heaven knows I have had plenty of "Susies" in my life. Those people that just get who you are and what you are about without you having to do anything. Sadly, most of my Susies don't live around me anymore-but I know that I can count on them night or day-regardless of how far apart we are. You all know who you are-know that I love you, and appreciate you in a way you will never understand.

"Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of the sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.' He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered. As the teacher is walking toward him, a class mate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord! 'Now all of the sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else -Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz! 'Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.

'May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good.

Remember.....Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith."

This e-mail also brought me hard back to the realization that Christ has always been and will always be a "Susie" for us all. He has made it possible for us to continue on in this world by constantly covering us for our mistakes. Instead of taking the credit, He is frequently waiting in the wings being ridiculed. All the while He goes on loving us and taking all the negative feedback because He too has been there. He suffered for all our sins and we are never alone-because there is nothing in our lives that He too has not faced in His. I know that the Savior Jesus Christ suffered for my sins, and although often times I am not that great at showing my appreciation-I do appreciate Him and all He and my Heavenly Father have done for me.

May all my friends have "Susies" in their lives to help them when they are down!

Liz

Photo Credit to Mark Mabry

Summer Fun

2010-07-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sooo...the problem with having 2 cameras is that I usually don't get around to importing photos from both. However, I have finally done the little one and have photos of all the fun we have been having since May. First we finally had our anniversary dinner...steak, shrimp, and calamari with the sides-super yummy! Next was my adventure of putting together our new dresser by myself-which the instructions say not to do, but I did it and it works great. I also got it in to our room and loaded by myself, the joys of being a coaches wife! I also finally got our cool rug from my Grandma down and it feels heavenly! I haven't taken a photo since my mom helped me make curtains...but soon enough (thanks again mom!). Next is when my family came to visit...we went fishing at one of the lakes around Pinedale, I believe it was called Dollar Lake. The kids had fun snacking and playing in the dirt. Us ladies visited around the fire since it got a little cold and rainy, and the guys enjoyed fishing and catching little trout fish. We had lots of fun while they were hear and grew accustom to having a much louder than usual home. Most recently I went to Pocatello and did 5 photo shoots which you can find sneaks of on my photography blog. From there we came home and did one concrete pour with our buddy Seth who came from Cali to work with us for a week. After one day of being home and working we jumped in the car to go to Cody for the fourth and for TJ and Libs newest additions blessing. While we were in Cody we didn't do much because we all got sick...but we were able to go out on a four wheeler ride before all that happened. It was fun and Eric and I learned what a crazy lady Peggy is on her new four wheeler...and she was great about us teasing her with her super efficient hand signals-haha! On Sunday we went to Billings for the baby blessing and got to meet our new niece and spend time with family! She is a doll and so tiny! And of course, what would an Oram get-together be without some basketball. The boys had fun playing and dunking-Cameron proved his skills on the court...and showed them how much taller he had gotten by taking up their dunking challenge. Over all it was a fun trip-but we missed Chad and Jessica being there!! That night we drove back to Pinedale and the boys and I have been working all week to get all of our concrete done. It is a hard and dirty job...pouring, stamping, and staining! They laid the last of it last night and now just have cleanup and sealing to do (you can also see photos of how the house progressed with painting-looks just like I imagined!). So far our summer has been fun and way to fast! Up next will be the finished product of all our hard work, and enjoying some outdoor time in Pinedale!

Fun summers for all my friends!

Liz

Babies!!

2010-06-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am pretty excited to announce that we received 2 new members of our extended family last month. One on each side...pretty neat. On the Oram side another beautiful baby girl...Sage Christine, and on the Murphy side another handsome baby boy...Hudson Christofer. Just call me Auntie....SERIOUSLY-I love babies and I love our nieces and nephews like crazy, even if I don't get to see them all very often. Can't wait to snuggle the new little ones!!

Baby snuggles for all my friends!

Liz

Ella Love

2010-06-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Check out my blog post with Ella publishing...get on the love wagon and submit! You seriously might be my love of the month!!

Green House

2010-06-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here is our newly painted GREEN house...it is sooo weird seeing it an actual color instead of tan, but it looks really nice. It will look even better when the concrete is done and the rock cleaned up. It was a little weird feeling like I was living in a fishbowl everyday while the painters were there. We only have curtains in our bedroom so at any point I could walk in to a room and there they would be at the window. Good thing they were all cool or it would have been a long 3 days! Oh...and I get asked frequently if we live in a subdivision or do we have neighbors....to which the answer is yes and yes. We have a couple neighbors but our subdivision is new so we have lots and lots of space to ourselves. To prove my point check out the photo of the cattle drive across our road...mainly we share our space with many animals. Case in point: early last week I was on a walk and got close enough to an antelope to (according to what my nephew wanted to do the week before) "hit it with a rock and break off it's antlers". Don't kids say the darnedest things? No worries animal enthusiasts instead we just stared at each other and I refrained from throwing a rock, plus a she has no horns...however if the aggressive grunting male I crossed on my way back from the rock would have continued on his charge towards me I wouldn't have thought twice about hitting him with a rock-haha.

Lately

2010-06-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit with my family...mostly cold weather until they left...now it is mostly beautiful, funny isn't it how that works. Thanks so much fam for coming and for all your help! We now have a disposal that will hopefully stay attatched to the sink, an awesome shelf in the laundry room, amazing curtains in our bedroom, and finished swap layouts-you guys are awesome!! Since then we have been playing, had Eric's brithday, and have worked on the house. It has been weird for me not working, but I have made use of the time by staying up late reading books and sleeping in-haha, guilty pleasures. We hired someone to paint our house-one less thing to do-and they started today. Eric called and said "how does it look?"....I said, "very green". It's weird seeing it in color...very weird indeed. I have started to play around with my camera and have uploaded some new photos-pretty exciting, and have also started to workout again...I am feeling like a new woman already. I also introduced a summer special for photography: $75 for any shoot...check out my blog for more details. Eric has been teaching casting classes, working on the house, and enjoying his new raft. We have been enjoying the nice weather by going on a drive with Kevan, having a cookout at the lake, playing softball, and working outside on the house getting ready for Seth and concrete. Hope you all are having a wonderful summer thus far! Would love to hear from you all...so stop by if your itching to get out and enjoy beautiful Wyoming weather (I promoise we won't make you work too much on the house-hehehe)!

Sun for all my friends!

Liz

28

2010-06-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Today this wonderful man has been around for 28 years...love this photo...totally him when around his family-always the entertainer, the goofball, the story-teller. Eric is such a great person with a huge heart! Even though I wish we were in Hawaii celebrating instead of Pinedale with snow...I hope your day is awesome!! Love you lots and I hope your next 28 years just get better!!

School's Out For The Summer!!

2010-06-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

I never realized when I was younger how excited my teachers were to be out of school...almost more excited than the kids I think :0). Although I will be doing some curriculum work for the summer and helping to unpack at school-I am so ready for a break! We have been packing for around 2 weeks now-whew!! I never thought teaching could be as exhausting as it is, but I do enjoy it. Next year Eric and I will each be starting our 3rd year in the Pinedale School District, and I will say it has been a good move for us. I am loving working with the little tikes, and I am soooo excited to move to our amazing new Elementary School Building next year that I can ride my bike to. We have big plans to finish up a lot on the house and put it up for sale. Yup, you heard me right-for sale. We are going to do it and just see what happens-no pressure. If it sales, it sales. If not, we will have a great house on it's way to being finished. Either way it will be great for us, but we have a lot of work ahead of us this summer. I am super excited to get a break to read a little, work out, fix up the house, sleep-in, figure out my new camera, and scrapbook. Eric is super excited to get his new boat, guide, fish, spend time outdoors, fish, work on the house, and fish some more. We have a wonderful friend who is super talented coming to help us the end of this month-so we should be able to get a lot done then. We have a couple of trips planned to see family and friends, and a couple of friends and families are coming to see us! If you haven't-call, we'd love to see you!! We can't wait for the summer to start, oh wait-it has. I am officially off to enjoy the sunshine!

Happy summers for all my friends!

Liz

Remembering...

2010-05-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Notice the man in the wheelchair is the only one standing....

I received this in an e-mail and found it very fitting:

It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of press.

It is the Veteran, not the poet, who gave us freedom of speech.

It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who gave us freedom to assemble.

It is the Veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Veteran who salutes the flag.

It is the Veteran who serves under the flag (see above photo...they serve under it in both life and death).

May we all take the day to remember what it really all is about. Thank you Veterans our country would be nothing without you!

Happy remembrance day to all my friends-thank a Veteran!

Pretty Exciting...

2010-05-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

All my scrappin' friends check out what I get to do each month over at Ella starting next month....you might just get a little love from me!

5 Years.....

2010-05-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to my awesome hubby!!
"I'll Love You Forever,
I'll Like You For Always,
As Long As I'm Living,
My (Sweetheart) You'll Be"(luckily we get a whole lot more than just the living part!)
It'll be 5 Years tomorrow...and I would say we have earned those 5 years!
It hasn't always been easy, but it has most definently been worth it. I loved you then, and I love you now.
Thanks for putting up with me, and loving me inspite of myself.
Thanks for seeing my potential and loving me as if I have already met it.
Thanks for being you and loving me!
You make my days a little brighter and my nights a little warmer.
You make my moments sweeter and worth more than I could have ever imagined.
I love the man you are becoming and the man you were.
I love how amazing you are with kids.
I love how you put your heart and soul into everything you do.
I love how devoted to your family you are.
I love your passion for life and adventures.
I love that you have goals and plans for our future.
I love that you try your hardest to be the best man you can.
I love that you hold the priesthood and look forward to the day that you can show our children how much it means to hold it and use it.
I love that you support me.
But most of all I LOVE YOU!
Here's to Eternity!!

Finally A Nice Weekend!!

2010-05-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

We finally had a nice night to enjoy the outdoors!! I went with Eric to a friends pond to fish...really I did more casting and photo taking. I didn't catch any fish...can't imagine why-look how fantastic my lure was...reminded me of scrapbooking and cherries, hehe! Eric did finally catch one as we were leaving. We walked down to the river before he caught it though and spooked a moose, they really are funny looking animals!! Like a mix between a horse/donkey/and some animal that I cannot place...very doofy when they run. It stayed there the whole time watching us. I am sure it was not impressed when I jumped the creek and Eric tried to help me but ended up dragging my through the mud-not pretty!! I also finally did some more work in the garage and in the house...this is the new coffee table that is part of my upcoming birthday-it matches perfect and fits so much better than the other one. I was pretty proud of myself, I brought it in the house all by myself and moved the old one out. I have been neglecting working out so I figured that was a good place to start. We also started softball tonight....and WON, so exciting to be playing again-but I am definitely out of shape!!
Nice weekends for all my friends!
Liz

Updates...

2010-05-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

Master bedroom...just put the bed together last night!!

Guest Bedroom...it's getting there!

Hallway...finally the photos are going up!

This post is for my wonderful friend Linds and myself (and all the rest of you out there that keep up with our mostly uninteresting life). For me it's to stand as a reminder that sometimes I do eat good food (instead of frozen burritos at 10 pm-like last night) and sometimes-really not all that often-but sometimes,I do make my bed and keep my house clean ;0). Also this stands as a reminder that sometimes I do nice things for the hubs, like: drive 20 minutes out of town (leaving an unfinished scrapbooking page) to take pictures of the biggest Brown he's ever caught-while getting hailed on in unpleasant places (for heaven's sake why can't they make pants that don't gap in the waist and squeeze my mondo thighs?), while running through cow poo with the possibility of getting dropped in a stream, and having hands so cold they burn-fun times for sure. For Linds...this is to show that I am unpacking-albeit slowly-and getting my rooms put together!

Fun times for all my friends!!

Liz

PS...just bought the new camera-call me if you are needing photos, it should be here in a week...WAHOOO!

Meeting Ella...

2010-05-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

Have you met Ella yet??

I am guest blogging here at one of the coolest new online scrapbooking sites-I am sooooo excited!! Check it out and make sure you spend some time there....look around and get inspired!

PS...their books are completely 'green'-just download them and either keep them on your computer or put them on a cd. They make great gifts and have such great material in them!!

Cutting For Love

2010-05-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

I decided after I donated my hair for the first time to here that I wanted to continue to donate my hair. It's a weird feeling of anticipation all day for me, and definitely hard when they chop the ponytail off (wanted to cry for sure this time). I know people say it's just hair-it will grow back-but usually they are the ones with short hair! My hair is kind of like a comforting blanket-it's always there! It is super easy to do and cheap to maintain! I have a little moment of panic after they cut it off, "It's like crap-did I really want to do that? Will I be able to even do my hair? What if they end up messing it up and they have no where to go but a boys botch cut?" I know-silly really, but none the less it is a hard decision that I have to talk myself into and pump myself up for. I made the decision about a month ago and before I could change my mind I made an appointment and didn't tell anyone-even Eric when I was doing it. When I went in I brought a couple photos, but told the awesome stylist that she could just go for it and do what she thought was best. I am still getting used to the back being short, and I learned today that I can't take showers at night or it is awful and hard to do in the morning. I think the color is daring and super fun, but I am still adjusting to it as well. It's funny when I can't feel it on my neck, or I hold it out of the way of the drinking fountain, or move it so it doesn't get caught on my computer bags straps, even better is when I have to double take in a mirror, or when the little kiddos at work say "Mrs. O is that really you? Did your hair change colors? Did you cut your hair?"-the looks on their faces are priceless and their compliments mean the world to me! I know that I am cutting for a great cause, and knowing that I can make even a small difference this way makes it all worth it. I cannot even imagine how hard it would be to lose your hair. I remember watching my Grandma's hair thin and fall out. My heart aches for those young kids and adults who have to go through the pains and embarrassment of losing their hair. My fear might make me second guess a decision after it is made, but the realization that my hair can and will grow back completely changes my outlook! Here's to another 2+ years growing my hair to anticipate a cut for love! I challenge you all to join me in my cut for love!

New styles for all my friends!

Liz

They Call Him Coach

2010-04-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

This week we had the Wrangler basketball banquet to celebrate the boys/girls accomplishments. Of course there was amazing food, but even more than that there were amazing boys there! The basketball team has been so fun to watch this year! I was so proud of their accomplishments-taking 3rd at state and battling Jackson Hole-who they are all close with, in two huge games! Both for the regional championship and then again for the third place spot. Beyond being proud of these boys, I am so proud of Eric. HE IS AN AMAZING COACH...and I don't just say that because he is my husband-but because he truly is awesome at what he does. The head coach got up and talked about how great an asset Eric is not only to the program, but to the school with all of the great things he has done to help athletes become better athletes (and kids to become stronger in general). I whole heartedly agree! I don't say it much, but he is great with kids and an inspiring leader/coach. If all coaches coached with the passion he does-sports in general would be different. If all athletes played with the passion he did/does, sports in general would be different. I never imagined I would be married to a coach and teacher-even more so I never imagined I would live in a very small town. However, it has been so nice to move somewhere were I can feel like I am a part of a sports program again. My heart sunk when those boys lost the game that would have taken them to the finals. They played their hearts out, and it was so sad to see them walk out broken hearted. They met the best of the best this year and competed with them the whole time! They were a joy to watch, and so was their amazing JV coach-wink wink! Love you Eric! Here are a few photos of the season...I will post more of my favorite shots soon!

Passion for what you do for all my friends!

Liz

Peeping Toms and House Sneaks

2010-04-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

I stayed up pretty late last night, so by the time I woke up today it was around 11-it was very nice. However, I woke up to a peeping tom! Actually, 9 of them to be exact. Then they called their buddies.....and I ended up with 28 eyes peeking into my windows! I thought Eric and I moved out of town to not have to put curtains up-haha. I was talking to my mom on the phone and I noticed a herd of deer across the street. By the time I got off and put in a load of laundry I came out and they were no where to be found. I thought it was a little strange, but soon enough I saw a little head poking out of the area where our walkout basement is. They had all congregated there for a little drink and shade. I grabbed my phone to take a photo and went outside. They moved, but one stopped on the opposite side of the retaining wall and poked his head up to watch me. After I went back in I grabbed my camera and moved to my room to see if they were over there, sure enough they were and they stayed there for about an hour while I got ready-watching the whole time to make sure I wouldn't come through the window and get them. It was pretty funny to see them so interested in our house and windows-waiting to see if anything was going on. I also had a bird try to fly in to the bathroom when I was in there this morning, and the most amazing bluebird fly right next to me and perch on our porch when I was watching the deer. God really has made some of the most amazing creatures. It's times like these that I am grateful I live in such a beautiful and remote place!! Lastly, here are a few sneaks of the house-rugs in the spare bedrooms, the spare bathroom, and the living room. I should be ordering my bed this week so soon we will have it more decorated and pictures up and I will post more. (Check out my new photography post below)
Pleasant peepers to all my friends!
Liz

Love These Kids!

2010-04-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

I adore these kiddos! I was there for the first 2's births and up until we moved for all the important life milestones. It has been hard to be away from them and my family, and not be able to have the same experiences with Mara that I did with the older 2. Luckily I get to spend quality time with them when I go home for visits. I took these photos a couple months ago and have finally gotten enough time to edit them!! It was a fun shoot because I had new props and backgrounds! Paige is finally in to the camera so she wanted to do all sort of things (like go outside in the freezing cold) and pose in all sorts of places. Maybe she'll be a budding photographer soon :0). Mara wasn't so sure about the camera...but did pretty well. The most exciting thing about my photography is that I am upgrading my camera and lenses-so I should have a lot more capabilities soon. I am also hoping to get a mini studio in our house so I can shoot year round! Anyways, I played around a lot with these-since she's my sister I can take liberties like that-haha. Enjoy and you can see more @ http://www.simplemomentsphotographybyliz.blogspot.com/.
Sugar bribery for all my friends!!
Liz

Love This Girl!

2010-04-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

This lovely lady is my cousin Kristine, and we have grown up together since we were in diapers! I was so excited for her when she got married! It was true to her style very low key and fun! They (meaning some of people waiting and threw snowballs at her)had an impromptu snowball fight when they excited the temple. Her being the softball pro and good natured girl took it in stride and promptly returned the favor! I took some shots at her wedding that you can see on my photography website (http://www.simplemomentsphotographybyliz.blogspot.com/). As I was editing photos I started remembering stuff from our past. It's funny being grown up and still remembering all the funny things we did as kids. I remember going one time to pick her up at her house (that used to be our house-we sold it to them when my dad went back to school-and then we moved into the apartment they were in behind my grandparents house) and she didn't want to come swimming because she said I was bossy. No offense Krissy, but you should see you with your brothers-haha, totally kidding-kind of. Anyways, we did lots together until they moved to Boise. I remember visiting there for an Easter egg hunt and in the summer. I also remember late night games outside with her friends when they moved to Idaho Falls-felt the wrath of Steve and Kathy one of those nights too, haha. Living in my bedroom in college-trundle bed delight, right? Trying to find parking spots on the way to institute...Great times together! Miss and love you cuz!!! Hope to see you soon!
Happy memories to all my friends!
Liz

Miracles Happen

2010-04-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

This is my little cousin Tell, and he is proof that there are angles among us that make miracles happen daily. While my parents were here this weekend we found out that Tell had been in a pretty serious rollover on his way home from Pocatello. They are still not sure of all the details, but they do know that he was partially out of the sun roof of the car when it landed. The car landed on his head, and miraculously enough there were amazing people right there that pulled the car off of him. As far as they know right now the only broken bone he has is a small fracture in one vertebra (that they are not really worried about). They are still doing testing to make sure everything is okay since he was without oxygen for an extended time period. For all intensive purposes things should have been worse then they are. My brother was doing a search on rollovers on I-80...hardly any of them ended without tragic deaths occurring. This has helped me to understand even more the power of God in our lives.

I know God heard all of the prayers that were said on behalf of this amazing young man. I know that he has a larger purpose awaiting him here on earth. I know that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are active participants in our daily lives. I don't doubt for one second that God knows all, and that our life is truly in his hands. I am so grateful for him, and I am so grateful that Tell will be okay. It just helps me realize even more how fragile life is.

It made me think: I SHOULD cherish every moment, even though I sometimes don't. I SHOULD find joy in the journey, even when trials get me down. I SHOULD let people know how much they mean to me, even though I sometimes get caught up in drama and hold grudges. I SHOULD get over it and not sweat the small stuff-LIFE IS about the bigger picture. I have been thinking lately about a motto for the year. I think mine this year is going to be 'BE'. For being me...living genuinely, living a more Christ centered life, letting go of things that stop me from being who I am meant to be-stuff, grudges, people, fears, doubts, ect.

I know Tell might have a rough road ahead of him for a little while...but he is a fighter, from an amazing family of fighters. They've been through struggles before, and handled it with the utmost dignity and lots of laughter-I think that's important. They are an amazing example on how I could better handle my trials. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and for the amazing examples that I have who live it around me daily.

A dose of laughter and Gods love for all my friends!
Liz

My Life In Photos...

2010-03-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

This is what we have been up to lately...one wedding-one funeral...basketball & more basketball. Soon it will be house & more house. Spring break will consist of painting and unpacking-finally!! We have been sooo busy with basketball and life, but we have been enjoying it none-the-less. I have still have tons of photos to edit...but this is a sneak peek of what's to come. Check out my photography blog to see more soon. Thanks for all of your input on the beds-I ended up buying the last bed in photos tonight. I also got 2 more rugs for the house and white nightstands for our room. The lamps I ordered finally came in and I love them...I can't wait to put it all together-soon, very soon!!
Time to catch up for all my friends!!
Liz

Pinedale Boys Basketball 2010

2010-03-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Pinedale boys basketball team were the West Wyoming Regional Champs this year....which sent us on to state in Casper. The boys played great for their first game to beat out Rawlins in over time by 5 points. The semi-finals game was a little more rough around the edges. They had a chance to pull it out a few times, but it didn't go (with little help from the refs-but I guess bad calls should be expected). We ended up losing by 7-it was heartbreaking to see those boys faces- they have worked so hard to be state champs this year. Overall they had a wonderful season and I am so proud of them!! They ended up 3rd in the state. They have been so fun to watch...they are so captivating!! Here are a couple shots that I have gotten to since we have been back. The 2 boys are some of the best point guards in the state. The other is a celebration after they were regional champs. The other photo is of the boys wearing their retro warm-ups they found, the coaches promised them that they could wear them if they made it to regionals...they were super excited. Too bad they didn't make it to state or the coaches would have been in green/orange/white tuxes...I guess there's always next year.

New Camera

2010-03-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

This site has some seriously cool camera bags and they are giving away a camera!! I am sooo needing a new one that we are currently checking in to. If you want to see what it's all about check it out here:
www.haveanepiphanie.com

BTW-I am thinking of selling my camera...if anyone is interested let me know. It's a Canon Digital Rebel-it's one year old and I have some accessories and lenses for it.

Help...

2010-02-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

I am trying to decide what bed to buy and in return second guessing my night stand decision. Anyone want to give me their 2 cents on which one you like best? Our walls are tan, trim is white, floors dark brown, bedspread seafoam blue with brown, curtains will be brown-white-blue, roman shades are brown, rug is white fur, and our lamps are brown-clear-white. I would love any advice...thanks!!

Pernio...Chilblain...Pre-Frostbite

2010-02-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

I have had this crazy rash/swelling on my foot since the first of the year. I thought I maybe had an allergic reaction to something in the new house. The doctor in Pinedale (who had no clue and little bedside manner) thought I had MRSA-which it clearly was not (he didn't test me nor did he inform me that he thought I had MRSA until I called to find out why he gave me double the dosage of Bactrim-kind of important to know dontcha think?). I now have taken 2 different antibiotics-which my body does not love, and have seen a total of 3 doctors. It is not super fun spending money on useless medical treatments. They did a couple blood tests today to rule out other things and the doctor wants me to see an internist to check out possible causes for my poor foot circulation. However, with my foot they think that I most likely have Pernio/Chilblain (never heard of it?? No worries-I haven't either):

*chilblain /chil·blain/ (chil´blān) a recurrent localized itching, swelling, and painful erythema of the fingers, toes, or ears, caused by mild frostbite and dampness.
*chil·blain n.

Erythema, itching, and burning, especially of the dorsa of the fingers and toes, and of the heels, nose, and ears, resulting from exposure to moist cold. Also called erythema pernio.
*Etymology: AS, cele, cold, bleyn, blister

redness and swelling of the skin caused by excessive exposure to cold. Burning, itching, blistering, and ulceration that are similar to those characteristic of a thermal burn may occur. Treatment includes protection against cold and injury, gentle warming, and avoidance of tobacco. Also called pernio. Compare frostbite.

So...I think my body is once again telling me that it was born to live in a warm environment (that and that I should totally stop smoking-hehe). California anyone??

Basketball

2010-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

When basketball season is under way it pretty much consumes our every waking moment. I do book and photography and he coaches JV and helps out with Varsity. Here are a few good shots.

Isn't this so cool??

2010-02-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.thepaintbrushgoesspottie.blogspot.com/

Seriously love this cute scene!! Check it out and you could win it!!

Be back with more life stuff soon!!

Liz

Thanksgiving...Belated

2010-01-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

I finally uploaded my Thanksgiving photos...better late than never :0). We went to Cody for the big day and spent it with Eric's family. Little Evie definitely keeps us all entertained...and from the looks of the previous photos that must come from the Oram side. One night during our visit Eric convinced his mom to teach him how to make Spudnuts, which are very yummy donuts made from potatoes. They turned out great and he is pretty excited to turn that into a Thanksgiving tradition-as if I need more things to eat on Thanksgiving. Then the boys went through their old things and Eric found his high school jersey, he still looks pretty awesome in it-huh ;0). Anyways, Thanksgiving although not a long enough break was super fun!!
Happy days for all my friends!
Liz

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

We had a very laid back and much needed holiday this year! Eric and I didn't really do much for each other since we need things for the house, but we got totally spoiled by family...we are so appreciate of all everyone has done for us this year!! I don't even have any New Year's photos since it was Eric, me, and a low key evening :0). We were able to go to Poky this year and spend Christmas with the Murphy side of the family. We wish Jason, Kristina, and Adelina could have been there :0(...but it was fun watching Amber's kiddos open their gifts. We got to see tons of friends and family while we were back...and still had plenty of time to get things done that we needed to and to take a much needed break! I think the Lord really knows when we need his help and how to help even the simple things seem easier. I was able to see girlfriends that I haven't seen in years all in one place, and bump into old friends we wanted to see but weren't sure if we would have time. It was great to see the kiddos and family...Mara is still trying to warm up to Eric :0), maybe next trip!! Thanks for all the good times and memories...love you all!!
Happy vacations for all my friends!!
Liz

Garage Sale Anyone??

2010-01-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

After several days of caulking, texturing, and patching wall imperfections...they are as hard as plastic :0) sign of a job well done!!

Dirty Floors and finished trim...still trying to finish the painting of the trim.

Garage sale?? Enough said! Yes, we have a garage full of stuff...I will be throwing out anything without a home or that I have not used but have saved thinking to my self, "Self, when you have a house you might need this." Well...I now have a house and if I don't need it, I won't need it and out it is going. Yes...we have 3 beds, and no we have not bought any of them. However, we have 3 bedrooms and live out of town-so as soon as we are in I will need people to fill those beds so I am not forced to throw them out-haha. I am so excited to clean out all the boxes-some of which we have not seen in years!! A new start, in a new house, with a new year!!
Wonderful new starts and new year to all my friends!!
Liz

I Believe....

2009-12-24T21:59:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you all our Christmas card the won't make it out this year, and my modified Christmas Story and Message, it's long-but the message is true! We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season-however you celebrate, may you keep the light of Christ with you all year round! Love to you all!!

Twas' the night before Christmas and I was thinkin' 'bout the house...hoping my pipes haven't froze and that there is no mouse! Knowing our clothes have been hung in the closet with care, in hopes that our shoes might soon join them there. The boxes are nestled all snug in the garage, hoping soon to be unpacked with the rest of the junk in the lodge. Me in my flannels and Eric in his shorts, thinking about unpacking, painting, bills, and sports (Eric that is). When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter (hoping it wasn't my Mom's awful neighbors again). Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the curtains expecting to see a big clash. The streetlights were bright and flashing with glee, much to my surprise only snow did I see. When my eyes wandered up what should appear? Why it was a whole honkin' huge sleigh and 8 massive reindeer! Lead by a man not too small but quick, I knew in a moment that large man must be St. Nick! More speedy than lightening down from the sky he came, he hollered and yelled and called them by name. "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!" To my amazement they flew from the roofs to the walls, then they dashed away, dashed away! Dashed away all! And then in an instant, I heard on our roof the dancing and prancing of each little hoof! As I turned from the window and flew down the last stair, there came St. Nick down our chimney with care! He was adorned in red fur, from his top to his feet, and eyes had a twinkling that was really quite sweet. He carried a bunch of neat things that we need, he pulled out a gift and I followed his lead. "His eyes-how they twinkled! His Dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow! (I'm just gonna skip the part about smoking-nasty!) He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly." He was chubby and round (we have much in common), a happy shining old light, and I laughed when I saw him and choked on my sprite (hehe). With a quick little glance, he giggled my way, and it was then I knew that it was okay. He said nothing to me, but laid down the lot, he got all we needed-there was not a thing he forgot! He then ate all the cookies and up the chimney he sprang, while up the rooftop his sleigh bells they rang. He jumped in his sleigh and the reindeer they did it, they headed to Wyoming where there's less people to visit! "But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all", and don't forget on this night that a Savior was born-who brought us all light! It is his birth we celebrate, not the gifts and Santa's story, but the giving and Christlike living that will bring us all glory! So when you forget and get wrapped up in the season, remember this season has more of a reason. Santa is only a representation of all things good, he stands for Christ and all that we all should. (adapted from Clement C. Moore's, Twas The Night Before Christmas)

"I believe in Santa Clause. Imagine Santa. What is he like? He wears red. His hair is white. He comes in the night. He loves little children. He wants us to be good. And he brings gifts. Now imagine Jesus. What is He like? He wears red. His hair is white. He comes in the night. He loves little children. He knows we are good. And he brings gifts. Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas. The symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. The symbols of Christmas remind me of Christ. So, I believe in Santa Clause." (I Believe In Santa Clause, by Diane G. Adamson)

I believe....in the symbols of Christmas:

Christmas Tree Lights: The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World."
Fir Tree: The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.
Star: The star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise. It is also used on top of the Christmas tree to represent the guiding of the Shepherds by a star to find the baby Jesus.
Candle: The candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.
Wreath: The wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.
Santa Claus: The symbol of the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.
Holly Leaf: The holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.
Gifts: The symbol that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son. Gifts are to remind us that Jesus Christ was a gift to us from God.
Candy Cane: The candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
Angel: The angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.
Bell: The bell is the symbol that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Red and Green Colors: The color red symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus. Green is the perfect background for the red. Green represents youth, hope and nature.
Snow: Peace, purity, and renewal.

Signed away my life and 1st child...

2009-12-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

Mid-morning we should finally be the owner of our new home. It's been a long ride...but it is finally paying off!! It feels a little like signing away your life and your 1st child, but none the less it's over and we are moving things in today (thanks mom for coming!!). It's strange to go from no debt and lots of money to lots of debt and no money. I will post photos when we don't live in dirt and boxes :0)!!

Closing date #3 come and gone...still no house!!

2009-12-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

All crap broke lose this weekend...literally! Our pipe to our septic froze and in doing so we ended up with sewer water in the basement. It was coming out of the toilet pipe that is roughed in down in the basement. This is just one of the pleasantries that has occurred while doing the house. I knew building would be stressful and that we would have some issues...but I never anticipated all the problems we have had:
#1-Me being flashed by our cabinet maker
#2-Our roof having a 15 pound snow load
#3-Our builder skipping town mid project
#4-Having to finish incomplete or wrong projects ourselves
#5-Having to do the floor to get it complete after the floor guy tried unsuccessfully 2 times
#6-Frozen septic line
Of course there have been other minor problems, but even with all of this I feel that we are pretty blessed to be able to close only 1 month past our closing date! I am so grateful that our financer is such an honest man...because otherwise we would be out several thousands of dollars! He has currently lost around $35,000 on our house and has been pretty amazing about the whole thing, and I feel very very blessed that the Lord has been looking out for us through this whole ordeal! We have even been able to do a lot of the work on our own to save some money (now only if it would save us on time too...I guess I can't be too picky!!)!! These are a few of the things I have learned/am learning how to do:
#1-Masonry, we rocked most of the exterior that was left
#2-Finish Trim, I made my first 45 and baseboard seam on my own
#3-Power tools...yes, I can figure out most of the ones in my house now
#4-Door knobs, I thought they would be easy...boy was I wrong, time consuming little suckers
#5-Finishing hardwood floors, stain-polyurethane
#6-Patience and people skills
#7-Caulking joints, OCD does not help on this one
#8-How to set a door
#9-How to pick out the right things for a house
#10-Framing/Insulation

Thanksgiving Week

2009-11-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

So I know how lame it is that I didn't get any photos of Thanksgiving, but my mind was pretty preoccupied with all the things I needed to accomplish and I was really stressed about our hardwood floors. Eric and I had to have another go around with them after the floor guy tried twice and didn't do the job we expected. So, before we left for Cody we worked super hard to get the floors ready for another coat of Urethane. We had to pick out all the of the gunk the floor guys put into the holes, refill the holes, sand the holes, stain the holes, prep the floor for the 1st new coat, and then put it on. When we got back on Sunday we sanded them and did another coat. It was a lot of work, but they look so much better than they did before. Even though they are not prefect I would say that we did a pretty fine job on the floors. We are wishing though that we had just taken the money and done them ourselves because they still put us back like 3 weeks with all the problems, and we ended up helping with everything except the sanding (which is the easiest part)-without getting paid for most of it. Essentially we paid someone to do the floors that we ended up doing most of ourselves-really annoying!! Anyways, Thanksgiving was really fun and we were so glad we were able to see Eric's whole family! We had family photos taken as well, so I told my MIL that I would edit them to save some money...so I whipped up a Christmas card for her as well :0). We did lots of fun things in Cody besides shopping, eating, and hanging out/playing games-we went to the movie "Blindside"-which was amazing, and to Cody's downtown light parade. I got a little bit of work done on the computer while we were there too, it was nice to have a break and a chance to catch up on life without the house hanging over our heads! Thanks for all the fun times Oram family!! Love to you all and happy memory making to all my friends!

Thank a Soldier...

2009-11-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

With today being Veterans day I thought I would take the opportunity to say thanks to all of those soldiers out there!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU...this country would not be the same without you!! Eric was telling me about an e-mail he received yesterday about an English teacher in a high school who wanted to teach her kiddos about the importance of our service men and women. When the kids entered her class they found that there were no desks in the room, nor were there chairs for them to sit on. When they asked the teacher she told them that they didn't just deserve to have the chairs, but that they could earn them. They spent the majority of their class time trying to figure out what they would have to do to earn their chairs back. Would they have to get good grades? Be on time? The list went on and on. Finally the teacher told them what they would have to do to get their chairs back. She opened up the classroom door and several veterans entered carrying chairs and desks. She told the students that because of these veterans they have the right now to a free education. That because of their sacrifices and service given to the United States these kids were now able to enjoy all the rights and freedoms they have, and that they should be very thankful to our veterans for all that they have been given. I just wanted to share that my appreciation for all those who have served before or who are currently serving in the military. God bless you all!! May I always work hard to earn the rights that have been provided me!! HaPpY VeTeRaN's DaY!!

One Week Left

2009-11-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

So we're supposed to close in one week from today...and I am seriously hoping we can get it all done!! We have to do the trim this week, and clean up the exterior. Thank goodness my parents are coming to help!! The electrician, and heating guys both have to come and finish, but it really is coming along. Wish us luck!!

Are You Getting Tired Of Hearing About The House Yet??

2009-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am...but it's what I do day in and day out, so that's what you get :0). Today Eric and I worked on the rock and made some serious progress (more than what you see on the photo). We're hoping for good weather tomorrow so we can get it done and move inside before we get snow!! The Lord has helped us so much with the weather and being able to find subs to help us finish in time!! Everywhere around us has seemed to be getting snow, but the storm that was supposed to come our way didn't and we are so grateful!!! Eric's friend, Danen, and his brother are here helping us get all the tile done and we are so happy!! It is turning out so awesome and we are so glad that Lamar is gone and our finish work is getting done so much better!!! We are looking forward to being done and moving in to enjoy the fruits of our labor!! It has been a pretty stressful time and I feel like all I do is work, but soon enough we will be in and ready for visitors!! The appraisal finally came in, our insurance is square away, and our loan is almost done-can I get a Hallelujah?!!! (It's a ton of work!!) The last two days at the house have been interesting because the long awaited beams and steel valleys were put in---which was no small feat!! They put the valleys in today, and at 600 lbs a piece it was pretty incredible to watch!! We love the patio covering they put up downstairs and can't wait to put in matching posts when the groud unfreezes!! BTW the photo of my little feline friend is quite cute huh? This little guy showed up at our house on Friday and has no tags. He is so good though!! I seriously am not a huge pet fan, but I have thought about keeping this little guy!! The electrician has been taking him home at night to feed him and bringing him back during the day to keep us company. He just sits in whatever place is being worked on and is super friendly and never barks-so cute, but he sheds so he will not be staying. Our Halloween pretty much consisted of doing the house with minimal time spent in festivity. I did go with my friend Shanoa to the ward party last night, and stole someone else's baby so I could go in the cake walk-haha. Working at the Elementary has been so fun and the Halloween parade and parties did not disappoint-the kiddos looked so cute!! Eric and I didn't get to dress up this year, but I have some amazing ideas for next year!!!

Just Us 2009 Style and A Little Venting...

2009-10-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of us...courtesy of me running back and forth to set the timer. I need to figure out my remote...was gonna do it and then company came. At least we still got some photos in before the weather really turned south!! You can get a sneak peek of our Christmas card on my blog http://www.simplemomentsphotographybyliz.blogspot.com/

****Oh BTW did any of you feel a breeze, or get a crazy whiff of something nasty? If so, I apologize...that was the crap hitting our fan :0). (Sorry, I have to have fun with this somehow to keep the sanity). Our builder skipped town on us and left us and the financer to figure out how to get our house completed by November 15th-fun, thanks for the all the patience building you turd of a man. In a way I saw it coming, and in a way I am glad. However, it's like breaking up through the phone...use your cahonas and dump me in person, seriously. He ran away like a dog with his tail between his legs...it will catch up to him eventually, and now I get to save some money and get it done right-with about the same amount of stress. So, please excuse our smell...we're working on cleaning up the mess as we speak ;0).

Fresh weeks to all my friends!

Liz

Our Week

2009-10-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Kinda boring I know...but exciting that the doors are finally hung!!

The kitchen is finally starting to come together!!

My $108 dollar break from school....

The master bathroom.

The flooring is going in.

The spare bathroom.

The front-it is finally changing again!!

I love how everyone is blurring around them in these photos!!!!

I finally have some photos to upload along with the house!! This week was Homecoming and I am so glad to say that both the varsity football and volleyball teams won!! It was on Thursday night which made it super hard to want to go to school on Friday, especially since we have Monday off. Today was our Super Saturday here and I taught earring making-which was a huge hit!! I probably have 10 new pairs of earrings to show as models because of teaching!! I also had the chance to get a head start on some Christmas presents!! Eric is taking a break to go fishing today, but tonight he has to be a chaperon for the Homecoming dance-which I think is pretty funny since he's not really into things like that. They have not been working on the house the last couple of days, but we have decided I think to put the beams in the roofing structure so that you can't see them. The kitchen cabinetry has been put in, and is almost complete. I think they turned out really great!! They look black but they are actually a really dark brown. They turned out a little darker than what we wanted, but I still really like them!! They have also started on our flooring, the wood floor is going down and so is the backer board for the tile. The brick out front is almost complete, but they ran out of mortar so they should be finishing that up next week. The house is almost all sided as well. It seems to be moving along quickly, but we know how much they still have to get done in less than one month so I am not quite sure they will make it. None the less we are happy with how it is all turning out. One the bummer side...while trying to be quick since I was leaving work to get the appliances delivered, I recieved a nice speeding ticket on my way back. The worst part is I knew I totally deserved it, and then to top it all off the guy took like 15 minutes writing it so it made me even later that than it would have if I had just gone the speed limit!!! (That'll make you want to scream at the man) So...$108 later, I have learned my lesson-lie about why you were speeding to try and get off (j/k).

Happy ticket free weeks to all my friends!!

Liz

It's Our Baby....

2009-10-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Seriously messy...not so good for the OCD in me...

Rock and siding is going on...

Master bedroom is currently getting hardwood...

Paint and texture is pretty much done...

Yea....we are closed in now!!

I know for some of you it is a little old hearing about the house (Shayne), but I like to think of it as our baby, which makes me feel better about the extreme obsession. For example these are some similarities I anticipate when we actually do have a baby: We wait with anticipation as it changes and progresses. We're super proud of how it's turning out. It has caused moments of extreme stress, anxiety, excitement, tears, ect. It's super messy!! We have lots of people around for support, information, and TLC when it/we need it. Like a proud parent I like to show people pictures and talk about it :0). I think about it all the time and wonder if everything will be okay, will it look alright (you know you think it-haha), will everything function properly when we are in, will we have problems down the road, ect. Although it's not really a baby (I know some of you were hoping for an announcement), it will have to do for now. Besides, I am surrounded by babies and mommies to be that will let me share in their joy until it's really our turn. BTW....the painting is done, the rock is going on, the hardwood is going in, the garage doors are on, the septic is finished, the appliances are coming tomorrow, and it should be done in a month or so.

Say What???

2009-10-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

I was in PE today with a group of Kindergartners and the PE teacher was talking about safety (it's fire safety week) and who comes to help us when we get sick. Well, we live in a pretty small town and all we have is a clinic so she told them that if they were too sick that they will put you back in the ambulance and maybe even in a helicopter to take you somewhere else. She then asked for suggestions of where they would take you and the kids answered with various places including Jackson, Idaho, and Rock Springs. The best answer however was a little girl that said, "or even sometimes they might dig a hole and put you in the ground". Say what??? I about died laughing...don't kids say the darnedest things??

Us Lately

2009-10-05T17:47:00.001-07:00

WARNING-It's lengthy (and the photos are bachwards-but you can figure it out), but hey it's my blog so I am entitled to vent and celebrate a bit when it's needed...

So...we have had some issues with the house as I am sure some of you have read on Facebook. We had to bring in a structural engineer to check out the roof and a few other things. He came back with a small list of things to do, which included adding beams to the roof. I just talked to him again today and after what we thought would be 4 exposed beams it is now sounding like it will be 6 to get our roof past the 15 lbs snow load it has right now. For those of you who don't know much about snow load and Pinedale, we need more than that because that will only hold 1.5 ft of snow before you start to have issues that show within your home. Needless to say it has been pretty stressful and we have had quite an unhappy contractor-but I don't feel too bad because he should have done it right the first time and if he was unsure about snow load because he's from Georgia he should have done some research. So...N-E-Ways, we are waiting until tomorrow to hopefully sort it all out and get our house back on the track to completion. They now have the septic in (which is the huge concrete tank you see them putting in in the photo), and have started the outside to have the rock put on. They also have all the taping done and sanded, and the windows and wells put in the basement.

Eric was able to go hunting during all of these roofing issues-I tried hard to talk with everyone on my own to sort it out, but the contractor refuses to listen to me and my logic :0) Anyways Eric was able to stay out there even though he was stressed and on his last day he shot a great 6 point bull. We got lots of meat and he is super excited to have one of his best Elk kills yet!!

On another note I had a birthday on Saturday and turned 1/2 of 50 (even though the candles only say 20...we used what we had). We were able to go to SLC with Eric's Mom and Brother to see his other brother and his wifey. We had a super fun time and I had an awesome birthday. I was able to hang out with my good friend from H.S. -she was so sweet and took me to breakfast!! I had the best syrup I have ever had (no offense Mom)-lots of butter involved I am sure!! Thanks Linds-you're the best and I will miss you like crazy!! Then I was able to do some serious shopping with Eric and the fam. For lunch we went to Tucano's-nothing like a little Brazilian food, but the funniest part was when they came to sing to me as we were headed out the door-they were super slow. The looks on their faces when they got to the empty table...almost better than the looks of the dessert they were carrying-hahaha. To top it all off we went to a comedy show, and convinced them to do a funny game involving blind folds-acting-and mousetraps (notice the guys clenched toes as he is taking a step). To finish off my great day we had fondue...could a girl ask for anything more???? We had cake on Sunday after a wonderful meal of steak and coconut shrimp-yummy!!! Thanks to you all for a great birthday!!

The only downside of the trip was driving home in tons of rain, sleet, and snow!! Peggy and Cam had to stay the night with us last night because the pass was closed for them to make it home. We have had snow off and on all day today, and still have a bit on the ground. Nothing like an early snow to prepare you for winter. Pray for us that it will stop until they get the roof fixed :0).

House Updates

2009-09-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

Heating....check!
Well....check!
Insulation....check!
Drywall....check!
Roof....check!
Siding....1/2 done....waiting for flashing.
So far so good on the house. Of course we have gone over budget a little bit more than planned, but it will help us finish faster in the end :0). We are waiting on a few things to be able to finish up the siding outside, working on that has taken some patience for sure!! They have everything ready on the inside to start taping, and texturing. Soon after will come paint and flooring. From there it will be all finish work. I finally got all of my faucets...I love them!! We did have a little minor bump with the accent tile-they stopped making it!! So now we have to pick out a new one this weekend, which I am actually excited to do...since I found one I like better :0). All in all it is progressing. They should start on the exterior next week, along with taping and texturing. We are also going to get the septic started next week.
On another note....school is going well. I really love working with the little kids, I have never had so many compliments!! They are so cute...always finding something nice to say-unlike those high school kids. I am not sure what happens between elementary and high school, but wow-what a change!! I can also say that I am back to working out...a little girl asking if I was pregnant kicked that into high priority (I was sitting down with a small group in one of the 1st grade classes and she just blurted it out....luckily she finished it off with a "Oh, I thought you said you had kids"-guess my flouncy shirt was a little distracting-haha). I am doing an early morning bus route so I have to be to work by 6:45...so I am up by 6am. I am so not a morning person, but I do love getting off early and it's a pretty easy way to start the morning. In the afternoon I work with a little boy one on one for an hour and I absolutely love it!! He is such a great way to end my day!! Eric is staying busy trying to retrain his freshman how to behave in PE, but seems to really be enjoying the start of the year, and the new principal (who I think is great lady!!).
Anyways, I hope all is well for you out in blogland!! Happy compliments to all my friends!
Liz

Progress

2009-09-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

I know we are pretty boring and pretty much only post about the house, but the rest of our life is pretty hard to capture right now since that is the majority of what we do on our spare time!! Eric and I both started school today, and it was a little hectic!! I decided to do the early morning bus riding duties at least for the 1st quarter, so I have to be to work at 6:45 am. This morning I did well and was even a couple minutes early-which is quite a feat for me considering I am always late and don't do mornings well!! As for the house, the Tyvek is all up-some insulation is in-the trace (sp?) ceiling is up-the soffit and roof trim is up-electrical is almost done-and hopefully this week they will finish the insulation and roof. It seems slow coming, but I just hope we can move in w/o snow!! Wish us luck on that!!
Happy jobs for all my friends!
Liz

Last Week

2009-08-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy last week! The house is getting a cover, the interior is all done including stairs, trace ceiling, and the laundry/mud room. We met with the electrician and heating guy yesterday. I saw a moose in town-which happens quite often. We went back to Poky for this cutie's 1st birthday. While we were there we bought a couple thousand dollars worth of stuff for the house-not as fun as I thought it would be, pretty stressful actually. Found out an old best bud is having twins-congrats Linds-no one could do it better than you!! We started school back up today, so between that and the house we'll be busy for awhile. Hope all is well for all you out there!
Happy going back to school/work for all my friends!!
Liz

South Dakota

2009-08-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures of our vacation this summer to South Dakota. I have already posted a few, but I finally got a chance to look at the pictures on my other camera. We did some really fun things while we were there, these pictures are of the Reptile Gardens, and of course Mount Rushmore. The one of the snake eating a chick was really gross, but Eric wanted me to get a photo of it. I am not too fond of spiders and snakes, but they were all behind glass so it wasn't too bad. It was pretty crazy to see how big some of them were. Mount Rushmore was really quite amazing...definitely worth a trip, and although Eric tried to tell me otherwise-you don't get the same effect from a photo.
Great summer photos for all my friends!!
Liz

Framing it Up

2009-08-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is what the house looks like as of today. The garage is all framed up, as well as the basement. They have to fix the windows on the front and in the kitchen and then they will move onto to framing the inside upstairs. It's amazing to see how much it changes in just one day!! We went up last night and there was no garage...when I went up this morning there were all but 1 garage wall up. I think the crew thinks I am nuts because I love to go sit up there and watch them work. They are seriously crazy!! They jump from beam to beam whole holding 2x4's and such. Today the lead framer was walking on the 2x4 on the top of the garage before it was completely nailed to each side. It makes me totally nervous, but they always just laugh when I watch them...even today after I told the head guy he was crazy!! Anyways, we are pretty excited that within the week it will look like a house!!

House Progression

2009-08-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

These are some photos of the house so far. As of today the basement walls are framed up. They are currently installing the floor joists, and later today they will start on the upstairs framing. If you haven't noticed we are pretty excited and our lives (well mine) is revolving around this project. Eric's is divided between the house, fishing, and going back to school. It's crazy to think that the school year starts in just 1 1/2 weeks!!! Our summer has gone by super fast, but we are still trying to fit in one more trip to Pocatello...however, that will be based on the house and Eric's guide trips.

Concrete Walls With A View

2009-08-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is the progression made on the house as of today. I have been doing a lot of behind the scenes work to get this puppy decorated...not that you can tell since the concrete walls are so distracting and all :0). We are excited to see all the work going into this, it's amazing that in a week it can go from a hole to this. Next week they will be doing the framing, this week they have done all of the concrete walls plus the plumbing rough-in (which you can see a little peek of through the window), and they will be doing the slab before the week is through. The picture of the landscape is what you will see from the front of our house and from the walkout, which you are all invited to enjoy at any time once we are in-we'd love to have visitors!! We are trying to be patient and agreeable (mainly me) so that we can get what we want and stay within our budget (very difficult-also mainly for me-haha).
Gorgeous views to all my friends!!
Liz

Little Bit Of Vacation and Our Big Hole

2009-07-31T16:43:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the photos we took of our little vacation...lots more on my other camera which won't load onto this computer :0(. We went to South Dakota with Eric's mom and little brother. We had a really great time, and were able to see lots of things while we were there. We went miniature golfing, to Mount Rushmore, the Reptile Gardens, drove the Needles hwy, saw Crazy Horse at a distance, went to a crazy place that these brothers found where the law of physics does not work called Cosmos, ate lots of good food, did a little shopping, went to Jewel cave, went gold panning, and a few other things. I would recommend everyone see Mount Rushmore-it is really cool up close. Although Eric always told me it looks the same in pictures-I have to disagree, it is really quite amazing the talent and work it took to make it. Anyways, we had a great time...but we are excited to get back to our house and see how it is progressing. They have decided to wait to pour the foundation when we get back on Monday to give the footers an okay. Here are the photos I have so far of the big hole.
Happy vacations for all my friends!!
Liz

BIG News!!!

2009-07-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Although it won't look quite like this (although that would be quite a tree house idea for later-haha)-we are getting a house built-starting tonight!! I haven't posted sooner because it seems like we have gone back and forth so much so I didn't want to get my hopes up. However, it is a go-I bought the building permit today and we met the financial backer and builder last night. We should be closed on it by November 15th-yea!!! I will hate moving again, but at least it will be into our home and hopefully we won't have to do it again for quite awhile. It will be a 1552 sq ft home over an unfinished basement with a walkout and an over sized garage. I will admit that this whole process has been overwhelming at times, but we really feel like the lord has blessed us with this opportunity and since it was too good to walk away from we took the plunge. Soon we will be HOMEOWNERS, I can't believe it after several moves and apartments-but I couldn't be more excited!! We are going modern/traditional inside with some cool details. The outside will be siding with slate rock. We have it all pretty much hashed out and I hope it all works out like it has in my head :0). I will post more details as we get them!!

Happy news for all my friends!

Liz

Our Summer So Far

2009-07-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is what our summer has looked like so far...plus lots of photos of Eric fishing (which I don't have on this computer). My parents came up for the 4th, and we hung out with them over the weekend. My Dad and Eric did some fishing, and my Mom and I went to Jackson on the 4th. We all had a really great time, and surprisingly enough the fireworks here are really good-thank goodness for the natural gas fields since they foot the bill. Then I went with my parents to Post Falls for a credit union convention, and Eric stayed home and had a buddy come up to fish. My Mom and I did lots of shopping, and spent some good quality time with my Dad at night. It was different going on a trip with my parents now that I am married, I don't think I have done that since we have been. We had some great conversations and a really good trip overall. Then my parents came back with me for 1 more weekend. It was Rendezvous days here so they had a rodeo and some stuff going on in town-little shops, food, and such. I am glad we finally had break after being done with summer school. I will post photos soon of our new little apartment.

Happy summers for all my friends!

Liz

Oh, Say Does That Star Spangled Banner Yet Wave, O'r The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave!!!

2009-07-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Happy fourth to all you bloggies out there!!! I hope it was a safe and wonderful one. Ours in Pinedale was easy going. My parents are here so my Dad and Eric went fishing, and my Mom and I headed to Jackson. We all had a great time and then met back up for a little Bar-b-Que dinner and firework watching. The fireworks here are really good, and they had a live band playing while they were going off. The only drawback was the car alarm that kept going off next to us each time the fireworks would boom. It was nice to do something laid back, it gave me time to reflect on how blessed I am to live in the good ole US of A. Having been to a few other countries I know we are blessed materially and although it really made me angry then, when I got back from those desolated countries and saw how greedy and ungenerous people here can be, I know that there are many amazing people in this country. I now think of our soldiers who willingly serve-not because their government makes them, but because they believe in what this country stands for (thank you to all you soldiers out there!!). I think of men and women who everyday put themselves out there to make a difference and strive to make things better for others they might not even know, even though they don't get money or recognition. I thought today at church of my ability to worship as I choose without backlash or fear of retaliations. I think of my job and my ability to get an education and work and get paid fairly for the work I do. Overall, I know I could go on and on, but I know we are truly blessed to live in this nation. I only hope that we never forget that, or the sacrifices that were/are made by so many so that we continue to have those freedoms (have you thanked a soldier lately?). May we always remember, and never forget to help those who are not so fortunate!

Happy fourth to all my friends!!

Liz

Online Swap Stuff

2009-06-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

I decided to try out my first online swap and boy did I ever...I signed up for 5 different categories and in each one you have to make 4 different items for 4 other ladies. I did bird, heart, ice cream cone, flower, and cupcake. It has been super fun trying out new mediums to work with!! I used paper, felt, clay, shrinky-dink, and will also be using ribbon to make a cupcake. It has been really fun!! I hope the ladies love all the stuff I have been working on and I can't wait to see what they have all come up with!! I encourage you all to try this out if you need a new adventure and have some spare time. (You can find swaps on here.)

Happy creating to all my friends

Liz

Dad's 50th & The Cutest Nieces Ever!!!

2009-05-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks back we went to Poky for my Dad's 50th surprise b-day party. It was a super quick trip, but fun to see family!! My Dad isn't a huge party guy, and after the initial shock of the surprise I think he felt okay about the party. He is such a great guy and father...I was really blessed to be sent to the family I was sent to-they're one of my greatest blessings!! With all that has happened on Eric's side of the family it has really helped me to appreciate my own family and any time that I can spend with them. We never know how precious life is, until we lose it. I am so grateful that I was able to go home to celebrate my wonderful Dad's 50 years with family and friends. I made the invites and the table cards and they said "Over the hill, but definitely still kickin". I think this describes my Dad to a tee...he doesn't let anything slow him down or hold him back, which was proved to us when on his birthday he was called as Bishop. Good luck Dad, we love you lots!! These other pictures are of my nieces...super cute kiddos!! I have been working on editing photos of them for awhile...most of them will be posted on my photography site http://www.simplemomentsphotographybyliz.blogspot.com/ so check it out if you want to see more (I will be posting them on there soon).
Family Time for all my friends!!
Liz

Tribute To The Fallen

2009-05-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

"Fellow countrymen gather round and set your minds at ease. There’s nothing new for you to figure out It’s just your hearts we need. So kiss your mamas and say goodbye. But tell her not to forget about our fathers who bled and died so she’d have someone to miss. Most of you will be home again though some may find there way to Heaven. But rest assured they’ll arrive as free men.
I believe in this one because the cause is good and we won’t fight cause we have to but because we should and I can see what it is and what it means to be united. You can’t destroy the rock upon which freedom stands. Oh brothers it’s time for war again.
So wear your colors but wear them proud like millions have before, cause they were sewn by the hands of God and they’ve never ever been torn. Most of you will be home again though some may find there way to Heaven. But rest assured we’ll arrive as free men."

Time for War~Kalai

I found out today from my Mom that an old friend died while doing training to go to Iraq. It's saddening, and maddening all at the same time. My heart goes out to his family...nothing will ever make up for the loss they are feeling right now. I love this song by Kalai...even though I may not agree with, or even understand the full aspects of this war, I take comfort in knowing that there is life after death. This is the 3rd person that I have had some kind of a relationship that has died in this war. I know that millions of others have died before them, and that this pattern will continue until God redeems us all-but that still does not take away the shock and pain of it all. I truly appreciate all that our service men and women do to keep us safe, I just wish that there was a way to keep them safe as well. I do appreciate my freedoms, but I can't help but think of how alone it must feel to be over there unsure of how your life will unfold. I can't imagine the last moments of the soldiers who don't get to come 'home', and what must be going through their minds at the time. I only hope now that they can hear our prayers of gratitude, and hopefully now they will get the opportunity to fulfill their eternal missions...may god grant them the ability to protect their fellow soldiers, and may he welcome them home to their eternal resting place.

Be Still My Heart!!

2009-05-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Oh Boy!!!! I have a confession to make...I am in love with cute things!!! Seriously I cannot get enough!! Be still my heart-I have found a new cute thing to love!!! Felt shapes: flat, 3D, you name it-I want it. I seriously want to snap some of these up!! Can you imagine little kiddos playing with these instead of icky cardboard ones?? This would bring playing store to a whole new level!! These remind me of the knitted food that I used to see when I was little. I love how imaginative these people who are creating these are!! Some of these sample are from etsy...gotta love handmade goodness!! I would love to adorn my scrap room with some super cute cupcakes-yummy!!!

Soccer!!

2009-05-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Eric and I finally had a weekend off together, only 2 bummers...he hurt his knee and then I got sick!! None the less, we had the chance to go to Jackson together (to get his knee checked out), to go to the H.S. soccer games (it was sunny and beautiful), and to have a relaxing Sunday. He only has 2 more weeks of track so it will be nice to finally have our weekends back. I always joke that it's like I am divorced and I see him as often as I would if we had shared custody of children!! Ever other weekend, and occasionally for lunch and dinner. He has done really well with the kids though, he is a really good coach! Today I entered a design team contest for company that is new to me...and I totally love their stuff
(I has a sick day...thank goodness no strep though!!)!! Right up my alley!! Check them out here http://www.mylittleshoebox.com/, and be ready to be thrilled!! I have never even entered one of my pages, but I have decided that it is a new year and it's about time I stop holding myself back! Even if no one likes my stuff but me, that's not really why I do what I do-I do it because I love it!! It would be nice though to get on a team though, especially one that I love their stuff. Wish me luck!! Anyways, Eric leaves for Track regionals on Wednesday. So, I will be on my own scrappin once again!! Anyways, that's a catch-up on what we have been up to. Love to you all!!
Sunny days to all my friends!!
Liz

Inspirational...

2009-05-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

These photo's are of Connie Culp after various surgeries: 1st, after being shot by her husband and 2nd, after her new face transplant.
This photo is of how Connie Culp looked before her she was shot by her husband with a shotgun.

I read this story today on http://www.msnbc.com/. I know these pictures are hard to look at, but when I read this story about Connie Culp...I got goosebumps when she said this.....

"Culp said she wants to help foster acceptance of those who have suffered burns and other disfiguring injuries.
“When somebody has a disfigurement and don’t look as pretty as you do, don’t judge them, because you never know what happened to them,” she said. “Don’t judge people who don’t look the same as you do. Because you never know. One day it might be all taken away.”
It’s a role she has already practiced, said clinic psychiatrist Dr. Kathy Coffman.
Once while shopping, she heard a little kid say, ‘You said there were no real monsters, Mommy, and there’s one right there,”’ Coffman said. Culp stopped and said, “I’m not a monster. I’m a person who was shot,” and pulled out her driver’s license to show the child what she used to look like, the psychiatrist said."

I know sometimes it is hard not to stare or to be curious about others, but I really found her statement to be inspiring! Her message is truly one in the same with what the Savior teaches. I think that it is amazing that she can have such a positive attitude, after what she has gone through. From being shot by her husband, various surgeries, and I am sure much persecution from others. I think it is a real blessing that medical practices continues to advance. I think it is even more amazing that she had the courage to do an experimental surgery, and even more so that the doctors and hospital are covering all the costs. It goes to show that ultimately the Lord's will will always be done!

Must Be The Luck Of The Irish!!!

2009-05-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Okay....seriously I never win anything and this last week I won 3 things!!!! I am so excited!!!! As some of you may know, Simple Scrapbooks Magazine, just closed their doors-so sad!!! Due to that they had a week full of giveaways from various SS workers blogs. From here I won the Simple Scrapbooks Play Final Special Edition Idea Magazine, and a prize pack!!! Then I just opened my e-mail and found that I won $50 worth of DCWV products for signing up for their monthly news letter!!! Seriously...how could a girl get so lucky in 1 week? It must be my Irish blood .:smiles:.!!! Now, not to push my luck...but I would really like to win the SS big prize giveaway...a new printer!!!! I have been without one since we were married, almost 4 years now (it will be this month on the 20th!). None the less, I feel very blessed and I was more than content with the 1st prize (the special edition magazine)...but all else since then has been a wonderful topping on an already sweet treat! Check back later this week for pictures from our quick trip home....lots of new kiddo pictures, and my super thrilled Dad at his surprise 50th party (he really loves parties-haha)!!! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and an even better National Scrapbooking Day!!! I have 1/2 a sick day today (gotta go to the dentist!) so I will be heading home to scrap-yea!!!

Cheers to all my friends for having and using sick days!!!

Liz

National Scrapbooking Day easy as 1,2,3

2009-05-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Day the easy way!!! Sign up here http://www.studiocalico.com/ and create a new account (way cool ideas here). Then post a comment here http://www.studiocalico.com/forums/topic/12308 referring to me as your friend, and we will both be entered into a contest to win 6 months of free kits!! Pretty exciting huh? I hope you all have a great NSD!! If you live in Poky make sure you stop by Scrappin Essentials on Yellowstone-you'll get 20% your purchase (excluding kits and classes).
Happy scrappin to all my friends!
Liz

In My Backyard and Have You Pampered Yourself Lately

2009-04-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

So....these are some pictures of a yearling moose that I took this week. I was excited to have nice weather finally, and when I was driving home I saw this little guy in the stream in town. I went home and grabbed my camera and came back and started shooting away! I always get a little nervous sneaking up on animals like this...especially when I am not sure if mama moose is somewhere close, but it worked out and I tried to keep a safe distance and keep my eyes on him the whole time!!! The only thing that could have made this setting better was some green on the trees with a setting sun...but I will settle for the nice weather!!!

Alright...I know that this is a funny picture but while I was doing this I was thinking about all of my ladies out there, so I snaped this picture. I wanted to ask all you ladies out there...have you done something for yourself lately? I know that you Mom's out there don't have a lot of time, but the one thing I always stressed with my clients with kids is that they needed to make sure they take some time out for themselves so that they don't crash! I want to challenge all you ladies out there to do 1 thing for yourself this week. This little facial that I did last week and again tonight, I got a long time ago from Bath and Body (for less than 10bucks I think) and it only takes like 15 minutes. While I am waiting I can do lotion, comb my hair, ect. If you really think you don't even have time for this...maybe you could put this on and play monsters with your kiddo(s) .:smiles:. (it would probably be one of their best memories!!) or in all seriousness, make a natural facial and do it with your kiddos...I bet they'd love it (then it would be okay if they ate it too-it'll happen I'm sure). Anyways, I just wanted you all to know how amazing you are-trust me, you deserve a little time for yourself, so please-INDULGE yourself (even if it is as a monster-hehe) your sanity will appreciate you! BTW I would love to know what you all did!!!
Indulgence to all my friends!!!
Liz

First Eva Scrap Swap

2009-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is just a little sneak peak at our first scrap swap .:smiles:. check out http://www.becomingmetoday.blogspot.com/ to get all the details and to leave your feedback!

Just Us

My hump, my hump...My Lovely BABY bump-Check it out

Christmas 2011 Style

.:*2011*:.

Because What We Do Matters

BIG NEWS

.:Goodbye 26:.

Uplifting

**HAWAII**

Pending...

.:29:.

Crossfittin'

Learning...

.:Six:.

Heart

Whew...

Cruisin'!!!

Chicago!!!

Family

Life...as we know it

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Thanksgiving

First Big Snow

Ella

All Hallows Eve...

End of October Musings

Check me out...I'm goin' LIVE!

Check this out...

Wow

Fall Review

Learning To Be

Inspirational

Birthday Girls

August Whirwind

Destination: Boise-August 2010

Check Out Ella

You and Me Goin' Fishin In the Boat...

Family Time!!

My Susies...

Summer Fun

Babies!!

Ella Love

Green House

Lately

28

School's Out For The Summer!!

Remembering...

Pretty Exciting...

5 Years.....

Finally A Nice Weekend!!

Updates...

Meeting Ella...

Cutting For Love

They Call Him Coach

Peeping Toms and House Sneaks

Love These Kids!

Love This Girl!

Miracles Happen

My Life In Photos...

Pinedale Boys Basketball 2010

New Camera

Help...

Pernio...Chilblain...Pre-Frostbite

Basketball

Isn't this so cool??

Thanksgiving...Belated

Christmas 2009

Garage Sale Anyone??

I Believe....

Signed away my life and 1st child...

Closing date #3 come and gone...still no house!!

Thanksgiving Week

Thank a Soldier...

One Week Left

Are You Getting Tired Of Hearing About The House Yet??

Just Us 2009 Style and A Little Venting...

Our Week

It's Our Baby....

Say What???

Us Lately

.:2011:.

HAWAII