Random Camping

On Friday night we were in our living room watching t.v. around 6pm, when Sean said that we needed to go camping I mentioned that we always say that but never actually plan a time to go so I told him "Let's go right now!" that way nothing could come up and ruin our plans. So we went. We packed our tent, some food, and clothes and hurried to REI to buy a stove before they closed. We got there right as they were locking the doors and told them that we were going camping right then and only needed a camp stove... luckily we are masters at the sweet-talking so they let us in! Whew. Close one!

We went to Burnt Rancheria Campground in the Cleveland National Forest and spent one night there. We set up our tent, made taco soup, and played cards and Yahtzee in the dark that night. In the morning we went up by mount Laguna to see the awesome view. It was fun! We were glad we went because it helped us figure out the things we still need to get for camping. Usually we go with friends or family and everyones stuff is combined so we never know what we still needed in our camping supply... and now we do.

Three cheers for camping!!

Free Desk

We got this desk for free from our friends the Coxs (David and Wendy).

I loved how it was small and had a lot of drawers... I did not love the color or the 80's hardware that was on it, I saw the potential that was in it though! Here is what you can do to make an old desk go from drab to fab:

Step 1. remove ghetto hardware

Step 2. sand entire desk

Step 3. wipe with tack cloth to remove dust

Step 4. stain desk using the color "ebony"

Step 5. go on a random impromptu camping trip with your husband (optional)

Step 6. apply second coat of stain

Step 7. seal stain with wipe on poly satin finish

Step 8. screw on updated brushed silver hardware

Step 9. add a matching chair preferably from IKEA so your cost is low... and that's it!

I did these nine simple steps and I love my "new" desk now!

celebrating half a century

I went to Idaho for a few days for Mom's birthday party. HAPPY 50th MOMMA!!

It was my first time away from Sean... that was interesting. I don't want to do it again but the reason was a pretty good one, it's kinda a big deal to have been around for half a century! All four of Mom's kids were able to come too, so it was all worth it to her and that is what matters. It was good to see the family... but it's also good to be back to the cooler weather (a perfect 75 degrees!)

I was in Idaho for 4 and a half days and I only took 2 pictures, neither of which have any people in them. oops.

... so here is some Idaho scenery for your viewing pleasure, lucky for you, Idaho is beautiful.

Part of Hell's Canyon

An old barn in Cuprum

Now lets see what has come of Mom's hard work during these 50 years (well at least 30ish of them.)

Take a look at her pride and joy... her children and grandchildren.

She has loved, nurtured, and taught all of these silly kids:

She never gave up and, trust me, we can be hard to handle at times!

She has played with us, and cried with us. Sacrificed for us, and succeeded with us. And helped us all get to where we are today.

We clean up nicely...

Not too bad huh?? We think she did a pretty good job!

This was 50 years well spent... Hope your next 50 is as successful as the first Momma!

Thanks for everything!! We love you!!!

Good Morning! from San Diego, California

even I can be a morning person with a view like this to wake up to...

{this picture is courtesy of Sean, he was the one awake at 5:36 that morning.}