Spudman!!!

My hubby is a total spud!! Yep that's right for the second year he ran in The Spudman Tri-athalon. I think he is so inspiring. 3 years ago he wouldn't have even tried to do this. The first year he did it his time was 3:07. I think that is pretty awesome. His goal this year...finish under 3 hours.

Did he do it? Yep! Of course he did. His time this year was 2:49. I think or 2:48. But it was under the 3 hour mark.

I almost didn't make it to see him finish because I got a speeding ticket. I know. I got a ticket in Burley Idaho. I definitely deserved the ticket. When the cop pulled us over (my friend Krissy was with me. Her hubby ran the race too.) He asked if we were in a hurry because our husbands were in the crash. WHAT CRASH? Apparently there were some people who had a big crash on their bikes. But no, fortunately it wasn't our hubbies, unfortunately I still got a ticket.

So after stopping for the ticket, then having to park at what felt like the next town over, we were hurrying along only to have some random lady go off the trail on her bike. We stopped to help her. She seemed ok and said "that's what you get when you don't ride a bike for 20 years." or something like that. Funny thing was there was no one on the trail just us and she chose to crash right there.

I did make it to see my hubby finish!! Yeah!! Unfortunately Krissy didn't. Sorry. :(

Here is Dave and he is heading for the finish line. Below just about to cross it.

This is Dave and his buddy Nate who also was in the race. Dave next to the mass of bikes. And no he isn't flipping off the camera. He was giving the peace sign but you can't see his one finger very well.
Below is the whole crew from Eagle that ran in the race. They went down the night before and camped. It's definitely a guys weekend.
L-R Jeremy Paddock, Wayne Slaughter, Nate Paddock, Dave Hannant, Steve LaBau, Sid Ahlstrom.

They all did great and had a great time doing it. I had a nice drive back with my hubby and a great lunch at Cafe Rio in Twin Falls on the way home. No more speeding tickets! We made it back safe and then I believe we went and saw the smurfs. It was a great day.

Does anyone smell that?

You know when you are driving down the road and suddenly skunk smell permeates the car? And you are looking all over for where the smashed skunk is so you don't run over it?

We have that smell here a lot. In fact the second or third day we lived here Foster had the opportunity to meet one face on. It was stinky and actually made me a little bit nauseous. You would think he would learn his lesson but no... It took him 3 or 4 times before he realized to stay away.

We have a very big population of wild things here. Foster also met a porcupine once. He was such a good dog and sat quietly while we pulled quills out of his nose and mouth with needle nose pliers. Poor old dog. We have seen deer and foxes, turtles and porcupines. There is a blue heron that lives in our pond behind the house. Lots of different kinds of birds like woodpeckers and quail. I love waking up and hearing the birds. Except the pesky woodpecker who likes to peck the metal on the roof. Sounds like a jackhammer and it's always at 6 am.

Our neighbors have chickens and rabbits. So we get to see lots of animals. Oh yeah and skunks. Dave once saw an owl swoop down and try to get a skunk on our road while he was driving. It missed.

We have learned to bring the dog in at dark or make sure he is chained up. To avoid having to give him a bath in the skunk concoction of Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap and water. Works wonders on the smell.

One night I was out talking to a friend who rode by on his bike and we saw a movement. A massive black movement. I couldn't figure out what it was until it got closer. Then I of course stayed away. You know that skunk smell? Yeah I figured out why it was so strong around our area sometimes. We have not one skunk, but a family of skunks.I had to crop the picture a lot so that's why they are a little blurry. Plus it was a black mass moving as one. It's a mom and 6 babies. Yep you read that right...6. Do they think they are bunnies or something?

Here is our little family heading home. Mom's tail is up and the the babies are following. Let's just say no walks at night for us and Foster started coming in early.

Too pooped to poop!!

We have been trying so hard to get Abby potty trained. She has good days and bad days. Mostly bad days when it comes to pooping in the potty. She is actually my worst to potty train. I thought she was going to be the easiest. Boy did she prove me wrong.

She doesn't like to go poop. I have a book called everybody poops that I think is disgusting but if she doesn't start doing what she is supposed to I might just have to read it to her. Not looking forward to that.

So one day I knew she had to go, so I sent her into the bathroom to poop. She cried and threw a fit. All while sitting on the potty. I told her she couldn't get up until she went. Or until I came and got her.

I sort of forgot about her. I got busy and she got quiet. Here is the result.

Sadly this is the 3rd time it has happened. You will be happy to know we talked to the doctor and have added some fiber and such to her diet and she is a pretty good pooper now.

Seattle? Sure!

We just found out some news. Ok a couple of days ago....but still...

We are moving to Seattle. Yep my awesome hubby is getting a bigger state!! Yeah Dave. He is so great and such a hard worker. I am so happy for this opportunity for him.

Of course we will miss all our friends and family in Idaho. We have really liked living there and we have the best house and yard. So kid friendly. But as in any adventure we bloom where we are planted so it's time to transplant to a bigger pot and there will be plenty of water to help us grow.

I'm guessing we'll be moving in the next couple of months. I am sad for the boys to not be able to finish the football season with their teams and that the girls won't have dance with their friends but it'll work out. There are dance studios there and football teams too.

Bring on the Adventure... I think we are ready.

Beautiful Portland

We are here hanging out in beautiful Portland. It has been relaxing and fun. Today we are going to the park and have a picnic. I'm just hoping the clouds burn off soon. They say it's supposed to be 81 today. So here's hoping.

I really don't have a lot to say just wanted to let you know where we are so you know why I haven't posted anything. Plus all my pictures are on my computer back in Idaho. I am here for my 20 year high school reunion. I'm interested to see what everyone has been up to.

I'll post more later, but we really have enjoyed the beautiful weather we've been having and just being able to relax and play. Sometimes it's nice to "come home".

Jacob's Baptism

Finally here are the pics of the day Jacob got baptized. Only one month late...

Jacob was baptized on July 2, 2011. He was so lucky to have all of his family in town with the exception of two cousins and one uncle who had other things happening... like being on a mission. Not all of them but one of them.

He also got to choose who gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Guess who he chose? Mom. It was a great honor to speak at his baptism. And a little scary to speak to all the kids in the stake being baptized. I thought it would be a little easier if I didn't know anyone else. Yep it's not.

I have never been at a stake baptism like this before. Originally there were supposed to be 25 kids but because it was July 4th weekend there ended up being only 8. It was perfect. There was one kid per ward.

The way they do it is everyone meets together for the talks and then everyone splits in to two groups and half go get baptized while the other half watch a video and then after the first group is baptized every ward goes to their own room for the confirmations. It was great. It also only took 1 hour. Amazing. They have it down to a science.

Here is my sweet boy before the program started. He was very happy and a little nervous I think. Dad and Jacob getting ready. Such a handsome couple of guys.
I tried very hard to keep it together. I thought the non-waterproof mascara would help me. But no I just ended up wiping it all off.
Here we are. Jacob is distracted but what else is new with an 8 year old.
Here is the family that came to visit. We had so much fun this weekend. It was perfect. 5 days of cousins and water and sun. I've got to find the fourth of July pics. When did I become so unorganized. Oh yeah, When I had kids.
Here is our sweet family, including Foster dog who is now 12 years old. Looks pretty good. He's a golden retriever but we shave him down in the summer. Makes him cooler and less stinky when he goes for a swim in the pond behind the house.
Grandma and Grandpa Parker with Jacob on his special day. I was hoping he'd ask Grandpa to give the talk.
Us again in the back yard. Jacob posing as usual. I'm surprised he didn't throw any signs up. He's good at that.
Jacob and Grandma Lorraine. What a great pic of the two of them.
Sydney and cousin Lucy. Being the big help. Look at my peas in the background. They were delicious too. Still waiting on the carrots though. Maybe when we get back from Oregon.

This is Dave's family. (L-R) Mark, Paul, Joy, Lorraine, Laura and Dave. Good looking bunch.
There always has to be a crazy, butt scratching uncle and the hungry one. The cinnamon rolls were tasty. We ate 4 dozen. Me possibly a dozen on my own.
And showing a little family love. Sisters and a cousin Joannah.

It was a great day and good food. We had so much fun. And Jacob is a great kid. We are so proud of his decision to be baptized and so happy he had such support on his special day. We love you Jacob. You are the best!!