Orchestra

So, at the begining of this year our sweet Summer decided that she was going to join the orchestra and play the Bass. I said okay. Thinking that it was no big deal. Summer comes home from school with a note mentioning that I needed to rent that particular instrument. Fine. No big deal. I run over to the music store, in the beetle, and see what's up. Turns out, a Bass is bigger then the beetle and they wanted 100.00 a month to rent the darn thing. 100.00?! and I can't take it in my car! I left. Not the price quote I was looking for.

After some shopping around and Summer trying to decide if she wanted to switch to the cello, I finely gave in and rented a Bass from Milanos for 60.00 per month. I got smart and drove the truck.

Her concert was lovely. (30 minutes, direct and to the point) She played beautifully, and I was quite proud. She didn't even find herself sick to her stomache and ready to throw up when the cameras started snapping! If you watch any of the videos of Dawn Adam and I in Homespun Singers concert, I am always getting off stage mid way ready to barf.

I am so proud of Summer for dedicating herself to learning something brand new and practicing hard to achive her goal!

Puppies!

For those of you who didn't know. Coco had her first litter of puppies. 9 in all. It looks like most are girls. 5 black and two yellow, and two that are a golden color. I didn't know labs came golden. None chocolate. She is a very protective mother. If she even sees Beans looking in her direction she gets all worked up. She doesn't seem bothered by people touch and petting her babies, but she certainly thinks that Beans wants to run off with on for her own.

Yes, that is still the birthing blanket. I thought she was done, and switched her to a clean bed, but she had two more. I will get around to changing out the blanket, but just haven't had time. To busy catching up on my blog.

Christmas!

Gracie and Summer decorate the windows with gel films.

Dusty prepping the tree with lights. I don't know how I didn't get any pics of the tree with ornaments on it. The time will come.

Shawn, basking in the glory of just loafing!

oops! pictures are a bit out of order! You get the idea.

Summer Time

Summer has started her very own blog. She is dissapointed that no one has posted any comments...
She is loving to practice her writing, and telling stories. Help me keep her interested with your comments!

Summerstimetoshine.blogspot.com

Feed Back!!

I need feed back on my new website. Please, visit it and help me with wording! Any suggestions will be appreciates! All good and bad! This is not my forte! Please help me!

www.pillowtalkdesign.net

3:30 am

dropped my socks in the toilet. Didn't want to disturb anyone so I grab then quick and decide to iron then dry once I get to work. Get to work, all the sudden it hits me.... I'm sick. so, I throw up in the parking lot. Feeling a bit better now. But, the day certainly didn't start good.

Shawn is 12!

We had Shawn's birthday party at jumpstreet this year. Lucky for me! I don't think that I could have kept up with all the energy that 12 year old boys have! He invited a few friends, and we had some "fruit" cake. It's his favorite. It's just a take off of the dessert cookie. Yellow cake with cream cheese and marshmellow cream frosting with sliced fruit. He had a pretty good haul. New clothes, cash, socks and skate trucks.
After jump street, we dropped off the friends and took the kids to Kids that Rip. The kids had a blast there running out all the rest of their energy.
Sunday Dusty's boss hooked us up with some tickets to Sunsplash. Let me tell you, I don't think that I have ever had such an eventful birthday as that boy had this year!

Happy Birthday to Shawn!

First Day of School

6:15= "Good Morning! Get up and get going!" Then, I go back to bed. It only takes me 15 minutes to get ready. 7:00 we get in the car. We proceed to Zaharis. I wish Summer luck and Shawn lets her out of the car. We have to stop and Jeremy's house to pick up Shawns backpack. There is no lockers at Freemont, except for in gym .Well, the door is locked. No key in the usual spot. We call Jeremy, he doens't know where the key is. So, I'm that mom. The mom that goes to pick up a back pack from walmart on the first day of school on the way to school. I take Shawn back to the bus stop. (there is 1 hour and 15 minutes between Summer and Shawns bus pick up.) I ask him if he has his lunch money... Nope. It must have fallen out of the car when he let Summer out at Zaharis. UGH.... So I hand over 5 more dollars. Then, I take off for work. Get to the shop, get the Laptop from the back seat. Low and behold, Summer's lunch box. Back to the school to drop off the lunch. Left the house at 7, didn't make it to work till after 9. Rough start to the morning....

Pick up went much smoother. Shawn was only a little confused about the locations of his classes, and Summer loved her teacher. Hopefully this is a start off to a great year!

4th of July

Annual 4th of July camping trip! After re-routing to a new location we found the perfect spot! There were lots of trails to take rides on! If you didn't want to go on the same trail twice, you didn't have to! There was a wide open meadow for the kids to make a trail on. (no, your not supposed to do that, but we let the kid have at it) Plenty of wild life, cows, bulls, deer, turkey. We may have even seen a buffalo. Summer went out on a ride with Andrew and came back with a tale of a bull with 5 legs! That's right! straight from the mouth of Summer, "The 5th leg was on the under carriage and it was only 2" from touching the ground!" Shawn took a caravan out for a ride. He got to be the leader. There was some rocky terrain that he felt a little unsure about, but he did AWESOME!
Summer fell in love with the White family's 70. She road that baby around as much as she was aloud to!

She floats!

After about a year of sitting on dry land, Dusty finely got his boat wet! Brand new upholstery and a rebuilt 454, and out she goes! Adam and Paul went along for the ride. There was an attempt to wakeboard but sitting in the sun left the wakeboard tow rope rotted and brittle. Hopefully we get a few good rides in before she gets sold!

Memorial Day Weekend

Dusty, Adam and I took a trip up to the Cinders for the weekend. Kid free..
The weather was perfect, (maybe a bit windy.) It was supposed to get down into the 30, but it never did make it down there. Thank goodness! The manx didn't do to hot. Plenty of power, but the whoops made it so you could barely make it into 2nd gear. Not much use for all that power. Wish the shocks were bigger, and the travel was longer!





Adams quad ran like a champ. Just walked up the hills. No problem. The kawi was lacking paddles... Dusty said that I wouldn't need them and not to ruin my paddles in the cinders. I was not a happy camper when I couldn't make it up the face of the hills. (I had to roll down backwards SEVERAL times) Adam and I made it through. Poor guy had to wait for me to find the not so steep sides that were packed down a bit harder. I wasn't making it though any soft stuff.



Over at the drags Dusty and Adam did some racing. I did some bystanding. I go up to 43 MPH though cinder lake. I wasn't trying to scare myself, just see how fast felt comfortable to me. Adam ran his quad through the lake at 60. If I wasn't so notorious for falling off, I would have given it a little harder of a try, but can't afford to mess up my money maker...



The manx didn't fare so well on it's last run. Broke and axle and Adam had to make his way back to camp (in the dark) to get me and the truck so I could tow that little orange dune buggy back to camp. A bit of work, and we will be ready for the next trip in July!

6th grade Promotion

Last week Shawn made it through elementary school. I was so proud of him! he made it through the 6th grade with flying colors. He was a little apprehensive about his teacher this year. He told me that she was mean when the school year started, but she proved to be a fun teacher. And, to tell you the truth, my favorite one that he has had. If you wanted my opinion.


The 6th graders started out with the cutest song I ever heard. They re did the words to "Wanted" I didn't get a video, but Shawn promised to writed down the words for me.


Of course, me being the sappy mom that I am, he walked up to get his certificate, and my eyes watered right up. He was so little compared to all the other 6th graders! I hope he does some growing taller over the Summer!!


He is now on his way to Jr. High. That makes me feel pretty old... He is such a good kid. I'm so glad that he is responsible and cautious. I don't have to spend to much time worrying that he is going to be okay.



I love you Shawn. You are a beautiful part of our family that I wouldn't be able to do without!!

Private

I'm making the family blog private. I don't have everyones email to add to the list, so I'm going to need you to send me your emails!

pillowtalk@cox.net

For all of you

who took the time out of their busy days to send me a text.. and comment of previous blogs about how I needed t o update, here is what has been going on in my life. Nothing of to much interest. But, all still me.

Wisdom Teeth

Most recently, (Thursday) I took a trip to the dentist because my left wisdom tooth was coming down and I wasn't liking to move my mouth to much. The tooth wasn't new, it comes and goes, but the pain was. So, I opted to have it pulled. As long as it didn't take to much time out of my day, I was good to go. 1.5 hours later I was on my way back to the shop with instruction to not drink from a straw and to stay away from carbonated beverages. What?! Blue Monster and coke zero make up 90% of my diet. How as I to survive on water alone? I managed for a day and a half, but I'm back to filling my blood with the carbonated caffeine that I love so very much.
Summer asked me if the tooth fairy was going too come, so of course I asked the dentist if I could keep my tooth. Friday morning with the tooth in my purse, shawn was feeling upset that he was so far behind on his homework. I offerd to let him take my wisdom tooth to school so that he would have more wisdom. He just looked at me like I was crazy and said no thanks

Another belated update

More recently, We took the kids on a quick camp trip. Just Friday. (two days before Easter) We hauled the toy hauler and the quads out to four peaks where the kids could practice their riding skills. From our little spot we rode down to the lake and the kids took a bit of a swim. Shawn is getting better at going on the longer rides. He needs a bigger quad I think, but it's still fun to see him venture of his track and go to a destination. Summer and Gracie had to ride with Dusty and I. They didn't seem to mind.

There were many things to do around camp, like climb the rock wall. ( I told the kids that it was a cow bath tub) Swing from the bucket swing hanging from the tree, and build baby fires over large ant holes.

Blog complaints

There have been a few blog complaints that I haven't posted anything new and interesting....
So, here comes the catch up.






Several weeks ago we took a trip up to The Wooden Nickel cabins in Christopher Creek. There was a little bit of snow still. (hard to imagine now.) The kids had a good time making snow balls and playing on the extra large buffalo. There are fire pits out back and a play ground. Also forest for exploring. We roasted marshmallows and made some gourmet smores. We think that it would be extra fun to get the big cabin for the weekend and have all the cousins come up and play. Snow time would be the funnest. Maybe after Summer is over.

What's For Dinner

How is it that everyone seems to make it look so effortless to decide what to buy at the grocery store and make for dinner?
It is the dreadful begining of the end of the day. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook when I have time to cook. But it seems that there is less and less hours in the day.
Sunday I recommitted myself to makeing dinner every night. (after eating out ALL weekend with 3 kids it gets expensive...) I sat down to make the dinner list. I was gung-ho to come up with 5-7 meals. I got 2 and a half. (Go me!!)

Sunday-

Stuffed peppers. Easy enough. Start the rice. Saute the onion. Brown the groud beef. Add the tomatoes, cheese and seasoning. Wash and core the peppers. Add the cooked rice. Place in baking dish. Place dish in oven. Peel and cube potatoes. Boil. At this point I decide, "I'm already in the kitchen, might as well make an apple pie." Peel and slice apples. Search relentlessly for ready made pie crust. Nothing. I forgot to buy one. Start pie crust from scratch. Dusty comes in and offers to make the lattice top for me. Sounds like work. I will let the man do the work. Put pie crust in fridge to chill. Mash potatoes. Microwave corn. Dinner is served. We eat, and I get the pie crust out of the fridge. Not all the way chilled, but if I don't get it in the oven soon the pie will be baking till after 9. Dusty puts on the lattice top. Put pie in oven. 45 minutes. it has been my experience that I burn the top pie crust. I don't know how to not. I trust the timer and walk away. 45 minutes later beautiful lattice top is burnt. Kids and hubby eat it anyway.

Monday-

BBQ chicken. Dusty doesn't love chicken normally. But with BBQ sauce there is an exception. Stove top stuffing. (love the stuff) Asparagus. (I forget to cook the darn things) and rolls. (rolls are frozen) I leave work a little early to get Gracie from school to take frozen rolls out of freezer and put on counter to thaw. Pick up Graice. Stop at Poppys and pick up fabric and pillow forms from Susan (Gracie is asleep in the car) Go by the shop and drop off the entire inside of my beetle. (I could not fit another thing in. It was STUFFED with fabrics and pillow forms) My mom is at the shop, she offers to deliver Gracie to tutoring on her way home. Good deal. Now I can finish folding drapes. Stop at customers house to look at recliner. Drop off rent check. (a few days late, I know) Pick Gracie up from tutoring. Get home, finish drapery quote for entire house full of windows. Drench chicken thighs in BBQ sauce. Put water and butter on to boil for stuffing. Turn oven on for rolls. Forget asparagus. Drop chicken on grill. Dusty comes home. I tell him, "You know I really don't know what I am doing with that BBQ." I almost always over cook on the grill. he takes over from there. I get dinner set out. Realize I have no vegetable. Grab baby carrots from fridge and ranch dressing. Dinner is served. No one eats the carrots. huh.

Tomorrow will be and adventure. Good luck to all you dinner cookers.

Mr. & Mrs. Papes

Dusty and I finely tied the knot April 1st. I thought it was a joke when he texted me two weeks ago and said "How about April 1st." But, it turns out he was serious. The judge sowed up at the house at 7:00 (at least I think it was a real judge) and we had a bit of a ceremony. No one objected, (I'm pretty sure that my dad said "It's about time.") and the contract was sealed up with a kiss.

http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/usergames/Mar201113/game1301628797.php

I'm not in my 20's anymore.

I feel pretty good about being 30. There have been times when I have felt like a bad mom, a bad wife, and a terrible business owner. But, right now, at this very moment in time, I feel pretty good. I love my family. They are committed to helping me with work, and any other venture that I may take on. My kids are doing pretty good. Shawn and Summer are doing well in school. (they have had thier rocky moments) I have Dusty who is more of a partner then anyone that I have ever had. I couldn't ask for more then what I have. 30 is going to be the best ten years I have had yet!

Summer's Birthday

Summer did in fact get a birthday. I took Shawn, Gracie, Summer, Summer's friend, and Emillee to Amazing Jakes for a day of fun. Summer didn't want any presents, just the opportunity to attend a dance class they were offering at school. (There will be a dance recital in April)
Summer is a wonderful girl. Very kind and considerate of others. She is great at helping with the laundry and always does her homework with out being asked. I am so glad that I have her to call my very own daughter!

Work Blog

Starter a Blog for the workroom. It's a work in progress....

www.pillowtalkdesign.blogspot.com

New shop

I have finely bit the bullet. The 330 square foot garage is to small. I'm moving up to a new shop on the 15th. It's on Val Vista and Main. It's almost three times the size of the garage. Katt is going to get her very own desk. There will be a room for drapes, a room for upholstery, and a room to house the ready items! This is a very exciting time!

If anyone knows anyone trying to get a small refrigerator off their hands, or a microwave, I will be looking for something cheap!

The girls are very excited to be able to work somewhere with a REAL heater. Hands move slowly when they are cold. No more huddling around the iron for warmth!

Dusty is going to have his very own garage. No more building sand cars in the driveway and fighting with upholstery to get the air compressor out!

2011 is going to be a great year!

Gracie is 10!

Gracie had her birthday on January 2nd. She is now in the double digit club! She got herself a brand new whiplash scooter. It's kinda tricky to ride. I am certainly not coordinated enough to get a handle on that sucker. (i cant even pogo)

Happy birthday to Gracie!

New Years

New Years weekend brought freezing tempuratures and, you guessed it SAND!!! We loaded up the trailer, kids, and every pair of warm cloths that we owned and headed for the Sand Dunes.
The Manx ran like a champ. No more blown hoses! We actually made it out to the dunes to try that bad boy out! Dusty rebuilt the shocks since the last trip so the suspension was much better. The kids loved every minute of the ride. I even heard that Gracie was so scared at one point that she thought she was going to pee her pants! All in good fun though.
The highlight of the weekend for me was when Shawn decided to brave the dunes and make the trip over to Patten Hill on the kids quad! I loved following him and the responsible way he rides. He is so cautious!
Shawn and Summer even took turns trying to run up the hill. (It was the steepest part of patten hill...) They didn't make it far, but they did at least try.

The Manx made a good run down the sand drags... That bad boy topped out at 75 MPH! Luckily we got those 5 point harnesses!
We survived the cold and made it home!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Christmas

Yes, we had Christmas at our house too.... The workroom has been very busy, and I haven't been able to keep up like I should.
We decorated the Christmas tree. Dusty put the lights on, and the kids and I pulled out all the ornaments. Even some left over tinsel. (Shawn said it wasn't festive without tinsel)





Dennis came over Christmas morning. We had just had Gracie that day, so we got to keep some presents under the tree for a few more days. Gracie got a haul of cloths, and her very own fish tank! (Dusty keeps his gold fish for the Lion fish in her tank) Dusty took her the next day to pick out a special fish just for her. The lion fish is not aloud to eat it!



After the Christmas festivities we took the Manx out for a test run in the desert. My Dad and Adam joined us, as well as Cristal. (her and I took turns in the miniature back seat) We made it back the the parents for some good food and some family fun!



Tuesday morning Shawn and Summer made it back home for open up their gifts. Summer got a frosty maker and Shawn a PoGo stick. (Between the three kids I haven't heard that thing stop pogo-ing since!) Also, the much needed cloths. The kids were all looking very orphan-ish. Dusty took the kids and bought me my very own pair of scissors. They even had them engraved with #1 Seamstress. I am pretty sure that no one in the workroom will use them!




MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!