1980s throwback

Okay . . . so thanks to Hulu.com, those of us who do not pay for television right now are grateful for random things to watch occasionally. Greg located long-lost episodes of He-Man: And the Masters of the Universe. Now, whenever we're at home (ONLY because I refuse to let them do it elsewhere), the only thing my big boys want to do is run around nearly naked with swords tucked in their underwear screaming to me about their power . . .

They just don't make TV shows like they used to.

Mama snake

Does anyone else hiss at their children in church? I dream every Sunday of the day Greg will be back on the bench with me. Sheesh . . .

It just occurred to me . . .

We have been out of the hotel for almost three months...and guess what!?! Not a single one of my boys has had more than a sniffle since then. To me, that says a lot about the environment of our hotel - any hotel. Considering that in the five months we were there I had two of my boys in the hospital/emergency room, an unimaginable number of trips to the doctor's office, humidifiers, antibiotics, eye drops, steroid shots, nebulizers, etc., do you get the gist of how happy I am to finally be elsewhere? Besides that, we've found that everyone - finally including Porter - can be happy at the beach for 2-3 hours each afternoon. Yes - we're adjusting to Wyoming pretty well . . . and I can say without hesitation that I LOVE Pinedale.

Kemp candids

Just a few photos of cute boys, sweet moments and favorite finds:

Porter's close to walking...he could really do it if he wanted, but for now his favorite way to get around is with someone else's shoes on his hands.

Ethan and the Mountain Man at last week's Rendezvous parade.

Lincoln fell asleep while watching a movie with Greg on the computer - looks comfortable, huh?

Porter the cowboy.

We all love Mr. Potato Head and his trusty sidekick. Lincoln wears those glasses all day - no joke.
My garage sale find of the year: A signed sketch of John Wayne in barnwood frame for $2. Greg still raves about it...maybe his favorite surprise ever. Some of my other favorite finds include Burton snowboard and boots for me at $35, fat sterling silver ring $1, replica Confederate States of America canteen, rusty spurs and an old ice grabber to be used as a paper towel holder (idea courtesy of mom and dad) $35. Seriously...I live for Saturday mornings, load the kids in the car with snacks and distractions, and try to beat everyone else to the best sales around.

Lincoln picked out these pirate props as his "totally finished potty training treat" at the local grocery store. I think they lasted maybe two days before falling apart, but for those two days the boys were totally happy pirates.

Project accomplished!

So the toy box has been finished for a couple weeks, but I'm finally getting around to sharing the final product. We tried to make it look like a pirate's treasure chest...good thing kids have great imaginations!

Liberty

I know many of you have already read or heard this experience before, but I felt it important to share again a remembrance that comes to me each year at this time . . .

July 4th, 2004: I am standing on the deck at mom and dad's house, pregnant with our first baby, watching the fireworks, celebrating the Land of the Free. It is dark and clear and beautiful. The beaches below are crowded with thousands of people, and we are happy to be away from the throng and in the comfort of our home. Mom's patriotic CD is blaring so loud it knocks Grandpa Rogers' antique clock off the wall. The fireworks explode above the lake, and my mind flashes to a black-and-white scene like in a movie: Greg, overseas, with guns and in battle gear, amidst explosions of a different kind. I see in slow motion as he and his comrades navigate streets lit with explosions and fire. I watch the fireworks, hands on my growing belly, overcome with emotion and gratitude for the lives spent for freedoms that are taken for granted by so many, for the service of my husband and my brothers, and for liberty and freedom to raise my family in a promised land.

God bless the USA!