HSM2

I live in a household that had been on the countdown for the much anticipated High School Musical 2. As a Grease-loving person myself, I did so love High School Musical. I was (still am) that nerdy girl that dreamed of dating the popular jock (what I got was so much better!) But like most sequels, I was sceptical for HSM2. While only seeing it once now, I still like the first one better. However, it should be noted that I did enjoy the movie; the life messages; and the "romance". And not to disappoint, I did cry - twice. But I cried at Cars, Monsters, and Ratatouille. (who am I kidding - I cry at almost every movie!) And the music in #2 - Michael Jackson would be proud. Carrie and I laughed - hard...but it was definitely a fun movie!

The one that was most anticipating the premiere was Mikalah. She can sing the songs, dance the dances, and cheer the cheers. She had a friend spend the night, concocted a new snack, and stayed up late to watch! Then today she went to the Montana Fair as a performer. She and a couple of friends sang and danced on the "Free Stage". They performed a few HSM songs! Mike and Carrie took the kids while Morgan stayed home with me icing and resting my infamous toe. This would be the toe that was starting to feel better, but I slammed up into a chair leg this morning. That does NOT feel good. So the house was quiet, I did six loads of laundry, I finished the program for church tomorrow, and addressed 650 advertisements for and event next week. Not that I want to hurt my foot again, but I have accomplished a lot just sitting. And my performing daughter did a great job.

I'll leave you with some video of Mikalah's performance and go finish baths and HSM2 for the second time!

Toes & Fire

I've had several people ask about my toe, so here is the uneventful story...

Last Friday Jeffrey wanted to go potty. I put him on the potty and turned to go throw the diaper away and snagged my three outer toes on my left foot on the door jam. I winced in pain and tried to walk it off. The more I walked the more it hurt. As any other mom would do, I popped two tylenol and continued my day, limping around. By the time I got my kids fed lunch and reading/napping, I was in more pain. I then proceeded to sit on the couch icing my toe for the next three hours (and several more tylenol). I really should have taken a picture then, because it was a beautiful shade of purple for several days. Now it is just sore and pretty stiff. I'm not doing any running and still need some tylenol on a regular basis. I did not go and see a doctor as I have broken a toe (and even broken bones in my foot) before and the doctors have said there really isn't anything they can do. One other interesting fact, ibuprofen interferes with the growth of bones, so you shouldn't take that when you have a broken bone. I'm just thankful that it's still flip-flop season!

Another thing people have asked me about are the fires brewing out here. There are a lot! Yesterday's paper had 15 listed just within 300 miles of us. Every once in a while it will smell like a campfire outside and the last week or so it has been quite hazy. I haven't seen the sun yet this morning! These are some pictures from the church camp that Mike grew up going to. The camp is about 150 miles from Billings. They have evacuated almost everyone, but some have been left behind as support for the firefighters. They've been able to open the campgrounds as a "rest stop" for the brave men and women working so hard.

Grounded

Yesterday, Jarrett (6), had a temper tantrum, and Mike handled the punishment. One week with no TV or video games. So, will Jarrett be spending the week with Daddy?

Busy, busy week!!!

This past week has been crazy! and blogging has been low on the priority list. Here's a peek into the last week...

• Jeffrey starts thinking 6am is a good time to wake up.
• I've been cleaning out bedrooms of clothes, toys, etc.
• We're rearranging bedrooms in anticipation of Carrie getting her own apartment.
• Carrie moving is bittersweet!!!
• The sun still does not set until 9pm, so bed time has been 9:30!
• I'm too tired to do anything after 9:30!
• Even though school does not start for two more weeks, school supply sales are now.
• All three kids are packed and ready to go!
• Yellowstone Church is having a "Movies in the Park" event next week.
• Lots to do to prepare!
• We have people for dinner for the next three nights.
• That means mopping the floor and cleaning the bathroom.
• Everyday!
• In the midst of all of this, I bought a $29 dresser today to "make over" for my bedroom. I'll have to do before and after shots some time soon.
• And to top it off, I broke my toe last week and now walk at a snail's pace and have to stop every few hours to rest, pop some Tylenol and ice it!

So for a little light humor, a quote for today...

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. — Doug Larson

Ninja Cows

Today ends a visit from some friends from Indiana - the Storys!

Aaron & Carrie and their three boys spent the last four days here and we had a blast! Church on Sunday, girly movie, golf, the zoo/a fun nature walk, sports camp, Baskin Robbins, and the ranch. Yesterday, we took them out to Mike's parents ranch and rode four-wheelers (uneventful compared to last time!), chased cows and had lunch. It was a beautiful day and their middle child, Gabe, was just so excited to see cows upclose and personal. Mike chased cows on the motorcycle (modern ranching!) and I rode behind him for about 10 min. He thought it would be romantic to chase cows together. My hiney is still recovering!!!

We took lots of pictures, but my time is short (last day of sports camp and I have to pick kids up soon!), so I'll leave you with Meredith imitating the cows. We do have unique cows here in Montana!

Happy 13th Anniversary to Me!

New Addition

My husband so beautifully reminded me last night that Morgan was now fourteen months old and that when Jeffrey was fourteen months old I was giving birth to Morgan! Well, Hallelujah, I'm not this time!!! Morgan is still our youngest child!!!

We do have a new addition to the family though. After having a gym membership and not using it and getting rid of it and complaining about not having any "nice" gyms in Billings, I wore my husband down and we purchased a treadmill. Neither of us really like to run, but really the convenience of running for 20 minutes in the morning without waking children is very appealing. Now I just have to buckle down and use the thing...maybe in six months I'll be as talented as these guys.



or these guys might be a better goal for now!!!