Happy Birthday Avery!

Four years ago today, our Avery was born. We were thrilled to add another baby girl to our family. She was a delightful baby--our easiest! She was our only binki baby and the only one who had attachments to special things (like her favorite blanket and stuffed Moose) Binki in mouth, moose in arms and blanket by her side--she was good to go! In fact, when we put her to bed she'd give us that look--that 'could you leave please, I've got it under control' look. She still sleeps well (when we actually convince her it REALLY is time for bed!) Avery has a great lower lip pout. (She got it from me.) She is very stubborn and has never believed that rules apply to her. Avery loves cheese pizza, bananas, cottage cheese, and apple skins. Her favorite movie is Barbie's Princess and the Pauper. People say she looks JUST like her dad....no mistakes whose child she belongs to. She adores him! Avery gives great hugs. She can talk your ear off into the wee hours of the night (if you let her). Her prayers are adorable! She still doesn't pronounce her R's--just rolls right past them. She pronounces our friend's name-Roman Yoder, like this: "Yoman Yodee." (I love listening to her talk--I said talk, not scream...she does that well too!) Of course we can't imagine life without Avery. Happy Birthday little one! We love you!

Bear Lake

Not so happy about falling in the lake.
His back side is all wet! I love this kid!




She really does have cute moments! Ha Ha.



Couldn't resist the sugar fest!

Gabriel, Ashley, Steven, Maggie & Avery admiring their masterpiece!

The Daniel kiddos with the Heward ones: Tinsley, Aspen, Riley, and Tagghart.

Slumber party on the Murphy! The kids LOVE this 'secret' bed!

We've been away for over a week! Took Steven and Ash out of school three days prior to the holiday break and made a dash for Bear Lake--a trip we try to make each Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful retreat! Our good (and much missed) friends from Star Valley (Joe and Danice Heward) came to visit. Catching up with them is always a blast! Jeremy and Sarah (and their adorable 3 children) stayed at the Lake with us for three nights! We kept the indoor pool splashing morning and evening, spent afternoons on the tennis court, and skipped rocks on the lake at sunset. The weather couldn't have been better! It was relaxing and memorable! We are very blessed with great family and friends to share our time with.

Are you for real?

I haven't posted for quite awhile. Do you ever feel that daily life is far too mundane to make a fuss about? I think about posting far more often than I actually post--simply because I don't know what to say! Life's details don't flow smoothly from my head to my tongue or my fingertips. I have never been one to think quickly on my feet or develop thoughts and ideas well. It's just one of those quirky things about me. (Oh, that reminds me--I have several TAGS to answer) I guess I'll just keep writing until I think of something significant to say. Do you want to hear about laundry, dishes, homework, sticky fingers and faces, spilled milk, missing shoes, ever growing task lists, unfinished projects--need I continue? We all have those things. I am grateful to have them. Really. I love the cute 'little people' in my life who create the most of it. They're growing up way too fast. I fear that my parenting skills aren't keeping up. Sigh. Sometimes my one year old (Gage) looks up at me with this "are you for real?" kind of look. He's pretty funny. Speaking of Gage, there are a lot of buttons, cupboards, door knobs, and toilets in this house just his height. He goes from one to the next (a transition every 5-10 seconds) It's rather entertaining (as long as I'm not annoyed). I'm learning a lot from him:

• Did you know that tinkertoys, dolls, and legos add quite a bit of color to boring white toilet bowls?
• The dishwasher is a blast to open and close (especially when that white steamy stuff is coming out) The door?.....try jumping on it next time it's open. That's a riot! (Who would've known?)
• Get this--the washing machine makes awesome high-pitch noises when you push and turn its buttons!
• Dishwashing detergent on the kitchen floor is WAY more fun than a sandbox!
• Tomatoes squirt when you squeeze them! You can make a slip and slide in your own kitchen just by pushing those buttons on the refrigerator door! COOL!
• Chocolate chips taste much better after they're nice and warmed by the carpet--furniture works well for this too.
• Hey, get this: you can get from the front door to the middle of the street in 5.3 seconds--if you really hustle!
• Did you know that dining chairs come in handy when you can't reach something? Just push it as close as you can to whatever it is you want and start climbing--eventually you'll get to it.
• OH, OH, I almost forgot--microwaves are totally awesome! There's like 30 buttons on them! If you push the right ones, a light will come on inside of it! WAY!
• This one is important: family members get really fussy when you insistently push buttons on the television or the remote.

I don't know what I would've done without all of this wonderful information! I learn new things every day. Thank you Gage--we're better now for knowing!

Nobody move--Man Card

This picture doesn't match anything in this post--however, I am writing about my hubby and can't find an appropriate photo--this will have to do. Isn't he cute? I mean MANLY?

School is out today. We've spent most of the morning trying to catch up on chores. Cleaned and organized the toy closet (that's huge!), cleaned kids closets, bedrooms, and vacummed under beds. Laundry (duh), and the kitchen (for the third time today--what's the use?) So, it looks fairly presentable at the moment......NOBODY MOVE! Sometimes I like to walk around and enjoy looking at it before it's trashed (in less than ten minutes). Sigh.

It's a beautiful day outside! I am grateful for the climate in Boise. It has been a wonderful place to live! I'll let the kiddos play outside for awhile until I'm finished making their next chore list. Ha Ha!

MAN CARD

In an effort to maintain his 'Man Card' (if a said Daniel has not been hunting for more than three years, his Man Card is likely to be revoked), Ryan will be joining three of his brothers (Bill, Jeremy, and Robert) in South Dakota to hunt deer, turkey, and another poor animal of choice (can't remember what it is). They will have to find alternate routes for travel as several of their planned highways have been closed with 5 foot drifts of snow. You know, not much about hunting appeals to me. I'm happy to let Ryan enjoy it with others who appreciate the whole experience. I, for one, like to buy my meat at the local supermarket. Here it is temperature controlled--no need for boots, gloves, thermal underwear, or four wheel drive (unless you happen to live in Wyoming). I don't feel threatened by wildlife (except the human kind that I bring into the store myself--namely Ashley, Avery, Gage, and Steven) I certainly don't have to kill, gutt, and transport some unsuspecting animal through ravines and over hillsides--I simply choose the best cut on sale (today that would be boneless, skinless, chicken breast at Albertsons for only $1.67 per pound) and place it in the cart far enough away from little fingers (do all kids like to poke holes in plastic wrap?) At this point, all I have to do is safely find my way back to the front of the supermarket with all other grocery items and all four children in tote--and pay for my prize. SIMPLE! So long as I have correctly balanced the books and actually remember to put the groceries away before too much time expires, I'm in good shape! So, honey, enjoy your hunt and congratulations on reclaiming your manliness! We will miss you.

One of these kids...

It's fun to remember the hours I spent as a kid playing in piles and piles of leaves. We had plenty of them in the neighborhood where I grew up. My children are enjoying the tree's offering this season! I love to watch them play!

Nature Walk

A few of us went for a drive after Steven's basketball game Saturday. We ended up at the Nature Center downtown. We enjoyed our visit there. Steven, Ashley and I spent a lot of time at the adjoining park the summer we moved to Boise. Living downtown Boise gave us great exposure to much of what this city had offer--I needed that. Moving from the mountains to the city was a big step for us. It took a lot of time and convincing before I was willing to make Boise our new home. I'm glad we did. I will always miss our Wyoming life and good friends there--given the right circumstances and opportunity, I'm sure we'd move back! But Boise has been a wonderful place to live.

Trick or Treat!

For as long as we've been married, we have participated in a trunk-or-treat in one state or another each Halloween. This year was our families first door-to-door experience. The weather was perfect! Warm, calm, and beautiful! (I love this time of year--fall colors, crisp air, holiday countdowns, warm drinks, hot soups, and Christmas music!) We walked around Bridgeport subdivision and enjoyed every bit! I love that my children are all still young enough to enjoy Halloween. Gage loved the glowing jackolanterns best. Steven and Ashley were most concerned about how full their bags were getting. Avery was the trailer--always had to wait for her to bring up the rear! She was in NO hurry at all! (She dressed as a Dolphin) We had a wonderful evening together--especially with Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Mike! Usually the Great Pumpkin comes after kids go to sleep and exchanges candy for books. He didn't come this year. What's the deal? So, our sugar fest continues--sure tastes good!

Uncle Michael was here for the Amity Halloween Parade. It was great having an extra two hands to help with my little Lion and 50's girl. Steven wore his skeleton costume and Ashley sported the leopard outfit this year. I love watching the creative costumes and happy children walking through the gym. It was an early release today--just in time for Grandma and Grandpa Jepson's visit! The kiddo's have been anxiously awaiting their arrival. Company is so much fun!

Carving Crazy!

While we lived in Wyoming, each Fall we'd get together with the Heward family, eat festive food, and carve our pumpkins. We miss that. This year we joined the Knight family and began what we hope will be the "Boise version" of the same tradition.

• Avery didn't care so much for the 'pumpkin' guts--but her final product was a masterpiece!



• Ashley drew her own design. She has a love for the arts--and finding something other than paper for her creations was exciting!



• Steven was ready to do his own carving this year. He's not afraid of trying new things and certainly wasn't afraid of sharp knives!



• Gage seemed to enjoy the whole event--especially dessert (homemade Oreo's)



• I love to watch Ryan at work--he's a fun dad!



• Mark and Monica were good sports letting us mess up the garage!



• I think the jack-o-lanterns looked fabulous! They were fun to display.

We did grow our own pumpkins this year, however, the pumpkin patch was a bit disappointing compared to the one we harvested a few years ago! I've posted a few pictures of that Halloween as well.

Pumpkin Patch

We tagged along with Ashley's kindergarten class to the Pumpkin Patch for a hayride, pumpkin pickin', cow train rides, go-carts, and more. Minus Gage's little meltdown on the hayride (just too darn cold!), we had a wonderful time!

Fair Day and hounds

I actually had a FUN mom day and took the kids to the fair this year--all by myself! We had a blast! Ashley surprised me--she's much more fearless than I expected. Had she been a few inches taller, she would have riden with the bravest! This is the first year Steven was tall enough to ride anything he wanted (and the first year he's had a wrist band). He simply couldn't get around to everything fast enough! Avery thought she was in Disneyland! Gage enjoyed his ride in the back pack and watching all the action! Sure was fun to see them all so happy! Brought back fun memories for me of the Eastern Idaho State Fair--something my family looked forward to every year! I anticipated the food most of all--since carnival rides have always made me ill. So, why is it that I only allowed my children to have a snowcone? ONE snow cone--all five of us shared it! It's a lot different being on the parenting end of the food and fun. We had a great day!

I think Gage's fascination with animals is hilarious! However, it could get him into a world of hurt! Good thing the dog was friendly--and yes, I did ask before I let him near. This was taken at the Johnson Family Reunion in Jerome a few months ago.

Gage--officially a year old!

Since we finally celebrated with a cake and small family party, I guess I have to admit that Gage is a year old. (Actually 15 months--his actual birth date is July 23rd) At our house, if there is no cake, then there is no birthday!

It's been a fun year with Gage around. Steven and Ashley remind me often how happy they are to have another baby at our house. How very much we love him!

Mission Farewells

We spent Labor Day Weekend in Logan, Utah for the mission farewell of Jessica and Daniel Edwards (Our niece and nephew--bottom left, pictured with Grandpa Daniel) Jessica is serving in Chile and Daniel in Guatemala. They entered the MTC on the same day (talk about a tear jerker!) It was a great weekend with family. We kept grandkids busy forming human pyramids, alphabet letters, other shapes, and of course enjoyed LOTS of food! The Daniel clan are always 'game' for a good party. We look forward to hearing experiences from the mission field!

(Upper Right photo--Avery thought it was fun to perform wearing Aunt Sherry's headphones...don't they look a bit out dated?) Ha Ha!

Ever Tried This?

In case you're wondering, we still haven't finished our bathroom remodels. We removed the wallpaper border preparing to prime the walls and discovered a problem--the last layer of paint had not bonded to the wall correctly. Soooo, we've had to peel it off, one piece at a time! If you soak a small area with a wet sponge and let it sit five minutes or so, the paint will soften (it's water-base paint) and you can peel it away! Sounds like fun huh? My kids thought so. It was a fabulous way to keep little fingers busy for a few hours! But, the fun only lasts so long. The tough spots are still clinging--and we aren't very willing to get back at it. It makes quite a mess. So, we just keep the door closed and pretend it isn't there. Some day--right?

McCall, Idaho

We've spent a weekend in McCall each Fall for the last several years. It's something the kids look forward to every year. These are a few glimpes of visits past and present.

(It's been two and a half hours since I began this post. Obviously this isn't something I find easy to do--but I'm getting through it.....trying not to sink into "technical despair.")

Hey, look at that! I figured out how to change font color! I'm so excited!

We had a great time in McCall last weekend. The kids swam five times in two days--definitely the highlight of the trip. The girls enjoyed watching Barbie and the Diamond Castle--something they've been anxiously waiting to do. Steven chose to watch Nim's Island--but fell asleep half way through. Too much swimming I guess! Gage was happier than ever--almost giddy! He ran around the condo sqealing and laughing most of the time.

Mint Chocolate Chip Icecream

I keep viewing the cutest blogs! It's so much fun! Way to go you creative gals! I'd like to change the look of my own, but Ashley would be broken hearted--she loves this one because it looks like mint chocolate chip icecream. Doesn't that sound delicious?

I had to hire a babysitter for this morning (5:25 am) so I could teach at the gym. I think I paid the babysitter more than I actually made teaching class. Gripe! Oh, well. Atleast I got in a work out today...something that doesn't always happen when Ryan is out of town. He should be home again tomorrow evening. This is a short post. I've got LOTS to do.

I am: A wife, mother, friend, daughter
I think: I worry too much
I know: How to make yummy cinnamon rolls
I want: To be a better mom
I dislike: Watching television
I miss: My Grandma Bingham
I fear: Failure and alzheimers
I feel: Buried in piles of things to do and unrealistic expectations
I hear: Nothing--that can't be good, three of my children are here!
I smell: Downy fresh laundry
I crave: Sweet potatoes (can't wait for Thanksgiving!)
I cry: Rarely
I search: Yard sales for great deals
I wonder: How my children will 'turn out'
I regret: Selling our property in Wyoming
I love: My family and all babies!
I care: Too much about having a clean house
I always: Brush my teeth
I worry: About the mistakes I make as a mother
I am not: Very organized
I remember: Few details about anything--thus my fear of alzheimers
I believe: In hard work
I dance: Are you kidding? I have no rhythm.
I sing: For family home evening and in Sacrament meeting (sometimes)
I don’t always: Eat right
I argue: Seldom. Well, maybe I 'argue' with my kids
I write: Over a hundred Christmas cards every year
I win: Hmmm.
I lose: When I try to reason with Avery (it can't be done)
I wish: I were more intelligent
I listen: To a variety of music. It used to be only country
I don't understand: Computers (or anything technical)
I can usually be found: In the kitchen or at the gym
I am scared: Of not being good enough
I need: To serve more
I forget: To take Steven to Scouts (3 weeks running now)
I am happy: With my life

Peaches, Peaches!

A few weeks ago we took the kids peach picking at the church orchards in Caldwell, ID. They loved it! Avery thought the green and yellow peaches were best. Gage just liked the ladders. Ashley was very particular with her selections and careful with the fruit. Steven was very brave--climbing as high as he could go! You may pick for service and then are allowed to purchase the fruit at great prices. We came home with a few bushels of peaches. They have been delicious! I bottled 14 quarts of them this year (which is a miracle considering last years' experience and nearly swearing off canning forever) I realize 14 quarts is a meager attempt at homemaking- but I'm proud of it! Next year, perhaps I will attempt 20! Ha Ha. Fresh peach pie was delicious too! My good friend Cheri came over during a BSU football game to make pie with me. The 'boys' watched the game and we made pie--to each his own! I miss having the fresh fruit around--but I don't miss the fruit flies!

Here are a few 'in the middle' photos of our ongoing project. Of course I didn't take any 'before' pictures of the bathrooms--remember, I'm the mom who still hasn't taken the first day of school snap shots. I guess these will have to do. I plan on posting an 'after' picture when everything is complete. I can't wait! Our good friend Tom Nate came from Blackfoot to help us out. In fact, he did the whole thing (all the tile and plumbing). We still need to seal the tile, remove the wallpaper border, paint, install cabinets, and replace the lighting. Ryan can't wait to shower without having to duck under the shower head--we've never lived where a shower head was high enough for him. Also pictured is "Aunt Lori". She joined her hubby the last evening and helped him finish up. She also made these cute hair clips with my girls. They wear them every day! Thanks guys! We celebrated our 12th anniversary on the 21st of September. Ryan had tickets for the Boise State Football game in Eugene, OR that weekend. I must admit, a football game was not on the top of my list of favorite things to do. However, I am flattered that my husband still invites me to attend--I know more than a handful of others who would have 'sold their birth rites' to go! I still get 'flack' for turning down free tickets and airfare to the Fiesta Bowl two years ago. I know, I know--what was I thinking? I had a great day in Eugene with my husband (and friends). It was fun to get away and enjoy something together. The game was fantastic...a bit nail biting and loud, but isn't that what makes it fun? (Especially when you WIN! Go Boise State!) We arrived at the airport a few minutes before the team. They passed through security just behind us. It was exciting to be 'so close'. Ha Ha! Thanks to Tyson and Amber for watching the kids and cleaning the house!

What should I do next?

It's nearing ten o'clock. I think all of the kiddos are asleep. Ryan started a new five week course tonight. I'm sure he'll go back to work to study and get caught up (if that's possible). Whatever shall I do? I don't think I've even 'cracked open' the day's to-do list. (Who am I kidding--I don't even make those any more!) I could fold the mound of clothes behind me or put away the piles I folded several days ago. I could empty the dishwasher and make room for the next wash (patiently waiting all over my counter tops). I could sweep and mop--again. I could start sealing the tile and grout; scrub the dutch oven on the back porch (it's been there for a week now); or do something domestic with our daily harvest. Writing thank you notes would be appreciated as would a letter to our missionaries. I ought to work on my upcoming lesson or tear down the wallpaper in the bathroom and nursery. I still haven't cleaned Ryan's office. The van needs a good wash and the garage is a disaster! I don't know when I last shaved my legs! Ha. It truly isn't possible to get it all done, is it? Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. I seriously need to find a better balance. Perhaps that is something we attempt to do all the days of our lives but never really accomplish. I do have some fun things to post, but I'm falling asleep as I type. I'll keep you in suspense another day--Ha Ha.

Belated Occassions

You know the special sections in the card isles for belated birthdays, graduations, holidays, and other occassions? Well, they were made especially for people like me. Gage had his first birthday a month and a half ago. We still haven't celebrated, taken pictures, wrapped a gift, or gobbled down a morsel of cake. Did school start in Boise? (You might have cause to wonder )Yes, that was two weeks ago. I haven't taken the 'first day of school' photos either. My children are fed, however (daily, I promise!) I'm pretty sure they've been going to school in clean clothes (underwear included), we're gettting most of the daily homework done, the piano practiced, and I've even volunteered in the classroom already! I love to do that!

Ashley was more than ready for her first day of kindergarten. No reservations whatsoever! She marched right in the classroom, found her place and anxiously awaited for instruction. Didn't even look up to say goodbye! When I picked her up after class, her head and shoulders were slumped over and she didn't look very happy. Upon asking how the day went, she replied: "This just isn't working out for me. All they have in there are toys for babies! The only thing I liked was the pladoh!" So, there you have it. The first day of kindergarten--sorely disappointing. She has perked up a bit since then (it took all of ten minutes). Besides, music class and P.E. are really cool, and Mrs. Makaafi knows some pretty neat stuff! I think we're going to be okay.

Steven (3rd grade) seems to go with the flow. Whatever works. Peace (you know). I think he would like any teacher, but Mrs. Cox is perfect for him. She is very straightforward with expectations, etc. Third grade is where the 'rubber hits the pavement' so to speak. I think we'll do alright if we can keep him (Steven) focused. Is that a problem for other eight year old boys? He just had his first football game on Saturday. It was great fun! He's actually 'getting' it this year! Last year, it was all about the treats, trophy, and getting to wear a cool uniform. This year he's pulling flags, memorizing plays, and actually has a hustle in his step! Shew! (Now, if we could incorporate the hustle at home--chores, getting ready for school, etc.--it would be FAB!)

We are housing Tyson and Ambers' piano while they try to sell their home in Caldwell and find a new place to live in Kimberly. Steven will actually have some real ivory to practice on! Hurray! We shuffled furniture around to make it fit. All of the kids enjoy the 'new' piece of furniture and the noise it makes. Gage inparticular. I suppose the novelty of it will wear off soon. Steven begins another season of lessons this Thursday. He remembers more than I thought he would after a long summer of sporatic practicing.

So, our garden has produced very well this year. I haven't been able to keep up with it. Out of literally hundreds of cucumbers, I've bottled just one batch of pickles. Just one batch of zuchhini relish as well. I have several dozen tomatoes waiting for some TLC. Gage loves them---squishing them that is. Gross! I hope to get some chili sauce made this year. Kudos to those of you who manage to bottle, and bottle, and bottle. Sigh. Just writing about it wears me out!

I have been teaching at a local athletic club for about four months--subbing a variety of classes until last week. I officially have my own two classes (step and strength, and a cardio interval class) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings! I still get very nervous to teach, but I love it! Besides, now I get paid to work out. How cool is that?

I've been 'tagged' to post six quirky things about myself. Haven't forgotten. I'm just glad I'm posting at all! (you'll understand when I post some of those quirks)

Call me Looky Lou!

I must say, I'm spending far too much time enjoying the blogging world! It's fun to see how creative, silly, and sarcastic people can be! Some of you should be published authors--wait a minute, you ARE! Amazing!

We're missing Steven. A lot. I've usually had my morning hug from him by now. He's having a great time in Wyoming and I'm confident he isn't missing us quite the same.

The girls are still sleeping. I can't bring myself to wake them--it's so peaceful. Sigh.

It's Monday, the to-do list is daunting....let the games begin!

Let's get this blog going!

I've been enjoying blogs for several months now. I guess it's about time I started participating in the fun. You get to exercise your patience (or just laugh) at my computer and technically challenged brain--but I'm determined to figure it out. My good friend Cathy was kind enough to help me get started (thanks Cathy). I hope you'll enjoy hearing what happens at the Daniel house.

Ryan is fishing in Eastern Idaho with his best friend Joe Heward and brother Jeremy. We expect to see him home sometime tonight or early Sunday morning. Ashley misses him immensley. She carries a picture of him all around the house and sleeps with the picture at night. Gee, Dad must be more fun than me (of course, I already knew that) She doesn't appreciate having to work around the house--it makes her life rather unbearable. Since I tend to enforce the working around here, I don't win any points in Ashley's book of favorite people. Sigh. Currently, she wishes to live with the Spjutes because their mom only lets them play. Little does she know......

Miss Avery, our fearless, frowning, forgetful, and fabulous female is wearing her fifth outfit of the day. (Let's not even talk about laundry) Yesterday, wherever she was found, there was a particular odor. I finally asked her why she smelled so stinky. She answered: "I'm not stinky, my bumm is just hot!" I laughed too, but she didn't appreciate it. Out went the bottom lip, and across the room flew the book she was holding. Next time I suspect she might have gas, I'll remember not to comment.

Gage, I'm afraid, is picking up on Avery's attitude. He also throws things when he's angry. He has a nice ledge on his bottom lip as well. Poor kids, inhereted their mother's under bite and famous pout. I still haven't outgrown the latter. Sad, but true. We LOVE having Gage around!

Steven is probably having the time of his life in Idaho Falls with Aunt Brenda and family. We are missing him. He will be going to Grandma and Grandpa Daniel's for the 8 year old party next week. That's a fun tradition in the Daniel family. Grandma and Grandpa Daniel host all the grandchildren turning eight years old that year. They do some special acctivities together--I suspect they are different from year to year-I look forward to hearing Steven's report. He is a great kid. I appreciate his hugs, help, and happy attitude.

Ryan, the greatest husband ever, is my saving grace. He is a fabulous father! Our children adore him (as do I!). I love how he calmly handles day to day life. It takes a lot to 'ruffle' his feathers. He works very hard to provide for our family. I'm proud of him. Currently he is going to school (on the side) earning his degree. He teaches the 10 year old primary class in our ward and loves it! He loves golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, cooking (particularly dutch oven), watching thunderstorms, Big Dog T-shirts, NASCAR, competition, Green Bay Packers, date night, and his kids. We all think he ROCKS!

Gage took his first steps on sunday.