To The Mountains We Go

Dad, Jayden and I drove up to Ruth Ann and Bill's for a relaxing weekend and had a blast! They have a beautiful cabin on the north fork of the Coerd' Alene River, heading into the Bitterroot Mountains and Montana. It's amazing country. We arrived late Friday and enjoyed a scrumptious chicken dinner around the campfire. Saturday we bummed around the area for awhile checking out the sites, plants and St. John's Wort...(we enjoyed the little buzz we were getting picking them wild). Later in the day, we hopped onto the ATV's and headed up above the timberline, going into Montant. We happened upon a pile of fresh Grizzly scat filled with berries. We saw some glacial lakes on the way too. In one direction, we look off toward the Selkirk Mountains. In another, the Cabinet Range. Fall is already creeping in. On Sunday, we took a drive over to the Ancient Cedar Groves. We topped off our weekend target shooting with Bill's crossbow and had a moose venture into our camp. Wonderful memories!!

  

Jayden Goes Through the Temple

Our family (taken at Keaton's baby blessing the week before)

We're so grateful that Josten was able to make it for Jayden's trip through the temple. It was an emotional day for Dad and I as we watched our son move one step closer to his mission!

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Uncle Jayden spent lots of time with the kids...playing, teasing and laughing. It's what he does best.

 Breck and Papa

 Braden and Marlee

 Grandma pooped out with Sienna and Veda

 Jayden and Sienna

 Sarah, Josten Jr., Jayden, Sienna & Josten

Uncle Jayden & Veda

Jayden Gets His Mission Call

What more can I say? I know this is an inspired call and he'll be an outstanding servant of the Lord! 

Armenia Yerevan Mission. Reports December 4, 2013.

Bird Whisperer

On top of graduation, planning girls camp and preparing kids for Pioneer Trek...I rescued two birds this spring: a Finch and a Starling. Although Starlings are obnoxious little creatures, it was an amazing experience taking this day old "pterodactyl" and nursing it to maturity. I'm literally having to teach it to fly and eat on its own, which is not easy! It knows when I enter a room because it squawks like it hasn't eaten in a year (kind of like a teenager at this point). He thinks I'm his mommy.

Our beautiful mourning dove, Marlee helped with our Finch by feeding it and prompting it to fly. When put side by side in the cage, our dove would wrap its wing around the Finch and coo.

 Little Finch

Marlee's attached to the little girl

 Starling; about a day old

Starling ~ little pest...is always hungry!

 Starling isn't quite sure what to think of "freedom"

The Finch was released and lives with another brood in the back yard. The Starling was freed July 4th, Independence Day. She was reluctant at first, then soared.

Enjoy the photo's!!

Graduation Overload!!

My boy has reached a huge milestone in his life...his high school graduation! It's bittersweet; knowing that he's a step away from independence and leaving the nest, and the thrill of seeing all that Dad and I have invested. Jayden is an amazing young man who's well on his way to becoming a magnificent missionary, devoted husband and father! We are so excited for him.

Celebrations began as we honored our seniors for Senior Recognition Night in our ward. That was a fun event and I think the youth felt the love. 

 Mom had a rough time holding back the tears

 Dad had a rough time holding back the sentiment too!

 Jayden had a rough time holding back the humor!! ha...

Crestview Ward Seniors!!!

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As for graduation day, all the family came for his open house (except our boys Jehkiah and Josten who are too darn far away...Georgia). We had a wonderful time after the ceremony in our backyard; eating and enjoying good conversation with friends and neighbors. I spent weeks getting flowers planted, and the yard in shape so I was thrilled!!!

Proud moment for both of us

 Good neighbors, friends and family

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The following morning was spent at the Olsen's for Leslie's graduation open house. The grand kids loved playing with Grandpa on the trampoline. It was a memorable weekend.

 Looks like a fingerprint got in the way of the fun!

 Grandpa was the "shark monster"
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After all the hoopla, we celebrated CBC's graduation rather quietly in June with just Dad & I, Karen and the kids. We're so proud of our son ~ graduating from high school with his AA Degree. 

Quite an achievement!!!

 Tracen snuck in the picture...too cute

Colby, Tracen and Mackenzie

Brother and Sister 

 This is what boredom looks like

Father and Son

Travis and Karen's Sealing

Miracles happen every day. One in particular is having Travis join our family. Karen's waited a long time and we're so blessed now to be linked for eternity. We are so grateful for those who drove over to help us celebrate, and so sad that some of our kids couldn't be here. But, we are eternally bound now!!

Tracen was so precious, all dressed in white as he was joined to his mom and dad. Mackenzie and Colby were granted permission to be in the sealing room with us so they could witness the sealing. It was an  incredible day.

Karen & Shasta

Karen & Jayden