A Bit of a Whirlwind

Whew! The past couple of weeks have been pretty crazy. Right after we lost Riley, we had to start getting ready for the Gem County Fair, which ended up being a great distraction for the boys and myself. We just love the fair! The boys were very excited about the Lego competition. Camden had actually been working on his creations since last year's fair, and his hard work paid off. He was really hoping to win the Grand Champion ribbon, and he did just that, for his "nuclear submarine" submission.

Griffin did a great job as well, and he is so proud of the ribbons he won. We tried something new this year, and we each entered the "Spudhead" competition, making little creations out of Idaho potatoes. It was so much fun, and we will definitely be doing it again next year.

The "Queen of the Kitchen" ribbon slipped through my grasp once again this year, so I will just have to try again next year. I was one blue ribbon short of qualifying, but I am not complaining at all! I love that the prizes for "best of division" are bags of sugar. It certainly comes in handy when you love to bake.

My parents packed up and headed back to Maine, and boy, do we miss them already. We had such a great visit and feel so lucky that they come out and spend so much quality time with us. Their little house is so cute, and I think they enjoyed fixing it up. Come back soon, Mum and Dad!

We had the great fortune of a visit from Emily and Neil! They were enjoying a vacation out west, and took the time to include Emmett as a stop in their travels. It was so wonderful to actually see them "in person" and spend time together. It was a great day.

I thought it was fitting that the vet's office called me on what would have been Riley's 15th birthday, to tell me that his ashes were ready to be picked up. The boys and I love his urn, and it feels so good to have him back home with us.

 A few months ago, I saw these little stuffed animals at Starbucks (of all places!). I bought two and put them away. The other day, I took them out of my closet, removed their little green scarves and replaced them with blue plaid ribbon (because Riley wore a blue plaid collar) and added some personalized name tags. The boys just love their new pups.

In other news, the chickens have begun laying eggs, but that deserves a post of its own! Summer has sped by far too quickly this year. I cannot believe that the first day of school is just 15 short days away.

A Lovely Summer Day

Camden still loves to snuggle with Nana

Dinner al fresco...my favorite!

Bucket of boys

Monday was such a nice day. The weather is on the upswing once again, after a terribly cold week last week. I am going to enjoy this week for all it is worth, because next week it is supposed to be in the mid-90's and we will all be complaining that it is too hot!

I had hoped to get more accomplished on my to-do list yesterday, but there is always today and perhaps I will get caught up. We are loving that my parents are here in Idaho, spending time at their new little house, just a 5 minute walk from our house. They have done so much to it in the short time they have been here. I am looking forward to writing a blog post about it, once it is ready for the Big Reveal. Mostly I just like knowing that we can see them whenever we want to - - that after dinner we can hop on our bikes and ride over to their house if we feel like it. It makes me happy that the boys can be with them - - they love Nana and Papa and they are so lucky to have this time with them.

Last night Mum and Dad came over for dinner on the patio and it was such an enjoyable evening. The temperature was perfect, the company was great -- what more can you ask for?

Steve is in Arkansas this week for work. We will be glad when he comes home because he won't have to do any traveling for a while. The Cherry Festival begins on Wednesday so the boys are beside themselves with excitement. I really do love this time of year. Just wish summer would slow down a little already - - it seems like it is speeding by!

Back to Life

Well my goodness, it has been a while. I am happy to report that I finally have a new laptop. I am still trying to figure it out but at least I have figured out enough to be able to post something to my blog. I really hope that I can get back into the swing of regular writing. I have realized over the past three months that I have miss keeping a record of what we are up to. I spent some time going through blog posts from years passed and am so happy that I have so many memories written down. Sometimes I will go through a dry spell and will think that maybe I don't want to have a blog anymore, but now I know that I do. So, onward!

The above picture is from this past weekend. My mom flew out to Idaho to watch the boys for us so that Steve and I could attend a Strong Bonds marriage retreat in McCall. This is offered by the Army and we have wanted to attend for a long time, and it finally worked out that we could. The retreat consisted of a bunch of great sessions, dinner, and ample free time to do some things on our on. During our free time on Saturday, we rented a snowmobile and rode to Bergdorf Hot Springs. It was such a fun adventure! I have now been to three different hot springs and Bergdorf is definitely my favorite.

The gigantic pool you see behind Steve is actually the hot spring...I think the temperature was around 101 or so. It was also about five feet deep. I have only ever been in very shallow hot springs so this was great. This was after our soak and we were getting ready to get back on the snowmobile for the 20-mile ride back to town. It was great to do something out of the ordinary (for us) and we really had a good time. The entire weekend was wonderful and I know we both learned a lot. I am so thankful to my mom for coming all the way out here for us. She and the boys packed in a ton of quality time together while we were away!

A Great Visit

(photo by Camden M. Arnett)

My parents went back to Maine today, so the boys and I have been kind of down-in-the-dumps today. We had such a good visit with them ~ they arrived on June 1st, and having them here was just what we all needed. My parents are so laid back, good to me, good to the boys, and I love being with them. Camden and Griffin had some good sleepovers, mastered my mom's IPad, coaxed both of my parents to get in the pool with them, had some movie dates with them, Happy Meals every Tuesday night, foot rubs, endless amounts of ice cream, and Camden had a standing Tuesday night date with my mother to watch, "America's Got Talent". The boys were pretty much in and out of their house all day, every day, which is just how my parents like it. Riley got in on the action too ~ I think he stayed at their house about 95% of the time that they were here. He'd come home from time to time, but then would head right back next door, where Nana gave him biscuits (and always had a dish of food waiting on the window sill for Roy). My dad did some projects that Steve had been wanting done, and I am really thankful to him for that. Just a great visit. It went by too quickly, though. We miss you already!

Fresh, Sweet Cherries

We are very lucky to live near a plethora of orchards. Unfortunately, the number of these orchards have decreased drastically, just in the 10 years that I've lived here. I'm also embarrassed to admit that I've not taken advantage of them like I should have been, but from now on, I intend to. It is an inexpensive way to fill your freezer full of fresh, local fruits and veggies - - there's nothing better than that. So, the other day, Nana and I took the boys to a local orchard for some cherry picking. The boys had a blast and were great little pickers. All told, we picked 11 pounds between the four of us!

My mother might want to consider a second career as a cherry pitter. Thanks to her, all 11 pounds have been pitted and frozen. Yay for cherries!

AT-AT Still Life

Camden loves his AT-AT Walker, his Papa, and drawing. So, he announced the other morning that he was going to 'go over to Papa's house' so they could sketch pictures of his AT-AT Walker. I'm pretty sure this picture will be one of my favorites, for years to come.

Griffin's New Sweater

A few weeks ago, Camden received a new sweater in the mail, made by his Nana. Griffin immediately asked, "Where's MY sweater?!!?" So, no surprise that Nana got her knitting needles right back out and went back to work. Griffin knew his sweater was on its way to Idaho, and asked me every day for a week if his package had arrived yet.

Thank goodness it finally came, and not only did he get a lovely new sweater, but also a hat to match. Griff was excited to wear them right away, and reports that both the hat and the sweater "work good". Thanks, Nana ~ we are continually impressed with your knitting skills!

Major Bummer

My parents left this morning to head back to Maine, and boy do we miss them already. The arrived in early September, and we have so enjoyed having them here. It was great to have their support while the boys and I adjusted to having Steve away. All of that aside, my folks are just really great people who we love and enjoy being around. I can't even put into words what it has meant to me, having them be a part of the boys' every-day life. Probably something a lot of people who live near their parents take for granted from time to time, I would imagine. Both my mom and my dad are really wonderful grandparents - - loving, gentle, attentive, but able to keep the boys in line when needed. It was really nice to have their companionship. Many times today already, I've had to stop myself from "popping in" next door, to see what they were up to. So, while it is going to take us a few days to adjust to not having them here, we are also going to look forward to their next visit. We miss you, Nana and Papa!

Saturday Pictures

The boys, posing with the gingerbread house they made with Nana. A more accurate description might be 'the boys posing with the gingerbread house their Nana made while they supervised'



Random shot by Griffin. Right after he took this photo, he wandered off with my camera and "misplaced" it. I'm happy to report that it turned up after a massive search effort was executed. Little stinker.

I think the boys were playing "Titanic" in this shot. I like the clip-on neckties with their t-shirts. Fancy.

And finally, a super-creepy shot of Riley, playing dress-ups with the boys. He yawned right as I snapped the picture.

Festival of Lights

Tonight was our local Festival of Lights, and so I decided to whip up some homemade pizza, bake a few goodies, and have a little party. We had some friends join us, along with Nana and Papa, before heading over to the city park.

Here I am with my mother and my good friend Jeanie. I met Jeanie at Camden's school - - she has a great little boy who is Camden's age. My mom got to know Jeanie too, this fall at soccer practice, when Jeanie's son and Camden were on the same team. It is impossible not to like Jeanie because she is so bubbly, fun, and friendly. I am so glad to know her!

There was entertainment at the band shell, food, cocoa, and a gingerbread house contest. We wondered around but mostly watched the boys play in the snow and throw snowballs.

Of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause were there. This picture of Griffin, getting squashed by Santa cracks me up. My ears perked up when I overheard Griffin telling Santa that he wants an electric guitar for Christmas. That's a new addition - - hadn't heard that one before. Unfortunately for Griff, the gifts have been purchased already, and he's definitely not getting an electric guitar!

It was a fun night, even though I think it took everyone a little while to thaw out after we got home!

Snow Day #2

As I mentioned yesterday, snow days are rare around here, but somehow we ended up with another one today! Camden was so, so happy when he woke up and I told him that school had been cancelled for the second day in a row. The conditions weren't as good today though...lots of rain mixed in with the snow, and cold that goes right to the bone. I snuck out of town for a few hours to do some Christmas shopping, and the boys did some themselves, with Nana. They also totally lucked out when she took them on a date to McDonald's, for lunch. When I returned from my shopping adventure, Camden and Papa were out in the back yard, building a snowman. I'm pretty sure that there will be school tomorrow, but Camden's hoping for another miracle.

Snow Day

We had a snow day today - - that doesn't happen very often in these parts! Only once in a great while do we get snow that actually "sticks" for more than a few hours. So, what a great surprise to wake up this morning and find all kinds of snow. It was made even better when we got our automated call from the superintendent of schools, telling us we had a snow day. The boys were thrilled, and I have to say, I sure was too! My mother and I braved the elements to hit up the local department store for some snow block makers, and then my dad made snow forts with the boys. It was a great day!

Thankful

I'm so happy that my parents were in Idaho this year, for Thanksgiving. The boys and I are going to miss them so much when they head back to Maine in the next week or so...I can't even stand to think about it. I'm extra-thankful that they have been here to help me recuperate from gallbladder surgery this week - - while it is an outpatient procedure (like most surgeries these days) I can tell you that it wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. Ouch! I really didn't feel well at all today, but I'm hoping that I'll be on the mend in the next day or so. I don't enjoy sitting around!



Here's what Thanksgiving dinner looks like when you've just had your gallbladder removed. I can tell you that the mashed potatoes agreed with me, so that's probably what I'll be eating for the next few days. We spent the afternoon relaxing, and now I'm getting ready to tuck the boys in (after we finish watching Elf, of course).

These boys of mine have it pretty good. It is a regular occurrence to be sitting on Nana's sofa in the evening, eating an ice cream cone, sometimes while getting a "lotion foot rub". Lucky boys!

Being (Really) Neighborly

The boys didn't waste a bit of time, making themselves right at home with Nana and Papa. They have managed to cram so much fun in already, and they haven't even been here for a week yet. Some highlights include: a couple of sleepovers, ice cream cones, baking cookies, lots of art work, and meals together. Camden tells me each morning when he goes to school, "I'd prefer to have Nana and Papa pick me up after school today", and this morning he "preferred" to have them take him to school, as well! It is so nice to have my parents next door, and I feel really, really lucky that my boys are getting so much quality time with them.

Trashing Nana's house (but picking up afterwards, of course!)

Enjoying the claw foot bathtub

Doing homework with Nana

Family dinner (and an unexpected dinner guest...Steve!)

Harassing Papa (although he doesn't seem to mind a bit)

Enjoying the patio

Hangin' in the tree fort

My parents are so good with the boys, and seem to have an endless amount of patience. So glad they are here!

New Neighbors

The view next door, from my back door

My parents arrived late last Wednesday night, after a whirlwind roadtrip. They couldn't lollygag along the way because they had their cats with them, but I think they also might have been a little anxious to get here! On the last day, they drove for 17 hours! Those crazy kids! Anyway, they are settling in nicely next door, and it is just great having them here. The boys love having Nana and Papa so close by - - Camden has already spent the night at their house once, and Griffin, twice! As for me, I can't believe I get to have my mother and father right next door to me - - Steve and I are so happy (not to mention, thankful) that they are here. Their presence is going to be so important in the coming weeks.

A Well-Earned Vacation

My mother, Roberta, opening gifts at her retirement party ~ August 26, 2010

Today is my mother's last day of work. She is retiring from Bowdoin College, after spending a better part of her life this far, working harder than anyone I've ever known. Her very first job was picking beans, followed by working on Cape Cod for many summers as a chambermaid. She worked as a bookkeeper in Bangor, and then came to Brunswick where she worked at the Bath Times, which later became the Times Record. Then, it was onto Maine Times, where she worked for 26 years, until it went out of business. How scary it must have been for her, having to look for a new job, 16 1/2 years ago. I've never really thought about that, until recently. My mother has always had an incredible work ethic, never missing work unless absolutely necessary, always concerned about how her absence would impact her work or her coworkers. She had cancer 10 years ago this fall, and even continued to work throughout her radiation treatments. Not all that surprising, because this is the same person who won an award as a senior in high school, for never missing a day of school. It is just the way she has always been.

I know my mother has some apprehension regarding the next phase of her life - - I think she's afraid she'll get bored. I have to admit, I'm very excited for what's to come. I'm hoping that now, my mother and father will be able to begin doing more of the things they've always wanted to do. Goodness knows they both deserve it.

On Sunday, they will set out on a road trip cross-country, with their destination being Idaho. You see, there is a little yellow house next door to my home, and they'll be living there for the next few months. I'm so happy I can barely stand it. I love my parents dearly, and the thought of having them as neighbors for a bit, makes me happier than I can even begin to explain.

Congratulations, Mum. I'm so incredibly proud of you, and I am so happy for you and Dad. See you soon!

Round-Up

It has been busy around these parts. Not long after my friend Jen came for a visit, my father came to visit for a little over two weeks, and it was great! All four of us have been missing him, since he left last Monday - - it was so nice having him here.

The boys received a lot of love and attention from their Papa, which, of course, they loved. My dad is such a gentle and patient man, and a wonderful grandfather. Camden and Griffin are very lucky boys.

While he was here, spring soccer came to an end for Camden. Griffin is so anxious to start playing himself, but he misses the fall cut-off by just a few days, so he'll have to wait another year, unfortunately.

Camden absolutely loved soccer this year, and it was so much fun to watch him. As a parent, I have to admit that I'm not exactly sure how I feel about organized sports at this point! I truly feel that at this age level, organized sports are there to teach children how to play the game, how to be a good sport, and to simply have fun. Although I try very hard to let my children find their own way in life and not hover too much, I saw some things this time around that caused me (on more than one occasion) to want to throttle some kids and some parents. That's all I'll say about that or I'll get myself all worked up!

Thank goodness when my dad was visiting, he helped me arrange my photos on the bare living room wall. I knew I wanted all black frames, but rather than going and buying matching frames, I spent $2.99 on a can of spray paint, and painted what I already had. It came out just the way I'd hoped it would.

Camden's spring school pictures came in, and I cannot help but smile, every time I look at this picture. Still no front teeth, and no signs of any coming in. I just love his gap-tooth smile and hope it stays that way for a few more months.

Where did that warm weather go? Currently, we are freezing here in Idaho. I sure do wish it would warm back up!