What am I doing, you might ask?

When I have oh so much to do before we head out for Arizona tomorrow, you may be wondering what I'm doing blogging. Well, to be totally honest, I'm avoiding this... I have a little bit of laundry, nothing much, just a whole bed full, you know, like 10-12 loads or something. Well, I better go dig in and get to foldin' and packin'!

Ride 'Em Cowboy Weekend

We spent Sunday evening at Mimi and Papa's house blowing bubbles and playing around. Then, on Monday, we went out to the horses and rode them. Rusten rode his first horse....it was a blast! Rich got some great pics and a couple of videos. If Blogger will work with me this go-round (this is not my first aggravated attempt to get this posted), maybe you'll get to see them!

Such a magnetic personality my brother has!
Rusten is such a good big brother, letting Reed be in on the fun!
Taking time to watch some TV.
My precious first born on his first "ride da' horsey"
Rich riding after years of abstaining from horse activities.
Like a Pro!
Sure, laugh it up!
And what was Reed doing, you might ask??
Hanging out in our redneck playpen, of course!

My little cowboy!
"Yeah" *sigh*, "so, that's how I became the world's best two-year-old rodeo star"
Papa and Uncle "Faniel" riding the horses.
I love my little innocent cowboy!
WWWAAAIIITTT!!!!!

A narration in honor of Papa Essman.

An insight into the lifelong desires of my wonderful husband!

A Big Thank You!

Though I have many things to share and show you, today is dedicated to thanking those who have served our country. I specifically say "Thank You" to our grandfathers who served our country. I am grateful for all those who have given their lives so we can live ours. As Billy Ray Cyrus put it "All gave some, and some gave all".....and for that I thank you!

Walter R. Harvey, Sr. (Katie's Mom's Dad)

Robert Root Heath (Rich's Mom's Dad)

George W. Tweed (Katie's Dad's Dad)

A Glimpse of Brothers Bathing

Reed was finally deemed big and stable enough to join brother in the big tub (actually he puked in his own tub and was moved out of necessity). The two of them commenced to shaving their out-of-control beards. After a stressful day, God reminded us of how blessed we are with our kids and eachother. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!

And now..... 'Brothers Bathing'

Here's What's for Breakfast!

As I was getting ready, Rusten was awful quiet.....because he was busy fixing a delicious breakfast of basketball and a side of bath toy! Yum!

A Surprise Visit.....It Does the Heart Good!

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. "

Prov 16:9

I was getting ready to leave our house yesterday to go over to my parent's house for dinner, when I got a call from an old friend. She was stranded in Bako of all places!! Unfortunately she had a flat tire out on the 5, and they towed her into town to get it fixed. Only, the tire shop didn't have the right tire, and they wouldn't get it until today. Bad for her, good for us! I went and picked up our friend Jackie and we got to spend some time with her after over a year!

Jackie was in our college group up in Susanville. Jackie was always so faithful and sincere.....she was one of my personal faves (along with you, Kristi)! So she had dinner with us at my parents, then we came home and she too crammed into our apartment and crashed on our couch.

Today we had breakfast together and took the boys to reading time at the library - a Wednesday staple. Then we went out and had lunch with Rich at Sequoia Sandwich and walked around Kohl's while we waited for her car to finish up.

What a refreshing visit that was! It made me stop my life cycle of insanity! Plus we got to see how an old friend is doing! She is on her way down to San Diego for the summer while she's off from school up in Yuba City. She's going to be a nurse! Lord, bless our friend Jackie...guide her steps and guard her heart!

Another Game of "Name that Baby"

Okay, here you go.......who is who? Here are four pictures - two of Rusten and two of Reed. You tell me!

Slacker's my name and...you know the rest...

Because I still have to obey my mom....here I am!

Here is my attempt to catch you up on our lives:

Rich: He is doing very well. He just got another raise at work. We're not sure yet how much, but we're excited!

Katie: She (I) took on another job working for the attorney she (I) used to work for up north, doing probates and estate plans - you know, to fill all that free time.

Rusten: He is still testing the boundaries of a 2-year-old. He started going to preschool on Thursday mornings - he hates it!

Reed: He is growing like a weed (no pun intended). He is eating stage 2 baby food, sitting, worming (instead of crawling), and at 6 months is now wearing 12 month clothes.

Whew! That was a nutshell if ever I saw one. So, here are all the pics I've been hoarding...

My lego mess was so ginormous, I had to get me a hired hand!

The Hired Hand.

"No, mom, I have no idea where your chapstick is (in my pocket). I haven't seen it all day."

Reed and Daddy in the first swim of the year!

Rusten looking and acting a few marbles shy.

Rusten and Miss Becca swimming.

"No, mom, I'm not scared at all. See....fun!"

My beautiful family! Thank you Jesus!

These two pictures are funny to me. They are taken at the same time and I thought it was funny that I caught them both sleeping in almost the same position. I love my boys!

Blogger Block

I apologize for my silence. I have had such a crazy busy life lately, I'm not real sure what things are blog worthy and which things aren't. With the exception of Rusten's brand new fever and intestinal discomfort, we are all faring quite nicely. I vow to return to the blogging board lickity split. I miss sharing with everyone all of our current events. However, for now, I must retire from an extremely exhausting day!