Another Farm Project and the Definition of Tenacious...

Early this summer we had a bit of an undertaking...actually that is a ridiculous understatement- we took on a huge project that had to be done at our farm property. We had to install a well, pump, pumphouse and watering system. When you say it out loud or list it out it is hard to believe that it could be so overwhelming. There are just a few things, right? Not so much. It was far more than we were expecting and took night after night and hours upon hours. Cory was completely exhausted by the end of it (which we just finished "for real" today...so it has dragged on for quite some time!) and we really didn't think it would ever end. Our kids spent hours in the hot sun and sitting patiently in the car or even babysitting themselves at home (one evening they were alone for 3 hours while we worked- they had my phone and Ty was asleep). They really had to push through too.

I hate to sound so gloomy and negative- but sometimes life is hard. There are hard things that have to get done and most of the time they just aren't fun- no matter how you look at it! This was certainly one of those times. But you know what, you can always learn something from these experiences and you can always become a little stronger and a little more capable.

Cory was amazing. He pushed and pushed and just kept going. The definition of tenacious is persisting in existence; not easily dispelled; determined. Cory certainly exemplified this tenacity throughout this project. I hope that our children learn from his example how important it is to keep pushing even when something is uncomfortable, unpleasant or just plain hard.

Dad's Birthday...

Cory turned 32 this year (I am only like a month and a half late) and the kids were pretty excited about his birthday. They had some big plans and that morning, we could hear busy little footsteps above us preparing his big surprise.

Breakfast in bed! Made completely by Ellie and Brig. They drew some pictures for him as well and even served his food on a "platter." They were pretty excited about it all.

As per tradition, we had crazy cake (with a lot less frosting than usual...I'll do better with that next year though!) Cory's favorite present was probably the movie Iron Will- he was super excited to show it to the kids. We had a lazy day and watched that movie (Cory may get emotional any time he watches that movie in the wintertime) and followed it up with a few episodes of Little House on the Prairie. Cory's cousin Teresa offered to watch our kids so we could go on a date! What?!? It was really nice- we went to Roystone Hottub and then the Triangle for dinner.

We sure love this man who makes our world go round. And here are 32...yes...32 reasons why!

1. He is so selfless.

2. He is one of the hardest working people I know.

3. He is faithful...to God, his family and his friends.

4. He loves being a dad.

5. He can be quite the romantic! Someday I need to write down all of the things he did while we were dating.

6. He loves to fish!

7. He gets stuff done- he is definitely a mover and a shaker!

8. He has a great laugh...especially when something is really funny to him...he starts clapping his hands and it's the best.

9. He is super thrifty.

10. He is ultra creative.

11. He is handy...and if he doesn't know how to do it he will figure out a way.

12. He is resourceful.

13. He always makes people feel important.

14. He has skysta-runa (I actually don't know how to spell that but it basically means pretty talk in Latvian).

15. He is handsome.

16. He has so many loyal friends and relationships that he has maintained over the years.

17. He can be quite hilarious.

18. He winks at me.

19. He loves the outdoors...especially the mountains.

20. He always says "let me do the math"

21. He is an excellent speaker...like some of the best talks I have ever heard!

22. He is a good cook!

23. He loves his parents.

24. He is always willing to sacrifice for the people he loves.

25. He can ride a unicycle and juggle...I tell him he should join the circus.

26. He loves sleep like no body's business.

27. And he loves business!

28. He makes us get out and do fun activities.

29. He is STILL speaks Latvian fluently and Russian semi-fluently and isn't too shabby at Spanish too!

30. He loved his mission and makes sure to talk about it often.

31. He tells amazing stories to the kids.

32. He is the best person I know!

Second Boys Reunion...

Cory had a really special group of friends in high school. They were pretty close and had some pretty creative fun...a lot of which happened at their friend Bryan Moses's ranch. So it was only fitting that they have a reunion at the Lazy R Ranch this year.
This was actually the second time around...the first one was less of a formal affair...you can read more about it HERE.
It was neat to see how many of them came from different towns and states with their families for this overnight get together. New Jersey, Texas, Tennessee & Northern Idaho. There is so much I could say about it and the fun times that we all had...but I'm just going to share a few pictures of the group and say that the men had a great time, the women all got along and enjoyed each other and the kids could have played together for days. 

I will say this- all these men married great women and served faithful missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and are still active in the church with their families. It is a pretty unique group and it was a privilege to rub shoulders with them.

Duck Hunting...

This fall Brig and Cory woke up bright and early to go duck hunting with some of Cory's friends. Cory is NOT an early riser...but he is a great dad and knew that Brig would be over the moon excited about this opportunity. And he was right. Brig had his warm camo clothes (aka: anything with a camo pattern that he owned) ready to go two days before they were even going. Brig even brought his BB Gun and when Cory ran out of shells he handed his little gun over and insisted that Cory use that so they could get some more ducks. Here are a few pictures of their early morning fun:

 

 

We hadn't gotten his coat out of our storage unit yet and so he was a little underdressed...even with all his camo. Luckily his dad helped him out.

 

 

Brig even got to cook the meat on his own. Cory helped  very little. And he (and Ellie) loved it...but I am starting to think that he loves any kind of wild food...just based on principle. He is our little hunter man for sure.

 

Father's Day 2014...

There are a lot of good men in the world...but I'm quite certain that we have one of the best.

I am so grateful for Cory and the man, husband and father that he is.  Our kids think he is pretty great too.  For Father's Day, we made him a little notepad with questions and answers and coupons from the kids.  Here are the questions that they answered...

 

 

 

 

 

I think our society is trying to belittle men and their roles as husbands and fathers.  I am eternally grateful for a man who knows who he is and what his responsibilities are and fulfills them with every ounce of energy he has.  He is one of the most unselfish people I know and I love him with all of my heart.

Happy Father's Day to the man of my dreams.

We love you!

First Annual High School Ranch Visit...

I think we need to come up with a better name for this get-together.  That one is just too long...we are taking suggestions now:)

Anyways, several of Cory's high school friends had been planning a reunion of sorts this summer.  Last year was their 10th high school reunion and they all decided that they would rather just get together and see each other...so this little shindig was created!

 

 

Cory had a really close group of high school friends- most of them all stay in touch quite well too! So they decided to get together at the same place where they shared plenty of memories back in the day... the Lazy R Ranch... (check it out- it is pretty fancy now with a beautiful barn, horseback rides and a great cabin to stay in... www.idahoguestranch.com) this time there were wives and kids in tow.

 

 

We had so much fun fishing, paddling, horseback riding, talking, reminiscing, eating, and laughing. And we were only there for a few hours!

 

 

 

 

We decided to make it a tradition for every two years.  Next time- we hope everyone will be able to make it!

 

Warm Weather Teaser...

Once again, Spring is playing with our emotions and getting us way too excited for what warm weather means...

 

 

I have a feeling that this summer will have lots of cousins, adventures, family and fun times!

 

Date Night...

Brig and I had been planning a "date night" for a while now and we finally made it happen.  We were pretty excited and while we were making the plans during the day, Ellie decided that she wanted to go on a date too. She told Cory that she wanted to go on a "big one date." She then asked if she could take off her clothes on the date (she loves taking off her clothes lately!) We promptly told her "No, Never." :)  

So Cory and Ellie took one car and went on a little date for a slushie and Brig and I got in the other car and went and got some ice cream and French fries.  It was really fun to spend some one on one time with them!

 

 

 

Our pictures aren't the best but it was certainly an awesome experience!!

We kinda love this whole being parents thing.

 

Lucky...

We are pretty lucky to have this guy around...

He is an awesome dad- and I want my kids, my grandkids, and the rest of the world to know it!

 

 

 

Thanks for all the fun, hard work, love, sacrifice, support, laughter, fun, dedication, time and devotion that you give to our family daddy!

We love you!