Take the Time

This afternoon this is how I found my plum tuckered out (maybe a bit neglected??)
little boy...


Then I came across this poem in my reading this evening, and it made me remember to take the time for the most important things...

To My Grown-Up Son
My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me, please, to share your fun,
I'd say, "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door.
I wish I 'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side.
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no children's games to play,
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear.
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands once busy, now lie still
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I might go back and do
The little things you asked me to.

American Dog Derby- GO JACKSON!!!

We went to the American Dog Derby in Ashton, ID again this year. Jackson really showed his stuff this time. The kids have actually been practicing this winter, with Jackson pulling them on their sled down the road. Well, it looks like all the practice paid off....Jackson won first place in the Mutt Race!!! What is a mutt race?Kids get to bring their pet dog and see how fast he can pull them to the finish line. Out of all the doggies, he had the fastest time, pulling Lindsey on a sled. (I'm not sure how far it was, but it was a short sprint down the middle of main street, and it took a total of 5 seconds.) Spencer and Porter raced with him also, but Lindsey's time was fastest.

Lovely ears flapping in the wind...

Lindsey stands proudly with her prize...a bag of doggie treats for the pup! If you look closely at the yellow papers posted on the white car, you can see there is a long list of the names of all the participants and their times...it was a long list...we were suprised to be at the very top!!

Kami and Porter both took first place in their snowshoe race this year! Way to go kids!! Kami was SO excited to race! She and Porter were practicing this morning racing back and forth from one end of the living room to the other. It was so cute because afterwards she told me she won because Porter told her to look straight ahead, and not look at the other racers, and that's what she did!

My Little Lifesaver

I really don't know how I'd do it all without Lindsey! She is such a help...really! She is always eager to change diapers, burp,rock, and hold little Ridge (she even likes to carry the carseat for me into the store!) ... besides being thoughtful and remembering to ask if there is anything else she can do to help. A mother's dream question! Here is a pic of this evening when I was trying to get dinner done with a fussy baby. Lindsey insisted on taking him, and this is how I found them a little later. Love her!!

My Ridge or Theirs?

MY RIDGE at 2 weeks old. (I had to get a pic of him in his cute hat!)




Their Ridge. Yes, we do more around here than just hold and cuddle and take pictures of our little baby. At least the kids get to do more anyways...while I am nursing round the clock, burping baby, changing diapers... Ryan has been able to get the 3 older kids out a couple times to ski at our favorite spot, Bear Gulch. As the kids sit atop their ridge, check out that river below! It is gorgeous scenery...



...and a fun trail with lots of ups and downs to keep it exciting.



What do you say...my Ridge or theirs? I think I'll take both. (It just might be next year before I get to ski, though...)

12 days old

Aaaahhh, blessed, blissful sleep....

I've got a great idea...I think I'll wake up!

Let's see here, I can figure this out...both arms up and stretch...

tongue out, concentrate now...


Come on, come on, almost there....(this is the hardest part!)

I did it! I'm awake and ready to go!