Tripple the fun

A great Saturday of fishing....

2010-09-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here is Tru with one of the Red Snapper that they caught Saturday. They Boys went out with Travis and our friend Phil and had an awesome day on the Big "O". They caught alot of different kinds of Fish. It was one of those great days .... and the sun was shinning..... My boys are having the time of their lives and wish school wasn't in today so they could go out and do it again. They love to go -- and I love the fish they bring home.

Travis is proud of them as they really have taken to all this-- the chatter this morning while getting ready for school was on some fishing regulation-- I didn't know what they were talking about but they were intently discussing it and an up coming fishing trip. They all have their own fillet knives and do all their own cleaning and filleting. They are steadily acquiring all the rods, reel, nets, lures, hooks etc that is "so important" to fishing success. It was fun to watch them when they got home on Saturday night-- we have learned alot this summer-- the whole family jumped in and go to work (after the boys wolfed down some dinner) we have a rhythm down now and we did the final prep, cutting and trimming,- vacuum sealed and cleaned up everything in an hour and a half. Everyone was tired -- the boys had been up since 5 am... but we all got in and got her done...I love it when as a family we do that!

Look at the mouths on these babies!

2010-09-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here are the three Ling Cod the boys got. They are the biggest we have caught all year- up till now mom held the record - not anymore... Wow these things are big- and Heavy the boys said -- the biggest weighted in at about 60 lbs. It was as big as Titus. Tell said he couldn't pull his up any higher-- 60 lbs of floppy fish weight is alot. But I am glad - look at his pic and you can see the mouth a bit better. They really should have pulled the jaws open and taken a pic of that--- these fish have ginormous mouths and I would have loved to see a pic of it-- Tru said his whole forearm would have easily fit inside--When they open their jaws it is amazing how big they get! You have to watch out for the teeth-- they are Sharp! These are fun fish to catch! And they are Great to eat. Our friend Phil says that after they get this big they usually are not as good to eat cause they don't stay firm-- but these ones were beautiful and the fillets felt and looked just as good as the smaller ones we usually catch.

black sea bass

2010-09-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

Titus is holding up a black sea bass. It may not look like much after the pics of those other larger fish but this is a good sized one. And they are great eating. I love to slice the fillets in thin stripes and have it in stir fry...Yummy!!!!

Fishing fun- Lining up the total catch!

2010-09-13T08:55:00.001-07:00

Here is Titus lining up all the fish. You see 6 Halibut --1 Black Sea bass-- 4 Red snapper-- 1 Skate-- and 1 1/2 of the 3 Ling Cod. Pretty good day over all the Weather was perfect. The water out in the Big "O" was pretty calm and they had lots of action! This was one of the better days for variety. We weighted all the bags as we put them in freezer and the total was 150 Lbs of fish fillets! Great day I would say-- that made mom pretty excited too. We froze them in 5-7 lbs bags cause that is how much it takes to feed this crew. We are having Halibut Pizza for dinner tonight- one of the kids favorite meals!

Red Bay Hike

2010-09-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

The hike to the lake was beautiful! I loved all the huge trees. The path was brand new- it had walkways over some of the wetter parts. The trail from the turn out is only a little over a mile to the lake. One minute you are hiking in a beautiful forest then the next thing you know you are at the lake. There is a forest service row boat we piled all our stuff on and took off toward the top of the lake.

Fishing and eating....

2010-09-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

We fished on the lake - it was completely peaceful and totally picturesque. The little fish in the first picture bit off more than he could chew.....I think his eyes were bigger than his stomach.

For dinner that night we ate fish from the lake and a Huckleberry cobbler. The berries we picked next to the cabin. I was probably one of the best dinners I have had for a long time-- simple and delicious!

This was a perfect way to spent my 19th anniversary. Thanks Travis ...I love you.

Red Bay cabin...

2010-09-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is Red Bay cabin...... beautiful..... after boating across the lake you get to the top and tucked into the trees is this cabin. Our home for the next couple of days. Travis is standing next to a tree that is just to the left of the cabin... .... If you look closely at the second pic you can just make out the outhouse.... the prettiest walk I think I have taken to go potty. Third pic is of the view out the deck. We were the only ones here besides a busy beaver, some loons and of course the fish.

The big one that didn't get away....

2010-09-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

So should have posted this at the beginning of August-- but it was stuck on Travis' phone. Tell got to go halibut fishing for his birthday --- and they did pretty well. They caught a number of halibut -- but this was what Tell has been waiting for.... it was about 150lbs. Tell needed our friend Phil to help hold it up for the pic. The shrimp he hand caught for me were pretty good too! Congratulations Tell and Happy birthday baby!

The two year old Tivi Bug

2010-09-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

Tivi has been Two for a bit- her birthday is the end of July...... Tell and Tivi have birthdays 2 days apart... We celebrated with two cakes and actually did it twice as Tess, Tru and Tayjha were gone for Youth Conference and Camp up in Juneau on the actual birthdays. Anyways... Here she is -- not dressed for the day- she had snuck out to the tramp... it is one of her favorite places to be. The TWO year old!!! Wow how the time has flown.... Tivi is jabbering all over the place. She has her pet names for everyone, caring on animated conversations... if you listen closely you can get the jist of it. She and is quite the little drama queen. Now that the kids are in school Tivi and I get to spend much more time- just the two of us.....I love reading to her and playing her little games. She loves outside-- finding puddles and picking veggies in the greenhouse that aren't quite ripe yet... (Hence the need to have fried green tomatoes yesterday for lunch).

Reaping some harvest.....

2010-08-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

WE have been learning a ton in our greenhouse this year. This is our first harvested tomato and cucumber.... Yippeeee! Tru mainly likes eating the food from the greenhouse.... Tell shows a bit more interest - Titus to.... Tayjha and Tessica are out there everyday. Tivi likes going out too--- but we have to watch her cause she is not to be trusted.....If she likes it she will pick it - regardless if it is ready or not.

Glasses and Waffles

2010-08-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is always great if you've got a pair of potato head glasses and a plate of waffles.

A day of fishing.....

2010-07-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post some pictures that Tayjha took yesterday....Travis took Tayjha, Tru, Tell and Titus out for a day of fishing..... It ended up being from 8 on the morning till 11 at night. Travis said they would have fished forever---- they didn't want to quit when he told them it was time to stop. They met some friends up there and did a lot of fishing. I sent the camera-- and because Tayjha was there--- I actually got to see some shots-- thanks Girl! Hope you enjoy the day.......I know they did... They all arrived home tired but happy and content from a full day with their dad.

1. Whale Pass

2. There are fish in there...now how to catch them......

3. Getting everyone lined up and picking their spots......

In his element.........

2010-07-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

If you look closely you can see a man.... a happy man.... a man who loves where he is....... a man who is happy to be out in the woods.........a man fishing with his kids..............I am glad to be here ..... in a place that is SO perfect for him.........a place that makes him happy.............That makes me happy too!

Checking the troops......

2010-07-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Travis is going up the bank checking all the troops....he is teaching them well. Though I may be biased.... they always seem to do well and come home with their limit. They all LOVE to fish and would choose to fish over eating, sleeping and definitely work (especially mom's list).

whale pass...its a good place........

2010-07-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Their first fishing stop of the day is Whale Pass..... it is a beautiful place and lots of great fishing....

Log Jam beauty

2010-07-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

The second place they went and fished yesterday ---- it was absolutely beautiful... a real unique place and a fun place to fish....they plan on going back!!!!!

Ready for action

2010-07-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

1.Tru is ready and waiting for action.....

2.Phil (a friend they met up there) caught a big one and Tru was ready and waiting to help bring it in.... we are still short a couple of poles so they get to take turns with net duty......

caught in the net....

2010-07-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

Nets aren't they great! Travis is bringing back one more to the stash.....

Berries and pics

2010-07-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Any guesses what Tayjha was looking for while she was out with the boys? All the fish and landscape pics she took-- we are so glad she went so we got the pics of this amazing day!

Pic #1

2010-07-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hey! you guys ever tried this stuff? Its GREAT!!!!!!!!

Pic #2

2010-07-16T10:38:00.001-07:00

Tayjha makes the best jam! I think I will have some more now............

Pic # 3

2010-07-16T10:36:00.001-07:00

I think it's the best right outta the jar!

Pic #4

2010-07-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Forgetta 'bout it!!!!! silverware is for the birds....this is the way to do it. (I highly recommend this method.... it speeds up delivery.....)

Dressing myself......

2010-07-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Tivi is choosing her own clothing right now. This day she was dressing to go work in the green house. When mom has her favorite Ariel PJ dress soaking in oxy clean-- her next choice is a combination of PJ tops and bottoms... they are all however paired with her camo rain boots...always...... On this particular day she was sporting a pair of pink pj shorts worn as a skirt (both of her legs were in One short leg- she had to do it herself) I kept trying to get a pic of it but she would turn ---- I wanted a pic of the back to show her with the second leg of her short hanging off the back... pretty cute. Tivi will be two at the end of the month..she is quite the funny little ray of sunshine in our lives.....we are having a great time watching her grow --she keeps us busy and laughing. I am so happy she came to us when she did---what a surprise......what a delight. I can't think of what my life would be without her!!!!!!

Railing......

2010-07-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

One more item on the TO DO LIST checked off. The railing on the front deck is finished...Yeah! Tivi can now run out there and play-- she thinks of it as her own special place to play out of the rain....... thanks DAD and Tru

Smoked Salmon

2010-07-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Travis built a smoke house and we are learning the art of smokin' salmon.... we are enjoying trying all the different recipes and finding what we like.... The boys have kept us in the ingredients (thank you boys). I have also been finding lots of different recipes to use this yummy stuff in .......

Fireweed to Honey

2010-07-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

From pic one to pic two... we have a magic.... Tessa and Tayjha went and picked fireweed blossoms yesterday and this is what we made with it.... it is called Homesteader honey. Honestly --- it tastes just like honey---- Yummy.... And I know this because I have an confession to make....(see following post)

mmmmmm....mmmmm......... Good!

2010-07-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Now that my kitchen is back up... what was the first order of business? MAKE BREAD FOR THE MASSES!!!!!! In the last two days I have made 24 loaves of bread and four dozen cinnamon rolls. Among other motherly endeavors like cleaning, cooking, laundry, dishes, canning and smoking fish etc..... I love the smell of fresh bread.....mmmmmmm. And though I am not supposed to.... I have had a (meaning one---- OK two) heels... no one but me likes the heels--so they would really just be wasted if I didn't eat them......and of course they were nice and hot out of the oven....now let me explain....I had to.... see.....cause....... we had just made this new honey (see previous post) and I had to make sure it was safe for my off spring to consume...... That is just the kind of mom I am.... But never again--- I promise not to eat ANY MORE BREAD----- I have to be good--- I will be good. I want to be good. I will be content to smell my beautiful wheat bread....not eat- just smell..... just smell..... step away from the counter and just smell......

Berries and more berries.....

2010-07-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

The kids have been a huntin'..... for what you may ask? Berries and more berries. Some times they are easy to get --- some times you have to work a little bit for it..... but it is always worth it! Right now we are into the salmonberries and early huckleberries. Soon the thimble berries and gooseberries will be on. The elderberries are starting to turn.....soon they will be ready.....Yipee....... Tayjha is the queen of the berries... she goes out everyday and checks her patches for newly turned berries.... the freezer is filling up with jam. We have also been having huckleberry sourdough pancakes......yyyyyyuuuuummmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyy!!!!

Oh what do you do in the summertime- when all the streams are full?.....

2010-07-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Oh what do you in summer time when all the streams are full?

If you are my boys you go fishin' of course! Tru came through the door the other day (after one of their fishing trips.....) The first thing he said was.... "THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE" ..... I think that was the day they caught like 3o silvers...... Not bad eh? The pictures here are of a day they got into some kings..... I don't have pictures of all of the trips....funny how when they are in the fish-- they forget to take pics for mom....

Taking Shape

2010-07-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

IT's HERE!!!!! My film finally came in !

So between juggling a kitchen remodel-- (Phase 1) Fishing for King Salmon-- (pictures to follow). (Travis is getting to try out his newly built smoke house....)

Loosing the water to the house.... to update there still is no water in the house---- camping anyone....why go far from home when you can live it right here.....--

We are also trying to finish the greenhouse--- boxes to make- fill and plant ..... but who's' complaining ... not me.... I am so excited. I am falling into bed every night. Did I mention I was excited!!!!! That may not be the whole truth --- I confess I did call Amber yesterday so she could give me the pep talk--- I needed to be reminded that it will always looks worse before it looks better-- and I will be much happier when it is all done-- it will be SSSSoooo worth it.

I am ready to complete the project- I mean projects at hand....Did I happen to mention the cabinet in the hallway that we are having to re build the doors--- and yes it is the first thing you see when you step in the house. #1 is repaired and on the cabinet--- #2 is in the bar clamps drying as we speak and the third will get put in the clamps tonight!!! A doorless cabinet is Not my favorite sight-- I have been trying to use the side door as much as possible.... The Laundry shelves that have to be cleared out to make room for the extra fridge that I desperately need. My laundry room is quickly becoming a bit of a Mary Poppin's bag... quite amazing really..... The open stairs I am proud to report have been closed in.... and visually my world is much happier.... OH then there is the bathroom--- but I think that will have to wait...... at least a couple of weeks----- only five projects at a time please......

Which brings me back to the purpose of this post..... My tomato blossoms! They now have a home--- and they are very happy. My green house needs to get its doors on so that the deer won't eat them- but we are on our way........ The plastic finally arrived! Yippee!!!!!

You did what to the kitchen?

2010-07-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

So what does a girl do when she is tired of being PATIENT? I was this girl---- I was still waiting (Patiently remember....) for my plastic to come so I could finish my greenhouse--- all the plants in my little temp box were crowding each other and straining to get their share of the light.... I was also tapping my foot and watching the days ticking by on the calendar -- Don't they know that I have veggies to plant in my greenhouse?---- why are they taking 3.75 weeks to get it to me--- It would not have been so bad but I had already gotten half the order 2 1/2 weeks ago--- just not the plastic skin. ARGGGGG!

Anyways back to my question... what is a girl to do? Why tear up her kitchen of course..... the week was super rainy..... so doing anything outside was not such a fun option. It started with building a couple of shelves for my corner racks....and the next thing I know I am building cabinet boxes, taking off my plastic covered pretend countertop and away we go. See the picture above is what I got moving into this house.... not much of a kitchen really. And sadly the kitchen is perhaps the place I spend most of my time.... cooking -- trying in vain to fill up 5 teenagers 24-7. ---- Having said that I have to say that tearing my kitchen up has been a royal pain in the you know what in the meal department. Eating and cleaning up has been quite a challenge. Every time I turn around someone is getting my new countertop wet or dirty and so I have to wait longer to seal it ---

Then what do you think happens to help get it done--- why we run out of water of course. We are on a water catch and containment -- (in layman terms ---- we catch water from the rain and keep it in a large black tank-- then pump it in our house to use.) We think there is a crack or hole in the tank..:( the silver lining in this is....... No water---no messing up my countertop-- it was just the window of opportunity I needed...... I sanded away... my kids are a bit skittish though.... every time I think that one of them are getting with in an arms length of my countertop- I chase them out. I think they will be excited to get the project completed too.

So back to my story/ explanation. The confines of the kitchen foot print kept me from changing the layout sadly... so I had to get creative. Oh and did I mention that I really didn't have much of a budget for this--- especially since I hadn't even talked to Travis about it :)

So the top two pictures are of its condition right now-- I am applying the coats of paint to the base and sealer to countertop the last picture is what it looks like before.... I will post pics when it is completed.

A many thanks goes out to my Sister Amber who went shopping at the fabric store for me to get some items that were needed to this project too! She boldly shopped for me- despite the pressure and allowed me to run her all over the store while she described to me what my options were VIA cell phone---- Many thanks Sis! Promise to post pics of the completed project as soon as the fabric comes and I get it all sewn up!

I am already planning new shelves for the opposite wall and perhaps some cabinets for above the countertops..... Travis is of course not aware of my plans though... I am waiting for the opportune moment --- I am also waiting for my new water filter to get here so I can design around that! And I will have to build everything from scratch.... There is only a small hardware store here with VERY limited stock..... but isn't that part of the fun? ....stay tuned......

Tivi, Tivi, Tivi

2010-06-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Tivi snuck out in her favorite boots, her favorite nighty, and her favorite sweater-- out to her favorite place--- the driveway when there are mud puddles....She loves to be outside--- I was looking around for her mother -- it was about 10:00 at night and this little bug was supposed to be in bed--- but in the Alaskan summer it is so easy to loose track of time and the next thing you know it is midnight---- but she was having a great time--- I will try to upload her dancing in the puddles.....

What the girls did today.....

2010-06-25T22:36:00.001-07:00

While the boys were off fishing Tessica was off to work-- she got to clean off a dock today.....she expects to be quite sore-- especially her thumb and her bum....for different reasons of course.... never the less she is grateful for the work-- her college fun needs to be fed- so off to work she goes!

Tayjha spent her morning in the bushes-- she picked salmon berries-- while the boys caught the other kinda salmon--- hers turned out to be much sweeter--- Tayjha learned how to make jam today--- we had some of it tonight at dinner-- she is making pretty good biscuits too! Great job girl!

Salmon anyone?

2010-06-25T22:29:00.001-07:00

As you can see the boys went fishing today.....and they came back quite pleased with their catch--- they caught about 100 lbs of fish--- it is in the brine right now getting ready for the smoker..... They are framing half a day tomorrow then off they go again to fish again.....

On the way to church....

2010-06-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share a few pics -- this is what we see on our way to church each week--- views like this makes the hour and a half drive a pleasant experience. What a beautiful world Heavenly Father has created for us......

"It's only a flesh wound....."

2010-06-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Tru's new knife is sharp...yep it sure is...... it worked it s way open in his pocket(long explanation/story) and sliced his finger right through his pants.... But don't worry- "its only a flesh wound."

Outside....the best place to be.......

2010-06-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

Tivi loves to take all her toys out on the side porch...she loves to play outside-- go for walks, find flowers, jump on the tramp, visit daddy on the job site--- anything to be outside. Remember what it was like to be two and have not a care in the world? What a life. And yes life is GOOD!

My flower girl!

2010-06-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Tayjha loves flowers..... She daily takes Tivi on walks and picks flowers. She always keeps my table decorated with beautiful flower bouquets.

Always ready to go......

2010-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Always be prepared....for fishing that is.... Tru is ready at a moments notice....just in case he can twist his dads arm.... and off the boys go. Tru always comes home with at least one. Tell seems to always have a story of the ones that got away-- and he always has witnesses. Titus is just hoping practice will net him more fish----- lately he has been catching more bushes and trees than salmon.

2010-06-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids playing in the ocean at Sandy Beach. They had been working for Travis unloading a truck of lumber.... he said if they got it done - they could go play at the beach.... The boys all got in--- Tayjha went all the way in - --unintentionally- a wave caught her by surprise.... Tru was laughing about that for days- he said the look on her face was priceless! Tessica of course says someone had to take the pics. We love living by the ocean--- the views are incredible and the seafood is a real treat! I LOVE SEAFOOD!!!!!!!!!

Halibut Time!!!!

2010-06-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

It is Halibut Time!!! Travis caught a 200 pound Halibut and here are the pics of our wrapping party. We got lots of nice fillets--- it is yummy and we have been trying lots of new recipes--- I love it prepared any way as long as I can have it with Travis's homemade (divine) Tartar Sauce.

2010-06-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

So this has been my latest project...... My greenhouse. I have been a woman possessed. As you can probably guess produce is pretty expensive up here. It takes a week ride on the barge and only comes once a week on Tuesdays... The quality is poor at best-

for the price we are asked to pay. I have been doing my share of research and have decided that I am going to grow my own veggies....... I found a great book by a guy from maine who gardens in his unheated greenhouse year round--- we may live in Alaska but because we are so far south we are quite moderate in temperature most of the year. So I think I can do this--- I expect this to take a feaw years to get it worked out but I am looking forward to the challenge. We have been building this out of pretty much scrape and left over materials from Travis's jobs... at the time this pic was taken we had spent 7$ on some liquid nails.... pretty resourceful eh? I have my greenhouse film ordered and am anxiously waiting for it to come in...... I will fill you in more later....... I must go-- the natives are restless and they arewanting to play some games before dessert.......

2010-06-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tessica, Tayjha and I went on a Young Women's camp out. We Boated over to an Island not far from Craig. There was a great little cabin-- we tented it though and enjoyed beach combing and eating lots of great camping food. We didn't have our camera so I hope to get some from Sherri... we will post them soon. These pics are from Tessica's cell phone. We had a great time... There was lots to explore. WE are still amazed at this beautiful new place we have moved to ....... Listening to the sounds of the whales out in the bay not 100 yards from us was pretty cool.......

2010-06-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tivi LOVES to write...her favorite implement is of course is the marker........ She will color you any time, any where, any how........... We are grateful for the new magic sponges--- they have been very helpful in taking off wall murals :)

Alaskan Hairballs.............

2010-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

They say everything grows bigger up in Alaska--- I think that they might be right! Tell and Titus were enjoying a sunny day outside.... These are Skunk Cabbage leaves...Tessica likes to call them Bear Nip! Gratefully only the center is "aromatic" They grow all over the place up here-- we have them down by our spring and pond.

2010-04-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ok theses are two of my favorite senior pictures :) my wonderful friend Rach took them for me, and she did an amazing job! so yeah don't worry I'll put more pictures up besides the ones of me later haha....

2010-04-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Ok where to begin! this is Tessica by the way! :) I have, again, decided to take it upon myself to update the family blog... well this year has been a crazy one to say the least! Ok I'm going to simply state that two of the main things that have happened this yeah have been, we received our two missing family members, and that we moved to a new state. Thorne bay, prince of wales island Alaska. geez. Anyway I can tell you right now that I will be going back to Idaho for college haha yeah. thats mostly whats been going on in this family.

2009-10-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some of Tivi's first year picture... my mom and I were sitting there one day and just decided to do then when she was in a good mood. They turned out so good!!!! have fun looking!!

2009-10-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Iron wood!!! sorry there's not alot of people... :) we didn't take pictures during practices and lectures so yeah have fun looking!!!

this statue is right next to the discus field, I had to take a pic!

this boys dorm is on my way to role call too I love it!!!

this is one of the many walk ways I would take in the morning to get to role call, its so pretty! :)

This is the discus that mu dad bought for me, he sanded the finnish off one side and then Stephanie Tafton Brown and Mac Wilkins signed it!! he then took it back to Uncle Andy's and covered the signatures with new finnish! they are there forever!!! thank you Dad! I love you! its one of my most prized possessions.

this was my favorite building on campus! it was observatory, and the green house building. you could see some of the coolest plants and flowers thru the windows, but I couldn't get to close cause they were doing some construction around the edges. darn-narn it!

this is the knarly looking hammer cage, its right beside the discus field, thats where I spent most of half of my day practicing. it was awesome!!

this is the place where m room was, it was pretty sweet, my room was towards the back which was really nice actually.

this is my room at Iron Wood camp, my room mates bed is right behind me, she was awesome! her name was Haley, she was from southern california.

2009-07-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ya'll!!!! its me!! your one and only Tessica!!! my mother hasn't said anything so I have decided to tell you how my year has been.... it was fabulous!!! I have so many things to tell ya'll!!I'll tell Ya'll list style... :)
- first off - I placed for the veterans of America writing contest, I meet some amazing veterans thru the whole experience, it was awesome!!

- I got a part in the school play, Soda shop angel. I was a 50's bad girl named Star, I was kinda mean at first, but I turned out good in the end and I got the guy :) it was fun and I meet some amazing people that I wouldn't have if I hadn't have come out of my comfort zone, and because of it, I got to know the play director better and I am now one of the drama department apprentices. I love it! also, since then I have been in two other school productions.

- this year I took choir as one of my elective classes. The only kind of singing I had ever done before this was when I was in the shower or driving the car...by myself! so when I had the opportunity to take the class I said sure why not. well, soon after the first semester, my director decided that we were ready to start competing, I was all like wait! I thought this was just a class! well my group put together an amazing fundraiser, singing valentines! and we raised almost $500 when we only needed $100 to enter in to the festival! when festival finally came it was crazy!! there were some groups the that had almost 50 people and we had only 9!! and I'm not going to lie, we looked kinda silly up on those huge risers. but when we started singing man no one was laughing anymore!! out of 2 days and 44 choir only 3 superiors were handed out and we received one of them!! I was kinda proud of us after that :).... well we were soon asked if we would sing at school events, sport events and even local nursing homes. and for the last concert of the year I got to sing a solo, which was the coolest way to end the year in choir.... I cant wait for next year!

-At my school we have what are called May Awards, which are a BIG DEAL. no joke. May Awards are in May (kinda obvious) and the whole freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes have a night were every student gets up and speaks about what was the most educational experience they had that year, every year about 350 - 400 people show up and you get graded by the principle :) and at the end the teachers give awards to students who have excelled in their class studies, and there is an award for every class, Math, English, and so on and so forth... yeah its a big deal. well I gave my speech on my experience in choir. It was the best speech I have ever given! I got an A+ on my speech and to my surprise I got awarded in my Career Studies class! I was shocked! it was pretty cool!

- I have been in track since I was a freshman as a shotputer and discus thrower and my school started its track program my freshman so I was learning as I went because I didn't have a coach. but this year has been amazing! I qualified for the state track meet in shot put. And my team won the district meet! boys and girls! when i got to state I didn't place, but i have made it a goal to place next year no matter what :).But the our boys won state for 1A schools i was so proud of them!! anyway at the qualifying meet for state I meet a coach from a northern Idaho school that told me about a camp called Ironwood Throwers development Camp, located in Spokane Washington at Witworth university. It is the nations largest and best throwing camp with the some of the the best high school, college and professional coaches in the U.S. and if you wanted to get better at any throwing event that that's the place to go. the only problem was it was almost $600 not including transportation fees. but this coach had watched me throw and told me that he thought that I had good potential and that I should apply for one of the 12 scholarships offered for the camp. after that state track meet, I decided to apply, why not right? about a week later after sending in my application papers I call a call from my mom when I was at a play practice, I got a scholarship!! I ran around waving my arms on stage telling the whole world!! I was so excited!! soon after school was out I was on my way to Washington, with my Dad who got to come with me so he could train to be my coach. I was one of the coolest things that I had ever done! there were kids and coaches from all over the country even Canada! I got to meet 2 Olympic gold medalist - Stephanie Tafton Brown, Beijing 2008 and Mac Wilkins Montreal 1976 - and the U.S. woman's shotput record holder Ramona Pegal. and I got to work with both Stephanie and Mac when I was at Discus Practice! they had us going from 7:30 in the morning to 10:30 at night! I had two 3 hour practice sessions during the day and then another three hours of lectures in the evenings and it was from Sunday to Friday...it was so intense but I loved it! so did my dad, he loves sports ad this was perfect for him! the coaches were amazing and I made some great friends, it was so hard saying goodbye to my coaches. but I hope I get to see them next year and I hope I get to tell them how I placed at state! :) that is my ultimate goal! I have improved so much, and now Tru is saving his money so he can go with me next year.

Well my Friends, I'm sure you have concluded that is has been a great year for me and I'm hoping to keep it going! :) I am unable post any pictures now, but I wont let you down! it will happen soon! I love you all and I will talk to you soon!!

love,
Tessica

Caught...not in the cookie jar but on the computer.....

2009-01-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

Oh hiiii Mom!.....What ? Guitar practice?.....Ummmm Yeah!.......Homework?.....Ummm sure!........ the animals fed? Right! It's all done I promise!!!!!!! (Yeah right! )
How many of you have heard this from your kids? Wish they thought their chores were as fun and interesting as playing games!

FREINDS!!!

2009-01-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

Oh how they like each other.......Bella has been great with her....she is really careful with Tivi and only does a driveby lick once in a while! The feelings are mutual-- Tivi loves to laugh at Bella and tries to give her "Loves"...... Bella is enjoying Tivi's food donations...She has quickly learned to be under the high chair at meal time.......

Having fun with the camera....

2009-01-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures that we took to send down to our kids in Haiti...... another trip has come and gone with us only be able to send down a package. We feel like we are gettting closer (recognize "closer" is used loosely) to the time they will get to come home. We still could be a year out-- but because we don't know for sure when they will get to come home, and money is so tight-- we are saving so we can bring the home when the time comes........ So I send down packages for them with Corrie and Lindsay who do the updates. Trying to put all your love into a gallon sized zip lock bag can be a huge challenge! I felt like my mom probably did everytime she had to pack it all into the White trailer and the brown horse trailer! I use every square inch of that one gallon bag!!!! I try to make it exciting for them- something for them to look forward to...but I always send two things....pictures of us and a lotion that has a special essential oil in it that I would rub the kids down with every night when I was down there.... I hope the scent will remind them of sweet memeories of when we were together. I will post new pictures when I get my update from Corrie...

Any ways here are some pictures we took for them! The kids were really having a fun time of it!

and really!!!! could the bug be any cuter?
I think not!!!!

Did you look outside?

2009-01-25T15:27:00.001-08:00

Golly have you looked outside lately? Everything is white! I think they call it snow....It looks really fun I am going to ask mommy if I can go play in it.......

2009-01-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

Mommy says it is too cold for me to be outside - she says the snow is cold and little bugs like me just get to look at it out the window.......

Tru's Birthday- the big 14...

2009-01-25T15:18:00.000-08:00

Tru had his birthday last week, we celebrated it on his birthday (12th) as a family but then he took a bunch of his friends paint ballin' on the weekend (thanks to Uncle Ty for coming along and helping Travis with it!)

Life can get messy!!!!!

2009-01-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Life gets messy! I have been learning about this food thing lately......it can kinda get everywhere and then mom comes after me with a washcloth (waaaa)! I try to put stuff in my mouth but not all of it makes it in, worse yet some comes back out! This is alot of work... but I am sure liking the practice!

2009-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Life through the eyes of a child......

I thought that going back to baby land would be harder than it has been. Tivi is such a great baby! As a family we are enjoing spending time helping her discover this new world......

So I came up for air and discovered it was January!

2009-01-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

So it has been a while since I have written something- I have been glued to Andy's Post since the beginning of December praying for little Conner. I have been spending time with Travis while he was home for Christmas and pretty much that is about it! I decided to really take a laid back approach this season and I have to say that it is highly recommended! My kids had about three weeks off a Christmas- (they go to a charter school with a modified year round schedule) and we had grand plans of accomplishing many a things on mommas to do list- and each respective child had their own ideas of how they would like to spend their free time--- not much of those lists were completed but I think that we were very successful at enjoying the holidays and rested up to tackle school once again! So to catch you up to speed I am just posting a smattering of pictures so you can see what we have been up to....enjoy!

Airica

what a week...

2008-12-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

Tessica speaking...
wow, this week has been full of ups and downs. one of the ups is that its Christmas break... alleluia!!! but the downs, Oh the downs... poor Conner, I hope you all have him in your prayers. for those of you that don't know Conner is my cousin, he was born on the 4th of December and he is beautiful! but he's having problems.... last night he went into heart surgery and is doing fairly well but he is still not out of the woods............. please include him in your prayers.
well I must run!

Figuring it out!!!!

2008-12-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

So I have really gotten into this blog thing...I think I am on a roll......now to figure out the music thing.......

A while back I had downloaded some pictures of the kids in Haiti- with one problem----I could not find the file on my computer....well in all my rummaging around I found them! So these pictures are a little old-- they were taken by my friend Lindsay in October but they are great ones of them none the less! Though I may be thought as partial- I think that I have six of the most amazing - beautiful kids in the world! Now back to the laundry while Tivi bug is still down for a nap....have a great day everyone!

Cheers!

Airica

2008-12-09T22:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been caught in the "raw"? (this is a term Tru, Tell, JD, and Roman use- it means your birthday suit) for some strange reason the big bugs think it is fun to take pictures of little bugs when they are playing in the pool! What does a girl need to do to get a little bit of privacy around here? I tell you these big bugs can be kinda hard to figure out sometimes.........

Tivi Bug

Old dogs learning new tricks......and many blessings!

2008-12-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

So I am again grateful for my children...specifically my daughter Tessica tonight....
I have been procrastinating this whole blog thing for quite a while....see it has always been on my list of "Things to do" It would rise to the top only to be shuffled back down to the bottom of the list with washing windows and mucking out some dark corner of my house. Tessica started this blog for me two months ago (my how time flies.....) but we just needed to take the time to sit down and figure the whole thing out. And today was the day! Tessica must have been avoiding some school assignment or something cause she helped me instead of doing other things and we did it!!!! She is much faster at negotiating the whole computer thing.... I just sit behind her and watch..... She figures it out and then shows me!!!! It works!

I --like you are grateful for many things- having just celebrated Thanksgiving and gearing up for Christmas --I am reflecting on the things I value. The #1 thing is my Relationship with my Family and my Heavenly Father. It seems like I have been on a whirlwind tour for the last several years. See the most important things in my life are NOT THINGS..they are my family....and all the other stuff was just...well stuff. I started going down to Haiti about three years ago doing volunteer work at an orphanage down there--On one of my trips I found my kids. I would have never thought to look for them there--- but Heavenly Father knew and he showed me my beautiful daughter Tayjah Elimene and my sweet boy Titus Chrisphel-- they hopefully will be home by summer-- it has taken two years but they are worth it! And just to prove that Heavenly Father is generous, loving, and has a very good sense of humor-- he gave me the opportunity to "tripple" my kids ------And Tivian Colleen was born July 30th of this year. In One year we will have gone from three kiddos to SIX! What incredible blessings! They definitely have help to soften the trials and blows that have come our way...This of course has/will mean a lot of changes for my family and I....I feel like I am on a great big adventure....are you ready for the ride?......I AM!

I have so enjoyed reading my families and friends' blogs -- With many of them so far away and every ones life so busy- this is a great way to keep up with each other. Hope you enjoy ours--- I will be the primary editor but I hope you will get to hear from my kids too!

hello again!

2008-12-09T16:25:00.000-08:00

soooo....two months later we have come again to figure out the blog thing!! life is good :) . anyway. I, Tessica, have finnished my play and now am bored, Tivi has been growing like crazy! Tru and Tell are.......being themselves, Mom is just kinda chilling, Tayjah and Titus will be coming home soon and Dad is up north working with popa. yeah.
Christmas break starts next week!! and it lasts for 3 weeks!! Charter school may be wierd with some things, but when it comes to long breaks, I so agree with them!!

2008-10-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hey! we finally have a blog! whoopdedo!!
well........right now the family is split up....Airica (Mom)is up stairs, Travis (Dad), Tru and Tell are on the road some where in Idaho, Tivian is asleep in the master bed room, Tayjah and Titus are in a diffrent country and I, Tessica, am in the kitchen, all by my lonesome. way to be united.
well ill update later :) xxoo