Fishing

The boys love to go fishing!! We went to a lake up in Red Lodge, Montana called Wild Bill Lake just a couple of weeks ago. It is a beautiful small secluded lake in the mountains and they stock this lake with fish so it is a super spot to help the boys perfect their fishing skills. I do believe that Cooper and Parker both caught 3 fish each!!

Little Big Horn Battlefield

Today we took the boys to the Little Big Horn Battlefield. We drive by it every time we make the trip from Casper to Billings. The boys have been begging to stop so we did. Since Parker is almost 10 he has learned a little bit about the battle and was curious about General Custer. We walked the trail and viewed the site where Custer fell and other soldiers by his side. There is a lot of history in that area and hopefully the boys received a little bit of insight as to what really happened in that area so long ago!

Father's Day Tornado

Wow....is really all I can say! We lived in Iowa....tornado alley....and never had a tornado touch down so close with so much destruction as we did in Billings, Montana. I am thankful that everyone remained safe....all a little scared and shook up though. My poor mom had a basement flooded and a virtual river through her yard and my little car was pelted with golf ball size hail. Definitely one for the memory books! The pictures are of the back window of my car and the inches and inches of mud deposited in my mom's yard!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Of course we cannot let the day go by without one goofy green picture to celebrate the day! Fun was had by all today...including a leprechaun hunt and a little sprinkling of "lucky dust"!!

Make a Difference Monday!

Our family has adopted this little concept called, "Make a Difference Monday"! We have talked about how it is easy to make a difference....whether big or small....on any day at any given time. But Monday's seem to be the day the boys really try to remember. They also follow this concept at school! What a wonderful thing to do! You don't have to climb a mountain to make a difference nor do you have to be perfect at what you decide to do. The pure thought and action of whatever you do deserves a high five, a hug, or a pat on the back. Putting a smile on someones face, making your environment a better place or helping someone in need are huge life lessons/skills to be learned, shared and cherished by all!! Here are a couple examples of what my boys have done recently to Make a Difference! Cooper decided to clean up the basement all by himself. No one asked him to do it. He didn't ask for any help. He just noticed that the room needed to be picked up and he did it!!! Parker was in the restroom at the Olive Garden here in town and noticed that there was a bunch of puddled water all around the sink. He decided to take the time to take a few paper towels and wipe up the whole sink! Small gestures that mean a lot by most. I love to watch my boys grow, build character and blossom into wonderful young ones!!

New Year

Wow, it is utterly amazing to me that we have entered into a new year already. I am looking forward to a better 2010 and I wish the best for all my family and friends in the year to come! With that said....time to get ready for Valentine's Day. Sheesh, time flies! I have included a slide show below of photos of the boys sledding. They had a blast with their cousins from Montana and Hawaii!! Memories to cherish for a lifetime!!!

Angels

Parker's 3rd grade class as well as the other 2 3rd grade classes at his school just finished a huge fundraiser. This fundraiser was by far the best, most meaningful fundraiser that we have ever been a part of. And none of the proceeds went back to the school. This fundraiser was all about teaching the children about a sense of community, helping those in need and realizing that there are families/people who are less fortunate than yourself. The 3rd graders sold 50/50 tickets to raise money (or you could just make a donation) to use to purchase gifts at Walmart for those in need from the Giving Tree's. This Thursday, all of the 3rd grade classes will be going to Walmart to choose Angels from the tree and spend their money to make Christmas a little brighter for many families. Our 3rd graders raised $4000. Half of that went back to the 50/50 winner so that leaves $2000 for the kids to spend! (plus at they last minute they received a business donation of $900) AMAZING!! I happened to be subbing in the classroom the day of the drawing and the kids were super excited to have raised as much money as they did. Not only are they choosing Angels off of the trees but they themselves are the true Angels for supporting such a wonderful cause! I had tears in my eyes as I listened to the kids cheer as they realized how much money they had raised. I am so proud of them! And of course, I am heading to Walmart with them....I would not miss it for the world. On an added side note....Parker received some money this week in a birthday card....he turned to me and said, "Mom, I think I might donate my birthday money so we can buy more for the Angels on the Giving Tree." Wow....my heart just melted!!!