Photo Download

I finally downloaded pictures off my camera this morning.

I had fun uploading them to PicMonkey and applying different effects to them.  Now when they get the ability to do collages, I will super duper love them.

When Beverly was here we went out to Swan Falls, look at that backdrop.

Ashy got a new bike, she's on an 18in now.  That girl sure is growing up.

Look at what I walked down to one evening.  Isn't Ash so sweet.  She informed me that one of the candy bars was for me and one for her.  We're both chocolate lovers, I love that!

Ash saw my camera out and wanted to take my picture, here's where she placed me and Jake.

My Ashlynn.

just because

 

Sunshine on a Rainy Day

One of the things I love most about Idaho is that even on a rainy day there's still a good chance that the sun will break through and shine.

That's exactly what happened Thursday.  The morning started out wet,wet,wet, and then by the afternoon the sun peaked through the clouds for us.  It was so nice and totally lifted my spirits.

I wasn't sure how long it'd last, so I jumped at the opportunity to go on a {nice} bike ride with my favorite dog, Jake.

Doesn't he look happy!

Arose Such a Clatter

Each year the girls go and buy a little gift for Jake.

Abigail got him a new tug of war rope.

Ash bought him a raw hide bone.

We came home, wrapped them, and placed them under the tree.

Now our outdoor dog has moved inside (which I knew would happen) and sleeps on his bed downstairs every night.  I'm not sure when the last time was he slept outside, spoiled?  Yes!  Anyways, the other night I woke to a strange sound.  It was coming from downstairs.  I turned on the light, walked down the stairs and caught Jake red handed.

On his bed with him were tiny little pieces of wrapping paper and a bone with just the ribbon left around it.  Can you believe that he had sniffed out his Christmas present from under the tree.  All I had to say was Jake and he knew he'd been busted and that he was in trouble.  But really how could I be mad at him.  I just love that dog.  

So it's always been the girls I've worried about each Christmas, hoping they don't figure out their Christmas gifts but I guess we need to start disguising Jake's presents a little bit better too.

The place to be

(picture taken Aug 2009)

Do you see Jake? I laugh that he always decides to lay right there, right under the girls swings. It's the place he'll receive a few kick and jabs, some on accident, some I think on purpose. But regardless of that, he'll pick this spot every time the girls are out playing. He thinks it's the place to be.

He loves them. Loves to be close to them. Loves that they are around and near him.

That's how I feel. I also want to be right there where the girls are. Close enough to feel their love, hear their laughter and know them like only those who get close enough can. To be filled with their joy, bask in their innocents and hear the things that are in their heart. I choose that place even though some days I receive kicks and jabs in my daily journey of raising, disciplining, guiding and directing them, but no matter how hard those day can be, I still want to be ... right there where Jake is.

Close to my girls, it's the place to be.

Jakers

Look at how much our Jakers has grown.

The last picture was taken at the river.

He's 5 months now and really, just the greatest dog ever.