Happy Birthday...America

Well we have made it through another successful holiday. I have always loved the holidays and more than that I have grown to appreciate the 4th of July. My father and several relatives served this country for several years and I feel that I am a very proud and patriotic person. Whenever the 4th draws near I am excited to see my family, go to the rodeo, and remember the sacrifices that so many men and women have made in my behalf. It seems more and more I realize what a beautiful place I live in and how lucky I am to raise my kids here.


I can remember when we were little kids going to the 4th of July breakfast in Woodland. I even remember being COLD at the breakfast. My mom and dad were usually putting on some type of a production and we had many friends and family there. My kids however will NEVER get that same experience because every 4th of July their mother is involved in a different production. We are washing cars, hooking up trailers, and doing hair all by 7:30 in the morning so there are no pancake and syrup memories for these girls.




This year Giselle and I had decided to run a 2 week dance camp right before the 4th so the dancers could be ready for the parade and participate but we would not have be committed to the whole summer of dance. It was a lot of fun but very exhausting at the same time. We taught 80 girls everyday from 9:30 am to 3:00 p.m. It turned out great and we once again filled up two trailers of girls for the parade and had some who were walking and performing. I love the 4th of July parade.





(Apparently Mia likes this pose)

Once the parade was over we headed to our house for a big BBQ. Olivia had requested gourmet hamburgers and I live to serve my guests. We had way to much food! But there is nothing better in my opinion that lots of family and lots of food. We sadly had to say good-bye to Aunt Giselle. She headed to the airport and the rest of us sat around and made some plans for the rest of the day. It went like this "Let's do something fun." Many people in agreement that we should go on a hike at Noblettes in the early evening, bathe the kids and get them in their PJ's, light off some fireworks, put the kids in bed and then the adults would have game night!

So we started on our hike to Noblettes. The scenery was breath taking and I was so full of joy to be in that very moment with my kids, my best friend/husband, and my siblings with me. We started up the trail. It was hard to let the kids run and explore the trail without being afraid they would fall or get hurt or even worse that a bear may come out of no where. However they kept up a good pace and got us going. As soon as I started up the trails I flashed back to the Butikofer reunion where I was attacked by mosquitos on a four wheeler trail. Sadly none of us had one ounce of bug spray with us and we were only able to get half way up before we decided the mosquitos had the upper hand. The dads and Mia and Noah stopped by a pond near the end to have a rock skipping competition. (Leave it to McNeils to turn everything into a competition!)

Once we returned home and bathed the kids it was time for the fireworks. A huge thanks to Uncle Rico for the patriotic music and fireworks. The kids loved it and Noah kept shouting Happy Birthday. (I think he knew it was the birthday of our nation) Mia managed to touch her back with the end of the sparkler. It didn't hurt her but somehow Ellie felt the pain vicariously from Mia (She is a bit of a drama queen). We were able to see all of the illegal fireworks all over the valley from my front porch. many people had made a trip up to Evanston, including our neighbors. Once the show ended and the kids were in bed I was expecting a fun night of games and friendly competition; I am still waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently too many babies keeping people up at night and now everyone turns into pumpkins by midnight. For the record as long as I was the one having babies and getting no sleep I STILL participated in game night! (Where is my trophy?)


Saturday and Sunday we spent with family as well. Olivia and Rick and Allen and Patrice were able to bless their sweet baby boys together and we had one more dinner before everyone jumped in their cars and headed back to their temporary homes. I can't wait until we all lives in our big community and the party NEVER ends!

Enjoying the Outdoors

Well since it has been twenty days since my last update I thought I might post. I have been working outdoors in my yard since it finally decided to be warm. I was trying to do as much as I could before I started my 2 weeks of dance camp. I love to work in my yard and was very frustrated by the lack of spring weather that would accommodate my desire to work outdoors. I tried really hard to spend time updating my flower beds and preparing my garden. The garden thing was a bust in the beginning due to several frosty nights and many snow storms. We lost all of our pumpkins and thought I had lost my squash. I could never get the tomatoes in the ground because I was waiting for the heat. But when I returned home from the Butikofer Family Reunion my cucumbers, carrots, and zucchini were peaking up out of the ground. I had ONE ripe strawberry on Monday and I can see peas are coming along nicely. Yes, this is the update that you get because this is all I have done for two weeks. I also loaded up the girls in the old stock truck and went and got a bale of mulch. When I say bale I mean BALE. I will have enough mulch to cover all my projects plus Robbin's!

We did have a great time at Butikofer reunion although I left my camera in Kamas so I have stolen some picture from my fabulous sister-in-laws. They too have three kids each and have managed to post from last weekend so I pretty much feel like a slacker! The kids had the time of their lives. This year due to MANY factors we camped at Matt and Sondi's. Much better plumbing that way. I think even my sister Olivia could handle camping like that. Tim slept out of the trampoline with the girls and I opted for a bed inside.

We took an amazing four-wheeler trip up past Ashton, Idaho. It apparently was an old railroad line that ran up to Yellowstone. Since it had been a wet winter in Idaho as well there were wildflowers everywhere and the smell of pine trees along the trail was so strong. I loved every minute of it until the mosquitos started eating my flesh as I stopped off for a nap with Tess and Mia. What more can I say than we ate A LOT of food and had A LOT of fun. Although as far as late night camp fire chatting goes- you have to be an in-law to catch anything. As evidence with the picture. Butikofer's do not do LATE nights. This would explain why they get up at the crack of dawn.

Needless to say I am glad summer has arrived and can't wait to spend more time with both families in the next few weeks!

Birthday Bash

Monica emerges again...I can say that the birthday bash went off without a hitch. I was lamenting the night before that I want to get a hold of someone with a pony so we could do pony rides and also considered calling the dentist office to see if they could hook me up with one of the assistance that makes balloon characters for my kids. (After all the dental assistants are like family to Tess, as in we see them as much as we see our extended family!) But Tim put the ky-bosh on it! In fact his exact words were "Did you have ponies, balloon characters, and face painting at your third birthday?" Of course I flashed him a pleasant look with one eyebrow up. He then replied "And you still lived?" I guess I just dream about things a little too much lately. However, he did pull out the miracle card and finish up the playground area. (We are still in debate over what else to put in our play area: I bet you can't guess who wants what!)



We were grateful that the weather held out for us. I think the highlight was the hoppyball races. See my girls LIVE on theirs. I think at times they have forgotten how to walk. But to see the rest of the guest have a turn cracked us all up. I just want to say if you look at the picture of Tess, her toes are perfectly pointed! A TRUE dancer.

Mia had the time of her life and she as not stopped telling me how "big" she is now. Yes, I think she may have successful advance out of the 18-24 month clothes. Regardless of the absence of ponies many thanks to those who made it to the party and those who called to wish our precious a "Happy Birthday!"
BTW Robbin, you better start practicing the balloon characters for next year now I know!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Well my baby is three years old today. When I found out I was pregnant with her, it rocked my world. I was one week from turing thirty and had a 14 month old in my arms. Call it shock or denial, I haven't ever recoverd from the news. From the time I get up in the morning til the time I go to bed at night it is one adventure after another. On the other hand, this petite package of dynamite can melt your heart. She is my little snuggle bunny. This is the child with dual personalities. Regardless of her challenging spirit, she completes our family. I can't believe it was three short years ago that I had her. She has become an even bigger "baby"since I have had the opporutnity to stay home this year. I don't get a whole lot done in the day because she is always wanting me to stop and let her rub my skin. Yes, she has a skin fetis. She also is now "legal" to take dance lessons. Although she has been at lessons for years, she will be officially enrolled! Another thought that I have been having lately is the fact that I am so glad I had another daughter to name after a very important person in my life. Mia's middle name is Louise. Three years ago I did not have any idea that my grandmother would get sick and leave so quickly, but if any of you know my grandmother Louise, she was quite the spit fire too. I think it is so relevant to have a children with this same spunky personality.

Happy Birthday Mia, I love you so much!!!

Spring has Sprung

Well I thought Spring had sprung but today we are back to the snow on the lawn. Despite the weather we have done several things that indicate spring is here.

#1: Yard work: Between the weeding and the spreading of the sand or the hauling of the rocks, our wheelbarrow has been in overdrive. It is hard to keep up with Robbin. (She has been out in full force) However the girls managed to have some fun. I couldn't help but grab my camera and snap away. I think that they get into the playing more than the working end of all the projects. But they are kids and that is what they should be doing.

#2: Field Trips: I had the opportunity to go with Ellie to Thanksgiving Point on the second grade field trip. I had not seen the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point and it was really spectacular. They have amazing models of things and we had a lot of fun taking pictures. The highlight of the trip was the 3D movie. We watched sea monsters and it was quite intense.

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#3: Four Wheeling Rondevu: Both Butikofer families meet over the weekend and scoped out a camping spot for the upcoming Butikofer reunion. Despite the slow start and Sophie getting pulled over by the Fish and Game Warden, we had a fantastic time. This was the first time that we let Ellie ride her four-wheeler out on a "big" ride. I just have to say at this point she is much more her father's child than mine. I remember hot-roding on the three wheeler and, as Allen can verify, being a little too reckless on the four-wheeler. We spent a lot of time coaxing her to hit 10 mph. In all actuality I am glad she is so cautious. Tess got a short turn at driving with Kaylee's assistance and Mia was much more content to play in the mud and water with Kaleb. Thanks to the Butikofer's for inspiring the retreat. On the way home Tim also found his ultimate "home." It was a little to far away from civilization for me but since I am married to Charles Engles I could see the potential.







All in all I see the light at the end of the tunnel with the weather. Although if you have been watching the news, Woodland in about to float away; maybe I will have an exciting update.

What a difference a week makes.

I am just giving and early warning; this is an emotional post.

I have been pondering all day about the events of the past week. One week ago today I took my two oldest girls to visit my grandma in the hospital. As many of you know my grandma had been battling a form of leukemia for two years now. She had gone to the hospital to receive further treatment for the disease. As I sat in the room with many of the family members I was full of emotions and questions. Mostly questions for myself. How would I ever compare to this amazing woman? How could I provide for my children the way she has for hers? Would I be able to spend 65 years in love with my eternal companion?

The way I view my grandma is described in one word: strength. My entire life my grandma has been there. From the time we moved to the farm when I was four years old, I have memory after memory of my grandma. I was so fortunate to have her close to me for so many years. She always offered me advice, she always supported me, and she absolutely provided me with an example of unconditional love. This love was evident right down to her pets.

I have spent this last year trying to return some of the love for my grandma by fixing dinners and treats for both grandma and grandpa. I have enjoyed every minute of it. My mom has worked day in and out taking my grandparents to their appointments and seeing to their everyday needs. After the family was informed last Monday that they should bring my grandma home, I have reflected on that unconditional love.

As the days pasted in the week and I saw her fragile body weaken I just wanted to hold her hand once more time and compare it to mine. I think that my hands look just like hers and I wanted to have that memory with me. I love my grandma so much and am thankful that I have a child who will carry her name. I am a better person because of her influence and am so grateful for the time I had with her. I can only hope to live my life as well as she did hers.

She returned to our Heavenly Father late Friday night May 2, 2008. This week has allowed me to lean on my beliefs and well as the strength of my family. A family that grandpa and grandma started 65 years ago. Her influence will live for many generations. I am so grateful for her life and her legacy. I know that someday I will hold her hand in mine again.