Who knew?

Last night, Samuel decided to bring home a new friend. I should not be surprised since he has brought home numerous creatures on many different occasions and for the most part , I can handle it. Last fall, he brought a Boa Constrictor. This time...... a Tarantula!


I already knew that I do not care for spiders, but I had no idea just how much I can not stand spiders!! As soon as Samuel released the Tarantula in a jar I was sick to my stomach and started having contractions. I didn't know if I was going to pass out or throw up. My whole body contracted as he took the lid off every now and then to take pictures. A few times the Tarantula would jump up and I thought for sure it would become loose in our apartment. After playing with it Samuel and the kids went and set it free as I tried to calm myself down. I felt so weak and amazed at myself at just how much I really do not like spiders! and to think, this is not even as big as they come!

Hope, NM

Bennett having the time of his life!

Bringing in a calf

Samuel in action

Vaccinating the Calves

Brigham in amazement...I don't know how long he stood there!

Two peas in a pod!

Getting ready

Old cliff dwellings on the Ranch

This weekend we had the opportunity to go to Hope, NM for a branding. It was a beautiful 3 hr. drive where we got to see TREES, elk, deer, wild turkeys, green pastures and TREES!!!!( I say that twice because I miss them soooo much!) The kids got to play in dirt until they were completely worn out and run around. Emmaline got to get up early with all the other buckaroos and drive the cattle in, work in the branding pen and then drive the cows home. She put in a good 8 hr day!! Mind you, we did not make her, she kept asking to stay and help and she was amazing! It was a great break from the every day life, full of fun and amazing Mexican food!

Emmaline's Project

This summer Emmaline and I have been sewing away. She helped me make a couple of receiving blankets among other items. Yesterday she asked if we could make her a bag to hold her Activity Day folder. I said sure, why not and let her pick out the fabric. This is what we ended up with. It was a lot of fun!!

Mom, help me!

Samuel and I have never been big into buying toys for our kids. They love to be outside and would prefer playing in the dirt above anything else. It always seemed like a waste of money. Yet, they need to have something to do inside when they are trapped due to weather. So, awhile ago Samuel and I decided that they could earn a toy with each scripture that they memorize. Brigham was the first to try this out. We assigned him Mosiah 3:19. It took him about 6 months( we were the ones procrastinating!)to learn it perfectly. He was so proud of himself and after a trip to the store and a break he was ready for more. This also gave Bennett motivation as well to memorize a scripture.
We assigned Brigham Doctrine and Covenants section 4. and Bennett the first 4 Articles of Faith. Since summer break begun, every day all I hear is " Mom, will you please help me work on my scripture" of course I am willing to help and sometimes I get a little frustrated when they seem to get stuck on that one word, yet I am very grateful that they are eager to pull out their scriptures and read. Some days, it is like an on going scripture study as we quote them and talk about words and what they mean. Bennett has conquered the first 4 Articles of Faith and loves to say them all the time. Sometimes I catch Emmaline working with him in her room, since she also is working on the Articles of Faith for her Faith in God.
I love my kids!!! I am so grateful for their love of life they have and excitement they share with others!