Long time no blog

I know, I know.

I have not been even close to a good blogger lately.

Believe me when I say it isn’t for lack of trying…I have at least 7 posts in my pending folder.

I just have not had the time, or the words, to finish them and post them.

Partly because I have been busy, and partly because of Farm Town on Facebook.

Sorry…I just love those little crops.

Farm Town is to me what Dungeons and Dragons is to 40 year old virgins who live in their mother’s basements.

Anyway…I finally found my way back to my blog and now for some updating!

School is out for summer, and while I love the “sleeping in” part of it (when I get to..Rick still thinks if he’s up I should be) I am already a tad weary of the constant sibling fighting.

I swear I am going to cancel the cable if they fight over one more program.

Anyway, we have a lot of camping planned for the summer…we will be going to Montana the week of the 4th of july.  I can’t wait…nothing says “American” to me better than fireworks in Montana.

It’s nice to have the camper and the boat (now that it’s running right).  I know they aren’t fancy, but they are ours and they facilitate family time and that is all that matters!

I’ve been really trying to find contentment in what God has blessed me with. It is often a struggle for me.  I don’t know why I feel the need to keep “moving up”…I already have so much!  It’s pretty silly actually. So I am trying to police that little voice that tells me I’m not good enough unless I have more and better than the next guy.

Because in God’s eyes, I AM good enough…and He is the only one who matters.

Anywhoo…back to the updates.

Clayton is officially a freshman in high school.

HuH?

What?!

Where did that come from?!?!

Yep…that’s right.

He brought home his schedule for next year and I nearly cried.

Time seems to have flown with that kid.

I so wish I had paid more attention to him when he was little…I sure miss the little Clayton.

But the big one isn’t too bad either:

He is thinking about joining the Air Force or the Navy…and I couldn’t be more proud of that decision.

Or more weirded out by his facial hair.

I just cannot believe he will be in high school next year.

Somebody hold me!

M’Kayla (speaking of kids growing up too fast) will be a 4th grader next year.

Do you hear me people? 4th grade!

She is such a funny, bossy, ambitous, loving, loud, beautiful girl.

Even though I sometimes want to wring her neck (like when she rolls her eyes and says “WHATEVER!” and stomps off) I am terribly proud of her.

She, of course, got straight “A’s” on her report card and is reading at a level 40+.  She is a smartie…and I so hope she continues to excell in her studies.

And in wearing funky hats:

She has also taken a liking to doing dishes…I have always known she was my favorite child. (KIDDING)

She says she wants to do the dishes every day.  Oh my how I love this child!

Speaking of children I love…Rick is officially a 1st grader.

wow.

My baby in first grade!

He did awesome in school this year.

far and beyond above level in every subject.

Reading at a level 20+

To say we are proud is an understatement.

He is currently riding a bike without training wheels.

Well, most of the time. He has taken a few spills but he is determined!

I just can’t believe how quickly this school year has gone by.

Wow.

As for Brian and I, well..we are fat and sassy as usual..but hopefully not for long.

Brian had a little bout with some high blood pressure and so we are currently on the south beach diet.

Well..he is.

I am failing miserably.

I have discovered that I have food issues.

(imaging that!)

I’m really trying to work through them…so prayer would be appreciated.

I truly understand the feeling when people say they feel trapped in their bodies.

I wish I could just not eat..that would solve it.

Kind of like when I quit smoking..I just quit doing it!

Unfortunately, I have to eat.

So I struggle.

But in my struggle I have discovered that I like Hummus.

And that my kids adore grilled asparagus.

So there are some up sides to it.

I just wish I had someone who would make my meals, portion them out and serve them to me….that would help a ton.

Oh, and closing every fast food establishment within 100 miles would help too.

And have you noticed that nearly EVERYTHING has carbs in it???!!!

The first two weeks of this diet is “no carbs”

yeah right.

I wouldn’t be surprised if water had carbs in it.

Can’t even have a stinkin’ banana!!!

Oh well…if it gets me healthy and helps my hubby…I’m all for it.

I will continue with my struggle.

And maybe seek counseling.

I just don’t understand the need to constantly sabotage myself.

Like last night..took the dogs for a nice, brisk walk.

Then I came home and made a pan of brownies and ate three.

WHY DO I DO THAT?

Makes no sense.  None at all.

Oh well..this is my battle and I must continue to fight it.

For now, I must go pay my cell bill.

And my phone bill.

And Clayton’s braces bill.

And I am sure there are other bills I am forgetting.

And I must go to Costco and exchange sis’s bathing suit.

Speaking of bathing suits…

I miss Hawaii.

No promises…but I will try to post more often.

Right now I must tend my cartoon crops.

Until next time!

Our trip to Hawaii!

* I just want to start this post with a note about our saddened hearts. While we were in Hawaii, we recieved word that a dear friend of ours, Art Harper, was killed in a tragic accident while working on his tractor.  We were unfortunately unable to attend his funeral, but we will be forever saddened by his death and will always miss him.  We are so sad to know that we will never again see that floppy cowboy hat, that was so dirty the dirt was holding it together, riding on a tractor in a field surrounded by dust.  We will miss you Art.

So, as most of you know, Brian and I took a trip to Hawaii for our 10th anniversary this year.

It was amazing.

And I am convinced that I have the best husband in the world.

No, really…he is.

I bet he’d give me a kidney..that’s how awesome he is.

As it is, he gave me the most awesome gift for Mother’s day/our anniversary/any other occasion for the next few years LOL!

The night before we left, we were leaving to drop the kids off and Brian said “hang on, I forgot something, I’ll be right back.”  and ran into the house.

No biggie…he’s always forgetting his phone.

So he came back out to the van and off we went to drop off the kids.

When we got home, there was a little gift box and a card on the table for me!

*awwwwww*

I know, right?

So I opened it and read the card…sweetest card ever!

And the gift was a nice…COTTON…nightgown from lane giant! YAY!

I love cotton…I hate silky, slinky lingere.  He knows me so well!

So I thanked him and proceeded to lament about how I had not bought him anything and that I felt like a turd for not getting him even a card.

He said “Don’t worry about it…why don’t you go try on the nightie? Make sure it fits.”

So I headed into the bedroom to try it on and lying there, on my bed…spread out in all it’s glory was a shiny…new…black…

……

…..

NIKON D80!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  AND A KICK BUTT LENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I nearly fainted.

no…really.

It was completely unexpected.

I had NO idea he had gotten it for me.

I also had no idea that his whole family was in on it.

Oh, and that my buddie in GA, Jaime, was the “J” he’d been texting for weeks.

They were incahoots about the camera.

And she didn’t even give me a clue.

The booger.

*pout*

But I’m glad she didn’t..because the surprise was AWESOME.

Best.

Husband.

Evah!

So anyway, I carefully packed up my new nightie and my new camera and we headed to the airport.

Can I just say that there are some interesting people in airports late at night?

So we got to the airport and got checked in:

It was late…and quiet. And that lends itself to some silly behavior:

So we got on our little plane and flew into Seattle…then we got to get on a big plane:

And it was off into the sky, and over the ocean.  It was really pretty cool. (at least until the return flight…UGH!)

Pretty soon, we were coming in for a landing.  It was soo awesome to see the islands from that point of view!

And before we knew it..we were on the ground in HAWAII!

It was awesome!  We got our leis at the airport and hopped on the shuttle to our hotel.

The hotel that was six blocks from Waikiki beach!

Awesomeness!

The view from our room was really cool. Waikiki is a bustling city..who knew?!

So, after we got all settled in, we decided to put on our swimming suits and head down to the beach.

Wow…that is all I can say.  The colors are amazing. And folks, I have not done any editing on these pics.  These are all SOOC and have not been enhanced at all.  The water really is that blue.  And warm…and salty.  It was quite an experience!

I am pretty sure we spent the entire first day at the beach. Brian even rented a surf board and went out into the ocean to “catch a wave”.  He didn’t..but he now has a healthy respect for surfers. All of that paddling is hard work!  I didn’t go out very far. I have a healthy respect for sharks…..

And speaking of sharks, we decided the next day to take a tour of the aquarium!  It was really pretty cool, and we got to see a lot of different sea creatures.  I even touched a sea urchin!

It was incredibly cool, and I can’t wait to share all of the pics with all of you. But for now, consider this one “to be continued” as it is time for me to go pick up the urchins from school……….

An update.

I have been being harassed.

People want me to update my blog.

So I will give it a go.

I know I have not been the best blogger lately.

And I am so sorry for that.

I’m certain that my lack of blogging has left a void in your lives that can never be filled and for that, I apologize.

But I’ve been busy people.

Busy I say!

I’ve had to work…a lot.

There have been people out at work and I have been covering for them.

More work for me = nice, fat paycheck.

Yay me!

And aside from that…I’ve been reading.

My niece kept insisting that I needed to…had to…would die unless I read the Twilight series.

So I did.

All of them.

Within two weeks.

That is four novels people.

That takes time and dedication…and an understanding hubby.

But I am done now.

I have escaped the vortex that is Twilight.

So now..I update.

• My husband has discovered texting.  Don’t believe me? Ask anyone who’s cell number he has. They will tell you.  It’s amazing.  The teenager barely texted more than his dad last month.  *buzzzz*  There he is now…brb.
• Winter seems to have left the inland northwest. But I’m cautiously optimistic….I’m waiting for the other snowflake to fall.  Today has been nice though…80’s!!!! YAY!
• Which brings me to the nicer weather that I will be savoring soon when Brian and I go on our trip to Hawaii.   Yep…you read it right. Brian is taking me to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary.  (whoa…TEN years?!?)  *buzzzzz*  Scuse me…Brian again.    I still can’t believe I will get to spend a whole week in Hawaii.  And I will be sure to bore you with every detail and every picture!
• I finally got to see the church directory, the one I helped photograph the families for.  I must say, my maiden voyage in the world of hired photographer turned out pretty good!  There are a couple of shots I’d love to do over….but the rest I am very proud of!
• Speaking of photography….I have two weddings booked…and I haven’t even advertised yet!  I’m nervous…and scared…and terrified. But they are both on July 11th…so I have time.  (which reminds me mom…you need to come visit the week of your birthday so you can babysit *wink* )
• The kids are doing well.   Clayton is running track again this year. And Rick just finished wrestling and now he and M’Kayla are playing soccer. They love it…I love it….I think next year we might go with a more organized organization.  It does make for some busy days and it also officially makes me a soccer mom…but I refuse to acknowledge the title..thankyouverymuch.
• *Buzzzzz*…..Grrrrr.
• Awana is almost over for the year.  (THANK GOODNESS!!!)  Rick finished his book and is almost done with the review…and sis is nearly done with her book too!  My kids rock at the verse memorization.

That is truly about all I can think of now.  My brain is mush at the moment and it is far too nice outside to be stuck in here.

I need a laptop so I can keep in touch with my blog better.

Anyone wanna give me one????

Libbie???

Mom????

Anyone??????

Until next time…I’m off to the park!

Sunflare

I love sunflare.   That is all.

Rainy days and stuffy noses.

It seems that spring has decided to come in like a lion in the inland northwest.

And it also seems that this cold I have has decided to hold on like a lion..a lion that is holding on for dear life to the arse of a wildebeast.

Biting.

Clawing.

And holding on.

But I’m fighting it.

Me and captain mucinex.

We are kicking colds butt.

So..I imagine you are looking for updates.

And I have them..yes I do.

I mean, since I last wrote, a new season of American Idol has begun.

And we must discuss what Adam did to poor Ol’ Johnny Cash’s classic..ring of fire.

I imagine, were Johnny still with us..he would have walked up to Adam, said “Hello….I’m Johnny Cash.” and then punched him in the nose.

Adam, honey…you ruined that song.

And boys shouldn’t paint their nails.

Anyway..moving on.

My hubby rocks.

He got me a new toy for an early anniversary present.

And it’s a looong story.

But I’ll tell you anyway.

I thoroughly enjoy boring you to death.

So….

I was browsing Craigslist the other day..because that is what we do here.

Craigslist is the new wal-mart.

Only they sell horses and furniture.

But I digress.

I was browsing and stumbled upon an add for a photography intern.

I thought about responding to see if they were legit..then I got busy.

And when I came back…the ad was gone.

bummer.

I pouted.

But I moved on.

Then, a few weeks later..after panicking about having booked a wedding shoot…I decided that I should start looking for a back up body.

I have been advised that it is unwise to shoot a wedding with only one camera in tow.

So I got to looking..and I found one.

It’s a Nikon D-70.

Yes…I know it’s only 6.1 mp.

whoopadidoda.

If you know anything about photography…you will understand why I bought it.

Well, Brian bought it.

But that is neither here nor there.

We went up to the place where the camera was to pay for it (screamin deal I must say!)

And it turns out that the folks who were selling it are the same folks that placed the ad  for the intern…and it hadn’t been filled yet!

So I applied.

It will take some time to hear back from them….they have to look over portfolios and such.

And I am certain that there are far better photographers applying.

But I am a little bit excited at the prospect.

The thought of being immersed in the business that I want to be in and be in constant contact with pros…and to be taught the ins and outs of the business as well as being taught photography.

Wow…that would just be awesome.

And the camera?

Well…it is way different than my D60.

I am still reading the manual and playing with it.

But I will learn it.

I’m already really stoked at the images I’m getting.

Wanna see?

Of course you do!!!!

Downtown Spokane in the rain…gloomy and urban. I love it!

So…wish me luck with the internship and with learning how to use my new toy.

And wish Clayton luck with having braces.  The poor kid…he is so sore it isn’t funny.

And wish me luck that I remember to come update this thing a little more often!

Just passing through

I keep forgetting to update my blog.

I suspect it may have something to do with my recently accquired addiction to facebook.

Yes, yes…that could be it.

Anyway.

Today you get a “drive by post”

bang bang.

• I am currently listening to my two little sickies discuss John 3:15 and how it differs from John 3:16.   Hey, at least they are reading their bibles. right?
• M’Kayla left AWANA last night because she didn’t feel good.  That is when I knew she was sick.
• Today is the 23rd of February.  HUH??? When did that happen?
• Last week was just….weird.
• Ricky will not be going to wrestling practice tonight. No need to expose everyone else to his booger cannon.
• I had three campfire girls mints for breakfast. And a diet coke. Yay me.
• The kids have put their bibles away and are now singing the sponge bob theme, complete with coughs and booger bubbles.  Yay me.
• I need a hair cut.  Badly.
• I am pretty sure the dogs got into the garbage in the outside bin.  Most days I could live without pets. Really.
• Rick said three sections at AWANA last night.  Got another jewel. score!
• My shoulder hurts and I am convinced the pain is from a large tumor. Because I’m all hypochondriac like that.  It’s probably because I slept wrong.
• I’m wrestling with how I ever thought Pepto Bismol ever tasted good. That stuff is gag-worthy.
• I am not entirely sad that I am missing work today…I’m not feeling too hunky-dorey either.
• Hand sanitizer only works if you use it.
• Rick is asking if we can play pictionary while lying on the couch.
• There is a bottle of taco sauce sitting by my computer and I cannot explain it’s presence.
• I am incredibly jealous of Ree. I want to live in the cabin. Mmmk?
• Charlie is licking my hand while I type…I had to retype the word type 4 times.  He must like the taste of hand sanitizer.
• Charlie’s hand licking was a mere diversion for his intended purpose. He sat here…licked…farted…and left.  I am now being victimized by the stench but must….keep….typing. GAH!
• I am wishing we had a third couch so I had somewhere to lay too.
• I am wondering how long until the teenager is blowing snot everywhere.
• I may have to smack Gracie’s mom for not keeping her hacking, snot slinging, sick kid home.  She is the cause of this recent bout of sickness in the Chateau de’  Husk.  Thanks Gracie’s mom…tons.
• I am going to end this madness I call blogging now and go put some clothes on. (daytime clothes you freaks..I don’t blog nekkid.)  Brian’s dad will be here any minute to take Brian to the gym. Where I’d love to go…and sit in the hot tub..and relax.  But for now I must be content to blog, watch sponge bob, and wipe boogies.
• I hope everyone else is having a MUCH better day.

Ricky’s Wrestling

That’s right.

My little boy is going to be wrestling.

And if last night is any indication, well….I’ll just wait and see!

He really struggled, to be honest.

But it was his first night.

I did kind of have to chuckle at the fact that he was, seemingly, afraid to throw the other little boy to the ground.

And then it dawned on me…it goes against every. single.thing. we have ever taught him.

How many times have we said.. “keep your hands to yourself!”

or

” We don’t hurt other people.”

or

“Be kind to others.”

I mean, throwing someone to the ground sort of goes against every one of those things doesn’t it?

And to be honest..my baby?

He is sensitive.

(ok, he’s a wuss)

You would think with all of the size and heft this kid has he’d be able to whoop his weight in bears.

But no..he’s a gentle soul really.

Somewhat like his dad.

But still..he tried, and he loved it…and I’m certain he will improve and eventually be tossing people to the ground with wild abandon.

We shall see.

Here he is…lining up according to height:

Now, I can tell you for certain that none of the boys around him are in kindergarten.  In fact, I know for a fact that one of them is a 3rd grader in Rick’s school.  My boy is tall.

In fact, I think the boy he was paired up with is a 3rd grader…at least 2nd.

Anywhoo…

Here he is listening to the coach:

Hey, I was just impressed that he was actually listening.

And here he is, practicing the moves:

“Ya know coach guy… I have to tell ya, I’m just not incredibly comfortable with him putting his knee there.”

“Ok dude..you’re goin down!”

This is where things got a little rough.  He simply could not figure out this move.  His partner got frustrated, his partner’s dad got frustrated and poor Rick started crying.  I felt bad for him. He was really trying. Poor little guy. But the coach came to his rescue and helped him out. And it was all much better after that.

Now it was his partner’s turn to try to put him on the ground. *snicker* If nothing else, his size will make him hard to pin.

(and boy…my kid needs a haircut!)

Overall, he says he had a great time and can’t wait to go back.

So I will suppress my Mommy desire to come to his rescue and let him wrestle.

And I will suppress my snickers when he finally gets his singlet (they still aren’t in)  and will cheer him on.

And I will gladly go shell out the buckaroos for wrestling shoes and head gear.

And I will cheer him on.

Because that is what mommy’s do.

And I will take a lot of pictures to bore all of you with.

Because that is what I do.

(for the record…gymnasium lighting is AWFUL.)

I am proud of him for going for it.

I simply cannot wait for the first meet!

* and a special thank you to Aunt Amy and Uncle Rob, without whom this blog post would not have been possible.  You guys are awesome!

The gift of music.

M’Kayla got her birthday gift from Brian and I today.

We didn’t intend to spend quite so much…but it was worth it.

We decided we’d go visit uncle Jimmy and let her pick one out.

Then I broke a string on it. (to be fair..the strings were bad. But I still felt like a turd.)

So we found a guitar store and got it fixed.

$100.00 later, I got this:

She is happier than a pig in mud.

Really.

She has been playing it non-stop since we got home.  And the crazy thing is..she isn’t making “noise” with it..she is making music.

Her music teacher said she had an ear for it.  And I believed her.  But I never thought the turd would be able to just pick up a guitar and make music.

Granted, she is a long way from stairway to heaven, but it’s amazing to me how gifted she is when it comes to music.

Uncle Jimmy said she might be the next Cheryl Crow. M’Kayla said “no, the next american idol.”

At least she has goals right?

(and Jimmy has my D80. It hurts to see it just sitting there. But that’s another post)

Back to M’Kayla and the guitar:

She told me that she loves it.  That she can’t bear to be away from it tonight. (we are going to a friend’s house to play board games tonight)

That she might sleep with it.

And I don’t doubt it.

Then she told me that if you close your eyes, you can envision (yes, she said envision) yourself playing it and you will play better.

And I am certain she was serious.

And I am certain my Uncle Mike is smiling right now.

And I am certain that Joe (race track owner) is going to smile when she tells him she is planning to sing the national anthem at the track this summer.

And I don’t doubt for a single minute that she will try..and probably bring the guitar.

And I say good for her.  God gives us all gifts, I’m just soooooo glad she has realized one of hers in her youth.   She can nuture it and help it grow. Because God has certainly given her the gift of music.

Just a few pics and some randomness

I have been really frustrated with myself lately and the pictures I take.

I just cannot seem to get my exposure right.

It’s driving me nuts.

I really, really wish I could go to school and get some training.

But in the meantime, I will just have to be content to be mediocre and try, try again.

Guess I need to look into that “understand exposure” book everyone raves about.

And I need to get gas-X or beano for Charlie.

It’s nearly unbearable in here tonight.

Nasty, rotten labrador.

That can’t be natural.

But since you aren’t into reading me lament about my lab’s odoriforous eminations (thanks Uncle Mike!!), I’ll post the few in focus and relatively well exposed pics that I have taken in the past few months…

yes, I said months.

I told you it was bad.

This is Tim.

I lurve Tim.

He is so giggily

And so bubbily

And soooooooooo not mine so I get to give him cake and play with him and hand him back to his mommy.

It’s awesome.

Here is sis at her party with a few of her friends.  When did nine happen?

And this?  This is my hormone raging, facial hair having, looking more and more like his father every day teenager.

I can’t believe I am looking at him and seeing his 14 year old self.  14 seemed like a lifetime away 14 years ago.

Tim’s mom will feel this way someday.  So to Tim’s mom…enjoy every little giggle and cry, write down everything.  It is truly sad how much we forget about the little things they used to do.

Hopefully I will figure out my exposure and get my groove back soon.

And hopefully, Charlie will stop gassing us all out of the house. (he just did it again.  It’s gag-worthy)

And hopefully the kids will slow down with the growing stuff.

As for me…I’m off to make a list of things I must do tomorrow.

So far my list includes lots of valentine cookie delivering and room-mothering.

As an aside…Rick got his report card today.

All 3’s and 4’s  (at (3) or above (4) grade level) and he’s reading at a level 20 (2nd grade).

I couldn’t be more proud of him.

Well, I could…he could…I dunno, stop doing things like scratching his bum in public. But he IS only 6.k

Until next time!

What’s new?

Not much really.

Aside from the fact that I haven’t updated this thing since forever.

Sorry bout that.

I have just been busy.

So, what’s new in the house of Husk you ask?

• I turned 33.  Ick.
• Clayton turned 14. WHAT? yes…14. Ick again.
• M’Kayla turned 9.  And shared with me this  morning that her “boobies itch”.   You know what that means right?  Time to take her shopping for a bra. Guess I know what she’ll be spending her birthday money on LOL!
• Ricky is…well…Ricky.  And thank goodness..he is still 6.  I can’t handle another birthday.
• Brian is still working, which is a blessing in this economy.  I am working three part time jobs and have applied for another…keep your fingers crossed for me. It would mean benefits and good pay..like enough to cover our mortgage every month.
• We are going to be a neilson family again. I love writing down my t.v. viewing preferences.  And besides, it reminds me of that episode of Roseanne when they did the neilson thing. And my goal in life is to live as closely to the roseanne t.v. family as I can.  So far?  Success!  DAAAAANNNN!!!!! COME IN HERE!!!
• It’s still cold here.  And it is starting to suck.  I am not much of a winter gal anyway, and this winter is taking it’s toll.  Not only on my state of mind, but also on my pocket book.  The lovely monopoly that is avista utilities is raising their rates again.  Yanno..like, right after they “guessed” at my monthly usage last month because they “couldn’t get to my meter to read it”.  Hogwash.  I could get to it just fine. The lazy bums.  Infuriates me.  My bill more than doubled…and it was high to begin with.  The jerks.  Trust me, it’s crossed my mind to shut off my power and live in the camper this winter.  But then I think about how horrible my house smells with charlie’s gas in it along with Brian’s habit of “taking the browns to the super bowl” without spraying air freshener…and well, I just can’t do it.   Avista wins.

Aside from those things, not much is really new here.

Sorry for the boring update.  But at least it’s new reading material.

Till next time!