The Brinkworths

We're back in the saddle again!

2011-04-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have sat here so many times the over the past 12 months, I have had so much to share. I have started this post several times, today I follow thru.

This past year has brought so much change; Shortly after my last post I discovered that yet again I was expecting, I was scared, I cried myself to sleep every night for 2 weeks. The morning of the first ultrasound I shook. The technician held my hand, she smiled and asked how many children I had at home, I knew then that this baby was gone just like the others before. I was wrong she laughed and showed me TWO tiny hearts beating away, they were perfect, they still are on December 27 2010, we welcomed the final touches to our family. At 10:44 and 10:45 pm Finn Madden and Emerson Maxine Brinkworth entered this crazy mixed up world. Finn came in at 6lbs5 and Emerson was 6lbs11 with both being 20 inches, they have more than healed a broken heart.

What else has happened to us, well.................We got sunburned playing in the pool all summer, baseball was played until we could no longer see the day and we ate snow cones until we became sick, baby chicks hatched in our hands and we saw life close up.

We chased sleep away as we laid under the stars and giggled over nothing and sang songs nobody else had ever sang. Camp fires smoldered and marshmallows burnt as we looked at each other and smiled the smiles that only those like us can share.

School started and the days became shorter, the winds again turned cold as the leaves fell and crunched under our feet.

We met family that before we had only heard about. We visited, we ate. And then we visited some more.

I reluctantly said goodbye to my Grandmother, we both knew it, and we held it off for as long as possible. We held hands and she let go first, she said without speaking that she knew, and that it was all right for me to walk away.

Braxton turned 12 and now smiles at us slightly every Sunday as he proudly walks the chapel in his white shirt and passes us the Sacrament. He is now also the proud owner of his first gun a .22, it took him 2 months to decide on the model.

Carsten is now 10, it seems like it was just days ago that I held him for the first time. He is still the little blue eyed boy that stole my heart.

The Holidays came in a blur, Thanksgiving was fast and easy. I was too big and uncomfortable to cook much in the way of a "traditional" dinner, I remember a turkey.

It seemed fitting that this year as we celebrated the birth of our Savior we oh so impatiently waited for the births of our babes. We made 2 failed trips to the hospital before "the day" and then it went so fast, my liver was failing, I felt awful and now looking back at pictures I looked worse. Our "perfect ending" and "happily ever after" came quickly via emergency c-section on what became a very snowy night.

My Grandma died.

There I said it, she suffered a massive stroke and in the early hours of morning, when the colors of night change and the shadows hold secrets, she passed silently through the veil. On the day that my tiny innocent babes, that only months before she had felt fighting for space inside of my body reached their first month of life she let hers go.

Mike took a long needed break from "the park" the stresses of long days that were only broken up with tragedy was taking a toll on him. He spent time with us, gave the new pilots the training they would need for the windy days at "The Big Ditch" and played modern day cowboy herding deer with a helicopter with the Game and Fish.

Our first miracle baby turned 4, he is such a wonder. I shudder still when I think back to the day he arrived and was quickly taken away. Only my memory of that day shows scars.

It's Spring again, the winds are back with a vengeance that only we here can understand. Tiny balls of fur are beginning to venture out of burrows and small calves, their belly buttons still unhealed are wobbling and wandering beside their proud mothers.

Ardynn turned 9, the baby sister that was so proudly announced to the world by a loving older brother as Mardynn Argeret is now a whirl wind of life.

We have faced the illnesses of children, known ones and some just met that strike fear with their mystery. But we face them with hands clasped and prayers in our hearts and on our lips.

Kallison turns 7 in just eight short days. How she brightens our lives. She is so innocent and is ever the easy going one.

Our lives continue, the days go fast and are filled with so much sound and color, it amazes me the way it all melds into the life we call ours, mixed up, turned sideways and some days are even backwards, but there ours and we love them............

Ya we're back and we are here to stay!

... or get off the pot

2010-03-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

My last blog was fast, a little funny and oh so long ago. This one, well I cut my finger nails.

October;

With a week off for fall break and two birthdays coming we hit the road. We found a chicken sitter, loaded the fly boat and headed out for a five day tour.

The seven of us headed out with smiles on our faces, sunscreen and Birthday presents packed and a secret in our eyes, I was in week 6 of this pregnancy and all looked good so we were off.

After 8 or 12 hours in the car(after hour two I give up) we arrived at our first destination: Zions National Park for two days of hiking, whining and aching.

The beauty of Zions cannot be described, the size of the mountains and the act of looking up at the grandeur is to me more exhilarating than looking down into the Grand Canyon. The fall air was tart with the changing season and frosty mornings with late afternoon dust all mixed in, we felt alive and blessed to be there. We as a family relaxed and left all our yesterdays elsewhere. High on those beautiful mountains we were Gods.

Well until the next morning, and we were reminded that we were human, with aches, sunburn and bodies stiff from not sleeping in our own beds, and oh the nausea. So back in the fly boat.

Off yet again on our drive, back into Arizona, across the Great Rez, and once again into Utah. This time to spend a few relaxing days with Grandpa and Grandma Great in Blanding.

Navajo Tacos, Birthday Pumpkin pies, and cousins to play with. Precious dollars spent at the Dollar Store, a baby pig to love on and a horse loving goat to hide from. We visited, we ate and secrets were spilt, and lots of flannel was left to be turned into beautiful hemstitched receiving blankets for our newest now not so secret.

We returned home with Halloween costumes finished, and pictures to be down loaded just in time to start back to school and the first of the many Dr's. appointments that I would have.

November;

That appointment, well it didn't go so good, everything looked good but no heartbeat. The Dr. was calm, decides that dates are off, she will look at the pictures and call later.

See you in two weeks, ya and that appointment goes even worse; again everything looks great but STILL no heartbeat, but don't worry to much some babies are a little slow, lets not give up yet.

Two weeks later we give up, ultrasound now shows failure yet again but this time it hurts more, our third loss will be double.

Thanksgiving is coming and in an effort to avoid a D&C medication is taken, it works, it sadly mimics early labor your waters break, you feel pain and your heart and arms are still empty but now so is your body.

Our Holiday passes in a haze of normal, turkey and all the trimmings.

I taste nothing.

December;

Its time to go on, I have 5 wonderful children that deserve better, they deserve a mother that will listen to their stories again, one that laughs and bakes Christmas cookies with them. I will now only cry when they are asleep.

Sunday the bleeding starts again, heavy this time with clots that are the size of large citrus fruits. Mike is here with the kids I can do this on my own. The Dr. says its normal after the meds you took, but he is not my Dr. he doesn't know my bleeding history, but I can do this, I've done it twice before.

Monday the bleeding is still here, I am tired, I am sore, I fall. The Dr. says take it easy, this is not the time to prove you are super woman, I want my Dr.

Tuesday, I am scared. I sit down with Braxton.

I try to explain.

I make two phone calls and give my 11 old the coveted extra cell phone.

He knows.

You can hear the sirens coming for miles I try to make light of it, to tell them that its just because I can't drive myself right now, but I see the fear the panic in his eyes and as they turn the lights back on and quickly pull out of the drive I see him bent over heaving with fear.

I close my eyes, the tears fall and they are not asleep.

Thankfully they wait until we hit pavement to start the iv's and they cover me in warmth and allow me to finally fall into that darkness.

Soon hands are grabbing me, my clothing removed, gasps heard, monitors start beeping and tubes put in.

My stats are low.

Fluids are allowed to run in to my arm unchecked, my left arm is now swollen and cold, I cannot remember ever being this cold.

Hours go by, I call check on my kids talk to Mike he will be there soon, but others are hurt, he is flying, I am not hurt, I cry.

Procedures are done, my body is now truly empty.

These pills will make the pain go away.

They don't.

I must interrupt my pity party and morn the loss of a precious little girl, she is so loved and missed. I feel anger, not at God for taking her to soon from her family, but anger for the fact that her family held her for five years. I know it will be years before I hold mine that are lost.

Plans had been made, we leave for Christmas, its good I don't think I could decorate a tree of our own this year. I will let my children borrow this holiday from extended family, I will float it out, just this once.

I just can't bring myself to care.

I smile, I laugh, I still cry when they are asleep.

January;

New Years takes us yet farther down the road, but now for me closer to home.

My Grandparents are old I see it now, the last month has taken something from us all.

My Grandmother to me looks and acts better, we talk, we cry, she knows.

My Grandfather scares me, he falters, he the one who has always been so strong leans on us now, but we are strong, they raised us that way.

We are family, we are loved and safe together, we can do this.

We have done it before.

My life goes on, well life does anyway, we are not normal, we never claimed to be. We have a new normal, its a little sad, but I can laugh now in my tears. There are dates on the calender that we will never meet, but there are many more that we rush excitedly to, birthdays are happy here, giggling as a sport is back. The kids and I dance again in the kitchen.

I don't know if we will try again, only 3% of women suffer three consecutive miscarriages. There are no statistics after that, I don't know if they give up or if they finally carry to term.

I am part of a club that nobody wants to be in, but I am not alone.

Twenty five viles of blood and many tests have found nothing physically wrong with me. I have my suspicions but they will never be proven.

Myself, I would like to try again, Mike, well he is scared, but of what he doesn't say. I don't know if it is for me, the thought of him being left to raise our kids alone should I bleed again and they not get it under control or the thought that if we loose anymore he will be driving a polygamy van around the Celestial Kingdom, I just don't know.

That flannel was returned and the circle continues, warm blankets I now crotchet for other babies to be wrapped in.

Me I still cry only when they are all asleep and I can live with that.

Excuses, excuses, excuses.

2009-10-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

In our defence.

We became reptile rescuers,

Have survived the swine flu,

Played with fire,

congratulated those that fought fire,

and have excelled at chicken farming.

The price of the party

2009-09-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah, for me yesterday was my birthday and as you all know I like to spend the money, sooo this year Carsten helped spread a little of the wealth around.

After missing a great offer of a birthday lunch with a friend because Carsten came home sick with a upset stomach and head ache. I left him home resting on the couch while Dawson snoozed on the other couch, and ran to "Happy hell" to mail off a package of favorite sister/daughter/grand daughter wonderful just in time for the elk hunt cookies.

Well while I was in town I picked up the other three wonder pets, and some tummy bug supplies and raced the fly boat back to the chicken ranchette.

"I love the whole world and all its craziness boomdeadda boomdeadda...."

Me; Hello,

Carsten; MOM I SWALLOWED A PENNY AND ITS STUCK AHHH AHHH!!!!!

Me; okay sweetie I am at the mail boxes and will be there in a minute, can you breathe alright?

Carsten; AAAAHHHHH,

The mom runs into the house to find very upset wonder pet holding his throat with big blue eyes wider than ever. Breathing fine, talking fine, alright lets go spend that birthday money. Off to the clinic.

Ring, ring

"Hello Williams Health Care Center this is Nancy,"

"Hey Nancy it's Dusty is urgent care busy?"

"No, why,"

"Ahh, Carsten swallowed a penny and is complaining that it is stuck."

"OKAY, we will be ready for him bring him straight back to x-ray, see you soon."

And this is what the x-ray showed.
Lincoln going down head first.

"Hi are you the mom?"

"Umm yeah Dr. Poulstein I am."(my hell do people randomly bring in stray kids?)

"Okay well he needs that out."

"No sh*t,"

"We are sending him to flag."

"Okay,"

"By ambulance."

"Barbara say what?"

"Yeah I don't like the look of that, if it moves the wrong way its headed to the lungs."

Yah, that's an I.V. port and a gurney,

Bears looking a little scared in his new ride,

"Room four" of the emergency department at Flagstaff Medical Center, where we will spend the next four hours.

After three sets of x-rays, two sets of meds in the port, 50 jumping jacks(really) and endless laughter and spare change jokes the decision was made, 88 more cents and we could make a taco bell run and Carsten was heading off to the O.R. for a little penny fishing.

Poor boy awoke, proved he could eat a Popsicle and was released just in time to go home to bed, a little wiser and a little poorer.

Carsten is doing fine today enjoying a day on the couch eating ice cream, Popsicles and yogurt.

Price;
clinic; 25.00
E.R.; 150.00
Taco Bell run; 4.56

Eggs for sale; 2.50 a doz.

Cause its my Birthday

2009-09-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Dear year 35,

Welcome to my life. I hope that you have plans for us because I sure do.

Lets lose 30 pounds, and spend more time on ourselves. Lets not feel guilty about having our nails done. What we have never done this, well maybe we should.

How about we buy a few clothing items not on the clearance sale racks. And maybe buy shoes other than "flip flops".

We'll spend more time on our hair and finally figure out that make-up thing. While we are thinking about it lets remember to take a little bit more time on skin care, and remember lotion and sunscreen every day.

I think we should spend more time focusing on our marriage with thoughts to the future when we have more time without kids. Maybe figure out a career path, and go back to school, that toddler is growing up fast. Ooh how about a little more patience with those curious kids, and remember all those questions have answers.

Hey 35 lets slow down and enjoy ourselves we're not racing anyone.

Oh, and 34 you can go to HELL.

Happy Birthday Harold

2009-08-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mike,

Last year I had to come up with 40 facts about you,

This year just a thank you.

Happy Birthday and thanks for loving this crazy chicken farmer with all those kids and pets.

I love you.

Love Betty.

What came first

2009-08-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

The chicken,

it took 19 weeks and two days for the egg.

Good Bye Summer, Good Bye

2009-08-11T16:36:00.001-07:00

Schools back in session here in the hundred acre woods.

and while we must now get to bed early and wake even earlier,

we are still having fun.

Summer recap,

Popsicles= approximately 20 boxes, and four bags.

pop corn= 14 bowls,

ice cream= about 8 gallons(we are Simper descendants after all)

sunburns=10 at least

baseball games= 14

games won= 12

nights spent in our own beds= 1

nights spent on the trampoline=10

night we never went to sleep=2(mom says it feels like more)

movies watched at the theater= 2

classic movies rediscovered= way to many to count,

tubs of "fart noise"=5

giggles from "farts"= lets not go there,

trips for ice cream cones= 8

drives to see the wildlife=5

times we saw wildlife=1,

what we saw when we got home= elk, deer.

baths and showers missed= way to many

mornings we slept in= none, mom says it is impossible for us to sleep pass 6:30

school shopping trips= 4

pairs of flip-flops the freezer "ate"=3,

pairs of school shoes bought= 6

kids attending school= 4

lunches packed= 5.

days our dad has been gone= 6

nights the cats have slept in the house= 6(do you see a pattern?)

number of eggs gathered= 0

school days left before summer break=179

memories= countless.

The "Olden Days"

2009-07-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Remember sitting on your grandparents couch and watching the old shows with them?

You remember Lawrence Welk and how he would introduce some ancient Big Band and your grandparents would get that look on their faces and their eyes would mist over, and you would roll your eyes.

And after the infomercial was developed they would sit and watch the Time Life music sales and you would laugh because it reminded you that they were so stinking old and that you would never sit on the couch and sway along to the music and think about the good old days.

Ever.

Well we all get old, and all our memories get better.
Just like a fine wine,
or the picture on your drivers license.

And the music we would not have been caught dead listening to, say twenty years ago because you would never have been caught listening to stoner music because you can't be a stoner and wear long sleeved buttoned-up clear to your throat shirts with dry clean only pants and like those heavy metal bands. Right.

Remember that?

Well last night after watching the Antiques Roadshow, Mike pried the remote out of my hands and started channel surfing. He landed somewhere up in the boring cable channels, they were playing an old old 80's rock song.

We froze, we got "that look" on or faces, our eyes glazed over, and we both started swaying and singing along.

Yup it was a Time Life infomercial.

Our children were on their best behavior and they just sat there with "that look" on their faces, and carefully whispered between themselves.
And gave us the look.
Then they started singing along.
Turns out we had given birth to closet stoners.

We watched the whole infomercial, sang, laughed, and "Oh My Goshed" for the entire half hour.

And then beat it over to the computer and looked up the Time Life website. Just to look you know, we would never buy something like that.
Wow, five easy payment of 29.99. OMG my wistful memories are not that priceless(or maybe I am not that old after all).

I Ordered it off Ebay instead.
Got the entire boxed set for 50.00.
Plus 3.00 shipping and handling, of course,
because I am "hip and trendy" defiantly not an "old rocker".

So let me know if you would like me to burn you a copy.

Saige and Nate are getting a baby, unless we steal him!

2009-07-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Most all of you know that Saige and Nate(my little sister and great bro. in law) have now been happily married for several years and have been patiently waiting for the phone to ring.......

Well come August a precious baby boy will born to them.
I will let them announce his name and all the other great details upon his delivery, but they have graciously agreed to let me announce his pending delivery and wondrous adoption.

Saige and Nate are very excited and a bit apprehensive.
When you carry a child you worry until birth about their health, size and who they will look like.
When you adopt you also add the worry that the birth parent(s) will change their minds.

When you give birth to a child you are required to provide a car seat for the drive home.
When you adopt, you are finger printed, your background is searched, your house and bank account is scrutinized, and every detail of you life is on display for not only the birth parent(s) but their lawyer, your lawyer, the social workers, and the court who ultimately makes the decision if you truly get to keep this child that you have fallen hopelessly in love with.

Getting pregnant and giving birth is relatively easy.
Adopting can take years of struggle and heartbreak.

This little boy is so loved and wanted.

So, since most of us have never gone through this process I thought I would help out by answering a few questions for you. Because as my friends and family I would really hate for you to look stupid.

1, So how much does it cost?
a lot, so unless you want to donate, just remember that all babies are priceless.

2, How can you love a child that you did not give birth to?
Never question God, also I did not give birth to your children but I would still step out in front of a moving bus to save them, love knows no boundaries.

3, How will you discuss adoption with your child?
That is up to the family, but yes this precious child will be of mixed decent so he will always know that he was loved by so many that wanted the best for him.

4, Is this baby off the black market?(really a question that was asked)
No it is all legal. But if you have info on black market adoption please alert the proper authorities.

5, Are you willing to adopt more?
Yes we, okay they really want more.

6, Can we give a baby shower?
Hell yes, do you know how much this is costing, they are also not afraid of hand-me-downs.

7, Can we come and love on this baby when you get him home?
Again hell yes, but remember kiss the toes not the nose.

Saige and Nate know what they are doing and we are all in love with this little miracle, we as a family are humbled by both their dedication to have an eternal family, and the amazing love shown by a wonderful birth mother willing to give the most precious gift a family can receive.

The dog days of summer

2009-07-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry for no new posts,
but,

this about sums it up!

p.s. this is Delaynie our 130 pound lap dog
and today is her seventh birthday. She is usually
much furrier, but now that she is getting older I
had her shaved for the summer, so she could
spend time in the house out of the summer heat.

Wild Arizona(bite this Marty Stouffer)

2009-06-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Mike spends most of his working days at the helibase located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Mostly whiling away the hours between medivacs and short haul rescues and fighting wild land fires by reading, riding his bike, reloading bullets, and holding down the couch.

Some days though he really goes to work. This is the stuff he truly enjoys.
He gets to mix his love of flying with his love of the outdoors and wildlife.

Papillon contracts their helicopters and pilots(mainly Mike) out to the Arizona Game and Fish.
Recently they were over on the Arizona/Nevada border doing a sheep capture to monitor migration with the new road construction around the dam.

Usually they hang some under paid wildlife biologist(gunner) out of the helicopter with a loaded rifle(modified to shoot game nets instead of bullets). This poor guy sits and waits as Mike flies around the desert while another AZ game and fisher acts as the mugger. When they find the poor animal the gunner shoots,

and then the mugger jumps out of a still flying helicopter. After the helicopter lands the gunner then jumps out and runs to help. Normally they draw blood and put on a tracking collar,

and then the animal is released, at which time the unharmed sheep stands and shakes him/herself off and runs back to the herd with nothing more than a great story and a new expensive necklace to show off later that night while grazing with the fam.

But sometimes things don't go as planned,

and the sheep go a little wild,

especially if say, you had previously survived a mountain lion attack,

then all bets are off. At which point the sheep start showing off their moves.

The moonwalk seems to be a favorite,

and the two step with a little shimmy and a twist

always scores extra points with the judges.

and going all Shawn Johnson really works at putting a little fear into the guys that just pushed your fight or flight button really hard.

and if you really want to make those guys wish they had never left the office,

it is always a good idea if you can look'um in the eyes,

while going all kung fu fighting while issuing the dance off challenge

and then step back and watch the pumpkin boogie,

and the gunner/mugger doe-si-doe,

and after obviously winning the great wildlife dance off,

it is always best just to run off into the sunset,

while they dust themselves off.

Last week

2009-06-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Last week,

we ate doughnuts from J.D.'s espresso,

drove to Flagstaff, watched a movie,

and ate pizza in the car.

Carsten and Ardynns' baseball team played,

and won two games,

we made smores on the stove top,

while we listened to the wind blow.

The kids and I played a 12 inning softball game,

that ended only after the mom hit it out of the park,

and lost the ball in the 100 acre woods.

We bought a new softball,

a bright green one.

Mike stained and painted the porches,

and two chickens and one dog.

Kallison learned to ride a two-wheeler,

and how to put on many band-aids,

she also learned that older sisters make patient

and loving cheerleaders.

the brave ones slept on the trampoline,

with a pile of kitties,

the not so brave slept on the family room floor,

with a smaller pile of kittens.

Braxton purchased his first hunting licence,

and put in for his first deer hunt,

good luck my little hunter.

Mike took lots of fishies on a tour of the Grand Canyon,

and helped to reestablish a healthy population of endangered chub,

into the Greater Colorado River.

We cried over and buried our last goldfish,

well some of us.

We have sat out under the stars,

while listening to the coyotes howl,

we ate watermelon,

and spit the seeds at each other.

we ate boxes of popcicles,

that dripped down our chins and hands,

and then skipped baths and showers,

just because it was summer.

Canyon wide pandemic (The Mule Flu)

2009-06-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Poor wee Angus was just hanging out while the men worked on the trail. His rope got loose on one side and Angus went for a bite to eat. As luck would have it Angus slipped and fell over the edge and hung himself. Now Angus is mostly dead and on his way out.

When pigs fly Mom always said. But in a pinch a mule will work.

Angus checking the tail gate before he climbs in (safety first).

P.S. MIKE HIJACKED MY BLOG.

A little update

2009-06-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a busy week, Thursday I saw my ob/gyn, lovely lady, she sadly confirmed that we had indeed lost another little one(we already new that, but we both cried anyway).

Ultrasounds are no fun when all you get to see is a still heart or this time an empty womb, but at least they were able to confirm that uterus and ovary wise it all looks okay, they were even able to see/find my right ovary that apparently was "lost" at the last ultrasound back in December(which for me was good news cause after all I think I would have noticed that one leaving).

Tuesday I met with a new Dr., a wonderful Dr. of internal medicine(she is also a new chicken farmer) she checked out everything including my nose/eyes/throat, because after all reproductive wise they are super important. She agrees with both myself and the very peppy ob/gyn that it is most likely related to my thyroid or should I say half a thyroid. So she took blood to check its(thyroid) level and also kidney and liver function, hormone levels, and complete blood counts.

Results will be back tomorrow and honestly I am a little nervous, I want it to be so simple, a tiny little pill will help regulate the thyroid and some progesterone cream used until 14 weeks will help maintain a healthy pregnancy. But then there is the guilt that if only I had given a little thought and had it checked every six months like I was supposed to that maybe my babies would not have died and that really does lie heavy on a person.

So tomorrow when the phone rings I will pick it up but only after it has rang a few times and I have had time to breathe.

Playing catch up.

2009-05-25T15:22:00.001-07:00

Sorry to those of you that actually come by on purpose, and how lucky you new ones are.
I didn't mean to be gone so long,

But early summer in Northern Arizona is beautiful,
no daylight savings, so we get to enjoy a full day.
Light hot days to play in, and nippy nights to snuggle in.
The super strong winds of spring have died down to gentle breezes,
and evenings are spent barbecuing and playing baseball,
Spying on baby deer, skittish elk calves, and tiny jack rabbits in the backyard.

Rushed mornings due to later more exhausting bedtimes,
and extra laundry from those late night barefoot walks
that result in dirty foot print sheets.
Cookie baking has turned to ice cream making,
and unfortunately laundry folding has been turned to
porch swinging and Popsicles.

So again I am sorry to have left you all,
but maybe you should all just come on by.
We'll save you some ice cream but until then please read on.

Just for Kellie McCarrel

2009-05-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am sorry, we live in the MIDDLE OF FREAKING NOWHERE.

If you have ever been to the Grand Canyon, once you get off of I-40 you take an extremely boring, long, two lane highway, known to the State of Arizona as highway 64, locally we call it the extremely long death trap,or just 64.

On either side of said highway are row upon row of mailboxes that all European tourists stop to take pictures of , and BUMPY dirt roads, proof that some people love privacy, I can walk out to the car naked, I mean if I wanted to, and have no care for their suspension(on there vehicles that is).

While having few neighbors is on the plus, along with abundant wildlife, fresh air, and for a few, the chance to hunt off your front porch(hi honey). The downsides include no high speed Internet, no plowed streets, being snowed in a lot of the winter, no, no wait that goes on the plus list, but mainly there is NO WATER, every drop of water that we use, must be trucked in.

So three to four times a week I load a couple of the kids and usually a dog and once in awhile a cat and we head to the water plant, for ten dollars I fill the tank with 425 gallons of water, drive it home and then with the help of gravity and six feet of three inch hose empty the water into a 1800 gallon cistern underground which is then pumped into the house. Yes we all bathe everyday(well most of us I mean really what do husbands have against showering on their days off?) do lots of laundry, and run the dishwasher everyday.

The only downside that I have found is during extremely cold weather everything freezes, from the tank lid to the valve on the tank, and then one must use some creativity, or a blow dryer.

So sweety does that answer your question?
and if you havn't seen the Grand Canyon come on down,
I can get a great deal on helicopter flights!

And lightning strikes again

2009-05-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Well its back to the seven of us,
we were cautiously excited for a week.
Turns out you second miscarriage does not hit as hard,
it hurts just as bad,
and you cry just as much,
but in a way it gives relief that now
there is proof of a problem.

So this week I begin testing, blood draws and ultrasounds.
Because it is amazing how much you wanted that baby
when you find out you don't
get to keep it
after all.

Our day at whup a kitty

2009-05-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mikes parents came to visit us in late April, it was really nice to see them as we don't go to Colorado anymore. Mike had to work that Monday but took Tuesday and Wednesday off.

We let the kids stay home from school and indulged Mikes mom, and went to some Indian ruins.
I hate looking at ruins, its like going to the Parade of Homes a thousand years late.
And hot and dirty.

We went to Walnut Canyon which is a pretty good hike, and has some nice views of the mountains and really old broken homes, I figure they left it for a good reason,

like fallen walls, crappy ventilation, no indoor plumbing, and most likely the fear of your kids falling hundreds of feet every time they went out the front door. But hey that's just me.

It could have been the constant threat of enemy attack, lousy harvests and constant droughts. Or maybe they just didn't like the neighborhood.
We also went to Waputki, it was like a master planned Anasazi community, nicely spread out so you could see the enemy approach, and large spacious rooms to store your beans and gourds.
Again I think they left because of water issues(there is none) or maybe the lack of marriage prospects.
Unfortunately my children have not learned a second language and therefor entertained themselves and me by butchering the name of for said community and turning it into whup-a-kitty. Some people in the flyboat were not amused.

Grandpa thankfully was a super trooper and treated us to Chinese at our favorite restaurant and the next day helped Mike build a baby chicken house and fence.

Mikes mom however was not thrilled when I offered to take her to town and drive through the local trailer parks to look at the Mexican ruins.

Maybe next year.

sleeping in a red light district or(satan lives in my bathroom)

2009-05-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Growing up I always wanted a St. Bernard, I don't recall why but they just seemed so cool, and they were huge. I never got one, my parents always told me "when you grow up and get married then you can have one". Jokes on them by year number two of marriage I got one, his name was Bubba. We got him through St. Bernard rescue in Phoenix and he was a great dog, he went everywhere with us, he just wasn't to smart. Poor Mike had to teach him to drink out of a stream and that it was okay to eat snow, mostly he just slept, let Braxton sit on him and once even set himself on fire.

After we moved out to the FREAKING MIDDLE OF NOWHERE our animal collection grew, we brought two cats with us to outer darkness and after Bubba passed, brought home a Great Pyrenees puppy we named Delainey, a few more cats came and went, two more joining our permanent ranks, got another dog, a little one this time, and the child count grew by four also.

Well as the child count went up so did the "Please, please, please, can we keep/get its" and the "it/they followed me/us home". Poor Mike sometimes it is just not fair when the kids look on with sad wanting looks while I do all of the groveling.

What a strong man he is/was because he held out for seven years, but finally this year we became CHICKEN FARMERS!!!

Well the kids and I became chicken farmers, Mike just bank rolled us.

It took two days but I finally got them all home safe and sound, 40 chickens and six turkeys, they are so cute, the kids and I fell in love with them, the cats looked on with snackers glee, and poor big dog looked on, sighed and and I swear rolled her eyes.

Really I did not set out to procure that many fowl, but so many people including Mike told me that chickens die, so get a few more than you think necessary. I figured that as a family we would need two dozen, you know eggs for us and some extra to give away to friends.

Turns out I am a super chicken farmer. We still have 38 of the little feathered dingbats.

One it turns out was blind and had to be put down and just this past week we had one get crushed in the huddle heap. We also lost a turkey, I am pretty sure he was a failure to thrive.

As budding fowl farmers I discovered that our feathery little babies must be kept indoors under(bright red glowing) heat lamps for the first 3 to 4 weeks, so as you can see they spent their first three weeks living in Rubbermaid totes in our bathroom. Yeah that's when I discovered to Mikes everlasting glee that chickens and turkeys are dirty, and noisy, and most of all they stink. I spent at least an hour a day trading out their bedding, feeding them, watering them and as I am such a weird person hanging those cute little scented trees off of their heat lamps(peach was our favorite).

Mike on the other hand walked by shaking his head, muttering "I told you so" under his breath, making snide comments about finally being in the "red light district" and still not getting any, and building their "baby coop" and fenced yard for me.

Well, all is well that ends well, so they say, and the kids and I are still in love with our feathery friends, and they now have an amizing coop painted a lovely light yellow. We have six white black crested polish(they look a little like Phillis Diller in a top hat of feathers), 5 feathery legged Cochin's, 6 Rhode island reds, two silver wyandottes, 8 Buff Orpingtons(they are little loveys) and lots and lots of Easter Egg chickens that will lay green and blue eggs, Our five remaining turkeys have all been named after Mikes 5 brothers, and are a lot of fun to play with as they will follow us around the yard and are very friendly.

We have also discovered that we have at least 1 rooster and have suspicions on two more, and yes our little roosters name is Cogburn.

So eggs anyone?

P.S. anyone have an extra St. Bernard?

MY DAY (you may not like it.)

2009-04-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

A silly, silly person asked me just what I do all day, so here goes today.

5:50 am, look at alarm clock for the third time, decide to just get up. Pick up almost clean pj's off of the floor and put them on.
6:00 am, head to bathroom, do morning stuff, water the chickens and turkeys living in there and think out loud to self "they are moving outside today."
6:05 am, turn hot water to cold and tell Mike good morning. Run really fast!
6:15 am, smile at children as I iron their school uniforms, try not to cringe to much as Ardynn practices piano, clean up Dawson's spilt milk.
6:30 am, remind kids to finish breakfast and pack the rest of their lunches, start thinking about what to do next week for lunches.
6:45 am, answer phone call from sister- in- law who is looking for the mother- in- law, tell sister- in -law to buck up and save the puppy, harbor doubts that she will but know I will never find out.
7:00 am, give Mike his lunch, kiss him goodbye. Worry about my pilot for the next eleven hours.
7:05 am, hurry and throw the toddler into the shower with me, hoping to use the right shampoo on the right head.
7:20 am, dressed, teeth are brushed and hair has been brushed, think about what to do with it, oh well it could be worse, notice eyebrows REALLY need to be waxed.
7:30 am, check bank balance, decide eyebrows will have to wait until next week, wonder if Mike really minds sleeping with a National Geographic centerfold anyway.
7:40 am, tell in-laws thanks for visiting, remind them that they are welcome any time, drive safe, and have fun with some more Brinkworths this weekend.
7:41 am, load kids in the truck, think about how many loads of water we need to get today, oh shit need gas too.
7:55 am, drop off three kids at school, remind Ardynn and Carsten to walk home from the bus stop, holler at Braxton to have fun at guitar lesson today. Wonder whose baseball team Carsten and Ardynn will be on?
8:00 am, throw in 20.00 of diesel, call Debbie as I need a dose of sanity, hm mm, her three year old is lowering the chichiwawa into the window well. Love sanity.
8:10 am, walk into hardware store and order two bags of wood pellets, pull around back to get them, "will I take the three open ones, so that they don't have to get down a new pallet?" Do I love chocolate? score one for me.
8:30 am, get the first of two loads of water needed for the weekend, see three Elk remind self that living out in the middle of nowhere is not all bad.
8:45 am, drop load of water, dump wood pellets into temporary(yeah right) chicken coop. Toss Kalli and Dawson back into truck, get the second load of water, think about breakfast. Finally catch up to speedy little poodle, wish I had a window well.
9:00 am, decide to throw baby birds out later, turn computer on, check emails, wow I don't even have that body part so why would I want to lengthen it? That snuggli thing looks better all the time though, but decide the people in the commercial all look like they belong to some whacked out religious cult.
9:15 am, check on face book, trying to think why I care. Tell Kallison no we are not having ice cream right now, we have food standards not very high but we have them. Check bank balance again still in the black, man I am good.
9:30 am, start this blog, wondering if I will make anyone mad enough to try to save the puppy.
think about what else I have to do today,
10:00 am, do dishes, mop the kitchen floor.
11:30 am, think about feeding Kallison and Dawson before heading into the school for first grade spelling bee(must admit I don't really care), decide bank balance will support a 5.00 lunch for three.
1:30 pm. Head home, pray for enough time for Dawsons nap, fold laundry that has been hiding in the dryer for two days(try to figure out how to pay for new dryer, new tires and new cleats for baseball).
3:30 pm, Go back into town pick up Braxton, finally remember the coke I put in freezer this morning(must clean up that mess later).
4:00 pm, help with homework, make pizza dough, start the shower runs.
5:54 pm, yell "Daddies home" watch kids do the Daddy dance, it is my favorite, breathe with relief my pilot is home safe.
6:00 pm, feed family dinner, be thankful that in this town we all get dinner.
6:45 pm, do dishes be thankful that family does not mind paper plates six days a week.
7:00 pm, remind kiddos to brush teeth and get uniforms for tomorrow.
7:25 pm, say family prayers, laugh at Carsten who always blesses the food at every prayer, wonder if he is hoping for a midnight snack?
7:30 pm, tuck four cute babies into bed, sneak in two cats. Clean up coke mess, hope husband does not see me licking the now empty can.
8:30 pm, carefully tuck last sleeping baby into my bed half wishing he would start sleeping in his own bed, half kinda hoping he never does.
8:45 pm, Tell baby chickens and turkeys that they are really moving out in the morning, wash face put on same almost clean pj's from this morning. Feed chickens and turkeys.
9:00 pm, start to watch Tuesday nights episode of Deadliest Catch, decide to watch it the next day while folding laundry and go to bed instead.
9:30 pm, let two cats out, tell Mike I have no idea who keeps letting them in.
10:00 pm, look at the alarm clock yet again, wonder to self if being a National Geographic centerfold is all that bad, I hope that puppy is still alive.

Today is Buttons Birthday

2009-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

HIP HIP HURRAY KALLISON IS FIVE

What a blessing we were given five years ago,

yet another beautiful baby girl.

Kallison Mary Brinkworth

Our sweet little buttons is the most laid back easy going child,

who always manages to keep us smiling and just a little confused.

1; Kalli loves color,(especially pink) and enjoys coming up with very interesting clothing combinations.

2; Buttons is very loyal and brave and would fight to the death for those she loves.

3; our sweet little girl already has the knowledge of what is really important,

and lets all of the "the other stuff" roll right on by.

4; "Insky" was recently informed that she was indeed the first little girl to pull(rip) her own tooth out inside of the Children's Place at the mall.

5; She likes To move it, move it! She loves to dance anyplace, anyway, and anytime.

Congratulations our sweet girl, we love you so much.

Apparently, not the right answer

2009-03-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

I went to church yesterday, or should I say I went back to church yesterday, not to imply that I ever left "The Church" just that for the past several months I left church.
I did not go, I did not participate in anyway, no activities nothing.
I did not at anytime feel guilty.
No I did not take up smoking, I thought about taking up drinking(not really :D)and thought about using our tithing money for a fab get-a-way but I didn't, as a family we still said our prayers, sometimes read our scriptures, our lives never changed.

So yesterday we went back.
Not that is was planned, Saturday night I just told all to gather up Church clothes, nobody said a word.
We walked in, shook hands, payed our tithing, took back control of "our bench" partook of the sacrament, prayed, sang, and sent children off to primary.(and may I add we were on time, unlike most of the very faithful)

Then Mike dragged me off to Sunday School, the bain of my existence, the place where every answer to every question is: say your prayers, go to church, read the scriptures. Can I just say"gag me with a spoon."
I usually spend that hour on the couch in the foyer or at Safeway.
Oops I was caught rolling my eyes...
"Sister Brinkworth"
"yes"
"May I pick on you?"
"Bring it on, Bro."
"What is you favorite scripture in the BOM, or favorite thing about the scriptures namely the BOM/D&C?"
"umm besides the fact that they are currently holding down the top of my dresser, with great power"
"sigh, yes Sister Brinkworth"
"the history"
"sorry what did you say?"
"the history, you know the truth behind them. The fact that my ancestors willingly gave up everything for them, their homes, belongings and even their lives."
"So you don't have a favorite scripture"
"Umm not really."
"Do you not read, study the scriptures daily?"
"Nope. You see I have read them, twice actually, once because I had too(in Seminary) and once because I wanted to. I believe them, I know God gave them to us, I know that he chose Joseph Smith to bring forth His church on this earth again, and I know that my family way back when chose and myself today choose to follow His Church on this earth. I believe that The Prophet today speaks the Word of God, and that I do not question that. I know that it is the responsibility of myself and my husband(who is at this point wishing he had brought his scriptures) to raise our children to follow the Prophet and therin the Gospel. So no I do not study the scriptures daily, often, yes, but not daily."

"Oh, Okay, so Brother So and so, do you have a favorite scripture?"

Bet they can't wait for me to come back.

Happy Birthday, Sunshine

2009-03-27T14:49:00.001-07:00

Wow, how time flies,

seven years ago after so much blue,

We brought home PINK.

Ardynn Margaret Brinkworth
(Ardie, Sunshine, Maggie-Mae, or Ardichoke)

these past seven years have been great,

you have taught us that one really can scream "like a girl",

but catch lizards, climb trees and hunt bears and squirrels,

just like your Dad and brothers.

So here, without further ado is the great list of Ardynn;

1; Ardynn was born after only 14 hours of labor(making her forever my favorite)

2; Our little sunshine suffered horribly from g.i.r.d. as an infant and clung to mommy like a baby koala, but even with so much pain was dubbed "sunshine" by her daddy and has earned that title so many times in the past seven years.

3; As the current "middle" child she is a very calming influence and a great bridge between the "older" and "younger".

4; Ardynn is a great student and excels in her education endeavors, but also wants to be "Hannah Montana".

5; Ardie has great empathy for others, and is a real champ for the "under dog".

6; Our first princess has great career plans and would like to become a Dr. or a Nurse when she gets older.

7; Ardi finds it hard to walk anywhere and must run to see life; it is almost as if she is afraid to miss any part of it.

So Happy Birthday our wonderful Sunshine

enjoy your wonderful life,

we love you.

p.s. she now prefers purple.

Ode to Spring

2009-03-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here the calender says, and it hasn't snowed at our house for two days, and the wind has slowed so it is time for my attempt at a spring poem(this idea was stollen from my really cute, smart, wonderful eight year old) hmm, hmm

Spring

by Dusty Brinkworth

What wonderful gifts you bring,

dear spring,

newborn calves and chicks hatched from eggs,

thank you, thank you dear wonderful spring,

for now thank God I can shave my legs.

Okay so it needs a little work, but Mike likes it.

Oh the hurt.

2009-03-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ardynn came home last night and asked a very hard question. "Mom can "Suzie" come to our house to play next week during spring break."

I"ll be honest this little girl was the last one I thought Ardynn would want to play with, she comes from a very troubled home and while not a bad child just kind of rough, really not the kind of friend my little girly girl runs with. So after asking her why "Suzie" and not "Sarah" or "Becky" my little angel replied...

"because mom if she came over next week, she could eat lunch".

I am still crying

Tagging you all

2009-03-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

For several months now I have been "tagged", not only here on my blog but now on Face book. Really cannot stand them, for the most part I already know that you are wonderful people(wouldn't stay with you if you weren't) so I promise to participate if you will follow my "tag" I don't want to know how great you are, how perfect you kids, house, husband, life is I want the top 10 crazy, embarrassing, never do that again, of you all. Because how can we all say "oh no, I did that to" if we never know.

So being the tough girl that I am I will start.

#1, Apparently I am a "hand to mouth girl" and after spilling super glue on my hand stuck it in my mouth. It took two hours at the clinic to remove(my hand that is, it took two weeks for the glue to wear off) they still laugh at me.

#2, a few months ago my foot got stuck in a snowbank at the kids school in front of Ardynns entire class, and no I did not just slip my shoe off I struggled to pull my foot out and fell flat on my face. I was wearing flip-flops.

#3, I call Mike "Harold" because I once had an entire conversation over the top of an isle at walmart with a completely different Mike, even told him I loved him, and then got mad at my Mike for not remembering our conversation.

#4, I felt so awful while in labor(46 hours) with Dawson due to my p.u.p.p.s that I could not stand anything to touch me. I "mooned" the entire nursing staff.

#5, I have also pinched the wrong husbands butt, again while at walmart, I like to think that he enjoyed it.

#6, I regularly hide from the Schwann man, Jehovah's Witnesses, and once from my Visiting Teachers.

#7, At my High School graduation while we walked up to receive our blank diplomas I walked smack into the wall. In my defence the walls do jut out occasionally.

#8, A few years ago while in town getting a load of water I put my water card into the wrong slot and "washed" the city truck parked under the south side hose(yes the windows were down and two city employees where of course inside.)

#9, While pregnant with Kallison I sneezed while at the Post Office. I left really fast and wet.

#10,Years ago while stepping out of the shower and not wearing my glasses I stepped on the plug to my blow dryer. Mike was at work and Braxton just a baby so I had to drive myself to the clinic in the truck(a stick shift) while wearing Mikes sweats cause I could get them on over the blow dryer and explain what I had done to all 25 employees over and over again.(did you know that they cannot put stitches in the bottom of your foot).

And you thought not wearing a slip was bad!!!

The mother of all inventions

2009-03-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

So Carsten came home yesterday with the homework assignment of thinking up an invention and writing a story about it.
After a few suggestions he decided on a helper robot.
One that would help with his homework and chores.
It would also throw perfect pitches and run after foul balls.
The perfect helper for an eight year old boy.

It got me thinking: My perfect invention handy little child size dispensers to hold the shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and tooth paste.
It would dispense pre measured amounts to each child, on a timer of course.

AND ONLY AFTER THEY HAVE PASSED A RETINAL SCAN!!!!!!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY or(STRANGE THINGS IN OUR YARD)

2009-03-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Okay it has been proven.

I can not be silent.

My poodle is a Salma Hayak wannabe!

Took- Took is Two

2009-03-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Dawson

Two years ago today you were forced into this world struggling to live.

Boy how things have changed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

The baby boy that had little chance and wasn't supposed to hear now seldom slows down and chatters like crazy.

Dots loves to chase after his older brothers and sisters, beg for treats, and play with his kikis, fruff fruffs, his trucks, balls, and baby doll Owen.

Dawson has proven to be a very organized toddler and loves to have everything his way, really everything. Even his fits are cool and collected usually only lasting seconds.

Tookers is also very polite with his please, please mommies and tank you fery musch.

Dawson has never met a stranger and loves to give out hugs and kisses, and strangley loves to rub your cheeks with the palm of his hand.

For our littlest man life is not the destination, but just how much you can make your sisters scream on the ride.

How we love you.

Cause, baby we got traffic

2009-02-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

And I don't mean the Elk, coyotes, bobcats, javalina, and the mountain lion rumored to be back in the neighborhood.
I mean really doesn't every neighborhood have those.

Nope I am talking about my live feed traffic, its pretty cool.
I've been watching it for a few months and have decided people google the most hilarious things.

Such as last month some one in England went searching for "Mrs. Brinkworths cats."
Seriously do they want one?
A few people have searched for me Dusty B., one search was for Mike Brinkworth Grand Canyon.
I have "Binky's" number if they need it.
It seems as if there is another "Carsten Morgan" back east.
Sounds like he is a good guy.
"Brooke Simper Saige Chet" even got a hit yesterday.
What they forgot about me? I am going to need therapy.
Those foreigners across the pond have a great interest in "Marrying an old man."
Sorry girls he is all mine.
Even googling my mother-in-law will throw you to my blog.
So now some of Valeries' crazy people can find me.
I must say the largest group of people directed to my happy little place google about the need to wear a slip.
I have groupies, or alot of women get dressed really fast on Sunday mornings.

Most traffic though is friends and family, and I assume friends and family of theirs, a bit reminiscent of M.C.I.'s old marketing take.
So please drop us a line it would be nice to hear from you, or even invite us to come and visit your little "bloggy world" and get to know you a little bit better.

I must say though I am glad nobody so far has found me after googling "Crazy lady with kids and pets" because then I would really have a following.

My Pearls

2009-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

When I read a book I always read the last chapter first, yes I need to know the ending.
I need to know if when I finish the rest of the book if I will miss it. You see for me most books I read become friends, some to laugh with, some to identify with and some to cry and morn with.

Recently with great struggle I finished a book, just a paperback that I had picked up somewhere, at the moment I can't even recall the title.
Honestly it was a book I finished only because it was cold and I had nothing better to do.
You know the one, bad marriage ends, the main characters mother passes away, the fight with the ex over who gets the kids.
The one that always ends with, a perfect new love who was there waiting all along, a relationship rediscovered with an estranged sister and of course shared custody of the well adjusted kids.
And her house is perfectly decorated and clean.
Oh we are all so happy.

One thing still stood out though, as "Claires" mother is dying(after a long valiant battle with cancer of course) she mentions her "pearls" and those belonging to Claires grandmother. Thinking perhaps that the cancer has invaded her mothers brain "Claire" gently points out that there was never money for any frivolous extras.
Her mothers calm reply "Then my daughter you have not discovered your pearls yet. Find them."

Well, I went searching and I found mine, quit quickly really.
Strands and strands of them.
I discovered them draped protectively around my shoulders wrapped around my neck and upper body like luminous armour.
Some I found were perfect; matched in size and color, almost gaudy in their showy look at me largess.
Many though while just as perfect were much smaller, the memories of their making silent shadows revisited with quiet joy and tender smiles.
They hang perfectly spaced strung on gorgeous silk threads, placed with such detail that all who see them look on with jealousy and longing.
They are the pearl of firsts. First loves, first joys, and first heartbreak, the forever I do, and the eternal we will.
Some glow with a brilliant white light, some a softer glow. Lovingly a handful shine with gentle pastel shades of pink and blue their memories made of soft breath and first scent, tiny hands held and cheeks caressed.

I also discovered pearls that will never be shown, they are the misshaped ones, blessedly tiny and few. I can hide them in the back safely tucked in under my hair.
These are the pearls of wrong choices, misdirection.
The pearls of pain and sorrow.
Some are so small that thankfully only I know that they are there, the ones that were spat out quickly, as their memory still leaves a bitter taste. Others hang there lopsided with no real color, sharing memory but adding no life of their own.
They hang on frayed threads knotted tightly and with great spaces so as to keep them from contaminating the others with their darkness.

My pearls I discovered are still forming, they are tiny but still there, they sigh with great delight as I in awe rub them softly between my fingers. The promise with which they wink at me sends shivers of anticipation down my body as I can only wait impatiently to see what they will look like. Their size, their color.

I found in my search that not only had I discovered "my pearls" but in doing so I had found myself. I like myself and am even proud of myself. I find great satisfaction in being the wife of Mike, the mother of our many small children. The ones who will help shape the future.

For I am the collector of pearls.

Thoughts

2009-02-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Where have we all gone to?

January and February have got to be the most boring months for us.
No Birthdays or parties, Christmas has come and gone, the newness worn off all the goodies and school and work is the same old same old.
Baseball and Soccer are still months away, the trampoline and swing set are buried under a foot of new snow this morning.
Unfortunately this time of year even my beads hold no interest and I just walk by and look at them and wonder if I will ever get back to them.
The teachers at school report the kids are all getting antsy and acting out(not mine as they are perfect) and teachers tempers are getting shorter.
Mike and the crew are spending most of their time fighting over who gets to drive the bobcat, and playing "Sniper Elite" on the x-box. And even the tourists move a little slower.
The wind though this morning has slowed and the snow let up so maybe just maybe we will venture out this afternoon to enjoy out fifth snow day this year.
Thank goodness the have invoked the "Act of God" clause and the kids will not have to attend school well into June.

So please excuse our absence or lack of excitement in our lives, but March will bring back the Birthday rush, spring break, free range with cute baby calves, and maybe just maybe some happier baby news too.

p.s. this Saturday Braxton will be competing in the Coconino County Spelling Bee and is getting a little nervous so please keep him in your thoughts.

why

2009-02-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

Okay a few nice people, I am sure, have questioned me as to why there are not more pictures of my kids on my blog, well

1. funny its my blog, not theirs(my kids that is) so I can do anything I want.

2. I am not a paranoid person, but once a picture is posted it can be seen by anyone in the world with Internet access and that kind of scares me. The thought of my precious children's photos being looked at or even used by the wrong people makes me sick.

So that all folks; we take plenty of pictures of our critters and I will mail you some the old fashioned way if you would like or email or even over the phone( I have an adorable one of Dawson on my phone right now, but it looks like he has no clothes on) but I will not post tons of pictures of my little ones that may put them in harms way.

Cause after all, we just want whats best for our kids.

And the answer is...............

2009-01-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

Several nights ago Mike came home and asked if I wanted a vacation.

Aah........... what, where, when, and most importantly HOW?

A vacation, my mind started spinning, HAI is coming up next month and its in sunny California this year, and while it would be helicopter stuff it would be free travel and room.

Nope.

A visit to family in Utah, Idaho or Colorado?

Nope again.

Scoping out a new job somewhere north of here.

Strike three.

Turns out its hunting.

Hunting, in New Mexico,(you know the other state that is included in my list of places that are really still a part of Old Mexico).

Hunting for Barbary Sheep high in the mountains.

Hmmm kind of sounds interesting.

Not.

Does that include a weekend in one of my favorite cities(Santa Fe)?

Well no, I'll need to get back to work that next Monday and besides if I get one we'll need to get it to the taxidermist quick.

Will we be taking the kids cause after all hotel rooms and eating out can get pricey.

Of course and don't worry we will be camping out.
Oh yeah and I invited Stu to come also.

Really and will I be doing all the cooking, cleaning up and entertaining of the kids?

Uh yeah.

So when is this hunt?

Early February to the middle of March.

So it's still going to be pretty cold and wet.

Well yeah.

So I would need to pack every ones snow clothes and boots and a lot of extra gloves and socks. And I would need to go shopping for me some new boots, a new coat and maybe some new bibs.

Sure, what ever you need to keep warm and dry, babe.

Wow really, so how much is this going to cost us?

Don't worry I am paying for it all with my per diam money. besides it would just be gas and grocery money.

So let me get this right hunting for up to two weeks in a State that I hate all but one city in. Camping in the wind/rain/snow with five kids and a man I have never met before with me doing all the cooking, cleaning and entertaining. But you will pay for it all.

Yep, cause I really love you and want to spend family time with you all.
And it will be a great experience for the boys.

HELL NO.... but I'll miss you.

Two Years Ago

2009-01-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today was a Thursday,

Two years ago today Mike had left for work and the boys were at school,

Two years ago today I stood at the sink doing breakfast dishes while the girls watched cartoons and thought about calling Grandma Madden to wish her a Happy Birthday,

Two years ago today the phone rang and I answered it laughing,

Two years ago today I stopped laughing, as I learned that the next months of my life would be a living hell,

Two years ago today Mike was rear ended into oncoming traffic; a totaled car, a shattered leg, a family plunged into fear,

Two years ago today a friend kept the girls, I beat the ambulance to the hospital, I called my Grandmother but I know I never wished her a Happy Birthday,

Two years ago today I saw the x-rays and met a surgeon that in whose hands we would soon place our future,

Two years ago today another wonderful friend came into our home finished my dishes, folded our laundry, brought dinner and loved our children while I could not,

Two years ago today Mike underwent the first surgery to stabilize a shattered leg,

Two years ago today I wearily left the hospital and arrived home to a clean house, sleeping kids and a much needed hug,

Two years ago this week Brooke braved a wicked snow storm and "adopted" our children for the next week, so that they would be safe and loved,

Two years ago this week a kind Bishop shoveled our walks in his suit,

Two years ago this week we suffered from below freezing temperatures, many had frozen pipes we never did,

Two years ago this week many of those that Mike worked with called, visited, and brought dinner to us in the hospital,

Two years ago this week Mike underwent his second surgery to rebuild his leg with donor bone and marrow,

Two years ago this week a doctor came to me with these words "Mrs. Brinkworth your husband aspirated after surgery, while his heart never stopped he did stop breathing, we got him back."

Two years ago this week a haunted looking pregnant wife was led into the I.C.U. to see her husband,

Two years ago this week I spent the night sleeping on the tile floor of the I.C.U.,

Two years ago this week I was gently awoken and put to bed by a kind nurse who had arranged for my to sleep next to my husband in the glass box of the I.C.U.,

Two years ago this week I wrote a letter to a family that had enough love to donate their loved one to others, I wept for the first time,

Two years ago this week my children came home, oh how I had missed them,

Two years ago this month Mike was able to come home after 17 days in the hospital,

Two years ago this month a company covered a pay check because it was the "right thing to do." and then made sure we never went without,

Two years ago this month other pilots donated sick time and vacation time to keep that paycheck coming,

Two years ago this month a husband and wife stood together and became more than a couple, we became friends again,

Two years ago this month we were blessed.

Happy Anniversary or (How Freaking long is Eternity)

2009-01-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

Ba ba da bumm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike and I have reached eleven(11) years of wedded stress.

You ask how we have done it?

lots and lots of ear plugs and chocolate I tell you.

Eleven years of love, laughter, fights, and babies,

what a ride.

We have been through 2 moves, 5 cars, 4 dogs, 6 goldfish, and 14 cats.

We have shared in the birth of five beautiful children and the grief of one lost.

His need to work in a dangerous environment,

and my need to worry over that.

We have shared in the same goals, of creating an eternal family, being debt free, and being a little more self sufficient.

We have survived illness, injury, sleepless nights, and financial woes,

pregnant cats, barking dogs, flower eating cows, and bugling elk.

Mike puts up with my great buys(we didn't need it but I got it cheap), and crazy hobbies, has helped trim and bag forty pounds of chicken breasts with only a little eye rolling, and camping in the rain, without saying I told you so.

I have suffered through hunting in the snow, the fear of his surgeries and the anxiety of doctor talks.

And living in Arizona.

I am thankful for Mikes dedication to family and work.

His willingness to sacrifice a perfect shot to let his children experience greatness.

He is thankful for my willingness to stay at home and do nothing, err.. I mean raise our children.

And cook mouth watering waist thickening meals.

But really while we have had good and bad I wouldn't trade it for anything,

well almost anything.....

And he still says he loves me.

Honey I'm home

2009-01-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas Mike left on another I'll be home tomorrow, love you Honey trips. That was Sunday, he came home Friday and this is what he saw. Three days of snow days and three feet of snow.
Thankfully he spent most of the week hanging out with Cooper(and the rest of the family).
I got raging winds, sub zero temperatures, 45 minutes of putting snow clothes on only to be told that "oops mom I forgot to put on socks".

Imagine this

2008-12-30T06:52:00.000-08:00

A husband back to work after a wonderful holiday filled with peace, love, joy, eating, screaming, fighting(the 20lb. cat and the 10lb. poodle over a 4oz can of cat food) and did I mention eating?

Five wonderful children quietly playing with goodies from Santa(lets be honest all games came with headphones) and a peaceful mommy with a stack of new books.

Oh the thought of a long uninterrupted bubble bath in that huge wonderful bath tub.

Grab a book, the new Japanese Cherry Blossom bubble bath, a icy cold Dr.Pepper and of course the last piece of melt in your mouth fudge and I quietly sneak out of the room.

The sound of running water quickly alerts the ever vigilant toddler that momma is doing something that he is missing out on. A half full bath and chugging sounds send alarm bells ringing in mommas head that something is wrong, did pipes freeze, is the pump out, Oh H*ll

let it not be so, we are out of water.

So back into my super cool striped p.j.s add a hoody and my ultra chic black rubber pig farmer boots, and I was ready(did I forget to mention the truck froze in 4x4 low) grab my bright yellow hammer and slide under that Super Duty Power Stroke for a simple repair of banging on the transfer case to release the four wheel drive. Meanwhile I am such a hottie I have melted the snow and ice under me and have now encased myself in two feet of snow.

So I click my heels and chant theres no place like Hell, theres no place like Hell, and realize that I was softly beating on the transmission, oh well. A quick phone call later Mike says no damage don't worry he will fix all when he gets home.

So I'm off to see the neighbor the wonderful neighbor on Is-abella to beg water and show them my favorite webkinz game. oops.

Oh yeah Mikey is home the truck is fixed he hauls two loads of water fixes the toilet in the kid's bathroom(the cause of the fast drain) and I barbecued perfect chicken.

Today Mike took four kids to work with him and I, well I am off to the grocery store.

Oh how I long for that bath tub.

Seeing Santa

2008-12-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,
we have been very good kids this year. We have played nicely with each other not made a very big mess and have eaten all of our vegetables.

This year we are asking for electric scooters, the entire Star Wars movie collection, the rest of the "ology" books, a few new wii games, and lots and lots of snow,

the girls want learning laptops, new baby dolls and fairy books, and some new art supplies,

Dawson wants trucks, trucks and more trucks, a baby doll of his own and a nap in his own bed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Our Manger is empty

2008-12-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

For ten years I have been a mother.

And for eight of them we have decorated for Christmas.

And for eight of those eight years we have set out two nativity scenes;

One a full display of beautiful porcelain; Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, wise men, shepherds and flocks, and a heavenly host.

The other a wooden manger about eight inches long, lined with "raffia straw" in which a small babe lays wrapped in a simple burlap blanket.

Every year we hold our breath as the pieces are unwrapped from their protective layers and little hands shake with excitement as they softly set the Holy Family in place, but then comes the best part the excited squeals of "Baby Jeje".

It does not seem to matter that "last years baby" has no memory of this tradition, they always have the same awed and excited look as all the rest.

Throughout the rest of the evening of decorating, baking and candy making, little feet slowly wander as if by magic over just to check on "our baby". Straw is fluffed, a blanket smoothed and more than one sticky spot is found on a soft forehead as loving kisses are softly placed upon.

And last night just as in years past "our baby" went missing. He was there when prayers were said, he was there when all were tucked in, he was there when I went to bed(yes I check on him also) but when I went wandering just to check on little slumbering babes he was gone.

Now I will be honest I don't look to hard because I know he is safe and by morning he is always lovingly replaced. Besides I know as in years past he is snuggled close to other soft warm bodies, protected by them, as he so lovingly protects those precious spirits.

So my friends and family it is with love that I tell you; May you all know the peace and love of the season and may your mangers be empty.

Dear Santa

2008-12-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

Just a quick letter to remind you that I have been a good girl this year. Okay, okay tried to be a good girl this year. I have kept my house mostly clean but with five little kids that is a great undertaking. I have attended church and payed my tithing regularly, alright most of the time. I have not chewed anyone out in the parking lot of Safeway or at the bus stop this year, I have also not made anyone cry just because I could. My bed has been made at least one day a week, and the dishes have been washed everyday. The laundry has been folded, not always put away, but always folded. The pets have been fed and petted, the children hugged, kissed, fed and lavished with attention. And my husband has been told just how much he is appreciated.

So Dear Santa in light of my efforts I have made a small list of things that I would like to receive this Christmas and in the upcoming year.

1. I want a new baby, yes I realize that I have received five already but I want another one. I also realize nothing will replace the one so recently lost, but please please please I want another one. Don't worry to much about the cost cause after five we pretty much have everything. And after all love is priceless.(I am pretty sure Saige and Nate would like one to.)

2. Just in case you really can't deliver on number one, then I would like my body back. You see I seem to have lost the one I used to have, and the one I found to replace it, is a little worn, bruised, battered, stretched and to be honest a little sore. While I would not trade the memories of the battles it has fought so far I would like a repair kit for it.

3. I would like to find a buyer for our house, yes I kinda understand the state of the economy, and realize that maybe the reason it has not sold is because we are needed here but really I don't want to be here any longer.

4. I am going to need a new friend, not to replace one, just maybe one that will not be 600 miles away. She needs to have at least a few kids and pets would be a plus. Like just going for a coke, making fun of husbands and understand Tuesday dump days, Wednesday water days and a lot of blond moments.

5. I would like the peace of mind that we as parents are doing the best that we can in raising our children, a little more patience, and a lot more time with them, as they are growing so fast.

6. I would like for them to know of our love for them always. For them to always sleep peacefully with the knowledge that they are safe and for them to know that we as parents will always strive to keep them safe.

So Santa I know that this is a really big list and I truly wish with all my heart for it all, but as a big girl I understand that I can't have it all and that's okay because you see I do understand the true meaning of Christmas.

I BELEIVE

Angel with attitude

2008-11-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

Last night I made my yearly appearance at enrichment.

I signed up to bring soup and even picked up neighbor-friend Debbi so that we both had to go.
Turned out it was pretty good, Great meal, super good info on MONEY and some really good visiting.

On the way home though I quickly remembered why I seldom venture out after dark, as we were driving down Highway 64 a car traveling south quickly flashed its lights at us a few times.
Here in the middle of nowhere that does not mean cops, Oh no, that only means one thing Elk in the road. Sure enough 2 more miles and flashing hazard lights later we saw the thankfully completely dead cow in the middle of the north bound lane.

After muttering "oh shit" a few times I put on my hazard lights pulled safely to the shoulder and went to talk to the people standing on the side of the highway in the pitch black, and no kidding they were French tourists standing there with their cell phones taking pictures, and the killer thing, they didn't even know what of.

Soon finding out that they had not hit it I left them to Debbi and fast hauled my fat ass down to the car that had(I would rather face the unknown elk eliminator and possible damage than the tourists) and after all Debbi is much nicer than me!! Turned out he was okay and miraculously had clipped her with the drivers side and only had minor damage, and he had called D.P.S. already.

So back to the tourists, as they had not seen the hit or been involved we suggested that they continue on their way to see the Canyon and warned them that they should drive a little slower and also watch for more elk; after shooting looks of fear and confusion at us they thankfully left.

What to do, what to do, I had promised the poor guy that hit her that I would not leave until the cops got there, but I did have Debbi with me, four kids under 5, and 6 more at home waiting for us, so a few quick calls home sent those 6 to bed and Kallison and Caden worried in the back seat whispering little prayers.

I backed the fly boat farther down the embankment and turned my high beams on the body so that no other cars would hit her and sat, soon after that a really nice guy stopped to help and enquired why we did not move her to the shoulder, strangely I had already thought of that and felt that we should not get out of the damned car so I told him that I really didn't think we should, and so strangely enough he agreed with me and drove a little way down the road did a quick u-turn and put his high beams on her also.

Now the really weird or the really spiritual part you pick. No sooner had he put his lights on her than a royal a!@ came speeding down the highway and hit the dead elk with both drivers side tires and went angled airborne just like in the movies. And never stopped or even hit his breaks. The body of the poor elk was flipped into the air and now was in the south bound lane, and Debbi and I both in the car screaming Holy Sh#t at the top of our lungs.

Finally Officer Friendly showed, got the now messy elk out of the way thanked us and sent us home, probably wondering why we had not moved the elk out of the road ourselves, well this morning I discovered why, in the dark both Debbi and I thought we were closer to the shell station(the only lights out in our neck of the woods) and assumed we were on open flat ground
but in all actuality we were on the inside curve and up hill and would never have been seen by the before mentioned royal a!@ before he hit us and the other good Samaritan! So I have spent the rest of the morning in wonder over the message that we should not get out of the damn car and have decided that the Holy Ghost talks just like me how interesting.

So what do you all do after Enrichment?

What a life

2008-11-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

Wow I haven't posted for over a week.

But what a week,
Carsten is on cast number four in just four weeks(that sounds so much better than 3 casts in two weeks) he has gone through 2 shades of blue, a lime green and now a black one, 1 was waterproof, 1 a quick fix, the last a traditional "please keep this dry" and now finally a new fangled waterproof one.
The medical assistant kindly refrained from laughing until we had walked away this morning, but did snort a little bit when she called out "see you in two weeks."
Our insurance company so hates us.

It's cold, it's warm, it's cold, it's warm, it snows, it's muddy, it snows, it's muddy.
Alright already its November let it SNOW.
Its 65 degrees here.

Debbi and I went to town(Flagstaff) last Monday, I bought a Turkey,
I hate turkey.
We also saw a mans weenie mobile(Oscar Mayers), he gave us little weenie whistles, on the way home we saw a guy peeing on a fence post,
two weenies in one day and only one whistle.

Mike has been gone, and then home, and then gone and then home, right now he is gone,
Thank Heavens I get my own bed for a whole week.
I love that man.

I just left Safeway and spent two hundred dollars there and I am still out of Tide and sour cream.
I just need a dollop of Daisy.

Mike cut all of Dawson's sweet baby curls off Saturday and I did not cry,
well not very much.

Ardynn and her friend Shaylee spent Saturday playing on the swing set,
Shaylee will now be having surgery on her left elbow, broke that little knobby thing clean off.

I have ran out of storage space for all of our food storage, I am thinking up ways to incorporate it into furniture, any ideas?
After all I do need a new kitchen table.

I learned that Coke has nutmeg in it, therefore as it contains a healthy herb it must be good for you.

And if one more person says "we would like to buy your house, can you carry the loan" I will hurt them.
I guess I could break their arms.

So other than that, not much is going on, how was your week?

Today in History

2008-11-07T07:32:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know what today is?

Friday November 7, 2008.

Yup that means that sixty seven, yes I said 67 years ago My Grandparents tied the knot.

See they met in California, at the start of World War II, apparently dear old grandma was quite the flirt dating and having lots of fun with lots of friends, when she met the handsome Dan and fell hard(had nothing to do with the convertible).

Well they were engaged in the spring of 1942 and married November 7, and the 9, of 1942, hmm... someone forgot to pick up the marriage license before the wedding so they had a two day affair!!!!

And now one World War, several business ventures, 4 kids, 20 grandchildren, and 39 great grand children(sorry if I missed any). I would call 67 great years a stunning success.

2008-11-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Evo Morales. oops I mean President Obama

Spooooooky Oooookies

2008-11-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry we are a little late with the boo pictures but we had the whole week off from school and work. Boy did they have fun. As you can see Dawson went as the "Cowboy that wouldn't"

Kallison was my gorgeous "Pink-o-lisious" Flower Fairy

Ardynn was very pretty in purple flower power

Carsten is my favorite as he chose to be a tree again this year, of course it was with a broken limb.(three casts in two weeks).

My number one Army medic complete with his Thompson that his Daddy made. So as you can see Halloween was a complete success.

Boo baby blow out bash

2008-11-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

For two pregnancies I begged the Dr. not to let me have a "boo baby", so what did Brooke go and do? HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!! Or should I say Happy Birthday Storm Trooper.
No that's not Barry B. Benson its cooper.

The Birthday was super fun we played games, ate mummy dogs, and wrapped our own "mummies". Thanks Brooke for the great time and super hot trick or treating weather.

Thank you, Grandma

2008-10-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Grandma Simper,

Yesterday I made rolls, last week I made rolls and a few weeks ago I made rolls and cinnamon rolls three days in a row. Yes we, they love them that much. I do not double the recipe I quadruple it. We use them for sandwiches, snacks, and soup dresser uppers.

I recently discovered that my wonderful children are using them as currency at school, their teachers love them and now I will be making them for the schools Thanksgiving feast. So 60 students and 12 teachers, aids, and me and the little ones will be celebrating turkey day with a little bit of you.

Did you know that you were right, if you make them when you are stressed, mad or just a little upset. Your dough kneads out very smooth and your rolls are very light. Why though did you always put your raisins in the dough instead of sprinkling them in with the cinnamon and sugar?

I will be truthful though I very seldom add those pesky raisins(and when I do I use very pretty golden ones) more than likely our cinnamon rolls have chocolate chips in, or sometimes toffee chips or bits of caramel for that added stickiness I mean sweetness. And lots of cream cheese icing.

Every summer the South Rim Helibase hosts H.T.A. (helitack training academy). They have crews of three or four firefighters, e.m.t.s, and rangers from around the country that that transfer in and out every two weeks. And most of them or the really goods ones anyway are treated to your cinnamon rolls after completion of Mikes lecture I mean lesson on how not to get killed by your helicopter. Trust me they all strive to be the really good ones.

During the winter when the crew has a busy week or just a stressful one i.e. body recoveries, they request them just to snack on with there coffee, or cocoa, and for me that brings back a little of the elk hunt memories of my childhood. Which in my weird stressful life I need. Those memories often times keep my other family memories from splintering, like my family.

So now I am off to finish Halloween costumes, pack for our little trip, and wipe little runny noses, so please know that a few recipies are safe and still used.(never shared I need a few selfish memories).

For the love of a boy

2008-10-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our dearest Carsten, eight years ago at 1:37 p.m. you made your way into this world, quietly, and surprisingly calm. If we had only known.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE BEAR. Known to all as Carsten Morgan Brinkworth, you have made our lives so wonderful, rich and full. You with your bright smile, infectious giggle, and modest manner. How wonderful it was to have finally met heaven. You have a manner born of greatness, your soft spoken ways have brought you many blessings, just as we have been given you. I may never know why I was blessed with you as a son, but am ever grateful.

1; Carsten is loved as Charlie bear, Bear cub, Cubbie bear, and simply Char.

2; The day Carsten was born the power went out for 3 days.

3; Carsten has an amazing ability with animals, he can calm the most nervous of creatures.

4; Carsten is brilliant, but will never bring attention to himself.

5; Our funny Charlie was born growling, and rolling his eyes.

6; Carstens best friend is Runner Bunner, she is a most amzing tabby, who will ride his bike with him, and sleep on her back just like her boy.

7; Carsten would like to be a veterinarian or a pilot when he gets older.(I hope he never grows up).

8; Carsten is a great brother(I was just told that by his older brother).

Happy Birthday my little man.

The one who started it all

2008-10-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago today at 2:47 p.m. this baby boy turned this ordinary girl into a mommy.

Congratulations Braxton Michael Brinkworth today you are ten. I hope that you know how wonderful and amazing you are. You are such a great example to your younger brothers and sisters, and your mom and dad are so proud of you. Your strength and knowledge amaze me, who else would dress up as a ghost bat for Halloween at the age of six, (there really is such a bat). You have such a strong testimony of the Gospel, and your compassion and humility humbles me I am so proud to call you mine, and am in awe with wonder that our Heavenly Father has allowed me to be your mom.

1; Braxton is also called; Bug, B-boo, BB, and bug-a-boo.

2; Braxton has been a straight A student his entire school career.

3; Bug was recently named a Student of the month for September.

4; Braxtons best friend is named Green Bean, he is very soft and furry, and purrs only for Bug.(I promised not to tell you about his baby doll Ramie, he has had her since he was 18 months old, she is every bodies favorite doll).

5; Our Bug enjoys camping, hunting, drawing and reading, and is a great shot.

6; Braxton has a near perfect memory.

7; Bug wins practically every contest he has ever entered, including, a trip to the circus, a mountain bike, and a new quilt made be his teachers.

8; Braxton is a hero to all his brothers and sisters. Dawson yells B.B. and does the happy dance whenever he sees him.

9; Bug is a very compassionate person and is always the first to reach out to others.

10;He wants to be a pilot, or work with the Game and Fish when he grows up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAXTON WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of bears and bones

2008-10-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Our weekend in review:

Friday; Carsten called sobbing from school to tell me that he had fallen at lunch recess and had hurt his hand, and please come and get him.

Wonder pets, wonder pets were on our way, to save a little bear and save the day.

I rushed to the fly boat(mini van) leaving a great nap, and good book home with Mike, and rushed to the school, and Safeway, and the pharmacy, and the beauty supply store, and the shell station for a coke. Yeah his arm hurt that bad.

Saturday; Mikes danmed alarm went off at 5a.m. so He, Braxton and Ardynn left the rest of us home(remember Carstens arm hurt) to go bear hunting. So while I played on the computer, Carsten, Kallison and Dawson played wii.(yep the arm still hurt).

Ring ring, hello, wonder pets wonder pets were on our way, can't save the bear or the rest of the day.

"Hey honey I got a bear, one shot with my pistol at 40 yards," "WELL SHIT" I mean that's great dear, see you when you get home, how are my kids doing?" "Umm kids oh yeah their great, don't you want to come see my bear?"

To the fly boat!

did I mention I was still in my p.j.s? "Nice bear babe" "Oh hi Bishop". "Can I go home now?", "to the fly boat wonder pets" "whatever stay with you dad, I don't care."

Sunday; "Yes we are going to church, as soon as I get Grizzly Adams out of bed, go eat breakfast" "Carsten take some Motrin if it still hurts, and quit running around swinging your arm!"
Wow we got there with time to spare, "now get a drink and go to the bathroom cause you will NOT be getting up after the opening prayer!" "Braxton give me that book I don't care if it is about a Mormon boy!" "give me that pistol, this is not show and tell, its Sacrament meeting".

Now I know why we Mormons don't drink, I would be in rehab already!!!

"Alright already Carsten, I remember saying that if it bruised we would go to the Dr's. lets go to the clinic."

To the fly boat!

"Oh, hi Dr. Motter, yes Ardynns leg is looking much better, no she still won't ride on the scooter, oh and yes Kallisons sinus infection is almost gone. By the way this is Carsten, he hurt his hand at school Friday.
X-rays sure we love pictures, WHAT it is BROKEN, crap I'm sorry Charlie Bear. Okay a splint today, see the orthopedic in the morning, can you Super Size that codeine prescription?"
"No we only have five kids, yes I will be sure to introduce you the other two. Yes we ought to have a exam room dedicated to us, and an isle at Safeway, Ha Ha."

So now my poor little bear has a broken paw, all casted hard in blue, and Mikes poor little bear is at the taxidermists. And I suck as a wonder pet.

To the fly boat wonder pets, mom needs a coke!

Alas' poor Duckie, I knew him well

2008-10-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

So sad, the truth has finally been reveled our poor little curious kitty Duckie met with a fowl end. He met up with the neighbors two pit bulls(I say neighbors but that's two blocks down), early last winter and it has been kept from us all this time.

I don't know if I should be upset that they lied to me when I asked them about him or relieved that I don't have to tell the kids that Duckie is dead yet again, cause you see Duckie definitely used his "9" lives.

It all started in May of 2006 we were being overran with kittens. It seemed that every stray that wandered in was with kitten, and Mike was HOT, so after letting everyone here in ranching country know that due to budget and land size we were going into cat farming all extra cats and kittens quickly found new homes. Well all except Duckie, you see Kallison and I had fallen in love with that little "short bus" kitty, not that Duckie was stupid or anything he would come when called but he never could figure out who called him.

Oh, our little furry friend was great he played in the pool with the kids, burped when hugged just a little to tight and head bumped with reckless abandon, he also never met an open door he didn't like(sorry schwan's man, and ups dude, and poor neighbor Debbi who woke up with him on more than one occasion). Every family should have a cat like him.

Well come June of 07' I feared that Duckie was dead he hadn't come in one morning and no amount of "kitty, kitty, kitty" could cokes him home, and tragically on my way to the gas station I spied a furry, really furry black and white body on the side if the highway, after stopping I really felt that it was Duckie and called Mike crying that our Duckie was dead. I am sure that Mike never once did that excited Toyota jump upon learning that his enemy, err cute little kitty was road smear, and promised to bury him after work.

I composed myself and went into tell our poor heart broken children that Duckie was dead. I over estimate the sorrow "can we see him?, is his head smashed?, so when is he coming home? what!!!!

Oh S@&T, Braxton had baseball practice, how do I hide that sad furry body from them on the way into town and back, "Hey kids look at that cow, tree, illegal alien, fish, whatever" "Mom where is Duckie?" "GET OVER IT, there is no way in hell I am going to let you gawk at our poor dead cat".

As I pulled into the driveway my cell phone rang, and as luck would have it just as Mike was letting me know in no uncertain terms that there was NO WAY IN H@LL THAT THIS DEAD SMELLY CAT IS YOUR DARLING PAIN IN THE $SS DUCKIE, Duckie came over crying to me that he had in fact been locked in the neighbors house all day.

So while the rest of us morn just a little for a cat that we had convinced ourselves had found a new home Mike is rejoicing.

Donkeys and Elephants

2008-10-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, I registered as a donkey, well after getting married and becoming a mother I became a elephant, and now after realizing that I am not ready for floral print dresses and my own book bag for church I have registered as an independent.

Now before many of you get offended, I understand your need for floral print(just kidding). I just want to vote my conscience not my party. And while my parties have changed one thing hasn't I am still a mommy and I want what is best, not only for my children but also for everyone elses, even the ones I don't like.

Now maybe what I want isn't the most politically correct stance it is my honest stance, so here goes,

1. We Do Not need socialized health care (just look at Canada there is no leval one trama centers in the entire country), we need affordable health care. I have seen some pretty hefty medical bills in the last 18 months(480,000.00+) and while we did not have to pay all, only about 30,000.00(really) it hurt our little family. So dear government STOP paying medical bills for all the illegals and start using the savings on legal Americans no matter their color.

2. Admit you can do very little about the economy, and stop talking to us like we are stupid. I don't live on Wall St. or Main St.(its barely even a street) but I do know that the House and Legislature control your checkbook.

3. Help us educate our children in English. History has shown over and over again a divided country falls and it will fall fast. It is a wonderful thing to preserve your history and culture after all it is what has made America great, but please embrace and celebrate the culture we already have here.

While there are many more, I'll stop my rants here.

But friends and family it really comes down to this on just which way you vote, follow your heart, and after much research, I will follow My beliefs on Babies, Guns, and God.

Thursdays Thoughts

2008-10-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am a little anal, some of you subscribe to People, or Better Homes and Gardens, not me, I get Time and Newsweek, yes this stay at home mom is a world news junkie. I know whose governments are toppling, who is fighting who(I am a silent supporter of Palestine), and just where my dollars(we are currently gaining against the Euro) stack up in the global economy. My kids are on a first name basis with all of CNN(don't worry they don't see or hear to much cause can you say flu pandemic?).

So you can imagine my panic when Albertsons suddenly put a limit on power buys I mean really how can one buy 40 cans of black olives if the limit is ten(I made 4 trips in a half hour). In my paranoid mind that screams food shortage and today it was confirmed, okay its in Ethiopia and they always have shortages, but also that's usually where famine and descent have historically started and with our weakened dollar(down .40 since 2002) and dependence on credit, it really does make me nervous. I know trust in the Lord, and prepare but it still worries a girl.

My latest canning order is huge but it usually is(trust me I KNOW how to grind wheat), I am pre buying winter propane, and our savings account has never looked better, but with five kids I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking about Christmas. I worry most about some of our neighbors and friends, who either live with the grasshopper mentality or in our economically challenged region never seem to have enough? Will I see my friends have to tell their children that there is not enough food, and how do you know when you have spread your "oil" to thin? Is my "ant" life style to smug or are we just striving to do whats right?

And now the Feds want us to part with close to 900 billion dollars, say what, how is that going to help? Better yet who is it going to help, not me I can already tell as I don't work on Wall Street or thankfully other than Mikes 401k no longer own stock.

Some days I feel like maybe I should reread "The Grapes of Wrath", buy my kids overalls and just stay home and watch "The Walton's" reruns while eating black olives I just don't know, but one thing I do know is I really can't wait for General Conference.

who flung dung?

2008-09-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Mike is a helicopter pilot at The Grand Canyon, and while it may sound pretty glamorous with all that firefighting and really cool air rescues it can also be very boring. Some days like today he is just waiting, playing video games, taking a nap and reading a book, now tomorrow he will fly the water flight and the Qwest guys around checking phone lines but last week was my favorite flight. Removing all the poop from the canyon outhouses, yes we all make fun of it cause its a really "crappy" job "slinging shit"all day, after all he flies like "crap" and at the end of the day you are "pooped out".

So with this in mind please proceed;

Back when we(me, siblings, and cousins) were young and cute, my Mother and Aunt Val would on occasion venture out with all seven of us cousins and blow big bucks(really I have no idea) on Chinese food at Lee's in P.G. pretty good food back then I mean it wasn't China Light after all.

And as you may know when you get that many little shits together something will happen.

Oh nothing to bad just a few pranks, and some really bad Chinese accents asking the wait staff stupid questions like whoflungdung, and some that I really can't print. But Andy's favorite was always whoflungdung. So just for him I have finally discovered who flung dung.

It was MIKE!

Really it was. Just last week actually, from 25 feet in the air going roughly 20 m.p.h. he "pickled" a 1200 pound load of human waste, and and left a dung mark of about 50 feet in diameter out at the waste treatment plant at the "Canyon".

So Andy, after 18 years I have finally answered your question, so now go forth and torment those at Panda Express(do you reallly think there's panda in there?). And don't forget in between the sheets.

things I have learned this week

2008-09-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Just a few random things I learned this week,
1; my four year old watches way to much t.v. last night as I served dinner on paper plates(again) she happily announced "It's a Dixie day".
2; when threatening to wistol pip your husband with someones play pistol stand back, fluid though the nose is never good.
3;there is something worse than a guy in Capri's, a guy in Capri's also wearing shoes and socks(SEXY).
4; never let the toddler sweep the floor, new dishes are pricey.

Why you should ALWAYS wear a slip

2008-09-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

Okay Niki this one is for you( and by the way I had to spend $10 on my own crackpot cookbook)

Bout a year ago maybe a little longer we as a family of 7 crazy people made it to church, no crutches no canes, and a healthy baby. Everyone was dressed so cute, the girls in matching dresses, the big boys in slacks and ties, even Mike was back in "real"clothes did I say everyone okay well not the mama, as I recall I was just in a black T, and a denim wrap around skirt and as I was rushed that morning did not have time to slip on a slip, but who cared I was wearing denim(try seeing through that) Oh yeah and a pair of really cute black leather slides.

Joy upon Joy we even arrived at church early and got OUR bench(you know that short one in the back with wheelchair spots on each side that's the Brinkworths bench). Oh, no here comes Brother Johnson, ah what the opening and closing prayer oh well sure, thanks to crying baby, Mike ended up giving the opening and I the closing but wait I didn't have to after all. It seems that as I was hurriedly getting dressed I did not completely knot the tie on my skirt, and Carsten who spent most of Sacrament snuggled up to my left side had set on the ties so as I stood up to go deliver a great prayer(I had all hour to work it out in my head) I noticed something brushing my foot Yup you guessed it my little bear cub had pulled the tie and my skirt fell open for the entire bishopric to get a great glance at my "G"s.

Quickly oh so very quickly I threw myself down into a empty spot on a bench and quickly whispered to the GREAT Brother Randall that my skirt had fallen off and would he please please give the closing prayer, what a great guy he sprinted up there and prayed for a full six minutes while I got myself in order. You know the funny thing is only about ten people even knew what had happened until the MORON Brother Grimes made fun of me for chickening out, and a few of us laughed so hard we ended up telling him about my "wardrobe malfunction" and shortly after everyone knew.

And no that is not my most embarrassing moment I am pretty sure that hasn't even happened yet.

I Did Not!!!!!!

2008-09-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did not,

I did not let the kids watch tv so that I could sleep just a little longer,

I did not feed them day old muffins so that my kitchen stayed clean,

I also did not let Ardynn wear a play shirt to church, after she could not find her "cute" black T.

And I really did not take them to Safeway to wander around eating free cookies before church; cause if we had stayed home any longer their home environment would not have been safe.

I did not almost take Dawson to nursery,

And I most certainly did not eat(share his goldfish) instead of going to Sunday School(I had already been to Safeway).

And no I did not take them to McDonald's for lunch(I am so bad.)

I promise I did not let that cute little toddler fall asleep in a pile of pillows and blankets while the rest played wii and I read this weeks Time magazine.

I did not think bad words when I dropped paint on my last pair of unpainted pants(ebay here I come).

I did not really let my nine year old shoot ravens out of the tree in the back yard off of the back porch.(great shot Braxton).

Really I did not rest my head on a freshly painted wall as I struggled to paint behind the toilet.

I did not question Mikes need for 407 time.

I did not put Kallison in Ardynns shower so that she could wash her little sisters hair
.
I really did not forget to take the tortillas out of the freezer for chicken enchiladas, we had chicken enchilada bake instead(kinda layered like lasagna).

I did not pour Dawson a glass of ginger ale while Carsten said the dinner prayer just to keep him quiet.

I also did not sneak Braxtons cat into sleep with him just because he was feeling a little lonely.

And I REALLY DID NOT tuck them in their warm safe beds with extra hugs and whispered stories while I thanked my Heavenly Father for each of them.

So what have you not done lately?

How we met (or who paid who and who is still paying)

2008-09-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay I can take a hint. Tell the story, well here it goes.

For you that remember some years ago Chet(my little brother) became interested in honey bees, and after some concern and weird looks the fam started looking into them. Well word got out and a few well meaning ward members kept mentioning the Brinkworths who at that time were well into their 50's(remember that cause it will be important.) So out goes the Parents and Chet to do some "Bee talking."

Unfortunately, they the Brinkworths' still had an unclaimed son( a little shy, a little weird looking, and at that moment under a car so a little dirty). Well the "men" started talking bees, and the women started talking hopeless offspring. One thing led to another and one mother(mine) whipped out a picture of said child and then proceeded to shove said picture at poor dirty guy and proclaim "this is our oldest daughter you should meet her." and then they left.

That next Sunday I went to church and as I was still new in the ward did not think it too weird when introduced to the older couple known as Dick and Val. They seemed nice and they had just given Chet "bee boxes" so I was even nice and said nothing about the loud cowboy boots clomping as they sneaked late into Sacrament meeting( I now know that that is Dicks way of letting them all know that he made it another week) said hello and proceeded to Nursery.

Well, well, well, stupid me a few days later I was at work minding my own business and spending as much as I made, when the phone rang " Hello Casual Corner this is Dusty, how may I help you?" "Oh hey Dust this is your mom what time do you get off?" "about four why?" "Well Valerie Brinkworth called and invited you to their house for dinner tonight and I told her you would be there at about six." "Ahh, what the Hell, dinner with the old people, what are you talking about and why?" "Well they really liked you Sunday and thought you would like to come out, she raises Collies and I mentioned you really liked animals." "Uhm well okay." So being the smart person that I am it finally dawned on me that something more was going on(after all it had only been a few short years before that, that my darling Grandmother had mailed off a Valentine card to a complete stranger from me). So I went home and changed into a pair of old pants of Saiges(yes five kids ago we could share them) a t-shirt and an old sweatshirt that I think was Brooke's.

Well I was off to have dinner with the old folks and after a few missed roads, and a very interesting side trip to the middle of nowhere, I arrived to be met by four or five hairy collies, Mike, his brother Tom, and his fiance Christina who were out shooting pictures of her old boyfriends(how weird are these people). Well after pretending not to know how to shoot and the showing off a little it was time for dinner; fish, steam cooked potatoes with only butter, salt and pepper? and salad with chick peas(what). Nothing better than a strained dinner with people you don't know and food you don't like, and a guy you have so obviously been set up with who doesn't talk.

After a few uncomfortable hours okay 20 minutes or so it came out Mike was a helicopter pilot and had just applied for a job in Alaska, reallllly not such a loser after all, so smarty me said "well just date me I seem to be the good luck job charm(last two guys I dated got jobs in D.C. and Argentina). "Haa Haa." "Would you like to meet the horses? We have one named Dusty but we call him dust ball" uhm was that supposed to be funny? So off to meet the ornery assed horse who proceeded to bite my shoe and grab the sleeve of my shirt, Wow nice to meet you I am out of here.

That very next day okay 2 days later Mike called "would you like to go to the dance that the single ward is having?" (really you are kidding me people really go to those things) "well okay", so off to Denver we went, did I forget to mention that I don't dance? oh well I looked really good flat on the floor. An ice cream cone later both me and my two left feet were back home safe and sound.

Coincidentally just a few days later Mike was on his way to Alaska, am I good or am I good? Well the night he got there he called me was I ever surprised, not that he had called but that I missed him(hmmm something was up). Well we phoned every night and wrote or sent cards at least 3-4 times a week(I still have every letter and card, so does he.) And in July I went to Juneau for a week(it rains an awful lot up there) to visit. Well we did talk the bid "L" word a little and even the "M" word.

October finally rolled around and Mike was coming home(boy was I glad the phone bill was way up there), well I picked him up at the airport and then he left to go Elk hunting that same day with his brothers and dad, so he was gone for another week. The night they got home his mother again invited me out for dinner and a chance to meet the family.(Yes he got his elk) and that night I got my diamond. And two in a half months later(January 9, 1998) we were married in the Denver Colorado Temple.
And now ten years and five kids later we have yet to go on a "REAL DATE" but we are loving it!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE..............

2008-09-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone I need some help because according to my bank account I am broke(ok not really but I can see how it could happen). So I am reducing myself, okay okay just nicely asking everyone for $2o.oo just kidding. Really I am just looking for some new recipes for soups, casseroles or anything I can cook in my handy dandy crock pot. So if you all have some great recipes please post them in my comments for all to see, or email them to me, and please no turkey recipes.

p.s. if you post some I will tell you about my skirt, no dating, and my thoughts on Sarah Palin.

only in my life

2008-09-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Time; the present, usually on Wednesdays our local Jehovah's Witnesses have their little weekly get togethers, and on some Wednesdays but not all they come a'knocking. Now all of us locals understand, cause at least in our neck of the woods we are all Mormon(not to mention the only ones at home in the morning), so if they get by the dog, the DOG, and the waving flag, we let them stand and chat on the porch with us.

Time; roughly 2 years ago, I was doing a little shopping on the net, comparing prices and just trying to save a few bucks, so I had the great idea to buy a new bra after all I know my size and if you don't have to take small children bra shopping it is a good day.

Wow, did you know that you can get any size and really any color on the net. Well after some looking and some giggling and yes, one phone call I settled on a few new ones, now for years I have been wearing your basic white super duper bras or the extra super duty nursing bras so I went a little wild, I ordered a taupe, pale mint and getting a little frisky I even ordered a lavender one.

Okay fast forward about a week and in the mail I received a medium sized envelope with no outside markings, right then I knew what that was so rushing into the house I opened Pandora's box, so one boring taupe, a very pretty pale mint no seem under wire, and get this a HOOKER PURPLE NUMBER WITH LACE!!! Check order form, yep lavender, check web description, again lavender, oh well I could wear it under black, or other dark shirts and after all I was feeling a little frisky. I kept it.

Time; the present, Talk talk talk, yes I am still Mormon, yes I still believe in Hell(after all I still live here!) and no I am not interested in "Oh, what, the small boy child wants out of the house, yes he is so cute and busy hah hah, and yes I really have my hands full hah hah", and no kidding here comes cute busy little boy out of the house wearing a HOOKER PURPLE backpack. Well after a few smirks, a little chuckle and a few Watchtowers QUICKLY shoved at me they left, and I giggled and thanked small boy child.

Time; any Wednesday after this, "should we stop here?" "no I think not, didn't we tell you about that woman?" me, I now love hooker purple.

So Mikes a cradle robber or (Happy Birthday to the Crazy Lady with ALL the kids and cats)

2008-08-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Well Mike has informed me that all is fair in love and war, what ever that means but I guess fair is fair. So here are 34, yes, only 34 things about me. I had to do the math 2008-1974=34; I know crazy but for some reason birthdays do not really bother me, after all I have earned every one of them.

1; I love winter and look forward to snow all year.

2;I know I need to loose 20 or so pounds but just don't really care(after all the rest of me now matches my boobs).

3;Hi my name is Dusty and I am an Ebay addict.(do they have a 12 step for that?)

4;I self medicate with chocolate and beads.

5;I cannot read just one book at a time, I must have at least 3 around the house open to different spots.(I also read the last chapter first).

6;I AM SCARED, of what I really don't know but some times there is just this bit of fear.

7;I love, adore, worship, my five kids and would have a least one more, but must wait until we get a bigger house and much bigger pay check.

8;I hate to clean my house, I love the feel of a clean house, but absolutely hate cleaning it.

9;I refuse to eat: eggs, fish, most dairy products, pancakes, raw broccoli, most pork products, tomatoes, Jello, and Thanksgiving turkey!

10;I am neurotic about food storage, and LOVE my wheat grinder( don't worry Grandpa I promise to never make green pea biscuits).

11;I NEVER dated my husband we just sort of got married.

12;I HATE the town of Williams, I have never met such a group of people that were so bitter and distrustful of each other.

13;I really don't like other peoples kids(family not included).

14;I open all my Christmas presents early and re wrap them just so I have no surprises.

15;When I get nervous or scared I start spelling random words in my head, and I am an awful speller.

16;I have always felt like the "Ugly Duckling".

17;I have always wanted to rebel but just don't quit know what to do.

18;I hate and I mean absolutely hate odd numbers(see #7).

19;I still feel guilty about keeping the 20 dollars I found in the parking lot of Target 2 years ago.

20;Yes my skirt really did fall off in Sacrament meeting(I was on my way up to say the closing prayer), the good news they have never asked me to say another prayer.

21;While we are on embarrassing moments, I have also super glued my mouth shut.

22;I am deathly afraid of snakes, spiders not so much.

23;I am actually considering applying to the police academy when Dawson gets older.

24;While shooting a stray cat that had caused a lot of problems I also "killed" the trampoline.

25;I am a sucker for anything small and furry, I just fought one of our cats for a baby jack rabbit.
(no we did not keep it, Brinkworth rule#3 No pets that other pets consider food.)

26;I do not have church calling right now, how lucky can a girl get.

27;Discovered that while juicing your own fruit and veggies is good, watermelon juice sucks.

28;I have let my wonderful kids eat ice cream for breakfast on several occasions, it is a dairy group after all.

29;I wish the goldfish would Die!

30;One of my great fears is that the "phone will ring" or pilots on my front porch with that look on their faces.

31;The above line regarding my children.

32;I am scared that our house will not sell and I cannot see us being happy here much longer.

33;I know that I have a wonderful husband, but sometimes I still treat him like crap.

34;I do not answer to the name "Betty".(see previous post).

Okay I know that I am posting this a couple of days early, but I am off to party, not really Mike is coming home today after being gone for 2 weeks so we are just going to have some family time without the computer. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME.

So I married an old man(or Happy Birthday to my Drag Queen helicopter pilot)

2008-08-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today Mike is 40!!!!! So Happy Birthday Harold!!

Can you believe that you are really this old, or are you surprised that you made it this far?

After all you have survived your mother dressing you up like a girl, being raised with 5 brothers, a couple of "Hard" helicopter landings, a car crash, raising 5 wonderful kids, and being married to ME!!!

Really Mike is a great guy, so to follow every ones example here are 40, yes count them 40 things you may or may not know about Mike.

1: He was supposed to be named John, thankfully that didn't happen he is Michael John Brinkworth(his younger brother is John).

2: He fell in love with flying at the age of 3.

3: Mike is great at all he tries(it really pisses me off and I have actually looked for things that may kick his a**)

4: He is a wonderful father; he has taken our children turkey hunting so I could go to enrichment, and taken the older 4 trick or treating by himself so that I could rest(yes I was preggers).

5:Mike earned his Eagle Scout award at the age of 13.

6:He claims that he was never going to marry or have children(good luck on that).

7:He got his pilots license at the age of 17.

8:He has worked(flown helicopters) in 12 states and 2 countries(China this fall).

9:Mike finished helicopter school in only 2 1/2 months instead of 6.(see #3).

10:For some weird reason Mike claims that while Coke is "bad" for you Mt. Dew is okay?

11:Yes it is true we never dated(arranged marriage).

12:Mike loves to hunt but really hates fishing but will go with me and the kids because I don't like to touch or clean the fishies.

13:Mike served his mission in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He went 6 months late due to a dirt bike accident.

14:Mike is current to fly anything that flies except a float plane and he really wants to do this.

15:Mike is afraid of nothing except debt.(that we still have a house payment chaps his payed for hide).

16:He claims to be allergic to cats(we have four and one is asleep on/in our bed right now).

17:He did not get to "name" any of our children.

18:while he is very quiet, he is the first one his brothers call for help.

19:He has a very very strong testimony of the church, and a great respect for his priesthood.

20:On that note it takes him longer to get ready for church than me and five kids.

21:He has a very strong pain threshold that came in very handy last year.

22:He let me hold Dawson first, and I will never forget that, Thanks Harold.

23:He claims to love me.

24:Mike loves to play the piano and is quite good.

25:He likes to listen to Air Supply, Journey, and John Denver(man you are really old). *Brooke told me not to forget to mention C.W. McCall, you know "Convoy".

26:We call him "Safety Sam" but he is the only one to have been seriously injured.

27:Mike actually owns more shoes, pants, shirts etc. than me but claims I never stop shopping.

28:While I was in the hospital, Mike got 3 kids ready for school(hair combed even), Kallison to the sitter and then went to physical therapy and only then realized he had forgotten his own shirt.(again a super dad) Can you say thank goodness for cotton garment tops?

29:Mike is a GREAT pilot and has a loyal following that will only fly with him(sorry AZGF we really do want to move).

30:Growing up a favorite game to play was bottle rocket tag(but they wore helmets). preferably in the dark while it was raining.

31:Mike had an imaginary friend named Jimmy Figment(he didn't catch on to the last name for years).

32:He had never eaten a B.L.T. until we married, nor had he B.B.Q.d

33:He loves to ride his dirt bike and go 4 wheel driving, I think it is boring so he often goes alone, ditto on looking for animals, and just going for a ride(no ice cream no drive).

34:He is great at putting up with me and all of our strays(I promise I did not know that cat was pregnant).

35:He has mopped the floors though all of my five pregnancies and will still do it now for a *reward*(explains four of five pregnancies).

36:willingly takes me, all the kids, the dog, and Brooke and Brads family camping every year. Sets us up and cleans us up and still says its fun. Usually in the rain.

37:Enjoys going(flying) on the road but likes coming home better.

38:Has my respect and love.

39:Mike is a very patient father and his children adore him.(they all have done the daddy dance at one time or another)

40:Actually answers to Harold and Binky.

Wow I actually came up with 40, and can't wait to come up with 40 more. So Happy Birthday Mike(Harold) we look forward to you coming home Saturday. And yes Dear I realize that my Birthday is Monday so what are you going to do about it, you will always be older than me.

Much Love Betty.(his wife, mother to his children, pain in his ass, love of his life cause after all I love you so much; but just so much).

the first day of school

2008-08-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well here is the not so great picture of the first day of school, Braxton is in the 4th grade but in a 4th, 5th split with only 12 students, and Carsten in second, his class is also a split 2nd and 3rd he has only 10 kids in his class, Ardynn is in the first grade with a class of 14 so they have a teacher all to themselves. So far they are really enjoying the charter school and are having a great time meeting new friends. By the way aren't the uniforms cute.
p.s. blogger is acting up so no pictures will post them later.

twas the day before school

2008-08-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Twas the day before school, and all through our home,
the children were mourning, for no more could they roam,
no more lizards to catch, no more naps must they take,
just please mommy please, cookies please bake,

The uniforms are ironed, missing shoe order found,
the only sad part our Daddy's not around,
our teachers we've met, supplies have been bought,
hair has been cut, and new backpacks we've got,

Mommy says "a new school is a must, cause
with five of you kids its scholarships or bust."
smaller classes, more focus on reading and math,
for us a much stronger educational path.

Tomorrow will bring early rising back,
and mommy will have three lunches to pack,
the alarm the last battle of summer to fight,
so to us a good school year,and to y'all a good night.

is it time for school yet?

2008-08-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

On the way to church last week, Mike and I were talking about work(his not mine I refuse to do anything) the house, the kids, our weird dog when I hear this; Carsten: "Mom", "mom", "mom", "mom", "Mooooooom"!!!!!!!!!, Me:"Carsten" Carsten "What?"

16 more days of summer.

For Sale

2008-07-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

HOUSE FOR SALE
Enjoy natures beauty from the comfort of your porch.
1920sq. feet, immaculate four bedroom, two full bath including master suite with garden tub. Stunning two way fireplace, living room, family room, and formal dining/music room. Large back porch with laundry and freezer space all appliances included. Freshly painted with spotless carpets. Located on 1.3 heavily wooded acres naturally landscaped with great views all around. Out buildings include 10x12 shed, 40x40 fenced dog yard, and natural stone fire pit. Located just 44 miles south of the Grand Canyon. asking price 199,000.00, value 220,000.00 Contact seller at (928)-635-0342.

HOME FOR SALE
Enjoy natures beauty( and all the damn wildlife) from the comfort of your porch.
1920sq. feet, loved four bedroom, two full bath, including master suite with garden tub comfortably holds 3-5 dirty children or one very large dog. Charming fire place great for warming cold toes and cheeks on those snowy days, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows when mommy gives in. Mommies pretty room(no touchie), comfortable family room, great for Family Friday sleep outs and game nights, never used formal dining room(can't trust those little mess makers) holds one piano and rocking chair perfectly. Large back porch, big enough to hold all sorts of crap and the washer and dryer. Large freezer included, ice cream and Popsicles optional, all appliances will be in working order including new microwave. Hand prints and permanent marker recently painted over, and carpet has been miraculously resurrected. Located on 1.3 acres full of trees, wild flowers, lizards and unknown bugs, previously mentioned very large dog also not included. out buildings include10x12 shed easy to fill with all of life's junk, 40x40 fully escapable dog yard, and natural stone fire pit perfect for little boys to perfect fire building skills. Located just off of highway 64, 44 miles south of the Grand Canyon. The other "Happiest Place on Earth". Asking price 199.000.00, value Priceless. Contact Family at (928)-635-0342.

The 3, 4 ,5 ,6 of July

2008-07-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here in the great state of Arizona, firework are illegal, cities can choose to put on grand shows(ours chose not to this year as they burnt 10 acres last year) but us lowlifes are left with mere poppers and glow sticks. Which up to this year have been rather boring.
Well let me tell you after four days of puking, p%$ping, kids glow sticks are amazing, we popped a few and dropped them in the tub for Dawson to play with while mommy cleaned up his "bombs bursting in air", and used some for the "rockets red glare" in order to let other sick kids sleep(No lights please) and discovered if dropped in the bottom of the "Puke bucket" they make a great target for the older bunch.
So while the rest of you spent your weekend partying your patriotism away we did laundry, wiped tears and handed out pedialyte, and ginger ale, and watched the History channels "the Revolution" man we have it easy.

... and then we mourn

2008-06-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, how do you say good-by to two super guys? Guys that you have flown with, joked with, camped with and saved lives with, you keep flying.

Sunday the worst happened two of our local medivac helicopters collided mid air, killing six and critically injuring one. The helicopter business is so small that you know practically everyone, especially those around you, and every time one is lost it is a personal loss. These pilots and flight crews are like a family they all made time to stop in the E.D. after Mikes accident, the word had gotten out and they rushed over to offer support, donate blood and just to keep an eye on "Binky" cause after all the E.D. is very understaffed.

They have given up their vacation time, holidays, and family time just to make sure that someone else lived, they have flown in weather that most sane people refuse to drive in to make sure a critical child received the medical help they needed, treated the drunk driver even after they had witnessed the carnage they left behind, and spent countless hours volunteering just because helicopters are just so cool.

So today every one went back to work fighting the fires, picking up and transporting the sick and broken, with shoulders a little lower, laughter a little bit quieter, and remember when stories a whole lot more frequent, and Tom Caldwell and Tom Clausing your buddies will miss you but you will never be forgotten. Fly safe.

Fire Season(its finally here)

2008-06-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well for weeks Mike and all of his pyro buddies have been very sad that we have not had any fires yet, well we have plenty now (5 and counting). One helicopter has been in New Mexico on a huge fire, and we are watching a good friend fight those in Nor-Cal, and if you hear about a short-haul rescue in Zions that was Mike and his "bumble bee".

Mike was left at home to baby sit a prescribed burn on the North Rim and three days ago it got up and really went to town, still within its boundaries but moving faster then they wanted so we really haven't seen much of him. After talking with Mike and his fellow "flame bugs" they gave me some advice for you all.

1. don't drive into the smoke that's the way the fire is moving.

2. don't drive over just to look, the news crews will show you it at 10.

3. smile at the fire fighters when you see them(yes they know they are dirty and stink but they are trying to ensure your safety).

4. Smokey really knows what he is talking about.

5. and their favorite: if there is a fire camp set up close to you home baked goodies are always appreciated.(some of these guys are away from their families for months).

Going Green

2008-06-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

Okay I have officially jumped on the "green bandwagon"(really it was more like a stumble and fall, kicking and screaming). I have now changed all light bulbs to energy friendly, recycle and compost, reuse the kids bath water, have limited showers to 3 minutes(because people if Africa only use 2 gallons on average daily, so we can't be water hogs), and know exactly how much water my family including pets use each week(1100 gallons), and we are trying to cut down a little more. My toothpaste is natural, we eat organic oreos, and ritz crackers, and thanks to Chet free range beef, and have even made my own weed killer with vinegar and dish soap(really works) but I just cannot and I mean cannot give up my shampoo and conditioner, I mean really how hard can it be to come up with a good organic that actually suds up like you want, or a conditioner that actually moves through your hair, don't get me wrong it smells really nice and has a great tingle, but I just need the suds.

15 months

2008-06-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Wow it is hard to believe it has been so long, but 15 months ago we finally got to bring Dawson home. I don't know if it as such a hard winter for us with Mikes accident or how sick Dawson was or if I am just nuts but I just can't shake the feeling that I am just waiting for the other shoe to fall. My wonderful Dr. calls it P.T.S.D. and recommended therapy so you all are it.

So here is Dawson's story I was admitted to FMC on February 27, 2007 for bed rest at 37 weeks due to high blood pressure and puppps. No luck in getting my numbers down so Wednesday morning they started the induction and Friday afternoon we had a baby, immediately we all knew something was wrong our beautiful little baby just laid there making the scariest noises, the N.I.C.U. team that was there immediately grabbed him put him in the warmer and started oxygen and he was rushed to the N.I.C.U. with severe respiratory distress.

After a few hours I was finally allowed to go down to see him, he looked so strange laying there prone under what looked just like a cake saver(oxygen hood) I don't know if I was scared or worried or just numb, after all it had been only two months before that, that they had let me into see Mike in the I.C.U. after surgery. It was so easy to believe them when they told us that they were just going to watch him for a little while( I now know that he was in transition) and that he would likely be fine and he would be moved up to my room sometime later that night.
That never happened, the very nice and sympathetic nurses put me in a room far away from the other new moms and crying babies(ours didn't cry for 5 days) and left me to settle in when I started to hemorrhage. My poor nurse was new to the floor and looked at me standing there with blood pooling at my feet gave me a towel and told me she needed to talk with the charge nurse, I never saw her again, so back comes the Dr. who asked if there was any other tricks me and mine would like to pull(her husband was one of Mikes surgeons) and calmly stood on my stomach and gave me a few tablets to stop the bleeding and no you don't take them orally. Everything was looking good so about 10'clock Mike left to go home to the kids who were with my mom, and I went to sleep.

You always hear about all the troubles with midnight, the witching hour and all of that, I now think it is true, I was awaken by that strange feeling you get when someone is watching you, to find my new nurse, the pediatrician, the N.I.C.U. Dr. and the hospital chaplain(yes they really do have them) standing next to my bed telling me that they had just intubated my baby and were placing central lines, and was I fine with that? and then they all just filed out and left me to go back to sleep, it was the weirdest feeling they all just acted like that was normal and that I shouldn't worry and I would be able to see him in the morning(I couldn't leave the bed due to my little bleeding problem). Well it wasn't a nightmare or even a bad dream because when I woke up I discovered the sad truth; my baby would never be coming up stairs, some mean nurse had came in while I slept and taken out the bassinet and even the pack of newborn diapers that had been sitting out for him.

Oh my baby was beautiful in a gloomy pale way. When I went down to see him they were still trying to get him stable, he was being treated for pulmonary hypertension, sepsis and possible pneumonia with unstable blood pressures of 48/33 and still didn't have a name. The N.I.C.U. staff was amazing the rushed me into a rocking chair and let me sit by his side all day long telling me everything the were doing to him laughing at his size and amazed at his will to fight(with babies this sick you don't get percentages you get live or die), and hounding us for a name. Our Bishop came that night and he and Mike gave him a blessing, and a name Dawson McKowen. Oh the nurses were so excited and quickly hung his name above him and informed us he looked just like a Dawson.

Sunday I awoke and finally cried and I mean sobbing on the end of the bed in a strange huddled heap with a very happy nurse holding on to me telling me that now that I had cried I could go home(my Dr. thinks she's a therapist), Home! I didn't want to go home my baby was here you idiot. But I had four little ones at home that needed their mommy too, and someone to pack their clothes for Disneyland(thanks G-ma Kelli and Brooke). So after a nice visit with our cutie I came home to see them off and to cuddle my new electric baby, aka; breast pump.

Monday Mike and I arrived to find that they now knew what was wrong with our baby and the appropriate drugs had been started. And that they now felt he would make it and get to come home in about 8-10 days. Dawson then proved to be a little shit as they weaned him from sedation he pulled his ventilator out set his apnea monitors off on a regular basis and wet through his diapers daily and was a very tough stick in the last few days he was there his I.V. was placed in his forehead. On day five he was taken off his ventilator and only on oxygen assistance with his cannula's hooked on by Velcro stuck on to his puppy dog cheeks.

Wow how time flew, Not. The N.I.C.U. for all their care is a very scary and somewhat boring place to spend your days. The one exciting very emotional event came on day 6 I finally got to hold my snugly new baby for an entire half hour. Unless you have been denied the feel of your new baby in your arms you will never understand it but it is better than anything else out there.

I spent most of my days sitting next to him in the good rocking chair(you know the nurses like you when they save you the good furniture)reading to him until it happened, the magic question "How would you like to take your baby home tomorrow?" Yee Haa I showed up the next morning ready to dress him for the first time, had passed the CPR class, arranged for oxygen to be brought into the house, had the car seat ready and then mommy gut feeling kicked in I just could not bring myself to take anything into the hospital, so I guess that I shouldn't have been so surprised and disappointed when the really, really, mean Dr. told me that he had failed his hearing test and they were going to keep him for at least 7 more days to treat him for meningitis and they would now be doing a lumbar puncture on him to culture. Then Mrs. well meaning nurse came to tell me that due to his deafness she would set up an appointment with the School for the Deaf in Phoenix, and me, I just sat there holding onto him reading his stories to him and quietly sobbing.

Another 7 days passed, Mikes mom came to help with the other kids, and I was now on a first name basis with at least half of the hospital, when again they told us we could take him home tomorrow, by this time Mike and I just looked at them like "yeah right we've been through this before", but no they said really you can have him home in the morning. So again we loaded up the "coming home outfit" new blankets, tiny little turquoise bear paw bracelet and his car seat and very cautiously walked into the N.I.C.U. only to be met by a nurse who claimed that she couldn't possibly part with him and could we please let her have him, well after a quick hell no we got to bath our precious baby for the first time dress him in his soft blue puppy dog sleeper safely buckle him into his car seat we practically ran out of there(I kept looking back for at least 3 miles) and took our baby home.

Now 15 months later he has passed two hearing tests(he has only a slight delay in his hearing possibly due to all the antibiotics), has us all convinced he is special, has learned to walk which he hates to do, and his favorite person to read to him is still his Mommy.

one of the few

2008-06-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Okay living away from Utah has brought us some great friends with some different beliefs(I have actually explained garments so well that many of my friends want them). So we were all so excited with this new game we found on www.beliefnet.com it even has a cheesy name "belief-o-matic"I and a few of my non member friends found out that they are really Mormon. So go try it.

oh so natural

2008-06-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

So after yet another night of painting and scrubbing and looking for missing kittens we fell into bed(so it was only 9:30 you try raising five kids). Peace at last I stretched out in nice clean sheets, had perfect white noise from the window fan and was gone. Fast forward to 4:15 am clomp clomp, rattle rattle.... what the h#&% as I flew out of bed Mike so calmly replied just a cow!!!!!!!!! Sure enough my newly planted flowers went the way of free range and the worst part, I just shrugged and went back to sleep.

showing our age

2008-06-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Friday Mike and I started the dreaded pre painting, pre moving sorting, you know go through all your belongings get rid of half of it and repacking the rest(so you can get rid of that the next time) when I stumbled upon my childhood pride and joy my record collection. Yup you heard me a super sized stack of super sized vinyl. Wow what memories that brought back, me and Brooke, Saige, friends and cousins dancing and singing along with Annie, Ernie's Hits, and our all time favorite(tongue in cheek) I'm a Mormon! including the smash hit I want to be a Mother(yeah probably was my favorite). Mike being the great husband that he is even volunteered to go out to the shed and dig out my old record player for me. So there I am so excited to share the music from my childhood with my cute little group when Carsten spies my treasures "WOW mom look at the size of those disks did you have to carry your cd player on your back like a backpack, what kind of batteries did it take?" Well I told him to just be quiet and he was in for a great treat, So I played Ernie's hits for them turns out they have never seen Sesame Street so Ernie who, and some pretty good scratches, so it really did sound as if Ernie's rubber duckie had been exposed to a little to many bubbles, so we moved on to I Have a Song for You all about animals, volume 3. The only problem is that by then Kallison was dancing to Hannah Montana on her mp3, Braxton and Carsten had gone back to the wii and Ardynn just stood there looking at me like I had just told her she was going to have to start wearing Sam Jams(complete with hammer loop) and putting her hair in a side pony. At least Dawson thought it was cool he just stood there and shook his little osh kosh clad back side bopping out to Kitten in the Sun and Mister Stand-On-One-Leg, his mommy is so hip. By then even Mike had given into his unwarranted need to laugh at my lost childhood and safely retreated back to the shed and his own "lost boxes of childhood treasure." Well the records and there player are safely packed for the move, the kids are all back to the 21 century, Mike is still out in the shed laughing at me, and as for me when did I get old?

just thinking

2008-05-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Okay so we are now on day four of summer break, and currently my darlings are chasing each other around the house shooting bubbles at each other. Dawson is not even been dressed today, there is a big, okay huge orange cat on my lap, and the house is starting to look like the circus came by and forgot to take the animals back. The best part is we are all totally happy(maybe not the cat he is now digging his claws into my leg). So with that start I am going to tell you all a few of the little things that make me happy.
1. Five(5) crazy HEALTHY half dressed kids.
2. A great husband who flies his tail off so I can enjoy the above mentioned kids and cats and dogs, and yes even the goldfish.
3. Strange but true a wonderful Grandmother who keeps me full of free samples, no kidding last month she gave me a year supply of my favorite deodorant.
4. A great book.
5. CHOCOLATE
6.All of my great friends.
7. New beads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8. The for sell sign ready to go out in front om my house.
9. Mikes limp that I now only notice when he is tired.
10. The above limper whose awesome dedication to physical therapy has left only a slight limp.
11. The family of his donor who gave of their loved one, so Mikes leg could be rebuilt.
12. did I mention new beads.
13. Cute new toe rings for summer
14. My new BBQ grill.
15. Snow in May.

SAY WHAT

2008-05-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Okay so today I was speechless(something that rarely happens) my very cute, very observant nine year old came up to me with a very interesting question "Mom whats reptile dysfunction?" Umm... hello does anyone want to help, it was only a few months ago he questioned us about where Viagra Falls was. Now my kids are pretty smart they know all the "correct" names for body parts(and some pretty strange ones too), but I am so not ready for these talks. Really is there any way to keep them small? By the way reptile dysfunction is when your "lizard" just can't get up and go anymore.

Spring pictures

2008-05-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest pictures of the "School Kids" they are all out of school and making big plans for summer. Carsten is playing Baseball and all will be taking swim lessons. we will also be traveling to Utah for the get together at "The Compound" in July.

her first graduation

2008-05-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday Ardynn graduated from kindergarten, she is now an official first grader. Friday was our last day of school not only for the year but also our last day at Williams Elementary School, next school year if we are still living here the kids will be attending Liberty Tradional Charter School.

Oh how the mighty have fallen

2008-05-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Just for the record I am a very smug person, I always inwardly smile when ever some incapable person says "wow you have five kids, how do you do it?" So it is with great humility that I tell this horrible tale. Our weather has been awful: cold, wet, windy, even snowy so super mom that I am let my little darlings loose with all the extra birthday treats from the girls birthday parties.
We are talking bubbles, stickers, make-up even feather boas( the boys use these to tease the cats) and remember those fun little grow a sponges tons of those. I was thinking wow everyone played so cute, and the boys helped the girls hatch their fun little sponges, maybe we should do this more often, so pat pat on the back until alas two days later when I changed the babies bottom it was the worst dirty diaper ever my darling one year old the apple of my eye had s#*&
out a 747 bright yellow jumbo jet , apparently he had swallowed a small harmless sponge capsule, that had traveled through his little digestive tract that had dissolved leaving only a jumbo jet and a very clean one year old.

ooh baby

2008-01-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

As you can see we can crawl, Friday no one was watching the baby, Mike and Kallison decided to play pet vet on the computer and I was fixing lunch, so Dawson took the opportunity to remind us that we are not as "baby proof" as we had thought. But a little ash never hurt anybody.

US

2007-12-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

To all my family and friends here is a little letter about me and mine.

Welcome to chaos, my house is a mess, it is clean, but we live here, I do not care if your floors are spotless, we are playing outside or listening to a great story from one of the kids. We do not take pictures of everything as we are to busy being the picture. I will brag on ALL of my kids as they are the best, honestly I don't know where they get it because I am a real troll.

BRAXTON is amazing he is only 9 but understands more about the world than most adults(our poor children have gone through so much this year and he has stood so strong). Of course we are proud of him but most importantly he loves himself. He has such a great personality and holds no malice towards anyone. His teachers have all told Mike and I, that Bug is the first student others turn to as he does not judge. He is such a great student that he will start attending forth grade part of the day after Christmas break.

CARSTEN is our little cub he is the sweetest little boy ever, at 7 he is in the first grade and has discovered in himself a great love of math he is absolutely wonderful at it. He also has an amazing ability with animals, they all seem to love and trust him. He has been such a bright spirit for me this past year, with his infectious laugh you just hear it and your day is better.

ARDYNN is truly our sunshine, she has finally(her words)started kindergarten were she surprised us all and had already taught herself to read. She and Carsten both were named Students of the Month for September. We call her our future Doctor as she spent so much time helping Mike this past winter she is so curious about all things medical we have great hopes for her career future.

KALLISON is my best friend as she tells me that every day. She is such a special little girl, she could take care of the entire family single handed as she is so independent. Dawson lights up the minute he sees her, and they talk in their own special language(I sometimes wonder what great secrets they tell.) She already shows such great love and potential for life That I cannot wait to see where she goes.

DAWSON has been such a blessing to us all, he has taught me not just the importance of being a mom, but to also slow down and enjoy the little things. Seeing him fight so hard for life made me see the wonder in each day even if my "list" never gets finished.

So there in a nut shell is our children each a special blessing to us, and none complete with out each other. They really do make a great team.

labor day

2007-09-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, we had a great weekend. Brooke and Brad came up from Phoenix with the boys, so we met up with them (and all their friends and other family) and went to the Cococnino Co. Fair. The older kids rode the mechanical bull, boy was that funny. We looked at the rabbits, the cows, the pigs, and met up with some Llamas(which Cooper stated calling mamas). After playing games and riding a ton of rides, we headed to Chili's for a fun dinner(thanks Brooke for letting everyone sing me happy birthday and telling the staff I was 21 with five kids).

Sunday we all met for the annual Labor Day Rodeo, and had lots of fun there also, Braxton, Carsten, and Ardynn made the run for the calf, and Carsten came pretty close to grabbing the ribbon but better luck next year.

my first day

2007-08-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

My first day blogging I was so excited, my day started out great I got the oldest three off to school, the dishes done, and the baby down for a nap(we haven't seen Kalli since she discovered Aristocats) so I celebrated by taking a shower all by myself! Man what a day I had Dots only urped on me a few times, no new cats showed up(apparently we are now cat ranchers), we got a great rain storm, and all three of the older kids came home in a good mood. Well stupid me, Kallison finally surfaced, and slept with me(thank goodness Mike is still out fighting fire), so of course she wet the bed, then Ardynn got cold so she headed down to snuggle in a bed with no sheets, so of course we woke Greenbean(Braxtons cat) up so he came to bed and proceeded to play catch the toes so at four this morning he got dumped out the front door. Now its nighty nite time again and I promise in the morning I will let everyone know when I get in the shower.