Fun Night With Fun People

Last night we went to a Barbecue at one of Doug's friend's house. There were a few other people from Doug's school in attendance. It was so fun to be able to put a name to a face and a PERSONALITY. These are all people Doug comes home and talks about, but I hadn't met some of them. It was so much fun, and we ate SOOOOOO much good food. I think Mike makes the best grilled hamburgers I've ever eaten. Sorry Doug, but it's the truth.

We had to take some pictures so we could post them for Carolyn. Since you are an admitted stalker to our blog, we need to pay a little tribute to you. :)

Let me break down the group for you. The fellow PCO students (or brainy people) are Ryan, Trisha, Carolyn, Michelle, Mike, and Doug. The rest of us are the significant others. Heather (Ryan's better half), Jeff (Trisha's lesser half---kidding Jeff), Tiffany (Mike's soon to be better half), me, Miriam, and Shay.

Oh, Carolyn---the song was picked just for you. :) Doug said you loved it SOOOOO much the last time I had it playing first on my list!

From left to right: Ryan's legs, Miriam, Mallena, Shaylynn, Trisha, Jeff, and Carolyn

L to R: Ryan, Michelle's head, Tiffany, Heather, and the rest you know. Oh, that's Trisha's cute head on the right side of the picture.

Griller Mike

Another shot of Trisha and her main squeeze Jeff. Aren't they cute?

The girls had a blast!

Somehow we managed to leave without getting a picture of Michelle. Sorry Michelle! We'll have to do this again sometime and we'll make sure to get you posted on here. :)

Oh, and Ryan, just so you know, I did NOT come home and start packing boxes! However; that's not to say that I won't on Monday. :)

Where did the week go?

It was so great having Doug home last week. I've been trying to think of specific things we did, but other than kite flying there really wasn't much of interest happening around here. We went shopping and bought some things so I could start preparing for Miriam's Kindergarten Homeschool Extravaganza. We also hit the grocery store to stock up on nonperishables for the month. Exciting, I know.

Even though it sounds like a blah week, we really did enjoy ourselves. For once it didn't seem like Doug's vacation flew by without us. It was great! In fact, Doug was ready to hit the books again yesterday when it came time to go back to school.

On Sunday we went to Valley Forge (aka Fort Hall, if my brain isn't working). It was a great way to get out of the house and the weather couldn't have been better, but I don't think it is something we'll do again. At least I can say that I've been and I won't feel guilty moving without making the 45 minute drive. If I were to recommend it to someone I would tell them to buy the audio tour (don't have a clue how much it costs so don't ask). It was a beautiful drive and we had a nice picnic, but we weren't really sure what happened in what spot. I think if you were to walk the whole thing you would be able to see a few more plaques and signs describing the events. We read what was in the small map and then just quickly toured through the few buildings there were. The one thing I learned was that there was never a battle there and they were spread out pretty far. When I thought of Valley Forge, I figured they were all in one spot close together. Not so, they were in different parts of a very large amount of land. The British did show up at one point and there was a small skirmish, but it only resulted in one death and one injury. Not that the death and injury weren't important, but you can see why there really wasn't too much to see. We are really glad we went though, and if we are desperate to take a drive somewhere, we may just go back---but this time we'll buy the audio tour.

Miriam was mad because I made her lay down on the bunk for a picture, especially when Doug put Shaylynn on the top bunk, SITTING!

See, all better!
I made Doug get in this picture so I could prove he came with us. Isn't he cute?
This is me, trying to teach my girls how to load a cannon. Good thing it wasn't loaded.

This picture was taken inside the arch. There isn't much in the picture, but it's the only one we have from the trip with Shaylynn smiling.
When we went to Gettysburg last year we loved all the statues and things there were to walk around and look at. Well, here is a picture of a statue for you. It's of Anthony Wayne. Sorry, I don't know anything else about him.We wouldn't truly be a Ricks family if we didn't throw in a wildlife picture. While we were driving through the park Miriam spotted a "reindeer" on the side of the road. After a closer look we found several deer sitting and grazing in the wooded area. Miriam was very proud that she spotted the "reindeer" first.

Oh, if you're still wondering about the Fort Hall comment---those of you that are from Eastern Idaho know that Fort Hall is our local Indian Reservation. For some reason whenever I am referring to Valley Forge, I always call it Fort Hall. I've really confused more than one person who either doesn't know what Fort Hall is, or knows, but just can't figure out how an Indian Reservation fits into what I'm talking about. Sigh. I'll probably move back to Idaho and start referring to Fort Hall as Valley Forge.

On Monday the complex pool opened up. It was a warm day, but the water was COLD! It didn't really affect the girls, they both wanted to get in and play. Luckily Doug obliged them and I was able to stay outside of the pool and sunbath for a few minutes. I did end up in the water at one point, but didn't stay in too long. After our swimming adventure we went to a friend's house for the most amazing steak dinner I've ever eaten. It was good food and GREAT company!

When we first arrived at the pool Miriam quickly found a seat and sat down. When asked if she was going to get in the water she said, "In a minute Mom, I just got comfortable."

Let's Go Fly a Kite...

Doug was determined that he and the girls would go out and fly kites this week during his break. We bought the kites but then had to wait a few days for the rain to go away and some wind to come. Yesterday the weather finally cooperated and we headed for the park.

We stopped by the grocery store and bought the fixings for a very yummy picnic. After we ate the girls and Doug enjoyed flying their kites. The wind would pick up for a few minutes, but then stop. It made for some interesting flying, but the girls didn't notice. They were just thrilled to spend time outside with their dad.

This is me, checking to make sure I don't step in doggy doo-doo. Yuck!

Another Game of Tag

Rebecca Tagged Me (Ages Ago)

How To Play This Game of Tag: Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

Joys: 1 ~ Sitting and talking to Doug when he's actually listening to me. 2 ~ My two darling daughters. 3 ~ Talking on the phone with a good friend.

Fears: 1 ~ Something bad happening to Doug, right after he graduates and has a TON of money taken out in student loans. 2 ~ Something bad happening to one of my girls. 3 ~ Bugs of any shape and size.

Goals: 1 ~ Getting my pictures in order so I can either scrapbook, or at least put them in albums. 2 ~ Walk on the treadmill every morning. 3 ~ Planning fun things to do while Doug is home next week.

Current Obsessions/Collections: 1 ~ Reading a new book every 1-2 days (I'm trying to read every book I brought with me so I can say I used it and didn't drag it here for nothing). 2 ~ Cleaning my kitchen and keeping it clean. 3 ~ White Cheddar Popcorn

Random Surprising Facts About Me: 1 ~ I have a very quick temper (probably not much of a surprise to some of you). 2 ~ I don't like camping, unless I'm in a 5th wheel trailer. 3 ~ I have to shower and wash my hair every day or I feel greasy and gross all day.

I'm supposed to tag 5 people now. Let's see, Elaine, Lindsay, Hollie, Sierra, and Natalie B. I just picked 5, but if you weren't picked, don't cry---I secretly wanted to put your name down, so in a way, you really were picked.

Happy Mother's Day Momma!

Mala Anderson

Top 10 Things I Love About My Mom:

10. Things I'm buying have a tendency to end up in her shopping cart and on her debit card.

9. I love how she's smoking hot for a 54 year-old woman.

8. She is SMART! I love being able to call her about medical issues and getting the answer without having to sit in a waiting room.

7. She cheers for both sides. She can't stand to pick a side, so she cheers for everyone. If she had to pick, it would be the underdog.

6. She'd rather pay for something than plan it (family reunion, party, etc.).

5. She takes each calling in the church seriously. She tries to fulfill her calling to the best of her ability. Nothing is ever half done.

4. She's supportive of my decisions--even if she's not sure about what I'm thinking.

3. Her generosity astounds me. I'm going to end it with that because she likes to do those things without being recognized for them.

2. She raised 5 boys and then CHOSE to raise 2 more. Need I say more?

1. She has a strong testimony of the gospel and she loves the Lord. The Spirit shines through her face.

Happy Mother's Day Mary Ann!

Mary Ann Ricks

Top 10 Things I Love About My "Adopted" Mom:

10. Her smile, look at her, how can you not smile back when you've got that grin facing you?

9. If you want a good book to read---ask Mary Ann. She's always ready with a great recommendation.

8. She tends to sit in the background, but she's very observant and jumps to help when she knows shes' needed.

7. She's very friendly and can put you at ease while you're talking to her.

6. She's a very good listener.

5. She supports you in whatever you do. Just look at us, who wants their kid to move across the country for 2 1/2 years with her grandkids?

4. She is a VERY good baker. I'm salivating just thinking about her cinnamon rolls, hot fudge bars, cookies, etc.

3. She adores each of her children. No matter what, her love shines through.

2. She likes me---at least she pretends to. :)

1. She raised Doug to be a wonderful person.

Why God Made Moms

All answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions :

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic; they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd GET rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

It's Time to Party Like You Just Turned 5!

As I'm sure all of you know, I grumbled and grumbled about giving Miriam a party this year. Now that a few days have passed, the memory of the party is starting to fade and I can say that I'm glad I did it. Ok, I was glad I did it that day, but man oh man, I was wondering what I got myself into.

Miriam had a great time and that's all that matters. About six kids were able to come and we enjoyed playing games, making crafts, and eating until our stomaches hurt. Thanks to all of you who sent me ideas and called with moral support. It was greatly appreciated! Well, they say a picture says a thousand words, so I'm going to let the pictures do the talking.

Before the party started

Decorations

Our guests

Hit it, Hit it! WAIT...NOT ME!

Make your own sheild & sword OR your own tiara & wand

The CAKE

Eating pizza and cake

Opening Presents
(I would post something from everyone, but Doug got some REALLY bad shots of me)

The aftermath...

Happy Birthday Miriam!

Today is Miriam's 5th birthday! I can't believe my little angel has gotten so old in such a short amount of time. I have been teary the past couple of days, but today was a little easier to keep my mind off of it since we had her party. More about that later. This post is all about Miriam!

I LOVE how Miriam is so kind hearted. She has a talent for knowing how other people are feeling. If she senses sadness than she is quick to try and fix the situation.

I LOVE the outfits she creates. Usually they are pretty good, but I love those times that it just doesn't quite look right. If I try and hint at changing it, she says, "It's ok Mom, I think it looks cute." Keep that attitude kiddo--it will serve you well during peer pressure.

I LOVE the puppy dog look! It's more of a love/hate relationship. She has this look that can pretty much get her anything she wants. Doug used to do the same look to his mom, and now this is payback. I'm not sure why I have to suffer---now I get it from two people. I don't stand a chance! It may be slightly annoying, but I can't resist it!

I LOVE how Miriam loves EVERYTHING! She can play with any toy and think it's great, she loves most clothes, especially if they are frilly. It actually makes it hard to shop for her because I want to buy her everything, but can't afford to. Plus, it wouldn't be good for her. :)

I LOVE how much Miriam loves. Even after a hard day together, I never doubt how much she loves me. She just climbs on my lap and says, "Mommy I love you, you're the greatest mommy ever." Needless to say, it melts the tension and we're good to go.

Miriam, I love you baby! I can't thank Heavenly Father enough that he entrusted such a sweet spirit to our family. You are very special and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you! So does Daddy and Shay.

Here are some pictures of my darling angel through the years. Enjoy!

Happy BIRTH Day!

Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Happy 4th Birthday!

Happy 5th Birthday!