Our little cowgirl

Ashlyn had a "real cowboy" come to her school today to talk with the kids about why they wear hats, chaps, spurs, and to give real pony rides. Now you would think, since she could ride a horse, literally any time she wanted to, that it would be old hat. Well, she refused to get on the pony. All she wanted to do was swing. *sigh* took a day off of work to share this great experience with her, (and to help her teacher who had her morning and afternoon classes combined) and all she did was cry about not getting to swing. What do you do?Her teacher felt so bad, swearing up and down that she never acts this way, when I am not around. That is one good thing, I guess.

In the picture, Ashlyn is the one on the bottom, hiding behind the little boy in the green shirt. She was excited, however, to wear her cowgirl hat and boots.

A week can change a life

Wow, what a week this has been. For those of you who may not know, we decided to put our house on the market. Since Gifford works all week and I had Friday off, I journeyed to LaGrande to meet with the Realtor and get the ball rolling. We decided to ask a little under what it was worth in order to sell it quickly....wow.....we already have had an offer with earnest money down. Less than a week. I only hope all goes smoothly with the inspection and the appraisal. If all goes well we will close on May 28.

We also did some consolidating and got rid of Gifford's Ford pick-up and downsized the one we were currently driving. Although the "new to us" rig is older, it essintially has the same amount of mile and features. Not to mentions saving us over $200/mo. I hope that this means things are finally looking up for us

Prom 2009

Yes...believe it or not... Gifford and I went to Prom in Harper (the school I teach at). I guess being one of the only "young" teachers on staff, I am asked to chaperon most of the school dances. What an experience that was. Since Gifford never went to the prom when he was in high school, and I never went with him, we got all dressed up, and even got our pictures taken. I swear, the adults had just as much fun as the kids did. Gifford asked my mom if he could escort me a couple of weeks ago, and she got quite a kick out of that. We arrived on the motorcycle (well at least he did). I took the Durango because I wasn't about to get helmet hair. We had such a blast! When our pictures get back, I will be sure and post.

I love teaching at a small school. Everyone there danced with everyone else. There were a total of 7 boys and 17 girls. Needless to say, they all felt pretty cool, getting to dance every dance. No one was on the sidelines and everyone there seemed to have a good time.

Another Day...Another Dollar...and not many left

Can't believe there are only 5 1/2 weeks of school left! This year has been a whirlwind! Less than 1 year ago, I was teaching kindergarten, now I am in high school. Prom is quickly approaching. Gifford is taking me. Some sick way of reliving our childhood, I guess. We also have graduation to look forward to. I can't believe that these students are ready to go out into the real world andstart their "adult" lives. Wow! I only wonder what the next year will bring. Will I have a job? Will Gifford stay in the guard, or will his job be "absorbed?" Will he go to school? Will we continue to live with my mom? So many questions, so few answers!

Now it's over..

I had to post this picture...Ashlyn and cousin Andrew were watching Snow White while the "Easter Bunny" was outside doing his job. Once the egg hunt was over. They dropped their baskets by the door and promptly went back to the movie...of course once the movie was over, they were back outside, playing on the slide and throwing things (other than eggs) at each other.

I am reminded of a time, many years ago when Erin and I would do something very similar. Although, I don't remember throwing things at each other, I do remember having to hide and find the eggs over and over again, until there was nothing much left of the hen eggs. *sigh* What fun times and fond memories.

Happy Easter

For Easter we got up, and attempted to go to church. Gavin lasted all of about 10 minutes. Thankfully, we went to the church 2 block from my mom's house. When he was having his meltdown, I promptly picked him up and marched him back down to the house where daddy was still in bed. I then returned to church and did my best to enjoy rest of the service.

After church and a couple hours at home, we went to my cousin Kathy's house to spend the afternoon with their family. We also said our "good-bye's" to my her daughter Erin and her family. They will heading to Germany in May for three years. Erin's husband Matt is in the army. They will be stationed at "K" town.

All in all the kids had a great time with the Easter eggs and all the wonderful candy. What a beautiful day too!

By the end of the day, everyone, especially mom, was exhausted. At least we have no other holidays in the near future.

Cooking with Grandma

Today, Ashlyn help grandma make her famous "milkless, eggless, butterless cake" when we go home from church. It was her job to stir in the ingredients, and of course to sample the dough whenever she could. And while the women were in the kitchen cooking...

Gavin was taking a much needed nap. He is cutting his two year molars, and did not sleep well last night, consequently neither did mom. Hopefully he will do better tonight. Sleeping with a toddler is not my idea of a restful sleep.

I hate the weekends Gifford has drill. The kids are still to little to understand what daddy does is protecting us all. All they know is that he is not here... Well, next week, we will be able to spend some time together again. Something we all look forward to.

Outside at last

Today we were finally able to spend some time outside. Although the wind would come up now and again, it was a pretty nice day. As you can see from the photos, Ashlyn was trying out her roller skates she got for her birthday last year...(this was the first time ever that she was even interested in them). Gavin was trying out different ways to go down his little slide. We got to be out for over an hour. Unfortunately the wind started coming up and we were forced, once again, into the confines of the house. We are looking forward to the days ahead, planting a garden and flowers, playing outside, and discovering the world around us.

Ashlyn spotted a butterfly today and was sharing with her brother how "caterpillars make cocoons and then turn into beautiful butterflies." It never ceases to amaze me how someone so little can still be so smart. I cannot believe the things she has learned. I am not sure whether or not this was a fact acquired at preschool or from "Go Diego, Go". I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!

On our way to Easter

Well another week is gone. I cannot believe we only have 7 more weeks of school. I am ready for a nice long break however, and to return to LaGrande to be a real family for at least a couple of months... I hope things will change for our family, we have been apart for so long...

Gifford has drill this weekend, so it will be another week before we will see him. At least this year, we will actually get to spend our anniversary together (the 10th). First time in a couple of years. I cannot believe we have been married for 5 years! Where has the time gone. How lucky I am to have him in my life.

Anyway, we are gearing up for Easter next weekend. Today we got our Easter Egg's for Ashlyn's school party next week. She is very excited for the Easter Bunny to make his appearance. I am doing my best to share the real reasons for Easter but at this age...you can only do so much!

The kids are getting excited to get outside, if only the weather would cooperate! It snowed here yesterday...Isn't it April? Every time the door is opened Gavin grabs his coat and says "go, go". Poor little guy, he is as anxious to get outside as rest of us. As pictured, Ashlyn is sporting her new sun glasses and her garden gloves. "TAKE ME OUTSIDE" she says... This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago, but it is awfully cute!