Foster and Ressa went hiking with Brandi a couple weeks ago. The hike went well, for the most part, and the weather was incredible!

On the way back to the car the kids had run up ahead on the trail. All of a sudden Foster stopped dead and started shrieking like a girl! Brandi thought that something had come out of the bushes and was attacking him. She had Ressa stop and come back to her. Foster continued to scream and after a few seconds turned and blazed trail back to her... screaming all the way. She finally got out of him what was wrong and glanced up. There was a 1 1/2-2 foot rattlesnake crawling off the trail and into the bush. Apparently he is terrified of snakes (much like his mother)! He was screaming and Ressa was bawling when some hikers came by. Foster made a point to tell them there was a snake. Brandi had to stand between the bush and them to get by where the snake had disappeared. They then broke into a run and didn't stop until at the car. Foster fell in his scramble and got what we call the "snake wound". They, of course, sent me all the following pictures on the way home.

Cyanne broke her pinky practicing soccer with Nate and Foster. She has had to wear a metal splint for the last 4 weeks. She has not been a happy camper as she has been unable to participate in sports. This is her first week with the brace off and she is already talking about football at recess. Why do I see another broken bone in her future?

CYANNE'S PINKY ISSUE:

Hi all!! I have been really bad about getting on here and updating what we are up to. Sorry. We have all been moving and shaking as usual.

Today I had something happen that made me think about blogging. I locked myself out of not just the car, but the house too. I got out of the car with Ammon and Gretch only to swing all the doors shut with my keys in the ignition. SMART! I tried calling my mom (she is still with us), but was unable to reach her. Brandi and Nate were at work, and too far to run home. The garage door would normally be a possibility, but it has a broken spring so I couldn't begin to open it. I walked around the yard debating my options. The fence is too high for me to scale, and even if I could what would I do with Ammon and the dog? Throw them over? I don't think so! After a few phone calls back and forth with Nate I decided to borrow the empty trash can from next door (abandoned house) to be able to get over the fence. I told Ammon to stay in front of the metal gate so I could see him and tied Gretch up on the chain we keep in the front yard. Once on top of the fence I had to figure out how to get down. My knees are killing me after the jump down, but I made it and no trip to the ER was needed! I let Ammon in and we walked around back to find the sliding door in the kitchen wasn't just unlocked, but was sitting 2 inches open! Way to go Smith Security!! Once into the house I grabbed the spare car key and could get back to life as usual. What a wild beginning.

We had a good Easter. We dyed eggs on Saturday. I love living someplace that the mess can be made outside! We had all 3 dozen dyed and put away in record time. Sunday the Bunny brought the kids a bit of chocolate and new swim suits. He also had WAY too much fun hiding eggs in our huge yard! I didn't have my camera, but once I get some pictures from Brandi I will post them. Later we put together the dog house kit we purchased for the dogs. So far they aren't sure what to do with it. The big earthquake (7.2 in Mexico) rocked our area, but it really wasn't bad here. We have not felt any of the aftershocks. All in all that was our Easter. Relaxing and fun. Hope you all had a great holiday!


I have had some projects happen! I added draped cap sleeves to a prom dress for a friend's daughter, painted the banister, painted more of the banister, managed to stay on a ladder to finish painting the banister and now have finished painting the banister. Yes... I thought I would start with a "small" painting project. For your information painting a banister is NOT a "small" job. Sanding took 2 days, painting all tolled was about 6 days spread over the last month. Here are the before and after pictures!

BEFORE:


























AFTER:




After that painting the walls will be no big deal! I hope to start painting the common rooms in the house this month. Will post my progress.














Nate is working at Saturn still. We are patiently awaiting the opening of the new Kia store across the street. The commute isn't killing him too badly, but not having him home as much is interesting. I think we are all adjusting okay though. He did purchase a lawn mower and weed eater. On his days off the yard keeps him busy! For my birthday he bought me 11 rose bushes and helped me plant them! My Grace Garden is real now! I have to add a couple more plants, but I'm off to a great start. I can't wait for them to start blooming.

BEFORE:




















AFTER:


























Cyanne is doing well. Last term she made honor roll again. I'm hoping this term will be just as productive. Would be nice to finish the year on a strong note. She has found a great group of friends. All the girls are on the tomboy side and are honor roll students. We love them all. We had a full house with them coming for play dates over spring break!

CYANNE'S AWARDS FOR SECOND TERM:





Foter is doing well. He is catching up in school and received an award for most improved reader for last term. He is not doing sports right now, but in considering going back into soccer in the fall. We shall see! He is acting his age... something I could do without. 9 is not one of my favorite ages. He did manage to hang out with his friends, Brandon and Vanessa, over spring break. He is starting to make some really good friends, and can't wait for summer... no homework!

FOSTER'S AWARD:



Ressa is doing SO well at school! She is reading, writing, and already has her own style of penmanship! I'm just excited that you can read her writing. She loves everything about school, and keeps us busy having play dates with her classmates. Zoey, Zachary, Noah, and Jaelynne are the most common ones found around here. They are such good kids!!

RESSA'S AWARD:



Ammon is, well, Ammon. He is into everything, beats on the dog regularly, never keeps his clothes on, and gets under the kids skin. He has developed quite the slap. His favorite target is Nates left cheek. He is definatley my kid! He is a full speed ahead kid with little to no fears. He loves to call people "freaks". Most commonly as they leave, "bye freak". He is so much fun to have around!!


St. Patrick's day was fun as usual! We did the green hair, green teeth and lips, green eggs and ham, and finally the green clothes. The kids may have been the only ones dressed up in the whole school, but they didn't seem to mind much!


On March 31 we celebrated the Grace's Day. I had tons of support from all my friends on facebook. Everybody left very nice comments about her, and I was happy to hear that some of them were willing to celebrate the day with me. I love this family holiday. We remembered her all day long working in the Grace Garden, making (and of course devouring) her old fashion fudge, and sharing old memories with family and friends. I can't believe she has been gone for 3 years already! We miss her, but her good food lives on!


Next month we are venturing to Salt Lake for my nephew's wedding. It should be a fun trip, and will be great to see everybody. Directly following that trip Nate's parents are coming to visit. We are super excited for them to see our new home!

We miss all of our friends in Long Beach, but do make it back to see them once in a while. I hope this post finds you all doing well!