Stinkin' Cute

These are my two most favorite pictures that were taken this last week-end at Betsy and Trent's wedding. Oh, by the way, I did catch the bouquet...

ENJOY!!

DON'T FORGET!!

I hear people sayin'. We Don't need this war.

I say there's some things worth fightin' for.

What about our freedom, and this piece of ground?

We didn't get to keep 'em by backin' down.

They say we don't realize the mess we're gettin' in

Before you start preachin' let me ask you this my friend.

Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?

To see your homeland under fire

And her people blown away

Have you forgotten, when those towers fell

We had neighbors still inside goin through a livin hell

And you say we shouldn't worry bout Bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

You took all the footage off my T.V.

Said it's too disturbin for you and me

It'll just breed anger is what the experts say

If it was up to me I'd show it everyday

Some say this country just out lookin' for a fight

Well after 9/11 man I'd have to say right.

Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?

To see your homeland under fire

And her people blown away

Have you forgotten when those towers fell

We had neighbors still inside goin' through a livin' hell

And we vow to get the ones behind Bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

I've been there with the soldiers

Who've gone away to war

you can bet they remember just what they're fightin' for

Have you forgotten

All the people killed

Yes some went down like heroes

In that Pennsylvania field

Have you forgotten

About our Pentagon

All the loved ones that we lost

And those left to carry on

Don't you tell me not to worry 'bout Bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?

wedding week-end{s}

This last week-end Miah and I made our way to Dupree South Dakota...in the middle of nowhere...for his bosses wedding. Jesse Studt and JoAnna Murray were wed on Saturday, September 8th, 2007 in a very nice ceremony. Although the weather was crummy the atmosphere was splendid. Saturday morning dawned cold, wet and windy. The wedding wasn't unill 6:00 in the evening, so all of us (Miah and his friends and myself) crammed into a 5th wheel trailer and hung out for the day. Nothing screams fun like stuffing 6 adults and 2 kids into a cramped space. No, it really wasn't too bad. The wedding dance was one of the best ones I've been to in a long time. Miah and I cut a rug and danced into the wee hours of the morning.
I'm looking forward to Betsy's Wedding next week-end that Miah is also in.
It is our month for weddings I guess.

Will we be sleeping?

As I sat in church today and Pastor Matt read some verses in Romans (we are going through the book on Sunday mornings) I thought of this song by Casting Crowns. The message today was to take our Christian life seriously and know and heed that we are in a spiritual battle even if we choose to ignore that fact...it is very real. What we do as Christians truly does affect the body of Christ be it good or bad. The line in the song that says, "As we are sung to sleep by philosophies that save the trees and kill the children..." Think about that. How true is that, that our thinking is so screwed up that we care more for trees and plants than for a human? Where we spend eternity is very real. Pastor Adams used to say: There is a heaven, there is a hell, there is a hurry.

Please take time to listen to this song. It is 5 mintes, but really listen to the words and think about what is being said.

Will we be sleeping?

WIndy Wyoming and a triathlon.

Well, the first few days of the new school year is over and I must say that I'm ready for the week-end. I forget from year to year how little the incoming kinders really know...not much! It will take a few days to get routine and procedures down, but once we get them we'll really start cookin'.

Anyway, I forgot how windy Wyoming really is. I've been standing out at recess duty the last few days and the wind just howls and the dirt flys and after 15 minutes I am sweaty and gritty. Nice.

Tomorrow morning I am headed out for my first triathlon. It is a team sprint race. There are three of us. Linda will swim 1/2 mile, Joyce will bike a 20K and I will run 5K. This is going to be a great time. Maybe it will be an annual event...hopefully!

A very happy Friday night to all.

The {f}PHAT Friend.

The past few months I've been struggling with my body image. I know that at some time or another every female deals with these sort of "issues". Throughout last spring and then into the summer it seemed that everyone I was hanging out with was much smaller and skinnier then me and I felt like the "fat" friend. I started my summer trying to "diet" which just doesn't work for me...I even tried some diet pills. Not smart. Anyway as the summer progressed and as I ran more, I was able to drop a few pounds. I say all that to say this, I listened to a Beth Moore program that I borrowed from a friend and the subject was on the struggle of body image and trying to fit the image that the world wants us to keep or be.What a wrong way to think and in actuality we are in bondage to the world when we get caught up in that thought process.
When I find myself falling into that train of thought, I remind myself that I am beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of Christ. Psalm 45:11 says that the King is enthralled by your beauty. My desire is not to be in bondage to the world, but to know and keep in my heart and mind the way the Lord sees me and be satisfied in Him and by Him.

Hot Highway!

Miah and I have been keeping the highway hot between Gillette and Custer the last couple of weeks. Every free evening we have, we make the trek...about 2 hours. It has come to a stop this week though. I'm too busy with trying to get my room in order as well as being too tired.

We were finally able to get into our classrooms today. Most of the construction is done. Now we are just waiting for all the technology and new furniture to be delivered. What a fun time of year.

Night all!!

Summer is over.

Well, summer is officially over. I started back to school last week with a writing and math workshop. This week and next are for new district hires orientation and then the kiddos come on the 29th. The school I'm going to be at is Rawhide Elementary and is a rural school. It is about 8 miles outside of Gillette. It is under some major construction and is "supposed" to be done by Monday. We'll see. When it is finished it is going to be great with lots of room and some of the newest technology available in our classrooms. I've included an older picture, but will post some newer ones as soon as we are in our classrooms.

Happy end of summer everyone!!

Yellowstone Fun!!

I went to Yellowstone to meet up with some Boise friends this week-end. It was a flying trip, but very much worth it. I met up with Ben, Christy and Jen in West Yellowstone for some fun camping on Friday and Saturday nights.

Our Camp site at Rainbow Point. We were just getting up and around on Saturday.

A tasty breakfast that Ben made. He's a gr-r-r-r-r-eat cook.

Christy, Jen and myself at the bottom of Cayon Falls. It was a nice hike down to the bottom with about 400 stairs included on the trail!!!

At the bottom of Grand Falls. It was truyly beautiful. It makes me wonder how people can even believe in evolution. In fact, it takes more faith the believe in evolution than it does to believe in God!!

It was so fun to see you guys again! I can't wait till Christmas break for some more fun.

HMMMM...

I took the quiz. I wasn't sure I liked the outcome, but with some thought, I think it fits me pretty well. I don't see myself throwing anything at anybody and I don't know if I think deeply about all aspects of my life. This analysis would be the extreme end of my personality.

Very interesting!!

You Are Rock

Powerful and overbearing, you intimidate people with your presence. People know they can't push you around, and they respect that. Deep down, you are calm, confident, and unmovable. You take everything pretty seriously, and you think deeply about all aspects of your life. You tend to feel smothered by paper people. You don't mind crushing the spirit of a scissors person. When you fight, you: Use all of your strength If someone makes you mad: You're likely to throw something at them

Are You Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

This is why!

I have had a lot of questions of why I have been lacking in my blogging lately. Are you out of town? Did you get a job? Have you lost interest? These are all questions that have been fired at me recently. The answer is "NO" to all of them! This is why I have not been blogging as much...

This is Jeremiah! Miah, as everyone calls him. We were set up a few weeks ago by some mutual friends and we have spent all our free time together and needless to say I haven't had the time to get to my computer as much as I used to!

So, my readers, this is why I have been lacking. Rest assured I have not gone anywhere.

Hog Wild

The Stugis Motorcycle Rally doesn't start until next week, but the bikers are starting to come! Although all the signs say Sturgis, the rally is actually in all of the Black Hills. It is one wild time! It is one of my favorite times of the summer. All the bikers are here for a fun time and their bikes are LOUD and beautiful. The rally isn't really a family atmosphere because of the clothing or lack of...but it is something I would recommend everyone experiece just once.

And of course, what happens in Sturgis, stays in Sturgis.

I've been tagged!!

4 jobs i've had:

Waitress

Park Ranger

Wildland Firefighter

Teacher

4 places i've lived:

KayCee, WY

Hot Springs, SD

Boise, ID

Gillette, WY

4 TV shows I like:

The Office

Greys Anatomy

ER

Men in Trees

4 of my favorite foods:

Steak and Potatoes

Mexican

Guacamole

Hamburgers

4 Websites I frequent:

L.L. Bean

Blogs

Mrs. Pohlmeyer's Kinder Page

Old Navy

4 places i'd rather be right now:

Alaska

Europe

Floating a River

Camping

4 movies i love:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

G.I. Jane

Guys and Dolls

Gone with the Wind

tagging:

Leah

Angela

Michelle

relaxing...or trying to!

As most of my readers know, I have spent the last week with my two little nieces. They were safely returned back to their parents on Tuesday evening and I was back home by Wednesday evening; and I've got to say that my butt is dragging!! It was a wonderful time, don't get me wong, but I had no idea how much energy it takes to keep up with a 2 and 3 year old.

With only one week left of my summer vacation, I am looking forward to getting some quality relaxing in. I'm not quite sure what that looks like just yet, but I know that it will involve finishing my book, a great bike ride, a trip to the Black Hills Playhouse and a few other fun things. Getting to spend time with my nieces and nephew has been a great highlight of the summer though!

Sunday song.

I have been listening to this song a lot lately...I hope that you all enjoy it!

Fast Friends

We have been having a great time having Jason and Leah's girls this week-end. On Friday my friend T. came over with her 3 kids. We played at the park, blew bubbles and then had a little BBQ. The kids played really well together and can't wait to see each other at church on Sunday. I caught them in a great pose while playing in the grass. Priceless! ( I had a hard time deciding what pic. to use, so I used both!)

Git-R-Done!

Today was the first annual Redneck Rally in Edgemont South Dakota.

The parade was to start at 11:00, so we got the girls up and after we had eaten some breakfast, stopped at the store for some fruit snacks and juice, we were on the road by 10:30. It takes about 30 minutes to get over to Edgemont. We found a place to park, got out candy bags and waited for the parade to start. It was a few minutes late (mind you it was supposed to start at 11:00) and was OVER by 11:15!! It was hilarious! They had about 4 floats entered and then some poor unsuspecting vehicles that were just traveling through.

We left after the parade because it was such a hot day and the girls were getting a little bored. But some of the other events throughout the day were: lawnmower races, seedspittin' contest, chicken roping, and a melodrama " The Pony Espresso."

This was the first annual redneck rally and I hope it continues!

Enjoy the tips! You never know when they will come in handy.

TIPS FROM THE REDNECK BOOK OF MANNERS

1. Never take a beer to a job interview.
2. Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them.

3. It’s considered poor taste to take a cooler to church.
4. If you have to vacuum the bed, it is time to change the sheets.
5. Even if you’re certain that you are included in the will, it is still considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.

DINING OUT

1. If drinking directly from the bottle, always hold it with your fingers covering the label.
2. Avoid throwing bones and food scraps on the floor as the restaurant may not have dogs.

ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME
1. A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
2. Do not allow the dog to eat at the table no matter how good his manners are.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

1. While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be done in private using one’s OWN truck keys.
2. Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is not a waste of good money.
3. Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, as they tend to detract from a woman’s jewelry and alter the taste of finger foods.

DATING (Outside the Family)

1. Always offer to bait your date’s hook, especially on the first date.
2. Be aggressive. Let her know you’re interested: “I’ve been wanting to go out with you since I read that stuff on the bathroom wall two years ago.”
3. Establish with her parents what time she is expected back. Some will say 10:00 PM; Others might say “Monday.” If the latter is the answer, it is the man’s responsibility to get her to school on time.
4. Always have a positive comment about your date’s appearance, such as, “ya’ll sure don’t sweat much for a fat broad.”

WEDDINGS

1. Livestock, usually, is a poor choice for a wedding gift.
2. Kissing the bride for more than 5 seconds may get you shot.
3. For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cummerbund and a clean bowling shirt can create too sporty an appearance.
4. Though uncomfortable, say “yes” to socks and shoes for this special occasion.
5. It is not appropriate to tell the groom how good his wife is in the sack.

DRIVING ETIQUETTE
1. Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles; Even if the gun is loaded, and the deer is in sight.
2. When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires always has the right of way.
3. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
4. When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer.
5. Never relieve yourself from a moving vehicle, especially when driving.
6. Do not lay rubber while traveling in a funeral procession.

TWO REASONS WHY IT IS HARD TO SOLVE A REDNECK MURDER

1. All the DNA is the same.

2. There are no dental records

fun time was had by all.

I left Sunday to visit my brother and his family in Denver and had a great time. We went shopping, had GREAT conversation, ate some wonderful food and played with the kids. Tuesday morning, B and T challenged me to a game of Candyland...I lost to a 2 year old.
Jason and Leah, you have a wonderful family! Your babies are so sweet and fun to be with.

My main squeeze...Jake!!

I just spent 5 days with the most handsome red-headed hunk...my 8 month old nephew. He is so stinkin' cute! He may not be much of a talker, but he sure likes a good tickle and giggle. Jake, your growing up so fast!

Can't Wait!!

In just 3 days I will be in Denver visiting my brother and sister-in-law and their babies! I am super excited to get to spend some much needed time with them. I know our time will be kept busy with the kids' age being 3, 2, and 8 months, but it will be fun to go swimming, to the park and of course SPOIL them. I am also looking forward to getting some great shopping in.

love it!

I found this headboard on another blog site. Her husband made it and I think it is too neat! The colors are wonderful and I love the monogram letter on top. I wouldn't mind having one like it...someday.

I'm a sucker for this stuff.

74%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Online Dating

I found this on my friends blog and had to take it right away!

BTW: the online dating icon came with the quiz...just to clear anything up! : )

Alabaugh Fire

On Saturday night a fire caused by a dry lightning started right outside of Hot Springs. Hot Springs is in Fall River County which is the DRIEST county in South Dakota. I was able to get out on Hwy 71 before it was shut down and get some pictures. In all my years of fighting fire, this is one of the worst I've seen because of all the dry fuels and type of country it's in. This is also a very personal fire for me. My good friends lost everything...and I have a handful of other friends who have been evacuated and only have their houses left but no outbuildings or ranch left.

Everyone is in good spirits considering all that has happened.

God is good!!

All American 4th of July

I had a very enjoyable 4th of July with my folks. It started off with a great 10K run with some friends, then on to our small town parade with some very interesting floats! After a nice long, much needed afternoon nap we went over to Crawford, Nebraska for a PRCA rodeo. After the rodeo, there was a great fireworks display over the rodeo grounds.

Mom and Dad enjoying the festivities

Some future cowboys sitting at the end of the trailer.

A beautiful sunset over the arena

Tasty Funnel Cake anyone?!

4th of July Celebration!!


On Thursday and Friday I went and helped some friends at their branding. It was a great time!!

Out of Service!

Just a short note to all of those that I either talk with on the phone or text with, but I am out of service and will continue to be out of service for a day or so due to the fire. It has burned up a couple of the cell towers and the other one within reaching distance is being used by all the fire crews.

I have some great pictures from when it started last night that I'll get posted in a couple of days.
I hope everyone is having a restful Sunday!

Happy 4th of July

The Pledge of Allegiance
I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,one Nation under God,indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Done.

My folks and I headed back to Boise last Thursday to load up my apartment and classroom. It was nice to get that little chore out of the way, but at the same time, sad that I won't be calling Boise home. It was nice to touch base with some friends and faimly and I know that I will be back often to visit!!
I am looking forward to starting my new job in Gillette.

For all my girl friends!

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … by Maya Angelou

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a youth she's content to leave behind ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a feeling of control over her destiny ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... how to fall in love without losing herself ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... How to quit a job, Break up with a lover, And confront a friend without ruining the friendship …

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... when to try harder ... and when to walk away ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... that her childhood may not have been perfect ... but its over ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... how to live alone ... even if she doesn't like it ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally …

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... where to go ... be it to her best friend's kitchen table ... or a charming inn in the woods ... when her soul needs soothing ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... what she can and can't accomplish in a day ... a month ... and a year ...

Here's to you.

The broad-shouldered, the knock-kneed, the pigeon-toed, the

small-breasted, the wide-hipped, the long-waisted, the

short-legged, the stocky and the skinny. And yes, even the perfectly proportioned.

May you live long, enjoy desserts and never stop laughing.

Blisters heal. Muscles recover. Friendship lasts a lifetime.

High heels have their place in the very back of the closet. If you can run a mile, you can run a marathon. There comes a time when you really need to replace your sports bra. No, really.

Consider this. Only one person wins.

Everyone else should have a rockin' good time.

Yes, you can talk and run at the same time. Chewing gum is the hard part. A little chocolate goes a long way.

Be yourself.

I got this little reminder off the back of my "see jane run" tshirt. It has been a good reminder for me this week when I haven't wanted to get out and train for the MCM. My sweet mom has been going with me on some of the long runs and I keep reminding her that if she can run/walk a mile, she can run/walk a marathon...

Too Funny!

I saw this cartoon and just had to post it! I hope you all get as much a kick out of it as I did.

what is with all the pink?

The above question is what I asked myself tonight. I looked at some of the items that I have purchased in the last few weeks and they (all three) are pink. Now, I am not a lover of pink; it is such a girl color!! I am not and never have been a fan of girly things and now it seems that is all I have purchased... I do hope that it will not last. I'm sure it won't!! Everyone goes through phases. I am so excited to have my new Chacos and it will be fun to have such a bright color of shirt to wear with the new bracelet.

Father's Day!

I love the smile my dad has in the above picture. It is not very often that a grin/laugh like that gets caught on camera...priceless!!

As Father's Day approaches tomorrow it got me thinking about all the things I have to celebrate. I've come up with a list of qualities and attributes that define my dad. I know that there is no way I could exhaust the list by any means,but I can at least get a few words down for all of my readers to see what an amazing man he is!
*selfless
*loving
*hardworking
*godly
*provider
*supportive
*patriotic
*fun
*great sense of humor
*stong character
*trustworthy
*unconditional love
*patient
*loves my mom
*places his family first
*not easily swayed
This is just the tip of the iceburg. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to meet this man, well, it is your loss! Maybe someday you will be lucky enough to get to know him on some level.

I have included the lyrics of a song. Everytime I hear this song, I always think of my dad.

Happy Father's Day dad! I love you.

I remember Daddy´s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy´s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I´ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I´ll always remember the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

I remember Daddy´s hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I´d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

someday!

Someday I envision myself (and a family) living in a beautiful area. At the moment I see a beautiful, lush green meadow surrounded by mountians.Very similar to the above picture. I would love to live in a cabin or lodge style home and out in the back yard I would enjoy having Adirondack chairs. I like the bright, vibrant colors at this time in my life, but that may change when this actually becomes a reality. I couldn't find an exact picture that had the specific colors I like, but the picture I've included almost captures perfectly what I've envisioned my backyard looking like...someday!