Clear Lake

So even though the kids and I mostly really like it out here in Keenesburg, it's been sort of a drag for Aaron who is only happy when he is surrounded by trees, water, and fresh mountain air (if he is not flying an airplane, that is). The plains to him, are just, well, plain. So Tuesday we all loaded up in the Landcruiser and drove two hours to Georgetown. Just above this cute little town with old homes and a very main street-y Main Street is Clear Lake.

Gorgeous ain't it?

It's not so much a spot for swimming as it is for fishing, which is what we sort of set out to do. Now, keep in mind, The Sallee's aren't a fishing family. Not by a long shot. We have poles, sure. We even have tackle. Have we ever caught a fish? No. Would we be able to cook or eat said fish should we catch it? No. Nevermind the fact that Aaron is horribly allergic to fish. So, despite the fact that we have nothing to do with a fish should we catch one, nor do any of us have the patience necessary to sit longer than an hour to try to do so...we came here, to this beautiful spot, to try to catch a fish.

Owen was just SO excited! I remember Bradley's first fishing trip. His face looked much the same as this. All bright eyed and bushy-tailed. Until we actually caught the fish. Then he was TERRIFIED! Don't worry, Ow, there are NO experienced fishermen on this excursion.

Brooke just wants a nibble. She thinks every bubble or a ripple is a juicy fish and is SO impatient to reel it in! Mostly, her job is to look cute. Mission accomplished!

Call this one: Smart Alec Dad with Teenager. "Lookit me!" he says, "I am having oh so much fun today!" Sarah had finally stopped boobing about walking around in the wetlands and getting soaked and was finally enjoying herself.

The grownups in this scenario do not have fishing licenses (not a fishing family...keep this in mind). So dad can bait and cast, but the kids actually doing the fishing. This leaves mom to wander around, taking in the flora and fauna and the landscape.

After a few of these trips, we figured out that we have FOUR big reasons we never catch any fish. So Dad and Brad decided to take off on their own to find a quiet, shady little area...

My handsome fishermen

While the "men" are away, Sarah and I are left to clean up a bit of mess that Bradley left behind. While on a nature walk, big brother Brad took Owen and Brooke through knee high water in pursuit of frogs, grasshoppers and fish. Now, when I say knee high water, it was knee high for Brad, making it waist high for Brooke, and neck high for Owen.

Wet and Cranky!

Overall it was a fun day! The fish of Clear Lake, despite many nibbles and frantic reeling, swim away to fight another day. The sun was kind and mostly stayed behind the clouds to keep the fair skinned Sallees from burning to a crisp, but warm enough to dry the half-drowned rugrats.

Wednesday

This is the hardest part about blogging. The days when there's nothing exciting or constructive to say. Or the days when there are dozens of things in my head and I don't know where to start. I'll just start by saying I am not really sure what kind of day this is. So if you're easily bored you can just skip today's entry. It's okay, I won't get all butt hurt. I try as much as possible to read every word of my friend's blogs but if aimless rambling isn't your thing...don't worry I get it! =)

As I mentioned before I have decided to take some time off of school. I also won't be attending choir for the rest of the summer. After my last day subbing in Primary (which I LOVE, it's a blast!) for Connie I'll be without a calling 'til Seminary rolls back around this fall. I am slowly but surely moving my focus entirely to my family. It makes me a little nervous because it's not something I am used to doing. A really good friend of mine told me about some advice she had received about placing too much focus on other things instead of addressing the issues. I want to make sure that I am not doing that.

The thing most prominent on my mind right now is my mom having to put her chocolate Lab down today-my baby brother, Suede. He's always been sick-epilepsy, and has been suffering from a tumor in his lung. I am sad for my mom and her husband because their dogs are like their kids. Left behind is my little sister, Cassie-their 13 year old yellow Lab. I worry that she won't last long now that Suede is gone and that will leave my mom mostly alone. Her husband had to take a job far away and he has to be away from home a great deal. At the same time, as anyone with an animal knows, the responsibility for taking care of two large, aging dogs can also be quite a burden. I hope that with the sorrow, the easing of this major burden will be somewhat of a comfort to her.

I want to rant here about how important it is to make sure your parenting style and that of your spouse match or at least can co-exist in the same house-but I am just too exhausted and tired of the topic for today. I am really enjoying reading every one else's blogs. They are both funny and inspiring. I am in the best ward EVER! =) maybe I am a just a little biased...

Morning scripture study

For the last month or so, we have started every morning by reading scriptures as a family. Usually only one chapter a day so that my little ones can participate as well. I am proud to say that today was no exception. Anyone who knows me well may understand that forming GOOD habits is not really my forte. In the 12 years that I have belonged to the church I have never actually finished the Book of Mormon on my own-just in class, and we ALL know that doesn't really count. We're currently in 2 Nephi and today we read about the need for opposition in all things and the gift of agency. It is powerful to read the following, especially at this time of year when we are celebrating our independence as a country:
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are FREE to choose liberty and eternal life through the great Mediator of all men...."(2 Nephi 2:27, emphasis added)
Following the story of Lehi and his family from Nephi's perspective gives me a new appreciation and understanding of this land being given to us if we CHOOSE to live righteously. I strive every day to deserve the gift of liberty. I love my country (even if I sometimes fear my government).

Starting Over due to Postive Peer Pressure

Apparently I am giving into the peer pressure and reviving my blog! Some of my very best favorite people blog and so I am going to give it a try...especially since I have extra time these days.

I officially decided this morning to take a break from school for the rest of the summer. I hope anyone feeling anxiety about this will believe me when I say it's only until Fall quarter. All of the pressure that I have been able to "ride" through since Aaron got furloughed in March has finally caught up with me and I just can't think straight. It also helps not at all that the instructors I got this quarter were far from flexible. This decision comes after a great deal of soul searching and fervent prayer. I feel peace for the first time in weeks.

I am going to take the time I would have spent everyday working on assignments to work on myself. I no longer have an excuse to avoid exercise. I know I am not ever going to be a super model (heck, in reality, who is?) but I want to work on being healthy. And here is a declaration: I am not going to judge my self worth according to the number on the scale or the size of my dresses. I just want to be active and strong. I am also going to walk with my kids, walk Isis, and enjoy more of what this beautiful state has to offer.

So here's to a fresh new Monday morning. For the first time since December 2007 I do not have a looming deadline. I have good friends, a beautiful home, gorgeous, fun, brilliant kids, and an eternal companion who challenges me every day and helps me to grow as a person. Hopefully further entries will be less contemplative and more interesting, but hey, it's been over two years!