Livin' Life N' Lovin' it

smart phone

2012-01-29T21:55:00.002+01:00

So I got a smart phone this week. It's so smart I can actually make this post FROM MY PHONE! I'm sure this is old news to all you high tech people, but for me this is a BIG deal. It's been tons of fun watching you tube on my phone. I introduced Elsa and Kajsa to Michael Jackson via you tube on my phone. I swear my phone is 10 times faster than my lap top. The best part is that the new HTC Arrive will only cost us $6 more a month than the old Samsung seek. Woohoo!

Cute kids, & Camping

2012-01-28T19:53:00.003+01:00

We have a tradition to go camping with our cousins. We always have a blast.
We sleep in tents, and rough it old-school style.
This past year (2011) we went to Utah.
It was WAY up in the mountains, there was even snow in some places and it was cold.
Some of these pics were taken by Avery, some buy me.
Basically the nicer quality ones Avery took with her fancy pantsy camera.
The other ones I took.
I'm excited for this years camping trip already.
I wonder where we'll go.

Quick Update!

2012-01-28T19:01:00.003+01:00

Please excuse the horrible picture quality. These pics are from my old phone. Since I can't possibly go back and catch up on everything that happened since July, you'll get the quick version :0) WARNING: They are not in chronological order.

We made deliscious Christmas candy with Grandma Ferrin (after Christmas)

Road trip to CA to visit Matt, Sarah, and ADORABLE Maja in my tiny Honda. It was crowded with four people and Paxie-Lou, our dog, who lives with Mom in Rexburg.

I made a bajillion hair bows during Christmas break. Here is one set I made to match one of Kajsa's new outfits she got for Christmas.

Matt and Maja cuddling on the couch. Again, sorry about the crappy picture quality. My old phone didn't do so well in dark (or light) environments. We also picked oranges on Christmas Eve! But I forgot to take a picture.

Elsa and Kajsa, beautiful as can be.

I got a new Yamaha Xeno trumpet! This is the first, nice trumpet I've ever owned :) I love it!

On our way home from CA, we drove down the strip in Las Vegas to show the girls the lights.
My Honda overheated.

Chelsey Gale got married this summer to Austin Warr. I had a bit to drink and we stayed up late. It was fun :)

Here are some hot shoes I bought for Idaho State Civic Symphony concerts. I just like them a lot and I'm also very excited to play in the orchestra.

Here's Chelsey on her special day. What a hottie!

Our Paxie-Lou forever ago. I think this is from June or something. We were taking her for a walk. She is our third baby, I think she looks a lot like Kajsa because of her beautiful red hair. Thad says this is what happens when "you do it doggy style." He actually said that.........whoahahaha, he never checks my blog anyway. He'll never see I shared that.

Elsa Ferrin, future (current) musician, right after her Christmas choir concert.
So grown up.

High School Days

2011-07-19T07:45:00.003+02:00

It has been 10 years since I graduated high school and it was time for THAT reunion. I helped track people down for the class president. It turned out to be more work than I anticipated, but it was also fun. I got to see a lot of familiar faces. It was a fun evening, with great entertainment and the food was good too.

It actually says class of 2001, not 200.
I'm old, but not THAT old :)

Me and my hubby!

I have to tell a funny story about us at the reunion. So towards the end of it Thad and I (plus Kiirstin and Michelle and their hubbies) went to the band room to check out the new amazing place and say hi to Mr.North. We end up talking for quite a while. Kiirstin and Michelle go back to the party and I am recruiting David Waters for the ISU Bengal Marching Band while Thaddeus is talking to Mr.North about the upcoming leadership camp at ISU.

When we finally got back to the reunion, the awards/nomination-ceremony-thing was already over. So I get there and find out I won an Idaho spud bar (super) and was nominated to help Michelle plan the next reunion. More work, but okay. Anyway, then two separate friends ask me where we had been for such a long time and if we hadn't sneaked to the band room to have sex!

WHAT? ! ? ! ? ! ?

Thaddeus and I? We would never do such a thing. Actually we probably would, but let me clarify for those who thought we did, that WE DID NOT.

I guess we were just a HOT couple that night :)

Hannah, Zach, and Me

Jodie, Kellie, and me
I've been friends with Kellie since the 2nd grade and Jodie sine the 3rd!

Michelle, Kiirstin, Mr.North (the band director), and me,
I've been friends with Michelle and Kiirstin since the sixth grade!

DCI show in SLC

2011-07-18T05:58:00.004+02:00

I love drum corps.
After being aged out for a long time, I still wish I could go on tour in the summer time. It's not the same being in the stands, but the shows are great. Personally, I thought the Cadets were amazing. Here are a few pics I caught!
Enjoy

Just like last year I got to meet up with Robyn. We marched together in Troopers 2000. This past week she came up and visited. It was lots of fun. I tried recruiting her for the ISU marching band. She politely abstained :) She did hang out at our leadership camp a little and had a blast spinning the flag for the first time in a LONG TIME.

Of course, the only reason we were able to go to the show was thanks to our
FAVORITE COUSIN (in-law for me) Avery and her man Joe. They are the best and met us at the U, took the kids on the train to the planitarium AND had popcorn AND split a twix AND had a mud fight........the girls had a blast while we did.
Thanks Avery!

Happy Fourth

2011-07-18T05:16:00.004+02:00

Yes, I'm a bit late

I had such a hard time picking photos out because there were so many great ones, so I decided to make a collage, or two or three.

We went to the park on 8th street. I'm not sure what it's called, maybe it's centennial. There we waited for the parade to start. It started to rain and blow, but the parade seemed to be delayed. That, or they had advertised the wrong time on line. Either way, we got lots of great pics and we had fun sitting on the side walk throwing pops and acting goofy. Then 11:30 rolled around and we had to take off to make it to great grandpa and grandma Ferrin's for a luncheon. As we crossed the street to get to the car, we could see very faint lights from the police cars who were finally heading the parade. The girls were a bit sad, but we promised to buy them candy and they cheered up.

Then we headed over to see family in Blackfoot. It is always fun and something I look forward to on the fourth. The "usuals" were there. Great grandma and grandpa (I somehow did not get any pictures of them). Sally and Jerry, Shirley and Rick. Cole, Chelsea, and beautiful Cori, us (Thad, Me, Elsa and Kajsa), Matt, and Rochelle with her adorable baby boy Trexton. We had a delicious lunch and then Matt and we went over to check Cole and Chelsea's new crib out. Crib, as in a house not a baby bed.......just in case anyone was confused.
After that, we headed back to Poky, dropped stuff off at home and then drove to the fair grounds. We had heard it advertised on the radio that the fireworks show here in town was supposed to be the "BIGGEST SHOW IN IDAHOOOOOOOO." (The man who did the commercial had a huge booming voice analogous to my upper case typing).
So we paid to get in!!!!!!!!!!!
Then the kids started playing on the blow up toys. Thad and I laid in grass on a blanket and then it started to rain, and rain and Rain. It RAINED some more and then we ran to the car, then it began to hail! It was nasty, we probably sat in the car for at least a half an hour. we debated leaving, but we HAD paid to get in. So we waited out the rain. It finally stopped and we went back in, bought some food. Mmmmm, nothing like fatty food for the fourth. Then we waited for the fireworks to start. It seemed like hours and I'm pretty sure it's because it really was.
All that waiting was worth it though. The Pocatello Fireworks show was hands down the best fireworks show I've ever been to. The girls were mesmerized the whole time and it seemed like the whole crowd was too. It was a great fourth. Hope yours was as fabulous as ours!

Agnes - Release Me [Official Video]

2011-06-28T06:19:00.001+02:00

This is ridiculous. I keep listening to this song OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. Can't get enough! Perfect club music, it makes me want to go out dancing all night. Speaking of which, Thad and I have not been out to the club dancing in a long time. I think we're due for a date.

Mini-Family gathering!

2011-06-28T05:54:00.004+02:00

For mom's birthday a few of us siblings
were able to get together and have a birthday dinner for her.
It was nice to finally get to see Mike and Leah and their kids,
it had been a while.

Glad Midsommar i Idaho

2011-06-27T07:33:00.006+02:00

This years Midsommar Celebration turned out great.
We had lots of people show up, a lot of fun dancing, and great food.
Here are some pictures to prove it

our Maypole (Majstång) was beautiful
There was blue and yellow everywhere
Elsa and Kajsa with their baby cousin Maja.
The dresses took quite a while to sew.
They were harder than I expected and it was difficult
to find the right shade of blue in a decent material.
Härligt kort
Mormors bärkorg från 1930 talet var med på festen
Real musicians, PLUS they were good!
Nästan alla dansade
Fint folk i fina kläder
Två Dalkullor
Maja skrattar så härligt
Vackra Elsa i dansen
Kajsa gumman

You Will Make It Through - Jem

2011-06-10T03:41:00.001+02:00

Every time I listen to this song it makes me cry and remember how much I miss my mother-in-law, Jo. I can't help but think of just how different my girls lives would be had she still been here. But we'll make it through!

Midsommar in Idaho

2011-06-09T16:42:00.003+02:00

SWEDISH MIDSOMMAR POTLUCK

When: June 24th 2011
@
4:30 P.M.

Where: Ingrid's House
1741 West 6000 South
Rexburg, Idaho 83440

What: Join us for
Swedish midsommar-music,
dancing, maypole raising,
door prizes,
"tipspromenad,"
and food.

Flowers for dressing
the maypole
are welcomed.
Please bring a
potluck dish
and
picnic blanket
or something else
to sit on.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Call Ingrid
(208)356-0610
with questions

Thad and Mia 9 years!

2011-06-08T08:39:00.003+02:00

It really doesn't feel like it has been nine whole years since Thad and I were married WAYYYY back in 2002, but that's who long it has been. Since then we've moved across the ocean TWICE, become parents to two beautiful and precious daughters, and learned more about ourselves and each other than we though was possible.

We have both returned to school and kicking trash at it too. Thaddeus is working for Blackfoot and Century high school in their music program this summer. He is currently taking a few classes this summer in hopes of graduating a bit faster, along side with writing another show for Göteborgs Drum Corps.

I am working about 20 hours a week for ISU in the music department. This fall I will be one of the drum majors for the ISU Bengal Marching Band. This is great for many different reasons. First, I LOVE marching band (I know I'm a nerd, but I just can't help loving it). Second, the drum major position carries a pretty decent scholarship which is GREATLY appreciated. And thirdly, repeat the first and second reasons combined.

A lot of great things have been happening around here lately.

For instance, today we FINALLY got the internet at home. Woooohooooo for staying up late and updating my blog.

Also, I won money for an essay contest. I posted a research paper on this blog some time back just for fun because I was very proud of my work. The paper was entitled: "Forsaken doctrine in the hidden past." I removed the paper from my blog since I don't want anyone stealing my hard work, but anyway, my teacher recommended I enter the essay for a contest so I did. I was not expecting to win, at all! But, turns out I won the English 1102 section. It was not a big monetary amount, but the acknowledgment was worth a lot to me since I by no means consider myself a great writer. It helps to write well when you have a topic you really care about.

And since this post was originally a congratulation to Thaddeus and myself for nine years of marriage I'll end with a little blurb about our get away. Now, I realize many people take off for Hawaii or Las Vegas or even Europe for their anniversaries but we're poor, really poor right now. SO, we ventured to the very exotic destination.......................wait for it.............................................. Salt Lake City. Hey, it was practically Hawaii after not having a get away (away from home) for two years! Thaddeus found a great little hotel for a good price with super awesome breakfast. Here is the link if you need a place to stay the next time you're in SLC.

We spent the majority of our time walking and window shopping. We did, however, make a few small purchases. Our favorite one was an awesome drink-mixer-glass-thingy that we found at the gateway mall. Thaddeus loves it and he has started practicing to be a bar tender (not really, I just have to say that to raise some eyebrows! LOL) We ate at this awesome restaurant called Squatters, I had the best jambalaya of my life there! Our artichoke cheese dip appetizer was outrageously good to top it off. Next time you're in SLC, seriously, go get some of that stuff!

In short, it was a much needed and great get away.

Tack till Mamma för barnpassningen, det var VERKLIGEN uppskattad!

Kajsa Bajsa fyller år!

2011-06-08T08:24:00.002+02:00

In our family we carry on the Blomquist and partly Swedish tradition of waking the birthday kid (or adult) early in the morning with song and presents. (Plus breakfast in bed....however, we usually fall short in that area due to bad planning and a mother who likes her sleep)

May 11th Kajsa turned six. So in we came, early early in the morning, to sing for her. She must have been tired cause she barely stirred.
She began to open her presents with her eyes still closed!
But then she started to wake up...
....Awake....
and happy!

The Diva!

2011-05-10T01:01:00.003+02:00

Elsa auditioned for the ISU childrens choir in January and made it
(of course, she's amazing)

(Top left: Tiffany (Elsa's friend) Center: Kajsa putting on Mormors lipstick at the concert)

Here is a collection of photos from three different concerts.
In the last concert she was chosen (after auditioning)
to sing a solo piece along with about
6 other children who also qualified.
I will be posting a video of it here soon.
I was TREMENDOUSLY proud of her.
There was quite a crowd there and she sang it perfect.
She has been amazing, working so hard.
I can't believe what a great ear and range she has
(I'm a bit jealous if you want to hear the truth).

(The choir was asked to sing at the inauguration for the
Portneuf Medical Center. It was cold that morning)

Girls with the jitters!

2011-05-10T00:52:00.002+02:00

It was really hard to get three girls, one of which is only (almost) 5 months old, to cooperate with picture taking. Elsa and Kajsa could not hold still or consent to normal poses despite bribing. We have officially entered uncharted territory, usually they will flash gorgeous smiles for candy, but NOPE this is twice now. Maja was having a really hard time not eating her
hand and the very few smiles we got were
accompanied by my anti-photo-shoot-mood-girls making strange faces.
But here is the best we could do.
Maja + Kajsa + Elsa = Cuteness!

Easter at the Ferrins!

2011-05-10T00:46:00.002+02:00

It is getting really hard to get any smiling-posing faces out of my little girls. They just want to be a clown in front of the camera lately. So, here are our two silly and beautiful little Easter girls.
P.S. Elsa was born on Easter Sunday, which makes Easter a bit more special to us :)

Shout out to the new couple!

2011-05-10T00:44:00.001+02:00

Congrats to Stacie and her Jason!
They were married on
April 1st 2011

Gamelan

2011-05-10T00:41:00.003+02:00

This was a really cool concert! The dancing was awesome. I wish I had a better camera. My 7 pixels and no flash was NOT optimal. Take my word for it though the colors were awesome.

Elsa is Eight!

2011-05-10T00:28:00.004+02:00

Elsa turned 8 on April 20th!
Yes, it's true, I have an 8 year old.
She had a great birthday.
She woke up to the traditional song and presents
in bed and then raced off to school.
To celebrate her we went to Deleta where
she rocked her new roller blades.

Lily Allen

2011-03-28T19:25:00.005+02:00

Avery and her family were up during spring break.
We also made a trip down to Utah and stayed with them.
We celebrated her birthday and she shared a little song with me I quite enjoy.
Warning, it has the "F" word in it!

FUR

2011-03-18T18:29:00.001+01:00

This is DISTURBING!
Get involved to STOP it from continuing

Ribbons and Bows

2011-03-13T23:36:00.002+01:00

I made a lot of bows last week!

Baby Girl Blomquist

2011-02-21T01:07:00.003+01:00

On January 22nd a BEAUTIFUL baby girl was born to Matt and Sarah Blomquist.

Tiny little Maja weighed in at 5 lbs 9 oz. I already said tiny right?

She is really easy going and sweet, plus very alert! Welcome to the world Maja, can't wait to spoil you :)

Pass It On!

2011-02-03T17:11:00.001+01:00

I stole this from my friend, Cassie. This is such a great way for me to give you something homemade and something that will be meaningful to you!

I promise to send something hand-made to the first five people who leave a comment here. You must in turn post this on your blog and send something YOU make to the first five people who comment on your post. The rules are: the item has to be HANDMADE and must be sent to the five people sometime in 2011. So do it! I can't wait - this could be so fun!

Also send me an e-mail with your address so I can mail it to you! There's nothing better than getting a surprise package in the mail right?!

Nyårs Löften!

2011-01-08T07:10:00.004+01:00

I år har jag i stortsett endast ett enda nyårslöfte.
Det är att prata
ENDAST SVENSKA
hemma med barnen.
Det är svårt,
men det går framåt.
Elsa sa en hel, lång,
komplicerade mening på Svenska här om dagen.
HURRA!

Merry Christmas and God Jul på er alla

2010-12-26T02:42:00.004+01:00

Backtracking

2010-12-16T18:18:00.004+01:00

This spring we were lucky enough to have Sara come and take pictures of the girls. They turned out great. I have been meaning to post them here for, well, months. Due to a very un-traditional year in general I have postponed it. Enjoy these beautiful pictures of our greatest treasures in life:

Ella Pella and Kaja Baja

School Days!

2010-09-29T20:49:00.008+02:00

California trip in August to see Matt and Sarah in Sacramemto!

Going to school is definitely engulfing most of our family's time. Kajsa is a remarkably happy kindergartner. She does all her homework in one setting instead of spreading it out over the week as the schedule outlines because it's heaps of fun. Elsa is Miss.Smarty pants, she really does know just about everything. Well, everything a second grader should know (and then some). I seriously sat with her last week and taught her how to solve a simple algebraic equation. She totally ate it all up.
As for us older kids, we're doing alright so far. I am loving school, using my intellect on a daily basis and really stretching my mind is "heaps of fun."
The girls both go to The Blackfoot Community Center after school. There they have the opportunity to learn more, plus practice reading and as well as develop several other talents such as gymnastics, swimming, bowling, science, art....etc.
Although we have been super busy with school, there was a summer of lazyness which raced by in a blur. Here are a few "old" pics from the summer.
Hopefully this blog will survive and not be limited to yearly or semi-yearly updates, but I make no promises.

Babies!

2010-07-26T20:32:00.003+02:00

Our big CONGRATS to the Blomquist and Ferrin families.

Mike and Leah had a beautiful baby girl July 2nd.
Ella Amara June Blomquist

Only a week later on July 10th,

Cole and Chelsea had a beautiful baby girl too!
Coraline Jo Ferrin

Welcome to the family sweet little girls :)

2010-07-26T20:27:00.003+02:00

Here are a few pics that Great grandma Ferrins
neighbor took while the girls were
over there
playing last year!

I just LOVE these and have meant to post them
for a long time.
Enjoy

Pictures!

2010-07-12T20:19:00.003+02:00

So here's what we've been up to :0)

We made two trips to Utah in three weeks!
Here is Elsa and Kajsa with their second cousins
(on Thad's side) Brea and Christian.
Happy kids!

The Pince family took us to the
Salt Lake wetlands.

We made a quick stop at the
Swedish Heritage Society's
Midsummer Festival.

By request of Alex :)

2010-06-27T05:50:00.003+02:00

Thad's famous Marabou chip cookies

1 1/2 C sugar

2 C brown sugar

2 C (400 g) real butter

4 eggs

6 C flour

1 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda (bikarbonat)

4 C chopped Marabou milk chocolate (600 g)

2 tsp vanilla

Cream butter, both sugars and eggs together. Add all dry ingredients, then chocolate. Mix well. Spoon the dough onto the cookie sheet. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes @ 190*c/375*F. Be carful to NOT overbake. Let cool on paper towels. (ICA's paper bags work great)

LYCKA TILL

No internet at home sucks!

2010-06-25T18:11:00.006+02:00

Soooooooooooo we had a rather untraditional spring in our household. It started with Thaddeus and I taking a relationship roller coaster ride.

Then it entailed a quick move to Rexburg, followed by a quick move back to Blackfoot. The girls and I found a cute little basement apartment on Center street down the road from great grandma and grandpa Ferrin.

I got a new job at the Blackfoot Community Center.

Elsa had a birthday, Happy birthday to you!

Kajsa, Elsa and I all came down with a HORRIBLE CASE OF STREP THROAT! This incident brought to light that Elsa is allergic to penicillin. (The pic from the collage was taken when they first started to appear and don’t do her justice, the reaction was intense)

Kajsa had a birthday, Happy birthday to you!

The relationship rollercoaster came to an end, Thaddeus moved in. Everyone sighed, especially me ahhhhhh!

Kajsa hit her tooth on the concrete in the back yard and now has a “blue” tooth as we like to call it…or

“Kajsa blåtand.”

I didn’t love my job at the Community Center and quit. Thaddeus finished the semester with another 4.0! woot woot

I started looking for a new job and realized I’m never going to find something that pays well without an education.

I had an epiphany, ready………..I have to get my education done. What am I waiting for? If I wait until Thaddeus is completely done with school and then start on my four or five year schooling I will be almost forty.

DEPRESSING!

I applied for the ISU fall semester and I’m waiting for an acceptance letter in the mail!

Excitement/Apprehension

Summer is finally here, Thaddeus is working a little here and there for Century High and Blackfoot High. It is just enough to pay the bills for the summer. The girls and I are spending our days at the library and at Jensen’s Grove in the sun until it will be time for all four of us (hopefully) to start school in the fall!

Yes, we will be living on loans, SCARY!

Elsa's Masterpiece

2010-02-07T04:24:00.008+01:00

INTO THE FUTURE!

Last Sunday I taught Elsa how to use the Macro on our camera. I sent her outside to get some pics. Kajsa, Elsa and I were only out there for maybe 10 or 15 minutes. She managed to capture all these cool pics. The thing in the middle is the tube slide in the back yard! It's one of those concrete tubes. The best part is that I told Elsa NOT to take that picture cause I thought it wouldn't turn out. That makes it so much cooler.
It was really HER art.
I recommended that she not waist time on the tree either.....but it looks sweet too. It was fun to see what she came up with. The eye is Kajsa's of course. I was amazed that she got such a clear shot of it. After she was done taking the pics I helped her put her collage together. She chose wich pictures she wanted and how she wanted them arranged. Then I showed her how to use the extra fun toys on picasa and of course she wanted to over expose it. I wanted her to do it in black and white :) But no kid is going to want to do that! It turned out AMAZING.
I was so proud of her. We burned the file to a CD and poped into walmart and developed it. I love how it only takes about 3 minutes to do that now a days!

The reason we made this collage was that her school was having an art/talent contest. You could write a song or a story or draw something or enter a photo. I figured that it would be easiest to do the photography section. Plus I knew Elsa was pretty good at it already.
The theme was "into the future". We were not thinking about the theme when we took the pictures but I think they matched the theme really well. We all went to the school and watched "Night at the Museum." We brought pillows and blankets and it was cozy. The school provided popcorn and drinks and cotton candy. Super fun idea.

Elsa won 1st place ($10.00) in the photography section. (I knew she would)
WAY TO GO ELSA!

At home showing off her prize and her art!

Recieving her prize and standing in front of everyone!

Nya dagiset!

2010-01-21T06:47:00.002+01:00

The girls finally started at their new dagis. Luckily we are able to cut the hours by a lot since I work mostely evenings. We are SUPER poor so we get help from ICCP to pay for it. Otherwise it would not be possible to have them there. The girls love the place!

Up-date

2010-01-07T03:38:00.002+01:00

Just thought I'd post a couple of pics from gymnastics. To anyone that pays attention you'll realize that these pics are pretty old (Elsa's hair is still long) But since I keep forgetting the camera before gynmastics and since it's so hard to get good pics. These will have to do. I must say though, both girls are progressing A LOT. Elsa's cartwheels are looking good. Kajsa's balance is super! Hopefully, there will be an up-to-date post of their gymnastics adventures soon.

New Year

2010-01-05T05:38:00.002+01:00

It's the new year and time to shape up. I love goals and starting things off cold turkey.

I have two new-years resolutions, here they are:

1. Be healthier
a. Yes, this year again. When will I ever make it all year around? Don't know. I think the last four years have all been the same. I loose weight Jan-May. Stay about the same June-Aug. Slowly gain Sep-Dec. Time to start the cycle over I guess :) I have to say it is SO much more fun when Thad does it with me. He did last year and he is doing it this year too :)

2. Learn how to say no
a. It's not like I do drugs or anything. But I just might be addicted to saying "Yes, I'd love to help you out." I love to help and get involved in just about EVERYTHING. This can sometimes cause problems for our busy little family of four. So this year, I am trying to say no even though I often want to help.

The Man

2009-12-26T08:28:00.004+01:00

This is the man who pulled of a 4.0 (all A's) during the fall semester of 2009.
I am so proud of my smart, talented, and sexy husband!
Way to go Thaddeus!
Did I mention that ISU has asked him
teach a class (in door drumline) on mondays
:)
They start on the 11th!

Lucia, split lips, cookies and tomtar...

2009-12-26T07:38:00.006+01:00

Oj oj, vad vi ligger efter med bloggning!
Hoppsan, så kan det gå när man är upptagen med en massa roliga julgrejer. Vissa saker är självklart roligare än andra. Luciafesten var till exempel mycket roligare än när Kajsa bet igenom läppen på Burger King o vi var tvungna att åka till akuten.
Här är några bilder från våran Luciafest. Michelle Robbins har tagit dessa bilder och var så snäll och delade med sig. (THANK YOU MICHELLE) Det var hon som satt ihop bilderna med. Tur var det med, för alla våra bilder var antingen kolsvart eller så var dom inga bra. vi var så upptagna att vi hann inte ta så många :)
Precis efter festen så tänkte vi åka till Burger King o köpa lite skräp mat innan resan hem......vi hann precis in och betalade. Sedan skickade vi iväg Elsa o Kajsa för att hitta en plats att sitta. (stället var nästan tomt) Det gick kanske en halv minut, så kom Elsa o sa "Kajsa hurt herself" Oj oj, vad är det nu då. Vi gick runt hörnet o där står hon med hela munnen full med blod. På något sätt lyckades hon ramla (säger E och K) på sittbänken o måste ha slagit tanden på läppen. Blodet är ÖVERALLT, och det ser riktigt djupt ut!
Nej tack till maten, som inte ens var klart....upp till akuten istället. Doctorn sa att det skulle gå utan stygn eftersom det var på insidan av läppen. Tur! Vi tyckte hemskt mycket synd om tokiga lilla Kajsa.
Vi har oxå gjort små gulliga tomtar.
Inspererad av tjejernas dagis, Solgården i Borås.
Bakat pepparkakor har vi hunnit med..........dom blev PERFEKTA!
Mums, smakade som annas pepparkakor, fast kanske lite bättre. ;)
Vi fick besök av Lucia den 13:de. Hon kom med hembakade lussekatter o bullar m.m.
Så fin hon var!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hennes tärna hade dock en STOR fläskläpp o mådde inte särskilt bra.
Oj vad jag saknar Sverige under Julen!

Merry Jul, and Gott New År!

2009-12-22T06:02:00.005+01:00

Here is our infamous Christmas Card.
Hope you all enjoy. We wish you all Happy Holidays! To all of our family and friends abroad, we miss you!

Enjoy!

If anyone wants to check out 2008, 2007, 2006 just click on the respective year. It's amazing to see how much the girls have grown over the years.

Välkommen Första Advent

2009-11-29T08:01:00.002+01:00

I have been looking forward to Första Advent a lot this year. Possibly more so than other years just because it's Swedish and we're not in Sweden anymore. Of course, it's not that easy to go to the store and just pick up an adventstake. BUT, I have connections. Remember Cole, the one who built Elsa's shelf? Well, he helped me out again. He literally threw this together in about 20 minutes with scrap pieces laying around in the garage! He is amazing and it looks SO good. The moss, candles and trinkets (apple spice pot pourri) are all complements of Wal *Mart!
I am quite excited to light it tomorrow.

Let the light shine forth

2009-11-27T04:19:00.002+01:00

Today the electricity went out around 12.30 p.m. and didn't get fixed until almost 8.30 p.m. Crazy!

Luckily we celebrated Thanksgiving at great grandpa and grandma Ferrins in town. I feel really bad for all the people out here in Groveland who had turkey's and rolls and who knows what in their ovens when the power went.

Either way, electricity is a super cool thing to be thankful for. Although, I must say it is quite cozy sitting in the dark talking and having fun with family. I had a great thanksgiving. First real one since 2002!

The best girls!

2009-11-26T05:29:00.004+01:00

Kajsa going on five!

What will become of her? She is such a wild stubborn härlig girl. She has a great imagination and I won't be surprised if she surprises us when she becomes an adult. She doesn't give up easily and is not easy to fool. Once she has a goal she finds a way to meet it. She keeps me laughing all day long. I love to kiss her freckles and comb her red hair. She is so super spunky and perfect in every way.

Elsa, going on seven!

The older, also perfect daughter. What will she become? Today she sat and held Kajsa in her arms and kissed her cheek while she took a nap. Elsa is such a mini mamma. I can imagine her having lots of kids. She LOVES to play the mothering role. Elsa is doing so well in school. Her english is getting better and better every day. She is already ahead in the reading and the teacher just moved her up to the advanced math class!

My children make me proud and happy everyday. I am so glad that I get to be a mommie. I often wonder who they will become and what they will want, or do with their lives when they are adults. Time goes by so fast. I am looking forward to having teenage, and even adult, children. At the same time I am sad that the young age is passing so quickly. It seems I just cannot get enough cuddling and hugging in.

I hope someday that we can have more kids, whether it be our own, adoptive, or foster kids.

I am thankful for my two beautiful,

bright babies.

I am anxiously anticipating the future,

what it will bring and what you will create with it.

I will always love you!

What I'm thankful for everyday, but often hesitate to express on my blog!

2009-11-24T06:13:00.012+01:00

Courage is what it takes to stand up to others
Courage is what it takes to make your own decisions
Courage is what it takes to succeed
But it also takes courage to sit down and listen
It also takes courage to admit a loss
It will take courage to respect someone others don't
Courage is needed to withstand peer pressure

So what does this mean?
Courage is essential in your journey through life.

Hanson Chen

I'd like to share something I am very thankful for every single day. I often feel I can't share this with others because I fear I may offend them. So to those members of the LDS church, this is not my intent.

These are my feelings and beliefs!

I have a LOT of LDS friends and family members whom I love and respect. I recieve LDS forwards and emails and read a lot of blog posts that are about or related to the LDS faith. I am not offended, but it bothers me a little that when I mention how I feel about the religion I often am told I am attacking them.
How can this be, are religous people free to preach all they want? Of course they are, but so am I. I am FREE to share what I believe and how I feel. (at least on my own blog) I believe that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a scam. I really, truely, and honestly do believe this.
With all my heart.

I do believe that there are many good things that the church teach and practice, for instance: charity work, FHE, youth groups and activities. There are lots of good things about the church. YES!

This is true, and that is great.
But I do not believe that these things make the church true. Nor does the church have a patent on these things either!

When I was a member I often tried to excuse the church or it's teaching by saying to myself that it's the fundamentalist that think this way or that. But there is no way around it. The church is much to young to hide it's hideous past. The founding leaders have too much dirt and blood on their hands to hide! The church teach it's members only to read church material...why would you teach this? If it's true it will stand up to scrutiny.
But it doesn't.

And it's not true.
It wasn't so called "ANTI MORMON" doctrine that made me think twice about the church. It was my gut feelings that finally demanded I get to the bottom of things. If was the fact that the church is a judgmental church! Love and kindness and peace will never be enough for them. You need to follow every rule that they make up even when they are racial, discrimanatory or wrong to be considered a faithful member.
Blacks not recieving the preisthood until 1978 for instance. Gays being stripped of their marital rights by prop 8. Will it really have to go so far as the government stepping in and demanding they stop discriminating? (The church teaches that AGENCY is so important, but would seek to strip others of it.) Plural marriage....does a member of the church even take the time to find out what the early prophets taught and said about this practice. (Ever heard of the journal of discourse? It is church material...but hard to come by these days, wonder why???) I think a lot of them don't because they don't want to know......BECAUSE then they might actually have to deal with it. I know that is how I felt a lot of times. I tried to put my gut feelings away for a long time, and I do mean a long time.

The church has inplanted a clever little tool called GUILT, deep, deep in it's members. From the time they are born they are taught that when you question the church it is shameful and of the devil. This is bizzare to me.

And sick!

TRUTH and FACTS are not bad things, they just are. I felt that it was wrong for me to indoctrinate my children. It felt to me like I was brainwashing them. I do not want my children to ever feel they have to earn my love or loose it because of their choice of or no choice of religion. I do not believe it is my place to make my daughters believe or not believe in a divine being.

BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW!

No one does. You are not better than me and I'm not better that you. The fact stays the same, there is no real proof that there is a GOD even. I think it would be a pleasant surprise if there was one, but really, I don't believe there is one. Why would he let so many of his childred suffer? If there is a GOD, is he going to punish me because I didn't pretend that he exsisted? Maybe, and in that case, I don't think I'd like to be in such a persons presence anyway.

I am honest. I am not a bad person because of this, I have not lost my soul. Staying in the church after what I had discovered would have been WRONG, at least for me. Bringing my children up under the illusion that I "knew the church is ture with every fiber of my being" would be wrong in my eyes. Religion, in general, is a very intricate topic and I don't think you can make clear or smart decisions about them until you are an adult.
The church, in my eyes, is full of peer pressure and neglecting your intellect and embracing superstition.

I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ALL MORMONS ARE FULL OF THESE THINGS.

There is a big difference. I believe there are MANY, MANY great LDS people, but I believe that the religion (teachings, scriptures, prophets..etc) is not true and that it is there that the problem lies. The religion is built upon a lie, to put it simply and straight to the point. I am glad that I can express myself about these thing and not feel ashamed or guilty. It is a wonderful free feeling.
I am not upset with my mother for bringing me up in the church. She was doing what she thought was right. How can I blame her?

I feel that I have learned A LOT from the church. I have learned many lessons and grown from them. It has in many ways shaped who I am and who I am not, and for that I am thankful. Mostly I am thankful that I left it when I did and not a minute later. It makes me sad to know there are so many members out there who feel like I did. Don't get me wrong, I was not always miserable. But the authenticity of the church was a recuring topic that I could not shake. I could push is away for months at a time and do just fine focusing on my callings and the wonderful kids in primary.........but the truth was always there and at last it caught up to me when my kids started getting bigger.

It was time to deal with it.

I am happy and thankful that I was able to deal with it in a healthy manner and move on to better things. There are many who get depressed and even those who commit suicide after their families and wards disown them. We were in Sweden when we decided to have our records removed. Our ward in Borås Sweden was filled with wonderful, caring people. Many of whom I think about often. They in no way acted badly or inappropriate.

In short I'd like to just say I am thankful that I am not a member of the church. This is not meant to be an attack, this is something I truly am thankful for

EVERY SINGLE DAY!

I'm thankful

2009-11-23T22:45:00.003+01:00

for the couch. I am usually not a big fan of sitting on the couch and watching t.v. In fact anyone that knows we well, knows I HATE wasting time in front of the t.v.
These last couple of days have been very different as I am still sick as ever and I don't have the energy to be on my feet. It is very lonely downstairs in bed, so for once, I love the couch. And since this is Idaho, I thought this pic was appropriate.

I'm also thankful for left overs, tissue paper to blow my nose, and nyquill that tastes like jägermeister to knock me out at night.

Health care Reform!

2009-11-23T01:10:00.006+01:00

I just watched some dumb ass republican go off about how health care reform will destroy the USA health care system.
Really?

He said.........no, I'll just post it so you can hear for yourself!

First of all: I just have to say, what kind of a sick selfish ass really wants to keep people from getting health care. Americans have no clue how different and fair health care can be. They don't, because they are selfish and IGNORANT! If they would care to even look at other countries they'd learn a whole lot. Yes, you might have to stand in line.....but then the ones who need help the most will get it first as well. It's called sacrifice! Ever heard of it?

PLUS, if you're as rich as a lot of these selfish people are, they're rich enough to buy their own private health care anyway and they can go to their own "special" doctors. If doctors get paid a normal good wadge then maybe all the jerks who don't even care about people but who just go into it for the money would get weeded out.

The thing that bothers me the VERY most, and this is just because I'm an ex mormon, is that so many LDS in this region (Idaho, Utah..etc) are SOOOOO against a reformed health care. God forbid I have to pay more taxes so the poor mexican's kid next door gets to go to the doctor when they need to.

REALLY? WTF?

Have I forgotten everything about the church, I think not. It was the church that taught about the law of consecration was it not. And the law of consecration was not just paying a little more in taxes, it was giving EVERYTHING you had and then getting only what you need.

AKA -communism.

This health care reform is not even close, but still the same idea to an extent, giving a little and getting help when you really need it. And mostley, FOR THE PEOPLE WHO CAN'T AFFORD IT. How can a person see something bad with giving, to help someone else. Yes yes, I realize that a lot of republicans are upset because there are soooo many illegals. Yes there are. SO WHAT? A person is a person, is a person, is a person. Just because they happened to be born in bad conditions and have taken themselves out if it as good as they can does not mean that they should suffer because they are poor. Everyone feels pain, it doesn't hurt more or less depending on what color of skin you have or where you were born. PEOPLE are important.
I STRONGLY believe that health care should be available for EVERYONE. Period, and if I can pay a little more taxes then I'd LOVE to.
The myth that health care gets worse when it's not private is blown WAY out of proportion, look it up for yourself!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/21/AR2009082101778.html
If you don't have the pacience to read the whole thing, go to page three, where she kind of summarizes and makes some good points.

http://www.photius.com/rankings/

http://www.allcountries.org/ranks/preventable_deaths_country_ranks_1997-1998_2002-2003_2008.html

http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthy_life_table2.html

Sick Joy

2009-11-22T21:17:00.002+01:00

I am thankful that I have not been sick since we moved here. I've had the occational sore throat....but up until now I haven't had anything terrible. NOW, I am sick for real. My lungs BURN.... It feels like I have been outside running in the cold without clothes on. Ever ran farther than you really should have and get the nasty burning sensation at the top of your lungs?

That's what I have.

And I have the little nasty green monsters visiting me that like to be coughed up. Plus body aches. Yes, I am feeling sorry for myself. I am the only one in the family without insurance as well, plus I'm the one trying to support us on my pathetic wadge. Grrrr, being sick does not fit into my schedule right now.

I had three appointments booked for tomorrow as well, all of which I am going to have to cancel :( But like I said, I am thankful that this is the first time I've gotten REALLY sick in six months or maybe even more! Hence this is my thanks post for the day.

Scary Night!

2009-11-22T03:08:00.002+01:00

I just have to share what happened to me last night. Thad and the girls were in Rexburg. I have been reading this criminal murder story book................I layed in bed for over and hour reading it. I'm soooo close to finishing, so you can emagine that it's pretty intense. Anyway, I fell alseep sometime around eleven. Then all of a sudden I wake up to the sound of music???

What?

I'm still dreaming.....I put music on on my cell phone, then my head starts to get clearer.
NO NO, I can hear music...quite loud and clear. I'm fully awake now! It's Josh Groban singing his heart out. What the hell? I'm the ONLY person in the house. So I get up, and find that Kajsa's cd player is on. It's playing this song:

I look around, Kajsa's room is a dissaster, toys ALL OVER THE PLACE, on the bed and floor...her pillow is missing. Her room is SUPER cold. I'm a little freaked out. I hadn't checked her room before I went to bed...but if the girls are home (like a normal day) We always clean up before we go to bed, always, ALWAYS. For a second I had the thought, someone has been in here looking for something. Someone is messing with me.
AHHHHHHH!
Then I calm myself down and figure out that somehow Kajsa had turned on the alarm...and of course midnight is the time that it auto sets to. Scary! So I turn off the cd player and crawl back into bed and talk myself into chilling out.

Why? Why on a night when I'm ALL ALONE. The alarm on her cd player has actually gone off ONCE before and that was when I ran inside to grab something downstairs and everyone else was waiting in the car!!!!

Yikes...does this make me a believer?
Nawwww

Saturdays!

2009-11-22T02:45:00.005+01:00

I had never heard this song before but when I searched youtube for SATURDAY(s) ...this is what I found. I was going to say I am THANKFUL it is finally Saturday evening and WORK is done for the week.

Ahhhhhhhhh!

p.s. I was thankful this morning when I stepped on the scale....

Anja: Snygg jeansrumpa???? Hahahaha, tror jag inte!

Friday

2009-11-21T04:34:00.003+01:00

1. Today I am thankful that I didn't go over to little caesars and buy their Italian cheese bread sticks. I did that yesterday and ate the whole thing by myself and made myself sick. I wanted to go and get some SOOOOOO badly today. (Our store is RIGHT NEXT DOOR to little caesars) Every time a customer walks in the door all I smell is pizza and bread sticks. It is torture. BUT, today I stood against the temptation! I am proud of myself and tomorrow morning when I step on the scale I will be thankful :) p.s. This picture doesn't do them justice, they are so delicious it is CRAZY!

2. I'm thankful that my hubby is such a sweet guy. Tonight he took the girls with him and is spending the night at Matt and Sarah's in Rexburg cause tomorrow morning he and Matt are going to put in a new floor board thingy stuff in mom's house! Someone commented,...I can't remember who it was, "My husband would never go over and spend the night with my family alone" Hmmmm, I guess I never even thought about it. Either way, Thad is such a sweet guy. Tomorrow is his first day of his week long Thanksgiving break and he's starting it out by helping my mommie.

I love you Thad!

Thanks

2009-11-20T04:55:00.002+01:00

1. Today I'm thankful that there is a washer and dryer in the house and that we don't have to go to "tvättstugan" to do it. We just discovered that all the girls pants are dirty! The laundry is in the machine. Although if we ever move out on our own I am sure I will be wishing there was a "tvättstuga" in the basement since we are too poor to buy our own washer and dryer ;) hahaha go figure!

2. I am thankful that is was slow at work for the last hour tonight, I had all my closing chores done and actually locked the place up right on time at 8 p.m. Sweet Joy! It is nice coming home after a 12 hour work day.

Wednesday Thanks

2009-11-19T05:43:00.004+01:00

1. Spray Tans. I just got one and they're so much fun. I should upload a picture so you can all see. Oh well. For anyone that doesn't know by now, I work at a tanning salon in Blackfoot. I give spray tans (tan envy custom sprays) and do the body wraps along side massages. I also work the front desk when appointments are slow. It is GREAT to be able to benifit from our treatments for free. Just a tanning membership for a year costs 189 dollars....not to mention all the upgrades I use that I get free. If you've never had a spray tan, come and try one. Infact they are on special tomorrow and on Saturday!

Buy one get one half off!!!!

Did I mention they look GREAT!

2. A good book. I am reading a book right now and it's getting better and better. There's nothing like a good book! I love the feeling of wanting to read as soon as you have a moment over.

Thanx

2009-11-17T23:59:00.002+01:00

1. Today I'd like to tell you all about our pet cow. We haven't named it yet, but there is a cute little (not so little anymore actually) brown calf that comes into our yard ALL the time. Thaddeus and I noticed several months ago that this same little calf keeps getting out. It likes to hang out in our front yard! I have actually seen the little guy when he seriously just sticks his head between the barbed wire and then proceeds to lift his legs one at a time right through fence. He is a pro at doing it! I'm going to try and get it on tape....it's pretty amazing. Smart cow I say. So.....the moral of the story, I'm thankful for the cute little cow, he/she brightens my day and makes me laugh.

2. I am thankful that Thaddeus is doing so great at school. He has been giving it his all and so far he still has a 4.0!!!! Finals are just about here and it is soooooo "spännande" to see what happens. I am so proud of him!

3. I am thankful that I can go over to greatgrandma's and borrow her sewing machine...plus she helps me all the time with whatever project I am trying to do. We were over there today just fixing a few holes in clothes. I am going to try and sew 3 Lucia gowns......I have a feeling that I will be needing Grandma's help :)

Thankful on a Monday

2009-11-17T06:14:00.003+01:00

1. Today I am thankful for extra cash. Thaddeus and I donate plasma to get extra cash. It is a great thing. We make 50 dollars each a week if we do it twice! 20 if we only do it once a week. I started donating plasma in May or June and it has been going pretty well. I haven't gotten sick or anything and I only fainted once (the first time)!!!
I currently donate/sell at the Biolife center in Idaho falls. They have a daycare there and I book my appointments ahead of time on line. There is a center in Pocatello as well where Thad is probably going to start donating. They pay a little more. 30 the first time and 35 the second time...so 65 a week per person! BUT they don't have a day care, so I probably won't be going there.

2. I am also thankful for the scentsy candles. We just got a new scent and it smells sooooooo good at home now :)

3. Grilled cheese sandwiches and Mac and cheese. Affordable food that the kids LOVE!

Ear Candy!

2009-11-16T01:29:00.005+01:00

I love this piece so much it's silly. I think I could put this on repeat and play it all day long. I know it's simple but I LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

Tacksam Idag!

2009-11-16T01:09:00.002+01:00

1.Idag är jag tacksam att jag är Svensk :)

Myspys Lucia och Första advent börjar närma sig och idag har vi övat på Luciatåg sångerna med några vänner o fikat! Sååååå Svenskt! Så roligt att titta igenom alla Lucia grejer och julpynt. Skoj skoj. Vi hann t.o.m. till affären en sväng o handlade lite, hela familjen. Thad och jag har inte mathandlat tillsammans på flera månader verkar det som eftersom vi är båda upptagna på egna håll på sistone. Vi brukar sticka o handle en utav oss så får den andre någon anna uppgift att klara av under tiden så vi inte slösar bort dyrbar tid.

2. Är också tacksam för hembakade bullar och hemmagjord blandsaft. Jag älskar mamma's blandsaft. Vi har ångkokat lite squash idag och jag ska försöka ge mig på att baka bröd med det som blev över! Spännande o se hur det går....eller om det ens blir av idag :)

Tja, Idag var en mycket bättre dag än igår, det får man nog erkänna.

Saturday

2009-11-15T05:56:00.002+01:00

1. I am thankful that this day will end! Today I have been irritable and tired. I am glad that I usually don't have lots of these days. But MAN do they suck when they're here.

2. Also thankful that the bathroom is finally clean and laundry is done.

Thankful Friday the 13th

2009-11-14T07:14:00.005+01:00

I worked all day today, from 8 to 8 and when I got home the computer was incapacitated....So I had to wait for Thad go get home with the lap top. He was at a concert tonight so I had to wait for quite a while.
I'm thankful for:

1. Our lap top ;)

2. Music, I just love music. Music brought Thaddeus and me together! Music makes me cry, laugh, want to sing and worried. It brings out so many feelings and can cheer me up when I'm sad. I love to play the piano a ton as well as the trumpet (although i don't play either as much as I would like) I love all kinds of music genres; classical, country, r and b, pop, oldies, tecno....you name it! I love a good song, and I LOVE to crank up the volume while I'm driving. (Something Thad does not appriciate)
Here's a song for tonight!
It won't let me embed it...so a link will have to do. Are you feeling ambitious?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4JLa0hbUw

3. The community center in Blackfoot! (Avery and Chelsey, do I have your attention? ) I was so happy to find out a while back that Blackfoot has a community center. A GREAT place for mom's and dad's to get together. If you're like me and you don't go to church, it's nice to know that there ARE places to socialize without having religion tied to it. The gymnastic classes that the girls are taking are at the community center. They offer really cheap yoga classes for adults as well as play time for stay at home parents to met. A bunch of mom's meet mon-thur and work out together, and it's free. We put on a work out tape and the kids play together on all of their fun equipment. For all of you facebookers out there, this is why my status has been something along the lines of "I'm sore........my muscles are in shock" hahaha. But I REALLY love it and I'm so thankful to have found the community center! The center here in Blackfoot even offers an after school program....also FREE! Go find your community center and get involved :)

4. I'm thankful that I'm not superstitious. Alas, it was a great friday the 13th! Are you superstitious?

Thursday

2009-11-12T05:30:00.002+01:00

is tomorrow, and I will be working 8-8 so I better be out ahead of time so I don't miss my daily post. I don't think I've ever done a daily post thing before actually.
Anyway, I'll get right to it.

1. The small things that make a difference in my life.

a. lip balm (carmex)

b. M&M's (peanut, I've had a thing for them this last week...or two, maybe three weeks? Not good, but oh so good. It is definately making a difference, on my thighs :( BUT alas, they are yummy and I am thankful for them.)

c. Tampons, I know, I know don't get to personal. BUT REALLY, really, what a freaking cool invention. I am sooooooo super thankful for these tiny wonders that make my life so much easier!

2. Having my own car. It is a piece of junk and on cold mornings I'm always worried if it's going to start or not. Not to mention die on me at stop lights.....but it is nice having the freedom that owning your own car gives. Thanks to the car I can work and Thad can go to school (with his car). In a perfect world there would be public transportation and we would be saving the environment by carpooling, but this is Idaho. I wake up with cows in the front yard ALL THE TIME, I don't think there will ever be a bus going by here :) And the busses that go to ISU from town don't work with our schedule! Until we can take the bus, I love not being tied down. p.s. Thanks Stacie!

3. Tanning! I know it is slightly unhealthy but I just love being tan and getting to do it for free. And damn it, it makes me feel sexier, and I need that :)

4. I want to make sure and throw salt in there. I really dig the salt flavor. Mmmm salt!

Whoa, those were random.

Today I am thankful for

2009-11-11T15:25:00.002+01:00

1. Sleep......... I love to sleep! Getting to bed on time is worth so much.

2. Having a place to live. I'm pretty sure that in all the years Thad and I have been married we have never been this poor. BUT, it's working out thanks to family. Having the luxury of living in Earls basement has litteraly kept us from being homeless. Hopefuly these years of Thad's schooling will whiz by fast. So far they are :) It's so nice to live in a house though. Here are just a few of the up sides we haven't had before:

a. Our own yard, not that I care if it's ours....but it's not having to worry about the kids running out and playing by themselves that it great.
b. Dishwasher! Yes, we have not had a dishwasher since we got married in May of 2002. I am loving it!
c. Three bedrooms! This is the first time the kids have their own bedrooms, not that it's that important, but I think it's nice.

3. Babysitters. We have so many babysitters here willing to help out it is bliss. If it weren't for my mom and Earl and Great grandparents we'd be in a jam. We are planning on applying for iccp either this week or next week. (ICCP- Idaho child care program; it's for poor people like us who need help to pay for day care) We should qualify, and then the family can get a break :) Thanks for all of your help!

I told you I/We have a lot to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving is just.....

2009-11-10T19:28:00.003+01:00

around the corner. Since I have a lot and I do mean A LOT to be thankful for I'm going to list a few things everyday. These posts will not be fancy, but it will be fun to share.

What's on my Thankful list today??

1. Being alive, I love breathing and feeling, being sore, being happy and sad. Just plain being alive and healthy.
2. My girls, they are my sunshine and joy. They make me happy and they're so stinking cute I could cuddle and snuggle with them all day long.
3. A Hot Sexy, tall, smart, talented and SUPER sweet husband who is not controlling and never disrespects me. He supports me in my endevors and pulls his fair share with the girls. Oh, and did I mention he's hot? And Sexy!
4. My Job. I love my new job at the Electric Raze tanning salon and I really like my co-workers as well as my boss! It makes a WORLD of a difference when you enjoy working. Cross your fingers that my clientelle will get bigger!

So there ya have it, that's it for today!

Sankta Lucia!

2009-11-08T22:47:00.000+01:00

Titta William!

2009-11-08T04:19:00.002+01:00

Hej kompis, jag har tappat fyra tänder nu......men det börjar växa in nya! Kan du se mina tre nya tänder? Jag såg bilden på dig men tanden. Ditt hår såg snyggt ut! Jag vill åka på semester till Sverige. Då kan vi leka! Vad roligt att du har fått en bebis lillasyster. Jag har börjat i skolan, och det är roligt. Jag saknar dig. Puss och Kram!
Elsa

Cute Girls

2009-11-04T07:19:00.004+01:00

Patiently waiting for her turn.....yes, Elsa changed her mind AGAIN. Now she's back to wanting to do gymnastics. I just can't keep up with her. I had a hunch this would happen and brought her gym clothes just incase. :) Now she has to commit for the rest of the term though since I just paid the fee. I think she will like it. Elsa just tends to start backing down when things start getting tough. Just like with the horse riding, she wanted to quit because trotting was scary. Once she got over it, she loved it.

Kajsa doing a hand stand, pointed toes and all!

Back bends are fun.

Halloween Fun 2009

2009-11-01T22:40:00.005+01:00

Seriously, I mean really....can there be a more fun Holiday? I just LOVE Halloween. Dressing up, trick or treating, all the candy...... It is so much fun. I wish there was one Halloween Holidy per month. Here are some pictures to witness all the fun we had last night.
Thaddette, a cross dresser or the little Angel's God mother, you choose ;)
Faces of an Angel
Faces or a Red headed Angel
Fun at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house. We got LOADS of candy there!
Wickedly cool jack-o-lanterns that Thad carved. He has some sweet talent in the pumpkin department.
After trick or treating we went home and watched a scary movie....or the best scary movie we could find. We were going to put ET on, the kids have been wanting to watch it, but the vcr didn't want to participate correctly, so we ended up watching pirates of the carribeans #2. It was plenty scary for the kids. We stuffed ourselves with candy and Elsa Angel fell asleep on the couch. Kajsa was still going strong at 12.30, we had to put her to bed or she probably would have stayed up all night.

Last week Thaddeus

2009-10-31T05:13:00.004+01:00

turned 29.
Wow, one year away from being a real grown up.
(Next year I want to do something big like throw a big surprise party.......... Not so sure he would appriciate it though, as in he hates lots of attention)

We don't have a whole lot of money right now and he is way too nice to turn me down when I suggested we go to Boise for his birthday. So this is what we did last week. We drove down to Boise early saturday morning. Matt and Sarah car pooled with us. Got to Chelsey's house around...geez I can't remember, maybe one in the afternoon or so. Started drooling over Brynlee, the new niece.......kept drooling. Took a shor break and went out for a nice dinner just the two of us. They had GREAT margarita's. Mmm.
Made it back to Chelsey and Austin's. Played a board game while continuing the drooling where we had left off and ate some junk food.
Next day we drooled more and then took off to see Mike and Leah and their new house. It was really cool. They have lots of room and a good location. I am excited for them. Mike hooked me up with a sweet snowboard as well.
I have to admit, I am slightly excited about winter this year. I can't say I enjoy the cold cause I HATE it, BUT this year will be my first year actually being able to do a winter sport and I am gitty (I think it's supposed to be giddy...but I don't care) about it. Matt works at Kelly Canyon and can get us in free, FREE! Snow boarding is new for Sarah too...so I am really excited. Free pass, cheap gear and someone to board with that won't make me feel like a looser.
Sooooo, moral of the story:

Happy Birthday Thaddeus, next year you're in for it!
P.s. All my friends think you are SUPER hot, and you know you are...even though you won't admit it. So HA!

Elasta girl !

2009-10-27T05:31:00.003+01:00

A few weeks ago Kajsa and Elsa started a gymnastics class. Turns out Kajsa is quite the little Elasta girl. She is already doing back bends by herself. (granted they are from they laying down possition....) Her balance it super good and her splits are not far from being mastered. She is loving it. These pictures are from last week. Although Elsa begged to do gymnastics instead of the cheer class she originaly started out with, today she told me she doesn't want to do gymnastics either. She doesn't want to keep riding.....hmm, I want her to find something fun to do. All she could come up with today was drums!
What?
She wants to play the drums. Thad told her that's great but if she's going to take drum lessons from him then she needs to actually listen to what he says, even though he's JUST dad! We'll see how this goes ;) Either way, I'll be keeping this site updated with Kajsa's gymnastics fun!

Goal for this week...get a pic of Kajsa doing the bridge ;)

Coming together

2009-10-16T06:17:00.004+02:00

I have been working on Elsa's room for quite some time now. Seems I never have enough money to get the things I want for decorating. BUT things are starting to come together ;)
We bought the bed and the book shelf (that we use instead of a dresser), at IKEA. I LOVE that place. The paint we used was left over paint that we found in the basement ;)
We did have to buy ONE bucket of white.

The little heart shaped stool we got from Kristene, she had it laying around her house and was going to toss it or get rid of it at a garage sale. We peeled a sticker off of it and painted it.
Voilá!

This AMAZING shelf was built by Cole. For those who don't know who Cole is, he is Thad's younger brother. He happens to work at a cabinet place and came and measured Elsa's bed and created this shelf to match it. He said he just threw it together in about an hour. I wish I could do stuff like that.
I LOVE IT
THANK YOU COLE!

I picked up the painting at Bed Bath and Beyond. It was kind of pricey, but I thought it was worth it since it matched so well. The little vases, marbles and flowers I just bought at wal-mart.
I was slightly upset while at wal-mart. I have noticed that plastic flowers look much worse here in the states than they do in Sweden.
It is annoying.
These were the most real looking ones I could find.

All in all, I am happy with how her room is turning out concidering I have not put a whole lot of money into it. My next goal is to sew a duvét cover and curtains to match.

From Blonde to Brunette!

2009-10-08T16:22:00.003+02:00

I had planned on letting my hair grow out......but right about at this middle length time I start going crazy. I've been a bit bored with my hair as well, for quite some time. I decided to be brave and try something new. Well sort of......I've had an a line cut several times before and I knew I like those a lot. But I've NEVER had hair this dark before. I went in and asked to get some "RED" highlights with DARK hair. I had Kajsa with me for the appointment and I told the hair lady I wanted Kajsa's color for the high lights along with a little blond. This is what I walked out with. But I am getting used to it and I think I actually like it a lot. Of course I had to dye my eye brows as well, they looked retarded with the dark hair.

I love how the dark brings my eyes out. It is really fun to have something new for a change. Not so excited about having to deal with it when it starts growing out.

But for the time being I love it!

More babies......

2009-10-06T21:07:00.003+02:00

Ida o Tomas har ÄNTLIGEN fått sin lilla tjej.

Leah var född söndagsmorgon, inte en dag för tidigt!!!!

Tror faktiskt att ida var beräknad till den 24:de september,

men gick över tills den 4:de oktober.

(Du får rätta mig om jag har fel Ida)

Vad jag saknar familjen Horvatics.

Underbara människor, fina snälla barn.

Det gör ont i hjärtat att man inte kommer

lära känna lilla Leah så som man skulle ha gjort

hade vi bott kvar i Borås.

Många stora grattis kramar till hela familjen Horvatic

VI SAKNAR ER MASSOR!

Brynlee, my new niece!!!!

2009-10-03T05:53:00.004+02:00

Chelsey Gale had her baby!

she was a whopping 8 lbs 11oz.

Yeah, big girl!

Due to the lack of more pictures (HINT HINT, I WANT MORE PICS NOW), this is all I have. It's from a cell phone, so it's not great quality.

Nevertheless, enjoy, she is one ADORABLE baby and I can't wait to meet her.

BIG CONGRATS TO CHELSEY AND AUSTIN

Babies babies everywhere!

2009-09-15T21:44:00.008+02:00

Seems that EVERYONE is having babies. First it was Kirsten then Avery, then Alexandra, Now Jodie just had her baby Cameron yesterday. Ida and Chelsey are about to pop any moment. Then Michelle and Kellie, and lets not forget Lise!
Hope I didn't forget anyone.

Sorry if I did!

I so wish that I could have been part of this baby boom.

Most of the girls who are having babies right now are having their second or third child. I'm hoping that by the time we're ready to have another one (crossing my fingers that Thad will even want more by then) that lots will be ready to have number three or four. I hear from everyone else that they just happened to get pregnant. I wish our prevention wouldn't work so damn good!

And no, we're not using abstinence :)

hahahahaha

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ORME FAMILY!!!

Go Cowgirl!

2009-09-15T06:40:00.002+02:00

We went to the Eastern Idaho State Fair last week.

Morfar came with us.

We all enjoyed it.

This was the high light for me.

Horseback riding

2009-09-13T06:36:00.001+02:00

I think this is the last one........

A few more camping pictures

2009-09-13T06:34:00.002+02:00

Camping

2009-09-09T19:00:00.003+02:00

For anyone that doesn't know.
We left on friday evening. Due to a few car accidents and pit stops on the road we were quite delayed getting up there. We didn't have a place in mind to camp we just figured it would work out. We didn't get up to the Island park/west Yellowstone area until around 9.30 10.00 ish. So it was pitch dark. Of course the first campground we got to was full. Jam packed to be exact. So we kept on driving and were getting a little worried. But we ARE big girls (or we like to think so anyway) So we didn't call our hubbies and ask for help;)

Instead we finally found a little road (with a "road closed" sign that we ignored) and drove past a bunch of campers. We finally found a spot (with the help of head lights and flash lights) It really was dark. The good thing was it was free and we had lots of privacy. There were other campers around, just far enough that if felt like we were by ourselves out in the woods, but close enough that it wasn't scary. The other campers had a bunch of kids with them too, so it felt pretty safe. Anywho, we got set up in the dark with the help of the head lights again and went to sleep pretty fast. The next morning we went and checked the Ranch out and then went into West to clean up a bit. Then we went on our amazing ride. Then we went back into West and got the Old fashioned pics taken.....then back to camp and chilled for a bit. Then sometime around one or two in the morning we finally hit the sack. We had a great time.

If you read this whole paragraph then you deserve a medal.

On Fire

2009-09-09T18:55:00.003+02:00

Don't mess with Stacie. When she's in the Wild she becomes......well, just have a look for yourself. This is her showing off her "fire makin' skills"
Just look at those muscles would ya ;)

Two hot broads, enjoying the campfire.
It was so cozy sitting by the fire philosophying until the wee hours of the night.
Oh Joy for best friends!

Purdy Horses!

2009-09-09T18:05:00.002+02:00

We were worried that the weather was going to get rough on us. That's what the weather people had said anyway. But nope, it was PERFECT the whole time, and Purdy. Just look at them Purdy horses.
Yee-ha!

The Ranch

2009-09-09T17:53:00.003+02:00

was just four miles south of West Yellowstone. I don't know how many times I've passed by this place and always wanted to stop and ride. I never knew what it was called. If you're wondering it's the Diamond P Ranch. It was a great place. I highly recommend it.

Just a few ramdom pics

2009-09-09T17:40:00.002+02:00

These pictures are all from our horseback ride Saturday.
It was so much fun.
Both Stacie and I hadn't been horseback riding for years and years. Since we don't have any close connections with horse-y people we had to dish out the big bucks. There was a couple from Utah that rode with us. It was the wifes FIRST time EVER getting out of Utah. Can you believe that? Talk about crazy. She was 52, oh and it was also her very first time on a horse.
WOW!
Let me just say, it WAS worth it. We rode WAY up in the mountains for about 2 and a half hours. The guide was really nice and his 12 year old cousin was helping him out. Since our group was so small we got favored a little. (Thanks to his little cousin who took us on a private trot ride....shhhhh don't tell) We both loved every moment of it.....well, almost, if you forget about when Stacie's stirrups were too low while she was trotting.
Ouch!
Well, I enjoyed every second of it anyway :)

Sneak Peek.....

2009-09-08T18:19:00.003+02:00

There are lots of good pictures to come!

Here is the only picture I can get to today, since Thad took the laptop with him to school. He won't be home untill around 10:45 (22.45).... hopefuly I'll have some time tomorrow up load some pictures from our camping trip.

(Yes, I did play with the photo...and replaced it with this one)

Another school kid!

2009-08-27T17:27:00.004+02:00

Alright, so I'm not sure if you've all heard or not but Thaddeus was excepted to ISU last week. His first day was on tuesday. He didn't act as ecstatic as Elsa did......but I'm sure he was quite excited. This is something we've been waiting to get done for....well since we quit school about seven years ago. I am so excited for him to go back and get his degree and do what he loves. I can't explain how proud I am of him. I'm sure he's going to do great. He's got a full load with 15 credits. Lots of music classes along with sience and speech. Horray to a year of scrounging to get by and education to get smart :)
Good luck this semester Thaddeus
I LOVE YOU!

p.s. I did take a picture of Thad on his first day of school. But it is stuck on my cell phone and I didn't want to wait longer to post this....so here you go.

School Girl

2009-08-27T05:39:00.003+02:00

Geez mom, how long do we have to stand here and wait for Elsa to come home?

Ooh, there comes the bus with my school girl on it!

My big school girl got off the bus and was all smiles. I didn't get a chance to take a pic as she got off the bus cause the driver wanted to talk to me about moving the bus stop for Elsa.
Elsa had a great time at school. She liked every bit of it and said they had recess three times during the day. Her teacher is really nice and a girl at school asked her if she wanted to be her friend :) Elsa said yes, of course....but she couldn't remember the girls name. Cute!
She even told me that she had raised her hand during class when they were talking about being nice and stuff like that. Elsa had shared that it's important to tell the truth with the class. I've been worried that she might not dare speak up....boy am I proud :)
Elsa is excited for tomorrow. She's got her clothes picked out, laying on her little stool and the alarm clock is set!

Happy school season to all you parents out there with school kids.

Practice makes perfect!

2009-08-27T02:27:00.008+02:00

Last night Elsa got a new alarm clock! She wanted to have one so she could wake up on her own and she wanted one with the two big old fashioned bells on top. So she got just what she wanted.
Man is it loud!
This morning I snuck into her room about five minutes before her alarm was to go off so I could catch the moment of excitement. As soon as the alarm rang and she figured out what was going on she flew out of bed, turned off the alarm, shouted at me to turn on the light and pulled her nighty off. I hardly got this photo. I was trying to work the camera as fast as I could....but this is THE only nighty pic I got cause she was too fast for me. I honestly don't think I've ever seen Elsa soooo incredibly excited about anything, ever. She just kept saying over and over "First day of school. First day I'm going to ride the bus" (Only she was talking in Swedish)
She was so happy :)

I didn't even have to tell her to go and brush her teeth.....she beat me into the bathroom!

She "slukade" breakfast in no time. This was another thing I've never seen her do before. Usually it takes her FOREVER to eat. She was so impatient she went out to wait for the bus early. Of course Licorice (Grandpa's dog) followed her to the stop and kept her company while waiting.......

And waiting and waiting and waiting.
Good thing we went out so early :)

Just look at that happy face!
Elsa picked out her clothes by herself as well.
Nice pick Elsa!
She got to choose a lot of her clothes when we went back to school shopping for her and I gotta say, the girls got great taste in clothes ;)

Finally the bus came!!! Yes I was parked at the end of the street ready to follow the bus to the school ;) The bus stop has previously been at the end of the street (where this pic is taken) but since there are no other kids that get on here they agreed to move the stop to our driveway. YAY!
So tomorrow she'll get on and get dropped off at the driveway. I'm really happy about this cause this way I can keep an eye on her from inside (and not have to get Kajsa up or leave her alone) until she gets on the bus.
I stayed quite far behind the bus so as not to embarass Elsa or bug the driver. When we got close to the school all of a sudden there were a million (might be stretching that one a little....but it was confusing) busses and I lost Elsa's bus. So once we parked and got out Elsa had already gotten off the bus and been helped to her class. Kajsa and I went inside and made sure she was there and gave her some stuff we took in the car with us. I meet Elsa's teacher, who seemed really sweet!

Here are a few practice pictures that we took yesterday :)

good thing we practiced cause today was PERFECT!

Pics from the reception in Montana

2009-08-26T06:33:00.006+02:00

My beautiful mother

It's just chocolate all over her face :)

OH and on her face too!

The happy mothers of the bride and groom

Kajsa just loves her new aunt to pieces

The Girls love Rachel as well.
It's almost as if they got two aunts out of this family union!!

Bride and Groom

And then some random ones :)

A few pics from Montana

2009-08-26T06:13:00.002+02:00

Some of you know that the girls and I drove up to Montana with Rachael and mom for Matt and Sarah's reception in Montana. It was a lot of fun. While we were there we got a little bit of fun time scheduled in. Here are a few pics from out on the boat.

The girls LOVED it.

Kajsa said she was going to tell Pappa to get a boat when she got home...... Yeah right, a boat? That is one toy I'm pretty sure we'll never be able to afford! Ha

So cute with that little "glugg"

2009-08-26T05:36:00.004+02:00

Elsa lost another tooth.

This time it was one of the big ones on top. I had a really hard time convincing her that it was loose enough to just pop out. We were at Mormor's house sleeping over and we sat in the bathroom for probably a half an hour trying to convince her to let me "feel" it. Didn't work, finally she let us tie some floss around it just to see how much of it was still attached. I barely even yanked on the string and it poped right out. Elsa was happy and said that that was the best way we've done it so far. She's already set on getting that other loose one out the same way. We just need to give it a week or so to get a little looser first. The tooth ferry came and visited her AGAIN, even though she didn't believe in her. Nice toothfairy, that's what I think :) She was happy for the money and of course didn't even have to consider whether or not to share with Kajsa, it was pretty much a given. They bought bubble gum with it!

I'm loving that cute toothless smile. I hope that her other top one goes soon, it'll be sooooooooooo cute.
Tomorrow is Elsa's first day of school. I've got the camera all ready to go. This morning we got up pretty early to practice. We even walked out to the bus stop and everything. I even got pictures from today practicing!!!
Yes, I am pathetic :)

The freckled girls

2009-08-15T05:31:00.002+02:00

Open house!

2009-08-15T05:07:00.002+02:00

Electric Raze Tanning Salon

1355 Parkway Dr
Blackfoot, ID 83221
208-785-0955

Tomorrow (Aug 15th)we're having an
open house
at my new job.

Come and check it out if you're in the area.
Free tanning and free 5 minute back massages
by me of course.
Don't miss it!!!

I'm not done yet!

2009-08-15T04:56:00.003+02:00

Sarah's new family!

Rachael is Sarah's sister. The kids LOVED her.

The kids had a good time

The bride and her father

Kiirstin came up.
What an awesome surprise!

It's hard to choose only a few pictures to post

2009-08-15T04:44:00.004+02:00

so bear with me, here we go......

What other kind of face do you make when Mike is behind the camera?

Mike and Leah.
Love you guys!

Kajsa LOVES animals.
She was playing with Booka and Honey pretty much all day long.
Hope I didn't slaughter the spelling on that one.
(Booka and Honey are Mike and Leah's dogs)

Yummy food!

My father-in-law and hopefully future mother-in-law (wink wink) came :)

More wedding pics :)

2009-08-15T04:21:00.004+02:00

First Dance as married couple!

Parents!

Boys will be boys!

Handsome groom

Sarah's cousin came all the way from New York!

2009-08-15T03:44:00.002+02:00

Just a few pics of the gang!
Kajsa was not picture happy that morning.
(Which is why there isn't a pic of her in her dress)
It was a HOT and perfect day!

Wedding pictures!

2009-08-15T03:30:00.002+02:00

Here are just a few pics from right after Sarah and Matt were married!!!!

Getting ready for school!

2009-08-13T04:10:00.002+02:00

Today Thaddeus registered Elsa for school. I am still jealous that he got to do it and not me. I can't believe my baby will be starting school in only two weeks. School, SCHOOL. I have a child who will be in first grade. I am getting old! I think Elsa is going to just love it. She got to meet her teacher today and she got her schedule and everything. I'll be keeping you all posted. I've made sure to get the day off on her first day so I can drop her off and pick her up.

More M&S

2009-08-03T17:58:00.003+02:00

Here is the finished product from the other collages I did quite a while back.
I can't believe they're married now.
I am really excited to have such a great new sister in law.
I will be posting more pictures from their big day as I get a little more free time on my hands.

Matt and Sarah

2009-08-03T17:50:00.003+02:00

I made these collages for Sarah and Matt's wedding.
I think they're adorable.
I only used Picasa, so I was a little limited.
My favorite one is the last one.

Holy Cow!

2009-08-03T17:35:00.007+02:00

Thad was mowing the lawn a while back and ran over a bunch of dried up cow pies...... The other morning we were eaing breakfast when we were interupted by these cows. Ha, we caught ya! The kids got a big kick out of it. After only a few minutes the owner came over and apologized and moved them. I was almost sad, cause they were so cute just standing there eating grass.

Here's a clip of the cows

I feel like

2009-07-29T20:38:00.003+02:00

THE happiest person alive right now. Yesterday I went job hunting ALL DAY LONG. I don't even know how many applications I picked up and how many stores I visited. The very last place I walked in before I was going to call it quits is the place I got hired at. I was not even expecting to get an application or anything, infact I didn't even know the place was there. I was actually going to stop in at Bealls and check if anything had changed there and if they needed anyone. I just decided to keep walking that little strip mall and see what was there. I walked past a tanning place and thought, "eh, what the hell" I've been everywhere else so why not. I walked in and it was really cute. I started talking to the girl behind the counter (who owns the place with her mom) and told her I was a masseuse as well and that I needed to find a new job. Turns out she did need someone and so we talked for quite a while and it sounded very positive. Then today I went back and it's official :) I will be starting next week. I will be working not just as a masseuse but with the tanning and body wraps as well. This is wonderful as I know that working full time as a masseuse would wear me out. I'll be keeping all you guys posted. This job seems to be right up my alley, no more nasty fast food grease for me thank you. (besides tomorrow that I'll have to painfully endure)

Family get away

2009-07-24T03:43:00.005+02:00

Last week I worked six days in a row. When I finally had my day off I just wanted to get out of town and go somewhere fun with the family. So we jumped in the car and headed for Cave Falls. Only to find out that the little cave by the falls (hence the name cave falls, duh) had a HUGE pile of rocks in front of it and was no longer accessable. We were really surprised. Elsa and Kajsa felt totally jipped since they'd been looking forward to the cave. We ate lunch there and were just about to be lunch as well. The mosquito's were TERRIBLE. Elsa and I have lots of scabs from getting bitten so bad.

Since we didn't get to go in the cave we were planning on, we decided to keep heading north and went to Mesa Falls. I don't know how many times I've been there. It's a lot. But it was lots of fun to see it again. The kids had a great time as well. Thaddeus and I reminisced the whole drive, since the stretch toward West Yellowstone was the one we made every week when we lived up there in MT while we were pregnant with Elsa and newly wed.

The Ferrin Girls!