It all happens at once...

Does it seem like your life is trailing along happily; then, suddenly, out of the blue you are hit with three or four things at once? It can sometimes seem like that to me. I can be living my daily life. Step by step reaching my little goals. Then, BAMMO! I am hit; hard. So to start, I will write the things in which I am eternally grateful.
1) I know my Heavenly Father loves me and I know he lives.
2) I am sealed to a wonderful man who is an amazing husband and father.
3) I have a safe place to lay my head at night.
4) I have a healthy rambunctious boy.
5) I have food to eat for each meal and crystal clear clean water to drink.
6) I have never been denied anything I truly want or desire.
7) I am healthy.
8) I have a family that loves and supports me no matter what silly things I put them through.
9) I am alive.
10) No matter what, I have been loved, I have loved, and I will continue to love through to the end of time.

A few blog posts ago, I wrote about not getting ahead. Well I didn't mean to fall so far so fast, but I did. I thought the $546 dollars we paid for our condo's new A/C unit would be the biggest financial crises we would face this summer. I was wrong. Shortly after returning home from our amazing, relaxing vacation; My car died. I just bought the 2000 Honda last year as my "family" car. I sold my beloved mustang to accommodate a family. The cost, $5000 big ones! I took my car in to the Honda dealership to learn that I needed a NEW transmission. $3000 big ones! As it turns out, the car just had a new transmission put in it not to long ago.

Not that money matters... it just stinks.

Beware of the bears and a few tantrums...

Sunday, July 4th, Independence day, Stephen and I headed out for Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We left right after church with the hope that Edward would be willing to take a LONG nap for the three and a half hour drive. He slept. However, that was the only time he slept on the trip. We arrived at our cabin a little before dusk so we had plenty of time to set up to watch the fire works. Edward had other plans. He was ready for bed so we ended up watching them from a far distance.
We walked up to our cabin and the first thing we saw was a sign that said, "Beware of the Bears" Yes, it is bear season. Yes, there was a real bear that wandered around the cabin site. Yes, it ate the trash every night. Yes, everyone was a little scared. I actually never saw the bear; however, one could easily see the mess he made each morning.

Monday morning, we all woke up and went separate directions. My Dad has always wanted to go White Water Rafting. It is hard to believe that he had never been. Stephen, Sharla, Wade, Mom, Dad, and Amanda all headed to Durango to ride the rapids.


While they were busy on the 60 degree water, Edward, Landon, and I went on a small hike to Treasure Falls. This is where all the trouble began. Edward hiked the entire way up the hill to see the falls. Once he arrived at the top he decided his stomach hurt and I noticed poo running down his leg and leaking through his pants. I ran back down the mountain but it really wasn't fast enough. Poo was everywhere. It only took those 20 minutes to cause a rash that would last then entire trip. This fine Monday night, Edward decided he missed home and cried for about 2 hours straight from Two AM to Four AM. I don't see how a bear would make his way to the cabin when screams could be heard across the forest. Stephen ended up giving him a blessing and shortly thereafter, Edward fell asleep on the couch.

Tuesday was set aside for just lounging around. Although, we are an active bunch, so this didn't happen. We went to sit in the hot springs and planned to relax. Stephen, Sharla, and Wade decided they wanted to Kayak the San Juan River. This proved to be a bit more of a challenge for the three of them. The San Juan River was a bit low and the kayak was harder to maneuver than they imagined. Stephen is still sore and recovering from a terrible sunburn on his legs.

Wednesday we headed out for Silverton Colorado. Mom, Dad, Amanda, Landon, Sharla, and Wade all took the 3 hour train ride one way while Stephen and I opted for the 2 hour car ride. We arrived around the same time to find that most of the train riders were sea sick. They actually said they were glad they missed the train and thus missed the first 45 minutes of the train ride. Silverton is a beautiful town set deep in the Colorado Mountains; however, it only exists for the tourists. I can't imagine actually living there.
Thursday was our last day. We packed up and headed back to Treasure Falls and to drive Wolf Creek Pass. Each night we played some fun family games that proved to provoke mostly anger and a little fun. We Skousen's play to win. It was a wonderful, relaxing vacation. I can't wait until next year when everyone will be able to come. So many great memories.

Happy 30th Birthday

To my wonderful husband and best friend, Stephen!

And the winner is....

Pattie Skousen

Also Known as, Mom!!! I will email you with directions so that you can claim your prize!

Happy Birthday to me and a giveaway for YOU!

To celebrate my 29th I am giving away a $40 dollar gift card courtesy of CSN stores. Check out their platform beds and look through their many other sites including Toys and Games and Home Decor!

This contest will run for the next three days, so as of July 1st at midnight, I will pick a random winner. Just leave a comment to enter. Don't forget to leave your email address so that I can contact you when you win.

Happy Blogging!!

Swim lessons, Fathers day, and a new Pool!

We have had a fantastic summer thus far. Edward started the summer with swim lesson, which he loved! He would grab his towel and head for the door each evening as swim lessons approached. He was really good about going under the water and jumping in the pool; however, he did not blow any bubbles. I think he was the only kid in the class who didn't figure that part out. We smiled, laughed, and had a great time swimming for the entire 45 minute lesson.
For Father's day, Edward and I made a card and a special lunch for Stephen. He had to work on Father's day, so that was a little bit of a bummer. While Stephen was at work we made a great dinner of pulled pork sandwiches and an amazing easy to make desert. (I will post the recipe for those interested) YUM!
Since Edward loved swimming so much, I went to Target and purchased a little back yard pool. I will say he would much rather throw rocks into the pool than get in and swim. I think he liked the big public pool because we were in there with him.


I am sure there are many more adventures to come this summer and I can't wait!

Also, I am planning to have another giveaway real soon... so stay tuned!

Breaking even

You know that moment when you think, "We are just about to get ahead, or at least break even..." Well NEVER think that thought. The moment you do, something will come knocking on your back door and let you know you have many more things to pay for and many more things to do before you EVER break even let alone get ahead.
On a completely different topic, I wanted to find out from parents who have children of all ages, their thoughts on spanking. If you have a 30 year old son, I want to hear from you. If you have a cranky 3 year old, I want to hear from you. Did you spank? Did it work? What sort of discipline did you, and do you, find that works best for your children?
Stephen and I are in a huge debate about how we want to discipline our children. B.C. (before children), Stephen and I completely agreed that we would spank our children when they were naughty. Now... I am standing in a gray zone. I actually do not think I can spank Edward (and I sort of think he is too young to understand why he is being hit). Stephen does not agree.
I just want to do some research before I really decide on a strategy for discipline. I have heard spanking doesn't actually accomplish anything... (although, I was spanked and YES, I deserved it and remember almost every time I was spanked). I was a very rebellious child and it seems Edward may be that way as well. I need to come up with something soon. Time is running short to think of my discipline plan.
So, lets hear your thoughts....