Zip Line and a FAT lip

I'm sure once Coleman and Caden are a bit older, they'll thank their older brothers for toughening them up. They're great older brothers, but sometimes forget that there is a 10-year age gap!

While camping, Justin put Coleman on a zip line that was set up in the campground. I was in the camper, but I'm sure I would have held him as he took his plunge. Apparently, he made it just fine the first time, but crashed on his second attempt. Big fat lip! His whole lip split wide open- he's lucky he didn't knock any teeth out.

While laying on the bed recovering with a mouthful of dirt, Justin felt really bad and laid down next to Coleman to say, "sorry." As Justin made his sincere apology, Coleman said in his sweetest voice, "It's ok Justin, it was my fault- I should have held on tighter."

Oh, if they could always get along this well!

Buzzed

Yes, the hair is gone! We did haircuts about two weeks ago- short for summer! I'm a firm believer as a parent, you have to pick your battles. When "discussing" with the boys, I have to ask myself, "does it really matter?" Hair is one area that is easy to be lenient with them... grades are an area we take more seriously!

I learned this lesson a couple years ago when Justin wanted to grow his hair long and bleach it. At first, I didn't want my clean-cut little boy turning in to a punk kid. He was going in to middle school, but still... Eventually, I gave in and in no time he had the shaggy, bleachy look of an orphan boy. He was still the same sweet kid, so it was alright. It didn't last and he was ready for it to be cut and no longer wanted the highlights. Now, when he looks at photos he can't believe it! I remind him that he begged to grow it out...

At the beginning of June, Justin announced that he was going to grow his hair out. No problem- it didn't last long. He's the one who asked for a buzz. It was a little shorter than he thought it would be, but it's growing. I'll have my clean-cut boys by the time school starts!
Caden's the most drastic, we think. We cut his wild curls off. It was just too much! We'll grow his back out- his curls just fit his crazy personality!

Camping in Style

We decided last weekend to get away for a little Kansas camping. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and we cut our trip short. Too much rain, too much mud. However, it was camping like I've never known. Having only camped in the rugged Alaska outdoors, this was crazy to me! At the same time, enjoyable- we can't wait to go again! Here's my quick list of differences...

1. A/C v. Sweatshirts
We rented a camper and the man really stressed how great the AC was... I didn't think too much of it, but wow! I don't know if I could camp now without it now! In AK, I don't think you go camping without a sweatshirt- even in mid-summer. No sweatshirts, or socks for that matter here! Have I mentioned how much I love this weather? 90's + this week... heaven! Coleman is showing his Grandma that he still knows how to drink out of a bottle... she taught him well.
2. Camper v. Tent
I know there are campers in AK, but I mostly have camped in tents. How nice... a toilet, shower, microwave and of course the AC. It was great. It almost didn't feel like camping. We were at our site not even three hours and Jim was ready to give the little guys their bath. I had to laugh... we both like our kids clean, but I could have let them go a day without being we were camping. It worked- their daddy gave them a shower! I took my shower soon after so I can't really make fun of him.

3. Sheets v. Sleeping bags
Along with the camper came a queen size bed. A real bed. I had to pack sheets, and didn't even use a sleeping bag. Yes, I did line the mattress with a blanket first... but, the sheets felt pretty good. We threw the boys in sleeping bags, of course.
4. Salmon v. Catfish or Bass or whatever else is down here
I've done a little bit of fishing in my life, but never heard of just casting, then setting the pole down until the fish bite. Guess that's the difference when you're not expecting salmon or halibut to pull you in. I've always had a death grip on any pole I've used. The fishing wasn't great, but the boys had fun. If you didn't notice, the boys are holding up the same fish... the same little fish their dad caught!
5. Light v. Dark
After getting the little guys to sleep, the big boys and Jim headed out to fish. How funny to have it dark and have to take a lantern. Camping in AK is never dark. Dusky for a little bit, but not ever dark, dark. Another strange thing... it was dark and warm at the same time. 6. Moose v. Cows?
No moose down here. The boys (Justin) were still a little nervous driving by these cows. We did see some deer, but the cows are abundant! They're still pretty cool looking!

Special Cheese Manicotti

It really isn't hard to make... just takes a little time. Plus, it's messy unless you have that cool tool to squeeze the filling into the shells. The first time I made it, I said I was NEVER making it again because I made a mess... which is why it's probably one of Ty's favorites! Pretty healthy, too- I should make it more. Thanks Traci!

Special Cheese Manicotti

1 pkg (8oz) manicotti (cook according to directions, rinse in cold water, drain)

2 1/2 cups (10 oz) shredded mozzarella, divided

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

3 T minced fresh parsley

1/4 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1/8 t nutmeg

1 egg, slightly beaten

3/4 cup sour cream

1/3 cup Italian salad dressing- straight from the bottle

1/2 cup shredded zucchini ( I use more)

1 jar spaghetti sauce

Combine ingredients. Stuff manicotti and place in 9x13 pan. Pour spaghetti sauce on top. Bake 350 degrees for 35 minutes, covered. Uncover and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese, bake 5 more minutes. Yummy with a green salad!

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Last week, Ty finally turned 13! He's been waiting for what seems like years to be a teenager. On the way to his birthday lunch at Red Lobster I said, "Yikes, two teenagers!" Typical Tyler looked at me very seriously and said, "Where?" In my house!!

He asked if I'd take the day off, and we all enjoyed his day! His birthday lunch was seafood at Red Lobster. For dinner, he requested Special Cheese Manicotti. It's a great recipe that my friend Traci passed on. I don't make it too often, because it takes more than 15 minutes to put together... but it's yummy! Birthday cake was German Chocolate this year... also used to be his Uncle Steele's favorite...

He's been saving for a new gun (22), so he got money and is ready to go buy it! All of my boys LOVE shooting... along with their dad!

Mowing Therapy

I owe my hubby an apology.... probably many, but today it's for the grief I've given him about his tractor... I'm sorry Honey- I won't bring it up again EVER.

Jim had to have a tractor just about as soon as we bought our house. I didn't think it was the right timing... new house, move. That's shelling out a lot of money and not the time (in my opinion) to add another bill! We took a big pay cut along with added expenses of a brand new house. Anyhow, I reluctantly agreed to get it only with 0% interest for the life of the loan. Pretty good deal, but still another monthly bill! He really did have to work for this one!
With the craziness of finishing our basement, the tractor collected a bit of dust in the garage through the fall and winter. Yes, I reminded him many times that it really was not necessary. I've had a change of heart. I love the tractor. We all love it. Caden thinks it is his, and runs to it anytime Daddy starts it up. He doesn't like me even sitting on it, but had to this last weekend as I got a lesson and learned to mow. So relaxing- sitting in the 90+ sun mowing row after row. It really was the best therapy after a stressful week. I spent about three hours mowing our field and part of our yard- loved every minute of it. The second I turned off the engine, Caden was there and said, "Get off now, Mommy."

My Playset

I'm a lucky gal. My husband is everything I ever wanted and more. I always wanted a man who could figure things out and fix anything. He does. While single, I used to say that if I was stranded anywhere, I'd want to be with one of my brothers. They just know how to fix things and I love that quality. Now, of course I'd welcome being stranded with my hubby...

Even better than being able to fix anything, he does my little projects any time without any reservations. And, he doesn't procrastinate on anything. I'm a bit spoiled and I know it. This project... I wanted a swingset. I've always wanted a big swingset and think every kid needs one in their backyard. We're not within walking distance to any parks, so that was even more reason! Needless to say, my hubby delivered and after a few long days (with Justin and Ty's help) in 90+ degree weather, he put together the boy's new playset. Didn't help that the directions and measurements were way off... but, he managed to figure it out. I just love it. Thanks honey... you're so good!

Happy 4th Fireworks

The boys have discovered that along with the Fourth of July come fireworks. Alaska is a little too light in the summer, and never worth the money to blow since you can't see them very well. Down here, everyone on our road had them... crazy to me!

Tyler was the most excited- I think he must have inherited the gene from his Uncle Steele. The little guys couldn't stay up until it was dark, but we did let them do sparklers and a few before they headed to bed. All four of them had a blast! It's Grandpa Burgan's birthday as well... Happy Birthday, Dad!

Price of Popularity

For the record, I'm really against kids having their own cell phones. They don't really need them, but want them. That being said, both Justin and Ty now have their own phones- I lost. Justin's been begging for two years and was in his opinion truly the only kid in the whole eighth grade without his own phone. That didn't change my mind. Grandpa Mike entered the picture, sending the boys his old phones and the rest is history. We put both of them on a plan with 500 texting minutes and told them they have to pay the $10 month for that as well as any minutes they go over. Seemed fair. We reminded them a few times to watch their messages, those overage minutes add up.

The first bill came this week and Justin's not a happy kid. Not only did he go over, he went over by a lot- 946 messages to be exact. He had a total of 1446 messages this month alone. So, his overage bill was $94.60. That's a lot for a 14-year old for one month- a lot of messages and a lot of money! He's taken it pretty well, and has decided he's not too fond of cell phones any more. I'm not sure if he's going to keep track of his messages, or keep his phone off all together. I think he's still deciding. Ty didn't have the same problem- the few friends he texts are on Verizon... so he's not charged. Yes, he's been rubbing it in. More fuel to the sibling rivalry fire that's always going on around here. Not what I need!

Back in the Pool

He wanted to head back to the pool before even getting his chin stitched up... unfortunately, he had to wait a couple of days. Other moms thought I was crazy letting him swim with stitches still in... Yesterday, we had his stitches taken out after just five days. Amazing how fast the face heals. Caden broke down as soon as we pulled in to the Doctor's parking lot and was even more terrified when the doctor came over to chat with him in the waiting area. Poor kid is probably scarred for life...actually, he really is. The other three were pretty excited to get back in the water as well. What did we ever do before summer days at the pool?