Goodbye Grandma

This last week we said our final goodbyes to a very special Grandma. Grandma Wanda had asked that there be no tears shed, she did not want a funeral (they were too sad). So we had a party/BBQ to celebrate her life! What a life she lived.

She lived long enough to bury two husbands (both killed in separate Wars), and a third husband many years later. She lived to raise a daughter and a son, and step-children also.

She lived to see all of her grandchildren (from her daughter and son) graduate, get married, and welcome many great grand-children with love.

Grandma Wanda had spunk, had will, had faith, but what we felt was her love. We will miss your stories (they will live on), your kisses and hugs.

Grandma Wanda had asked for her ashes to be spread on the Rim's in Billings, as Jim and I climbed the rocks, we talked about memories that we had and some of the silly things that Grandma did (it was not out of the ordinary to have ice cream for dinner at her house). Once we came to the spot where we wanted to let her ashes go, both of us had a really hard time containing our emotions.....Grandma did not want tear's.....so as Jim said goodbye and let the ashes go.....a gust of wind blew a fair amount of them all over me (mind you it was 100+ degree's that day and I had some serious boob sweat going on)! We both got the giggles so bad, apparently Grandma wanted to "stick" with me...... Serves us right for crying.....I'm sure that Grandma got a giggle out of that.

So adieu for now.....we will meet again I am for sure. Rest now...Sweet Grandma....We love you!

I Have a Place in Heaven
Please don't sing sad songs for me,
Forget your grief and fears,
For I am in a perfect place
Away from pain and tears.
It's far away from hunger
And hurt and want and pride,
I have a place in Heaven
With the Master at my side.
My life on earth was very good,
As earthly life can go,
But Paradise is so much more
Than anyone can know.
My heart is filled with happiness
And sweet rejoicing, too.
To walk with God is perfect peace,
A joy forever new.
~ Author Unknown ~

Hell's Canyon

Jax, gearing up to ride the wake.
The beauty of Hell's Canyon!

Every morning looked like this........

Flat water from 9 am until 10 pm..........impressive

The Ferg's.......We love you guys!

My girl Bridge.....1st time camping!!!Who's that girl???

Daddy, showin his stuff.......look at that water :-)

Can you say pro....... by 10 yrs......

This was Hell's Canyon, we were there for a week, which was not nearly enough! I was a total sceptic at first (that campground has a lot to be desired) but honestly the water was glass from 9 am until 10 pm at night.

When you went to sleep at night you could hear the creatures of the night (which we love) but the stars..... were magnificent!!!!

This was a phenomenal trip, sure to repeat in the years to come.

I have no idea what she is doing but apparently it is "cool".

It was 104' that day....cold beer....nothing better at the time.....

There was much tubing to be had!!!!! The faster the better, apparently!

Good, Quality Time

Hey baby.......
Swimming....Bum hand and all!!!

Yep, their mine... So cute!

This is Jax attempt at a funny face (looks like a deer in the head-lights)

Hydration is key...Bring on the H2o

Though Jim and I are constantly in search of alone, quality, mushy, kissy, couple time, and we did have a "hot date" set for our Anniversary: sitter was planned, dinner was planned.

But we are suckers for smooth water, warm sunshine, and quality family time, so we opted out of our "hot date" and headed to the lake for the night.

Though the alone time would have been glorious......We still had a blast! Here is the proof!

9 Years and Counting......

July 2nd 2000

Our journey began 12 years ago, I was 18 and Jim was 22. We met working together at Fire District #14, every Friday. I truly don't think that it was love at first sight. I saw this 6 foot 3 inch man, a true Montana boy at heart, and I was completely intimidated. He was very quiet, very loyal to the job, and a hard shell to crack. Little did I know that he was equally as intimidated by me, as I was by him.

Our day's would go by at the station, same as the week before. Rig checks, hydrant maintenance, hose testing, and district mapping. We would run some call's (let me tell you, the best call I ever went on was with Jim, remind me sometime and I will tell you, completely hilarious!).

One day Jim and I were drafting to the pump from a cistern, we were right in the middle of him telling me something very important, and the rain started. Now folks, this was in the Pacific Northwest, when it rain's, it is torrential downpour! Oh buddy, did it rain! Jim got so mad his neck was beat red and he was doing everything that he could to not swear in front of me, all of this for some reason was so funny to me, and I got the giggles, which just ticked him off even more! Not for long, then he was getting the giggles too! Something at that moment clicked......

Before there were fireworks, and googly eyes, there was a friendship, a mutual respect that has grown into the most beautiful relationship that I have been blessed to have.

The man in that wedding picture, taken nine years ago; is my best friend, my greatest champion, my protector, my provider, my lover, my comic relief, my house cleaner (no joke, really), my moral compass, my spiritual guide, and the keeper of my heart.

It has been a ride....... We have had our fill of trials and heartache, but we have experienced a joy like no other. Our Jesus has blessed us with a love that surpasses them all.

So raise your glasses folks....... To us....... May we continue to be blessed by the goodness of our Saviour........ and continue to love more than an average heart has the capacity for........

To my love (my main squeeze), I will love you from here to eternity, you are cherished, you are one of a kind (there is no one who could ever compare to you), Happy Anniversary!

Here's to the next 9 years!

Let's go back....

Ok y'all,

So pardon me but I plan on adding a bunch of blogs in a short amount of time! I know that I should strategically post, to fill you in on weekly going's on here but I have been busy (too busy, did I mention that I'm ready for Fall???).

So please excuse my tardiness, I will do my best to catch you up to speed!