Survived

We will now update on our survival modes! The Hymas family has proved to be somewhat prepared for a catastrophe. The seven member troop we call our family can live three whole days minus the comforts of running water!

Some miracles have proceeded our minor catastrophes! Not only do we have the joys of running water, the drillers drilled for FREE! Yes, that's what I said- F.R.E.E.! This was miracle #1!

Miracle #2: After a promised "15 minutes" oil change that in reality stole 90 minutes of my life, the newly installed belt slipped right off just before we turned onto the highway. Imagine if this calamity decided to occur on the highway! As you can see the Suburban (a.k.a Papa Smurf) was crammed packed and ready for the reunion!

Miracle #3: "Quick" stop at Costco, jammed packed and ready to go. Vroom... droning... nothing... choke...choke...nothing!!! Papa Smurf was DEAD! It was nearly 120 degrees! Time for prayer! We prayed in all faith and miracles of miracles it started! I don't care what anyone may believe it was a real miracle!

Miracle #4: Naomi not only survived the bungee jumping, she loved every moment! This daring child collected crowds of onlookers applauding her fearless flips. Over and over and over!

Miracle #5: The 2009 Hymas family reunion was a HIT! Yellow shirts and ALL!

Miracle #6: Ethan survived the bee stings, barely!

Baby Mouse

The kids came home from their hike. Emerson skipped over to me bright eyed, mouth packed with teeth too big and says...

"We found a baby mouse so we grabbed a stick and poked it back into it's hole!"

"WOW!"

"Well, at least that's what I would have done."

"What do you mean?"

"Uh... Really, Ethan picked it up with two sticks and throw it across the field."

The Law Breakers!

Before any preconceived judgments regarding my moral standing as a mother, let me explain. Every Tuesday in the summer is deemed "Field Trip" day. I either take the kids hiking, picnicking, or some type of outdoor exploring activity. I thought fishing would be fun and different. Yes, I knew we hadn't acquired a fishing license. But, I assumed in the middle of no where, under that big bridge- who would really care. I guess there ARE some Care Bears out there!

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The kids yell, "Mom, are you SURE we can come here?"

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"Come on! It'll be fun!"

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The "fun" was spoiled all too soon. Shortly after our arrival, we were informed we entered the river through private property.

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I can't believe they saw us under the bridge!

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Lesson schedule for the next Family Home Evening will be as follows- The art of pick pocketing!

Fishing, Mowing, and Baseball

Fishing, mowing, and baseball. That sums up the week. Although Emerson only caught one fish, he was told it was the largest in the pond! The kids had so much fun fishing. Ethan and Naomi caught three. They did a great job! We even had grilled fish for lunch! (GROSS!)

T-ball is over for another year. She really enjoyed it.

Ethan and Emerson are great little mower men. Lincoln likes to follow behind Ethan with his little mower. Ethan loves it! I'm grateful for the bond they have created with each other.

OH! The well driller truck is here BUT no drilling yet! Too much rain and mud! Updates soon- I hope.

Thirteen Years

It’s been exactly 13 years. I walked through that door of Birch House- no friends. Heck, I’ve never even been to Idaho. All of sudden 16 roommates and completely clueless until… Amy.

I remember lying on our backs against the dark green carpet, staring up at a house fly and laughing our heads off. I remember laughing. Amy makes me laugh. That’s why I love her so much.

For thirteen years I’ve haven’t seen this girly-girl until now. She popped back into my life and she did it again- she took me under her wing and touched me with her laughing spell. This time she brought four stunning children. This was the best week I’ve had for nearly a decade.

She dropped everything, packed, and drove 10 ½ hours just to visit little ol’ me. No one has ever done that for me before. She was a gift and that could never be returned! Thank you, Amy!

All these kiddo's played so well together. Well, except Lincoln.

Great Sea Snail

The last day of school included many awards-reading, attendance, accelerated math, etc...

Emerson was presented with this-


My sweet slow Emerson.

Just a Reminder.

Yes, I have children.