Enjoying the weather!

So...we've actually had some nice weather up here in Alaska the past week. Enough so, that Shayne and I were able to get some yard work done, and do some fishing. As you can see from the fishing pictures, the Reds are in at the Russian! We went the day after it opened and had a very good time. Shayne actually went two more days after this, with a couple of friends, and got his limit both days. Nothing like fresh salmon for dinner!

Yup... here I am 5 1/2 months pregnant squeezing into my waders (not sure how much longer I'll be able to do this) and my new wading boots and hiking about 30-45 minutes up river to fish. And I must say...I caught my entire limit of three before Shayne even landed one! In fact, after I landed my third Red, I not only let him have my hole, I gave him my rod as well. Ya...he caught all three of his within about 20-30 minutes. Granted he had the wrong line on his rod, but still...am I good or what?! And as a side note...Shayne decided we needed to take a side profile pic, b/c I don't look large enough from the front! :)

The other picture is of Shayne and the dogs taking a break on our wonderful lawn. Shayne has worked hard all week outside getting "stuff" done, so deserved a break. I just thought it was funny how the second he laid down, Tipz was all snuggled next to him. I went and grabbed the camera and by the time I got back outside Bo had laid down as well. So cute!

Flashback Father's Day

So I'm a little late with the Father's Day post, but better late than never huh? I thought I would write just a bit about each of the Father's (or soon-to-be-Father's) in my life.

This first pic is of Shayne fishing with his little brother Dallan. This says a lot about Shayne's personality that he doesn't often let many people see. He loves to be with his family, and loves to help others, and loves to fish...so in this picture, there is no other place he'd rather be at that moment than where he is. I have no doubts he is going to be an incredible father. He's WAY more patient than me, and is incredibly sensitive and understanding. I can't wait to see him with his own son.

This is me with my dad, Van. I think it's the cutest picture b/c I'm just staring at him, and you can see how much my dad loves me by how he's looking back at me. I am his first child, and his little girl. He's always told me he wanted a little girl first. My dad is a great example of standing up for what you believe in, following the spirit, and not caring what other people think. He's always had a strong testimony of the gospel, and has never been afraid to share that with his family. He's taught me most everything I know about horses, which has been something I've been passionate about my whole life. My dad is extremely proud of us kids, which is a good feeling. In fact you want to see my dad tear up, just ask about his kids...or say something good about one of his kids. I loved that he was always available to give me a blessing when I needed it, and I received many as I was going through the medical issues I had. He's been very understanding of the struggles I've had in my life, and has always supported and loved me. He's been a great dad and friend! I love you dad!!

This is Shayne with his dad, Dana. I love this picture b/c of the way Shayne has his hand on his dad's shoulder...it just says volumes about their relationship. Shayne is Dana's first child as well, and they have always been close. Shayne and his dad are best buddies. Shayne has always talked about his dad with admiration and respect. When Shayne was getting ready to have surgery, Dana quit his job for awhile in order to make sure he spent quality time with a son that might not survive the surgery. As a result, they have a pretty close bond. They have some great stories together. Dana never had a problem taking Shayne fishing, or to basketball, or to baseball, or to whatever Shayne needed/wanted to do. He also taught Shayne the value of hard work. Shayne and his dad milked cows by hand every morning and evening while Shayne was growing up. He also instilled in Shayne the value of using your mind to make a living instead of your hands with hard labor. He made sure Shayne went to college and got an education. Dana has been a great father-in-law. He's been extremely supportive of Shayne and I, and I've never questioned his desire to do whatever we needed to help our family. I know Shayne respects and loves him a lot.

I am so lucky to have such incredible men in my life!

Zockets!!

Ok all my blogging friends! I am so excited to let you know about something my mom's been doing. She has gotten very brave and stepped outside her comfort zone and done something she's dreamed about, and felt like she should do for some time now. She wrote AND illustrated her own children's book!! It is amazing! I absolutely love it.

It is not only a very cute rhyming story about a Zocket (my mom made up this little creature), but you also get a hand-made (by my amazing mom) Zocket to go with each book. That way the child really associates the book with something more concrete. Every kid I've read it to has loved it. In fact my principal bought one for his three year old son, and he refused to read any other books for awhile at bedtime, and has been going everywhere with his Zocket. My principal sent my mom an email and a picture of his son with his Zocket, to let her know how great the book was.

She actually has a whole series written, but has only been able to publish the first book at this point. She has gone out and published this on her own, at her own expense. He entire goal is to help kids bond with those who are reading the book to them, whether it be case workers working with kids in scary situations, at day-care when the child is scared and uncomfortable, a new baby-sitter, or just a mom and dad wanting to interact with their child. All the books have a theme/moral to teach the kids as well.

Anyway...I'm so proud of my mom! She is incredibly talented, and I just have to tell everyone about what she's doing. So...I hope all of you go to her website: www.zocketbooks.com and check out her book. You can actually purchase it online or email her as well. If you like what you see, tell all your friends! I know a lot of you have little kids, and friends that have little kids. I'm hoping that using word of mouth will get her book out there. It really is an amazing book. Please check it out!!

p.s. For those of you that mention my name or know my mom, let her know and she'll sign the book for you as well.

Cutest Husband...

So while I was in Anchorage for a week taking a class for my Alaska teacher certification, Shayne spent three days at Girls' Camp. They went across the bay from Homer, near Seldovia, and camped on the beach. He had a very good time as you can see from him on the tree swing...Alaska style. We don't use tires for our tree swings, we use boat buoy's! :)

Anyway...while there he told me he made me something. I'm thinking he participated in the Girls' Camp craft...kinda funny huh?! Well, when we both got home he sat me down in front of the tv, plugged the camera in, made me close my eyes, and when I opened them this is what I saw on the TV screen.

Isn't he the cutest?! He made it out of the clam shells found on the beach. He even had a couple of the girls going, "Aaahhh...that's so cute!" I love it when he does things like this!