Curly hair

Many of you have requested to see my hair when it's curly. It's a little Shirley Temple today, but here you go.

Another Bike Story

The last time I can remember riding a bike was when I was in 4th grade. So, that would've been 1993-94 or 15 years ago. I might've been on one since then but I can't remember it. I have NEVER been on a bike with gears or really touchy brakes. So, yesterday Jason convinces me to go on a little ride on the new bike. I was a little nervous being round and pregnant and all but I said okay. I was just going to go around the block and it should all be good. Jason explained the gears to me a little and off I went. I was doing just fine, just having a little trouble with the whole gradual braking thing (they were extremely touchy!). As I was coming around the last corner, I realized that I was going a little too fast and there was a small opening between a nice big bush and a stop sign. So I hit the brakes to slow down....but I hit them too hard. Camille, say "hi" to the big bush, say "goodbye" to your pride. Yep! I fell off the bike into the bush, but it was that or hit the stop sign which I didn't want to do with the new bike either. I scratched up my arm pretty good and left one nice big bruise on my keester. I would show you a picture but since it would be of my butt, it might be deemed slightly inappropriate. Just believe me when I say it is very purple and tender! I don't know if anyone saw me fall but the moral of the story is: Do not attempt to ride a bike when you are very pregnant if you haven't been on one for 15 years. Get on when your balance isn't all messed up! And, yes, it is okay to laugh.

New Addition

We got a new addition to our family today. We went to Idaho Falls and bought a bike for Jason. We thought about getting one for me too but decided that since I'm pregnant, I couldn't really use it until next summer anyway. We went to Pocatello last week to look for one but were unsuccessful. The bikes were either 1) too expensive or 2) too junky. As you can see, we had more luck in IF and are pleased with the purchase. (Notice the shiny red? Yeah, that was me!) The only thing is we were a little dumb and drove to IF in the little car. So when we decided to buy, there was no way to get it home but to ride it. So Jason climbed aboard and started the 27 miles trek toward Blackfoot. The plan was for me to drive the car home, switch to the van, and then come back and pick him up. He rode that bike for 12 miles before we "rescued" him (that's what Elena said we were doing: rescuing Dad). We'll see how sore he is tomorrow. =) Now Jason will have a way to work out a little this summer that does not involve running and then can use the bike to go the 1/2 mile to work every day. Anything to save a few bucks at the gas pump...

Golfing with Dad

Jason took Elena to the store a couple days ago and bought a little kids' golf set. Here they are in the yard practicing chipping into the little swimming pool. I think these pictures are just precious!

Elena supervising Jason's swingJason supervising Elena's swing
Our little golfer!

Time for Some Campaignin' Staring Jason

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New Haircut

Well, I finally did it. I have been thinking about getting my hair cut for the last week or so but I was scared! I haven't ever actually gone to a salon and had a professional cut my hair: it's always been my mom or sister and it was just a trim. So, I finally got the guts and called and made an appointment and did something different. I realized I've had the same hairstyle since 1996. Yikes! Anyway, I'm excited because I think it will be fun to have a shorter layered style. We'll see what happens with it when I wear it curly. PS I didn't get any coloring done: that is all my own hair color.

Family Reunion

This last weekend was a Winward family reunion. We had a lot of fun and saw a lot of sun! We went to Monpelier to spend Friday with Jason's parents and the girls had a ball playing on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath. Actually, Becca took a little to like it but she had fun. Then Saturday we drove to Whitney (Preston) for the reunion. We played and ate and had a ball. Here are some pictures:

Uncle Thane brought this cool barrel train. Elena rode it about 5 times.
We tried to get Becca to ride the train but she would get in and then decide she wanted out and then cry when the train drove away.

Becca in her new camp chair. She and Elena kept fighting over Elena's pink one so we got her her own. You can see she is pleased.

Elena playing baseball with Ryan.

Becca having a go with the bat and ball.

Jason showing us how it's done.

I love this picture because Jason is at bat and Elena is copying him. Cute!

Celebrating the Fourth

We had a really fun 4th of July! Since moving to Blackfoot, we are a lot closer to Pocatello and took advantage of the opportunity to go hang out with some old friends. My pictures are backwards but the day started with us going to the parade. The girls loved it! or maybe it was just the candy they loved. Becca wasn't so sure about the whole thing until people started throwing candy at her, and then she was excited about it. After the parade, Jason and I went to Chris and Janelle's house so the kids might be able to take a nap. Becca did, Elena didn't. I took advantage of the opportunity to go see Monica in the hospital since she had her baby on the 3rd. (He is adorable by the way). At 3:00 we headed to the Caywood's for an all afternoon BBQ and swim party. It was really fun, the girls loved it, and the adults did too. Then off to the fireworks! They were cool to watch. We couldn't hear the music but we were able to provide our own commentary. Elena was so thrilled with them, she fell asleep after about 10 minutes. Becca lasted about 20 minutes before conking out. I guess that is what happens when you play as hard as we did. We got home about 11:30 and everyone slept until almost 9:00 (except at 4:00 am when Elena woke up coughing like a seal. Don't worry, a little Vicks vaporrub on her feet and some medicine and she slept after that). I hope everyone had a great holiday!

Becca and I waiting for the fireworks to start.

Elena and kids loved the slippin' slide!

This picture isn't from yesterday but since I didn't get any of Jason, I thought this was cute!

Erin snapped this picture of me and my buddha belly. Of course, Jackie looks fabulous!

Waiting for the parade to start with Ryan and Olivia

4th of July

I know Camille is normally the one who updates the blog but after watching the fireworks in Pocatello tonight I really felt it necessary to share the following thought: During the last bit of the fireworks, my mind kept going over the words of the Star Spangled Banner. Not the first verse that everybody knows but the last verse (there are 3 of them are in the hymn book but there are 5 in all). Here are the words to the last verse:

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause, it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I can’t help but think about my “loved home” and the constant war and desolation that rages against it. The only problem is that much of the war we face comes from inside our nation. We are constantly being harassed for our moral beliefs. We are told that we are bigots for standing up against the perversion that knocks at our doors. But instead of turning to God as the anthem says, many citizens turn their backs against God.

We are definitely in a time of uncertainty: War rages all around the globe, prices are skyrocketing, and there is a feeling of cynicism growing in the hearts of many Americans. If we truly want to be “blest with victory and peace,” we need to “Praise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation.” We need to trust in God and conquer the evil of the world because “our cause, it is just.”

We're In!

Thank you so much to all those who came to help us move! To those of you who couldn't, don't feel bad because we had enough help to make it go quick and smooth. I will post pictures of our new place as soon as I get it organized enough to not look extremely messy. Yesterday Jason and I spent the day helping Jon and Monica (my sister and her husband) move to THEIR new house. Monica is due with her 5th baby next Saturday so rather than work on putting stuff away here, I went to help her pack all her stuff up. Needless to say, Jason and I both woke up very stiff and sore today and didn't feel bad about not getting out of bed until almost 10:00. So, again thanks for all the help and I'll give you all the virtual tour in a few days!