So, this began on 5/5. Sad that they are finally building right behind us.

Have been so impressed with the stuff Benjamin has done in wood shop this year. I sure wish we had a bigger garage so they could all get easier more hands on experience with all of the saws. I imagine all the stuff they could create and possibly sell.  I love the laser cuts.  I hope he will get the hands/battery pack on the clock!!

You can see the antlers on each side of the handle below.  This is a nice sturdy stool!

Jacob has been hitting the skate park recently, and getting pretty good!

(For those that can't see it, go to www.welcomeatmyfire.blogspot.com.)  It is very impressive.

The top video is a triple tail whip, where he uses his foot to kick the scooter 3 full rotations.

The second video is called a finger whip, its a full circle and he uses his middle finger to swing the deck around.

Mid May!!!!  Our state has begun to return back to normal and no spikes in our Covid numbers!  I have a mask, but yet to wear it!  Not that I am opposed to it....  I don't know where I fall in all the different camps.  I guess a little bit of everything.  Yes, we need to be cautious, yes there is probably too much government overreach....  Actually, we are pretty laxed compared to other states! 

The first month or so we managed to take daily walks and just get out.  Here we are doing a multiplication worksheet, to see who finished first.  The winner was Jacob (I intentionally did not play because I knew I was the quickest)

The boys had been without haircuts!!!

We painted rocks one day.  The boys grumbled about it, but sure seemed to enjoy it!

He was thrilled with this picture, but it was taken as he was walking out the door to get a haircut. He has hair very similar to Jose's, thick, course and wavy.

We also did some challenges.  The younger two and I did a cheese ball challenge to see who would be the first to put 15 in their mouth.  Of course, being the oldest with the biggest mouth, I won.  Benjamin and Joseph put lemons in their mouth to see who would last the longest and Joseph blew older brother out of the water.  We also got a cup and straw and drank through the straw as the water dispenser from the fridge filled cup with water.  The object was to see who could drink the longest before water started spilling over the top!  Again, because I drink about 100 ounces of water a day, I won!!!

Most days we found ourselves in our corner of the house doing our thing, but always seemed to find common ground each day.  We persevered way better than I ever would have thought possible.  I sure got use to having them around and now it is weird as everyone is getting out more.

Benjamin is in his second week of work and so thankful to be back.  One of the pluses of Benjamin doing school stuff at home was his baking labs for Culinary.  He made garlic knots and they were pretty good!

Kids are wrapping up school work within the next 2 weeks.  I will be very glad to be done with online schooling.  They all pick up school supplies, etc this week.  None of them are allowed in the building, so teachers have cleaned out lockers and then we will 'drive thru' to pick up stuff.  Lots of questions about what things will look like in the fall.  Seems like there are several options that could play out, depending on how things look early August.  The current plan is to have regular school calendar.  I know the local university just decided to start the fall semester 2 weeks early so they can end the day before Thanksgiving.  Makes a lot of sense, other wise every one goes home for Thanksgiving and then comes back for 2 weeks.  With cold weather, everyone is indoors and I guess more likelihood something will be passed around.   Our district tends to start around the same time, so who knows. 

It does appear that most sports camps are cancelled this summer.  Joseph is lined up for a week long overnight camp this summer.  They are hoping to still have that, but again, things are staying pretty fluid.

I have continued to work about 30 hours each week.  Our gym opens tomorrow, but we won't be having classes, just work at your own pace workouts.  The whole quarantine they have had at home workouts and I have probably moved more during the last 2 months than I ever moved while gym was open.

Things have been quiet with JR, but should start picking back up fairly soon.  All of his clients have been holed up so none of them are around.  He has connected with a ranch manager and will begin hunting snakes at a nearby property.  In the past he has hunted snakes in exchange for hunting privileges but there are already too many hunters on the property, so he is actually getting paid for it.  I think it is mostly bull snakes and rattle snakes.  Jacob is looking forward to the experience too.  (And yes, they have chaps and other snake equipment)

Well, here we sit, finishing up 2 weeks of being home, minus the few grocery trips.  If you had told me a month ago that I would be confined to the house with the boys and live to tell about it, I would have laughed!   We have played a few games and done a few challenges, lots of cleaning and just hanging out.  There have been some pretty chaotic, loud moments too!

Things in our world are not that different.  Both of us are still working and lots going on around us.  The restaurants are only open for take out, gyms, etc are closed and they have just shut down the rest of the non-essentials, like salons, etc.  Tons of construction going on behind us.  It just does not feel like a pandemic to me.  Just feels like summer break and kids don't want to go outside. 

Heartbreaking though, to see what is going on around the world and the country.  We have finally hit triple digits in our cases and had the first state wide death yesterday.  So surreal to think that something so invisible can cripple an entire world.  On the flip side, lots of families getting to spend time together!

Of course nothing going on here.  Last week we celebrated Jacob's 13th birthday!  Hard to believe there are two teenagers in the house.  He spend all day at the trampoline park with a set of twins and had a sleep over.  We went out to eat at the Olive Garden, which was our last outing, so to speak.

The boys have moved to online schooling.  The teachers are getting it figured out and hopefully each week will get easier and easier logistically.  I know the boys are really missing the social aspect!

My gym let me check out some equipment, so enjoying having some extra stuff around the house to work out with, namely a rower. 

All the elementary teachers just held a parade and drove around all the neighborhoods honking at all the kids.  Amazing how the whole community has come together and people helping people!

Few random things!!

Jacob has finished up basketball.  His Sunday school teacher came to one game, with his really nice camera and got some great shots!!  He made a picture compilation video.

(for those getting this blog in an email, you can click the link here to see the video..welcomeatmyfire.blogspot.com)

I love the intent look on his face here

More pictures I have gotten recently of the boys sleeping.

A picture I found on my phone of Jacob's teeth, don't think I ever posted it.  This was before having 8 of them pulled.  Looks like teeth on top of teeth in some places.

Spring sports will be starting up soon and none of the boys have expressed an interest in any of them.  Could be a quiet spring!!

I am still on hold with my work.  Really enjoying the leisurely yet busy days.  I continue to knock out projects!  I am hoping this week to start a graduation quilt for my nephew and finish up going through 15 years of photos.

I have been helping a local guy with a rental car that he rents out through Turo.  Have not met him because he is spending the winter in Germany.  We have worked well together and I think he is looking to expand things this summer.  So, maybe more work for me??  I am also doing some transcribing of family letters and am really enjoying learning family history.

We have had more snow the last 2 weeks than we have had the last 3 months.  JR has been busy shoveling decks and roofs.  Jacob spends just about every Saturday up on the ski hill.

Benjamin continues to work 15-20 hours a week.   I think he is out of the woods, as far as me worrying about him and money.  He is using a cash system and saving up for the things he wants.  All my years of cash envelopes system is paying off, at least for him!!!  He is also doing a speed training class two mornings a week before school.

Off to write up my to do list for the week!

My blog has become out of sight out of mind!!  Not intentional, I guess things have just been quiet here and not much to post.  I find I don't take lots of pictures because my real camera is big and clunky and my phone is not very good quality.  Looking at options though!

Benjamin survived having his wisdom teeth out over Christmas break.  Very little swelling and pain.  He was not really even down much.  Jacob, on the other hand, had 8 teeth out recently and was taking meds for almost a week.  He is still struggling to eat, poor kid.  He was telling me two days ago that his front teeth hurt from having to always chew with them.  Now that both procedures are out of the way, the orthodontist is working to get Benjamin's teeth moved so he can have jaw surgery later this year.  Once Jacob's teeth start coming in, he will go back into braces.

Benjamin got his license on my birthday.

He is driving a Mazda 6 and loves it.  He continues to rock his work environment.  He is doing so well there.  He finished out the first semester of sophomore year and is doing welding, wood shop, culinary and all the core classes for the second semester.  He has had a very fast immersion into the world of taxes and can't believe they take out $100 of his hard earned money!  Welcome to life son!

My mom was here over my birthday and we had a wonderful time.  Not sure what we did with our days, but I know we stayed busy.  She is always great help around the house and this trip was no different.  She is much better at filling in corners and putting splashes of color places.  I am just not a shopper/browser and that is what you have to be to find things you need.

Jacob is playing basketball and doing well.  Here is a recent video...hopefully it comes through.  Jacob is green #10.  He shines around the 35 second mark.

Our winter has been very mild lately!  Very little accumulated snow and warmer temperatures.  Jacob has skied probably 12 times so far and shows no plans of slowing down.  He chose not to do travel basketball (just playing through the school) so his Saturdays would be free for skiing. 

Christmas and New Years 2019 has come and gone.

Things have been pretty quiet around here.  Christmas was very low key!  We spend Christmas Eve with the cousins and went back over later on Christmas Day.  The boys only had 7 school days off, so I felt like I have been so confused as to what day of the week it is.  New Year's Eve found us back over at the cousins and we just barely made it to midnight. 

Jacob has already skied 8 times!  He and two buddies catch the bus and go up and ski, ski, ski.  They love it and have had pretty good weather and snow.

In the valley we have had a mild winter so far.  Actually, most of our snow on the ground is melted and there is not a lot in the near future.

My work has cut me off.  First time in a year and half I have not had anything to do for them.  Of course miss the money but sure is nice being able to strictly focus on projects!  My biggest project is going through 15 years of photos and cleaning them up so that I have the best of the best.  I have made a few other contacts about short term job opportunities.  We will see where that leads.

Jacob starts 7th grade basketball tomorrow and Joseph is still doing soccer on Saturday mornings.  Benjamin has found a job and is excelling!  He was hired as a dishwasher at a nicer restaurant and he is crushing it.  He has already been cross trained in 3 or 4 other jobs and he receives lots of praise.  One night recently he stayed after work for an hour and sat at the bar and just talked with the bar tender, customers and other managers.  I really think he enjoyed that!   He has always been able to carry on conversations with adults.  His knowledge about random things usually blows people away.
He will get his license in 8 days, but who is counting.  Still trying to figure out if he will have a car at that point, or if he will be sharing ours for a bit.

Hopefully with basketball around the corner, I can get some photos posted!!!  As I have gone through all our photos, seems like my picture taking has really dropped off the last 2 years or so.  Not sure why but suspect maybe because the boys are not as willing to have their photos taken???

Thankful.......
Thankful for margin in my days right now (knock out back burner projects)
Thankful for Roku and the NFL (for the first time ever we can watch games live and it has been so fun hanging with the boys)
Thankful for our families incredible health
Thankful for our Florida cousins who moved here in July
Thankful that we live in a first world country, with all its conveniences (although going without sure would be a great reminder of what we do have)
Thankful for laughter, which is making its way back into our house
Thankful for our dining room table, we have been spending more time there as a family lately
Thankful for my warm fuzzy socks
Thankful for ability of flight, which makes miles between Texas and Ohio disappear
Thankful for my tech savvy oldest son, who answers all my questions
Thankful for a job that literally allows me the ability to work whenever I want to
Thankful for snow shovels
Thankful for required driving hours for Ben, means great one on one time with him, without screen distractions
Thankful for the ability to check school grades online
Thankful for JR's wonderful clients and all the work they provide
Thankful for heat with all of our early sub zero weather
Thankful for my kitchen food scale, that keeps my eating on track most days
Thankful for the independence of the boys
Thankful for my electric blanket
And can't forget the biggest one, a God who loves me despite myself.  My favorite quote right now is by Jonathan Edwards and sums it up best "you contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary"!

Benjamin had an appointment with an oral surgeon.  Just crazy with technology!  The assistant held a small pen like thing that scanned his mouth and then gave us this picture.

He has like 6 teeth on top and 8 on bottom that do not even meet, he cant bite through food.

Looks like the procedure they want to do would be to insert 4 plates in his top jaw.  I think they would crack it open and insert them to expand the upper jaw forward.  What we did not realize, is that before the surgery can be done, he must wear a full set of braces for at least 9 months and have his wisdom teeth out!  We are waiting to see what insurance will cover!

Jacob too has a lot of dental work ahead of him.  He has four crowns on his 6 yr old molars (the teeth came in without enamel and quickly rotted before we even realized it.  So, since he has zero room for his teeth, the ortho has decided the best plan is to pull the capped teeth (since they will probably only create lots more problems, with root canals and replacing crowns) and then use the wisdom teeth as secondary molars.  He also has 4 baby teeth on the bottom that have been ground down pretty low.  They still have huge roots, so something weird is going on with them since the roots are not shrinking, in anticipation of loosing them.  So, those for need to get pulled.  By pulling 8 teeth, hopefully his teeth will start shifting and coming in.

Benjamin is officially registered for Europe June 2021.  They will be going to Paris, France and Barcelona and gone about 12 days!

I love little, out of the blue, surprises!  Recently I walked into the gym and one of my coaches asked me what size shoe I wore.  She went on to explain that her sponsor had sent her some lifting shoes and they did not fit her and was trying to find someone that might want them!  So she gifted them to me.  They are used for front and back squats and it is amazing how much they help!  Yay!  Hopefully I can hit some new PRs (personal records).  I have been doing a strength template.  I took 2 weeks off because I irritated a muscle, but all better and back on track.  They have an elevated stiff heel that allows better movement at the bottom of your squat.

A little late, but here is one of the pumpkins Joseph carved.  Cracked me up.

More Benjamin pics.  I guess when he actually lets us take a picture, I need to capitalize on it!!

I took him to the driving range recently.  He hit two buckets of balls.  He did not do too bad!  I think in the spring he might do a few group lessons.  Up here golf is a fall school sport, so if it clicks with him and he enjoys it, he would have 3-4 months to practice before trying out.  I am just excited to see him broadening his horizons.   It sounds like he will have a quiet winter and then possibly do track in the spring.  He is thinking maybe discus or shot put...maybe Kenna could give him a few pointers??

The boys all had orthodontist appointments recently.  The oldest two are presenting lots of problems.  Jacob has so many baby teeth still and no room for them to come in.  We go back in 4 weeks and he will probably have to have 4 teeth pulled, in hopes of it encouraging other teeth to come in.  Benjamin...it has been two years since his last visit and one thing we were waiting for was his growth and how his jaw grew.  It seems that from his profile his bottom jaw did not grow out too much, but that his top jaw (what is that called, cause its not a jaw is it??) did not grow enough.  So, we are being referred to a surgeon.  There are other steps we could take, but nothing will totally correct the problem.  Seems if we leave it as is, it can create lots of sleep apnea and bite problems years down the road.  I did not realize it, neither did Benjamin until the ortho pointed it out, but his four front teeth or so do not meet up.  We even headed for pizza after the appt and sure enough, when he puts a piece of pizza in the front of his mouth, his front teeth can just barely bite through the crust because there is such a gap between top and bottom teeth.

These pictures are terrible quality, because of low light, but I have to take them when I come across them.  We have had some tired boys lately and for some reason, they love to curl up in our bed.

Benjamin and I recently took a day trip to Billings to see a Fluffy concert.  He is a comedian that Benjamin really enjoys.  A good show!  We had a great time.  The weather was terrible, so what normally takes 2 hours to drive, took 3.5 hours.  But we made it back safely.  Saw 2 different semis off the road and they had closed the road to semis, unless they had on chains. 

We have already had 3 snow falls and been below zero.  I hope it is not an indication of what winter will be like!

Halloween was pretty mellow this year.  I think because it was so cold, many opted for indoor activities.  Joseph went with a neighborhood kid, Jacob hung out with two friends and Benjamin had football stuff going on.

Just one photo....

Benjamin is taking welding and really, really enjoying it.  He wanted am auto darkening helmet.  Very cool feature!   Next time we have a solar eclipse, a welding helmet is what I am going to grab.

He has also been talking about 2 trips that the school takes.  Every other year they go to Europe and Costa Rica.  He is actually interested in Europe!  It is a 2 week-ish trip right after his junior year.  He has even been brainstorming some fundraising options.  Of course I would love for him to travel all he can.

My mom was here last week for a visit!  Finally getting pictures uploaded.  It was a very busy week.  Between football games, fall festival and doing some things around the house, not much time for anything else.

How easy is it to spot Jacob...The only one who has hair below his helmet, although no helmet in this photo. 

Here is Ben, on the right, number 65!

We had our annual fall festival.  The weather for the parade was wet and cold. 

Scooby Doo made an appearance

Jacob finishes football on Monday and Benajmin will continue playing until the end of October, as will Joseph and soccer.  Come first of November, life will begin to crawl around here.  It will be nice to have everyone here for dinner!!

Earlier in the summer,  a group of friends, on a whim, decided to buy an old 1969 camper.   We wanted to fix it up and then flip it.  There were 9 of us and I don't recommend tackling a project this size with that many different people and personalities.  The first three weeks, we started off strong and then things came to a stand still.  We hit a big snafu with the cushions.  The camper is pretty much finished, minus the cushions.  Not real sure when it will be completely finished and sold.
Here are some before photos.

Here are a few after photos, minus the cushions.

Flipping a house seems too daunting, but if I had the space, I would love to tackle another project like this, just with one or two others.

It is soccer time.  Joseph has had two games already and won both of them!

He managed to catch the ball and keep them from scoring.  One of the games he had the last score of the game!

Not sure what he was doing below, but this picture makes me smile.

Jacob's first football game is Thursday!

The next 10 days or so sees our high temps in the high 50s and low to mid 60s!  Fall is quickly rolling in!

Things continue to roll along behind us, in what use to be our field!  There are probably 50 dwellings that are either finished or somewhere in the process of being completed.

They have started work on the walking path behind our house.

If you look on the left, you can see the power station, for lack of a better word, they have had to build.  Next spring the new elementary school construction will begin and since the area is rural, they had to bring in all the services to handle the influx of people.  That was always such a nice view for a sunset.

A recent bridge jumping outing.  Watch Jacob, just to the left of the kid in the black shorts.

Again, I never seem to know if the video is going to load, until it is live.  (If you are receiving this blog post via email, you will have to visit the actual website, to see the video.  www.welcomeatmyfire.blogspot.com)

Jacob and Joseph have spent a lot of time at the skate park recently.

Some cool photos.  Jacob has been working on what is called a tail whip.  This is when he is in the air, he kicks the base of the scooter around, either 360 degrees or 720 and then lands back on the scooter.  I think all of these pictures I took, he landed it.

I love this one, with Joseph looking on and the concentration on Jacob's face.  I think he just grabbed the scooter mid air and then let go.

Joseph is starting to land straight jumps.