Summer 2009

My summer, like many of yours, want by fast. I don't usually vacation much in the summer so I can go in the fall. This year it just worked out differently. In June I went to my cousin's wedding. I drove across Montana to see my sister and her family at the end of July (2,300 miles round trip). In August my sisters came to visit me, as many of you already know. We spent four days at Wallowa Lake, very relaxing!!!! I had a great summer, but I can honestly say I'm ready for fall, my favorite time of each year. Enjoy Round-up for those of you in Pendleton. Maybe you'll see another post or two from me before the year has ended.......

More Montana Memories

Everyday I would torture (the children's word, not mine) the kids and make them go with me to do a photo shoot (need pictures for the calendar you know). It was amazing to me how the girls would pose nice and smile, but the days when I could grab "the boy" for a few shots I got the silly, fun and spontaneous pictures. I LOVED IT, except when I really did want just one posed picture of the three of them, that didn't go so well.

It was just fun to let them climb and pose and do whatever they wanted. I just kept taking pictures. I know for some of you that comes naturally, but I came from the family where pictures were taken around the dinner table at each birthday party. Cameras weren't considered a part of everyday life. When I actually break from the "family norm", I get some really fun pictures and memories too.

The picture above makes me laugh everytime I see it. I can hear Will saying, "Aunt Jo, hurry take a picture of my "man bridge"!" With his voice changing and cracking, it was just funny to me.

I was trying to get the whole picture, but just as I snapped the shot, Spike (Mom and Dad's dog) jumped off. They were quite a site, the three of them riding out to the highway to get the mail.

Dakotah "hammed" it up a little when she jumped on Grammi's toy tractor and tried to ride it around the carport.

See, when it was just the girls, they posed and smiled. These were fun too, as Saige would dream up the next pose and Dakotah and I would tag along for fun.

I LOVE FALL

Wow, long time no blog! Needed a break from the whole posting pictures, blogging thing. I'm going to get back to blogging, but it may take me some time to get everything back on track. Keep checking back.

I went to Montana in October to visit friends and family. I didn't see everyone, but I did get to meet one of the two newest members of the Drugge family. This is "Montana Rose", she is my cousin's daughter. I took Dakotah and Saige (nieces) up to my Aunt and Uncle's house to pick out pumpkins. We were lucky enough to time it so that we got in on the pumpkin photo shoot with Mon'TANA'. She was lots of fun. She couldn't quite figure it all out, but she would smile big for us. Her Grandma grew the pumpkins and so it was lots of fun using them for props.


Lucky for everyone, this was one of the days that I actually fixed my hair! Some of the other days were pretty scary. Tee Hee!

Spending time with my Nieces and Nephew is very precious. This visit seemed too short, but I was happy to get any time with them. This is Will's first year to hunt. He got his antelope on the second day and was very happy. I didn't see as much of him, but still had a few chances for pictures. The girls were lots of fun and helped me make dinner and dessert, went for walks and just caught up on all the happenings in their busy lives. Very relaxing!

Dakotah is a Sophomore this year and it's all about school, friends and the next big "school" event. She loves school (her social outlet) and keeps busy with all the extra stuff like choir, band, school plays, dance, piano lessons, etc....... (Oh yea, and the boyfriend).

Saige is 8 years old and she is all about independence. She wanted to ride the four-wheeler and my Mom and Dad's dog, Spike never misses an opportunity to ride. She too keeps busy with all the extra (dance and piano).

Montana Vacations..... I recommend them to everyone!

Buddy's Birthday

I don't know who likes his birthday more, Buddy or his Mom.

Happy 16th Birthday Dakotah

Wow, my niece is 16 years old today. Just doesn't seem possible. The day she was born, I sat at my Mom and Dad's dining room table, waiting to hear the good news. My sister had to be taken to Denver, Colorado because she had a 25 pound cyst that had to be removed along with little Dakotah.

Everything went well and here we are today, celebrating 16 years!

Happy Birthday Koda. I love you and miss you very much!

Who'll give me 5 for that?

My sister Deanna arrived last Friday in preparation for my yard sale. Well, I hope she came to visit as well, but I'm not going to ignore the fact that I wasn't going to do the YARD SALE without her. She's been working everyday sorting my piles of stuff, pricing and organizing for SATURDAY'S SALE.

It'll be at my house, 811 SW 6th Street beginning at 7 am and ending at 2 pm. Cross your fingers for good weather!

I've rounded up some scrapbooking stuff, plus size clothing, cake pans, holiday decorations and all my old living room decor' (rustic, outdoor, cabin etc....)

If your in town and you like YARD SALES then come see us, I just might have that very thing you've been looking for.

"The Phantom"

This picture arrived in my email box over the weekend. This is my truck driving brother-in-law's brand new "Phantom Gray" Kenworth T660. I don't think Terry has ever had a new truck, but he can't say that now. Oh, excuse me - I think half of this truck is Deanna's and I know she's never had a brand new Kenworth!

Congratulations you two. I hope the improved gas mileage gets you further down the road! Happy Haulin'

Saige

Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting Saige, others of you have not. She's our funny girl! Always there to make you laugh, giggle from your toes or just plain burst out with an unexpected roar of laughter. Last weekend she was in a dance competition in Bismarck, ND. Her group had dairy cow or Holstein cow costumes. Her Mom was helping her get ready and when she finished Saige walked over to the mirror. She put her hands on her hips and said, "Well Mom, let's go find the rest of my herd!" Their dance group got the highest award, which I believe is "diamond". Outstanding Saige! Great Job!

On a not so funny note, she also got hurt the same weekend. She somehow had a fight with a piece of exercise equipment and lost. She has what was described as looking like a blood blister on entire bottom of her foot. This is from damage she has done to the muscle. In addition, there is also a hair-line fracture. She has a cast and has been told that there will be no (absolutely none) weight on the foot for 10 days. I'm guessing my funny girl has lost a little of her sense of humor. I wish I was there to spoil her, but she's just gonna have to settle for a care package from Aunt Jo. Love you, Saige - take care!