Donna and Tony

Fall Football

2009-10-10T17:01:00.012-06:00

Fall Football Time at Mom and Dad's house

The girls had fun playing Littlest Pet Shops while some watched football.......

Mom helped Katlyn with some homework, sewing a time period costume for a doll.....

All the girls got a sewing lesson. My mom is so talented!

Katlyn is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady, way to fast!

The dogs played. Bo and Buckwheat make Kaiser look like a big dog!

Steph and Jerry, arent' they cute?

Tony playing on the tractor

Guy talk....

Mom made a fantastic stew, home made rolls and a great apple crisp! Great food for a football party!

MacKinzie's Bike Riding

2009-07-26T18:08:00.004-06:00

It took a few nights of practice, but she got it! Once her friends were out watching, that was it, she took off all by herself! I'm so proud!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!

2009-07-12T09:51:00.012-06:00

July 11, 2009

My dad's birthday is Monday. So, as a birthday present, Stephanie thought a good gift would be Jerry and Tony's services. And being the great guys they are, they were happy to lend a hand!

Mom and Dad have a camper that received some water damage this winter. The entire roof over their bed had gotten wet and the wood was ruined. They wouldn't have been able to use it in this condition, and it would have been to expensive to repair. That's where the handymen came in!

I don't think any of us knew just how much work this was going to be! They worked on getting the new support, wiring, insullation, and new roof on for about 8 hours on Saturday.

My Grandma Davis came over and we had most of the kids (Breanna was at work). Grayson, Riley and Katlyn hung out and played some with the dogs. MacKinzie, Hannah, Regan and Tabatha all played all day long and had a great time!

Mom feed us well, of course! We had pulled pork sandwiches for lunch and enchilada's for dinner. Then the worlds best German Chocolate cake and ice cream for desert!

Camping Ponderosa State Park, McCall ID

2009-06-14T20:18:00.003-06:00

June 12th & 13th 2009

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We had a great weekend camping! We had a few rain showers come through Saturday, but we were either in the trailers or on our way back from the beach. The kids didn't mind fishing in the rain. They all loved fishing! It was the first time for a couple of them, and it kept them all entertained all day long. The only catch of the entire fishing trip was by Grayson, a right shoe! We roasted marshmellows, walked the dogs, had a deer come through our camp, and fed the chipmunks. McCall was beautiful this weekend! We are looking forward to our July camping trip in the same park next month!

The end of another school year

2009-05-27T22:01:00.017-06:00

May 2009

The school year is wrapping up for the girls. This year they both got to go to Idaho Arts Charter School. Katlyn was in the orchestra, they both had dance classes, art and drama. Of course they had the other, not so fun classes like math, science etc.. But they seem to have really done well this year. I am so proud of how hard they work and all that they have learned. I really feel that this school has been a blessing for them both.

Katlyn's orchestra had their final concert in the park in Nampa. It was a nice out door amphitheater. They played a few songs and it was a beautiful evening. The week after that Katlyn's class did a class play as a project for the 13 Colonies. They did a real cute skit and lots of songs and dancing.

MacKinzie's 1st grade class "went on a trip to South Africa". They learned about the country they would be traveling to, got their required "7 shots" and "passports".

This was such a fun project for the kids! Each kid was then assigned a region of South Africa and did a report on that region. MacKinzie did a book on Namibia. Last night they had a "museum" setup with all the 1st and 2nd graders' projects in the multipurpose room. Then we went out on the lawn and the kids sang about 5 songs with the South Africa theme. It was a lot of fun! The girls are so lucky to being going to a small school in a large town with talented teachers!

Memorial Day Weekend - CJ Strike

2009-05-25T22:22:00.009-06:00

May 22, 2009

Our first camping trip of the year! We went to CJ Strike. It's about an hour and 20 minutes from my house. We didn't take the kids on our first trip out, but we missed not having them there. We did take Kaiser, and he was such a good "camp dog"! We got there Friday night and set up camp. The camp sites are new, so the grass hasn't had a chance to grow yet, actually I don't think it's been planted yet. They did have REAL restrooms, that was one of the only accommodations I asked for! Of course the camp ground was PACKED with people! Saturday Charlie, my friend Jamie's boyfriend, rented a party barge for us for the day. We cruised around the lake, some fished and others swam. Jamie and I took a little hike on one of the shores, until we saw a rattle snake! I had never seen one in the wild before! We got back on the boat quickly! Sorry, no pictures of that! That night we had Shish Kabob's for dinner and Smores for dessert! The next day we rented a ski boat and did some tubing. That was fun! The water was VERY COLD, but who cares! We were out on the water! Tony and I went out for a spin on the tube. It was a lot of fun! Charlie took it easy on everyone to be sure we had fun, thank you, Charlie! It was a lot of fun! I had to talk Jamie into getting on the tube, she hadn't done it before. By the time we were half way done with our ride, we were both laughing and standing in the tube!

That night the storm started rolling in again. The last night I didn't sleep for more than a few hours. I was worried first about the "neighbors" who were up very late having a party and being loud, until Tony had to "politely" ask them to keep it down. Then the wind was a steady gust all night long. I had to get up a few times to see if the tents outside were still there, and if we were still in the campground. So when we saw what we were in for again Sunday night, we rushed off the lake and packed up camp. I told Tony we should have timed ourselves! I'm sure we set a record! We were out of there and back home by 6:30 Sunday night. That gave us time to get a shower, a movie, BBQ our dinner and get a restful night's sleep!

Monday was another "yard work" day! We got the yard mowed, the camper put away and the pool set up! I think we are both ready for the week to start so we can recover from our weekend!

Another busy weekend

2009-05-03T16:35:00.016-06:00

May 2, 2009

We had another busy weekend. It started off mid-morning with MacKinzie's birthday party. She had 11 kids here for the party! We played games, hit the pinata, opened gifts, and had cake and ice cream! Everyone had fun!

Then we had just enough time to get the house cleaned up before we were out the door and headed to Meridian. There we stood out in the rain for about an hour until the "Take Charge Wedding Proposal" started. We had lots of friends and family there to support me and my other friends in the contest. Tanya, Jamie, Rena and I were all selected as contestants. Once the contest finally started, it only lasted about 5 SECONDS! I didn't win the ring, but I think I won the cake fight.... maybe not.

After the cake fight was over we headed home to BBQ with the family. Grandpa Young, Ron & Penny, Stephanie & Jerry, Mom & Dad were all there by the time we finally go home! I took a quick shower and then went to help get everything ready for dinner. It was wonderful! We had the best chicken, marinated and cooked by Tony, potato salad (Penny makes the best!), broccoli salad, beans (by Mom & Dad), fruit and dip (Stephanie's special) and yep, more cake and ice cream!

Sunday was a little more relaxed, kind of....we at least stayed home and enjoyed the sunshine, when it was out. Tony put together Grayson's Basketball hoop while the kids rode bikes, collected "rolley pollies" (the are actually bugs, but don't tell Hannah or MacKinzie), threw the ball for the dog, and played the swing ball game. The sun would shine for a few minutes, then it would sprinkle rain. Overall, it was a very good day! No cake or ice cream today, thank goodness!

Weekend Projects

2009-04-26T14:39:00.009-06:00

April 25, 2009!
This weekend's project was the Square Foot Garden. Tony is amazing! I can come to him with an idea, and he is ready to just get it done! No questions, just, OK, let's do it! Not only did he get the garden built this weekend, he also got the A/C unit repaired, thanks to Kaiser's destruction, and the sprinklers repaired and set. I guess the pool will be next!

.

I planted cilantro, sweet peas, carrots and onions. We are going to put the tomato and bell pepper plants in when it gets a little warmer. I'll let the girls pick and plant a couple of squares.

Of course Kaiser was in the middle of everything!

Then after our hard day of work, we had homemade Gyros! The are fantastic! Our new favorite!

Spring Time

2009-04-20T20:47:00.003-06:00

April 18, 2009

What a beautiful weekend! I have been waiting for this weather for months! Saturday, Tony and I went to Cheryl and Brad's baby shower. It was the first Co-ed baby shower I have been to. Tony won all the games! :) I told him that he had the most kids, so he had the most experience! Then we came home and started working on the yard. Tony did the weed eating and lawn mowing.

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I pulled and sprayed weeds. Then we made dinner! The next day Tony picked up the dog kennel I purchased off Craig's List. I don't know what I would do with out Tony! Yep, he is just Mr. Wonderful!

Pocatello Trip

2009-04-17T23:58:00.006-06:00

April 16, 2009

Today we went to Pocatello to Tony's sister's memorial service. His oldest sister Lynn passed away last week. It was a very lovely memorial service. Lynn has some very sweet kids. My heart goes out to them. I also think about how hard it would be lot lose a sister. I can't even let myself thing of something so sad. Siblings have such a bond, like no other. For a daughter and sons to have to bury their mother, makes my heart ache. As a mother, these are they types of life's struggles we never imagine having to put our children through. For a mother to lose a child, at any age, would be such a deep sadness. Tony has a fantastic and supportive family. He is very blessed.

On our way home we stopped at Shosone Falls. The water is flowing at full force. It was beautiful.

Root Canal

2009-04-14T11:29:00.003-06:00

April 14, 2009

Well, it's 11:30 Tuesday morning, I am in my PJ's in my big soft bed. I just ate the left over sweet potatoes from Easter (I knew I shouldn't have taken any home) and I am waiting for the drugs to kick in! I went in to the dentist at 9:00 this morning. I knew it was coming, and sure enough, I had to have a very large and deep root canal! This is my 6th! You would think I was pro at this by now, or at least not have many more teeth to drill on! I have asked for dentures on several occasions, but the dentist needs to put his kids through college and that vacation every year! At least someone is benefiting! I guess I will watch some TV, or take a nap, and just try to forget the awful morning. Tomorrow will be a better day!

2009-04-12T21:12:00.000-06:00

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We will miss you Lucky!

2009-04-10T14:46:00.008-06:00

April 6, 2009

What a very sad day! Today Lucky (our most wonderful cat) lost his fight with kidney failure. Last month I noticed that he was looking a bit thin and didn't look like he felt like his usual self. He wasn't eating his cat food and just drinking a lot of water. He also just stayed on the bathroom floor, not getting on my bed or the couch. He just wanted to lay around on the floor close to his water. I took him to the vet and she ran some tests on him. She told us that his kidneys were failing. She said there is no cure, but with a special diet, we could see if that would help. Unfortunately, it didn't help for long. He ate the special diet for a few weeks, but then what seemed like over night, he just took a turn for the worse.

In my whole life, I have never had a cat like Lucky. He was a gift to the girls from their grandma (unbeknown st to me) a couple of years ago. He let the girls carry him around upside down, wrapped around their shoulders, in baskets, anything they wanted. He just loved to be with the girls. He also wanted to be Kaiser's best friend. Even though Kaiser would paw and gnaw on Lucky, Lucky still tried to let Kaiser know that he was just a cool cat. Lucky loved to catch mice and birds! He was such a good hunter! Although finding his trophies was a bit gross, I was happy to never have to worry about having mice in the house!

We are comforted in knowing that he is no longer in pain. He is waiting for us in Heaven. I know he misses us also, he lived to make our lives happy, and he did. We miss you, Lucky, so much! We will always remember you and think of you often. You will live forever in our hearts and thoughts.

Softball

2009-04-04T18:31:00.005-06:00

This is the first weekend of Softball Season! It was a nice brisk morning at Ann Morrison Park. Tony didn't have his fan club with him at his first game, 9:15 a.m., but we showed up for the 2nd and 3rd games that afternoon.

This will be the 3rd Softball Season I have spent with Tony! I love being out in the sunshine and having the kids play in the park. It's great family time.

This is the Nampa team that Tony is on this year, "Devil Dogs". He will also be on a Boise team, that is a lot of softball! He plays Left Center. I can't believe how far and fast he can throw the ball!

Added by Tony: Okay, it's Saturday night and the Devil Dogs tourney is over. That's not a good thing, we should be playing tomorrow but you have to win at least a game, one game! Ahh, that's okay, chock it up to character building and team unity. It was a good loss (four to be exact). By the why, Donna is a supertrooper!

Young Family Reunion

2009-04-04T18:11:00.008-06:00

April 1, 2009

Mike, Caryon and Tom stopped by on their way to see Bryan in Pullman. It was so good to see them! Tom has grown up so much since I saw him last, which has been way too long! I was impressed at what a very nice "Young" man he has become! I don't know what Mike and Caryon feed those boys, but man! They took all the height in our side of the family!

All of Grandpa Young's sibilings were able to make it, along with their kids and grandkids. It is always good to see our great aunts, uncles and cousins! The family continues to grow!

Mom's cousin Diane, Caryon and Tom.

The Davis clan got together for a quick pic! Thanks, Tony!

I love that we have a large and loving family! Getting together is always a blessing.

Kaiser!

2009-03-31T23:16:00.015-06:00

We brough Kaiser home on September 9, 2009. He was 2 1/2 months when we got him. The girls of course LOVE him! Lucky (our cat) tries to love him, but Kaiser just thinks Lucky is a "Chew Toy".

There is not much this dog will not eat!

Kaiser started getting his "big boy" ears. They were so cute when they would flop over.

MacKinzie shows Kaiser bubbles. Every puppy and little girl loves bubbles!

Katlyn plays some music for Kaiser.

Lucky and Kaiser share drinks and dinner. If only Kaiser was always this calm around the cat!

Kaiser's first snow! He loves the snow! Check out those ears! You would think he could hear me the first time I yell at him....he must take after the girls!

We have had Kaiser for the past 8 months, and enjoy him so much! He is the kind of dog every kid should have!

Brundage!

2009-03-28T14:54:00.003-06:00

February 28, 2008

We spent a gorgeous day in McCall. We drove up Saturday morning and went skiing all day at Brundage. They say it is the best snow in Idaho, and we agreed! We had an awesome time skiing. Tony is such a good skier, I'm glad he waits for me at the bottom of the hill.

Then we stayed at The Shore Lodge. It is a beautiful resort! We walked across the street to Lardo's for dinner. It was just another wonderful weekend together!

Camel's Back

2009-03-28T14:08:00.000-06:00

March 7, 2009

The creek crossing challenge

Here is our group as we over took Camel's Back park. Steph, Jerry, Regan, Tabatha and Bo joined our group as we hiked for a couple of hours around the back side of the mountain.

The kids loved playing in the sand, walking over the log and walking the dogs.

Katlyn & Riley!