Home Away From Home

We did a thing. We did a BIG thing. We bought a piece of property! We are officially co-owners of an acre in Ashton at Arcadia Lake. Scott and I have always wanted to give our boys a certain lifestyle. One with opportunities to hunt and fish, be outside to connect with nature and unplug from the rigors of everyday life. We wanted a place for them to slow down, breathe easy and make memories to last a lifetime. Luckily, we have friends with the same dreams and ambitions. So we pooled our time, effort and resources to provide these kind of conveniences for our herd of boys. Its going to take an immense amount of character building work to finish the land and make it a place of sanctuary for our family. But after this weekend, its already taking shape! The boys, both old and young, worked so incredibly hard the past three days and put a major dent in the land. Its actually starting to look like a campground!

We made sure there was room for fun too. Of course there was kayaking! We threw in a couple of four wheeling rides and games of corn hole, plus some night games for the kids. It doesn't get better. 

 We learned our lesson with Luna and got her shaved. Though she loves rolling and getting dirty, it was a thousand times more manageable. She loved the lake and hunting the squirrels. We would find her sitting in the bushes for long periods of time.

We love the Snarr family are so excited to share this adventure with them. I can't wait to watch my boys work this land and be able to look back in a couple of years with a tremendous sense of accomplishment and relish in the rewards of hard work.

(Back Row: Scott and Stacey Packard. Natalee and Adam Snarr. Front Row: Tayden, Beckett, Cache and Kyle Packard. Brody, Camron and Austin Snarr.) 

I just feel so blessed. 

33rd and 1st

Over the weekend, we celebrated my birthday. I turned 33! We spent the day at the field and watched the boys play football. Honestly, there is nowhere I would rather be than cheering for my kids. After football was over, I packed up the kids and Scott stayed home to work on the tile. (Upcoming post soon!) Its interesting how much less and less you need as birthdays come. I didn't have a cake this year or open any presents, but the people around me made me feel special. 

And today we celebrated back to school. The kids had their first day and they did awesome. They all woke up excited and ready to go. The minute we pulled into school, they took off running to the playground, leaving Kyle and me all alone. I am so proud of their confidence and strength. It was fun watching them find friends and see their excitement. Cache started first grade this year, which left me and Kyle alone for the day. It was oddly quiet. I spent the day cleaning up after summer and getting the house in order while simultaneously entertained Ky and Luna. Yes, Luna. She was quite needy today as her boys left. They came home happy with a million stories and ready to go back tomorrow! I love this time of year. I know most people love the fresh new start of the New Year, but I feel like back to school is a more appropriate time for goals and kicking off the "new year". Honestly, I missed my kids...but I was soooo happy to have our routine back. (Tayden, 5th grade. Beckett, 3rd. Cache, 1st) 

It was a great summer. But I think its going to be an even better year! 

Gods Country

Last Sunday, we headed up to Ashton to have dinner in the mountains with our friends. I wasn’t too excited to go until we pulled into the pine trees and fresh air. There is something pure about being on that land that makes life easier and let’s you breath a little easier. It was the perfect evening and gave me the energy to get through the last week of summer. 

The kids caught frogs all evening and Scott and I were able to go on a little four wheeler ride. It is beyond beautiful. 

We took Luna with us this time. To say she had the time of her life, is a huge understatement. She swan quite a while with the boys and then rolled and rolled and rolled in the dirt. She was the dirtiest I’ve ever seen her. 

She required a major bath at the self serve dog wash. I’m talking, two looooong hours. But she came out sparkling clean. 

It’s hard to not want to spend every weekend up there. God is good. And it’s good being in Gods country is even better! 

Harvesting

Cache loves to garden. Beckett likes it well enough, but when it comes to harvesting and process the foods, he’s all over it. Especially when a knife is involved. 

We’ve been eating the zucchini as fast as we’ve been picking it, but this week we got extra. 7 cups in the freezer for bread. 

He was such a huge help and helped me prepare 6 bags of soup. I have to include the recipe, because it’s my favorite and I never want to loose it. 

I love sharing my passions with my sons!! The extra one on one time is best!! 

Temple Long Johns

A little glimpse into a conversation I had with my two youngest as we were putting away laundry.

Cache: I can put my long johns in my underwear drawer, right? Because you and dad wear those white long johns for your underwear.

Me: No, they aren't long johns. They are special underwear you get when you go to the temple called garments.

Kyle (looking quite perplexed): I am NOT going to the temple than.

Cache: Ky you have to go to the temple to get married. If you don't get married, you'll have a really lonely life.

Kyle: Its fine. I'll just have kids.

Mennear Love

I had a chance to hang out with both my siblings this week. It was really great to be together again! 

The kids really loved having some extra time with Coda as well. I’ll tell you what, he sure is growing into a wonderful young man. 

After Justin went back to Texas, my mom and I had the chance to go to the temple together. I haven’t been with her in quite some time, so it was really special for me to spend the evening with her. 

I’m lucky to come from the Mennear clan. They are a great group of people and I love them dearly.