The Elk "Hunt"

Every year at this time the Gurr side of the family camps in Moriane Park in Rocky Mountain National Park to watch the elk in the rut. It is a magical time of year, the leaves are perfect, the weather usually not so much. It only rained on us once. The only problem this year was the nighttime "Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde" that Tristan became. With so many tents around us, Adam and I spent two nights scrambling to give him what ever would stop the wailing. But we ate well and hiked and the family enjoyed being together.

Aunt Amanda using her iPhone to take beautiful pictures.


Most of us on top of a big rock.


Every year we try for a family picture, and every year it doesn't work out so well. But we have the memories.

Pregnancy Update

So we got a new camera and have been snapping pictures to send off to family for the past week. We took a set of pictures to show how big Ellynn’s belly is getting and it was a picture she actually liked so I think I’m safe in posting it to the blog so you can see what she looks like. The baby is plenty healthy and strong, he spends a good portion of his day kicking away and making Ellynn’s stomach look like a scene right out of “Alien”. With just under 2 months to go we’re sure the belly’s gonna just keep growing…

bglife

here are the hair twins

wil and ellynn really have a love/tease relationship!

 

the girls hugging baby finn.  oh we can’t wait til that little monster gets here!

doesn’t ellynn look so cute!  she gave the lesson and sang in relief society yesterday.  i was unable to hear it, but i did hear rave reviews!  we also went on an all girl back pack this weekend and it was only one of the most awesome things i have ever done.  it was darla, ellynn, me and 5 other girls.  we went to indian heaven and although it had rained the night before it was perfect while we were there.  we even got a huge fire going with tons of wet wood we found and a little dry wood tasha found after a little prayer.  i wish we could have stayed longer, but the call of motherhood brought us home after just one night.  oh well at least we got to go!

I’d like you to note the pack picture. yes, i have just a little day pack. Meagan carried all my food and sleeping gear so i could go too. she’s the MAN!      

(ellynn)

Sayonara Dust Bowl

Yes, I am in Kuwait and finally out of that fledgling...something. It looks like we are stuck here for several days but the place has improved with a really nice USO, wireless internet, hot showers, nice gym etc. In fact, it would not break my heart to get stuck here until OCT 1 whereupon I would receive credit for another month deployed and $1000. But, Murphy will probably have me on a plane at 2300 on SEP 30.

I want to thank Taylor and everyone else for the prayers. I firmly believe they really did work. Despite the many security improvements that occurred in the last year, my unit was often sent to the worst areas in the country. By Iraqis, we were known as the "dirty squad"; not because we disobeyed international law or razed villages but because we were sent in to go after the scum. So for at least the first half year of the deployment, your prayers were much required. I really felt protected and guided.

For the last few months, the internet in Iraq has been blocked for blogs. So I have been unable to view the pictures. I was able to see text because of the RSS feed but it has been very nice to go through and see all the new kids-all beautiful-with their parents.

My time on staff was much busier than I supposed. I had several opportunities to still go out and do stuff. The pics I posted are from my last day when the current H Company commander let me take my vehicles back out for a day. It was a lot of fun and I forgot how much I missed being out there and running things.

I am highly anticipating Brooke and Sawyer's visit to Germany here next week, I really appreciate Mom taking the time in the middle of the disaster to let it happen. After that, it is back to bachelorhood until the end of November. I will spend most that time clearing or studying for the GRE which I will take in early December. And then after my month home with the family for Christmas, it is back to bachelor life again at Fort Eustis, VA where I will go to the Simulation Officers course ofr six weeks. Some time after that, providing I get accepted to the program at NPS, I will start grad school. We will see. If that doesn't happen, I do not know what they would do with me at Monterey so it would probably mean another move. So once again, we ask for your prayers.

Brooke and her parent are working hard to get the house put together. I don't think I could have planned this better:-) No, I would much rather have the family in Germany waiting one me but it has been the right thing to do for little Elly who I understand is getting well taken care of. I guess I will put up with a few weeks of bachelor life for that. Apparently Leanne has figure out how to store my exploding board game collection and give Sawyer his own place to sleep..so kudos and many thanks to her and her work ethic. Oh yeah and some props to Ellery I guess too:-)

Well I expect a plethora of postings now with pictures! Blog away!

Mike

Last Patrol

Sorry Meags, I don't mean to overshadow your great "Sunday Walk" pics, but mine too were just awesome, so I had to post 'em We went up to Washington State Vancouver Campus and took a walk Sunday. It was beautiful. A perfect, drizzly WA day. When Geof. told me we were going, I was like, "it's raining Geof.". Duh. I should of known that doesn't stop the Bennetts. The kids were great and didn't even complain that we were constantly trying to snap shots of them with our cool Color Accent feature. Good kids, wonderful cousins. We can't wait for Disneyworld!!!



Ellynn and Jason came over this morning to say goodbye to Geof. and Meagan showed up later after toting Hazel on her back (see below post) ON the bike. I'm sorry Meags! I think it's so funny! Anyway, they tried to do a slow motion form of Nertz (sp?) just so I'd feel better for being so slow and maybe even possibly win...? Yeah right. Not a chance! I SUCK at that game, dang it!!

Happy Birthday Sis...

Happy 31st to Alicia

You are the greatest older sister a girl could ask for.

bglife

this was our sunday walk at cory’s alma mater.  there are the most beautiful trails through the woods and fields and streams winding through.  we are loving our time with geof., darla, the kids and ellyn and jason.  the other day hazel said she wanted her dana.  i said “dana who?”  

and this is our new and favorite form of transportation.  i get lots of funny looks riding through town like this, but cory STILL has not fixed my bike stroller….so here we are.  hazel loves it, my butt does not!

to the birthday girl

am i really turning 31? 

oh yes my dear you are.  and i will be right behind you.

here is wishing the funnest girl i know a super duper birthday!

Cole

Cole did great in his soccer game today. He scored 4 goals (not that anyone other than me was counting). He felt so good and he and his little teammates had so much fun together, running and tripping all over each other. When he got home I made them lunch and while eating he comes up with this question, "Mom, can crabs beat up lobsters, or can lobsters beat up crabs?" Me, not being as creative as MY mom was, comes up with this answer, "I don't think there's an answer for that one Cole. Maybe they fight for food, but I don't think they beat each other up."

Palin-mania

I'm guessing most of us like Sarah Palin, but you have to admit this is funny: click here. To read a few things Glenn Beck says about Palin, click here. And while you are on the SNL site you might as well giggle about this.

Clear as a bell...

Yesterday we spent another day at Primary Childrens.

Indie went in for an Auditory Brainstem Response in the Rapid Transition Unit.  Which basically means she had her hearing tested while she was sedated.  After the doctor put tubes in her ears in early July he wanted to see her back because the initial ABR they did at that time indicated she had moderate hearing loss.  We did a second test in a sound booth where they make noises and see how she responds, she did well but they wanted to do an additional ABR just to make sure.

Sadly, this is all getting easier for me, but I still cried when they took her back to sedate her.  They let me come in this time and wait with her until she was asleep.  That was a mistake.  They put a cute little oxygen mask on her until she fell asleep, much like a little puppy being put to sleep for a different purpose.  I couldn't stop thinking of Tuco.  

The test took over an hour, a very long hour.  

Finally the adorable Audiologist came to give us the news.  She was about a day older than me which made me contemplate what I have accomplished in my life while this young girl was becoming a doctor.  Anyways, the news was the same as last time.  Our little Indie has moderate hearing loss and will need little hearing aids.  This time I was prepared for this type of news.  I take comfort in the beautiful words her daddy blessed her with before the test.  In essence, whatever is meant to be will be.

She had a rough time coming out of the anesthesia this time.  They said she woke up too fast and that made her really cranky and totally out of it.  I tried to calm her down with her bottle or binki but I get too worked up when she is like that.  It is hard for me to see her in that condition because she is never that fussy normally.  Luckily, mom was there, she calmly bounced her back to sleep (the ample bosoms probably helped).  She slept for 20 minutes and woke up clapping and smiling...now there's my girl.

She was a little groggy throughout the day and ready for an early bedtime but no worse the wear.

I've put my trust in the Lord all my life but now more then ever I know he has a plan for me and for my little baby.  I know that hearing aids will only increase the progress she is already making in her life.  

One day, whether in this life or hereafter, she will be hearing...

clear as a bell.

Soft Ball Queen!!!

Our poor little Cort!!! Yes the nose is broke also!

I can't think of a title, how about "random thoughts"...

We have been missing Washington like crazy.  I am happy to say that Tony absolutely loved it up there (not surprising really.) The other day he even said he is tempted to just move there. I think if he doesn't get into the U this year he is really going to push to go to the school in Portland next year.

The weather here has been very much like it was when we were there. Just beautiful, warm but not too hot, cool but not too cold. We have sat on the patio for dinner several times...I heart fall.

Meags and all others doing the push up challenge, how's it going for you?!? I am struggling to say the least. I had to do week 3 twice and I still don't feel ready to move onto week 4. There is something about doing above 15 that is killing me. I have my doubts I will ever be able to do 100 but hey the program promises I can so we will see.

Ind is going in to have her hearing tested tomorrow while she is sedated. We are hoping the results will be good but Tony said tonight "it will be what it is supposed to be." And that is true.

Well I guess that is the end of my randomness.

Love you all

J

I shared this on my own blog, and thought the rest of you might appreciate it. Just IMAGINE all the possibilities of becoming an illegal alien!!

FORMS ARE GOING FAST- SIGN UP TODAY!
Becoming Illegal (Actual letter from an Iowa resident and sent to his senator)
The Honorable Tom Harkin
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Phone (202) 224 3254
Washington DC , 20510
Dear Senator Harkin,
As a native Iowan and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the pro cess for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you.
My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stems from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before everyone figures it out.
Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.
Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have sto pped paying premiums for medical insurance, m y accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year.
Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as well as 'in-state' tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son.
Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver's license and maki ng those burdensome car insurance premiums. This is very important to me given that I still have college age children driving my car.
If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your assistance.
Your Loyal Constituent,
Donald Ruppert
Burlington , IA
Get your Forms (NOW)!! C all your Internal Revenue Service 1-800-289-1040.

The Trouble With Bees

Poor Adam had a bad run in with his bees yesterday. He took Sierra, Kaia, and Le Anne with him to collect honey for the season. It took him about four times as long as expected and the bees were excessively angry with him. He and Le Anne were in beekeeper suits, but Adam did get one sting on his hand. This has resulted in "the Hulk hand". This picture was taken after a full day of ice and medication so it isn't as big as it was this morning.
Mexico...we had a lot of people counting on us to find their door to retirement and/or easy living. But it didn't work out as planned. I did my best to keep an open mind, but the last few days of the trip I kept thinking "I hate this place, I feel like puking everywhere I go." Turns out that wasn't entirely Mexico's fault. Being about 4 weeks pregnant is to blame and I am entirely excited about that.

Today is September 13th...

Today was a busy day. They all are actually. That's just a really easy way to start out a blog post. Here are a few pictures...

This is how the day started out. Meags had an off-road marathon at Mt. Hood. Here she is starting out. One of the pics is with some of her homies from a past Hood-To-Coast team:

Notice that there are no finish-line photos.  That's because she rolled her ankle on the first five-mile section and I picked her up at the road.  She was DISTRAUGHT.  Meagan doesn't like to quit.  After some pep talks and the realization that if she kept going she might not run again for a year (yikes!), she hopped in the car, gladly, and we went to Jack's soccer game:

Jack played fantastically-tastic.  This is his first year on a full-size field.  It is getting really fun to watch now.  He is the man.  The other kiddos did great in their games today as well.  

And now, being a Saturday afternoon in the fall (almost), college football must be watched.  Here is Jason and Ellery hard at work.  I'm busy blogging to you all about our day, but I'm watching between photo uploads:

Oh yeah.  While Meags was running 4 miles out of the woods crying (literally, crying) with a sprained ankle, Jason and I took Hazel to Timberline Lodge (note: we didn't know Meags was hurt at this point).  We re-created 'The Shining' for a few minutes then took pics of the kid.  Hazel snapped the pic of Jason.  She's pretty good, actually. What an amazing place.  A must see for any who haven't been there.

Have a good day everyone.