Denver, The Provider

HE DID IT! Since we moved here to Oregon, nigh on three years ago, my husband has been doing everything in his power to catch a steelhead-an ocean-run trout for those of you like me who are unfamiliar with fish. He'd get up at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning just to get the good hole. He tried getting up and going at 4 once but was too late, there was already someone there. Yeah, the competition around here is fierce. Anyway, we had a ward activity up the canyon and me and the kids caught a ride home with friends so that Denver could stay for a while and try, yet again, to catch a fish. I'd been teasing him that morning about how when I go out, I at least bring something home for the family. (Chase and I picked about 40 pounds of berries that morning.) As you can see, I had to eat my words. Literally. And let me tell you, that is some good fish!

Chase had a hard time grabbing this monster-it measured in at 27 1/2 inches. (Gotta make sure you get the half in there-I accidentaly said 27 inches once. Only once though-I learned my lesson.)

Of course, we had to put the youngest Dalton next to Denver's triumph, mainly because it illustrates why Denver was telling friends he caught a 'Corbin'.

Jam

Six indications you've spent the last week canning jam:

6. You're staring at a friend's hands wondering why the color looks so strange when you realize it's because they're not stained with berry juice.
5. A friend calls to tell you about a sale on canning jars and you promptly hang up on her.
4. The sight of empty canning jars makes you want to cry.
3. Your one-year-old sees you getting out empty canning jars and really does start to cry.
2. When your husband tells you that the blackberries are ready for picking, you seriously contemplate using one of the methods you've dreamed up using various canning utensils for his permanent incapacitation. (My favorite involves the magnet lid grabber and the jar tongs.)
1.Your pantry shelves are completely full of jam!

Pictures!

I feel the need to apologize to anyone that ever reads this blog. It has again, been ages since I've posted anything. I'll admit that this pregnancy is kicking my trash like none of the others. In fact, the only reason I've dragged up the energy to post anything today is because I have been infused with a delightful concoction of almonds, chocolate, and unknown-goodness that I have been craving but knew I had to live without because it isn't sold here in the glorious state of Oregon. However, I have been blessed with the most amazing mother in the world that completely understands what her daughter needs to keep going and does all those little things that remind me of how my Father in Heaven is watching over me and has placed those people in my life that will help pull me through. Thanks Mom. What would I do without you and the cooperative weather that didn't melt the almond balls you sent me?

Alrighty. That being said, I've selected a few pictures to give ya'll an idea of what we've been up to around here. The first grouping is from Denver's work party we went to on Saturday. It was at a place called Camp Harlow and it seemed to me to be the perfect place for 10-year-old boys. Seriously, go-carts, bumper-boats, miniature golfing, swimming, and a barbecue all at the same place! If Chase hadn't worn himself out taking advantage of all the activities we'd still be there. The first picture is of Chase and Denver racing each other around the track. It was the first time either one of them had ever driven a go-cart. They seemed to enjoy it. Corbin and I decided to sit it out. Well, I guess I should clarify and say that I decided that Corbin and I would sit it out. If it had been up to Corbin's father, he would have ridden with his Daddy. Yeah. Right.

Chase actually took a couple of turns on the go-carts but we did manage to get him to try the bumper boats as well.

Does it look like Chase was really getting into it? Cuz he was. He was giving us pointers on how to drive them.

What you thought a prego wouldn't be able to ride the bumper boats? Huh, well you were wrong. We can....it just tends to make us a little bit nauseous and it's harder to reach the handles. Still, it was nice to ram that boat into Chase's with as much speed as I could muster. Downright satisfying.

I thought it'd be best to let Denver take Corbin on the bumper boats to keep his mind off the go-carts. Truth be told, I thought for sure the guy running the ride wouldn't let him. Stinkin' men, they all think alike. Still, I was right in the end because Corbin HATED it. Ha. Moms know what they're talking about.
Luckily, we had the swimming pool so Denver could make it up to Corbin for torturing him on the boat.

These last couple of pictures are just some I've taken recently. Denver went fishing one Saturday a couple of weeks ago so Chase and I decided to clean out the hot tub and use it as a swimming pool. Denver got home just in time to reap the benefits. That man has impeccable timing. You really gotta love the goggles.

This last one is for two people. Bess, I miss you terribly. I wish you were closer so we could spend our time rubbing each others bellies and I could bemoan the fact that mine is soooo much bigger than yours. Oh well, I think I'm over it. Or I will be after I eat another chocolate... Ahhh, much better.

Wait, I said two people. The other person I really wanted to thank is Denise. You know those little black clouds that you see hanging over cartoon characters-ours is a maelstrom complete with thunder, slashing rains, and those hurricane-type winds known for destroying entire cities. (At least that's how I've felt lately.) Denise has been the sunshine that incredibly finds its way through the onslaught. Not only has she been helping with Corbin every day, but when most of my maternity clothes were ruined she dug out hers and lent them to me. They're the ones I'm wearing in the picture. Honestly, Denise you are more like a sister than just a friend. And I really love my sisters. When I was talking about those special people that Heavenly Father placed in my life-I consider you one of them. Thank you Denise.