30 miles on May 30th

 During quarantine Monty and I have done a lot of bike riding.  It's something we've enjoyed doing together, so for our Birthday this year we decided to ride 30 miles!  Let me tell you...the first 15 super fun.  The last 10--pure torture.  My legs have never hurt so much and the burn was beyond burning.  I honestly wanted to quit with all my being, but also hate quitting things more.  We stopped a lot more on the way back because my muscles were just so fatigued!  Monty was tougher than me.  He was a monster and saved my life.  He kept saying I needed nourishment.  About 7 miles from home we rode to a Walgreens and he bought me this Arizona Energy drink and some crackers.  I collapsed on the floor no sure if I'd ever be able to get up again.  When I drank this drink I felt like I was drinking gold!  I didn't know what was in it--all I knew was I needed it.  It saved my life--so I credit Monty for saving my life this day.  So glad he could buy me some nourishment.  I learned that if you are going to do a 30 mile bike ride, you might want to eat lunch...even if you think your body has energy to burn.  Food is important.  We had a blast and when we got home I was so proud of us!  We rode to Bellevue and back.  

First Masks of 2020

We tried to hold out and not wear masks, but today marked the first day of required masks.  We needed to go into the Asian store for some things we can only get here, but they required masks.  So--let it begin.  I wonder how long this will last?  They also took our tempuratures before letting us into the store.  Covid-19 is something we'll never forget.  Getting used to these masks is going to take a while.  I didn't want to talk.  It was hard to understand anyone and you can't see smiles.  It seems so impersonal.  

 

Cookie Bake-off

We decided to have a cookie bake-off challenge after watching a cookie bake-off challenge on tv.  Makai made a Smore's cookie.  Tyler and Brianna made a Mexican caramel cookie and I made a banana cookie that turned more into banana/ chocolate bread squares.  Sadly we did the taste testing too late and Brianna had to go home.  

The judges loved this idea!!  Everyone was a winner!  

 

Who's taller???

One things these boys are is competitive.  Who's taller? 

 

Happy Birthday Trey

This picture still melts my heart.  He came home from nursery so excited to give me these flowers for Mother's Day when he was three(Almost three).  So glad I took this picture and can cherish this moment forever!

The day you found two rocks by the river that made the perfect chair and you made yourself comfortable--at least you looked comfortable.  

I'm pretty sure you were 4 or 5 in this photo.  Such a stud.  

When you got to bring home the school bear and show him a good time over the weekend.  You two enjoyed playing with Legos.  

Oh my goodness--your smile is contagious.  You've always loved an adventure. 

I can't believe today you turn 13.  You're hair is getting curly.  You voice is getting deep.  You are getting taller by the day.  You love basketball with a passion.  I love being with you.  You're a kind-hearted boy and I'm so luck to have you.  

 

You are the best goofball around!  Thanks for always making us laugh.  Love you Trey!! May the teen years be good to you!

New Phone--

Monty bought me a new phone with a nice camera to replace my broken camera.  I think I am going to like it.  Here are the first few photos I took.  

First Photo--the man who bought the phone!  Thanks babe.  

Kyle took Makai on a walk and while out walking they collected some flowers for me.  These boys know how to melt my heart.  

Portrait mode of this handsome guy. 

We decided to go on a hike.  Upon arrival I realized this boy was wearing sandals!  This boy and shoes.  If he didn't have to wear them--he wouldn't.  He's always been this way.  And, he did just fine on the hike.  No complaints--at least about his shoes.  A few complains about taking a hike, but that's just classic Makai.  

We saw this family of duck!  It reminded us of our family.  5 little ducks with protective parents.    

I think I like this camera--and LOVE these boys.

Almost 13--can't believe it!!

Love this smile!

Always happy to take a photo.  Just wanna squeeze this kid.  Did I mention he gives the best hugs in the world!  I'm serious.  A hug from Makai is the best thing ever.   

The fish whisperer.  The only one to catch a fish this day.  Kyle is a good fisherman.  Fish didn't even get the worm. 

Such a tender brother.  These moments are precious as we count down to Tyler's departure.  He's so good with Makai.  He's a great older brother.  

I didn't get a picture of Kory this day.  I remember he had a bad headache.  Sorry buddy.  
 

Team Work

Our fan quit on us as well as the light and we kinda need light in the front room.  Plus, with Summer coming we know we'll need a working fan.  There isn't anyone who wanted to do this project, but together we managed to get a new ceiling fan installed.  Dad did the most, with Tyler being a strong second.  Neither of them are huge FANS of heights, so I commend them for their diligence.  

We not have a working light fixture!!  

Mother's Day 2020

I feel so blessed to be a mother.  My entire life I haven't known much, but I have known I wanted to be a mother and was blessed with 5 amazing boys.  They give my life purpose and I love watching them grow.  Being their mother is an honor and privilege.  I couldn't be a mother without Monty as their father and I'm blessed by him as well.  For Mother's Day he made me some of my favorite things.  This was the night before--a philly cheesesteak sandwich with onion rings.  Super delicious.  On Mother's Day he made Eggplant Parmesan which is another one of my favorites.  It was delicious--even the boys liked it.  I forgot to take a picture of that one.  

   

The Only thing I wanted for Mother's Day was a family picture.  It has been several years since we all dressed up for a family picture, so the boys agreed.  They all looked pretty nice if you ask me and we went out to take a photo.  It was a pretty windy day and I had my camera on a tripod.  Sadly, after this last shot a big gust of wind came, hit the camera in just the right angle and I wouldn't make it in time before my camera went crashing to the floor.  I was still able to get some of the photos, but the camera is toast.  Sadly--we didn't get a good family shot.  The boys were being pretty goofy, so I got some good goofy shots of them, but no family photo.  I guess I am not in the market for a new camera!  

I did capture one of the boys with my Phone later while on a hike.  

 Maybe I'll just get a new phone with a good camera.  So sad I lost my camera!  But happy I still have my family!

Still in Quarantine, but...

So, we are still in quarantine, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for now.  Monday, non essential stores here in Nebraska started to open.  Some stores are requiring masks, others are limiting the number of customers in the store at one time, but they are starting to open.  Some restaurants are opening at half capacity, and limiting groups to 6 or less.  We haven't really gone anywhere but the grocery store and Lowe's since this all started.  Nebraska never required Masks, but most people wear them.  We still haven't worn them, but Tyler does have to wear one while at work.  I personally hate wearing masks, so I don't.  Our cases were pretty low here, but they think with places opening up we might have an increase in cases.  We shall see.  I still don't know anyone who has gotten it.  Okay, one guy, but he lives in California.  There is a lot of contention right now in politics about whether or not be even had to quarantine or if this is all a political stunt.  Personally, the political side just makes me mad.  I don't even like to listen to either side because it's a lot of fighting.  They both want to be right and I honestly feel that we really don't know what could have happened if we didn't quarantine, so it's not worth the fight.  We were dealing with something that was potentially very dangerous, so precautions needed to be made.  Besides, there are some parts of quarantine I really enjoyed.  It was rather nice to not have to run to a million different places everyday, or sometimes just to sit and watch tv and not feel like I needed to be somewhere.  So...rather than waist my energy on figuring which political party is 100% right or 100% wrong, I'm just focusing on the enjoyment I felt during quarantine and being thankful no one in my family has died for gotten ill from covid-19. 

So, during this time in quarantine we've managed to stay busy.  We've cooked a lot of fun meals and deserts.  We have run quite a bit on several trails and round many lakes.  One night Monty and I ran 7 miles at midnight.  The boys went camping in the backyard, complete with a campfire and ghost stories, and watched some fun movies. Worked out in the gym in our garage.  Drawn and painted a couple pictures.  Built a Lego ship. And I've organized a few closets. It's actually been very nice. 

At the store after a night run.  Monty was pretty sweaty so people didn't come near us for fear he had a fever.  This day we also picked up some groceries for one of out neighbors.  They don't like to go to the store because they are older.  We were happy to help this day.   

We took a walk around Bennigton Lake as a family.  These boys had a good time talking and showing off their abs.  

Makai really wanted to camp outside, so Kyle decided to make his dream come true.  Kory, Trey, Kyle and Makai slept outside.  The problem was they got cold, but Makai loved it.  

They built a campfire and burned all the branches that have fallen from the trees and even the plastic topper(that was an accident).  They listened to a ghost story because they couldn't think of one and had a fun night.  

Dad bought Makai this plane and he enjoyed flying it outside.  When you buy him things he can put together and play with he is in heaven.  AND...in the background you see Trey on the piano.  Trey has enjoyed fidgeting on the Piano during quarantine.  He's learned the beginnings to a few songs.  He still doesn't want lessons, but he does enjoy learning what he can.  

We went fishing and Kyle caught this guy.  He released him of course.  The fun was in catching it.  No one else had any luck this day. 

 The following day the boys went to the lake right by our house and had a blast catching fish.  They all caught one! 

I love this picture of Makai.  He loves animals, so I can see his tenderness.  Of course, he released it.  

Trey caught this bad boy!  Pretty nice catch!!  

Kory was mad because Trey actually almost made him kiss it after the picture.  He should have known better than to pose for this kind of picture with Trey!  Trey is a COMPLETE joker!!!

This day Kyle caught a baby!

Nice catch Kory!

Makai has slept in this tent since the night they camped outside.  He couldn't camp outside after the first night because the other boys didn't sleep so well outside, so he has this tent in his room and has been sleeping in it for weeks.  He is more than happy camping out every night. 

  Food has been a big part of quarantine.  We don't really miss going out to eat because we've made so many fun meals at home. 

Cinnamon rolls for conference

Makai make himself a mean breakfast many mornings.  The kid doesn't mess around when it comes to food.  He loves omelets, and loves making a tortilla to go with it.  On this day he added goldfish.  When I asked him why he said, "Everything is better with Goldfish".  

We've eaten all kinds of Asian cuisine and gone through a few bottles of this!  We even put it in Spaghetti on night and it was delicious! We've made Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Thai.  

Kyle pretty much made this Orange Chicken by himself!  It was really tasty!  We try and have the kids cook sometimes.  This night Kyle got really into it and it was well worth his time!  

FIRE!!

Chocolate Haupia Pie was a favorite dessert!  It turned out really good.  I also made Malasadas twice and they were a hit. Once Makai helped and the second time Kyle helped.  

Kyle helped make this meal as well.  Dad made the pico de gallo, and taught me how to make Spanish rice.  Dad watches a lot of cooking shows and has found some really great recipies.  This Spanish rice makes a meal.  And the Chalupas were a hit. 

School during quarantine has had it's ups and downs.  The older boys do a pretty good job with their zoom classes.  Makai struggles and needs help with most assignments.  However, we usually enjoy the time together and when he puts him mind to it, he does a good job.  He just has to get in the game and sometimes that takes time.  

I enjoyed distance learning for the most part.  I mean, not having to drive to class, find a parking spot and then sit in traffic on the way home was super nice.  My semester ended last week.  Next semester starts in June.  So...this month is just a chance to study for the Praxis II.  I was suppose to take it tomorrow, but the testing centers are still closed, so it was postponed.  Now I get to take in at home in June.  I'll take it the week before classes start up again.  Monty is also waiting to take a test, but testing centers are closed.  They are not allowing students into the hospital, so he's just been studying as well.  

I guess you could say we've enjoyed this break.  I think things are headed back to a 'new normal'.  We'll see what that brings.  But, I am thankful for this time we've had to just be a family and do our own thing.  We can keep ourselves busy.  I will say this is doable because of the internet.  Yesterday the internet went down for about 4 hours.  I thought the boys were going to kill each other!  Seriously.  They played outside for a little bit, yelled at each other a lot, and kept saying...is the internet working yet?  I'm thankful we've had the internet.