Coeur d'Alene

Chance and I took a mini-vacation to Coeur d'Alene in October. It was short and sweet but so much fun! We will surely visit again soon.

Pumpkin Run - Thunder Mountain Line

Thank you Nama Jane and Papa Dale!

Normal Day

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return. Mary Jean Iron

So I suppose I am what you call a non-traditional student. I wish there were a better sounding name for it. I'll work on that and get back to you.

Late last spring a patron at the library made a random comment about being a school librarian and I thought, "How cool to have one of the best jobs...with the best hours!" Anyway, one thought led to another and I couldn't help being brought around to the thought of how I had always wanted to teach English.

It's funny how sometimes little thoughts and dreams like these tug and tug at me. In fact, it happens all the time to me. In the past few years there have been so many things I've wanted to do. I won't go into it all here because it's all a bit fanciful and lofty and silly. Particularly from the standpoint of wanting some kind of income from these things.

But this is something I can do. It's not so much of a whim, I've always loved reading and writing. And it's something so much more concrete. I can go to school and get a degree and there is an actual job at the end. (I hope!) As much as I would have loved to turn those other passions into careers, I don't have what it takes to get from point A to point B. And that's ok, I can still enjoy those other things.

So here I go, jumping in with both feet. I'm excited and nervous. And I think this is going to be really good!

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

(This is not the cover of the book I read. The copy at the Kuna Library has a blank cover but I wanted you to have something interesting to look at. I'm nice that way.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Which was a nice surprise because I didn't think I would. I read it because I felt I needed to in order to be a "well-rounded" reader. I already know I'm a dork, so you needn't waste your time pointing it out. Thank you.

I thought I would spend my time stumbling over the "old fashioned" language, but ended up having very few problems so the reading was quite smooth. My knowledge of American History comes 100% from our public schools and is embarrassingly limited so I went into the book not knowing much about Franklin. My knowledge consisted of the story of the kite in the lightening storm. Come to find out....well, I'll let you find out on your own.

I will tell you that I found Franklin to be an inspirational hard worker and self-starter. Slightly flawed, thank goodness. But on the whole, very likable. If I ever have time, I will certainly read more on him as my interest was piqued.

This was a book I would definitely recommend.

Random Summertime Photos

Welcome to summertime at the Hodgson's. There are no rules and few baths. No haircuts. Haphazard meals.

Saggy pants.

Lots of love though. Don't you love seeing your children being kind and loving toward each other? At our house it seems to be about equal to the amount of time they spend fighting. Sigh.

This is the face he makes when he is singing "We Are the Champions". What a nut.

Maggie fell asleep playing the Gameboy. She hasn't fallen asleep in her bed for several weeks now. I quit fighting her on it and now I let her just drop where ever and then carry her to bed. I know, nice parenting.

Isn't she cute though?

This photo was taken at the little park/city square in Twin Bridges, Montana. This is where my in-laws buy veggies and the most yummy chickens from the Hooderites. (sp?)

My beautiful Sarah Jane. And Hodgson in the background trying to control Gus. Dumb dog.

Here's Dayton playing Superman.

Here are all the Hooligans in Virginia City, Montana. We'll definately be visiting here again someday to ride the steam engine train. It looked really fun.

That's it for now. See you again probably after school starts. I can't wait!

I Love This Fella

First Day Of My Life
by Bright Eyes

This is the first day of my life
Swear I was born right in the doorway
I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed
They’re spreading blankets on the beach
Yours was the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
I don’t know where I am, I don’t know where I’ve been
But I know where I want to go
So I thought I’d let you know
That these things take forever, I especially am slow
But I realized how I need you
And I wondered if I could come home
I remember the time you drove all night
Just to meet me in the morning
And I thought it was strange, you said everything changed
You felt as if you just woke up
And you said, this is the first day of my life
Glad I didn’t die before I met you
Now I don’t care, I could go anywhere with you
And I’d probably be happy
So if you wanna be with me
With these things there’s no telling, we’ll just have to wait and see
But I’d rather be working for a paycheck
Than waiting to win the lottery
Besides maybe this time it’s different
I mean, I really think you like me



Right back at ya, baby!

I Wish You Could Smell My Backyard

Happy Mother's Day! I hope you enjoy the flowers and I do so wish you could visit this corner of my backyard and experience this fragrance. It is amazing!

Did you know that lilacs are one of my top 5 favorite flowers? Did you ever see the movie High Fidelity? He is always making top 5 lists and I started doing it too. I think I should start sharing these lists.

I'll start right now. Aren't you lucky?

Meredith's Top 5 Favorite Flowers

(in no particular order)

Tulips

Lilacs

Daisies

"Old Fashioned" Roses

I know that was only four. My mind suddenly went blank. Big shocker, I know. Rest assured, I will get back to you with a fifth.