Schew! I'm back! Carey emailed me asking where my blog was. I didn't know! After some investigating, I found it and it's back. I thought maybe since I hadn't been on here for so long, it just automatically deleted! I doubt that, but it is wierd :)

So, here I am staring at a blank "new post" page and have no clue what to write. I've been busy this week with photo appointments, school orientations and football meetings. I feel like I've been hit with a double whammy...one daughter going to middle school and son going to high school. It's a crazy feeling. Brody has been on a strict training plan for freshman football all summer...lifting 4 days a week, running with me, and scrimmages. I'm excited for the game to begin. It's been fun watching the transformation of my young son getting muscle-y. He has a washboard stomach and biceps...and to think, only a few years ago, he had no idea what a muscle was. Girls are dancing and have a big performance next week. They have been running with me too and have tackled 3 5K's with 2 more coming up. They amaze me.

Tonight was an interesting night...while taking senior pictures of an awesome triathloner, a storm was rolling in. He wanted just a few more in the lake with his triathloner gear on. We were rushing to get his numbers on his arm when he looked at me and his mom and said, "your hair is standing on end!" His mom and I ran for the shore. Seriously, that was freaky. We laughed but still knew we had to hurry the heck up. Kip ran into the water, I snapped 10 pics in no time and boom, we were done. We said we would never forget that shoot! I'll have to post the picture when I get it edited.

Well, for not having anything to say, I sure said a lot. The flood is receeding, we are all healthy, happy and I'm thankful that my now high school son still likes to hang out with his mom. Especially on the golf course. With the way I hit, I'm surprised he comes to pick me up in the cart. Again, glad I got my blog back and glad I got to write about nothing. I forgot how much fun it was! I'll be back with something a bit more interesting. But for now, life is good.

Flood update a few posts down...look for the picture of Brody who was so thrilled to have his picture taken in front of the dam!

Lucas is 6 months old! I have taken his pictures since he was born...I love getting to watch them grow up with each photo shoot!

This couple just moved here from Lousiana and I loved their southern accent! Little Grant was the cutest 2 yr old!!

A recent photo shoot of a family I have taken pictures of for years. I have always thought these little girls are going to be models someday!

Here we are, June almost gone and it feels like our summer hasn't even started! Our water situation is getting higher by the day...our running/bike path is now underwater and the beach that we use is no longer open. It's amazing to me how much water there is down here. It's hard to describe. Today the dam is releasing even more water, bringing it up to 160,000 cfs. The water table below us is now only 2ft below our basement. Normally it's at 15ft. Our neighbors have 6 inches of water in their sump pump since last night so we are expecting water...soon. If they raise the amount of water from the dam any higher, it could mean we have to leave. So keep praying that this will be it and the sump pump will be able to keep us dry.

Other, more positive happenings...

The kids and I are heading to Salem, SD on Saturday to run a 5K. Not sure why we picked Salem except for the fact that it's a little road trip away from home. We are going to run and then celebrate with lunch on me. The girls have been training and they are ready for the challenge. Then we all head to Springfield the following Saturday for our traditional 4th of July 5K. Looking forward to running with the kiddos.

Landscaping in our backyard a.k.a. moving thousands of pounds of rock was put on hold after the flooding issues but started back up last night. Our neighbor brought over his Bobcat and rock is being moved! Beats the shovel that is for sure. Our home is in complete disarray. However, I am hopeful things will come together by fall.

All my prayer warriors, keep praying for everyone displaced by this flood. Keep praying that I can hold my head up when I start feeling down. I hope our summer can still happen and we are hopeful July will bring some fun in the sun!

Well, according to my last post, we were in a flood zone. We still are. However, the stress has lifted and we are staying dry so far. We are expecting water anyday now...the water table below us is now only 4 ft away from our basement. It's been a crazy ride these last couple of weeks. I have changed my running routes to take me along the river and document each day and how the water changes from one to the next. It's quite amazing really. The water is truly huge and I have never seen so much of it. Part of my route is now underwater and I detour along the road, which is a dangerous path with all the traffic. People have been coming from everywhere, camera and camcorders in hand to take their own documentation of the scene. Homes a few blocks from me are washed away...my photo spot is now underwater...thousands of sandbags line the end of my street for emergency use. I feel for the people across the state who have lost their homes, their belongings. Our basement is empty right now and we are hoping the new sump pump will do its job and keep everything dry. The flag pole in the first picture is now at the last black mark at the top tonight.

Our spirits are lifted this week and we have a new outlook on the situation. Things are just things. They can be replaced. We will do whatever we can to save them but as long we are together and safe, that is what is important. Seth and I had a date night Saturday night and we got thru the entire meal without mentioning the word flood...oh we needed that!

This week the dam will be releasing its highest amount of water...150,000 cfs. I'm quite certain we will have some sort of water seeping in with all that water coming thru. Please continue to pray that the sump pump can keep up and we will be able to "move" back in very soon! Even with all this, I still love the Mighty Mo and all its glory. There really is nothing like living by the river.

This has been the longest week of my life. It's been the toughest week of my life. And it's not going to be over anytime soon. I feel like crying everyday since this whole flood issue has come up. I guess I have, mostly in secret though. This is the Gavins Point Dam putting out only 65,000 cfs. By tomorrow, the number will increase to 100,000 cfs and by next Tuesday, a whopping 150,000 cfs. The old record? 70,000 back in 1997. I can hear the roaring of the water from my yard and it's a very eery feeling. There is so much water yet to come and where it goes, only God knows. According to the lastest maps, my house is out of danger of direct water impact but we are bracing for water tables levels to rise and get into the basement. We are also bracing for the unknown. Houses are now being evactuated 100 meters from us. Whose to say the water won't find it's way to us. There are so many variables...more snow in Montana, weather here and if the dam can hold that much pressure. There are so many unknowns. Even with all the calculations, we are expecting the worst. Therefore, my house is in shambles. Everything from downstairs is upstairs somewhere. My hubby, bless his heart, is obsessed with this whole thing and keeps me working on stuff from morning til night. I am tired. I am trying to be positive but it's very hard. And it's taking it's toll on the kids too. We had to cancel our hills vacation and the half marathon because of all of this and they are bummed. I feel like they have been neglected since we are working on moving and I feel incredibly guilty. Brody said how this is the worst summer ever. He is right. We have done nothing fun yet.

So the week continues and I keep praying. I have so many things all bottled up inside me, I'm afraid how they will come out one of these days. I did go for a couple of runs to relieve some stress and it worked for awhile. I just need to keep running, I guess. I hate missing the half marathon. But maybe all of this will just make me a stronger person. We shall see what the plan is. I can only hope this situation will end soon and life can back to normal again...for everyone involved in the flood. There is nothing worse than having your home being threatened to be taken away. Prayer is the answer for now and faith. That's is truly what I am holding onto.

Seriously?! It's been that long since I've posted?! I about died when I saw Brody's confirmation pictures up. That was a month ago!! All I can say is...schew. My month of May is always so crazy busy. Dance, track, confirmation, dance, track, trips to each kids classes for end of the year awards and reading of poems, more track, more dance...then it all just comes to a screeching halt. And summer is here. I have to tell you, I am glad but the transition is a hard one for me. It takes me a few weeks to get into a whole new schedule. But I eventually do. And it eventually works out. I am hoping my appointment book starts to fill up soon. I worry every year at this time. I have learned that all I can do is my best. It may not please everyone, but my best is all I can do. And eventually the phone will start ringing, the books will fill up and my worries will be set aside.

What does my summer entail? Today it started with me planting seeds...onions, peppers, herbs and lettuce. In pots. I have so many big pots and decided this year I was going to try and do this veggie thing. I have no idea what I am doing and will be totally in shock if anything decided to poke their heads thru the dirt. We also started a landscaping project which involved borrowing a friends 4-wheeler in hopes it would pick up the thousands of pounds of rock we have in the backyard. After 2 hours and a sunburned head, my poor hubby gave in to the fact the 4-wheeler wasn't working. Just wasn't strong enough to move all that rock. So...there it sits. Little piles of rock everywhere, tarp ripped up...it's not a pretty sight. We have this vision of planting more grass, pouring more concrete and my hubby building me a permanent gazebo (the last 2 have been destroyed in wind storms) But now its finding someone with a bigger rig that can move the rock. Until then, my hubby had this grand idea that Brody and I could shovel rock into buckets and move it. Um, okay. I agree only because I know how hard he works for us at his job and he can't do it all at night. So, I started that today too. Do you have any idea how hard of work that is? I think I may grow muscles in places I never knew I had muscles. I don't mind the work really..it just seems endless. Please God let the Bobcat come our way soon!!!

Summer is here. Let the fun begin!! So glad I got back on here and updated...I bet you were getting tired of those pictures. Time sure flies when you're having fun...

Brody's confirmation verses that he chose: 1 Corinthians 9:25 and Psalm 55:16-17

Milestone #14,551...confirmation day. I really believe I was the only one who was teary-eyed during this service. Not sure why...maybe watching my son stating his faith and understanding what his faith means to him...maybe it was the surprise visit from my dad who wasn't sure he would be feeling up to coming but could...maybe it was seeing the looks on the kids faces when they saw grandpa...maybe it was realizing this is another event that brings me back to the reality of my son growing up...maybe it was the Bible verse Brody picked as his confirmation verse...maybe it was witnessing Jesus Christ working in his life, just like I pray for everyday.

Whatever it was, it was such a beautiful day. For Brody and for the other 15 kids he has spent every Wednesday night with for the last 3 years. Congratulations to them all and God bless each one of them.

another one :)

New lens...new photoshop...new photo spot...

I know I posted these on FB already. Sorry for doubling up. But just in case you missed them...

This was so much fun to do! I got to take all the senior dancers pictures for the dedication page in the programs. With hundreds of people seeing this page, saving it for scrapbooks, I knew I had to do good. I think it turned out really awesome. I hope these girls love it. Afterall, they've been dancing since they were 3...they deserve it. My little ballerinas are following their footsteps. What do you think?

Things have been a blur the last couple of weeks...seems like I am literally going somewhere whether it be to the store, to take pictures, to school, to pick up kids from one event and take them to another...I love it. However, there are some things that just have to take a backseat during busy times. My house is a mess, we have been digging clean clothes out of the laundry basket and my pile of papers seems to be growing. Is that a bad thing? I figure one of these days I'll have some time to catch up with those "small" things. Afterall, how many times could I say I've been to the Beauty and the Beast show with my girls, watch all 3 kids cross the finish line, watch them run track and witness the girls growing into beautiful ballerinas. Aaahhh...I sure love this time of my kids lives. I wish it would never end.

So onto the chaos of the last weeks...my biggest and proudest moment was race day last Saturday. I have never felt such joy when I saw my kids run their hardest. Brody passed me up in the last stretch of the finish line! I always knew he had it in him. He ran his personal best time...22:11. I came in after him at 22:18, all smiles :) Then I waited for my little girls, praying they were doing okay. I had taken them out the week before on the route so they knew it well. They decided they wanted to do it by themselves and I am so glad I let them run on their own. Emerson came in next at 25:34. Wow! People could not believe this was her first race. She really rocked it. Madison came in next at 27:39..another great time. The girls got lots of attention afterwards...I don't think they realized how many people they inspired that day. Including me. We all got our medals and celebrated. Needless to say, they are ready for another race. I am so happy they enjoyed it.

Tomorrow is Brody's bday. He is going to be 14. I officially will hand over my Jeep keys to him as he will be driving! SCARY! I can't believe I am at this point in our lives. Driving. Wow. He is a great kid, I know he will do just fine behind the wheel. To celebrate his birthday, we are picking him up from school and heading right to Sioux Falls for a dinner with grandpa. Then we're headed to the arena football game. The best part? He has NO CLUE we are doing this. It's all a big surprise. I can't wait to see the look on his face!!

Business is picking up and I've gotten some cool jobs lately. I'll have to post my lastest project once I get it done. Which is what I need to work on now. So I will log off and wish you the best weekend ever!

Update on the military photos from the previous post...picture of the boys hugging dad in front of the flag is going to be on the cover of the next National Guard magazine that is distributed across South Dakota. Pretty cool. From what I hear, I'm going to have a line of military dads and their kids at my door for the same type of pictures. Love it! Update on us...track is in full swing for Madison and Brody. Madison and Emerson are going to run their first 5K this Saturday! We ran the full route last weekend so they would know where they were going and I am proud to say, they ran the entire trail. Those girls are going to be runners! Madison is slower than Emerson but she is not discouraged. She just does her own pace and enjoys listening to her music. Emerson is a bit more competitive and thinks beating her brother would be cool. I will say this...she could do it! I am so excited and anxious for the race! All my kiddos, same race, 3 miles. Almost makes me cry! Before race day is another fun girls day. Tomorrow the girls and I are getting dolled up, heading to Sioux Falls for some shopping, eating out and taking in Beauty and the Beast show at the Pavilion. Ohhh, I've heard so much about this show, can't wait to experience it! The girls are ready to head out right after school. Exciting day! Biked with hubby tonight to give my knees a much needed rest. We rode to the dam and it was a great change from running. He has been wanting a road bike...I'm not too happy with price tag but am softening up a little bit. We'll see if I give in...:) Happy day, my friends. I'll post more pictures soon!

A few shots of this awesome military dad and his boys...they speak a thousand words. Dad even gave me the American flag he brought along to use. Truly something I will always treasure.

Need some help...trying to come up with a creative idea. The scenario is this:

*2 little boys all dressed up in the army fatigues along with dad who has been to Iraq twice now. I am going to be doing some inside and outside. I LOVE this idea and have a few ideas to do but would love to have that "wow" factor.

Any advice/ideas??

I have no really cool pictures to post except for my post-race photo. This was the only green I could come up with! I had such a great Saturday though! Finally the weather cooperated and we were able to get to Sioux Falls for some family time. I ran the St. Patty's Day 5K in the cold and wind and won my age group! Even better was placing 3rd overall. I have never run this well before in this race. I keep thinking if the wind weren't blowing, I would've really beat my PR. The race was huge, about 800 people. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone dressed in green...and all bundled up at the same time. My hubby came to cheer me on and I think it worked. I love having him there. The kids opted to stay with my dad since the weather was a bit chilly. We joined up with my dad after the race and had the best time with him. This will be the last time I see him before his surgery on Thursday so it was hard to say goodbye. It wasn't a goodbye persay, just a see ya later. I'll be back this weekend to visit him and help him recover.

Then we headed across the city to my mom's. She was more than excited to see us! She offered to take the kids to supper and Seth and I could go out to eat on our own. Thanks Mom! Red Lobster it was! Mmmmm...it was good and we got to talk without any interruptions. Perfect date night. Got home late and was so thankful for the day. So blessed for family. Blessed.

Madison was sick with a fever all weekend. Emerson was missing her sister so I got out the camera and we had some fun! The faces of Emerson...

Wow. Thank you for all your prayers. It means so much to me and I can tell you have been with me. I am so incredibly blessed.

This week has been so much better and not quite so overwhelming. I had this feeling of comfort come over me and like Karen said, God has me covered. Oh yes He does.

My dad is having surgery March 17 to remove the prostrate. He is not looking forward to it, to the recovery or even to the anxiety beforehand. He just wants it over and can't wait to get back on the golf course. I am so relieved that the cancer hasn't spread and he should be back to 100% in no time. Thank you God. In the meantime, I am going to help dad through this as much as possible. I'll even get his clubs shined up for him so he'll be ready to roll once those golf courses open up. I sure love my dad.

My dog bite is healing nicely. Needless to say, I am glad it's not shorts season...the healing process is not very pretty. Quite ugly actually. But before long, I'll be as good as new. Just a new awareness of strange dogs! Still friendly with the neighbors a.k.a. owners of the biting dog although a bit awkward. I'm sure time will heal that too.

Ahhh...now it's the weekend and ready for it. We were planning on going to SF tomorrow but alas, my oldest daughter has come down with a nasty fever. So we are going to stay warm and get her well. Never a dull moment!! Happy weekend and thanks again for the kind words, thoughts and prayers. You can't know how much it means to me...:)

Funny how things can change within a couple of hours. Today was that day. If you didn't know me, you probably would think I was making this up. I can assure you I'm not. And since it is 1 a.m. and I can't sleep, I am hoping "talking" to you will help bring comfort and sleep will prevail.

I have always wished we could live in a place where time would freeze. Only at times. Sometimes I am fearful of the future, of the unknown. Thankfully my faith is strong and I give everything to God. But there are moments where I wish I could just stay right where we are. No one has to get older and I always know the kids are safely tucked in their beds at night. But reality hits.

Today I found out my beloved dad, has prostate cancer. Not only is he my dad but he's one of my best friends. My heart sunk. I was hoping the tests would come back more positive. My dad being the person he is, sounded so calm on the phone. I, on the other hand, was not so calm. I am not ready for this and am still in a state of shock. Sometimes I put myself in a bubble, thinking and believing that nothing will ever happen to the people I love. I am sad and feel different and want to help in some way. All I can do is pray, pray, pray. I keep replaying the image in my mind of the man who came out of nowhere during mile 22 of the marathon...the man who bright yellow t-shirt read "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". I will never ever forget that man and this verse that got me thru to the end. I am convinced he was placed there by God. Just when you think you are alone, you are reminded that you aren't. So now I remember that tonight...that I am not alone. Prayer is the key to feeling peace and comfort.

Seth came home to me, listened, shared my tears and we geared up for a run with our dog. It was such a refreshing run, beautiful weather, beautiful geese flying in the sky...everything was feeling good until we got home. Our neighbor has a dog that gets out quite often and barks up a storm. She was out when we left, chased us for a while and went home. I was ahead of Seth when we came up our street, the dog ran out, came up behind my leg and bit me! I started crying all over again! I couldn't believe it. I've never been bit by a dog before in my life. It hurt. 2 puncture wounds. Ugh. Seth got out medicine, looked up what to do about dog bites and then had to do the task of calling the neighbor, whom we like a lot. Fortunately, he was very apologetic and is going to pay for the doctor bills. Yep, have to go in tomorrow to get a shot. What a day. The girls were crying, Brody thought I was going to get rabies...double ugh. So thankful for my family who took care of me tonight.

I am praying tonight. And truly giving everything up to the one who has control, who has the blueprint to all our lives. And I will be just fine. So will my dad. There is no bubble to keep us all in...there is no way to freeze time so we won't get older...there is no way to have trouble-free days all the time...there is only one thing for sure. Faith.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:3. Thank you to the "man" who reminded me of this verse at the most appropriate time in my life. Now it is time to sleep...thank you for listening to my day.

So...the archery shoot happened last weekend and I have to say, it was one of the most fun events I have ever done! Nerves were in full force though...from the "what to wear" nerves to the actual "acting like I know what I'm doing" nerves. With the help of my hubby, I opted to wear jeans, a camo girl hoodie and black boots. Once that was decided, it was a bit easier to move on!

We got to the archery center and I was immediately teamed up with the "black team". My team consisted of 3 celebrity archers, 3 celebrity hunters and one professional archer. Seth and I got my bow out to practice at the 10 yard targets. He adjusted my bow, I kept shooting thinking I was going to be shooting at these targets during the actual challenge. After a dozen arrows, we took a break and started eating from the venison feast table. It was amazing! The food was so good. Then about 10 minutes before the shoot started, I found out the archers shot at the 10 yd targets. The hunters were considered to have more experience so they shot at the 20 yarders. My stomach went to my stomach. I wasn't set up for 20 yards! So I threw on my release, grabbed my bow, dropped my pheasant skewer, grabbed my hubby and ran to the targets set up for hunters! I shot a few arrows, Seth adjusted and we hoped for the best.

There were lots of people watching...a couple hundred but luckily, all the hunters shot at the same time. Schew. They wouldn't notice the beads of sweat forming on my forehead. I shot the first round and got a 23 out of 25. not bad for an amatuer. Really, I didn't have any more experience than the 10 yard shooters...I am just lucky to have a really, really great teacher (who happens to be pretty good looking too). Anyway, second round came up and I was loose and the jitters were gone. I adjusted my sight and much to my surprise and excitement...5 arrows, 5 bullseyes. 25 out of 25. I think Seth was pretty proud.

Our team didn't win the whole event but I tell you what, it was such a fun night. And for such a great cause. Seth and I talked to professional archers, we ate some great food, we met some new friends, hung out with old ones and just had a awesome time. Who knew that shooting at some plain ol' targets could be so much fun?!

A few weeks ago, a lady from the united way here in town called me and asked if I wanted to be a part of their 2nd annual shoot from the heart event. They wanted hunters and celebrity archers to be a part of the fundraiser. I was honored to be asked! So I immediately said yes. A few days later I get the email with all the details...I am going to be paired up with a "celebrity" and professional archery people and people vote on their favorite teams. so I guess we just go and get to shoot at the indoor archery range (which is a fantastic place by the way) but I began to think, what did I get myself into??

The event is tomorrow night (Friday). I saw the list of of "celebrities" and the list of hunters. I am the only girl on the the list of hunters!! No wonder they were so excited to have me there! Now I am thinking again, what did I get myself into? Well, my husband being the great one that he is, has my bow all set up for me. He is coming with me for moral support and to feast on all the venison appetizers! I still don't know what exactly I got myself into but it's for a great cause and it will be a great night out. I just hope I don't make a fool of myself!! I want to make a decent showing for women with bows and arrows! And a decent showing for my hubby who just as nervous as I am. Afterall, he is the one who taught me everything I know. Pray that I seem to know what I'm doing and that I hit the target a few times. I am more nervous about this whole gig than I was the night before the marathon. I'll let you know how it all pans out.

Saturday morning is the Frostbite Four in Beresford, my first road race of the year in my new age bracket! The one positive of getting older! I have come in 2nd in this race for the last 3 years so I am bound and determined to come home with the trophy...I just hope I don't actually get frostbite. My mom is meeting me and the kids there so I get to see her too. What a great weekend in store.

Hope you all have a fantastic one!!

Visiting Week at dance class takes place every semester and it's the opportunity for the parents to actually go into the studio and watch the class. It's fun to see what they are learning and how they are progressing. It's also a chance to take pictures and I took alot of 'em! I think those around me thought I was going a little camera crazy! Normally, I wouldn't get the best shots in the dance studio...lighting is bad, yellow and doesn't make for great pictures. Until now! I have some really pretty shots of the girls practicing...more for later posts in an effort not to bore you. Here's a couple that I absolutely loved. I may enlarge these big for their room. Ahhhh, ballerinas...is there nothing sweeter?! I don't think so! Happy Monday to you! :)

My girls and I trying out the self-timer...it works! There is nothing trickier than setting the camera, hearing the beepr go off and racing into position to beat the shutter. Scheww. It took a couple of takes, but we got some that we all liked. It was kind of fun actually. Makes the girls smile...they think it's a game!