Freankin'!

Freakin' crap! is all I can say. I finally decided I should change the background on my blog and it is driving me crazy! (Not that I was not CRAZY already Ronda I know!!!!!)

So if I ever figure it out, I will change it. If not - UGGGGGGGGG!

Help me if you can! Where do you all find cute layouts?

Home Coming Rituals

As this is Rich High School Homecoming Week, last night was the annual bonfire. Where children parade around the giant fire seen from space and nearly fall in with adults standing nearby. Christopher was suppose to help with the Volunteer Fire Department, but had decided that since attending meant taking the three oldest, he would not go.

So...my husband decided to finally have his movie night with his girls. 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' was on the schedule. They all nestled in and watched as Harry felt alone and then sprung to life as the secret teacher of the 'Defense Against the Dark Arts'.

Half way through the movie Ryann decided she had had enough and took me in to watch 'Bratz Babies' - a true horror film for grown-ups. Yet I rent it weekly from the Randolph Country Store because it is the only movie that will keep her attention so I can get something cleaned in my house.

As night fell, the sure sign that the bonfire was over made it's way past our house. There is a tradition here in Rich County, mainly in Randolph because this is where the High School is located, that when any event happens - taking State in sports mostly- you drive up and down every street honking your horn and screaming as loud as you can so every person knows the greatness that is Rich High School.

During the passing of our house the following conversation takes place:

"Dad, they almost crashed in front of our house."

"They almost crashed again"

"Dad, that car almost crashed in to our car."

In response, Dad says, "That is why you will not be allowed to go to the bonfire! Shelly, there were almost three accidents in front of our house. This is ridiculous!" I laughed my head off.

As a Cop, Christopher hated the "HONK-OUT"! He would get so mad that kids were allowed to hang out of the bus windows and scream, wave their arms and nearly fallout. Some kids even hung out the back emergency door. But no one would stop them. It's a tradition for heck sakes!

It has been the same every year we have lived here and it will continue on when our lovely rule following little girls enter Rich High. I am sure that before each of them go to their high school activities, their father will give the "Remember Who You Are" speech and then say "If I see you hanging out of the bus or rushing the bonfire there will be hell to pay!"

It has been too long!

Life has taken the fast track for us here in the North! I cannot believe that it is the middle of September. So I will do a fast recap of the latest adventures in the life of the Stapel Family - I know all have been waiting for an update!

August was the annual Russell Family Trip to Island Park. We always have so much fun. The kids play, the adults clean up and we party, party, party. We got up close with a mama moose and her calf. We floated down the Snake River. We rode our ATV's all over the place. We spent a day in Yellowstone, where we saw a crazy dingo. We spent a day in Virginia City, MT. Christopher and I are trying to figure out how we can live up in Island Park all the time. We love it up there.

Once we returned home from Vacation, it was Rich County Fair time. Rylie showed a pen of rabbits and Dylann showed rabbits and a lamb - Lola. She did very well - Reserve Champion in Showmanship. The lamb was a little scrawny, so she was one of the last to sell. But Wal-Mart bought her lamb for $4.50 a pound. Thanks to Wal-Mart of Evanston. Kendall showed a lamb for Clover-Buds and got a pretty ribbon. She also showed our new puppy, Chunky, at the Clover-Bud Parade. (Chunky has been now placed in a new home.)

School started August 25th for the three older girls. Rylie now rides the bus an hour a day to Laketown and back. I hate to think of her on the bus that long, but at least I know where she is!

Ryann and Payton started Preschool. A group of moms put together a fun little school. We each take turns teaching. It is nice for Ryann to go and spend time away from me. She loves being a big girl.

So now it is mid-September and it is getting cold. Winter is here for Randolph. I refuse to turn on the furnace, my children freeze! But they have electric blankets on their beds and I do run the pellet stove. I am not ready for the $350 Questar bills yet. But I am afraid I cannot put it off much longer!