Stokes Family Reunion 2009

As I sit at my computer this afternoon, I am reflecting back on the wonderful weekend that I had with my family. My family, with the exception of my sister Amberly and her family and Jeron and his family, went to New Meadows, Idaho. Amberly and Jeron and their families where greatly missed. It never seems complete without everyone in attendance. As I think about their absence, it reminds me of just how important it is for ALL of our family to be together forever. I don't want to have any of my family missing. Some of the happiest moments of my life have been when all my family is together. We enjoy each other so much! It is what our Heavenly Father designed families for. My Aunt Donna Jemmett and her family have a cabin right out of New Meadows. It is beautifully surrounded by pine trees. The sound of the water in the Salmon River running over the rocks was the perfect backdrop for a wonderful vacation. It is usually very warm in this area this time of year. However, we went during a cold front. When we arrived Friday evening it was raining. But Saturday was about 75 degrees and sunny. We couldn't have ordered better weather. Saturday morning Cristle and I went for a walk up a trail on the mountain. As we are walking I couldnt help but think of my Mother. She would have loved this vacation. This place had everything that she loved and cherished: her family, mountains, wildflowers, rocks, berries, the river and trees. I told Cristle, "My Mom would have eatten this place up!" I missed her. But I thought of her walking next to me on that trail. It made me happy. Saturday we all played all day long. There where so many things to do. Everyone had something to do all the time. We rode four wheelers, shot guns, played lawn darts, visited on the patio, some of us went into Riggins and shopped and got milkshakes. In the evening, after a yummy dinner of barbequed pulled pork sandwiches, beans and watermelon, we went out to the volleyball area. The sun was starting to set. It was beautiful outside. We had a big volleyball game. It started small but just about everyone had joined in by the end. It got very loud and very competitive. Exactly what our family loves to do! At the end of our game we gathered around the fire. Dad told us stories about his mother, Lottie Stokes, life. It was very interesting.
Sunday morning we packed, cleaned the cabin and then had a family meeting. We discussed where we want to go on our family vacation next year. I am already looking forward to it. What a wonderful, wonderful family reunion!!!!

Life without baseball?

We have had 5 months of nonstop baseball. We have finally reached an end to the season. I am so relieved. However, now I can't help but ask the question, "now what do we do?" We have become so used to planning our every evening around either practices or games. It is going to be weird (but nice) not having anything to do in the evenings. I do not have any plans of filling that time with other activities. Those will come soon enough. I think I will just enjoy the rest of my summer.

Random going's on

I haven't blogged for awhile. It is a busy time of year! So what have I been up to? Lots and Lots of baseball! Tristan, Braxton and Tanner have been playing baseball. So we have had 5 months of baseball! Baseball 5-6 days a week for 5 months! Time to be finished for awhile. At least for 1 month before we start into football and soccer.
I am not sure if I like this hot weather. It is over 100 degrees for the next 3 days at least. And then it will calm back down into the 90's. It makes it very difficult for the kids to go outside and play. They are driving me crazy today. I feel like it is a snow day and they are all cooped up inside. Not good for any one! I am looking forward to going to LaGrande next week. I think I am going to leave everyone home. Of course I am bringing Tristan. But other than that I am going to be child free for 5 days. I am looking forward to sleeping in, taking naps and going to see some movies. No children tattling, fighting or crying. That is what I call a vacation!
I picked a 5 gallon bucket of beans from my garden yesterday. I canned 20 quarts. It is nice seeing food in jars. Especially food that I grew! We have been very blessed this year. Our garden has really taken off! So I should fill lots and lots of bottles.

Tristan's National All Star Team

Tristan plays Babe Ruth baseball for SRV (Snake River Valley). This team is comprised of the best players chosen from Ontario, Fruitland, Payette and New Plymouth. Their sponser is the Elks in Ontario Oregon. So they play district and state tournaments against Oregon teams. They played their district tournament in LaGrande this past weekend. They played against Baker, LaGrande and the American SRV team. Tristans team took first place at the tournament. For their grand finale of their baseball season they will play their state tournament in LaGrande. This will be July 20-25.

My new clothes line

I had been hanging all my clothes over the fence to dry. Not because I dont have a dryer. But because I just like having my clothes dry outside. My brother in law, Ron Beutler, built me this beautiful clothes line. I am loving it! Thank you Ron!