one job = friend

for the past few/several days i have only had one job
doesn't that sound great?
i only had to be a friend
i loved it!!!
i picked up j from the airport in spokane on wednesday. spent the day walking around river park square, had a relaxing dinner at Brooklyn's Woodfire Grill, and then relaxed at our hotel.
the next am we awoke at our leisure and then walked around Gonzaga's campus. Then we drove back to Kali via Bonner's Ferry/Libby. picked the kiddos up from KidKare and went out for yummy queso at Qdoba once dad made it home from his workday. did some shopping (but no buying:() at sportsman's then came home to watch private practice on the macbook.
friday had us once again awaking at our leisure - okay so it was a bit earlier as big o wasn't too happy that he may be working on an ear infection:( nothing a little loving and breakfast couldn't fix;) then off to woodland park for a family photo shoot with my friend;) we are so special. then we spent the rest of the day in downtown whitefish doing a little shopping - some actual buying this time too!
friday night we stayed in as Joe was out for a softball game. made some yummy blt salad and corn dip! watched a movie (don't recommend it) and grey's on the macbook again.
unfortunately joe had some car trouble while out at his softball game so he had to have it towed to the mechanic's saturday am but after that jan and i were on our way back to spokane for some friend time but not before picking up a frugal burger;) once to spokane we did eddie bauer outlet, ross, old navy, and spokane valley mall. gorged ourselves at outback and then took in a movie (once again not one i recommend - not sure why now when i finally have a chance to go to the movies that there isn't anything out there worth seeing;()
had a great walk sunday am - just couldn't find a church that moved us to attend. got packed up, grabbed some lunch and headed back to the airport. unfortunately the flight was 3 hours delayed due to "operational difficulties" - nice. sad to say i couldn't wait around with here:( i had to head back to reality before the snow started to fall over the pass (4th of July and Mullen) - no such luck. made it home just after 8pm and only had to pause for a few deer!
back to the real world.
getting laundry going and house spiffed for sister and nephew's arrival tomorrow!!!
back to work to see what i need to catch up on - LOTS! then taking Luke to his 1st dentist appt.
looking forward to slowing down a bit - probably next month;)

Kissin' Cousins

Finishing up a fun filled weekend tonight. One of Joe's cousin's from Nebraska made a brave road trip out to see us with his wife and three kids - ages 5, 3, and 19 months.

They arrived Thursday evening about suppertime and are leaving bright and early tomorrow. A whirlwind trip but plenty of fun for all the boys and girl.

They hiked up part of Big Mountain Friday with Joe and the boys while I worked.

Saturday we played outside at home - walked around the 'hood. Dads played some golf and Joe made homeade pizza.

We tackled the challenge of 5 kids at the 1030 service of church. We never go to this service because this is when Big O likes to take his nap - he was so restless. Great sermon though - check it out. Worship was great too - I cried (of course) - actually sang "Open the Eyes of my Heart" in spanish - not bad at all!

Then we hit a couple of stores in downtown Whitefish for a few last minute gifts. Then we drove to Sunday Creek for a nice lunch (sub sandwiches) and a super quick hike to a wonderful waterfall.















Then we continued the road trip to Nana and Papa's. Came home for some yummy dinner and another round of Catch Phrase.

The kids are certainly worn out but fun was had by all. The Dads even finished off an entire bottle of Glenfiddich. Yikes!

Stay tuned for more of my crazy week ahead - much fun coming up!!! I hope I have time to keep you informed!

Doing it Old School

Having a great family weekend. Getting lots of things done on the "to do lists" and spending good quality time with all.
Friday night - surprise 50th bday party for Sharon from work, took both boys as Joe was off to double header softball game, then took the little men to Target to buy birthday gifts for for Saturdays party
Saturday - employee picnic with the family, boys loved jumping on those air filled toys and munchin on blue snow cones, Joe and Luke were off to John-John's bday party at Pizza Factory while O and I hung out with Aunt Vicki waiting for them to return. Once they returned Vicki and I headed out to dinner and a movie while Joe spent some quality time crying over the Huskers. I didn't get home until midnight! Really enjoyed the comfy seats at the new movie theater (The Brave One - rather intense - so glad I live in Montana - I am NEVER moving.)
Sunday - up early to work the nursery at 830 service - it was only my kiddos to watch and two older girls were even there to "help" me. No one with little ones seems to be able to make it to that early service. Not sure if we will switch to 1030 instead??? we are down to only 2 more services before we move into new church anyway. sunday school will start up then too so we shall see how early sunday will begin for the Bilaus then. After church, it was a stop at Safeway for the Sunday paper then back home to get going on the "to dos". Getting the house and yard presentable - Joe's cousin and his wife and 3 kiddos are coming to visit this week from Nebraska. Joe is off to softball picnic tonight and then home for some O.C. marathon with me after boys are in bed.

The "Old School" report comes into play here...I love these guys! I am SO out of the loop - I had no idea this was even out there! Thanks, J!

I also walked into the bathroom to have my husband cursing at the wall. His stud finder was faulty in finding the stud and he screwed two holes into the wall while trying hang a mirror for me. He was using a screwdriver rather than a drill - not sure why my woodworking husband was going "old school" and not using a drill but whatever - maybe it's b/c I was in the other room getting all hot and bothered by the BSB video;)

Hot Sand

The most curious bedtime conversation from Luke...

Luke: "Why can't we walk on hot sand?"

Mom: "Because it will burn our feet."

Luke: "And it will turn into fire and then we are dead?"

Mom: "No we will just hurt the skin on our feet."

Luke: "Why can lizards walk on hot sand?"

Mom: "They have different skin than we do and it doesn't burn their feet."

Luke: "Why didn't God give us skin like that?"

Mom: "He made each of us different."

Luke: "Yeah, and he made nice big lizards that we can ride on the hot sand so we won't burn our feet until they are dead from fire."

Now with all of those issues solved we can rest well tonight!