Last time we went to Rexburg we went for a surprise birthday party for Ben's mom. It was really fun to surprise her, she didn't know we were coming. And she didn't expect it at all - partially because I had spent the whole week there just the week before. But, Ben's dad payed our way, so we couldn't refuse! We had a lot of fun! Mostly Tanya (ben's mom) and I worked on our emergency kits. We found Ben's emergency bag and looked through it to see what we had and what we needed. Then we went shopping to add to our bags. We still need to get stuff at Army Surplus.
The time before that (going to Rexburg) Daniel and I went to can - Ben couldn't miss work. I spent almost a whole week at the Inlaws canning. We canned like 130 quarts of peaches in one day!! (that was both mine and Tanya's peaches). Then the next day we canned like 65 quarts of apple sauce. It took all day cause Ben's sister was making jam at the same time (no worries). Then the next day we canned stew and salsa. I ended up going home with a whole truck full of food - and the best part of it is that I only paid for the gas to get there :) They also supplied us with 100 lb of flour and some water for our food storage. They really take care of us!! :) It was also nice to spend time with family down there Sun night and Mon before canning on Tues. Sun night we had a little family reunion at Brenda and Jeff's (my aunt and uncle). There was me and Daniel, my mom, Chantal and Will, Squire, and Sara and Jaime Beech. It was TONS of fun!! Then on Mon I got to hang with just my immediate family (mom, Chantal/Will, Squire). It is always nice to see family.
Ben and I aren't planning on going to Rexburg for Thanksgiving, partially because we have gone there like five times since we moved to Billings 7 months ago! We haven't minded it, but I think Daniel needs to bee at home for a few months in a row.
When I get my camera I will have to take a picture of all my lovely canning in the pantry! A couple weeks ago I also finally started getting my food storage into buckets! I have had 200 lb of rice in their plastic bags since we moved to Billings, and I FINALLY got some buckets to put it in. We also recently got 250 lb of flour too. It is a lot of work washing buckets and filling them. I am almost done with that - just 100 lb of flour to go. We also had 60 lb of sugar to bucket. I am very glad that Albertsons is nice enough to give away the buckets for free - they cost like $4 a piece at Walmart!! I can fill half a bucket with food for that price!! It really feels good to have a good food storage! I also took an inventory of other food storage stuff I got from Tanya for my bridal shower that she bought and canned at the cannery and wrote on each box what is in it so if there is an emergency, I don't have to look at each can to find what I want. Now we mostly just need more dried milk and dried eggs for about a year's supply.
Ben has been hunting this last week for the first time in his life. He is really enjoying it, and getting a good work out. So far he hasn't gotten anything, but his buddy gave us a duck he shot, and Daniel and I liked the meat. Ben wasn't so fond of it. He and his buddies have had a hard time finding any animals on the land they are able to shoot on. It's too bad you aren't supposed to shoot animals you see right next to the road! We see pheasants all the time next to the road!
At least when deer season starts next week we know he will be able to get at least one of them. They keep seeing deer in their areas, but can't get them yet. There are deer EVERYWHERE in Billings - even in the middle of town! We see them all the time in residential areas when we go to garage sales.
At least when deer season starts next week we know he will be able to get at least one of them. They keep seeing deer in their areas, but can't get them yet. There are deer EVERYWHERE in Billings - even in the middle of town! We see them all the time in residential areas when we go to garage sales.
Daniel is growing up! He is saying some more words. His most recent one is "there he is!" We say that when we play peek-a-boo with him. It was really cute!! He also says "car" really well and "please" and "thankyou." When he wants more, he says "moss" like in Spanish!! It is REALLY weird, cause none of the shows he watches use spanish, and ben and I never speak spanish. Oh well, at least I understand what he wants. Daniel also loves to zip things himself. He loves to zip up his own pajamas - jeans are a lot harder, I have to help him with those. He is also FINALLY enjoying eating meat. He really loves chicken - I don't have to hide it in rice or a tortilla anymore. Lately Daniel is really into books - he enjoys them more than watching Thomas now. He loves to point at everything and I tell him what it is. he loves learning.
Ben had his first performance review with his boss lately. It was a really good review. Unfortunately he didn't get his first raise yet - we were crossing our fingers. His boss said the only reason is because they want to make sure he doesn't consistently make little errors that her computer can't catch very well. He has been doing a lot better not to make those mistakes, but they want to be sure before they give him a raise, cause that automatically ends his probation period (which is one year unless a raise is sooner). We are anxious for him to get a raise (who wouldn't be) so we can afford a house payment. We have found the house we want, but Feb/March is good timing though (when he will get the raise) cause it will be just after tax return and we can use that on the down.
We are REALLY excited to get our own house!! There just isn't anything like owning your own house. I found one I want. There is a really old lady living there. It isn't on the market - kind of a long story. I found out about it from people at church who live just across from it. Truly an adorable house, on one acre, and at the right price. I just have to convince her to move when I want her to (she does want to sell the house). She is probably in her early/mid eighties, has diabetes so her feet hurt sometimes, and her laundry room is down stairs! Her husband died about seven years ago from falling down the stairs!! She knows she needs to move, but you know how hard it is to leave your house you've had forever and go to a retirement home - isn't easy. On top of that, her daughters don't want her to move because they want to "come home" when they visit her once a year!! They are also looking forward to their inheritance :( How sad it is that kids sometimes want their parents to die so they can get money - it makes me sick. Anyways, I have been visiting her regularly- I really like her and it is nice to socialize sometimes since we are both home most of the time alone (except I do have daniel of coarse). I also learn little things about the house each time I go.
Ben's parents might visit us early November, if not I will probably have them mail my camera. We need it for Thanksgiving and especially Christmas!!! So you will at least get pictures by then.
