I just had to post this picture of Amber cause I think she looks so beautiful. I just gave her a haircut, cause she has a cow everytime we brush it. So I cut off about 3 inches. It turned out pretty nice and so she wanted to pose for a pic with her new do.

Jimmy had a his last soccer game the other night, great game. He got to play goalie for the first time. He did pretty good, they ended up tying the game. There was a really awesome thunder and lightning storm which made the refs call the game early. Bummer too, cause Jimmys team was up by one, then right before they called it, the other team scored. Oh well, it's not about that anyway, I am just proud that Jimmy had that experience and did so well at it. Plus he got a trophy with his name on it, which he is so proud of too. Then we went out to dinner at Noodle Espress and celebrated. Great time.

My parents are here from Anacortes and we are having a good time. Last night we celebrated my nephews birthday (he is actually in college in Cali. but we all called him and wished him a happy birthday), and had spaghetti with deer sausage, broccoli cheese soup (which my brother in law made and it was out of this world, Jim even liked it, whoah), salad and cake. Yummy, what a great night. We are pretty tired this morning, but family is worth it.

I just got off the phone with a dear friend of our family. Molly is a friend of ours who lived with us for awhile back in 2003/2004. She became a part of our family and us and the kids all fell in love with her. For some reason, there was a misunderstanding that tore us all apart and we hadn't seen her since. But after talking to her on the phone tonight, I realized why we love her so much. She moved away, yet so did we. But her heart is still as big as before and I hope that things work out for her where she is. God always has a reason for everything, and I thank Him that He crossed our paths once again. Even if just to know that there is not animosity towards each other. Or for bigger reasons that are unknown. Whatever the reason, it was so great to hear her joyful voice and moreso, I pray that He blesses her where she is tonight.... love you Molly!!! ~Chryss

Jimmy had another soccer game last night. They lost, but he had one of his best games yet. He was really on his feet the whole time and looked like he really knew what he was doing. As you can see, Amber really has a good time at the games. She goes to play with Buddy more than watch brother... I just had to post these pics. love you all...

It has been a couple of weeks and things here are pretty much same ol, same ol. Jimmy is done with cross country. His last meet was on Tuesday and he didn't do so well. In the first lap he got side cramps so bad that he walked. So I got on the inside of the track and walked with him until he could jog again. Then we jogged together until he got across the finish line, in last place. Sad day for the little Roo. Soccer is almost over too. So far they are 4 and 2. Not to shabby for his first year. He still has 3 games left. (Jimmy is the on one foot dribbling the ball) Amber is doing great in school and will be starting 4-H in November. She has been such a little trooper with the crazy schedule we have. I feel bad that she isn't in more events, but she is not really the athletic type. Amber helped me paint a doghouse for Buddy the other day. She did a fantastic job. Buddy is getting so big. He is hardly a puppy anymore. Here is a pic of him giving me a bath...

Yesterday was Jimmys very first Cross Country meet and he did so awesome. He came in 5th place, but you should have seen that little guy run. They had to run a mile... he started out at the back of the group (there were about 30 third graders) and passed up about 25 kids at a very even pace. You could tell he was really giving it his all. Between Jim and I, I think he had the best cheering squad on the whole field. Then we took him to soccer practice and he poured all he had left into that. Poor little guy is just getting tuckered out. He loves it!!
Well, off to his 2nd soccer game, hope they do good.

Well we are home from Jimmy's very first soccer game and he did very well. His team lost 1 - 4 but we are so proud of him. He assisted their only goal. Here are some pics of him. He is the one with the ball, number 5 (his favorite number).
Jim and I are still not feeling great, our heads feel like they are gonna explode, hopefully by tomorrow, all will be better. Love ya'll

Sick!!Sick!!Sick!! Pray for Chrystal and I, we have a real bad stomach bug.....yuk!! Jimmy has a soccer game tonight, I hope we can musterthe energy. Oh well I guess being sick is a part of life... See ya Jim

Here is a picture of Jimmy and Amber's first day of school!!! We are very proud of them!!! Jimmy's teacher had alot of good things to say at the open house last thursday!!!! Enjoy the pictures!! P.S. Could the anonymous requester please identify themselves... Jim

Well, we are now moved into our new house and love it...TONS!!! It is so nice for the kids to have their own rooms and the Buddy is getting used to his kennel and loves his walks around the park at nights. We have to go back to the old house this weekend to finish up painting a couple of rooms.
The kids did great their first week of school. Jimmy is in soccer and is really liking it a lot. He is also going to start cross country next week. Yeah for us... his energy is being shifted elsewhere!!! Woohoo. Amber will be starting 4-H in November. She can't wait.
Love to all....

Sorry, it has been awhile since our last post. Alot has happend and we have been super busy. We went to get the kids from my parents house in Anacortes. It was so great to see them. We missed them like crazy and I think they were a bit excited to see us too!! When we got back I opened the mail box and got my results from my appraisal class!!! I passed, Woohoo!!!! It was so horrible opening that envelope, like the feeling when you get your acceptance letter from a college you have been longing to attend. I also got moved into another district at work, so I have a new partner and am appraising in one specific area on the east side of Lake Coeur d'Alene. It is a great experience and a lot harder than what I was doing before. A lot of the houses are huge, waterfront homes.
Well, then we got word that a friend that I work with has a house in town that we are going to do a lease option to buy. (picture below) All is going great. We will be moving out next weekend. Bummer though, we were planning that weekend to go back down to Cali to get our stuff out of storage and spend the weekend with Jim's family. We were really looking forward to seeing them. It has been 6 months and we miss 'em. But I guess we didn't have much of a choice, we needed the $ and time to move. So, I think I have covered just about everything... Oh yeah, the kids also start school in 2 weeks. Arrrrggghhh..... must move quickly!!!
Gotta run...
Chryss

When we returned from our trip to Anacortes, we were so excited to see our pets. Buddy, Binx and Brunner. Well immediately when we pulled into town, we went and picked up Buddy from our friend, Maella's, house. She took such good care of him when we were gone. He was so happy to see us he peed. (TMI?)
Then we got home and only saw one kitty. Binx is nowhere to be found. He was by far the best cat we have ever had and even Jim got really attached to him. We have been calling for him every night in hopes that he will come home, but everytime... nothing. Our neighbor has mentioned that she has lost 8 cats out there, mostly due to coyotes and owls. We are so sad, and the kids don't know yet. I really want to keep from telling them until they get home from Gramps, Nanas & GG's house. Amber will be so devastated. Here is the most recent pics of Binx, Brunner (behind Binx) which was taken the day we left for Anacortes, and Buddy which was taken yesterday. We will miss you Mr. Binxy. You truly were the best!!

These are some pics from our trip to the San Juans this weekend. The kids are staying with my parents for 2 weeks (if we make it that long, we miss them like crazy). It is so beautiful there in Anacortes. The pic of Amber alone, is taken from their balcony. And the one of our fam by that bridge is Deception Pass.

So I am back from Boise and things are finally starting to slow down a bit. I won't get my test scores from my appraisal class for another 3-4 weeks and it is just killin' me. I can't take this waiting game, this was the first test I have ever taken that I truly have no idea whether I passed or failed. It stinks.
Anyways, this weekend we are driving to Anacortes to visit the folks and the kids are going to stay with them for a couple of weeks. They are so thrilled. The kids I mean. They are counting down the days and can't stop talking about it. They are having to double up on chores until then though. Which they are doing with few gripes, given the reward they get at the end. Buddy is staying with our dear friend, Maella, for the 4 days that Jim and I are gone. She has a lab too, his name is Odie. Him and Buddy will get along so good. We are so blessed to have such good friends. I am back on 4-10's at work, and so is Jim so we are very tired.....but that is okay, at least we get 3 day weekends together. It is a beautiful thing, given the fact that we only have about 4 weeks left until the kids start back up at school.
I wish they could stay little forever.....

Well right now, I am in Boise at my class and things are all in a huge haze. I think my brain is smoking. I hope that by Friday, all things click and I pass the test. This is so much harder than I ever anticipated. Please Pray that I pass. All I need is a 70 percent to pass (which means I can miss no more than 15 on my test).
Anyways, it is blazin' hot here too and I feel really bad cause at least I have air conditioning in my hotel room, while my dear family is at home in a house with no A/C and the temp inside the house is 94 degrees. Sorry babies!!!
Guess I better get off this puter, there are peeps waiting to use it. I am at my study buddies hotel and they have a community PC for the guests to use. I am so sneaky.
Love you all,
Chryss

HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!!!
Well that pretty much sums up our week in Beautiful North Idaho. We have been hanging out at the swimming pool most of the weekend. Yesterday we reached 103!!! It was a record. Chrystal leaves for Boise today for her final class (Appraiser II) Once she passes this one she will be good to go. Last week I interviewed for A Heavy Equipment position where I work. I don't think I will get the position due to the fact that I have only been back for 3 months, however there is another position opening up in October which I think I have a pretty good shot. The kids are doing good, nothing much to report about them, other than the fact that they are eating more, playing harder, and wearing Mom and Dad out. Well, today we are going to hang out at the mall, before we go to the airport, that should be pretty fun. Oh, I almost forgot, I lost my new softball glove at the game Friday....aaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!! Well, that's all I can think of for now..... Chrystal is doing much better, her staff infection is getting better everyday!!!! So with that said, remember, Life is beautiful where love is abundant, and the Northwest Boothy Babies are soaking it all in!!!! Love to everyone!!!

Here is Jimmy a couple of weeks ago when we went fishing. Unfortunately, (if you look really close between his legs), he caught something other than a fish. Good thing he listened when daddy told him not to set the hook.

Here is me and doodle bug out on the hammock the other night, it was such a great evening. After the kids fell asleep, Jim and I stayed up and stargazed for about 1 hour by the fire. The milky way is so bright from our house as well as all the other stars. But the most awesome thing was a shooting star that we both saw which left a streak behind it that lasted for about 30 seconds. I love living out in the Boondocks. The days may be hot, but the evenings cool off just enough so that we can sleep comfortably.

So, I have been home (doctors orders) for the last week and have had to stay on my back. I hate not being able to get up and "do things". Jim has been lovin' it, cause he is always wondering if I am ever gonna sit down anytime soon. I can never sit thru a movie, I always have to be up cleaning, doing laundary, getting the kids ready for whatever and so I have been humbled this last week. In case you were wondering why I've been so sick, it is cause I have had a staph infection on my leg. One of the doctors said it was MRSA, a fatal staph infection that resists any kind of methacillin. So, I am on 3 different kinds of antibiotics, hoping that one of them works. Well it turns out that one of them is working and the infection is receeding. It all started with some kind of insect bite and turned into a huge reddish purple boil about the size of a bar of soap. I know, GROSS, I will spare any pictures. But anyways, I am very happy to be getting better and extremely happy to be able to be 'up-and-about'. First thing I did when I was released from 'bedrest' was clean the kitchen, do 3 loads of laundary and mop my floor, and ooohhhhh it felt so good. Anyways, enough about me.... oh, one last thing... I would just like to thank all of those who were praying for me, I know that God was listening!!!
Chryss