Wednesday December 8, 2010

'Tis the season to be jolly!

I was reminded a couple of weeks ago while doing the Caring and Sharing Festival of Trees why exactly this is the season to be jolly. We have so much to be thankful for this time of year. People are going without, people are missing their loved ones, and people in general, just want to be loved. Why is it that some people are selfish enough to make others feel down trodden, belittled, just so that they can make themselves happier? Such the contradiction, and it reflects just who truly needs to be loved and cared for as they spotlight themselves with the ever infamous "Hey! Look at me!"

Melissa and I have been truly blessed over the years. All though difficult to see then, but magnified now, we were able to spend seven glorious years together, just her and I. We were wanting a family but the cards just were not in our favor at the time. Little did we realize then that the peace and quiet would never be again. However, the noise now experienced in our home is still quite nice. Taylor practices her reading continually and is getting very good at reading "chapter" books. She is very talented and has caught the reading fever from her mother.

Ayden can usually be heard playing with toys, making car sounds as boys do, or harassing another sibling. It is when Ayden CAN NOT be heard that someone needs to be worried. He will then be found somewhere in the house getting into something that he sound not be into. However, a much more pleasant sound is the singing from Ayden's crib as he attempts to drift off into blissful slumber each and every night.

Breagan is usually heard and found playing with toys. He often sits and looks over a toy trying to figure out just how it does what it does. Breagan is quite the opposite of Ayden. It is when Breagan gets loud that someone had better be checking on things. For the most part he is very easy going, lovable, and content. Every now and then you can see a glint in the corner of his eye and you will know that he is about to do something not so nice. Usually this is towards Ayden and truth be known, more of a payback for something that Ayden did to Breagan earlier.

Carmen loves to dress up as Tinkerbell. We are continually telling her to get something on as she is usually caught around the house in the middle of a change of outfit. She usually hums her own little tune and does her own thing. If you find her and look at her, your glance will usually be returned with a smile and a hug.

Melissa is a true Saint! Potty training one child was something. Taylor spooled us by actually being basically trained in a weekend before she was two. Breagan and Carmen are basically there but still wear a diaper at night. Ayden is a completely different story and definitely has his own agenda whether Melissa and I, or even Ayden, knows what that agenda might be. He is really making the whole process a challenge. So, back to my original comment at the beginning of this paragraph, Melissa is a TRUE Saint!

How about these family pictures?

November 2, 2010

October has been a good month and I am quite sad to see it go. This year has gone by so fast and it is the time of Thanksgiving once again.

Melissa, the kids, and my mom were able to join my dad and I while we hunted this year. This is pretty momentous because it has been a while since someone else has joined us on our little excursion. The mountains of Smiley Creek welcomed us but the game was not as courteous. With the obvious new neighbors of Wolves we were not privy to find the Buck that we were looking for. However, for those of you that know my dad and I and the way we hunt we were not all too disappointed as it is always the thrill of the chase more than the excitement of the kill. Plus, there is always next year.


The question around the house last week was, shall we paint or carve? Either way, both methods proved to be quite excitable.

August 31, 2010

If I hurry here I can actually make it look like I posted at least once a month instead of there being a two month absence. It is the little justifications that eventually get us...

This past weekend our family actually got away from everything. We were able to enjoy a quiet weekend away from cell phones, pagers, and two-way radios which seem to be my usual staples for communicating with the outside world. Thank heavens for family, resources, and the right to enjoy the fabulous outdoors.

Smiley Creek, located in the heart of Idaho, was just beautiful. The country side is still green from moisture and has not yet started to resemble the beginnings of the Fall colors. Ayden was not sure about riding the four wheeler again but quickly remembered how much fun he had Memorial Day weekend riding. With two four wheelers Melissa and I are able to carry all four kids. We enjoyed a 38 mile ride Saturday that took us to an elevation of 9200 feet. We had not quite hit the end of that trail but instead gives us something to look forward to another time.

The absence of wild game reminded us once again of the time of year. The early archery hunts have begun allowing us to see a lone Antelope the entire weekend.

This time away allowed us the time as a family to grow with each other as Monday Taylor started First Grade. Thank heavens for a job as I went to work Monday morning while Melissa had the great opportunity to take Taylor to her classroom. I know I would have cried like a baby and embarrassed Taylor enough to haunt her to her Senior year. Melissa is a lot stronger than I when it comes to the emotional times. Funny thing is that I was not this way until we found out we were expecting Taylor. What other experiences will kids expose me to? I am sure they are too many to mention and those of you with much more experience than I are just sitting there shaking your head. It's o.k., they come and go without saying.

In closing, I could not finish without paying tribute to the One that matters most. Without His influence, Plan, and guidance, we could not enjoy the ties of family, friends, and one of His greatest creations, the earth and freedoms that we all enjoy.

Enjoy the pictures.

July 5, 2010

The Fourth of July is one of the Draper Families favorite holidays. We are reminded of the sacrifices of so many great men and woman, past, present, and future. There are the sacrifices of life for the pursuit of happiness, the sacrifices of the many spouses and children of those that serve, and the remnants of memories for those that return from serving. We love those that have served, sacrificed, and fought for our families freedoms!

This too shall pass as we look forward to the US coming through tough times. The Great Lord has blessed this nation above all others for the establishment of Zion in the last days. Our Great country was founded on the beliefs of an Almighty Presence that needs to never be forgotten. To forget the origins of this country would be a slap in the face of the Creator that created all men.

We were allowed to spend our Holiday weekend enjoying each other. Saturday we attended the parade in Rupert which is a tradition for us. Sunday evening Melissa spoiled all of us with her great salads, drinks, and desserts. No one walked away from the table hungry...

Cobe dazzled us with fireworks while Taylor, Jessica, and Melissa played with sparklers. What a great way to celebrate OUR Independence and the birth of such a great nation!

Here is the parade crew... Just waiting for the start...
Ayden thought that he was going to get Grandma's seat to himself.
The A-10 fly over... So impressive as always.
My favorite part of the parade... Respect by all for the Red, White, and Blue!
PMT's float, Home Town Heroes... Good job!

Sunday June 6, 2010

Time gets away so fast anymore. Life in general seems to be speeding up. We have been so blessed in our lives and we try to give the many thanks where they are due. We as a family are so thankful for the sacrifice of the many men and women that allow us our freedoms and pursuit of happiness.

This past Memorial Day weekend we were blessed to be able to continue a tradition that was started several years ago. We had the great opportunity of heading to the cabin with Melissa's sisters to enjoy a weekend of good food, good company, and the great outdoors.

On our way to Smiley Creek Thursday night we were just north of Ketchum when nine Cow Elk ran across the road in front of us. The kids were just enthralled with the majestic beauty of these animals. What a great teaching opportunity for Melissa and I.

We were blessed with snow, rain, and some sunshine. Our riding was held somewhat to a minimum as the snow line was fairly low and we got stuck a couple of times. Thank heavens for healthy, strong brother-in-laws that were able to help each other get out of the snow drifts we bombarded into.

Sunday morning we were able to get 20 people on seven four-wheelers for an all out family ride. The kids loved the ride, sights, sounds, and the clean mountain air.

We have been truly blessed to be able to enjoy such freedoms. Thank you to all that have given the ultimate sacrifice, for serving, and for your accomplishments that the rest of us get to enjoy.

Melissa will enjoy this picture being posted... It was cold and we were bundled for the ride.

Here is a picture of the group that was able to make the short ride. This picture is actually taken on the hill side above Lake Alturas opposite from where the road is.

Monday March 8, 2010

Tough to believe, but year number two has passed since the birth of our very own three ring circus. We have been dealing with a little sickness here and there but are surviving. This past week everyone except Taylor has seen a Doctor and is on Antibiotics. Thank Heavens for modern medicine. Amazingly enough though, Taylor has not brought any illness home as we had originally thought she might.

This past Friday, March 5th, was the second birthday for Ayden, Breagan, and Carmen. We had tons of fun, ate lots of cake and ice cream, and enjoyed the closeness of family, friends, and the well wishing from many unable to attend. Thank you everyone for everything! Melissa and I know that it is a lot of work but that there are also lots of assistance from those around us. WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Please enjoy the pictures from the party.




It was truly a good time, however, I could not call it good without giving due credits. Melissa and I have always been taught by loving parents that families will always be together forever. Even though not all of the family was together in person Friday night, they were truly there in Spirit.

The day that the babies were born, Melissa's father, being the good man that he is, went to the gift shop in the hospital and got his lovely daughter a bouquet of flowers. In true country fashion and being a Rancher this vase is nothing short of what we would expect from Jim. The past couple of years the vase has disappeared a couple of days before the kid's birthday and with the help of a dear friend, the vase is displayed for all to see that Grandpa Jim is with us always.

February 6, 2010

About this time of year everyone, you and me included, are feeling a bit crowded in. The weather is not always the best, clouds continually loom overhead, the Sun hides more than radiates, and a common phenomenon called "Cabin Fever" is felt by all, but only if you know any better.

We have been blessed by keeping the kids away from most of the outside influences that attack the common immune system. Taylor, thank heavens, has also been able to stay away from most of the illnesses going around. So as long as Taylor stays healthy and the kids stay indoors for a couple more months, we will make it through yet another cold and flu season and thus onto Summer and the new challenges presented.

With the Sun shining yesterday we thought that we would hit a park and allow the kids to run around a little. They had a blast and enjoyed riding their little bodies of the "Cabin Fever" that will hopefully carry them on through to summer.



Forgive them Uncle Jason, Jeff, and Mark's - They just have no clue and thought that they were bored....

January 20, 2010

Here is a situation that everyone has been in. The kids are so darn cute that you hate to do anything to change their look, their personality, or anything about them. However, you have put off cutting their hair in hopes that you can keep your "little one" little for just a bit longer... Sometimes it is just tough to move on and watch them progress.

I am quite sappy but naturally this all went through my mind as we made the decision to cut the kids' hair. The static looking hair is attractive but must be tamed at some point in time. I typically go to a Barber to have my hair cut and have even cut my own hair in an attempt to save a little extra. Either way, we took the kids to see my Barber for their first hair cut.

Orvis is quite the gentleman. For those of you that do not know him, he is a Veteran that learned how to cut hair while serving in the Armed Forces. He always has a story, a kind word, and loves to kid his subject about trying to re-attach the hair that he has cut off my some means or another.

The boys were not going to have anything to do with sitting in the chair my themselves. However, as long as mom held them while Orvis worked his magic, they were just fine. Enjoy, as it was quite the adventure once again!

Here is Orvis trying to warm up to Ayden. The little Horsey seat was just not cute enough to completely warm him over.






This is how we ended up for haircuts, each of the kids on Mom's lap. Yes, that is the parents version of "Vise-Grips" attached to Ayden's head. I know that you are laughing because everyone has been there at one point or another.




This makes me laugh! Feel free to add your own commentary here as to what you think Breagan is thinking... Maybe, "You've got to be kidding me?" Or, "Dad, you are so not getting any loves when we get home!" Or, "You so owe me a hot dog to make this up!" Just too dang cute....



"Dang, I KNOW I am looking good... Just like you, huh Dad?"







Carmen is total girl, through and through. She is following is her big sister's footsteps and loves to dress up every opportunity she gets. Once again, you just can not help but smile...

With these wonderful little blessings in our lives we continually recognize the work of our wonderful Creator. He truly has a plan for each one of us. We just recieve our blessings multipled by four!

January 6, 2010

We made it through another Holiday Season. First and foremost though, without the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we would not have the opportunity to thank Him once again for the many blessings in our lives. Melissa and I clearly recognize the work of His glory all around us and the blessing of His choice Spirits in our home.

Christmas was not exactly as you would think, just yet. Melissa and I got the kids up just after 8:00 A.M. Taylor, being the seasoned veteran that she is, set the example for the other three to open their presents. By the time the triplets made it through their presents, they were finally getting the hang of things. Next year though will be a completely different story. One that we will update then.

Melissa and I have been truly blessed. We have the BEST family members, loving friends, and our health. Sanity is sometimes a commodity and a short lived pleasure but none the less, we can not imagine it any other way.

For those of you that know me and one of my many hobbies you will understand the importance of the picture above, to me. Melissa found and painted the ceramic for me and presented it to me as a gift. It holds the true meaning of Christmas. I had the opportunity of speaking with a young boy during the Christmas season. As he sat on my lap he told me about how he did not believe in Santa. I thought for a second and and decided that he was old enough to hear the truth.

The truth about Santa, as tough as it may be to hear... People started to forget about the birth of the Christ Child so many years ago. Knowing that the sacrifice made for each of us was made at such a high price the idea of a giving person was formed. Santa Claus DOES NOT represent the commercialization of the Christmas Season. Santa represents the giving of one's self just as Christ did for each of us. Is this just isolated to the month of December? definitely not, however, it is a nice reminder that we can continue to live, love, and share the whole year through.

The young boy, about 10 years old, smiled, agreed, and proceeded to spit out his wishes just as though he was half his own age with a huge smile.

May all of your resolutions keep, your health be what you need, and your love for each other grow throughout the New Year. Thank you to all and to all a good night!

Some scenes from our house Christmas morning...