Labor Day Weekend

For Labor Day weekend we had planned for a long time to go to Dezi's in Lyman Wy. There is a huge Rendezvous at Fort Bridger there every year. Addler had been waiting to go there all summer and the other boys were pretty excited to go as well. So we took off and spent the weekend there. The first day we just hung out with Dezi and her family had hot dogs and hamburgers and roasted smores. The next day we headed off up to the Flaming Gorge Dam. We went through a tour of the dam. It was very interesting and the boys enjoyed it. Jayvin not so much. He was so scared of heights, when we were walking above the dam looking down he about had a cannery. Of course all us sick Prices' had to tease him a bit. We headed back down, stopped for lunch at at park, drilled Trevor on electricity,:) and then headed down to the Rendezvous. The boys loved the rendezvous it was huge. There where a lot of people dressed up and lots of vendors with their mountain man stuff. The boys got to see up close and personal how to load a black powder gun and watch some guys fire it. Then they got to throw a Tomahawk. Austin said he could have just sat and watched all the people. It was such a fun weekend, it will be one we won't forget. Thank you Williams family for letting us come and hang out. And it is always fun to have Grandma and Grandpa along to make it so much more fun!

Flaming Gorge Dam-Addler, Holdan, Maestin, Austin, Ruxton, Trevor and Ilie

Jayvin scared of the edge, we had to get a picture!

Grandma and Kinzie, Grandpa, Maysi, Holdan, Austin, Ruxton, Javin, Addler, Maestin, Dezi, Ilie, Trevor

Ruxton, Holdan, Austin, Addler, Maestin

Looking down at some really big fish.

A look out on the way back down out of flaming gorge

If you dressed up for the Rendezvous you got in free. Addler was so excited to dress up, here he is with a real mountain man-Indian? Who knows there were some weird people there.

Addler throwing the tomahawk

Maestin throwing

Ruxton wasn't going to throw, then decided to at the last minute- he threw it and in one try hit the center of the log! Not a big surprise. Ruxton and Jayvin watching everyone take a turn at throwing. Yep, Grandma and Dezi threw too, not too bad either!

The boys learned a lot about mountain men, and Fort Bridger. It was a really fun time together as a family!

Little Boy Treasures

Your asking yourself..What IS this a picture of? Let me enlighten you. This is my washer! I wash Holdan's cloths separate from his brothers. I did a load of his cloths and this is what was at the bottom after I had taken all the cloths out. No wonder his pants have been falling off!!! Rocks, Lego's, cement chunks? Boys will be boys.

And there he is very proud and happy to have all his "treasures" back in safe keeping.

In the research and studying that I have done for the education of my children, one theory says all children should all have a binder with different things pertaining to age. She specially mentions attaching a pencil bag of some sort to a boys binder so they can keep all of the collections of treasures. So True!

A Family Education

Five years ago I was sent on a journey by my Heavenly Father. It has been a journey of ups and downs, however, I knew it was a journey that he needed me to go on for my children. The Lord has a mission of great worth for my four future priesthood holders. Austin has joined me on this journey and has been on one of his own as well. (He is an amazing source of strength and wisdom) So, after 5 years of pondering, planning, praying, fasting, studying, gaining courage, and a whole list of other things, our family finally took the plunge and are now Family Educating (home school). I love it. It has become just what it is called, a family education! And most days the boys are enjoying it. Some of them never think of anything else and others think back on how things used to be. It is a process of "unschooling" and feeling that what we are choosing to do is OK-even the right thing! It is such a wonderful feeling each day to sit with my children and mentor them and inspire them and I get to see them learn, be excited, and frustrated. I get to work through the frustrating parts with them right when it happens, and be happy with them when they are doing something new and exciting. I am learning so much with them. It has been a wonderful blessing. I get to give them a great education and at the very same time right along with learning educationally I get to teach them spiritually. So even though now that we my be perceived as quiet strange to the rest of the world, we are happy and have been blessed beyond description for this choice and in this choice. The support of our family and friends means more than you could ever know! To help us along the path of giving our children a leadership great education is not easy and when there are family and friends behind us instead of in front of us...well I think you get the idea!

Here is a picture of Maestin after he finished a model of our solar system.

We actually just got this table this week, it is amazing what a little change will do in kids, they couldn't wait to sit down and work all week!

This was our first day to go to Bridge-Builders Academy. We go every Thursday to Weston to academy. This has been a blessing, as well, and we all love it. There are about 30 kids or seven families!

One day Austin had a great idea to have the kids come out and help him build the chicken coop. What kid in public school gets to learn about measuring, straight lines, dimensions and a whole list of other things by actually doing it. They had fun and learned a lot.

I want to record a couple of great moments that solidified to me that what I am doing is so great.

Christopher Columbus day was coming up and we had been talking about it coloring, and making things. We were reading scriptures and the scripture in first Nephi that talks about a man moved by the power of God to come across to the promised land. It was so great to talk with them about it while reading the scriptures.

Also in the same chapter it talked about the founding fathers, and we are reading a history book about George Washington, and how great he was. I was able to discuss with them that he was inspired and blessed by the lord.

I love watching Addler learning by leaps and bounds- actually watching and mentoring my child in learning to read has been amazing!

"All men who turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.”

—Sir Walter Scott

pig 4H-Johnny

Now for the pig. We decided that Maestin should do a pig this year. We wanted him to earn a little money for collage or mission, and learn some responsibility. We got the pig in March and he had a companion . They were Johnny and Curly. The boys had a lot of fun with them. We learned a lot about pigs, and look forward to doing it again next year. Maestin and Austin worked hard to get the pig ready.

Grandma and Maestin decided they wanted to do the raw hide rice in the ranch rodeo at the fair, this is them with Zan. Austin is helping them get set to go. Maestin had a ball, and I think grandma had fun too, she was extra careful and made sure her boy was ok. Thanks grandma you are so fun!

Maestin and Johnny

Maestin showing his pig. He did so well, Johnny was very good and did everything perfect. All those days spent walking him paid off. Teaching him how to walk and mind was a big job for Maestin good thing his dad was around to help.

Maestin took first in showmanship in his class he did so good!

Johnny also ended up third in quality over all the pigs. Good work Maestin, he even had fun.

Maestin and Johnny the day of the sale. Maestin woke up the morning of the sale and said he was a little sad to sell Johnny we all were.

Maestin during the sale. Again I am so impressed with Maestin for sticking it out through this project. He would get up every morning and walk his pig. He feed and watered it with the help of his brothers. He worked hard and learned a lot. Once again a lot of hard work paid off. Good job Maestin we are so proud of you.

I took this picture more for Austin. He put a lot of work into the pig. I was in charge of horse and he was in charge of pig, and he spent a lot of time working with Maestin and the pig. You couldn't have asked for a better helper than his dad. He washed him and took care of everything getting the pig ready for the show, as well as endless hours in the months ahead. Thanks dad you are the best!

And the buyer is...Grandpa and Grandma Tubbs. Your support through letting us change pens to keep a pig around ,right down to coming and watching Maestin, to buying his pig. Thank you so much for your support it is so appreciated. We can not thank you enough it means a lot that you can and do support your grand kids like you do. Thank you for all you do!

You got a good pig!

The Fair-Horse 4-H

The fair was August 16-21. It was a long fun week. We were there everyday, it was a little crazy. I was very impressed with Maestin. He worked hard all summer practicing. He improved so much. It was neat to see hard work pay off for him, it was a great lesson and he is ready for next year! For Hose 4H there are now two different days the first day was working ranch horse. He was really excited for this day. He had practiced roping the dummy on Duster nearly everyday and had it down really good. However, when we got there some one told us that he had to dallie. We hadn't practiced this, so this had Maestin nervous. Duster was a bit nervous as well, and shied from the rope. The judge (Tim Edwards) told me to tell him don't worry about dallies, so after that he caught. Then he had to rope heals, we didn't know he would have to do that, he did alright. He then was in one on one penning, he had a tough cow but he did well for his first year. Then he was in team penning with two of his friends they had a ball but both times they let a cow by. He and I know what it is about and next year we will be ready!

Maestin and Duster roping

Maestin received red ribbons, he was ok with the ribbons, he wanted to win the rope that was given for first, he is a little competitive, I wonder where he got that?

The next morning was the Horse Show. He was in six classes and was very busy. He loved it. The whole day was fun. He used Duster for Halter and Grandpa's Jazzy for the rest. Maestin loved Jazzy, she is just what her name says. She is a lot of horse and never stops moving. Maestin started ridding her this spring. He worked hard and practiced a lot. Maestin and I could never have done it with out the willing help of Grandma and Grandpa. They were out there just about every time helping and coaching. They spent the day at the fair as well. A lot of time went in to preparing Maestin and Jazzy for this one day, and I cant say enough times how grateful I am for there help and for Jazzy. Maestin loved every minute of it, and he learned so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you did you are the best!

Maestin and Duster took First place in the showmanship! He went back in for the Grand championship, he didn't place but the judge at the end said, "This little guy on the end, I just love him he is smiling the whole time and just showing his horse!"

We got there that morning and was getting Duster and Maestin all shinned up, we went over for the class and saw that there was a pattern that they had to walk there horse through. I took one look at it and panicked. Where is my Mom! I could figure it out but it takes me a lot longer. Mom showed up took one look at it and took Maestin out on the track with a couple rags and me as a a cone and we walked Maestin through the pattern several times. He was the only one in his class that did it perfect. He was such a handsome cowboy out there, and Duster did great! Gradndma was in charge of the patterns the rest of the day, I would have sent Maestin to the left when he should be going right! Thanks again Grandma!

Maestin and Jazzy had a banner day!

Bareback equation they took third

Western equation they split the class in two he was one of only three that made into the final class. He was the only boy, and the youngest there. He didn't place but received a blue! He handled Jazzy so good every time she came into the arena she came in prancing like a barrel horse no sweat for Maestin.

Western Raining he took Third

This was Maestin's favorite class, him and Jazzy did awesome, I had tears in my eyes when it was done because he did so great, he even tipped his hat at the judge at the end. Thanks Grandpa for helping with those sliding stops,(both Maestin and Jazzy) they were great!

Western Horseman Ship he got a red, but I have to tell you how well he did on this on, this was a weird pattern and he did it all right but on the end, he had to get Jazzy to take a left lead after she had turned right, she took it but he went on the wrong side of the cone. Not very many kids got that lead but Maestin had Jazy get it. Thanks again Grandma.

We won't mention Trail!!!Your welcome Maestin

At the end of the week they gave awards, Maestin won high point in the horse show and won a big pretty buckle- and he took second high point in the working ranch horse, he received $5 and a hoof pick.

I know it was a bit lengthy but he will love having this all down some day. And I know a few Aunts that would love to know how he did. Thanks Shancy for spending the day supporting him. I know the rest would have been there if it was possible! Thanks a million again to my mom and dad, there again I know, I really do appreciate your sacrifice and help thank you so much!

Maestin you worked hard and it paid off, I am proud of your commitment to work and reach a goal you did so well! Good job!

Tubbs cousins...BOYS!

Walt and Brenda's' boys came for an extended stay in July. It was a much anticipated event in our house to have Josh and Caleb come and stay. They had plans and games all planned out. Grandma and I decided to stick together on the week that they came up to Malad. Last year it was little crazy having six boys together with out a lot to do and more adults around to help.!

We planned a couple of days out to the canyon, and Dale had a list of jobs to be done for the boys to keep them busy. They loved being in the canyon the first time so we had to take them back out again before they left. The fist time we went out there they helped haul firewood. Itwas amazing how fast the truck got loaded. After Dale and Austin saw how fast that happened they were just looking for jobs that 6 boys could accomplish in a hurry. Although by the end of the day the boys weren't as enthusiastic. They spent one day at our house ridding horses and loved it. Then we went back out to the canyon so they could return and spend the day in their fort. They discovered and continued a fort that their dads played in. They thought it was so cool to find some stuff that was there from other kids, most likely their dads. It was a lot of fun having them here. The boys were sad to see them go.

They all worked pretty hard for a while hauling the wood.

Ruxton and Holdan

The crew they loved riding in the back on the wood.

Maestin, Ruxton, Josh, Addler, Caleb

Ruxton, Caleb, Addler, Austin, Holdan waiting their turn to ride.

Josh loved riding, as you can see I am not sure he let anyone else ride. He did, but he rode more than anyone he would talk Maestin into going out helping him on Duster then Maestin would get on Bronco and out they would go to ride.

Caleb waiting his turn and telling his mom and dad hi. I was supposed to get these up before they went back home, never happened but there they are all the same.

Josh "running" on Duster

Maestin having a ball running Bronco every where to get him settled down, Bronc loves it!

Josh and Caleb riding out to check the gofer traps with Austin and Maestin.

The gang and The Tubbs Fort-Addler, Ruxton, Maestin, Caleb, Josh, Holdan

Where Masetin and Josh are standing was their little spot. Notice the ladder, Grandpa asked where they got the ladder-Josh had helped himself to the ladder clear up to the barn, they were in a big tree in the corrals above the house then down on the creek, for those of you who don't know that is a long way! Grandpa didn't say much about him taking it, I guess he figured he had enough punishment packing it all that way.

Caleb and Ruxton-these two packed a lot of food and water all day for Josh and Maestin back and fourth from the house back to the fort- Josh called them the messengers, (Josh was the"King". I believe they even brought toilet paper back to the fort so Josh didn't have to walk back and fourth! I think they were just happy that they got to be a part of the fort!

Addler's spot

It was really a lot of fun. It was fun to see them just take off and explore the canyon-wish they could do it more often with all of the family around to visit while they explore for hours. Hope to see you ALL next year!