Bowfin - The Prehistoric Fish

We went fishing again last Saturday...and this is what we found...

This actually was caught last year by me (Gwen) at Geneva Swamp

Bowfin up close

Morgan's Bowfin

Geneva Bridge

Casey's Bowfin
Geneva Bridge

Fish Caught so Far '09

Casey's 25in Northern Pike

French Creek (Shaw's Landing)

Casey's 25in Northern Pike

French Creek (Shaw's Landing)

Casey's 12in Perch

Tamarack

Rick's 17in Small Mouth Bass

French Creek (Wilson Shutes)

Rick's 17in Small Mouth Bass

French Creek (Wilson Shutes)

Morgan's 6in Perch

Tamarack

Gwen's 9in Perch

Tamarack

Well as anyone knows...we LOVE FISHING!!!! It's such an awesome way for us to spend QUALITY time as a family. Amanda and Sammi both work a lot so we don't get a lot of fishing time with them...but when we do....it's awesome too. I have always loved bonding with my kids. But when it comes to fishing...it's a special bonding time with Mom and Son. I always talked make-up, hairbands, nail polish, cooking, baking and boys with the daughters. With Casey it's...uhm son...bait my hook or take this fish off....and this is how to filet a fish Casey. Don't get me wrong, Rick usually baits my hook and I usually take the fish off the hook.....UNLESS the worm is above the hook. I DON'T TOUCH WORMS LOL Either way, it's memories being created between Mom and children...and nothing can ever replace that, not in my eyes and I'm sure some day....not in theirs. I love you kids!!!

Hillbilly Gardening..

We planted our first garden, if that's what you want to call it...lol We had 3 tomato plants given to us. So last night we decided to spend some time in the back yard planting these. After a few phone calls to find out how to plant them, we gave it a whirl. Even if they produce nothing, the memory Rick and I shared in those moments was worth all the digging, smiles, laughs, and shared glances back and forth. ;)

Missing Miss Faith...

I haven't posted in awhile. I lost my Father almost 2 months ago now. And after much hope, faith, treatment, tears, and finally a very tough decision we decided to put Miss Faith down. We took Faith back to the vet after one month and she had mange again. I wish she would have overcome the nasty deadly desease, but it returned or never left, I'm not quite sure. Rick and I are very confident we did every thing possible to save her. Her immune system was down and looked as though this mange would have been with her throughout her life. We felt it would be better to not be selfish on our behalf and let her go. It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. She brought so much joy to the kids and to us. She is missed so very much. We are looking for a new puppy....with knowledge that it will never be FAITH. Maybe the next dog will give us as much joy as we anticipate giving it.

We will always remember and love you Miss Faith....