VENTS & VICTORIES

I am Second® - Landry Jones

2012-02-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the "I am Second" movement?
Doing that very thing so many speak of doing, but so few of us actually put into action and verse putting Christ first and ourselves second?
It's an amazing series of videos.
I'll be posting our favorites throughout the month...I am so blessed by watching these with my Hubby and big kiddos...the dialogue it creates of reminding our children that God doesn't care where you are or what you've done, all He wants is YOU.
We reassure them, don't let the judgments or harshness of others, or even yourself strip that truth from you.

2012-02-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

My one and only, darling girl

Preparing to head out for a night on the town.

Dinner out and than on to the Father/Daughter Ball.

What precious time for the two of them.

My favorite thing about this girlie is the way she shines from the inside out.

She radiates love.

Just prior to leaving she forwarded an email picture of herself and said, "I'm so cute."

I adore that she wrote it as a solid statement..not asking, "Do you think I look cute?" but has the confidence in herself to know it without having to be told by other's.

Now THAT is a chick I can admire! ;)

2012-02-07T22:22:00.000-08:00

The sunshine and blue skies have been deceiving lately.

Indoors the sun lighting up my hardwood floors calls for me to gather up the babies and head outdoors...but once there, I'm nothing but ready to run back in and curl up fireside.

Oh well.

Spring will make it's way soon enough to our neck of the woods...until than, we'll continue to bundle up and hike the nearby trails close to home that overlook some of the most gorgeous wine country Washington State has to offer.

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in
looking outward together in the same direction.

~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

because we're stickin' to the plan, Stan...

2012-02-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

It's always so exciting for R & I when we have friends/family reach out to us and inquire about our budgeting process and how we got started with ole Dave Ramsey...truly, it is SUCH a compliment to us that people take note of how we manage our finances and ask us HOW they can do the same.

Even my parents tell us constantly how PROUD they are of the commitment we've made.

But, it's so strange to have other's ask us "How DO you do it??"

It's a slippery slope that thing called finances :)

Now, TRULY...we stick to the plan as best we can.

But, admittedly we DO tell people that we don't follow Dave's Steps as if they were Law. One very important thing we CONTINUE to do is put funds aside in R's 401k through work for retirement. With the matching that his City employment brings...it just killed us NOT too!

But I swear, it always seems it is this time of year as people begin getting tax returns and the dreary Winter months start weighing in...people all around us start shouting from the rooftops about how they are traveling here, or booking a vacation there...and it takes every

fiber

being

to not book a luxurious, tropical vacation riiight along with the rest of them.

But, alas...we stick to the plan.

We stick to it because we have been BLESSED so tremendously by the sacrifices we have made and when we see the momentum of where this journey is taking us...it makes it that much harder to jump ship.

When I look ahead to being able to pay cash for my children's college tuition, when I see the numbers on our mortgage continue to drop so that in short time we will OWN our own Home free and clear - - wowzer.

I'm all aboard.

Now, not aboard by way of a cruise or anything...not yet anyway...but when we DO embark on that trip of a lifetime how much sweeter the drink with the umbrella in it will taste knowing I don't owe a dime to anybody for any dang thing... ;)

LAST but not least...

2012-02-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

**My last 'truth' post...a few days late posting on here...loved this month of truths and all the FB feedback**

LAST day of January...so my last, in my daily series of "Truth Posts" :)

Remie and I were talking last night, over the past month and the various posts I had written. I told him that I've really enjoyed the feedback, but posting each day a "truth" and been - - rather vulnerable. He, as always, my constant cheerleader reminded me that vulnerability was never a bad thing...but rather a very human ...and admirable trait.

BECAUSE...

#31 The truth of the matter..all this began as I found a poem/prayer at the start of the month. At a time when every post about the holidays seemed like NOTHING but good cheer, Homes were spotless, Children never misbehaved...blah blah blah. It left me feeling somewhat inadequate. Even as I led the happy Life that I do, there were days of unmade beds, dishes in the sink, baby boy pressing my last nerve, etc etc...

I wondered about myself and my own posts and blog that I write...was I putting ONLY the best and brightest of my life out there for all to see or was I allowing myself to be as transparent as I hoped other's would be... Could I do it? Would people judge...my sometimes impatient attitude with my children, a squabble with my spouse, my lonliness or isolation that a sometimes wild two-year-old could bring upon me??

Than I read this: (by Kent M. Keith, Ed.D)

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

And so it began...regardless of what other's thought, or judged my motives to be...I put myself out there exactly as Life came at me...and I haven't regretted one post or one moment. Did I air every skeleton in my closet? Of course not. Was there and is there always more to say? Of course there is... and in due time, perhaps I will reach all those topics.

But for now, I am proud of the representation of myself and my family I've made each day..and the most important thing I gathered out of it, is that we are all so much more similar than we are different - - and what a blessing and a relief that has been... xoxo

Say It Isn't So...

2012-01-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

Excitedly bustling around the house decoratng for Garrett Shaw's SECOND birthday tomorrow...

And thinking....

#29 The sad truth of the matter is...I suppose I've REALLY gotta quit calling my extra pounds "baby weight" now that him's turning two... Bummer :)

MY Truth

2012-01-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

Today, I woke up with a spring in my step...another segment of our kitchen cabinets have been completed and I was able to finally put ALL my dishes and glassware that were out on the bar away. I had a WHOLE afternoon of shopping and a "coffee" date to look forward to with my only baby girl. AND, pizza and a movie night to boot.

But....

The truth of the matter is...what TOPPED my day was when I briefly logged into our Facebook account (Hubby and I share a FB page...but he RARELY is on it - mmmm, if ever!) and saw the following message from my Hubby:

"Hey babe….I had a moment and wanted to see what was going on in the world of Facebook. You are SO beautiful! Hope you’re sleeping well. P.S. You make gorgeous babies."

I may not be a lot of things, but I certainly am the luckiest.

Reminded of Who I AM - -

2012-01-27T23:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's post & the response initiated a conversation between R & I last night...one about forgiveness.
The power of it.
The divinity of it.
For both the bearer and the recipient.

Years past, when I was lost...and feeling like my own choices were the direct cause of the weight of the world on my shoulders and feeling as though my heart had turned to stone. I was scrambling to reach the surface of something, anything...and truly, didn't care who I stepped over or on to reach the top.

It was a time when I didn't like who I saw in the mirror - so I just quit looking.

After much time & that awful thing called introspect...I not only made it to the top, but I'd finally done so without hurting other's to get there.

It was an AMAZING feeling.

However, I had to look back at all my other failed attempts at that journey and saw a path of victims I'd left in my wake.

It was unbearable.

I couldn't fathom that I had wrecked so much havoc on relationships with people I truly loved. So I set out, one-by-one, tending to each person, each relationship, each hurt and apologizing and setting forth to make right and reestablish.

However...

#27 The truth of the matter is...sometimes, even a heartfelt I'm sorry isn't enough for some people.

That fact stung so deeply. It left me in a tailspin wondering what ELSE could I do??

In a conversation with my sister, ages ago...we discussed this very thing and how "forgiveness" seemed to be really only something someone with Faith could understand the enormity it held. I recognized that in each of us is a lack of perfection and that the sheer basis of Christianity was sin...and the blessing to be able to repent and have all those past wrongs - washed clean.

It hit me during that same time, that I could ASK for forgiveness in each of these relationships..but what that person was able to give in return, well...that wasn't within my power and honestly, it didn't matter.

From that moment forward, my heart softened...and the hurt & rejection I'd felt was gone...it's allowed me to just accept those relationships where they are at, without feeling bitter, and moving forward in a new *normal*.

I was seeking out and desperate for forgiveness, when I'd already received it. God alone had granted it the moment I'd asked....
I am reminded daily of WHO I am...and the only thing that matters, is that I am His Beloved.
And.
So.
Are.
YOU

Get Real

2012-01-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

Someone said to me the other day, "I love your truth posts...but I can't believe you actually posted about you and Remie having a fight. I would think you guys never fight!"

Which, made me think back to WHAT "fight" did I post??

When it occurred to me this friend was referring to the "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" debacle over the last remains of the last gallon of milk. And, well...it... made me giggle.

BECAUSE...

#26 The truth of the matter is...THAT wasn't a fight. That wasn't even close to a fight. That was a 3 minute exchange in dialogue that ended nearly as soon as it started with me thinking my Hubby was in someway insensitive to the needs of his families "milk" requirements and he thinking I was just flat out crazy by not voicing what I actually MEANT, but instead wanting him to read between the lines.

THAT wasn't a fight. Not nearly.

Because the TRUTH of the matter is - of course we fight!! Holy cow. We have had some rows. And they didn't last 3 minutes!! I'd like to think back and say that they were over something really major but quite frankly, I remember a few weeks back when I was snotty and flat out bitchy because our brand new dishwasher wasn't cleaning dishes as well as our old one we had just removed.

GUESS who I blamed??

The man who saved us major pennies by installing it himself, my Hubby.

I was snide and said, "Seeee....THIS is why we should have have paid to have it installed."

RUDE. Yep. Major.

If I recall, I stomped off in a huff. Hubby, calm - even when he is hurt & angry, went about his business of the day.

Later, I realized he had retraced all his installation steps to ensure he hadn't made an error somewhere. Took parts and pieces back to Home Depot to inquire there about what he may have done wrong.

Guess WHO felt like a total a$$hole later that evening when I realized I FORGOT TO PUT DETERGENT IN before I ran that load of dishes??

Ohhh yes...wait for it... It was ME.

Head hung low, tears on my cheeks and guilt and remorse along for the ride, I went to my Husband and apologized.

Genuinely.

And you know what, he forgave me. He gave me a hug and a smooch. He once told me that his favorite thing about me was my ability to admit to a mistake. To own up to a wrong. And to be genuine when I do it.

We HAVE a loving, amazing marriage that we celebrate every day. We both have been married before and if we didn't want to be here...well, we wouldn't. But for those that think we don't argue, disagree or fight...WRONGO. Are they few and far between, thankfully yes. But if anybody out there is telling you they never fight..or they have the "perfect" marriage...smile and nod, and go kiss your wife/hubby. We've EACH got it good.

I just think, it's just more important to be realistic than it is to be "perfect".

Critters

2012-01-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

#25 The truth of the matter is...and this MIGHT wind up making me the "Worst Mother of the Year" and I would NEVER let on about this in front of my daughter...but I cannot wait until some of her little "critters' die off.

There I said it. So, sue me.

Who KNEW that a free goldfish from the Fair could last this dang long!!

The bowl is too heavy for her to slosh up and down the stairs so GUESS WHO winds up cleaning out that thing every week?

Who KNEW that a dwarf hamster the size of a walnut could keep on ticking YEARS past when it's owner thought miniature rodents were the best thing imaginable?!! Now, to her credit...she DOES clean out the hamster cage all on her own. But other than that, her interest for that little guy died out when the introduction of 4th grade and a Best Friend entered the picture. His companionship quality plummeted drastically.

I ADORE that Madelyn Mae loves animals - great and small. I do.

However, her Momma's plate is rather full right now with many other of life's joys so when the time DOES come, I'll still put on a proper burial...but inside, admittedly, my heart will be singing.

Yep. I said it.

It's ALL about Survival...

2012-01-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

#24 The truth about today is...it's ALL about survival today!!

Had an uber restless night's sleep and finally konked out about 4 a.m.

OYE.

Littlest boy woke up with a croup sounding cough, so after getting the Biggies off to school we have remained in jammies and laid low all morning...opting to avoid all manners of work and will be napping with my Garbear instead.

THIS is one of the days where the dishes and all the like's can and WILL wait!

#23

2012-01-27T12:50:00.001-08:00

The truth of the matter is...THIS is sooo like women!

Read this on my friend, Michelle's, page tonight and it's the TRUEST thing some days!

Thanks Mich! :)

#22

2012-01-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

#22 Truth be told...there is NOTHING I love more

(aside from Hubby and Things 1 thru 3)

than a Target clearanced end-cap.

No joke.

TWO, count 'em, TWO years...

2012-01-21T12:29:00.000-08:00

TWO years ago, today, was my last day of employment as a 911 Dispatcher.

Hubby captured this photo of me as I prepared to leave that morning for my LAST day of work as a 911 Dispatcher. That day, I was filled with a mixture of emotions...

However...

#21 The truth of the matter is...I don't regret it one. single. bit. Occasionally, I will have a random (and fleeting) moment of insanity where I think, "Man, I ...would LOVE to be sitting at Fire and dispatching for a huge NCF (natural cover fire for those of you not "in the biz" ha!) But than, the moment passes... It's odd how I can miss "The Job" but not all the other stress, drama, etc etc etc that surrounded that work environment. THAT I never miss.

My husband asked me a few weeks ago, "Babe..what is your FAVORITE thing about not working there anymore..." I replied, "Well....that's hard. It probably SHOULD be that I get to be home with my family full-time...but truthfully, my FAVORITE thing is that I don't have to be 'fake' nice to anybody!"

Which made him howl with laughter because he know's EXACLTY what I meant by that.

I made some great, life-time friendships there...and shared memories and moments with my coworkers that I wouldn't change for the world. Those relationships I took with me, the rest...I got to leave it allll behind. There were those few people that I'd find myself trapped in the break room sharing small talk like 'how was your weekend..oh interesting....great...blah blah blah" conversations with that left me wishing I was brave enough to cut my own tongue out so I never had to exchange words with them again.

Today, as I briefly reflect, and prepare to head out on a Day Date with Hubby and some good friends, most of whom ARE Dispatchers...I have to say, those people, the dispatchers, are the REAL workers, the heart & soul and driving force behind that agency...I think of them all often.

The sacrifices they make in working 12-hour shifts...holidays, weekends. Being the FIRST of the first responders when they pick up that phone. Relaying information to officers, my husband included, that not only provide them with details..but protect them from what they might be headed into. THEY are the one's that rarely receive the thanks - the 'man behind the curtain'...the one that people forget about after the Good Guys arrive...

Well, I certainly will never forget where to lay the credit, no matter how many years I am gone...not just in a job well done, but in being a huge part of my life for so many, many years and even if you didn't love me during all those high's and low's...well, hell, even those negative's taught me to thicken my skin and grow... And for all those things and more, I am who I am today.

Thank ya, SECOMM...it was real, it was...well, MOST of the time fun.. ;)

UPDATE: They survived :)

2012-01-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

For those that were perhaps worried about my older children's welfare after my earlier post - fear not, they survived! ;)

We bundled up and hiked our way up to our local bank & Yoke's Market.

Had a yummy lunch in their deli...

and nabbed the LAST sled in the whole store!!

They were thrilled and took turns hauling each other home in it.

As we crunched through the deep snow and plowed our way up the hill towards home, Madelyn asked me, "When we get home can we have 'Quiet Time?'"

I call that SUCCESS! ;)

Cabin Fever

2012-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

**I didn't include yesterday's FB post on here...because it included specific information about where we live - and THAT, I keep off of Blogland**

I have never been a 'Yelling Mom' or a 'Hollering Mom'...maybe I got it from the fact I wasn't raised in a loud, yelling Home...or perhaps it's the fact that over my 11+ years of parenting I have learned that steady, even, serial-killer tones work better when discipling my children.

However...

#20 The truth of the matter is...TODAY I was THAT 'Hollering Mom'. I actually YELLED at my big kids to ..."JUST QUIT YELLING". Even at the time it happened I felt like a total fool.

Who YELLS for people to stop YELLING?!!

At any rate, cabin fever appears to be in full swing for this Momma. Littlest boy is going to lay down for his nap, and with Daddy here...the big kids and I are throwing on boots and trekking up to the bank & Yokes for misc. needed items and a few movies.

Let's hope this improves my mothering-mood and I don't wind up eating my young. :)

#18 ....

2012-01-18T19:54:00.001-08:00

#18 The truth of the matter is...I'm eating a warm chocolate chip cookie while watching my Hubby shovel snow out of our driveway.

Naughty!

**don't fear...I brought this lil' punkin in with me for a warm-up!!**

Sleep...wonderful, Sleep

2012-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

No posts yesterday.

Yay!

I can tell that posting every day of January, I'll def be ready for a break (from FB) come Lent.

My sleep pattern has been SO off for the past many, many weeks...not hitting the sack til 2-3am and what with than getting up with little boy early in the morning - aye, aye, aye.

I've been a run down Momma!

However...

#17 The truth of the matter is...last night, I took advantage of Hubby being home and urging me to go to bed early - I was IN BED by 8pm and slept straight through til just before 7!

Up, showered & ready before everybody else this morning was fantastic! I know I may need a few more nights of this to really make a difference...but being honest, being in bed that early each nights just isn't in the cards :/

2012-01-15T20:34:00.001-08:00

I hate to use the t.v. as a babysitter for my littlest kiddo.

I do.

However...

#15 The truth of the matter is...TODAY, I am that parent.

I have a handful of half-done projects I am really wanting to accomplish before the big kiddos get home tonight. So if "Ice Road Truckers" is keeping littlest boy's attention held while I finish them off - so be it! :)

Men are from Mars...'nuff said

2012-01-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight, before R headed to work...he prepped his evening "meal" of a Carnation instant breakfast. He grabbed the carton of milk from the fridge and examining it asked, "Is this all the milk we have left?" I said, "mmm...there should be another one on the bottom shelf?"

There wasn't.

So, we stood eye-balling one another for a minute. Remie with his powered shake packet and banana already in th...e blender...me, thinking ahead to how Garrett ALWAYS wants a cup of milk before bed... Being nice, I SAID, "Babe. Just use it, I'll go to the store before Garrett goes to bed."

However...

#14 The truth of the matter is...IMAGINE my dismay when my husband replied, "Great!" and dumped the final remains of our last gallon of milk into the blender and whipped up his shake!!! I said (in mock horror), "I cannot believe you just did that." My husband looked at me like a crazy person and said, "WHAT are you talking about...didn't you just say you'd run to the store tonight?"

Granted, I DID "say" that...but the fact of the matter is, I was only being NICE. I wanted him, in turn, to be NICE and say, "No, babe. You're already in your pjs. Garrett's near ready for bed. No way am I going to believe you REALLY want to get him loaded up and head to the store for a gallon of milk, when I hold in my hand more than enough to see you through the night."

All said and done, my sweet Hubby ran to the store before work and grabbed me a surprise gallon of milk vs. forcing me to eat my words and follow through. For that generousity, I will oblige myself to work on remembering my husband does not work well with "assumptions" nor mind-reading...go figure! ;)

To Urban or Not To Urban....

2012-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

(source)

I am giving a lot of thought to ordering a few baby chicks this Spring...

We've been so blessed (and SPOILED!) to have in-laws that gifted us tons & tons of local beef this year.

What a difference in cooking & taste between store purchased meat with tons of fillers and the home-grown beef we had available to us!

It's gotten us branching out more in our thinking, and I'm really toying with the ide...a of putting in an urban chicken coop (no more than two birds) for the gain of wholesome (I know where that egg came from!) goodness...

However...

#13 The truth of the matter is...as with some of my "fantastic" ideas in the past, I'm wary that I will tire of these chicks in about a week's time and than what the heck would I do with them?!!

Graveyard Giddy

2012-01-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

Typically, I hate when R is on the graveyard rotation...

FOUR loooong months

The bulk of everything house & home - inside & out, kiddos, meals, homework, bedtimes...you name it falls upon my shoulders during this stretch.

However...

#12 The truth of the matter is...this go around, I am NOTHING but excited!! :) I am such a stinker, because my reason for loving this rotation is entirely selfish.... But The Man has tore into our kitchen remodel with gusto! One section of our cabinets has already been yanked apart, sanded, painted, finished off with new hardware and knobs...he's amazing! Each morning, coming downstairs is like Christmas Day for this girl when I get to walk into the kitchen and see all the late night busy-work he's been up to!

Love it!

Love HIM!

What's for dinner??

2012-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

**I spaced posting this yesterday**

Excited to go to my Momma's house for dinner tonight. Whenever we're invited, I don't know why - but I always ask, "What are you making?"

#11 When the truth of the matter is...I don't care WHAT she's making! As long as this gal doesn't have to cook, it could be pb & j's served up!

Bloody bloodwork

2012-01-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

#10 The truth of the matter is...I am a total weanie when it comes to bloodwork.

I had 14 viles of blood drawn today..which may not seem like much to some, but I've never had more than 2-3 taken at one time and I can barely stomach that!

Needless to say, I'd like to SAY I wasn't a total baby...but alas, when my arm started to go numb & tingly - so did my brain. Got to sit like a baby and sip my cold apple juice and put my head on the table for ummm...a good ten minutes.

Tomorrow I'll be back on course with more of the "truth posts" - tonight, I'm spent.

Two Things

2012-01-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

Just laid Garrett down for his nap...he was so sweet laying down next to me on his big tiger pillow, picking out books, leaning his face over to give me random 'mooches while I read...I love this little boy.

However...

#9 The truth of the matter is...I wish he would show more of THAT side of him. Honestly, this little guy has really tested me - his busy ways, seemingly constant go-go-go and downright naughtiness on some days. The test, is not so much my parenting, I remember years back (not all that long ago in the grand scheme) where I had a 15 month old little guy & a verry colicky newborn baby girl. My patience for my children grew leaps & bounds during those first few months after Madelyn's arrival...so dealing with Garrett, although exhausting, hasn't broke me (yet!).

What I have realized though are two things 1) how judgmental I have been in the past of OTHER parents... 2) how as tough as I seem, I really do manage to get my feelings hurt rather easily... I think back on how I judged other parents. Once Madelyn outgrew her colic, aside from the random 2 year-old fit here and there at home...both my older kids were amazingly well-behaved. I could take them anywhere, do anything...and they just happily obliged. Stuck right with me, minded, were well-mannered...I always felt bad when I saw other parent's with a kid tearing off away from them, or having a public meltdown thinking, "Sheesh...somebody really ought to parent that kid."

Embarassing to admit, but nonetheless...THESE are the truth posts.

Needless to say, Garrett has done me in on more than one occasion with meltdowns, flinging things from the cart, running away from me in a public setting and a whole litany of other things that left me with my jaw-dropped as it struck me, "I've become THAT parent I used to point my finger at!" He is raised the same, disciplined the same, loved the same (aka endlessly) ... and yet, all the same - he is absolutely his own boy and forcing me to modify my thinking and take a deep look within my own character about my mindset all those previous years. *gulp* In addition, I'm finding how having "that" naughty kid, can be fairly lonely. We've had people invite us over...and than never again. How awful is that!

Rather humilating quite frankly, and in the quiet hours of the evening while discussing these very things with Remie this weekend, I even cried about it and told him what a struggle it is when you feel isolated from friends, because love you as they do...they aren't as apt to invite over someone who has a maniac mess-maker in tow with them. Or even moreso, how isolating it can be for me on those days that I just don't want to deal with taking him out - he loathes riding in the car, so even short distance expeditions give me a headache with his bellowing and complaining in the backseat.

I'm readily aware that as he get's older, and as we continue to focus and develop his language skills, that he will be less *fitful* as he is able to verbalize those very things that frustrate him and cause him to either act out or become frenzied...in the meantime, it's just another lesson learned in this journey of life...altering my own thinking, changing and growing right along with him.

Patience is a Virtue

2012-01-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

We pulled the trigger on our latest, greatest project of refinishing our old oak cabinets!

Nothing makes me quite as happy as hearing the sound of a sander out in the garage - except maybe to look over bags of new shiny, hardware and brackets that we picked out for the finished product!!

My clean, white, farm-style kitchen is within sight!

However...

#8 The truth of the matter is...as EXCITED ...as I am, I am a wee bit nervous about this kitchen undertaking. I spend a HUGE amount of time in the kitchen each day and thrive in having all my must-have items in their proper places when it comes time to cook...I told Remie, "I REALLY want this update, but I'm going to have to STRIVE to not be "Crabby Mom" when I go to cook each day in my displaced kitchen..." Is it going to be 'wrong' to tell everyone to steer clear of me as I dig through boxes to find my pots & pans and spice cabinet items?? :)

Love Fest

2012-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Beyond excited for a much needed "Date Night" tonight with my Hubby!!!

(before he rotates to the 'graveyard' shift for four months...)

ahhhh, love my cop Hubby

Tonight, there will be no talk of kiddos - just time to focus on one another! :)

However...

#7 The truth of the matter is...yeah, riiiiight....like any other parents we will likely discuss any one of these three chickens before we even exit our driveway! ;)

It All Falls Down...Sometimes.

2012-01-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Yay!! My cupboards & fridge were bare - SO thankful that I could get out & grocery shop today (alone at that!) to stock our shelves and have my menu plan laid out for the next two weeks all for a mere $179!!

However...

#6 The truth of the matter is...I left the grocery store so pissed that I had to come home and take a nap. Sincerely. I was blessed today to have a husband that allowed me to leav...e the house this morning (alone!) while he managed the home front. I got to browse Target, get Starbucks, hit Goodwill, got a manicure/pedicure that was ALL delightful...than had it all come crashing down (literally) at Winco was a real day-downer.

I hate that dump.

To start, I had to pee. It happens. I've had three babies. And lo' and behold, when I went to start my whole marathon grocery shopping trip wouldn't you know THAT was the exact time (midday and super busy no less...) that staff was cleaning the bathroom. HELP. I should have taken that as an omen and left immediately, but I pressed on...from there it just went downhill with a series of minor mishaps that individually were nothing, but combined were aggravating.

Personally, I'd like to thank the teenage girl & her mother, while exiting the soup isle, bumped a display case of Starkist canned tuna fish and sent approx 200 cans rolling. All to look at each other, giggle...and continue on. Leaving me, ankle-deep in canned fish with an isle of bystanders staring at me thinking I was the culprit.

Criiiiipes.

One, LONE older gentleman stopped and helped me upright the case and re-stack all the cans. By the time the Winco employee appeared (with a freaking BROOM, mind you) clean-up on Isle 7 was complete.

I came home. Got a hug from my hubby, relayed the story and told him I was tossing all our fridge/freezer stuff away and than taking a brief nap to recoup. I also told him as I stomped up the stairs, "This $hit wouldn't have gone DOWN at Yoke's."

#5 Sometimes a Mom's gotta do, what a Mom's gotta do...

2012-01-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

I LOVE our sit down family dinners.

I work hard on menu-planning to prepare great meals my family loves. I enjoy our chance to sit and visit after the hub-bub of the afternoon has begun to settle down.

However...

#5 The truth of the matter is...I wore construction-grade ear plugs to the dinner table last night to drown out my family. :)

No joke.

Somewhere along the afternoon, I lost my evening.... Garrett didn't nap well...when big kids, and about 5 friends, got home we set off to walk to the store for our weekly "Doughnut Wednesday". By the time we returned, it was near dark...time to start meat loaf ! baked potatoes. Garrett, tired from lack of nap, went from one series of fits to a series of tantrums - taking me away from starting dinner. Remie arrived home and took over, dinner went in the oven, boy was fed & bathed to hit the sack a little earlier.

So, after sitting most of my family down to the dinner table, I said "Start without me. I'll put G down and come join you." Garrett's normal bedtime routine of his story, his snuggles, his turning off of the light and singing our song - was not going over well. It was to be one of those night's he would have to just cry out his exhaustion for a few minutes in a dark, cozy room. I left him to bed, shut his door and when the crying started...it was as if every nerve in my neck and jaw just seized up! UGH. I walked the length of the house, snuck into our bedroom and grabbed two ear plugs and SHOVED them in my ears. BLISS. I couldn't hear a thing!

I sat down at the table and smiled and nodded, and smiled and nodded as Remie, Camden & Madelyn happily chatted and visited about whatever it was they were talking about. I'd tell you, but...well, you know the answer... Finally, after some time really...Remie caught on to my trick. I was had! Moments later after getting up briefly, he returned to the table with his own version.

Turd. :)

#4 Those Wintery Blues

2012-01-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

This morning, Garrett & I spent the better part of the morning in the backyard.

Cleaning out leaf-filled flower beds, swept off the patio and other exciting things like picking up what seemed to be endless piles of dog poop. For January, the backyard looks pretty great!

However...

#4 The truth of the matter is...I suffer from seasonal depression.

Every Winter, like clockwork it now seem's, I develop what I used to describe as a 'funk'. I'm not blue, I'm not down-and-out...but I just don't have my usual pep or spark for life. I have been SO grateful the sun has been shining! I throw back my curtains each morning and let it in!! Yesterday, Hubby & I walked up to Yoke's with little man and than took a long winding walk home. Even once we returned, we putzed around the front yard - cleaning out the front flower beds, taking down Christmas lights...all in an effort to give Momma her dose of vitamin-D. I've never taken medication to combat the fatigue but I am certain there are many a year when I should have. Days in the past when I'd peek out into the dark, grey day and think, "I could sleep for a month."

And, I think this year especially I am being mindful to watch myself and not over-do things or fill my plate to full but to be very specific about taking care of ME first. What with the past several months of medical issues and already being treated for exhaustion (more on that on another day).

THIS was a difficult 'truth post' the word "depression" in general has always seemed so taboo to me...the topic of it being mentioned when I've felt like this could set me off and get me easily angered. I didn't like to have "that word" associated with me. It also weighed me down and made me feel like my faith must be so limited if I wasn't able to lift myself up in prayer to bolster through my bad days. Perhaps its age, perhaps it's being in a marriage with an amazing supportive spouse that reminds me that I am never in anything alone. So for today, I am remind myself - and anyone else that may struggle, that DEPRESSION is not a dirty word

#3 Refridgerator Perils

2012-01-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

As much as I pride myself in keeping our budget & being frugal - I am grossed out, or merely LAZY as all get out over certain things that cost us $$$ in the long run.

For example - I LOVE to clean out my refridgerator the day(s) before I do our big meal-planning grocery trip.

HOWEVER...

#3 The truth of the matter is....I will throw out tons of tupperware containers housing leftovers from our fridge vs. cleaning them out and running them through the dishwasher. Store bought tupperware, good tupperware, or even on occasion OTHER people's tupperware. Sorry in advance to those of you who never got your tupperware back. Here's fair warning to the rest of you: I'm not to be trusted with it.

#2 Drive thru Do Not's

2012-01-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

We have three vehicles

Our Passat, that I love...Our motorcycle...that I love, and our "Dave Ramsey" plan ($2k paid cash) mini van that is never my first choice, but I won't deny the love when we go on long distance trips and the kids don't have to sit anywhere near each other.

HOWEVER...

#2 The truth of the matter is...I flat out WILL NOT drive our mini van through the Starbucks drive thru because the drivers-side automatic window is broken and even at 33 years-old I am too embarassed about "what other people will think" to open the WHOLE door to pay and get my coffee handed to me. And yet, when I see OTHER people open their door, forced into doing that very thing that I would find humiliating...I sincerely want to jump out of my car (the one with the working window, of course) run up to them and shout, "YOU are my hero!"

Drawing Back the Curtain...

2012-01-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

It's always been odd to me.

SOME blogs have 37 comments.

Mine?
Rarely has ONE :)

BUT, I get such great feedback from people that I see day-to-day, emails, text messages...it's amazing and such a motivator to continue this 'journal'.

I don't TRULY like to call it a blog anymore.

What I write is primarily for me, I read back on it...I like to see how I've grown and changed or heck, sometimes how I am really rather stubborn and unshakable in my way of thinking.

Whatever the case, I've gotten some great feedback about my post of TRUTHS each day in January. I had originally planned on posting those solely to Facebook - because truly, that takes all of two seconds...

But after encouragement, I've opted to post each daily 'truth' on here as well.

It'll be interesting to look back on THIS month of posts years from now....

(hopefully "interesting" is an appropriate word and won't later be replaced with "regret")

ha!

(kinda)

And so it begins....

#1 The TRUTH of the matter is...I have yet to shower and am still in my jammies (from last night!) and instead of ringing in the New Year at church, chose to sleep in by way of letting little boy watch "Cat In The Hat" and eat a pack of powdered doughnuts before breakfast.

The Real Deal

2011-12-30T23:05:00.000-08:00

To start, we had a lovely lovely Christmas.

Christmas Eve, my Dad & Mom and youngest brother came over.

We ate like piglets and played Family Feud.

(unfortunately, the phrase, "What's up 'monkey butt' will never cease to exist after this blessed holiday)

Christmas Day, prior to gifts and goodies, we went to church.

What an AWESOME start to the day.

How fantastic it was that Christmas DAY fell on a Sunday.

Dinner that night at my parents home.

The Monday and Tuesday after brought my sis and her hubby to town - and included more gifts, more dinner, more time with family.

I couldn't have asked for anything more.

I even was spoiled rather rotten by Hubby to include the Fossil watch I'd been drooling over for some time...

And now, THIS weekend - -

"Many years ago I resolved never to bother with New Year's resolutions,

and I've stuck with it ever since."

~Dave Beard

This quote made me giggle.

While littlest boy napped, big kids were out of the house for the afternoon, and Hubby returned to work after the Christmas holiday I found myself sitting in the quiet of a clean house.

I made the comment earlier today, that waaaay back in the day I could/would clean house ALL the live long day...nowadays, with a verrry busy 23 month-old wild man in my midst each day, at the ready to play-play-play each moment of each day, I have to be a super-woman with my time management.

Give me TWO good hours and I can have 2,200 sq. ft. split in 3 levels - including 4 bdrms/3 baths scrubbed, polished, shined; including Christmas stuff packed away for the Season.

I could have taken Martha Stewart-esque type photos and tweak and fashion them to just that perfect angle and post it on my blog...and make it appear as though that is the state of my house each and every day.

But THAT would make me giggle, too ;)

It merely took big kids arriving home, Hubby sweeping in the door from a long day of patrol, and little boy waking from his nap for that *image* of perfection to fall apart.

And, that's life and just as it should be.

I had time today to browse through some of my favorite blogs, people I genuinely adore and inspire me to ASPIRE to be more and more...and than those blogs, that I've told dear friends, I love because they make me shake my head, scrunch up my nose and think, "WHO is she kidding?! Nobody is that perfect. Nobody's house. Nobody's mindset. Nobody."

Any wife/mommy know's that each day. every day. if you are truly honest with yourself, you have those "soo help me..." moments.

I experience those *moments* several times in any GIVEN moment these days when it comes to littlest boy.

Him is BUSY.

I don't recall almost two-year-0ld's being this busy...and yet, I cringe to also say, I'm ten years older now than when I had my other kiddos.

Ten years might as well be ten times ten years.

Have those babies young, folks ;)

A few weeks ago, a friend with grown children said, "Ohhh, I so miss my children being that young.." I replied, "Oh. Yes. I miss it too - when I'm not in the midst of it" (with a wink)

Let's face it, life is busy...

I am savoring every moment of this beautiful life the Good Lord has given me...and even in the midst of the hub-bub and chaos and "so help me..." moments, I praise God for this journey.

Hugs from my Hubby while he whispers, "YOU do a great job, Momma.." also help ;)

For November, on facebook, I did a "thankful post" each and every day.

I loved doing that.

For January, as I browsed online through blogs and what appears to be the push for perfection, I will be doing a post of "truths"...the nitty-gritty, "take me as I am"-type. I'm kinda nervous, which seem's silly...and excited, too. I've always prided myself on telling it like it is, much to some folks, dismay and perhaps, distaste? (ha!)

So it goes.

The other day, R let me sleep in (delight) and took the boys, including Coop the dog, along the same trail we take for our annual Fall scavenger hunt. (Maddy also opted to sleep in.) I woke up to an incoming text from my Hubby...my phone is nothing to write home about and the photo was too grainy to really make out...later when they arrived home, he asked if I liked the picture. I explained I couldn't see what it was, so he presented me with the original image.

(below)

R+K (heart)

I figure, this man knows me best.
The very best.

And, because of it all and in spite of it all, he loves me beyond measure...so come what may, a month of truths.

Let the adventure begin...

eLeVeN BIG one's

2011-12-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

ELEVEN years ago today, after only 33 weeks of pregnancy...and 34.5 hours of labor...I became a Mommy :) What a BLESSING Camden has been to my life all these years!!

I love all my children equally but there IS something about my firstborn...a connection I suppose as we seemingly go hand-in-hand through this parent-child relationship taking all the first's together.

I've never owned an 11 year-old... boy before...I don't know that any doctor or nurse could have prepped me for such topics as bathroom humor, first crushes, spats with friends, anxieties over middle-school and all the like. Never once could I have imagined I'd have debates about haircuts or requests for posters on a bedroom wall that say, "It's all fun and games til somebody farts..than hey! Free gas."

No one could have told me.

Never did I know the amount of PRIDE I would feel while attending conferences to hear that the very boy that I was told at 15 weeks pregnant was showing prenatal signs that pointed solely to a Down Syndrome diagnosis...or the boy that didn't SPEAK til he was nearly 3 years old would be at the top of his class and deemed a "role model" and "leader" by his teacher.

No one could have told me.

Happy 11th birthday today to my dear, Camden...my love for you, as always, "is SO Alive"! xoxo

Relishing

2011-12-17T22:34:00.000-08:00

I almost feel *guilty* saying it...but I'm relishing in this WHOLE blessed week before Christmas.

Unfortunately, for some of the dearest sweetest women I know this week is filled to the brim of shoppings, to-do's and "have to's" on their book.

I genuinely feel awful that this week prior to the holiday weekend isn't just a long, massive amount of downtime to spend with their family.

It makes me all the more grateful that I have every last little detail wrapped up (literally!) and am having fun just enjoying the MOST important and special gift of this Season -

time with my loved one's.

I remember many, many a year past that I was running around, anxious and overburdened with the helpless fear of "would I be able to 'getitalldone' before the big Day"...

the gifts had to be 'just right',

the house 'just right',

the wrapping 'just right',

heck, the COOKIES 'just right'...

aye aye aye

I'm embarassed to say it, but I was 'there' for my family, but I wasn't really

THERE those holidays.

Until something in this ole gal was shook to the very core of everything that REALLY mattered and it allowed my heart to just let it all go.

I think when you are struck with a fear of illness, or a fear of not having

another Christmas

and another Christmas

with your family it put's every single priority you ever had in real, true perspective.

I've tumbled down that dark, deep black hole and praise God that I came out the other end not only in good health but with a life forever changed.

I can say with full confidence today that I wouldn't change one single awful day that I lived in Fear...allowed it to be my closest friend and most nagging thought.

During that time, I often thought of "Anne of Green Gables" and her constant woes and proclamations of something sending her into the 'depths of despair'...it made me laugh on those dark days to think, "Ohhhh. THIS is what that feels like."

But now, all shiny and new and with a clean bill of health...I have managed to shake off Fear and welcomed Gratitude and Hope into my home.

I'm certain they'll both reside with us full-time ;)

And, in that spirit I have taken this whole holiday Season in stride.

Yes, gifts are purchased and wrapped...and although great thought and consideration was put into each item for each person, the importance on "things" was really the lowest priority.

The kids began Christmas vacation yesterday afternoon. It began with friends over, including two sweet girls coloring holiday pictures, chewing fresh-baked cookies, sipping cocoa and all the while telling me with that high-pitched little girl excitement about their holiday party in class that day. Watching their little faces all lit up with excitement and listening to 3 boys in the lower-level family room burst out with laughter every few minutes...was like sunlight warming my skin.

Later that evening, Camden headed to a friends for an overnight...littlest boy was in bed at his usual early bedtime...R off to his usual 'before a work day' bedtime - so my girl and I skipped off to Blockbuster to rent some Christmas movies, her even clad in her pjs pants...grabbed snack-size Mcflurries on the way home...rearranged furniture in the main floor living room so we could cozy up side-by-side by the fireplace and watched "Christmas With The Kranks".

I actually paused at one point during the movie intro and just bowed my head in a moment of thanks...this TIME is truly the best gift I could ever receive.

God is SO good.

I was talking with a dear friend the other day, and just conversing about how I haven't been blogging as much and in fact, not even browsing blogs as much.

It's not that I don't typically LOVE them...but there was something that was just dampening my spirit when they all seemed to be about the harried days of purchasing gifts, redecorating trees after kiddos had gone to bed - because heaven forbid a Christmas tree look as though it was adorned by a child rather than resembling something found in a Nordstrom's catalog...

I continued on to tell this friend, it isn't even a matter of judging how other's do things...

but moreso praying over them, and their families that I don't even know, that Life hopefully never touches them in a way that would alter those mindsets.

I've served my time and learned a new lesson and in fact, likely gotten a new lease on it as well...and my own perspective will forever and entirely be changed by these last two years.

And I relish every moment of those awful days.

"Prescence is MORE than just being there" ~Malcolm S. Forbes

I'm so glad I figured out the true meaning of that for these very people.

Have a HAPPY week friends

Falalalalala Fun!

2011-12-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend - and best of all, it isn't even over yet... :)

Friday, R & I hired our favorite babysitter (who didn't have school that day, lucky girl!) to watch littlest boy for us so we could embark on our holiday shopping just he & I...

Typically, in like - every. single. year. past I have done all of our holiday shopping and than just come home and squealed with delight and jumped up and down and oohed and aahed and showed him all the fun purchases for the kiddos, family and friends.

This year - we decided to make our lists..check them twice...and make a day of it.

What a WIN!

The big kids headed off to school, sitter arrived shortly after and we were off and on our way - ALONE!

We hit Starbucks..even walking in together hand n' hand in very 'date-like' fashion...not having to hit the drive thru because unbuckling littlest from his 5-point harness carseat is such a task.

Sheer bliss, I tell ya!

We hit a TON of stores and all with ease and pleasure as we perused and pored over times and gave them thought and care...no last minute mad-dashing this year or thrown together "somethings" because we just hadn't our wits about us with baby boy along to choose the right gift.

After our purchases were made and bundled safe in our trunk...we met up with some dear, sweet friends for a leisurely lunch.

What Momma get's to have a fuzzy navel and a hot plate of Mexican food uninterrupted midday on a Friday???

Did I mention how blissful this all was? ;)

Mr. and I agree that THIS will be a repeat from here on out.

Loved it.

Today we drove up to Walla Walla to attend a friend's wedding...

In fact, R himself officiated the ceremony.

I was so proud of him.

He is so engaging and charming.

The drive up was gorgeous...we've been experiencing snow skiffs here and there and freezing fog so every tree along the winding river road was blanketed in white...

I'm off to finish addressing Christmas cards and fix my new favorite candy cane cocoa...hope everyone else is having as lovely a weekend!

xoxo

Warmth

2011-12-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

There are a million and one things about this time of year that Warm my Heart with Delight.

Little boys that are my own private version of "Elf on the Shelf"...

receiving the first Christmas card of the season...

after tucking everybody, including Hubby (who is up at 4am!!) into bed, walking down the stairs to a house that is dark with the exception of white twinkle lights glowing along garland,

snuggling in with a cheesy movie to write out my own holiday cards fireside...

Thankful that I take the time to jot it all down...for those days ahead that I'll want to look back and remember little faces and the Spirit that moved amongst our home during this

Season of my life.

It's all about them...

2011-11-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing Thanksgiving.

Last year, we hosted 30+ friends & family in our Home.

I loved every moment of it.

This year was small.

Just us and R's folks.

I loved every moment of it.

The evening prior to Thanksgiving, we arranged for baby boy to stay at home (he was tucked away fast asleep) while we took the big kiddos to our annual Thanksgiving movie. Typically we go on Thanksgiving Day to whatever 'holiday' movie is being released, but this year we opted for the evening prior.

What fun!!!

My parents, youngest brother & his friend, kiddos, Remie & I were the ONLY people in the entire theatre! We had perfect seating, could visit and gab during the previews..and didn't have to be tortured by listening to other people eat their popcorn.

Do not ask. Do not go there.

I literally cringe - and as embarassed as I am to say it, have even changed seats before when a "loud chewer" sat near me.

I can't help it.
I am who I am.

So there ;)

Thanksgiving Day was all about relaxing and really enjoying time with one another.

There was, of course, a turkey in the roaster.

Making of gingerbread houses.

Putting up of our Christmas tree (nothing like getting a jump on the holiday spirit when Grandma and Grandpa are here from out of town...)

Holiday movies while snuggled in bed with my baby girl.

Quick trips with just big kids, Grandma and I to Blockbuster for rentals.

Starbucks for holiday drinks.

Long, fun visits with my sweet mother-in-law.

Napping.

Christmas tunes in the kitchen.

Deelish dinner.

Falling asleep in a toasting warm bed while our Christmas lights burned bright outside.

It was JUST the day I wanted.

I've been feeling really run down lately.

Since my surgeries last year I have been borderline anemic

(remember the blood transfusion that almost was?? bleh)

Lately though, I've really tipped the scale - not in my favor.

It's amazing how frustrating it can be for a do-it-all, type A-er like myself, to not be running at full steam.

And yet, everything still manages to get done.

I have been cutting myself a tremendous amount of slack and napping when littlest boy naps.

Calling it quits at a certain time each night.

When Hubby or friends offer to help - I just smile and say 'thank you' and 'yes, please' versus my previous answer of "Thanks, but I can handle it."

Learning and growing and accepting - - is delightful.

Taking care of myself is certainly NOT letting anyone else down.

Where oh where was that little common sense tactic all my previous years?!! :)

And so, with taking care of myself...our house has become decorated inside with holiday cheer.

Did it mean that SIX large tubs of holiday decor sat haphazardly in my family room for nearly a week as I slowly put items out...yes. For those of you that truly know me, you know that this is something that would normally drive me crazy... and yet, it all got done. Slowly, but surely.

This afternoon, I had a house full of 7 kiddos...little boy and just woken from a nap...who's kidding...I had just woken from a nap with him!! We baked a pan of brownies for the big kids and their friends to come home too. Madelyn and her two besties had arranged over the weekend to come over a day this week and make homemade apple-cinnimon ornaments. My MIL gave me a tub of 101 cookie cutters and these little girlies were THRILLED to have so many options to choose from. We made the *dough* and they carefully selected different shapes for each different family member or friend they wanted to make an ornament for...it was so precious watching them work and giggle together. When all their heart's desires were laid out on baking sheets and we popped them in the oven to *cook* ohhhh how my house smelled divine.

Later on this week, they will gather again to attach ribbon and carefully wrap and gift tag each ornament. I love how thoughtful they were on who they wanted to make a gift for...and how each said they wanted to make one for ME, but wanted it to be a surprise so could I not peek when they slid it on a baking sheet.

Too sweet.

Although tired..and that nagging itch at the back of my mind as to WHY oh WHY I am still not 100% ... life goes on, and not even in a trudging manner, but with love and joy.

And, why? Well, it's because it's all about them.

Those three in the photo above?
Next to my amazing Husband, they are the love's of My Life.

"You learn you can do your best even when it's hard, even when you're tired and maybe hurting a little bit. It feels good to show some courage." ~Joe Namath

It's easy to have courage.

When there is nothing insurmountable with the Faith I have in my Redeemer.

Not Easily Defeated...

2011-11-18T23:04:00.000-08:00

I am a woman not easily defeated

Although I may never call myself a seamstress, I have managed to put to good use my Singer sewing machine my sweet Momma gifted me for my birthday last year.

After months (no joke - MONTHS) of sweat, tears...and let's be real - a few choice words...I finally managed to finish up the curtains for Garbear's bedroom.

**Thank you Ikea for making cheap and yet extremely durable fabric that managed to withstand the test of my repeated tearing out of seams.**

I wish this photo did it better justice...but I began sewing the sweetest Christmas garland last night...it is darling. I spent my craft night evening with friends cutting out my triangles of red, green and white...last night over peppermint cocoa (thank you Yokes for making a treat as delightful as a peppermint mocha but with far less the calories!!!) and with a Hallmark holiday movie playing softly in the background, I began the task of sewing it all together.

Excited for the finished product..but even more pleased that I continued on, even when it got hard. Thankful for the lesson that teaches privately and pleased for the perserverence it shows my children in quiet, demonstrative ways...

Happy Weekend :)

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2011-11-15T09:23:00.001-08:00

(source)

I've totally failed about my promise to not turn our Christmas lights on til Thanksgiving...

I mean, truly - if they're up...why, shouldn't they be on?!?

Thankfully, my Hubby can appreciate this common sense sort of logic..and in addition, doesn't truly care if I kept them cranked on 24/7 as long as it made me happy.

Giddiness.

Went during my kid-free time yesterday and gathered supplies for several crafts. Tonight is Girls Craft Night and my sweet friend, Robin's home..so fun to get together with other mom's and visit and craft for an evening...especially when working on Christmas crafts!!

Kiddos are out of school all this week at 12:30 due to conferences...it's disappointing that the schedule has changed and they don't have all of Thanksgiving week off...but we are certainly making the most of it with friends over, fun afterschool snacks and even getting Miss Mae started on her own Christmas project.

So thankful that everyone in our little family is feeling better and our schedule is returning to *normal* - or at least as normal as it will ever be for us... :)

Looking forward to this evening and the weekend ahead...

Did I mention R has alllllll next week off?

Bliss

In more ways than one....

2011-11-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

I'M A WINNER!!! :)

Ohhh yessss....I was one of TWO winner's chosen to win 25 Shutterfly Christmas cards from a drawing my dear, friend Sarah was hosting on her blog!!!

I am super thrilled!

I adore Shutterfly!

**ask my Hubby and he will verify that I jumped up and down clapping when I got the notice that I won**

And, just in time - - today, we braved the sudden artic temps and headed outdoors to have our family picture taken by THIS fabulous girl!! We headed back to the same alfalfa field where we had photos taken previously (pre-Garbear) to recreate some of those images I adored to NOW include little boy. I was so thrilled that my parents were also able to attend the photo session with us. Fingers crossed, we managed to get a picture of two of them with these grandbabies (maybe just in time for Christmas???)

In other very exciting news, R hung our Christmas lights along the roofline today!!!

Last year, we waited about two weeks too long and wound up IN the SNOW just decorating our huge maple tree out front with twinkle lights and bailing on hanging them from the eaves of the house. This year, we got a jump on the Season (and the weather) and got them up early. We ran the good ole old-fashioned colored C9 bulb style along the roofline!! Perhaps not everyone's FIRST choice - but boy howdy are they mine!! My sweet Grandpa Dave would always decorate my parents big farmhouse with those big bulbs out on the shrubs lining their garage each year. I can remember many, many a Christmas traveling to their home for the holidays and rounding the corner to their drive and seeing those big, bright bulbs welcoming us - it just screamed everything happy and Christmas to a kiddo. Seeing them now, some 30 years later..I still get that same happy feeling in my heart...while missing my Grandpa terribly.

We'll also put white twinkles around the garage, and around the front door - but those will have to wait until my fresh garland arrives next week! (LOVE fresh pine garland!) I have *promised* R that we won't turn them on until after Thanksgiving...but truly, I know he could care less when they are turned on - he can't help but go along when he see's what absolute JOY they bring to his wifey's face!!!

Hope everyone has a lovely long weekend...thankful to Veterans how have served and continue to serve for making THIS the home of the brave and land of the FREE!!!

October Wrap-Up

2011-11-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Babies in bed.

Hubby in bed.

"Sleepless in Seattle" on t.v. and a hot, toasty cup of apple cider within reach.

I thought it was a perfect evening to wrap up the 'happenings' in October before we get too terribly far into November...

To start, my last blog post included a picture of R and I before we headed out for the evening. Back on our anniversary, R surprised me with tickets to go see Miranda Lambert!!!

I luuurve me some Miranda Lambert!

His folks made the trek, once again, for us over the Mountain Pass to stay here while we ventured out like to teenagers heading to a concert.

Mrs. Shelton did NOT disappoint! :)

Not to mention, Hubby nabbed us some pretty fantastic seats!!

Up close and personal with Miranda!

The following week, we swooped up the big kiddos after school with fresh bags of popcorn and mini bags of M&M's and headed out on what has NOW become our annual Fall Scavenger Hunt tradition! Last year, little boy had to be hauled around in a baby swaddle...this year, he RAN the entire time like a big kid!

My sweeties at the start of our hunt.

These photos are priceless to me.

Above, Madelyn's face as she read's her list for the scavenger hunt. Pure delight.

Below, I love the candid shots of these three.

What blessings they are in my life and how grateful I am that I was chosen to be their Momma.

Within the next few days, we headed over to my Mom & Pops house. Their sweet next-door neighbors always allow us to come over and raid their garden of gorgeous, home grown pumpkins! I brought along hot chocolate-pumpkin muffins as a treat of thanks.

Little boy could not quite figure out why that one dern pumpkin looked so different than the other's... ;)

The Friday before Halloween was the first of two big events.

Friday was the day I had allowed BOTH my big kids to invite BOTH of their entire 4th & 5th grade classes to our home for a Halloween party.

I know, I know...several friends recommended I either have my temperature taken or a cat scan - ha ha ha

The week prior to their party, I busied myself with filling over 50 goodie bags for the special day.

I took our Fall Scavenger Hunt idea and decided to do it B-I-G...I wrote out clues to 4 different locations - treats would be waiting at each spot...we started and ended at our home and this goodie bag was waiting for them upon our arrival!

THIS was our turnout...

37 kids

Are we crazy??
YES

Crazy FUN!!

The very next evening, with kiddos safely at grandparents we hosted an adult only Halloween bash at our home! Catered by a local Mexican restaurant and all! When Momma spends all week prepping for a kid party...I was NOTHING but excited to just kick back and relax amongst friends and not have to lift my finger when it came to food!

Our theme was "Cowboys and Indians"

Can you guess which side of that coin we went as??? :)

We had SUCH fun!

I am so grateful to be married to my best friend.

We had about 30-40 people there at varying times throughout the night...but even if it had just been Remie and I we would have had just as much fun...love that.

Halloween day, after the busy fun-filled weekend was rather calm and cozy.

I put a big crockpot of homemade chili on in the morning to simmer all day...Remie surprised me and took the day off of work so he could be home to celebrate in the evenings festivites.

We got a fire roaring, bellied up to some chili and cornbread and than headed out for about an hour with friends and their kiddos in the neighborhood.

My crazy sock monkey, baby monkey, and Eskimo princess

Garbear was ready for bed far before my big kids were ready to head in for the evening...so blessed that our dearest friends are just a few blocks away and have kiddos of similar ages. My girlfriend offered to let them stay out a bit longer and do a walk-by drop off before they headed to back to their own home for the night.

It was perfect timing to get this little baby to bed.

All said and done, this was probably one of the happiest months of My Life.

I kept it quiet on my blog, because I wasn't prepared to 'put it all out there' while I was still processing things myself...but beginning of the month I had yet ANOTHER biopsy to check for any continuation of abnormal cell growth after my surgeries last year...

I went in to this appointment full of Faith & Confidence that no matter what happened "God's God This"

(thankyouthankyouthankyou D.P for those words)

And He SO did.

The following week I walked down to the mailbox, and with my heart pounding outside my chest opened an envelope from our local lab...telling me "GOOD NEWS" all results came back normal.

I told R that I bet our neighbors had never seen a grown woman burst into tears at her mailbox!

So God Bless you October 2011...we loved every day we spent with you...

Welcome NOVEMBER and a countdown of blessings...

Ahhhhh....bliss

2011-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Soooo many pictures to share...stories to tell...but heading to bed after another fun-filled day livin' the dream with this sexy man!!!

Hope to post a newsy update this weekend!!

Contemplating upping our privary on this ole thing...the creep factor begins to set in when I see all these varying locations on our visitor map pop-up - - some locations I don't even recognize but would LOVE to know who's viewing this ole' blog (leave a comment!!!) and other locations that I know EXACTLY who lives in that area and needless to say don't much want them peeking in on all the things I hold dear!

I'm funny like that ;)

Fluff n' Stuff

2011-09-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

"Most folks are about as happy as they as they make their minds up to be." ~Abraham Lincoln

My father-in-law is so sweet.

Several weeks ago, when Hubby's folks were in town...his dad, knowing my love of quotes, brought me several books all about those very things. I have loved flipping through them...stopping on a page and reading one.

The one above caught my eye.

So true. I don't know if it's the adoration of this Autumn season upon me but what a blissful weekend it's been around our Home this weekend. I've been baking chocolate-pumpkin muffins...pans of lasagna (to eat and to freeze), washing sheets and remaking beds with mattress heating pads in place, pulling out totes of my beloved Fall decor and sprucing our nest for the upcoming weeks of parties (both kiddo and adult)...

Call me a freak, but there is nothing I adore MORE than decorating than doing it amongst a clean home. This weekend I have mopped, dusted, scrubbed bathrooms...and than gone through and layered so many resting places with all things Autumn.

Love.

All the while in pj's and cozy socks.

Letting kiddos stay in pjs til noon - of after, but who's noticing?? :)

Having not one, but two iced coffee and half n' half throughout the day just 'cuz.

Watching "You've Got Mail" ... well, putting it on and putzing around just because I love the background noise.

Playing on the floor with baby boy. Giggling over his "car noises" and love of his new word "up"...begging to be lifted up and squeezed close. Relishing in sticking my nose in his neck after his bath and baby lotion and whispering to him, "You 'mell 'dood" (yes, I baby talk my babies!)

Recently, we refinished this old open-face hutch that Hubby had since forever ago, and for the longest time was shoved in a corner of our garage...

into THIS.

I love it.

I love it's creamy white color and gentle distressing...I love the re-do to the back with gorgeous fabric that creates a pop of color and makes the antique, glassware my grandmother gave me just warm up my whole dining room.

ALSO, loving making THESE goodie bags for my kiddos upcoming Halloween party.

It's that time of year again when they BOTH get to invite every single kiddo in their classroom to our home for a hub-bub. This year's theme is a scavenger/treasure hunt that I am happily putting in to works!!

In other cup runneth over news, Hubby and I head out NEXT weekend on our motorcycle to head to a cabin about an hour away to celebrate our anniversary.

I cannot wait.

No t.v.

No cell service.

No computers.

Only US.

Broke...but not Broken

2011-09-22T23:36:00.000-07:00

(my Maddy's x-ray)

Oh goodness.

My oldest kiddos have been giving my heart a real run for my money the past few weeks.

First, Cam The Man wrecked his bike in a garage...colliding with another overturned bike and split his forearm wide open.

No joke.

It was heinous.

I have pictures...and I DID post them on FB...but I think to much distaste to my previewing audience so I will withhold them here. ha! I figure I had to bear witness in real life, real time so what's a picture right?? ;)

A trip to the ER...stitches...Home.

Literally, the day AFTER The Man had his stiches removed my middle chick broke her wing...

She was at a local highschool football game with one of my dearest girlfriends and her daughter.

The game they were attending included the girl's future highschool team so they were beyond excited...my friend had these girls decked out...bandanas...matching tee-shirts and darling homemade tu-tu's all in their teams colors.

Sincerely, up until the time she tripped on a hillside and fell - truly, she had been having the time of her life.

I was at home hosting my youngest brother's pre-college going away party...our backyard, pool, firepit area were filled with him and about 20 of his closest friends... I was SO thankful R was home so that when the phone call came, I was able to race out the door to yet again, the ER, for another one of my hurt babies.

I remember just a few short years ago, when The Man was attacked by That Dog...I remember I didn't cry the whole time we were in the ER. I didn't cry when I first saw his precious face all tore up. I didn't cry when he had to be held down for numbing shots. I didn't cry while I watched tears roll down his eyes as they stitched his face back together. I didn't cry the whole drive home. I didn't cry as I gave that little boy a bath and gently washed dirt & rocks from his back...road rash where The Dog had drug him across a driveway. Only, and only, after The Man was bathed, in fresh pjs, eating a dish of ice cream on the couch...than, I excused myself to my upstairs bathroom and allowed myself a gut-wrenching sob.

And than...I was done.

I went back to the job of being the Mommy and tending to all the other's around me, tending to that sweet boy and his fears and wounds and extending myself to the brink so that the rest of our family remained comfortable.

The past few weeks, truly...I have felt on an emotional roller coaster. First, The man..than my Maddy...up & down and hurt's and recoveries, and more injuries and up & down and up & down...for the first time, in a very long time this Type-A, planner, preparer, organizer, do-it-all gal has felt weak. I rode the ride with The Man and his bike crash injury...I cried later, sad for him and the fact that he will have to deal with more scarring on his body. It's rough on a Momma to see her child hurt. Than, with Madelyn..I held it all together through the ER. It was rough because it was just me n' my girl well into the middle of the night. When I saw her x-rays, I couldn't believe how tough my chick was. I don't think I could have been that strong...after a series of nightmarish experiences with our local hospital that I refuse to go into on here...we were released to bring her home and attempt to keep her comfortable.

WHAT a nightmare.

The 72-hours prior to her getting into the orthopedic surgeon was hell on earth. The day after the break she wound up back in the ER for an adjustment to her pain medication...her body was not absorbing/processing the original prescription. I cannot express how devastating it was to NOT be able to comfort my child. To NOT be able to ease her pain. I felt entirely helpless. I slept in her bed, and felt awful waking her every few hours to feed her pain meds to try and keep the pain down. I laid trying not to breath because every breathe I took was agony to her. I wound up on the floor next to her bed the first night because I couldn't bear to leave her but was making her miserable being next to her...

My sweet, vivacious, energetic girl was in a moment reduced to needing my help with bathing, using the bathroom, brushing teeth, getting dressed, feeding herself...my heart broke for her.

On Sunday, after the Friday night accident, I took a moment in my room. I knew I needed to cry. I knew I needed to release those tears or I was going to continue to feel so pent up. So I hit my bed, my reprieve and solace...my safe ark...after the wave I'd ridden seeing both my big kids hurting I just let it out.

I am so thankful I have a Husband that allows me to be ME and supports me when I need these moments.

After THE CRY, we rounded out the day with little girl in one big chair and me in the other. We watched back-to-back dvd's of "The King of Queens" (ohhhh how we love us some Doug n' Carrie) and R brought little girl a McFlurry and me a Starbucks. Because he is a smart man and knows that sometimes on a bummer, lame day all a girl really need's his her favorite treat. :)

So here we are.

Plugging along.

Healing.

Becoming stronger and realizing that not doing it all, or needing a moment to break down, is nowhere near the vicinity of weak - it's Real.

It's Me.

Never Forgetting...

2011-09-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and the ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children." ~President George W. Bush

And so it begins....

2011-09-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Pay Dirt!!!

Welcome to September everyone...

I know it isn't Fall...YET...but it IS my favorite Season and I am already excitedly planning ahead to Halloween parties.

A dual-kid party, meaning I allow BOTH the big kids to invite EVERY kid from each of their classes. I hosted one 2 years ago (I took a few years off being out-to-there preggers and the following year since I had a newbie and we had just moved into the new house) at that party we had nearly 40 kids attend!! It was a blast!! This year, as they have gotten older...I'm thinking along the lines of a Scavenger/Treasure Hunt...

The following day R & I will play host to our Adult-Only party...fun fun fun!

In preparation of BOTH, little man and I trekked up to our neighborhood market and got a few household items and THIS little ditty!!

I am soooo excited that it's nap-time around here and I can crack the spine on this treat!!

Be Brave, Be Kind, Be Smart

2011-08-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

Brave. Kind. Smart.

Check

These are the 3 things I hope & pray for my children as we embarked yesterday on the 2011-2012 school year...

Camden, breaks my heart.

He is such a high-achiever (over-achiever) and frets & worries about being the best that I fear he isn't enjoying the N-O-W.

Monday evening after the best of days prepping for Tuesday's start of school he was just up fussing & fretting over the upcoming year and the expectations he put's on himself that he was just a wreck the first day of school.

THIS kills me.

I am so grateful for amazing teachers that are there for my children when I can't be there to hold their hand and maneuver them through the day...

I emailed his teacher at the start of the day to give her a head's up.

Than, I kept his schedule handy as I putzed about and prepped for our back-to-school dinner celebration that evening - that way I could take pause and say a prayer for peace and know where he was at in his day...computer lab, lunch, reading - all the while I prayed over my boy.

He came home - exhausted, but triumphant that (as Mom well knew) that the year didn't look as overwhelming as initially thought.

Today was ten million zillion times better.

Smiles, bike riding off to meet up with friends to start the day, the crew over afterschool for swimming and snacks.

He told me, "Mom, you have the market PEGGED on afterschool snacks!"

THIS makes me smile.

Today he chattered about talking about preliminary testing in math and how he took several timed tests and got them "completed UNDER time and without one.single.thing WRONG!!"

I listened intently and than I said, "Camden...do you know what makes my heart happy? Happier than you getting every SINGLE math problem correct on a test?" He asked 'what', to which I replied, "That YOU had a happy day. That YOU are back to my normal, carefree boy and not fussing over things...YOU." For that, I got a stone cold look as he processed what all that meant, and than I got a huge hug..from my nearly 11 year-old son, and a sideways grin and giggle.

Be still my heart. Smitten with my children.

Parenting is beyond tough.

I recall people telling me over the years that the OLDER they get the harder it get's...I couldn't understand this while dealing with all the busy-busy hub-bub of new babies and young children...now - NOW, I know exactly what they meant.

Gone are the days of fixing everything. Now, it's about teaching them to cope and work through things on their own.

I remember a quote I once read about children growing up, and it's always stuck with me, "It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't." ~Barbara Kingsolver

Truer than true.

Speaking of growing up before my very eyes...

I want time to slow itself down.

I want to grind it to a halt and just stay in this time, these days with my kiddos.

Time marches on, and things they are a changin'...

*for the good, the ohhhh so good*

I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to work FROM Home.

Data entry for a local physical therapy office.

FROM Home.

10-12 hours a week.

FROM Home.

Did I mention from Home??

Loving it.
Started about two weeks ago, after a day of office training and getting my home computer set-up to dial in remotely to the medical data entry system...I am on a roll.. Early mornings with my coffee, a midday nap for the boy..whatever works into OUR schedule.

What an awesome opportunity.

I'm beginning to think my kitchen remodel might get underway sooner than I thought!

Dave Ramsey would be SO proud! ;)

In other new news, I have started "Kid Exchanging" with a friend of mine.

Every Monday & Wednesday she brings her two little one's (nearly 2 and nearly 2 months) to my home for a few hours..upon her return and scooping up her own babes, I load up Garrett and follow her around the corner to her home, where I drop the littlest boy off and get several ME hours to do as I please!!!

It's wonderful.

Garrett is getting some much needed 'kid time' with little one's his own age..and I am relishing in a few hours a few days a week to do any ole' thing I wish!!

Blessings abound.

Lots to share...but THIS before THAT - -

2011-08-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Sooo much going on. Sooo much to share...but first, a proud shout-out to my A-mazing 9 & 10 year-olds who competed in their first triathlon this past Saturday morning!!!

Sincerely - - I don't think I have EVER been more proud.

In a very tangible, raw, emotional momma-way.

Watching them train and prepare in the weeks ahead...I was in awe of the commitment and dedication they have at such a young age.

Then, to watch them this weekend put all that hard work to the test and compete - it blew me away.

Two things tore at my heart:

#1: Having to tell my son - who is a mere 15 months older than his sister, and always watching out for her in ways that she doesn't even notice..to tell him that he needed to NOT wait for her in this race, but to take off and swim and not watch for her to keep up, or lag behind if she began to struggle (knowing she was not as strong as him at swimming) I KNEW that he wrestled with that idea of leaving her behind if she dropped back. But, I don't think I was prepared Saturday to watch him step out..very much his own young man and take off on his own...it stabbed at my heart, being SO proud of his independence but also wanting to pull him back.

#2: Watching Madelyn, on the other side of that spectrum, take off on her own...even with a bit of apprehension in her little mind, I ran along the riverside as the swimmer's took off because I knew that would be the one portion she might struggle with.. I spotted my little chick midway through and started cheering her on!! My mom, R and I followed along and shouted encouragement and praise and just rooted that sweet pea along..I was SO proud of her for keeping on even though though it was hard..I hope she ALWAYS keeps that endurance and mindset through any other rought times in her life!!

I cherished being there cheering them on from the sidelines as they biked past with huge grins on their faces, and to be standing there to receive hugs after they made it in through the finish line...I said a quick prayer, thanking God for these moments and quietly begging that I always get to be standing there at every finish line during their lives...

GET SOME!!!

My lean, mean runnin' machine!

Trying to get The Man to flex for me...but he was like, "Ma..there are *ladies* walking by..." with a sly grin on his face. Turkey ;) I told him give it a few years and that's ALL he will be doing is flexing his muscles for all the "ladies"...

Helping Mae with her swimming cap..she was struggling with her sweet fairy ears we love so much.

My momma and I planning our viewing route for the big race.

I own that sweet smile!!!

And their off!!! 250-yard swim in the (cold!!!) Mighty Columbia River

Mae kicking it into high gear and racing up out of the water.

This was when I started to get teary.

Cutest tush in the business!

He is def a ballplayer with that fanny...**been pinching those cheeks since 2000!!**

So proud of herself!! Isn't that JUST what we want from our kiddos?? Nothing makes me happier than watching them work hard at something and seeing that sense of pride & accomplishment on their face!

I think our smiles say it all...

It's amazing as a parent, to have these moments, these days...when my own children INSPIRE me...

"It's not only children who grow, Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself." ~Joyce Maynard

5 FOR 5

2011-08-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

(source)

"drought is an act of God, famine is an act of man"

My oldest, dearest friend in the world is making a move to make a difference.

As our lazy days of summer in middle-class America stretch out before us and we bbq, swim, back-to-school shop and go about our days living rather unaffected...not so far away, millions and millions of people are living day-t0-day with genuine fear of where there next meal will come from.

When was the last time YOU wondered where your next drink of water was coming from?

Have you ever had to tell your child there was nothing for them to eat?

Have you ever been unable to soothe a crying infant because you had no milk, nor nutrition yourself to provide the nourishment your baby needed?

Think outside the box.

5 FOR 5

Give $5...and ask 5 friends to do the same.

Give up that daily latte.

Give up that one time movie rental.

Give up that run through the fast food joint.

It's simple, it's easy.

Sometimes God uses people to move mountains, Sarah's heart and plight is so steadfast in this endeavor...I am proud to call her my friend. Two of her own children were born in Ethiopia to the very area that is now affected by this famine.

Let's make a change.

"Change can come from many, but only when the many come together to form that which is invincible..the power of one" ~The Power of One

In The Moment...

2011-07-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

(**to start** I know these pictures are so awful & grainy...we are terrible about remembering our ACTUAL camera and were - again - forced to make-do with our lame-o phones)

Summer SUN n' FUN is alive & well over on the hot, desert side of this gorgeous State!!

Days are spent lounging poolside.

Literally.

Every.

Day.

Poolside.

It's delightful.

My tomatoes are huge and my flower beds blooming.

My babies are tan and happy...spending days swimming, swimming, swimming. Reading constantly. Camden has, in fact, completed the requires time for the library summer reading program. He was quite pleased with the bag of goodies we received upon completion and seeing the contents has lit a fire under Miss Madelyn to finish soon!

The other day, with the big kiddos planning to spend a day with my folks doing fun things like going to lunch and a kick off to back-to-school shopping, R & I took the day/evening and loaded up the littlest boy and headed up to Couer D'Alene, ID to visit some of our very dearest friends.

They have moved in to a new home in the last month and we were dying to get up and not only see their new digs but get a much needed friend fix!

It was sooooo fun to not plan ahead but just load up an overnight bag and coffee for the road trip! After our trek to Seaside, OR and back a 2.5 hour road trip seemed like nothing! Baby boy was a peach the whole ride and even napped for a portion of it...what a punkin!

SO thankful for a Husband that was willing to just make things happen and head out on this getaway...even though it meant he would not get as much sleep for his nightshift patroling our city streets on Friday night. Typically, I PUSH him to sleep as often and as much as he wants...I like him well-rested and worry fiercely if he steps into his "Cop Mode" not well rested. He assured me he would get enough sleep and was game to head outta town.

We had SUCH fun.

Ya know those people in life that you just KNOW you want in your life boat??

Well, these are mine!

My sexy hubby

LOVE these TWO

LOVE these THREE

Once baby boy was to bed, the guys cooked dinner...eh, Frank cooked dinner with my Hubby as his handsome assistance, sous chef, if you will ;) Michelle and I were allowed the luxury of sitting back and warming our toes by the fire pit and drinking dreamsicles... oooh, they WERE dreamy!

Frank made these MOST deelish dinner!!

He found the recipe out of his new, Guy Fieri cookbook.

Ahhh......boneless pork chops...loaded with fire-grilled peppers, cream cheese and wrapped in bacon..

So.

Help.

Me.

DELIGHTFUL

"Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend" ~Plautus

Away We Went~

2011-07-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

We've just returned home after our annual trip to Seaside.

I've always wanted a place to go to each year with my family and create lasting memories...a place the kids could count on each year - even on a Dave Ramsey budget - and that we could start to get to know like the back of our hand...as far as what parts of the beach we love, which hot spots for ice cream and fresh lemonade...it's a trip I look forward to each year!!

This year we browsed and browsed for what we hoped would be the perfect house to rent.

This beauty did NOT disappoint!

Set atop a lovely hillside, wrap around deck with hot tub, skylights throughout, a gorgeous claw-foot soaker tub that Garrett Shaw (nor I!!) hated...and best of all, a mere 2 blocks to the beach and 5 blocks to the downtown prommenade we love!!

Our first night after arriving we cooked dinner (another bonus to renting a house!! You don't have to eat out every single meal!) we made our way down to the beach just in time for the sunset...

There is nothing quite like the feeling of warm sand on your toes

Having grown up on Whidbey Island..I am definitely a girl that LOVES returning to beach life!

Loved waking up in the morning to see my youngest curled up in bed with his big sister. She had gone in the room Garrett's portable crib was set up in and got him out of bed so that R & I could sleep in a bit...what a peach!

First day at the beach...what bliss!

Last year, this little boy didn't get to experience the beach/sand much...what a difference a year makes...

Our family sand castle..even baby boy got in on the action

Maddy was thrilled to make fresh-squeezed orange juice at the table one day for our morning breakfast. I can not boast enough about what a sweet, helper this darling girl is!!

Shopping, rides and dinner downtown at the prommenade at the BEST arcade ever!!

Looooove a family pizzeria within walking distance where even Hubby & I can enjoy a cold beer and a glass of wine after a long day at the beach!!

Nooo...my Hubby has not taken up chew - blech! That is the remainder of an ice cream cone shoved in his cheek...what would days at the beach be without a daily quota of frozen yogurt and ice cream..

My boys hot-tubbing on the deck

Chasing the sea gulls...

Versus being chased BY the sea gulls...

And finally, a compromise...feeding the birds from afar...

Until next year Seaside!!

xoxo

Summer o' Love

2011-07-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

"It's a helluva a start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.." ~Lucille Ball

Perhaps it's age, perhaps it's sheer adaption, perhaps it's just a general coming into my own...but boy, life is good...

I feel like I'm in the career I wanted from the start.

Being home.

Now, sad to say...that isn't a career to some, and I think although that's rather single-minded, well...to each their own. My children and my family certainly don't define me, but moreso...I think I am molding and shaping lives each and every day. I've chosen to give more of myself over the past year than I think I may have ever given in all my previous years. As my children get older, the more excited I become about the prospects and possibilities being home has to offer. I am blessed beyond measure to be married to a man that see's such a value, and gives such respect to having his wife at home.

This summer marks so many awesome events...last year, I was just beginning one of the scariest times in my life - and a battle to return to good health...little did I know that one scary biopsy would turn our world upside down and how many long, frightful months would span ahead of us... To say that this summer, I am relishing in every single little thing that life has to offer, would be an understatement.

I've found peace for myself, I've said the things I need to say to the people in my life that needed to hear it..I can go about and move forward in good health and in good peace of mind.

Isn't that the very best place to be???

So, in such a good state of mind...this has absolutely been our summer o' love...loving ALL things Life has to offer.

And although, as anticipated, my posts are fewer and farther between...I find myself this evening with time for myself to do as I please, with littlest boy in bed, R on-duty patroling the city streets, Camden prepping for his backpacking trip to Mt. Adams this weekend and Madelyn overnight with a friend...I scurried around this evening and did allllll those silly little things that make me - ME... I mopped the floors, I wrapped up a load of laundry started earlier in the day, I put everything in it's place...I even organized our junk drawer..I know, really..organizing a junk drawer..the things that make this heart go pitter-pat ;)

And, now...a catch-up post of our continuing summer...

Late night swimming with my older peeps. It was after 9pm and I had already dried off after a looong day poolside, showered and put on cozy clothes when these two kiddos asked me to jump in again and play with them... It was on the tip of my tongue to say no, and than my heart just melted at the request.. thinking, "HOW many more years do I have with these two seeking ME out to spend time with ME..and not off with friends, etc.." so without another thought, my swimsuit (and goggles!!) were back on and in the pool I went! Handstand competitions, diving for dive sticks... I absolutely will remember these moments/this night with my kids.

The Explorer 200 lives on!!

Clearly, this is the face of a child held against his will...but, true to form...once he tries something and find's he can survive it, he wants to do it again...and again... Now, he drags us by the hand and leads us into the pool house so we can drag the boat out and take him for rides in it.

WIth summer, comes less interior home projects..and as of late, with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees, even outdoor projects have nearly wound to a halt..with the exception of our fire pit that we needed to finish off with weed barrier and pea gravel. We wrapped this last little tidbit up the day before 4th of July in preparation for friends/family coming over to enjoy the evening pool & fireside.

Summer ALSO includes some of my favorite, local farmer's markets...including my sweet friend, Stacey, of Buggirl's Garden and her amazing grab bouquets that make my table so bright & cheery each week!!

Our 4th of July was wonderful...our backyard looked gorgeous, my decoration's came out so dang cute and exactly the backdrop that I wanted for our celebration...we lit the skies with fireworks and enjoyed watching our neighbors put on some a-mazing shows...it was fabulous and I hope to host the celebration every year.

Excited for the weeks that lie ahead, my darling in-laws will be here next week... I'm eagerly anticipating an evening ridealong with my sexy, cop Hubby... our annual week-long trip to Seaside... swim days & bbq's planned with friends... waking up daily to this little mug amongst all my favorite faces... Ahhhhh....

I couldn't ask for more.

Not. ONE. single. thing.

xoxo

4th~

2011-07-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Above...my crafty hands were at work during littlest boy's nap the other afternoon... It was too hot to swim.. No, seriously..it was TOO hot to swim! The temps were over 90 and I have to remind myself that we have a looooong way to go before we reach our average Summer high's...but, alas, I overheated so I went to crafting at Hubby's workbench.

We are hosting a 4th of July party at our home and I am SUPER excited about it...

BBQ

Fireworks

Pool

Friends/Family

F-U-N

I wanted some celebratory 4th of July bunting you see decorating porches and front walk's all over but that wasn't quite in my decor budget (thankyouverymuch Mr. Ramsey..) so I had to put some skills to good use and come up with these jazzy little pom-pom's that I have made a TON of and am adhering to twine and creating some rather darling garland to grace my back covered patio!

Hope that everyone is continuing to enjoy summer...we are so privelaged to live in this Amazing Country...

God Bless!!!

What Matters MOST

2011-06-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the Remie-half of this Team... Thank you for choosing ME to be the woman that made you a Father ~ no greater Honor have I had than to make you a daddy! And, LOVE you for being such an amazing step-dad to Camden & Madelyn ~ you show all THREE of these kiddos love without limits or titles every single day.

"It is not flesh & blood, but the heart that makes us fathers and sons" ~JoAnn Schiller

Day TwO

2011-06-15T00:09:00.001-07:00

These posts just keep a' comin!

Camden has always & forever been my kiddo to save his pennies for "big ticket" items and today was no exception. He biked to our only nearby store, perused the pool toys, biked home, gathered funds (including enough for "that darn tax!") from wherever he pigeon hole's it in his room and rode back with an empty backpack to triumphantly pedal his purchase home.

I give you: The Explorer 200!!!

The boy is smitten.

Currently, passed out in bed still water-logged after a day at Sea.

Chlorine is my new perfume.

never too early to start preparing...

2011-06-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

This ENTIRE year has flown by...so I know the time between now and the 4th of July is going to whizz by in the blink of an eye.

I LOVE the 4th of July.

We are fortunate enough to live in a city that still allows fireworks to be discharged. Now, growing up the Fire Marshall's daughter, my dad typically wound up working the better part of the Fourth holiday.

Why?

Well, because a lot of people are careless idiots.

My words, not his... ;)

As I've gotten older, the more and more I love to Celebrate this Great County. Unfortunately, over many, many of the past years I was working myself. My family is FILLED with service-oriented people - my dad: Fire Marshall, my husband & Aunt: Police Officers, my cousin: firefighter (female at THAT! She rocks!), one of my brothers: Paramedic...the list goes on & on...I was employed for more years than I can recount as a 911 Dispatcher and there was MANY a 4th of July that we got our A$$E$ handed to us by way of call volume, radio traffic - both police AND fire. It could get crazy. What "some" people do in the name of celebrating. Egads. Not to mention, the sheer volume of complaints coming in about fireworks, noise, obnoxious neighbors...ohhhh so help me, I really must quit...

NEEDLESS to SAY...I am thankful beyond measure that for the second year running now I am a FULL-TIME wifey & mommy and take immense pride in that.

Last year, we were in the midst of packing our home and waiting for what seemed like forever for home inspections to pass, closing paperwork, etc etc for us to move in to our new home. This year, we are moved in and settling along quite nicely...and although my kitchen is in a stage of half-remodeled, WE are happily hosting a 4th of July celebration at our home.

I can't wait...I'm stocking up on 4th-themed decor and goodies...and perfecting some pretty darn cute cupcakes! ;)

Today marked: Day One of Summer break and although I know my blogs will fall to the wayside a bit...I must say that Reason #8,546 I love owning a pool...there's no need to enforce a summer bedtime..they are BEAT and crawling in their cool sheets by evening's end. In fact, earlier I found Madelyn curled up on the couch down in the family room konked out fast asleep, Camden sprawled out on the floor watching a show - both tired after an afternoon of swimming with friends.

BLISS

And yes, sweet Sarah ~ agreed, it IS bizarre that you were the swimmer all our days growing up together and yet, here I am with a pool! ;) Your comment made me SMILE! I do make a lovely lifeguard though!! Tossing dive sticks, scoring jumps off the diving board and calling a 'tie' on a cross-pool race...you and your sweet babes need to come and visit, I'll make ya one of those iced coffees you know I love!

THIS is the Reason...

2011-06-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

I will be oh, so scarce inside this summer ;)

Above, is our backyard...the pool is lovely, the grass has grown in, my garden is blooming and the weather here has suddenly turned so delightful ~ hot hot hot ~ just the way it should be this time of year.

I find myself getting up early, and I am no morning-person by nature usually, but I get my walk or the gym and whatever house chores done bright & early, just as the sunshine is beginning to peak it's way into my big windows.

Kiddos last day of school was Friday. They celebrated with a picnic lunched & swim party with friends. My heart is full as I embrace the onset of the lovely, dog days of summer...nearly every moment of our day is spent outdoors and I cannot think of anything more right in this world. I am so thankful to God above for each precious day with my family, a mere year ago my heart was full of fear and anxiety over the unknown and what seemed to be growing medical concerns.

What a blessed difference a year makes.

Today, we walked to church..for Part 7 of a series on "Stressbusters"...one part just touched my heart beyond measure this bright, sunny morning, "for surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Psalm 23) Somewhere along my years, I'd misinterpreted the meaning of that verse to me that believers will experience NOTHING but goodness...it never quite made sense to me because surely, ALL believers have failures, grief & strife...today as Pastor spoke during sermon about the Psalm and the key word of "FOLLOW" ... whatever heartache and burden we WILL experience during this worldly life, whatever the ordeal..Goodness & Mercy shall follow ~ what a blessing that promise is!!

God continues to bless this family of our's and I am thankful daily for this Life that we lead. As we start summer, I absolutely promise to continue to post our happenings...but it will likely be fewer and far between, I want to ENJOY the time with my children this summer and not have their summer memories mingled with images of me typing away on a computer, as much as fully involved with them. I am grateful to God for every moment, and just wanting to focus it in way's that fill my heart.

"You can fall in love at first sight with a place as with a person" ~Alec Waugh

Now go out and enjoy your own place!!

Happy Summer ~ xoxo Kelly

My Summer Help...

2011-05-31T22:30:00.001-07:00

Although THREE CHEERS for baseball season finishing off last week, I have felt nearly overwhelmed every day with the mundane.

I assume all you Momma's out there can understand my strife.

Typically, we do so well...there is a certain rythme and verse to our days. Not even a strict schedule per se, but a flow that for our family works out quite nicely. However, in the past few weeks with R switching to graves, switching back to days for a series of training back-to-back, than BACK to graves all over again, baseball, end of school wind down with Bingo Night's and Book Fairs, and the biggest business of all...a Wild Thing we call Garrett. ;)

Now, mind you, I am not griping.

I adore the fact that I get to be home FULL TIME.

ADORE.

But some days, I alone make my plate waaaay too full. As friends would say, I am a "do-er", a "worker bee", a "maniac" (??) as one dear friend would say...let's face it, I am a little overly enthused in all things. I like things a certain way. I like to do things my own way, in my own time...so because of that obnoxious quality I tend to never ask or accept help. I have so many ready helpers on hand around this joint, that it truly is my own downfall that I don't accept it more frequently.

R especially offers help on anything all. the. time. Somehow though, I made it up in my mind I think when I quit my job to be home that somehow by having my husband do something for me in some way made me a failure at my new 'job'...

Hmmmm.

Twisted thinking!!!

So, slowly but surely I have been more readily accepting of help. Even in small things...when R asks, "Baby...what can I do to help? What is something I can do that would make YOU happy?" all be danged if I didn't smily coyly and say, "When I get outta the shower I would loooove to walk into our room to a made, pretty bed..." (insert batting of eyelashes here)

Lo' and behold, what delight I felt to exit our bathroom a short time later to a lovely, made bed.

I may have lost some of you here, but please understand, there are few things I delight in more in a very selfish, silly way than a made bed.

Next week, the big kids are out of school for summer vacation. With that means, later bed times and the like...so tonight at dinner we had a chat about all the goodness of the lazy days of summer..but how with everybody home full-time it does in some ways create a lot more work & effort on ole mom's part. The big kids and I came up with the idea that each evening at a TBD time...this Momma is "Off The Clock"... ;)

Camden even suggested I make a little sign and post it so they know when I'm "off duty"...lovely idea... ;)

Now, not to be outdone by his older, more capable siblings, Mr. Garrett has offered his services this summer as ... you guessed it...

LIFEGUARD!!! **Exhibit A: Reporting for Duty (above)

This is a man that takes his job responsibilities as seriously as his momma!!

For now, I'm signing off...actually, who're we kiddin' I've been off the clock for hours! ;)

Evolution(s)

2011-05-30T16:46:00.001-07:00

In the midst of baseball, we have managed to continue along on a few other home projects:

THIS (below) was my $4 Goodwill find. It was pretty ratty and beat-up but when I told my crafty Hubby of my 'vision' for it, he happily obliged to make my Dream a Reality...

AFTER:
Love it!!!
He popped out the old, nasty mirror and replaced it with chicken wire...sanded and repainted white and re-attached the brushed-bronze key hooks. It's EXACTLY what I'd been looking for to grace the wall of my kitchen just as you come inside from the garage. The 3 slots are wide enough to hold dvds that need to be returned, school paperwork to be returned and our outgoing mail.
Simply perfect.

An update on our backyard: the grass seed we planted has finally begun to sprout!

In the "hot spot" flower bed R made me...I planted a lovely honeysuckle that will hopefully grab on and grace the outside of the lattice, along with a peony! Looove peonies. I am still finding my heart's desire's in the perennial list...so until next year, I have filled in the remainder of this bed with some sun-lovin' annuals. With all the watering we have been giving the new grass, the bed is beginning to fill in nicely!

Now I have the front AND back yard to mow - quite the workout! The back still need a few spots to fill in but it is coming along nicely! Finally lush, soft, green grass for little toes to run through!

Our largest, most tedious project by far the last few weeks has been opening our swamp, er, pool!!

THIS was Opening Day:

After getting our pump up and running for the season again and all the lines blown out and plugs removed...in addition to the miracle of hard-core pool chemicals this bad boy is up and running!!

I always knew I wanted a home with a pool, I just didn't know how much I would TRULY fall in love with it! As Maddy and I relaxed pool side in our lounge chairs with magazines and iced drinks today, I told her, "Doesn't it feel like we are on vacation..." She agreed. It's lovely.

Today she was the FIRST person of the summer season to hop in! I couldn't believe it! It was 73 and sunny outside but I believe the pool water is just barely above 65 given the cool days we've been having...love my tough chickie! She has a blast "snorkeling" for dive sticks!

Hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day!!

God Bless our Troops - new and old - that protect this Country every Day so we can live so comfortably!!!

What We've Been Up To...(Part 2)

2011-05-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare at the window and wait for Spring." ~ Roger Hornsby

That's right folks, baseball!!!

We are a family that LOVES baseball.

Well, truly.

I love it.

Than ten years ago, I had a little boy.

We named him Camden.

He loves it.

Than, nine years ago, I had a little girl.

We named her Madelyn.

She doesn't particularly love baseball but she loves going to the fields and get's one dollar in her hot little hand to purchase popcorn or a hot dog from the concession stands and playing on the playground equipment near the fields.

Than, a little over a year ago, I had another little boy.

We named him Garrett.

I'm crossing my fingers he loves baseball as much as his big brother.

My husband likes to tease me that I am the team cheerleader. Once the season begins, we get one or two games under our belt and I know every single player's name and number and I cheer for them as if I was the Mother to the whole brood!! And why not, there is nothing more lovely than a good game of ball and watching young boys out there working together for a common goal.

love love love it

This year though, I had some pretty steep competition. Mr. Teddy's Grandma was as vocal in her enthusiasm as I am...but she had one up on me. She really WAS a former cheerleader and that gal was my idol when it came to throwing together some peppy chants!

love her

With practice 2-3x a week and games 2x a week nearly every evening has been consumed at the fields. I've been putting a few miles on my car running a kiddo to and from, become creative with my crockpot when it came to getting meals started so we had something warm & healthy to come home to, and nearly lost my voice a few days ago when we had our final day of double-headers.

Until next year, here are a few memories...

At the ready, waiting for his pitch...

the swing...and unfortunately, I wild fast-ball that wound up pelting him in the lower back. He was careful to step OUT of the batter's box the remainder of the Season. ;)

His youngest fanHis best girls.When I first saw this picture, I almost cried. I love it.

When Camden saw it, he frowned and said he hates his scar. It's so strange to me, because I don't look at him any longer and even notice it. It's become such a part of him and his beautiful face. I squeezed him tight and told him any kiddo that could withstand a dog attack and come out THAT handsome was a lucky boy, indeed. Not to mention, chicks dig scars.

To me, this photo captures so much of this kiddo's personality. He is so focused, determined, thoughtful and patient. His face says it all. It also pierces my heart and I wonder where oh where the last ten+ years went. I remember the day this little man entered my life and made me a mommy.

A few weeks ago, I was lamenting over the fact that I'd been reduced to fist-bumps in front of 'the guys' when I dropped him off at school. I remember like it was yesterday my kindergartner holding me in a tight tug before running off to line up with the other kids. So, imagine my joy when after nearly every great play that kid made he bust out of the dug out and searched me out in the stands and threw his arms around me in a hug.

**he usually also asked if I'd go grab him a Snickers bar, but hey - I take what I can get!!*

Parenting: Hang In, Hold On, Hug Tight

What've we've been up too.... (Part 1)

2011-05-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

I'm going to have to give "updates" over the past few weeks in segments...not sure what the deal is with uploading pictures BUT it is taking far too much time and Life has been so full of other fun things...aside from some quick posting on Facebook these days, I just haven't really been on the computer...or inside for that matter!

We've had some off & on nice weather. Fingers crossed *nice* is on it's way to staying put. We open our pool this upcoming Thursday, it SEEMS a wee bit early but it was this week or near mid-June and that just seemed too painfully far out for my kiddos!! ;)

So, for this post - a backyard update...R & I have been working tirelessly on leveling and cleaning out all the crud from the backyard.

Below is a photo of the backyard the day we moved in. The flower beds were overgrown and the few plants in there were not to our taste. The grass was scratchy, dry - filled with weeds and ruts and valleys. The previous owners dog apparently was quite the digger...and as a "quick fix" when they put this home on the market, they had merely filled all those holes with grass seed. It was an ankle-breaker indeed!

So last Fall, we tore EVERY. SINGLE. THING. out of those flower beds.

Slowly but surely, I am piecing it back together. With solar lighting amongst lovely hostas, Spring & Summer bulbs, foxglove and lavender...I won't have everything in this year that I want, but am loving the progress we've made... These photos were midway through my laying out of bark & mulch...that task is complete now. More pics to follow as my garden grows. :)

Below is the nightmare that we hand dug, raked, sifted and leveled our way through...

and our efforts paid off so that when we looked off our covered patio we could see THIS:

lovely LEVEL ground

(and, of course, an area for our fire pit so after swimming cold toes could go warm themselves fireside!)

We STILL have to pull up all this slate and level out the ground underneath - however, when I went to move the first large piece of slate Red ANT kingdom awaited me underneath. UGH. I don't do the creepy crawlers - period. So, the Orkin Man (my new bestie) came out and spread granules around so that I would not be bitten by the nasty buggers!

R added this small flower bed for me...we have a tremendous amount of shady areas along the fenceline and I wanted a hot spot for lovelies like honeysuckle to grow along the lattice and a spot for a peony (BOTH of which have already been planted!)

We still need to have our pea gravel delivered for the fire pit, replace boards and paint the fence, fence off the back section that will be my future garden...ohhhh the list seems so tireless..but for NOW we are so pleased with our efforts and love seeing our hardwork together pay off.

And, at the end of the day...I can think of no lovelier place than our back patio to come together with my sweet family for an evening meal.

THIS was from our first such dinner together out back.
Loving Life.

Don't even start.... :)

2011-05-15T22:21:00.001-07:00

I'm having some difficulty uploading all my pics...it's a work in progress...but it's on it's way!! :)

Promises, promises....

2011-05-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

No. Really. I mean it.

Tomorrow.

Updates :)

I've just SO been enjoying the nice weather and time with this handsome group...

I have only had brief stints online...but thunderstorms are predicted tomorrow so I have a feeling we'll be sequestered indoors.

Maybe.

Did I mention how much I'm also lovin' our covered patio?? :)

THREE days of THIS - -

2011-05-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

lots of smiles

lots of treats

lots of sun

much more on ALL that

Tomorrow

For now, to bed...

But wait - Oh yes. Oh yes. So many people today were asking, "Did you hear?", "Can you believe it...?!" ... last night was absolutely one of those historical moments where you r-e-m-e-m-b-e-r precisely where you were and who you were surrounding by when you heard "The News". Lots of thoughts & emotions on the topic...as always, my family continues to pray for Peace - even beyond the far reaches of our own great Country.

The other evening, during our dinner time prayer, Camden said the main portion of our blessing...he said a prayer for the families in Japan and than also included a sincere prayer continuing to pray for the people of Haiti... afterwards he looked at R & I and said he felt like he needed to pray because he felt like, "everybody was forgetting about Haiti.."

Have I ever mentioned how blessed I am with some very dynamic, thoughtful and most importantly, EMPATHETIC, children???

So, to surmise my *feelings* on the matter, I think my friend, Emily, posted a quote that best seemed to suit my own heart ~

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiples hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Martin Luther King, Jr.

That being said, I am SO grateful daily for those that have lost their lives, gave their lives and continue to serve so that so many can lie their head's in peace at night.

Fittin' It All In

2011-04-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hope that everyone had as lovely an Easter Weekend as WE did!!

The weather was gorgeous and held from Good Friday through til Easter Sunday.

THAT is a rarity these days.

Good Friday the kids had early release from school, after having some friend's over for part of the day...the big kids & I dyed Easter eggs. It was the first time that this crafty event went off without a hitch. The eggs were boiled perfectly and not a crack or a blemish on them. No tips, no spills, no "oops" with the vinegar/dye tablets...it was LOVELY.
Garbear monitored from his highchair in the kitchen while eating bits of hard-boiled egg.

From the sneaky look on his face, I have a suspiscion that next year won't go off quite so easily... ;)

Just a few of their masterpieces

Easter basket this year was much more about treats than sweets.

New journal, new sticky notes, new Tigerbeat and "Party Animals" figurines and stickers were a few of Maddy's treats and Camden, of course, a pile of Matchbox and a new water bottle for baseball. Each got a few candies and their favorite chocolate bars...I'm not a total freak! They had to have SOME goodies, but we have really been trying to eat more healthy as a whole family. For heart health, for general diet, for a whole HOST of reasons...and increasing our activity all around. NONE of my babies have to worry one bit about weight, thankfully, but we are absolutely trying to teach them as they get older about good food/exercise habits.
To INCLUDE R & I have rejoined a gym!!

With him working 12-hour shifts he hasn't been quite as gung-ho as I have been. Once he goes to graveyard rotation in a few weeks, he will able to go at night with one of his coworkers who also has a membership to the same facility.

Momma - ME - has been a gym rat the past several weeks!!!

Love love lovin' it!!

I have a membership that allows me to go to any/all locations...so I can go to the facility that has daycare and let lil' G hang with other kiddos while I get my endorphin's pumping...or the facility that is literally a 5-minute walk or a 1-minute drive from our house. I have been using that location in the evenings, after all the kiddos have gone to bed and on those work nights that my Mr. is in bed sooo early for his 4am alarm. Plug in the ole headphones and listen to 'tunes or watch a show...or like today, I attended a circuit training class - that I swear nearly killed me.

Something about my most recent biopsy coming back with a CLEAN (yay! yay! yay!) bill has us all so thankful and grateful for our health that we want to take care of ourselves as best as we can.

I've felt so rejuvenated and refocused and rewarded with the blessing of good health. That is sincerely something I will NEVER take for granted ever again.

Just as it seems that I have had a new lease on life and am rejoicing in that blessing...too many friends & family members seem to be struggling with illness or just feelings of stress and being overwhelmed. I've taken it to heart and wanted to do something to make these people have a brighter spot in their day. So over the past few weeks, I've delivered 5 of these sweet little jars of bouquets to some women in my life that are either struggling, having a down week or just been such an amazing friend and champion/supporter of mine during some of my own rough patches the past year.

Love it.
So simple and sweet. Wouldn't one of those delivered to your door just make you feel happy?? :)

In other happy news, the whole world it seems is excitely counting down the days 'til Kate & William's Royal Wedding. In order to celebrate in *proper* fashion, my dear friend, Kim, is hosting a Royal Wedding Celebration at her home this Friday evening. She has forever been a huge, loyal fan of Princess Di's and Kim's own son lives in London. I can't think of anyone more suited to host this festivity! Each lady is to bring an appetizer to share, a spirit of her liking and arrive donning a hat. I've been thinking/working on my idea all week...with a gal like this fashionista (below) I figured I'd better do it right!

I've had some emotions lately that seemed to have reached the surface, nothing major at ALL, more one of those over emotional *women* weeks...and thankfully have a husband that is always willing to talk and always lend an ear and advice, well only if I ask for it! ;)

Last night, we turned off the tv and went to bed around the same time as our kiddos. He read aloud several passages from a book that is excerpts of an interview with the Dalai Lama called "The Art of Happiness" There is a rarity in a person that lives a life so fully blessed in peace, tolerance and mutual respect and compassion.

It is a lovely read.

And so, I've taken those quotes to heart and although Life has been so busy lately, it's also been so relaxing, filled with all the good things I love - family/friends, baseball, (more recently) sunshine...!!We are enjoying every moment of this Spring season. Relishing in the past few months of school before the dog days of summer begin. Looking forward to upcoming field trips for the kiddos and opening our pool in the next few weeks. Motorcycle rides with my Hubby. And, even Mr. Garrett is charging along...just begin his first few independent steps as a walker...and breaking my heart a little bit every day as he becomes more a little boy and less my last baby...life is carrying on for our little family of 5 in a beautiful fashion.

Joyful is spelled M-E!!!

2011-04-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

ISAIAH 55:12

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills burst out in song before you, and all of the trees of the field will clap their hands."

Joy fills my heart!! I am soooo excited to share the good news of my biopsy results!!

NEGATIVE!!!

Negative across the board for any abnormalties!

I was so anxious prior to my appointment yesterday. On the verge of tears on the drive there. R had to work, which was unfortunate but this was the first day my doctor's office could get me in so I just desperately wanted to take this appointment time. I was blessed with a good friend that was able to watch Garrett for me so that I wouldn't have to fuss and entertain a 14 month old during my meeting with my doctor.

Did I mention how NOT fun having Garrett with me during my 45 minute wait in the lobby would have been?? Aye aye aye, I was nearly a wreck by the time I got back in a room. Throughout my wait, my sweet Hubby sent me texts reminding me of his love and our strength and God's power. I love to hear that my husband prays for me.

Finally, Doc came in and read me my results. To say I was escstatic was an understatement. I nearly burst into tears of relief, I could've jumped up and hugged him! Upon leaving, I nearly danced at the reception desk - and they were so pleased for me that things had turned out so well.

I wished I wasn't alone and that my Hubs was there to celebrate...so much to my surprise and JOY, I walked out of the doctor's office to find a patrol car and my man waiting outside for me. I could not tell him fast enough the results! Dang it, if he hadn't been in uniform I'd have thrown my arms around him and smooched him fiercely!!!

My heart has been singing and a weight off my shoulders ever since.

Now, on to Spring Break!!!

We did nothing too terribly exciting..in fact, we were home all break. It was R's long work week and that played a big part. He is training a new officer so his eligibility for time off is limited. In addition to that, we have opted this year to not take a big trip...living the "Ramsey Plan" we have our financial commitments elsewhere so we chose to remain home over Spring Break and this summer will just be renting a house in for a full week in Seaside. We do Seaside annually so I cannot wait for a week away - here.

NEXT year - we have *plans* for a big trip...but given my kiddos (yes..you, Miss Mae) sometimes log on here to read stories or look at photos. That's being kept on the DL ;)

Being home over Spring Break wasn't too shabby. We relished in staying in our pj's til late in the day...watching movies and playing outdoors. Daily trips to our local Yoke's a few walking blocks away for doughnuts and movie rentals each morning...it was just lovely to have nowhere we had to be and nothing we had to do.

We did some grocery shopping in style...

Complained about lack of photos of ourselves (even though I BEG to take their pictures) and when our Mom whips out a camera - offers the pose above ;)

Enjoyed blue skies and dreams of upcoming motorcycle rides...

Tried out a new swing. Apprehensive at first... Starting to like it....

L-O-V-E

So thankful for the week at home with my kiddos.

It is never more apparent to me how quickly they are growing up, than when I have hours of uninterrupted time to visit with them and get to know them as an individual.

I have some GOOD kids.

So thankful for my time with them, and so thankful that after my appointment yesterday I can think ahead to our future and not have any nagging worries clouding my thoughts.

JOY abounds

What We SHOULD Be Doing This Weekend....

2011-03-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, yes...our backyard.

What we SHOULD be delving into this weekend.

As mentioned earlier, I love our backyard..it's large and the 'footprint' of it is amazing...it just needs TLC to get it on the right track....

Enclosed dog pen for Coop the Poop

Plan of Attack: remove all the river rock and plant grass...since we own the only dog in the world that can only potty on sod.

Rv/Boat parking on the other side of the house

Plan of Attack: remove varying debris and upright basketball hoop left by previous owner. Turn into a bball court for the big kids - and their mom, too - who're we kidding, I love "HORSE"

This huge tree that is gorgeous and lush during the summer and provides wonderful late-day shade when are temps summit to over 100 degrees. The base, although a good start, needed some work...I planted some great flowering ground cover. I think it's just going to take it some time to fill in and make a substantial difference.

Our grass completely rototilled under to prep for 'easier' removal.

Plan of Attack: remove all the old, dead grass...add some top soil to level it out and lay sod. The previous owners had a dog named, Hugh (for Humongous - ha ha) and liked to dig. So, leaving the grass with peaks & valleys & dips...a real ankle-breaker. Excited to get this project underway for the little boy to tool around on soft, green grass!

And, all the wood for our new fence is piled up in the garage. R was so excited to go and purchase a table saw for this, and many other projects! ;)

And the pool.

Cannot wait to open this baby up soon! The weather today was amazing...blue skies, sunshine and mid-70's...I pulled out my adirondack chair from the pool storage house and drug it out front so I could sit and soak in some Vitamin D while R washed both cars and the motorcyle. I felt like such a bum and figured our neighbors must think I ought to just get a carton of bon-bon's to make the laziness complete! ha ha Well, bleh - I'd already been up and to the gym, than on a walk with R & lil G, and made my hubby a lovely lunch...so there! ;-p

Taking a quick break indoors now while baby boy has a snack and than out back to let him tear it up in his bouncy seat. We SHOULD be putting all of our plans into action this weekend with R being off til Monday and the weather so nice...but instead, we are meeting up with friends for Mexican food & margaritas and than (walking) to a movie!

Tomorrow is another dinner with friends.

Looking forward to putting projects on the back burner and spending time with those we love & care about.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!!

This n' That

2011-03-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a BUSY past week, since celebrating Madelyn Mae's 9th birthday, I headed out of weekend with the littlest boy (big kids were spending a grandparents weekend here) to see my sister, Lauren, in Seattle.

R had to work the WHOLE long weekend and since he is busy training a new officer, it is 3 days of 12-hour shifts with him busy-busy-busy. It seemed like the perfect weekend to getaway for some seester-time AND perfect timing due to my own birthday being Monday!

It was my first long car ride alone with Garrett.

I was rather a nervous wreck as the boy does NOT particularly enjoy long periods of time strapped in his carseat.

NOT helping was the fact that I forgot to bring a bottle.

Seriously!!

I remembered his antibiotic, diapers, wipes, powder, far too many clothes, snacks, two strollers, pak-n-play, bouncy seat..you name it, yet forgot his dang bottle?!

I thought (briefly) of just using his sippy cup for the weekend, it seemed like as good a time as any to ditch the ole bottle...but that was a fleeting thought when we weren't even an hour into our drive and he began to get sleepy and wanted a bottle.

Egads.

He cried ACTUAL huge alligator tears and it just killed me.

So, I caved and made a quick stop in Yakima at a ratty K-mart and grabbed a bottle.

Than to Starbucks for a kids steamed milk for the boy and an iced coffee for his momma.

The result was priceless:

He crashed and slept from just outside Ellensburg until we hit Seattle.

What a sweet pea.

Auntie was SOOOO excited to see us!!

Although it was raining and dreary, as soon as we got there, the two of us loaded up the boy and ventured around the Capitol Hill area where she and her hubby reside. It is GORGEOUS in that area! Love drooling over all the amazing mansions and landscaping. Her husband teaches at a nearby private Catholic school - the cathedral is

a-mazing!

We walked a few blocks and, of course, grabbed coffee and than headed over for a Zen bagel at the local bagel shoppe. Deelish!

The weekend was fabulous, although far too short.

We spent the remainder of Saturday walking around and doing a bit of shopping, heading back to her place for a FABULOUS dinner and some runaround time for the boy. He enjoyed a bath at Auntie's followed by jammies and some snuggle time after Unkie Nick arrived home.

We ventured out to Trader Joe's (LOOOOVE) and bought many a treat - from edible goodies, to facial supplies, wine and flowers. It was so fun to browse around and visit with my baby sis. We headed back and snuggled in for a murder-mystery documentary. Would you expect anything else???

Sunday included a lovely breakfast and than a trip to Ikea!!

Luuurve me some Ikea shopping!

So many goodies and treats - - like nothing I can find over on this side of the mountains and prices that don't break my budget!

New pillows, new fabric, new storage bins, new hanging planters, new outdoor lighting, new outdoor shelving for this summer's pool towels to be folded on out under the patio - - love. every. single. thing.

Sadly, our overnight trip had to end and I made on the road just in time for little boy to fall asleep. He slept until just about an hour outside of home and it allowed me to stop in and see my sweet cousin, Katie, and her new baby, Britton.

New babies are divine.

Back home, I arrived just a few minutes before R got home.

I was giddy as a school girl when I saw him pull up...raced outside to him and gave him a big smooch. Silly, I know...we'd only been apart a little over 24-hours but I couldn't wait to fling my arms around My Man.

Monday was my birthday.

33 years.

I dig it.

Nothing bad about getting older and celebrating another year on God's green earth.

Rather excited to have received a sewing machine...I had a sneaking suspicion I was getting one and therefore the fabric purchase at Ikea over the weekend. I can't wait to get crackin' on a project!!

Speaking of projects - - the recent warmer days have pushed interior renovating aside and are beginning our focus on the yard.

Maddy and her friend, Naya, pushing Carl The Cat (aka A$$hole, as I refer to him outside of the earshot of little ears. Ahem) in Garrett's jogging stroller.

Our first project, this ugly area just off the front walkway...when we moved in we could tell that the previous owners and just purchased new bark and threw it over a problem area as a quick fix. The weed barrier was as flimsy as saran wrap and did not prevent any weeds or previous bulbs from snaking through...it was just an eyesore.

R started by removing ALL the bark and bagging it up for use later. Digging out endless debris and root systems from old shrubs.

A clean slate is so much easier to look at it! We debated about removing the rock...and finally after finding the tree I wanted (a ornamental Weeping Cherry) we opted to keep it in place. As our friend/family reminded us - people pay big money for landscaping rocks like that around here! :) A planted a few Spring and Summer bulbs...mini daffodils and hyacinth for Spring and other flowering bulbs for Summer so I can have color each season. Put down some barrier for now and used some of the previously saved bark. We are wanting to do curbing...but will wait on that. We have a brick walkway we are working on from the front porch down to the sidewalk and will need to have curbing in place for that as well. Finally, grass seed put down all around to fill in the bare spots. Still a work in progress - but much better! Our little dirt dog helper! Big kids have been busy with friends, school winding down towards Spring Break next week, Camden is CONSUMED by baseball - - practice at least 3x a week and games beginning soon. Thankfully we are a family that loves our baseball. And, Mr. Garrett has continued to enjoy our outings to the local play area at the Mall on those days that the weather has just not wanted to cooperate with any sunshine. (above) Exhibit A: WHY he needs a bath each time he get's done playing there. Bleh. Laying belly down on that dirty padded carpet. ALL boy this one And we wouldn't have things any other way...

So Glad You're Mine...#9!!

2011-03-24T22:25:00.003-07:00

Herself the Elf turned NINE today!!!

I awoke to my cell ringing bright & early with a call from my sis calling to wish this girl a happy birthday. Reminding Miss Mae that the night she was born, Auntie was still in highschool (remember, I'm nine years older....) and on the verge of a MAJOR grounding, in fact, our parent's had to go and pick her up from a friend's home (that kinda trouble, folks) but explained to my sis that the talk and punishment would have to wait because I was in the hospital delivering baby girl.

Somehow, between that night and Madelyn Mae's arrival early the next morning, all thought of punishment left my parent's mind and Auntie skated her way out of it.

Alas, her 'miracle' baby in her niece ;)

After that phone call, Mae boogied around and danced and pranced her way downstairs to see birthday decor set up. She loooves waking up to suprises on her special day...I am a naughty momma and make her wait til her evening celebration to open all her gifts. But, this morning I did let her open a small treat from her brothers. Dangling chick earrings from Claire's that she's been talking about incessently ~ chicks for my Spring Chick.

After this photo it was out the door and off to Starbucks for a breakfast treat and to swing by and grab her Spudnuts for her birthday class treat. She adores being able to choose WHAT color sprinkles to have on each Spudie. Too cute!

Afterschool she came home to more decor, all her presents laid out, special treats and the big party table hauled in for her family dinner party that night

(her sleepover with the girlies was last Friday - more on that in another post)

Her dinner choice was for my Momma to make homemade pizza crusts in individual pizza sizes and for me to provide an endless selection of toppings. Although, as she told me...all she wanted was Canadian Bacon. Seriously. That's It.

My youngest brother, Ben & I, giving two thumbs up for homemade pizza.

Cheese anyone??? :)

Our pizza topping selections Mmm-mmm!
OYE ~ my wreck of a kitchen...the cabinets need to be finished being stripped down, new flooring, I already yanked out the backsplash and have painted and am prepping for subway tile. AND the kid that is doing new countertops in the next few weeks is also taking several of my cupboard faces and doing glass inserts. Yada yada...love my circa 1970's kitchen. I told R I can't wait for us to open the pool in the next few months so I can just live outside and not even have to deal with it :)

DEELISH!

Overall it was a lovely, lovely day.
I am so thankful to all our family and friends that made my sweet girl feel so special and cherished on this day. There were gifts received in the mail this week, cards arrived today (which she LOVED getting mail!) and phone calls all day wishing her a happy day! It means so much to me that so many people helped to celebrate her day in so many ways.

I heart my girl.
I love my boys, I do ~ I could have a troop of boys and be the happiest of women, but I heart my girl. She is my love, my constant companion, my pal, my biggest fan, my mini-me.

Camden was only a mere 6 months old, I was 23 years old...a young, new mom and juggling a baby that had been born at 32 weeks (Camden) and it seemed constantly dealing with his chronic ear infections and need of breathing treatments and returning to work. So, I wasn't much surprised that I had a flu bug I couldn't shake for nearly two months!! I hadn't been getting much sleep and the hub-bub a preemie baby brings into the house had been really wearing!

Little did I know that 'flu bug' wasn't going to be clearing up anytime soon ;)

Lo' and behold, with a 6-month-old swinging in an infant swing in my room I took the ole pee test and there staring back rather indignantly were those two bright pink lines.

I knew at that very moment, this would be my girl.

Sure enough, not too many months later, there she was.
Madelyn Mae
March 24th

Maddy, you were born with a pointed little nose, a dimple in your cheek and a slight cleft in your chin and impish little ears. If I hadn't witnessed the delivery I'd have wondered who's baby you were, with your delicate, fairy features.

You have always made your own way and demanded things in your own time. You're a fierce defender of the underdog and the most loyal of friends. I adore that you live with passion and gusto. I love your firey spirit and genuine delight over all things.

You are the sweetest big sister. Prior to Garrett's arrival, you were always my baby, the Thing Two from the unit of Thing One (Camden) and Thing Two (you). Watching you now with your little brother, I am so smitten with the gentleness of your spirit. You may bound up and down the stairs, and hop & skip across the hardwood and never leave us wondering "where" you are at in this big, old house ~ but watching you with G, the most tender, kind spirit emerges. You speak so softly and coo & fuss and I just feel my heart fill thinking of what a wonderful mother you will be one day.

It's your LAST year of being single digits...the rest of your days, it's doubles from here on out sweet pea. Enjoy NINE lovely girl.
xoxoxo Your Momma

I am SOOOOO extremely blessed to be the mother of these 3 happy, healthy beautiful children. The older they get the more I cherish them. I see my older two, 9 & 10, and I wonder where the time has gone. I am thankful for them all over again ever day for teaching me about being a mother. It makes me all the more aware of what I want to do with my days and the gratitude I have in being home full-time with my family.

In the blink of an eye my babies are growing up, before I know it this guy will be prepping for double digits...

"If you haven't time to respond to a tug at your pants leg, your schedule is too crowded. ~ Robert Brault

One of those days...

2011-03-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's Day

The day started out lovely with a walk in our GORGEOUS sunshine with a friend and the littlest boy and than coffee...seated

O U T S I D E....love the sun!

Afterwards a trip to Target to purchase birthday goodies for my sweet girl...LOVE birthday shopping for my kiddos.

Home for lunch with bitty boy.

While he snoozed, I made a cake for the big kids to come home to while simultaneously making chicken pot pie for the Hubby to come home too.

You know what happens when you..scratch that, I make two things at once??

Grammatical errors as seen below:

Happy St. Patty???

Sheesh

Oh well. They were pleased as punch at their afterschool treat so who cares.

Little boy enjoyed some frosting on a plastic spoon...

Let's just say, he didn't hate it :)

Excited for R's loooong weekend off of work...from this evening til Monday am.

Woot woot!

Starting it off with breakfast with friends tomorrow morning after kiddos head off to school. The afternoon brings an early school release and Madelyn's birthday slumber party celebration...her birthday isn't until next week but we have so many plans upcoming that my Spring Chick is doing her festivities tomorrow.

Can't wait.

Mem'ries...

2011-03-15T23:11:00.000-07:00

"memries...like the corners of my mind...misty water-colored memories..."

Ahh..the way we were...

Last week, R & I discussed WHAT we were going to be 'givin' up' for Lent. I was raised Lutheran so this has always been something that I participated in. In years past, I've given up dessert, given up eating out, given up eye-rolling (ummm...sound easy? maybe, but I am known to enjoy a good overly dramatic eye-roll...ha!)

This year, R & I made the decision to eliminate something drastic. Something more intrusive and daily that would force us to take pause and THINK about the meaning behind this Season of Lent.

Sooo...R gave up Xbox and I gave up Facebook.

gasp

Seriously, is that the saddest thing you've ever read? ;)

Xbox and Facebook. How *deep* right??

Well, here's the deal...my Hubby luuuurves him some game time. If he has a day off (which is a lot when you are an officer that works 12-hour shifts..you wind up working 15 days in a whole month) or is on graveyards and has to stay up All Night Long for 4 solid months straight. My Hubby works SO hard...overtime when available, never-ending house projects, yard projects, spends actual TIME with the kiddos playing catch, playing games, helping with projects...so if he wants an hour or so in the afternoon when G is snoozing or in the evening when it's our downtime.. so be it.

Because...
When he is gaming...I haul my lap top along with me to the family room and curl up next to him and browse Facebook. It's a sneak peek and a "check in" on family and friends...and I love it. It's like a million different little conversations and updates all in one lovely little format.

So, we gave 'em up.

I'm almost embarassed to say how genuinely painful it was the very first day to NOT log in. I felt like I was missing OUT!!! Ugh!

That first day, ohhh I was regretting my choice.

Sad. But. True.

But than, honestly, the day passed and the most A-mazing thing happened...

life went on :)

We've spent that afternoon time we would normally have "down time" kickin it together downstairs while G napped and the big kids were at school and have completed a TON of yard work. Back yard flower beds cleared out, back area for fire pit formed, retaining wall bricks paved out, front yard flower bed cleared out, old gnarly red rock yanked out from under my lamp post and lilac bush and lovely bark dust spread out...

It's been lovely.

Sunday is always a "mini-Easter" and a celebration day...so we are allowed to log in or Xbox or 'whatever' you gave up you can indulge in...and yes, this past Sunday I did log in. For a bit. And ya know what, I didn't miss a Dang Thing!! Not sure quite what I was expecting but I assure you...whatever it was, it wasn't worth feeling like I was "missing" anything.

And, truly, I feel that is the purpose of this Season of Lent. It's not to go depriving yourself of something to the point of misery...it's to learn to live with purpose and intent and appreciate those amazing sacrifices made for Us.

I love the fact that R & I work daily to be the partners that we want to be for one another, and to be the type of parents that we are proud of in raising these kiddos.

I LOVED the fact that when I said I was giving up Facebook, Camden looked perplexed and said, "Mom..you HAVE Facebook???" That tells me that I'm not glued to my computer browsing other people's lives...I'm still involved in living my own. I had truly felt like maybe I was spending too much time online...granted, my time online was when Garrett was napping and the kiddos at school or in the evening hours after my kiddos and early-to-bed-early-to-rise Hubby had turned in...but still...I'd been feeling like that. But on the other hand, I love the "Me Time" that it allows. A girlfriend and I had discussed how we don't watch a lot of tv but it's nice to cruise the world wide web and "connect" to other people and lives.

So while I am learning that I CAN live without and learning that I'm NOT missing out...I'm also reminded that I DO put my Family & Home first and that it's mighty alright to continue to do those things I enjoy...

Just like everything else in life, it's all a matter of moderation

Exultant Much?

2011-03-12T22:07:00.000-08:00

I had to attach this recent picture of our littlest Thing

Primarily because he is too stinkin' cute and his little "blinky" wink he does cracks me up.

I chose Excultant for a portion of my title because as my hubby would tell you, I love to take a word and use it repeatedly..kill it actually, and than move onto another one and devour that one. It keeps my old noggin' in championship shape! I am still that nerdy AP Lit student that looks up the meaning of a word while reading a book.

Lately, everything has been "heinous" or even better yet..."absolutely heinous". I swear to you, the level of adoration I have for that word lately has rarely been matched!! In describing someone's behavior, the state of our kitchen while under remodel, the smell of our dog when he got into a compost pile out back...name it, I could figure out a way around making it - yep, you guessed it, "absolutely heinous"

So, for this week...I am moving on to a more joyful side of life and finding those things and people around me that are "exultant". Especially this current week, with all the devastation around the world... My heart just aches for the families affected by all this madness.

Last night, as Camden enjoyed a movie/sleepover with a buddy, Garrett was snoozing and R had turned in to prepare for his very early morning shift, Madelyn and I had a little bit of a Girl's Night. We made the BEST cookies ever, took a quick trip to our nearby Target for new nail polish, came home and sprawled out in front of the fire and a show. While I gave that girl a mani/pedi, my mind could not help but wander to all those people across the globe enduring such devastation. I could not fathom losing my home, having no power to keep my family warm..and with temps reported in the low 30's...that is just excruciating. We prayed feverently as a family for all involved.

We take so, so many things for granted.

Our homes. Our families. Our health.

Food in our cupboards. Clothes in our drawers and coats in our closets.

Cars to drive and gas to fuel them.

Water. CLEAN. Drinkable. Water.

The list is truly endless.

So in an effort to put my words to use, I'm looking for the exultation around me. In my cozy house, in the warm fire roaring behind me, to my happy healthy babies tucked in their beds, for our pantry & fridge full of food, for the bright red tulips peeking open on my table, the privelage of being home full-time to care for my Home & Family, for the man I get to go crawl in bed next to every night...and for all the blessings shone down on us every day.

I can find absolutely NOTHING heinous about any of that ;)

Only Me

2011-03-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

Aaahh, thank YOU sweet friends

*new n' old*

*by way of blog & by way of every day life*

for ALL your sweet comments on my previous post

I read them again & again.

Yes, yes...yesterday was my biopsy.

It's amazing how even on these MOST important/stressful days a momma just has to get up and go about the dailies of life with kiddos no matter what is going on privately in those dark, anxious reaches of your mind...

Sooo it was up and at it...showers, breakfasts, loaded backpacks, drop off's at school, making of beds...all that jazz. I didn't want the morning to be frenzied but I DID want to come home to a picked up house. I wanted to be able to climb into an already made bed if I felt like resting when I got home.

Isn't that the best? It makes a midday nap feel so naughty and luxurious!

I had asked R NOT to go into my appointment with me.

For a lot of reasons, but deep down having him come along with me just made me feel more anxious like it was a bigger deal than it was. It just made me feel nervous and things feel really somber to have him in there. He wanted to go. He tried talking me out of going alone several times. But, alas, my mind was made up. We came to an agreement that was a happy medium for both...I still attended my appointment alone but R & lil G' drove me and dropped me off than headed out for a little guys time at the playground. Afterwards, I was to call and they were going to come and get me and we were going to head to the Starbucks just down the street from my Doc's office and get a "celebratory" coffee treat.

Now, I am about to tell you several things that I SWEAR just put a little dose of humor into my day.

ONLY to ME would I enter the examination room and begin to "undress from the waist down" (ahem) and upon slipping a foot out of my jeans notice a pair of undies on the exam room floor. I thought, "What the -!" Initially thinking they were the previous patient's undergarments (ewwww) until it struck me that this pair of undies looked oddly familiar...

Egads.

Had I REALLY just had a pair of my OWN undies drop out the pant leg of my jeans upon disrobing for this exam??

Yep. Yep I did.

Awesome.

Once I had stashed the contraband panties in the interior zipper pocket of my purse I hopped up on the table and grabbed a magazine off the side table to flip through while I waited - HOPING it would take my mind off things.

Sure enough, the FIRST magazine I grabbed had a cover story on Christina Applegate and her remission from breast cancer and ongoing concerns about ovarian cancer.

REALLY??

Of course I read the article.

In part, because I looove me some Christina Applegate - she is too stinkin' cute, and perhaps in part because I NEEDED in that moment to see what it was like to be on the surviving side of something so scary.

I was SO thankful I read that article.

It was heartfelt and poignant and full of H O P E.

About the time I was finishing the article in came The Best Doc in the whole world.

As I laid back and prepped myself to stare intently at the HD tv mounted on the ceiling and the reel of aquatic fish that looped the screen again and again and again in some bizarre attempt at what? calming us down? am I really going to think I'm just relaxing in a La-Z Boy watching a fish tank instead of what is really going on??

Be that as it may, I was counting on those little fish to just keep swimming, swimming, swimming across the screen until the biopsy was complete...when wouldn't ya know it, the second I leaned back that screen went BLANK!!

My tranquil fish were GONE.

Instead I got a bright blue screen with the words

POPULAR SCREEN SAVERS

staring back at me.

Good grief.

Thankfully, it didn't take long.

Thankfully, my Doc has an amazing bedside manner and always makes sure I am reassured and confidant that things will be a-okay before I leave.

I called R & we agreed to meet at Starbucks. I told him it was so gorgeous I really wanted to walk...that I would meet him and the little boy over there.

And let me tell you, it felt so divine on that short 5 minute walk. The sun shone SO brightly and the breeze even felt warm. Although, I'd been dreading this day more and more as it loomed before me...now that the biopsy was done I felt really free... I walked out into that lovely sunshine and something just told me that things are going to be alright.

I nearly skipped in the door of Starbucks, and afforded myself a special treat of an ACTUAL iced skinny carmel latte (versus my standard iced coffee) AND a piece of Very Berry Coffee Cake.

It felt like a celebration!!

Later that afternoon, after we were home and the littlest boy down for a nap...R & I ate lunch out back on the covered patio and talked our game plan for our backyard. It has the coolest footprint and the potential and landscaping is all there and ready for the taking...love it. As much as I thought I'd want to come home and nap after my appointment, I didn't. Instead, R & I spent a couple hours cleaning out flower beds and prepping for Spring/Summer months ahead...

The remainder of the day consisted of welcoming my kiddos home from school...preparing a restaurant size vat of homemade potato salad and cooking bbq chicken in a desperate attempt to entice summer to arrive faster.

Just before dinner R pulled me aside, he raised his glass and had me raise my own and proclaimed a toast to "Hope & Good Health"

Who could ask for more? ;)

Nothing More

2011-03-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

"There comes a time when I have nothing more to tell God. If I were to continue to pray in words, I would have to repeat what I have already said. At such times it is wonderful to say to God, "May I be in Thy presence, Lord? I have nothing more to say to Thee, but I do love to be in Thy presence." ~O. Hallesby

Have you ever felt like this quote?

It's so telling and comforting to me.

It's as though someone finally put into words the reassurances my Faith and relationship with God has on My Life.

I try not to be a needy prayer, especially when I am down & out or fearful, I aim to pray for other's before myself.

It helps puts my own woe's and concerns in perspective.

Sometimes though, especially over this past year, I've wanted to push my own agenda to the forefront of my prayers and sob and beg and break down. I've felt like one in a crowd of people clamoring for attention, jumping up and down and shouting, "ME! ME! ME! PICK ME! LISTEN TO ME!"

Since my duplicate surgeries in November to remove precancerous cells I've tried to just let. life. be.

I was laying sprawled out on our big bed one afternoon recently...freshly made bed, kiddos occupied, little boy sleeping, sunshine peering through and the open window blasting our room with too-cold Spring air when my handsome hubby came in and laid down next to me so we could visit.

I love these moments of uninterrupted conversation with

the Best Man I know.

We chatted current events, family, friends...and my upcoming biopsy was brought up. This is the biopsy to determine if the surgeries I underwent removed all those *abnormal* cells.

Just talking about it, I felt the wind nearly get knocked out of my chest. Here I'd been relaxing so nicely and embracing the charmed afternoon I was enjoying with my family and there it was - smack.

R commented on how calm I've been lately about the topic. How I hadn't seem as consumed with fear and how proud of me he was. I gave him a teary smile and bit the inside of my cheek to keep from crying...

It's not that I'm Calm or not Fearful.

Not in the verrrry least.

But there comes a time, when you acquire the knowledge that some things in this Life are entirely beyond your control. You can fight it. You can curse it. You can deny it, but it's there. This is the Season in My Life where I am learning that very lesson.

This quote made me start to cry when I read it because it captured so many nights...laying in bed, curled up next to my snoozing husband...listening to his breathing steady and the house creak and shift as if it too were settling in for along rest...and I turn on my side with my hands tucked under my pillow and I pray.

I'm learning it's okay to pray for myself first. In fact, some nights...I only pray for myself. God knows my heart. He knows that some days I am utterly absorbed in fear & anxiety over my health. He also gives me the strength to still get up and rock it every day. I'm able to be present in my daily life because I know in the evening as I lay my head to rest I can unleash it all...and some nights, words escape me. Yes folks, ME. Words escape ME! The chattiest woman ever is rendered speechless. And yet, His presence is there...it's tangible and affords me the opportunity to fall asleep with great peace and reassurance "to everything there is a Season, a time for every purpose under the Sun"

This Wednesday is my biopsy.

Pray on

Weathering the storm...

2011-03-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

***Editorial sidenote: I had an email waiting for me this morning inquiring if I was wearing a burka in this photo... Oye vey.

Noooo, smarty friends...It's my black pashmina I wear almost strictly while motorcycle riding with my dimple-faced Hubby. I think it conjurs up images of Maureen O'Hara (goddess) in "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne. Haven't seen it? Ohhh do, it's delectable!! This rainy day in Leavenworth, it also acted as a lovely wind-block and rain barrier.

I have such a thankful heart.

I have such a grateful heart.

I am so grateful that through all the Seasons of Life that I have this man to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with.

Truly, I have NOTHING to gripe about.

The only storm I am weathering these days is the blustery winds outside and unexpected rainfall.

Unfortunately, we have so many family & friends that have received unexpected sad news, medical concerns or just facing challenges or overwhelmed with the struggles of day-to-day life ~ things we all face at one time or another.

I have been *accused* of being overly empathetic.

Prior to all my years of 911 Dispatching, back when I was just applying and interviewing for the job, I went through my Psych Eval and the Doc's 'diagnosis' to the agency was concern that I would empathize or consume to0 much of the job or calls and take it home with me.

She was partly right :)

I got the job, and I adored it for many, many years.

I did lose some sleep a time or two fretting over the outcome of calls and people that had touched my heart. It made WHATEVER trials & tribulations I was going through in my own Life seem so small in comparison. Things that used to really work this gal up, seemed rather petty & nonsense in the grand scheme of what those around us have gone through.

This week, talking to various family & friends, my heart just ached for so many of them. At times, being a busy stay-at-home mom & wifey, my days are literally consumed by my own immediate Family & Home... Sometimes I will go too long before contacting a family member or friend because I get too wrapped up in my own day-to-day...

An evening, earlier this week as I crawled into bed with Hubs, something in the smell of our clean sheets made me catch my breath - something struck my sense and reminded me of my sweet Grandma Barb, who passed away nearly 2 years ago...and I just started to cry.

Isn't it amazing the effect certain senses have on our memory?

A smell of clean sheets, perhaps the lavender linen spray on my pillow case...my Grandma always had fresh sprigs of lavender about...something struck my heart.

I lay there remembering so many special times with her...as a little girl, all of 5, when my parent's were away overnight one evening and she was staying with me at our home, I woke up crying for my mom. We had been sleeping together in my parents big bed and I remember her getting up with me and us padding down the hallway in our pjs to the kitchen of our little house. We went through the saloon doors (yep, saloon doors) into our kitchen and her pouring me a mug of Coca-Cola. Ohhh delight! I was never allowed soda as a kid, but it was a vice of my Grandma's that was always on hand... I remember I felt like such a big special girl. How funny now to think on it...

Than, best of all...as always before bed...she would let me curl up in her lap and would rock-a-bye my little body and hum some deep tune until I fell asleep.

Love.

I remember thinking the other night as I laid in bed, here I am dang near 33 years old and what I wouldn't give some days to curl up in my Grandma's lap and have her rock me to sleep.

She was SUCH a lovely, driving force in my life.

It seemed like through all the up's and down's she was always there and always knowing. I'd be having a bad day and would find a card from her in the mail, or receive a phone call out of the blue... It always made me feel so precious.

Life is so genuinely short and I want to make sure those that I know & love TRULY know how much I love them.

So this week, if something continued to touch my heart and bring certain people to mind I truly made a point to reach out more. If someone came to mind, I called them...If a name continued to beat across my heart, I dropped them an email or a card in the mail... If my children crossed my path, I hugged them tight... My Hubby woke & went to bed with many kisses...

Today, with kiddos at school and littlest boy napping, R & I shut down all outside distractions and did yoga (yes, literally - yoga) together and followed up with meditation... I always love to do this with my Hubby. During meditation, I always recite prayer in my mind...prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving and prayers for those around me that touch my life in all ways.

I'm learning to take the Good WITH the Bad & The Ugly :)

And, when the storm has passed...as my Faithful Heart has taught me they always do, so we continue to stand together...and that is such a lovely thing.

Peace within Us. Peace above Us. Peace below us. Peace around us.

What a lovely promise.

Relishing in Alone Time

2011-02-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

This is my view this morning.

Delightful

(although...low on clarity & size - ha ha)

R drove the big kids to school along with the littlest boy in tow. Dropped the oldest at school and than headed to the Mall, yes The Mall, to allow lil' G to run around in the Kid Zone play area and give lucky Meeee a morning at home A L O N E.

Divine!

So...a fire roaring, my blinds open in a desperate attempt to allow ANY sunlight in, hot cocoa beside me and my feet up in the big chair.

This all sounds so picturesque...but in addition, I have Regis & Kelly clicked on in the background (I think Kelly is a hoot!) and during each commerical break I pop up and do some household task. This cracks me up about myself, because with an hour or so free in the morning you think I'd sleep in, camp out and do NOTHING...but I like to think I am in the best of both worlds right now. I'm catching up on blogs, sipping cocoa...than during commercials I am able to vacuum ALL upstairs uninterrupted...or fold a load of laundry in the utility room uninterrupted...or unload the dishwasher, after running overnight, uninterrupted...

With a one-year-old on the loose and on the move all these same tasks manage to find a way of getting done throughout the day...BUT it's quite a bit of stop and go trying to manage to get anything accomplished.

Garrett Shaw is QUITE the helper :)

(ie...unplugging the vacuum, throwing all the laundry out of the dryer onto the floor, repeated attempts to climb INSIDE the dishwasher as I unload...)

Waking up this morning, I was filled with dread - we'd been in a "Winter Weather Advisory" overnight...I was NOT going to be thrilled to see the white stuff outside. Thankfully, there was none - yet. It's absolutely cold out. The pool cover is iced over and bits of frost in the shaded corners of the yard...

It's beginning to feel like the longest winter in the history of the world.

I'm soothing my winter angst with a single hyacinth on my table (you can barely see it over the corner of my cup) it's just beginning to creep open and I kid you not, several times a day I stop by...elbows on the table...nose right up against the petals and INHALE...

Isn't that the saddest form of a mood booster you've ever heard?

ha ha

Other winter blue-busters this week included a fabulous Skate Day with old friends on President's Day. It was great to allow the big kids an outing on a no school day and me a chance to visit with one of my oldest, dearest friends.

Yesterday I met with another old friend/coworker and we mall walked. Too funny! I always think of that as something that older folks do...but yet, we love it. The weather is too freezing for our little boys to be outside, and honestly, too cold for my liking as well!! It allows us to get our exercise in, visit and after a good hour of walking...grabbing Starbucks and hitting the play area so the boys can tear around. Since it was also R's day off of work...I phoned him as we were wrapping up our walk and he drove our motorcycle down and met up with us. Got his 'bucks on and was able to watch His Boy act like a big kid and play with others. We didn't stay all that long...we had walked longer than an hour and Garrett was ready for a NAP! Hence, R taking him back there this morning. We've been texting a bit and R said he has gotten in some great photos. Can't wait to see them...

My morning alone is drawing to an end...going to head up to shower. I received the nicest, and yet funniest comment from my good friend, Robin, the other day. Tuesday...she and I were texting back and forth and she said "Kelly, you are always so organized and clean..I need to take some notes"...to which I replied, "ha! My dear, I am still in my pjs (it was 2pm folks!) Ohh, wait..and so is Garrett!" As I look around this morning, it makes me smile...the house IS in order but only because I had a morning ALONE to tackle it all bright n' early...but my kitchen itself is tore up with the backsplash removed, taped off for painting, a Valentine's decor tote on the counter...it just reminds me that Life is definitely what you ALLOW people to see...and I'm going to try harder to make sure people see the tore up kitchen as much as they do the perfect bedrooms... I don't want to be a blogger OR a friend that doesn't keep things real. What joy is that?! :)

Speaking OF dear Robin, I am so excited for our Mom's Date Day next week...ahhhh, Goodwilling, Thrifting, Real Dealing... In fact that darling cup in my photo...I'd been looking and scouring for delicate white cups and saucers for several months now. The other day, she gave me a jingle and let me know she had ran across a set of TEN that appeared to be just what I was looking for! LOVE that I have a friend that is keeping her eye out for my silly hearts desires! I raced down and grabbed the whole set...they are perfect! White is not typically my thing, I like yellows, reds, rich chocolates...white is usually too sterile/clinical for me...but my mind was set on WHITE cups/saucers. And there they are, now cozied up in my hutch and looking perfect! Our girl's date is a whole week away and I'm already excited!!

Hope everyone else has a lovely remainder of the week and is finding their own ways to beat the Winter Blues!

Slowly but Surely....

2011-02-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

I've spoken openly about my LOVE for this home...and I've also shared how some...errr MANY likely thought we were nutty for leaving behind our custom-built home in an HOA housing development to venture out on a quest even WE thought might have been impossible:

Finding a larger home (+1 bedroom +1 bathroom +1 family room) AND reduce our mortgage.

Well, we found not only ALL those things but so much more...a great neighborhood close to my favorite school(s), walking distance to close friends and our local market, in a quieter, more rural community that allowed my Hubby to be thisclose to the police department he works for yet keep a little more anonimity for our family...

Oh yes, and the inground pool with diving board and slide!

Minor detail :)

However, with all THOSE fantastic benefits we did have to suck it up a bit and work our way around the "fixer-upper" issues of our 1978 built home.

Ohhhh the issues. :)

Adding to the *issues* is the fact that at the time bebe #3 was born into this Family R & I knew that we wanted me to be home full-time...so I quit my career and reduced our income by approx $50k a year.

Yep.

Yep we did.

And honestly, it's amazing...we do the whole Dave Ramsey Cash ONLY/live debt free way of life and stick to a budget -meaning all those updates I want to make to our home have to bide their time until we've saved up the moolah to make it happen.

This requires patience - a skill in which I struggle.

No lie ;)

But, amazingly enough...we have not only Survived on the income reduction but Thrived. Our Family has been so blessed in so many ways over the past year of me being home...I could not even begin to count the abundance of ways we have been shown that the choices we make are truly honored.

Is it always fun to stick to it? Mmmm - NOPE! But when we have friends that come to us and ask HOW to get started or even our parents that share HOW proud of us they are...it gives such a boost and feeling of accomplishment.

One such accomplishment we have been striving towards is making some headway in our downstairs family room. Our home has 3 floors, and some days I have thought, "Thank GOD for that..." because having to have THIS room within eyeshot on a daily basis as it continued for many months to be an absolute fall-out zone for our household...oye, it was enough to make me so stressed some days. I know that seems a silly thing to *stress* over when obviously in my life this past year I've had waaay bigger fish to fry - BUT nonetheless I am who I am and it stressed me out. I like things in order, I like things to have a place - none of which was happening in this downstairs eye sore for many months.

Behold - the makings of a room I finally enjoy being in...

The day BEFORE we moved in - all the old carpet/pad up awaiting install of the new stuff

The nightmare I have had to endure all these many months. Seriously blogland - although dying I am posting this picture, just keepin' it real!

Finally - finally...making some headway...chose rich chocolatey brown & gray paints...changed floorboard trim to white, new blinds, new lighting, new carpet.

We debated a million times over about ripping that wall unit out...I think if it had been anywhere else in the house I'd have said, "C ya!" but my craft Hubby managed to repair (thankyouverymuch DryDex) sand, refinish it...and I have to say I'm so thankful we didn't yank it. Although it's not complete...we need the remainder of our books, a few more choice pieces - new WHITE barn-style doors to replace old one's...but I think it's finally coming along and a VAST improvement!! Plus, I love the kids having access to all their games on the bottom shelves..it IS afterall a FAMILY room.

Another view the day before moving in....

and another view of the nightmare I've endured.

A child? Why yes, there IS a child lying on the floor there...a ten-year-old we refer to as The Man and who enjoys stashing pairs of dirty white socks under that coffee table. Grrrr.

We are by no means done, but I look at where we have come over the last nearly 6 months of owning this home and feel pleased with where we've come...

And who knows, maybe along this journey of home remodeling patience will become one of those virtures I don't even have to TRY for... :)

Love is a Many-splendored Thing ~

2011-02-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

What a lovely Love Day indeed

I hope every girl was as lucky I.

I woke up early this morning and after giving baby boy his morning bottle returned to our room and went in to put my contacts in (you see, I'm blind really) and there on the counter was a display of a charming card, chocolate covered strawberries, a box of treats from My Sweet. He had snuck in and set it up all knowing I'd head in to put my eyes in...

I can't think of which part is more loving - the surprise, or that he has grown so accustomed to life with me that he knows my patterns? :)

Love is all sorts of warm fuzzies but I think my favorite of all is waking up next to a man each day and being consumed with happiness and gratitude. I'm so thankful for this man and the life we share.

After getting the big kids off to school, I busied myself prepping/decorating for our Sweethearts dinner this evening...our lil' Family, along with my parents and youngest brother, and my great-grandmother.

I made not one but THREE pans of 3-cheese stuffed shell pasta - two for this evening, and of course, a third to go in my freezer (looove to have pre-stocked homemade food in the freezer!) baked a heart-shaped double-layer cake (which Madelyn later decorated) and set out my bag of Valentine treats for Remie & the kiddos...

Even had the table partially set by mid-morning! Nothing like having thing done ahead of time to make the evening more enjoyable - heck, I even had my dishes done before everyone came over...so much more relaxing!

(above) The kids view as they came in the front door - Madelyn Mae was so excited to see that I had used the Valentine hearts she had so thoughtfully made me used as decor... The one above on the ceiling was one she made me back in 1st grade - she couldn't believe I still had it. I had to remind her, those are my very favorite pieces of decor - the stuff from the heart.

Maddy's cake decor. A fine job indeed on her first attempt at a frosting heart! (and soooo deelish, a butter recipe yellow cake - it melted in your mouth!)

Dinner was lovely.

Food came out fantastic - pasta, gorgeous salad, garlic french bread... mmm-mmm.

Maddy entertained us with a game...

Than as the kids ventured off to play in our newly completed downstairs (more pics on that tomorrow!) it was so cozy to sit around over dessert and steaming cups of doctored coffee and visit with my parents, my grandmother and the love of my life.

I truly am a Loved woman.

I didn't always feel this way...and it's a joy to be back to that spot.

Today, on Oprah, as I was finishing my salad prep, I overheard her guest, Roseanne Barr saying "No matter what mistake you've made, no matter what dark spot you've been in...there's always an opportunity to come back into the Light."

So right.

So true.

Love is a many-splendored thing

Its the April rose that only grows in the early spring

Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be Living

~ Happy Valentine's Day ~

Sick is the Pits

2011-02-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

The flu bug has hit our house.

UGH.

I thought feeling overtired last week was bad...this is a nightmare in comparison.

The aches...ohhhhh the aches.

To add to the misery, since The Flu decided to grace our home this week/end several things are down the toilet (ahem)

My cousin, Katie, had her second beautiful baby boy today and I can't go snuggle him.

Our evening Sweethearts Dinner plans to get all gussied up and attend the Police Awards Banquet tonight (my ONLY night all year to ever get really dressed up) is a no-go.

Our pre-Valentine weekend getaway to Seattle is also a bust.

Really? REALLY??

Such drudgery.

In addition the sun has been shining and I didn't get to go outside and enjoy it. It has me thinking herb garden and planting hydrangeas and peonies...

But, under the things that make me smile category - my husband still has the weekend off (to baby me!!) my friend, Jaimie, and her Hubs found out they are having a healthy baby girl (their Fourth - so exciting! They raise lovely ladies!) and I came across this picture of me and my sis...

Ohhh how I wish she lived closer so she could come snuggle and watch "My Father The Hero" with me... :)

Here's to hoping everyone else had a lovely week and has plenty of sweet things to look forward to this weekend - AND to hoping I feel better by Love Day so I can keep my dinner plans with my Valentine's.

What did YOU do today?

2011-02-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

'nuff said

Where did the time go???

2011-02-04T23:29:00.000-08:00

Babies in bed.

R off at the local arena working off-duty OT as security at a hockey game (those hockey fans can get kinda wild ya know...)

Sooo what was a girl to do with herself? :)

Okay - so call me crazy but I CLEANED.

Now, mind you, I clean, pick-up, putz every day...but give me an evening at home with the promise of a new 2-hour Dateline set to start at 9pm and I am going to be a deep scrubbing fool up until that eagerly anticipated show starts!!

I hand scrubbed our distressed hardwoods floors, I hand scrubbed and SHINED our kitchen floor, I cleaned out the fridge (I do this EVERY two weeks before my big grocery shopping trip...) wiped down cabinets, did laundry, dusted...when all was in order and sparkling bright I put up my handful of Valentine decorations. I don't decorate tons for Valentine's Day...just a few precious things I really adore.

With mi casa in order, I settled in with a nice glass of wine and put my feet up in the big chair to watch Dateline. Midway through the show, R called and told me he'd been working all night and "trying to work up the nerve" to call and ask me out on a date tomorrow night...

My husband is the dreamiest.

I hmm-ed and haaa-ed (ya, right!!) and than said "YES!!!"

So, although the best laid plans were to upload pics and bore my lurkers with the tales of this past week...it will have to wait til later on this weekend...because the evening past altogether too quickly and moments ago, R sent me a text informing me he was on his way home and last thing I wanna do is be on this stinkin' lap top when My Man arrives home.

For now, I'll leave you with this grainy cell phone picture of a little boy that fell asleep on his daddy after a morning walk today...

Our Blessing

2011-01-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

"Children make you want to start your life over" Muhammed Ali

I read the above quote the other day, and it made me think...at first I thought, "Well...that's not right..." but reading it again, and thinking back on the past several years of my life especially - it all came together for me and felt so true.

I could definitely look back on my life and would request a few "do over's" - I think if we're all honest, that's true for anyone. But, for myself especially I feel as though I have absolutely had some doozies in that department.

Doesn't self-awareness suck? :)

But, what I've also learned through raising some pretty amazing children and the relationships that I have forged AND earned with each of them - is that some of our "do over's" that we'd like actually form us into the very person we ARE to become.

All of my adult relationships have taught me about the person I am, or the person I'd like to be, but more especially about the type of Mother I want to be. Of all my achievements that I am most proud of - who I am as a Mother to my children gives me the most pride.

I have had people say to me, "Say what I can about ya....you ARE a good mother..."

No higher compliment could I ever receive!

So, at the ripe old age of 31, when I found out that after nearly ten years of motherhood that I was going to be a mommy again - I was anxious at first (this baby business is definitely a young person's game!!) but as the weeks passed and anxieties gave way to sheer excitement, and those first fluttery kicks of a baby were felt, I felt such an absolute blessing in my life.

After years of various family/friendship/in-law drama, I had struggled to find peace and forgiveness...yet all those things that had at one time felt SO dire & important gave way to this new life forming inside me.

A new beginning.

I cherished my pregnancies, but my 3rd one especially knowing it would be my last...I cut myself slack and napped, and ate and lounged. I spent many a night curled up on the couch with my older kids and my BIG ole belly on display and we would put our hands on my tummy and feel our baby kick and squirm against our touch.

Any amount of anger that a person could feel towards another just dissolves over the miracle of a baby.

And that is exactly how I felt.

I remember talking with R at length about these various relationship struggles I was going through and how to move on or let go or get past...how it killed me to think this new baby wouldn't know a relationship with all members of my family and that just broke my heart. He would always tell me, "The only thing that matters sweets, is OUR family. Not anyone else, just OUR little family. OUR family is what WE make it."

And, he was right.

You're never going to please everybody. You're never going to be able to be all things for all people. You're not always going to get forgiveness from the people you want it from the most. And, unfortunately, there are some things in life that are not repairable.

Yet, all the while....as I was struggling to "deal" along came God and blessed my little family and my aching heart with news of this baby. That became the focus, the joy, the anticipation of our lives.

And on January 30th, 2010...a beautiful new man arrived in our lives...

Garrett Shaw

He was one of those rare babies that arrived in this world absolutely beautiful

He melts my heart every day with his mooches, his giggles, the way he monkey mimics his older siblings, the smiles we wake up to every day, the way he kicks & squirms with excitement when he see's his big brother & sister.

I have felt such peace & blessing with his arrival...all those things I used to fret over, washed to the wayside...my heart had no room to hang on to them any longer. I thank God for this blessing every day.

And his daddy - I am so thankful for this man. His love. His support. His friendship.

I am so thankful that he believes in putting what we WANT for our family at the forefront of our lives and working so hard every day so that I can now stay home full-time to raise these three darling children. This past year with Garrett has gone quickly and I am so thankful to my sweet hubby for making it so that I don't have to miss one single minute of it.

And most importantly, I am so blessed to be the woman that he chose to make him a daddy.

Remembering

2011-01-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Today was not my day.

Actually, neither was yesterday come to think of it...

I feel like I am maybe coming down with something and, of course, this is not the week for The Momma to fall ill.

Oye.

Busy week with dental cleanings, haircuts, evening musical performances at school, GNO, family in town this weekend to celebrate Garbear's birthday...to name a few.

Yesterday and today I was d-r-a-g-g-i-n-g.

Not much got done around this joint after the big kiddos were dropped off at school yesterday. I napped when Garrett napped and sent my husband a text midday asking him if I would be awarded "The Worst Mother In The World" trophy if I put baby boy in his high chair with a snack and allowed him to watch a cartoon movie while I slugged on the big chair.

To his credit, he said, "No" but I couldn't bring myself to do it so instead we bundled up and with lil' G in his jogging stroller headed out to meet the big kids and walk home from school - *hoping* the fresh air would help. It didn't.

I mustered my way through the remainder of the evening, tasty noodle soup and grilled turkey and cheese provided an easy and comforting dinner...

Best laid plan was to be in bed early - which I was, yet couldn't fall asleep til nearly 1am.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr

R had the day off and being the wonderful Hubs he is let me sleep in to catch up on some sleep and hopefully feel better. Unfortunately, my phone was OFF so I slept through my alarm and woke up in a panic. It was our day to meet up with the big kiddos and have lunch at school.

Double - Grrrrrrr

I sucked it up and was out of bed and getting showered so we wouldn't be late.

Isn't that the worst? I hate waking up late. I hate running late. I hate scrambling.
UGH.
I'd have rather just gotten up on time.

After lunch with the kiddos R and I headed home and put the little boy down for a nap.

Than, we did n o t h i n g.

It was sheer bliss.

I'd gotten Starbucks earlier so sat in my big chair, started up the fireplace, snuggled under a blanket, watched some crap t.v. (thankyouverymuch Tori & Dean: Inn Love reruns) and tried not to feel like the day was a complete loss because I wasn't "getting something done".

Earlier last year, when all the PC (precancerous) talk became a part of our lives, I was able to completely live in the moment - - yet, here we are only a month into the New Year and I felt all day that churning, anxious busy-busy feeling like I had to be getting a task completed or a project done.

Who needs that???

So, it was nice to get a reality check. A breather. A moment. To reflect on how completely NON-productive fussing over things "not" getting done can be on a person.

Instead, I gave R impromptu passionate smooches throughout the day, cooked a lovely meatloaf/mashed pots/gravy dinner for the family, bathed and snuggled the baby boy to bed, went on an evening walk with R around the neighborhood and am thankful that tomorrow is another day to have with my Family.

(*insert tune of "The Hokey Pokey here)

"That's What It's All A-bout!"

Springer Teaser

2011-01-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

This weekend was my hubby's LONG weekend off - meaning as of Thursday night at 6pm he didn't have to return to work til Monday morning...loooove those long weekends OFF!

Friday with the big kiddos off to school, I left Garbear with Remie and headed out for a little "Mommy Morning" with my friend, Robin. Her hubby works with R so she left her 2 younger one's with her hubby and we headed out to do a little Goodwill Hunting.

Yep - GOODWILL Hunting

Robin and I are both avid fans of finding hidden treasures at Goodwill - I have an old round magazine table I am working on refinishing (thank you Goodwill) and this round Robin scored herself a darling, solid wood desk chair she plans on refinishing for her computer area.

However, she did find that item at a fantastic little antique shop downtown. She hadn't been there before and I told her that it was

A-mazing but that she had to get past the fact we had to drive past a Burlesque Coffee Stand and the fact that it was an old house renovated into an antique shop that looked straight out of something from the series "Buried Alive".

Thankfully, she was game :)

At one such store, I found THIS amazing little find - -

SCORE!!

Whoever tossed out this little number must have realized my immense attraction to apothecary's and hurricane domes. I couldn't wait to get home and (after scrubbing/bleaching/disinfecting the daylights out of this thing) fill it with Valentine's sweets & treats.

Saturday, R & I were able to drop kiddo off at Grandma and Grandpa's and take in a matinee.

Bliss.

I definitely fell OFF the 'lose the baby weight or bust" wagon though and inhaled a movie theatre tray of nachos with jalapeno's during the flick.

What's that did you say? Did I share with R?

HECK no! I really fell off and we each ate our own!!

Oye vey

Oh well, each day is new and we DID walk each morning bright and early. The weather was gorgeous and allowed us to open the windows downstairs as we repainted the family room. The first go-around we wound up h a t i n g the second color. Round Two - love it! My Pottery Barn catalog arrived on Friday and after perusing it for a bit went for the bold and chose a gorgeous rich, chocolately brown for our secondary paint. I can't get enough of it. Love it. Continued work on the built-in bookshelf unit and hope to post *after* photos SOOON.

Yes, Tbell - my favorite little blog stalker...pictures soon :)

In other news, Friday I celebrate ONE whole year of being a stay-at-home Mom & Wifey to my brood. I love it. I miss The Job - not everyone can be a 911 Dispatcher, but I could and I loved every second of it. Even the in-house drama and politics. Someday maybe I'll go back - just hearing a friend mention they were working the fire radio and had a huge commerical structure fire somewhere deep inside of me, I felt "*sigh*....I wanna tone out a commercial structure fire...."

Sick? Probably :)

Sunshine continues to peek through my windows and remind me that Spring is just waiting...my daffodils on the table are blooming and have me thinking ahead to my herb garden...this year, truly, I am ONLY planting those things that I USE. No mas mint. I love the smell of it but it takes over like crazy and every stinkin' best laid plan of drying it and using it in iced tea, etc never takes hold so bag it! ;)

Upcoming events: The bittle boy turns 1 this upcoming weekend!!

Idle Hands ~

2011-01-18T19:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday with no school (*and the big kids back!!) we had a lovely day with unseasonable warm temperatures and sunshine. Camden & I had been joking the past few weeks about our desperate need for a little Vitamin D - - so when we raised the shade on the kitchen window in the morning and sunlight poured in we raised our faces to the beams and extended our arms out like we were sunbathing... ahhhhh. :)

After a lazy morning of a big breakfast, cocoa and the paper I had invited the kids close friends/neighbors around the corner for an afternoon playdate...reminding me YET AGAIN why I love the lay out of our 3-level home. We had Garrett napping and 5 big kids playing indoors and it was blissfully quiet. R & I sat in our big reading chairs and finished off the paper & talked about how we should really get out of our pjs pants and venture outside. *Yes. Yes in fact I DID invite friends over while still in my pj pants and a hoodie because that's how we roll. If you're in with us - you're in, the good, the bad, the pjs. :) NOT to mention, not one kiddo cared...they were thrilled I had them over and made dino-nuggets for lunch!

While we lounged, R & I discussed how we have had several projects under construction around the house and how we wanted to finalize some of them before moving on to another...

One BIG project was going through and changing out ALL the old/yellow/dingy/hmmpht light fixutres with new/clean/crisp/sparkly/WHITE. My husband has undertaken this task and although it would seem fairly easy...who KNEW that changing out a fixture could at times be very tedious and cause a few - er...electrical issues throughout our home. BUT, true to form he has stuck with it and I have LOVED the results. I loooove the color on our main floor and stairwell but the fixtures just were so grimy looking against it. See the difference? NOT a big deal to other's but for a self-proclaimed neat freak, I couldn't be more pleased!!

MY latest project has been refinishing an old oak rocker that R's mom gave to us when we had Garrett. It is the very same rocker that his momma used to rock HIM to sleep in when he was a baby so it has a very special place in our heart. Only thing was...it needed a little spruce up. I was able to paint it white but than add a cushion and little toss pillow including my favorite accent color (red/yellow) to liven it up.

Now, it's place is near one of my two huge back windows facing over the backyard and pool. I think it's even more lovely in person - but here tis....

In addition to the chair wrap-up, I also immersed myself in a little sunshine and fresh air. As R took down our remaining white twinkle lights off our front shrubs I relocated them out under our covered back patio and painstakingly wound and wrapped and wove them around the pergola overhang and trellis. It took awhile and with the deceiving sunshine giving way to COLD temperatures my poor fingers were ACHING but it looks gorgeous. Can't wait for summer nights and dinners outside...

Our day was rounded out with the kiddos heading to my folks for homemade pizza night, while R & I got a rare evening/dinner out with friends. We were still back home early to get kiddos to bed on time but I relish in our adult only nights...

Date night lives on....looking forward to our Valentine's Weekend getaway to Seattle...

Dog days...

2011-01-16T16:32:00.001-08:00

I've been housebound all weekend. :)

And it ain't bad.

When R & I decided to start really committing ourselves to following the Dave Ramsey plan and "living like no one else" I don't know that either one of us was really fully aware of all that it would entail...and, this weekend was a genuine reminder.

R worked the long weekend (Fri/Sat/Sun) and he carpools with our good friend/neighbor, Jason, who is also on R's shift at work. This meant that R was going to be driving Saturday-Sunday, which meant no car at the casa for me. R and I made the choice to have ONE vehicle, well, one vehicle with FOUR wheels because of course we would never, ever get rid of our beloved motorcycle!! The one vehicle choice was a deliberate one and not one that either of us regret. It's amazing how many families own 2, 3...even MORE cars than that. But, for us...with me staying home full-time and R only working 14 days a month (yes...14...isn't that lovely? ONE bonus of having a cop as a hubby - lots of days off together!!) it just made sense for OUR family. Eventually we will get another vehicle, but for now - this is what we want for OUR family.

It's amazing the feedback we get from people...they can't fathom HOW we live with one car? Although, truly these were the same people that couldn't believe HOW we could live without cable... :) We do have cable now, and it amazes me how frequently the t.v. is just left OFF. When we had it before it seemed like the t.v. was CONSTANTLY on just as a source of background noise and it drove me nutty. Now, if there is a show on we want to watch..the t.v. comes on, but it's not just on full-time and I love that shift in our family.

So, this weekend was about no wheels and no kids - well, minus SOME kids. The big kids are up spending a lovely weekend on Whidbey Island (where I grew up) with their grandparents. I hate when my big kids are away...things just seem so out of sorts and I am just out of my element. I said as much to R this weekend and he sweetly just smooches my forehead and reminds me they will be home soon. So, it has been just baby G and I hanging all weekend. Saturday we were such lazy bums. I treated myself to a pj day and the littlest boy and I kicked it in our jammies until well into the afternoon. I finished organizing Madelyn's closet after our clean-out of clothing this past week, went through too-small baby clothes in Garrett's room, went through my closet and realized I have a grip of purses/handbags I haven't used in years - GONE!

I have had a large box at the foot of the upstairs this whole week and I tasked myself to put an item in it each time I went up or down...now not only is that box full but several bags next to it. Can't wait to make a drop off at Goodwill and rid the clutter.

In addition to tackling closets, I cleaned out and rearranged my spice cabinet. My husband laughs at me because I constantly rearrange the kitchen. He rarely know's where anything is because once I THINK it's found a permanent home, I wind up rearranging for a better 'flow'. I can't help it, we've only been in this home since the end of August and it takes a girl awhile to get the lay of the land in her new digs. :)

On an exciting front, we had a guy come and give us a bid on new countertops for the kitchen. I can't wait to begin tackling the kitchen! I am rather bipolar about the topic though. I can't decide WHAT to do first...cabinets, than counter? Or counter, than backsplash THAN cabinets? Oye. I am looking forward to a Mom's Day with my girlfriends, Megan & Robin on Thursday to get their home makeover input.

Today, another lovely lazy day...woke up with the baby boy early and he unexpectedly went right back to sleep! Without so much of twinge of guilt, I went and jumped back into our big comfy bed. As mentioned, I've missed my older babies all weekend, so it was nice to have one luxurious moment to be thankful they were off having a great weekend and be able to savor the freedom a bit myself.

When Garrett woke up for the day, we went downstairs and snuggled over fresh blueberry muffins and couldn't BELIEVE the gorgeous sunshine pouring through the windows. I talked to my sweet hubby and told him that the only bummer part about NOT having a car today was that I wished Starbucks delivered. :)

Later on in the day, I got THIS surprise on our front porch....

my FAVORITE iced coffee drink and a note from my sweet hubs.

(*He had dropped it off during his break*)

The Note:
"You are so loved. I appreciate ALL you do! I know you are having a hard time right now (kiddos) I will be waiting for you "on the other side" (ha! ha!) when you are back in your element. You are a good Mother and a good Wife. You are greatly loved by someone whose name starts with an "R" and ends with an "E" Between these letters are an "E...M...I" can you figure out WHO loves ?!?" Enjoy!"

Have I mentioned how much I adore this man? :)

I love that R understands that I'm just out of sorts with the big kids gone, it makes me wander ahead to the future and give thought to WHAT will it be like with an empty nest years from now when all the kiddos have moved out? Oye. It was time for a little reality check. Thanks Hubs.

SO - after THAT lovely pep to my day, Garrett and I decided to bundle up against the wind (60 degrees out! but windy - boo!) and walk to our neighborhood Yoke's. I LOVE our small town and the fact that it's just ONE little grocer's market and gas station out here and within just blocks of our home. Love it. We have plenty of "big cities" neighboring us less than ten minutes, but I relish in the quiet and secluded community we live in.

The wind wasn't bad...and the fresh air was invigorating!! Came home and swept off my front porch, took down the remainder of my holiday garland and finally tossed my Christmas wreath. There is always something rather sad about that...it's the final goodbye to Christmas...

Hopefully this spring-like weather will continue...I'm ready for pansies and hyacinth to grace my porch and table...

For now, enjoying the sun setting out my big back windows...feet up and a fire started as the evening cools down...chili cooking in the crockpot and the little boy enjoying a late day nap...the house is sparkling clean and organized, so what's a Mom to do?

Why indulge in a little "Hoarders" on A&E

What better way to round out this lovely Sunday until R get's home? :)

Why, yes....that IS my husband....

2011-01-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

We were at Home Depot yesterday picking up supplies and writing out a further heart's desire list when one of R's coworkers text him and said that he was on the news. Ohh the groan that came from my husband...so, of course, I had to check it out.

He is the bald & beautiful one...as if you didn't know :)

Good Stuff

2011-01-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

I'm sooo excited.

Like, bouncing off the walls, antsy, Christmas DAY all over again excited.

Today my hubby started his first day of Dayshift for the next FOUR whole months and I am beyond thrilled!! I am a smitten kitten with this guy & his graveyard rotation as a police officer this last go around truly seemed ENDLESS.

Perhaps because we had JUST moved into this new house about 2 weeks before he went to the dark-side. So, a lot of unpacking, projects and most importantly time together had to be placed on the back burner. Dinner's as a family were limited to half the time and for a girl that LOVES her evening dinner family sit down time as much as me, that stunk.

But, today is The Day.

Four glorious months of dayshift

He'll be home by 630 each night.

I was up and at it early, walked the kiddos to school. Holy heck, it was FREEZING but I figure nobody but ME is going to work this last ten lbs of baby weight off my hiney so come rain or shine or snow and freezing temps...I've got to be moving! After I got home, I buzzed around all day. With R not home sleeping during the day, I had the stereo on and went about my home business and play time with the littlest boy. When Garrett laid down for nap I was able to finish cleaning out ALL the kiddos closets, drawers, etc...you'd think having JUST moved we'd have nothing left to give to Goodwill but I am freakish and go through things every few months. Scrubbed the bathrooms, put clean sheets on our bed...nothing substitutes the feeling of sliding into fresh, clean sheets after a long day.

Lovely.

I had anticipated making a scrumptious dinner in celebration of his first night on days...BUT since Friday was our promised pizza night with the kiddos and they wound up both attending overnight parties, pizza is the menu tonight. I swung by Papa Murphy's...the only type of non-homemade pizza we like anymore - and have everything else prepped.

Like the good housewifey I am, I plan on greeting him at the door with a smooch and a 1950's apron on and a mixed drink for my sweets in hand :)

He's so stinkin' cute...look at that smile and those dimples.

Awww..I love bein' a kept woman ;)

Crackers

2011-01-06T22:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes my children truly crack me up.

Madelyn Mae was in rare form this evening...

from the moment she got home from school she was bounding from one level of the house to the other. Now, to be real - the girl does NOT know how to walk. She doesn't.

She runs.

Skips.

Jumps.

Lumbers.

Dashes.

High-steps.

Every. Where. She. Goes.

I swear, if I went about my life like that I wouldn't still have ten pounds of baby weight still to shed!

I was sprawled out in front of the fire, getting a 'warm up' as we say around this joint. The big kids were each cozied up in our big chairs, Camden in R's and Maddy in mine. We were watching "Winter Wipeout" (egads) and they were giggling hysterically. Only children can find humor in shows like that, I swear as I've gotten older the more I watch stuff like "America's Funniest Home Videos" I CRINGE more than I laugh and only think, "Ohhhh the recovery after THAT..."

This was the chat during commerical break - -
Mae: "Mom..I don't think I wanna be a teacher any more."

Me: "Oh yeah, why's that..."

(mind you, what they're going to be changes daily

- as it should at this age)

Mae: "Well, I'm thinking about it. But something has me, like, worried."

Me: "Worried? About being a teacher?? Why?"

Mae: "Because I don't wanna have to wear my pants like this..."

and than proceeded to hitch her pj britches up waaay past her navel and stand there rather indignantly like how could I not just KNOW that high-waisted pants were the issue at hand!

Camden and I just stared at her for a full minute.

Than burst out laughing.

I assured her that by NO mean's did becoming a teacher force her into a life of "mom jeans"

ha ha ha

I'm not quite sure if I have her convinced :)

And, than, after she was done scrubbing her chompers she came out of the bathroom having recreated "Mr. Napkin Head" from one of my favorite movies "The Holiday"

Silly. Silly.

They are getting big SO big so fast...love that we have these evenings at home, and can't wait for R to be able to join us! Tonight marks his last night of graveyard for FOUR whole months.

Happy Wife

Off to a good start ~

2011-01-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

Super excited about these New Year's resolutions!!

Yesterday I was up and showered and ready for the day before my kiddos, all three of them, were even awake! Felt lovely to have that quiet, private time to myself in the early morning hours. WHICH is saying a lot because I am typically NOT a lover of mornings. :)

But, it was nice to get ready uninterrupted and when the kiddos all began to rouse around for their first day back to school it felt like I was already way ahead of the game. Garrett has been SUCH a mobile, busy boy that if I didn't take the opportunity to get ready in the morning my chance was lost until he laid down again - unless I wanted a companion in the shower/bath with me.

Months ago it wasn't that big of a deal when he was still napping twice a day...by 0930/1000 he was ready for his first morning nap and I could finish house pick-up and go get ready. HOWEVER, now that my wee one has opted to forego his morning nap for ONE big nap midday...I found myself on some days where it would be 1130/Noon and I hadn't had a chance to get ready. Not a crisis I know...but being home full-time is really my job no different than R going into to work. I'm certainly not seeing the paycheck (really, I've been meaning to speak to my hubby about this...ha!) but nonetheless I do have things I like to accomplish each day & honestly, living in yoga pants and my only hairstyle some days being a greasy ponytail is not QUITE the domestic bliss I had in mind.

SO, we are off to a good start...the day felt lovely, relaxed and yet full of purpose.

In other exciting news, my hubby switches to patroling the city streets in his black & white during DAYLIGHT hours instead of at night the start of next week!! I am BEYOND excited! Being a police officer's wife is something that I cannot explain to anyone. The only people that truly, truly 'get it' are other officers wives. We have been so blessed since moving into the new house to have a fellow officer and his family living just around the corner from us. It's lovely to be able to speak to his wife and have that understanding of just what it's like to have a hubby employed as a cop and how those long 4 months of graveyard seem to stretch on forever...but there IS light at the end of this tunnel and we are fast approaching it.

Dayshift for FOUR months.

Dinner together as a family every single night.

DE-LIGHT-FUL!!

The past few months the view below has been the image out my window from the main floor of our house..

(it looks so small with snow surrounding it! Hard to believe it is dang near Olympic-size and 11ft deep - looks like a hot tub in this shot!)

But, alas, Christmas is over and the New Year has passed..the snow is melted and although still bitter cold the sunshine has reminded us that Spring & Summer are inevidible. With those hot, sunny days our family will be living outdoors!! It will be our first full summer in the new house with the pool...we moved in during August this past year and even at that we lived out back and under our covered patio.

With that in mind, R & I have really pressed ourselves to work on some 'interior' home projects before the lure of nice weather pulls us to projects out-of-doors. At the top of our list, was work on our downstairs family room. It is HUGE and had such potential it was a great selling point for this home. We love the living room/living space on the main floor but this bonus room is perfect for our family. I fell in love with it even more over this holiday season as we had friends and their kiddos over and the adults could be on the main floor visiting and chatting & the kids could all hang out and laugh and talk and horse play all out of the way...it was just nice and peaceful. There was no telling anyone to be quieter, or not race around...I always wanted to have a home that I could enjoy but also one where kids could be kids.

THIS Home - our Forever Home provides just that.

HOWEVER, it has needed some work. These our photos of the family/bonus room the day before we moved our furniture in. We had torn out ALL the carpet/padding so that the new stuff could go in. That was ONE gimme at the start of our move - we had to have new carpet, no if's and's or but's...with a new baby in the home I just couldn't fathom putting him down on carpet someone else had walked on or had pets on. THUS, new carpet throughout the day before we moved everything in.

The built-in book shelv/shelving posed a dilemna for R & I. It was so rough looking and really rather outdated with the oak finish that we almost opted to tear it out. BUT, something made me want to hold onto it...something nagged at us that there was potential there. To-date I am STILL so thankful we didn't tear it out...I'm excited to show off the finished product!

(another view)

My love was HARD at work all day today painting...it looks so fantastic and I am IN LOVE with the color(s) we chose. Looking forward to posting updated pics soon!

Stay tuned - - -