Just Me!!

Whole30 Complete

2012-02-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

I have waited to post anything on my blog related to Whole30 which included thoughts and feelings to the very end for the reason that I wasn't so sure my family, or I would make it. We have, and we did. Many emotions have been displayed throughout the course of the 30, but never regret on my part. I did go through detox, and lethargy, and some nasty poo, but the worst was experienced in the first week. The first week Mark and I spent on the couch in our jam-jams sleeping and watching movies. Maybe the hardest day was my birthday, when I fussed about how i couldn't have cake. mark fixed that for me and made the best tasting PALEO cake. We have been through diet changes before Iil lady came about, the year of our lives that we spent as vegetarians. Charlie has presented some problems. People at work thought I was cruel, even doctors, for depriving my 4 year old of milk and milk based products. So much so, that I allowed Greek yogurt, only one a day to be included back into her diet. Peer pressures a bitch! She came around to our way of thinking after about a week. She knows exactly what she can eat, and boy does she ever eat. After this post I will list a load of things I learned from our diet. Anyways, at first I spent nearly every moment in the kitchen. Now it is habit and I try to make two things at once so that I am covered for awhile. The kids are constantly snacking, but only on good food (all others were purged prior-and given to my brother). The children have come to love cauliflower rice, quiche, eggs, coconut milk, homemade Balsamic dressing, and of course Larabars. Mark is not so into staying Whole30, but is definitely ready to start and stay on a Paleo lifestyle.

My challenge now is completing a workout every day for the next thirty. Starting March 5th we dive back into the Whole30 lifestyle. The lifestyle is allowing me to wean my cravings and look to food as sustance instead of reward. It is still extremely hard to view a date with Mark without going to dinner! I crave dates surrounded by food. We started that way. Olive Garden breadstick with yummy salad...we would even grab it to go and eat it on our trips to the Oregon beaches.

I learned:
Kids need a lot of food when eating healthy
Kids are easily adaptable to change
Kids have tons of high and lows when sugar is involved
Kids are mellow and themselves when you take the sugar and gluten from their diet
ADHD can be cured with diet...amphetamine free for 30 days!
Nearly everyday our kids were offered candy as a REWARD at school
Eating out doesn't have to be scary...who doesn't want a nice steak dinner?

What remains gone:
Bread
Diet Coke
Dairy, except for occasional cream for our coffee and my plans to make homemade Greek yogurt!

What I've gained:
A sense of pride for feeding my kids things that will help them live longer, be more productive, and increase a sense of happiness.
Weight loss of 10 lbs
Dropped two pants sizes
Normal digestion
Feeling of decreased inflammation and swelling of my belly
No headaches for a month (had one, but resolved without medication)
A joy of cooking
Disgust when I see other people stock up on processed food that contains cancer causing agents
A change in how I reward myself
Confidence
Knowing I can do this for the rest of my life

The End of My Thirties

2012-01-30T12:40:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I celebrated my 39th birthday. I don't like to get older but my wise daughter said yesterday, " Mom, you're going to get older anyhow so you might as well enjoy it!" True, true.

I slept until 330p and then got up to a wonderful smelling chocolate Paleo cake. It was so yummy. We ate the whole thing before dinner, and then were so full that we didn't even need dinner. The cake apparently had 10 eggs in it! My husband spent the entire day running around for ingredients, cards, and gifts. What a wonderful man I have. He bought me my whole sidebar wish list...

Super C-R-A-N-K

2012-01-29T01:47:00.000-08:00

My sister Shannon wrote in her last blog post, "I've been a basket case. Up and down. Some of the stress is caused from my job, had to work all 40 hours this week plus an extra 3 to fix a big mistake. It was hell. Not a good way to start off the week. Some stress is probably related to my obsessive compulsive behavior about having everything just right."

I just read my sister's blog post and decided to copy it so I could paste it here. It is so funny how much we are alike. Our crazy moments of control must've come from my father. I think. My mom is so easy going, and loves everyone. Don't get me wrong, my dad is awesome but he is a little crazy about tidiness in the house when we were growing up. So we MUST get it from him. Tonight, of all nights, the crazy angry person came out of the woodwork. It started with the laundry. I swear it is always full, never completed, and a constant battle. PLEASE. I ended up folding my daugthers' dirty clothes, and handing them back to her. Not a pretty moment. Or hour. Or three hours. Oh heck, I am still cranky. Maybe it's because this is my birthday. I don't want to get OLD. I WANT presents, a cake, and the celebration though.

To top off my night, I got 4 hours of low census to go and see a concert of one of my and my hunnies favorite bands. Unfortunately Ben Union didn't get on stage before I had to leave to go to work at 11p. I left frustrated at the timing, my attitude, my husband, and a few other things. GRRR.

At 12:19 Chris S. called and wished me my first Happy Birthday. I think it was the first time I smiled today.

Unashamedly Dependant

2012-01-21T22:00:00.001-08:00

Slept with the girls last night. Waking up to them was wonderful. Charlie leaned over and gave me a great big good morning kiss. The girls laid in bed and watched a little Dora until Ryan joined us, then it was all running, giggling,and screaming;)

After breakfast at 1pm, we headed out to the slopes. We found sledding hills right in Roslyn, across from the town square. Charlie tolerated one ride down the slopes, and the other kids ended up trying different sleds just to see which one would catch the most air. Charlie, I, and Valerie made a Mr. Snowman while Ethan practiced his best ever air jump. Caught on tape. Awesome. We topped off sledding with a yummy hot chocolate (I had tea) at Mountain Mermaid. Great coffee shop, friendly service. Valerie begged and offered money if I would get her a lemon bar. I didn't. She understands, but wasn't too happy. Thirteen days of Paleo down. They can make it, minus the hot chocolates. He hee!

Mike grilled us all steaks, broccoli and carrots side, salad, and fruit. It.hit.the.spot. We even had a chance to hot tub while dinner was cooking. Apparently I am in charge of breakfast tomorrow, and Shannon mentioned something about it being served in bed???? Whatever! The kids are all tucked in, Mark is working and waiting for his promised foot rub. Oh, so all that talked of independence yesterday was a crock. I begged, and offered a few things just so my hubby would come to the cabin. I feel really bad for making him lose his peaceful weekend, but am So HAPPY he is here. You rock hon;)

All in A Days Fun

2012-01-21T01:37:00.001-08:00

First full day off with my family. I talked(forced) the family into a "romantic" snowy day walk. Little did I know the snow was pretty much ice, and the streets were full of water puddles! We ended up walking to
Angelea's and enjoyed some tea, coffee, and hot chocolate(for my kids who have been great with their new Paleo diets). We had a better time of it walking back because we took the side streets and shortcuts home. As soon as we arrived we began packing for our spur of the moment trip to Roslyn Wa. My sister asked us to go with them to stay in a cabin and spend time this weekend playing in the snow! I was ready to go! When I'm done with my work week, I just
Want to get away! Mark was unable to make it because he had to teach classes on Saturday morning! We miss him terribly! Hey, the hot tub is calling your name hon! We made it over the pass.... Very proud of the Independent woman I've become....he hee!!!

Blizzard of the Decade

2012-01-20T11:02:00.001-08:00

The news has been warning us of this impending storm for nearly a week. It finally hit us Tuesday night around 1am. The girls at work watched Komo 4 Doppler to see the storm creep towards our region. Our HUC even went home so that she didn't have to drive in the storm. The snow didn't stop our labor checks from coming in...guess babies don't care how cold it gets, or how bad the roads are. The hospital always fails to clean off the side roads and it causes major problems for nurses when we try to go home. I think they deliberately do this so that we will stay at the hospital and be available to work extra, or so that we don't call in sick for the next shift. I wasn't going to stay and sleep on first medical, where they saved us a block of rooms. My mom graciously said she would pay for a room at a hotel (as she heard me screaming at another car, "you better not slide into me!").I made it home though. Cops were in the ditches, cars were parked on the freeways, but I just kept going "slow and steady" like my dad has told me all these years. I felt a sense of pride when I made it home safe. Now I have 7 days off, and the snow has turned into ice. I really wanted to play in the snow....with the kids, and make some awesome snowman. Guess maybe just a winter walk now....! Too bad we can't have a cup of hot chocolate!

First Night!

2012-01-16T12:56:00.001-08:00

December 31st...Ringing in the New Year together. Tacoma put on their annual New Years celebration, and we participated this year. We purchased our buttons at the Tacoma Art Museum. The buttons allowed us to spend all day at the TAM, and the Museum of Glass. It was our first trip to the MOG, and we didn't spend nearly enough time walking around before it closed for the evening. We spend about an hour in the Hot Shop watching a vase that was designed by the MOG patrons, be created. Very awesome, and full of details by the creators. After everything closed we headed to the festivities in Tacoma where they were not short of concerts, parades, cartoon drawings, and various dancing from break to Irish tap (oh and let's not forget the larger belly dancers that danced without inhibitions). We had a chance to catch a quick mini concert of one our favorite bands, Roman Holiday. I will say that Ben Union could rock those boys out the door! He He! One of the funniest moments was having Val and Ethan pose for their dragon pictures. Three cartoonists were on hand to draw kids into dragons. They drew both perfectly. In the end, close to midnight, they burned the bunny(last years Chinese animal), and had the dragon light 2012 on fire. The day was very long for the kids, but we had a ton of fun...and it was a safe outdoor event. I hoped to do it again next year!

Ocean Shores Mini Retreat

2012-01-11T17:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas is always very busy, so by the time it is over I usually go crazy and crave time away from the house, with the kids and Mark. Since Mark loves the Ocean, we headed to Ocean Shores for two nights. It was so relaxing, minus the beds at the Hotel. We walked on the beach, shopped, and ate out one time at the local Mexican restaurant we love. We played a couple games in the room, swam at the Sheraton, and visited the Christmas House display in the lobby. We don't always spend a ton of money, but these quick vacations are Very important to our family. It helps us refocus, regroup, and reconnect. I wish I'd have blogged about this, sooner because I am sure I had more to write.

Lessons learned:
Bring your own silverware if your bringing Cup o. Soup
Shilo's beds suck
Shilo's lattes are okay
Prime Rib isn't available on the week days, only on weekend
There is more to explore in this town than we originally thought

Ohhh, Ahhh, Me O My!

2012-01-01T13:32:00.001-08:00

Christmas is always incredibly busy for us! Usually I have to work either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, so Christmas Day it was! We attempted to pack ever bit of family time we had between the time of 0630a to 630p.

We started with our Christmas promptly at 0630a. The kids were semi surprised at their gifts from Santa. Toshiba computers for the older kids and a PRINCESS bike for Charlie. Santa really came through this year! Mark was more than generous with his iPad2 gift to me! Love it,and hopefully will never have to wait for another PC to load blogger for me! I love APPLE, definitely an amazing product for the dollars spent! Thank you sooooooooooooooo much honey!

0930a-Promptly at the in laws for an awkward celebration. awkward because Mark's sister and brother in law don't have any respect for family. They sat in the living room the whole time, minus dinner, and barely talked to a soul! Disrespect like that will never be allowed from my kids, no matter how much I love them. Anyways, we enjoyed our time with Harry and Arlene and feel horrible that this is how they spent Christmas! They are good people, maybe a bit over religious at times, but great people. Valerie got a Starbucks gift card and was beyond thrilled. She has taking a liking to Salted Carmel Mochas. Charlie was enthralled win her TinkerBell Music/Jewelry box. Ethan walked away with Cabin Fever on CD, and a cute flat puppy. Mark's mom is notorious for giving stuffed animals for gifts. I have come to appreciate her love for these stuffed creatures and am disappointed when they go missing some years! My favorite thing about the Wegley Christmas....the stocking she has made each one of us. I have had my same stocking for 17 years! Mine is the only one with a bell on it, because they know I like to peek prior to Christmas:)

2p-The Nagel's family Christmas! Busy, lots o children,and loads of fun:) My great grandparents were there for the food this year. Nice treat to see Grandma so energetic looking. Gramps looks worn out. As usual the food was excellent. Uncle Mike made prime rib, and Shannon made her awesome tomato salad. My mom's famous baked beans completed the meal nicely. My mom boxed up the kids' presents in one big box, individual gifts wrapped inside. Loved this idea, it really helped to have a box to take all the gifts home in. Valerie's favorite was a fuzzy blanket and her ukulele, which even Mike had a great time strumming. Ethan received a video game, blanket, Pajamas, and a breathable pillow, which is what he requested. Too bad Ethan.....you didn't get those leather pants you wanted. Love that boy, he is so unique! Charlie got lots of clothes, and a Leapster2! Maybe I won't have to share my iPad now. Kat joined us this year with her kids. Really nice to have them there. They were very polite and respectful, even when they had good cause NOT to be! I really like her, and she seems to be good for my brother. I did end up getting LC till 0100 until they called me back in for time and a half with no patients, and no work to do. Didn't mind, money was good;)

Very Merry Christmas till next year!!!

Lights, Camera, Action!

2011-12-29T14:44:00.001-08:00

We have been having a blast enjoying time off together! On the 24th we thought we would start another tradition, going to see a family movie and then driving through Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park. The only problem was, everyone else had the same idea. The movie was great, minus a couple of bad words and oh of course, missing the last five minutes because a certain three year old needed to use the bathroom. We love going to see movies out at Lakewood Town Center because of their awesome movies theater seats. Wish I had those at the house..heaven. We are a member of their Stubs club so we get $10.00 for every $100.00 we spend. Mark and I love seeing movies together...that is how our romance started. We saw Sniper with Tom Berenger as our first movie/date together in1992. After that, Monday night movies at Western became OUR thing (Monday movies were only $1.00)! In fact we held hands for the first time while watching The Temp, and Mark first told me he loved me during the movie Falling Down (which the movie was NOT at all a romance). After the movies we waited in line for 45 minutes to see Fantasy Lights. Pierce County did a great job putting on this event, and we will go back next year on a night that isn't so busy.

Party On!!

2011-12-28T00:07:00.001-08:00

December is full of parties! We always kick off the month with my sister's annual karaoke Christmas bash! Mike and Shannon know had to show everyone a good time.mThankfully I was the designated driver, so my party spirit was much more low key than last years horrid experience! Mark, Jeremy, and Shannon entertained everyone the whole night! My husband loves to dance and sing, but only when he has "thrown caution to the wind." Freakin hilarious and very sexy! Jeremy came with Kat and even sang (mainly shouted) a song with her! First time I've heard my brother sing, or have been around him when he's tipsy!

Second party was the kids end of the semester party at Mrs. Katherine's preschool. She decorated her first gingerbread man as a homework assignment, and then took it in on the last day to show all the kids! Funny thing is.....we turned it in late so it only hung up on the board for two hours and then came right back home to us. Ours was made out of candy, and Ryan's was made as a memorial to Katie who had just passed away. His was beautiful, and very sentimental. Great job, Ryan! Next was the daycare party later that day. Grandma gave out present's to all her kids! Owen and Charlie got the same gift...purple unicorns. They are so cute together. Charlie loves Owen, and thinks he hung the moon. thank you Mrs. Judy for loving my kids and for watching them at such a reasonable price!

Third party, a open house Christmas gathering at Grandma Gi-Gi's house. We missed out not having my brother there, but we had a great time. We visited mainly with Vic and Kirsten...they are so easy to talk too! Grandpa looked worn out, but granny looked lively and happy! I miss her, the old her! Why do people have to get old? It really scares me. I absolutely hate growing older! So please feel free to buy me gifts(shown on my sidebar with the links for ordering)on that ONE certain day in January, but don't say "Happy Birthday." What is really happy about it anyways?

Almost caught up now....

Traditions

2011-12-27T18:31:00.001-08:00

December 11-12,2011. It is the third annual Christmas Gingerbread Village tour! Since we moved home we look forward to this activity every year! The last two years we have gone further than just visiting Seattle, we have stayed the night at the Sheraton where they host this event! A tip to enjoying this event is staying the night at the S. and that way you can go see the houses without waiting in line, and at your own pace. We are a family who loathes crowds! Every year I have my own fantasies of creating a masterpiece better than the ones we see...but time gets in the way of creating! He he! We had a great time in the BIG city, we enjoyed dinner at Westlake, picked up snacks at a corner grocery, and swam in the pool on the top floor of the S. overlooking the city. The whole family enjoyed playing "Marco Polo" in the pool. We dropped Mark off at the Westin the next day, and made one more stop at the International district for dinner. Valerie bought and ate a half a duck..yuck!

Sneak Peak

2011-12-14T15:22:00.001-08:00

Our yearly gingerbread excursion...more to follow. Sorry leaving you hanging because I have to go grocery shop!

Prospective Mannequin

2011-12-14T15:15:00.001-08:00

My mom, I, Valerie and Ethan went to the mall for some therapeutic shopping on Sunday. We had a great time shopping at Wet Seal for Valerie. I think Charlie was more amused by pretending to be mannequin than anything else. I guess she plans to be one when she grows up, or that is what she told us! A cute, coffee drinking, adult dummy were her exact words...the things THEY say⛄!

Polar Ice Rink

2011-12-05T14:02:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday I took the kids out for the day! Mark had loads of work to do, so I chose to take the kids to Tacoma's newest skating rink. It is an open air, covered rink sponsored by the Museum of Art! We all skated together, and Charlie even found herself a little friend. The little girl was helping my daughter learn to skate, even though she had just learned how herself, the night before. I love talking to small children, they are so honest. She told us that she has two mommies and two daddies, and that her real mom can't stop taking drugs. Charlie piped up and said proudly, "well I only have one mommy and dadda." Precious;) For lunch we walked to The Old Spaghetti Factory, and ate in the train. After eating we wondered to down to UWT library and took a peek at the Dale Chihuly glass chandelier. My goal this next year is to get the kids down to the Museum of Glass!

I Had a Dream

2011-12-03T17:36:00.001-08:00

Didn't expect my dream to come in the version of an actual dream, but it did! I'm not sharing though. I'm holding this one close...hoping it will bring me new found passion, excitement and zest for life! Will share when the timing is right. In my dream, I was revealing all my passion, excitement, and joy to a select group of people, Until then.....

Where Did It Go?

2011-11-30T14:43:00.001-08:00

It's official, it's gone, and since it is Non-Judgment Day (or so say Hoda and Kathi Lee) I will share this with you! I've officially lost my desire to cook, read, scrapbook, and sew. Some of these things have been gone for quite sometime, but the joy of cooking is the latest thing to go! Remember you're not judging right? I simply have lost the joy I had in all of these things...scares me a little! I know life has it's hills and valleys, but the joy found in these simple pleasures never return.

Last night we watched Crazy, Stupid, Love. It is a hilarious movie, but one that will also make you stop and think about your own life. For those of us that are getting older, it makes you wonder, "have I lost myself?" Easy to do with life, and kids. At this point in my life I know that I don't care, or rather I do, but have no energy to change things. Then my wise coworker posted this on FB today:

"Dreams make the difference between living a life, and really living a life. But some of us, are caught up in the busyness of life, have forgotten how to dream. Identify where you want to grow and then start dreaming about the possibilities for getting there. “We must dream, because we are made in the image of Him, who sees things that are not, and wills them be.” (Gary Hardaway)

Sit back and let your thoughts roam. What has God already done in your life? Consider just for a moment, what isn’t BUT could be. Dream beyond where you are. Identify where you want to grow. Then start dreaming a dream for your life, and make a plan. God Bless!"

-Koliyarn Kong (via FB)

I need to find some dreams. Any suggestions?

Thankful for Thanksgiving and Black Friday :)

2011-11-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

Woke up early for dinner party Thursday November 23.
Ate.
Went to work at 7pm.
Thursday, November 24th, I worked off at 0730.
Ran home.
slept two hours,
got up,
dressed everyone,
headed to the in laws for Thanksgiving,
ate,
ate some more,
gossiped with the girls,
played "May I?"
rushed to Shannon's for the Black Friday Ad Strategy,
stayed up till midnight,
and then continued to shop till 10 am!
=41 hours of no SLEEP (longest I have ever gone)!!!!

Mark and Charlie went over to the Slaughter's for some football/play time. Valerie ended up sleeping in till 5pm after we got home. Poor girl was so tired after her first adventures with Black Friday. For the record, when I forget next year, she did great. No complaining, dirty looks, or bad attitude. She was slightly bored with the process but that will change when she decides what she wants to purchase for people. Can't wait till next year....! I enjoy this tradition, no matter how chaotic it is. I love spending a goofy, giddy night with the girls. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful sister, and mom! Great memories that I will never forget! All in all a very thankful, Thanksgiving.

Grandpa had questions for all the kids on their plates...Ethan had the hardest question and he nailed it. One Proud Mama

PAC-MAN Old School...giving time to let the turkey settle before dessert.

Wegley tradition..."May I?" Love that Valerie is old enough to join in.

The kids table..

Waiting for Grandpa to pray so they can D-I-G into Mr. Turkey

Black Friday. Pillow pet post..Charlie would love to get the whole pole for Christmas.

Poor Valerie! Her first year joining the Black Friday chaos, and it wiped her out!

The Appearance of Mr Frosty

2011-11-26T22:42:00.001-08:00

We knew it was coming! Our neighbor asked our permission weeks ago. Today, Frosty the Snowman arrived, perfectly nuzzled between our yard and his. Charlie loves him, and wishes she could sit in his lap. She also fancied his reindeer. Now we better getting moving on our holiday decorations or it will be Christmas with the Kranks all over again.

I've Got Rhythm

2011-11-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

Who can ask for anything more???

Week of Play Dates

2011-11-17T15:42:00.001-08:00

I have this week off so the kids always try and hit me up for play dates, especially Charlie! Her and Ryan requested Tuesday as their play day (Ryan was just trying to get out of nap time). I took them to Goodwill and the Dollar Tree (they are so easy to please at this age). They each got a book, puzzle, and a small apple juice. A man in the store asked me if they were twins...I said nop. He said, "they act like brother and sister." I love that these two cuties love each other so much--makes my heart melt!

Cousins, and Friends...A Photo Shoot!

2011-11-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

But It's MY Dysfunctional Life

2011-11-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

The last of our cabin pictures. We did have a blast...and enjoyed every minute of it! We are glad to be home, with all our kids! We missed them. Last night we had a quiet night with the kids. Dinner (homemade nachos), preparations for a week of school, laundry, baths, and grocery shopping completed the night! When H&A dropped off the kids, they informed us of some issues the kids were dealing with...ones that we have been working on since I don't know...FOREVER. In an effort to continue where they left off (instead of taking it too personally, which I started too), I woke up at 1230am and 0430 am to take both Charlie and Ethan to the bathroom. Potty Training! Maybe in a week I will have two kids who are potty trained in the middle of the night. Ethan was sooo easy to get up last night, which is a HUGE change. They both woke up dry....score one for Arlene! Then this morning I called and made arrangements for my son to have a friend come over after school. Ethan made some comment to H&A that he didn't have any friends. In order to fix him, they gave him a talking too about how a true friend acts. I am hoping that he is taking those into consideration, and will find new friends at school. I am going to clean off his chalkboard and find a scripture that talks about true friendship, just to remind him. On to Valerie's issues, her lack of respect for herself and her hair. Apparently she had a huge hair knot last week, and instead of trying to brush it out she just put it up in a pony. So guess who found it, Arlene. Last night, I made Valerie get up on the kitchen counter and washed her hair with some deep conditioning rinse, massaging it all the way to her scalp. Today I have plans to get both the kids hair cut (another suggestion from H&A). I know they love the kids, but sometimes I want them to return them to us and say, "Your kids were perfect angels, we love how you are raising them, and they are perfect in every way." Is that too much to ask? Maybe, but just hold your tongue, say it, and then maybe this awkwardness between us will go away! Shannon just suggested, "next time get a paid babysitter." Here's to wishing for the tongue restraint instead. It's not because I am cheap, it's because they need to KNOW their grandparents.

The Happy Couple

Our cracklin fire!

Smore Roasting

Love Shack, Baby

2011-11-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

We love having our little L.O.V.E getaways and this time we planned a three night, four day stay in a cabin in Packwood, Washington. We left Thursday night via HWY 7 (with me driving) and almost got to Elbe before Mark forced me to the side of the road, in the dark. He was demanding to drive but I was scared to get out because I was sure Mr. Hook man was waiting for us. I quickly surrendered my driver's seat, and he drove the rest of the way. On the way, we talked about the Hook man, Chainsaw man, and possibly getting kidnapped and taken to the House of Wax, where Brain Van Holt would turn us into wax statues. So after all the scary talk, I had to make a stop in Randal for a bathroom break The bathroom at this gas station was located out back, in the dark. As I walked past the payphone (you see this coming right, in a movie anyways), it rang. In the midst of the moment, like one of those dumb blondes in a horror movie, I picked it up. F-R-E-A-K-Y. Mark yelled at me, and I hung up quickly after saying "helllllooo." I quickly rushed to the bathroom, expecting to see blood over all the walls, but instead I found something scarier....these poor rolls of toilet paper chained to the walls. I didn't try to rescue them, I just pee'd and fled. He. He. Weird experience. What I thought was scary Mark just said, "kinky." So the weekend began...!

Sorry, I didn't rescue you...and that I took this picture! I JUST had too!

Enjoying local flare...Jalapeno Burger, and the Bacon Bleu Cheese Burger. Thanks Cliff Droppers
they were super yummy.

Match made in heaven. The colors were so vibrant. Thought about stealing them for Charlie, but didn't!

Oh no, we didn't? Yes-we-did! Our first attempt at BINGO together. The stakes were high, 8880.00 jackpot! We ended up only winning one hot dog from the snack bar :(

Our cabin from the view of the bedroom loft. It is very quiet here. The silence has been golden. Our spirits are refreshed and our love renewed.

So lucky to be able to read a full magazine, while Mark catches up on a few minutes of work. Martha Stewart gave me some good inspiration for the holiday season. We plan on decorating the outside of our house this year. Can't wait. All grown up, we are!

We visited the local antique shop. I found three of the cutest owl boxes, from Thailand, but they were priced at 100.00 and I just couldn't pay that! They were unique though. She even said I could make her an offer, but I don't think they would have agreed to 50.00! He hee. It was a lot of fun talking to her!

We still have the rest of today and half tomorrow....we are blessed. What's on the agenda? Hot tub, Hot tub, Hot tub!

Bye now!!!

Visionary Blessing

2011-11-10T00:03:00.001-08:00

She is growing so big! We have sponsored Keyling Isabel Obando Mercado for three years now! World Vision has given us the exciting opportunity to help Keyling! She will be 4 years old January 4th (same day/year as Charlie) and currently weighs 34 lbs. She is attending her first level of preschool and enjoys finger painting and playing with dolls. Charlie took a few moments this morning to color her sister a picture of Totoro, and loved staring at her picture Keyling drew for Charlie. So sweet...

A Few Tricks and Lots O Treats

2011-11-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

I know I am late posting. So SHOOT me! He hee. Worked 6 days in a row, so EVERYTHING else was put on hold. We are hoping to make this family Trick O Treating event a tradition. We drove to Lacey and spent the time canvasing a large neighborhood close to where my sister lives. These people know how to decorate and it seems after going through the kid's Halloween bags, that they also knew to give out the "good" candy (CHOCOLATE). October is over, but the candy bags are still half full. The kids have used the same bags since October 2006. My mom sent the bags to them while we were living in Arkansas. I have grown very attached to these bags, and had a near heart attack when we almost didn't find them on Halloween. You can see the bags here in this picture, well Ethan's anyways. The night was a blast, and ended at Shari's for some real food. We are truly blessed!

Spectacular Party before Halloween!!

2011-11-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Guest Post: Ethan Wegley

I was at a awesome party this recent weekend! there was a lot of food people candy and a hugggge contest! My sister Val and her friend Courtney spend her first hour dueling Courtney in a game and lost big time but got close. I only had a sandwich, chips, candy, and some more candy! When it was the contest I was sick. I can't believe nobody voted for me. ^.^ . When it was done the other people fetched what was left of the food. I can't wait till the next time in the mean time Happy Halloween.

Whoa! What a blast!!!

2011-11-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Guest Post: Valerie Wegley

Last Saturday was the best weekend I’ve had in a long time. Everybody crowded around the kitchen in search of something good to eat, their bodies all clothed in costume. Can you guess what day it was? It was the Wegley’s annual Halloween party, that’s what!

All my relatives were all dressed splendidly. Me as a Geisha, my brother as an air force pilot from top gun, my aunt Shannon as Black Swan, my grandpa as a scarecrow, my best friend Courtney as a cat-witch, and so on. Then the contest came, and my anxiety meter went to EXTREME. Unfortunately I didn’t win, but ironically my friend the cat-witch won, along with Courtney the schoolgirl, Portia the Goth girl, Frank the bunny (my dad), scary scarecrow (Grandpa), the zombie (Uncle Jeremy), and Chris who posed as the big bad wolf dressed as grandma. Next there was the ages 1-5 contest, but they don’t matter. Just Kidding, Charlie my sissy went as Belle and won first place in her age group. After the costume contest the rest of the party was even more amazing. We had chicken wings, meatballs, and other treats. It was really the best night ever!!!

1st Place...Grandpa "Scary Scarecrow"

My friends Courtney, Me,

Portia, and Courtney

Ethan as "Top Gun Pilot"

Our family

Laners as a "lady bug"

Shannon as "Black Swan"

#WOFOTT

2011-11-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

I had a crazy thought earlier in October....I should go to the Women of Faith Conference.

Who cares if it was:
1. Expensive
2. Same weekend as my Halloween Party
3. Another hotel stay in our already busy month
4. An inconvenience to change my daycare schedule, and my husbands' schedule
5. In Seattle with horrid traffic
6. Two days away from my kids, who hadn't yet carved pumpkins
7. Taking time away from planning the party, decorating, cleaning, finding what to wear

I didn't care till about the Monday before, when my sister asked if she should buy our tickets. I was hoping she would forget, or just say "let's not." I do this, find something I am OVER THE TOP about, and then panic forces my anxiety to answer the door and cancel ALL plans that were previously set in motion. Fortunately, my sister isn't like that. Friday morning, 9am I found myself planted in my seat, waiting for the Women of Faith to move me. We had, or I did anyways, I great time. Raising my hands, clapping and outward shows of emotions are not my thing. I had already warned Shannon of my reservations, and she had warned me of hers. We, or I rather, sat there waiting to see if I would get anything from this at all. First up, Patsy Clairmont! Okay, I am not really a comedian type of gal, so I thought "oh here we go, boring." OMGoodness. Patsy Clairmont had her hardest critic laughing and crying all at the same time. Loved her, and so did 5,000 other women (Shannon included). Next up, Andy Andrews. Let me just say that I now know that God has a plan for my son with ADHD because of this speaker. Andy acknowledged publicly his ADD in the first five minutes, but I figured it out in about 5 seconds. I wanted to grab his arm, hold him still, and make him look me in the eyes when he spoke. I couldn't, the rest of us couldn't, and so he jumped allllllllllll over stage for the better part of our day. Luckily he was interesting or I would've just walked out. Funny thing is, he mentors Government leaders, sports teams, CEO's, Companies, and writes New York Times best sellers! He is amazing, but completely OVER THE TOP hyper! We ended Friday evening at the arena with Mandisa. Awesome. Truly. Of course having a piece of cheesecake with fresh strawberries from the Cheesecake Factory made it even sweeter. My sister and I stayed at the Westin of Seattle that night. The next morning we heard from Sandi Patty, Lisa Whelchel, Brenda Warner, Patsy Clairmont, and Marilyn Meberg, and Selah. There wasn't preaching, teaching, or threats to live a Godly life. They simply shared their stories, gave guidance on how they interpreted and worked through their situations, and encouraged us to lean on God. I focus on myself sometimes (big reveal right?)...sometimes more than I should. What I learned was that I had not gone through tribulations! I came out thankful for how I was raised, grateful for my family, my kids, and my God who has protected me. I know that I will not be able to keep that track record, but I know that I need to stay focused on him, regardless of my current situations.

I have not gone through:
Sexual abuse as a kid
My parents haven't died in a tornado
My husband hasn't dropped our child and caused brain damage
Severe anxiety that makes me a prisoner in my own home
Been homeless at the age of 19, sleeping under bridges and bathing in a hotel pool
Haven't been cheated on when I was 8 months pregnant
My son hasn't been diagnosed with H1N1 and remains riddled with health issues
-The ladies of WOF collectively have experienced these things. Those are tribulations.

Our hotel room "view"

Hello Mr Hoot!

First drink I have enjoyed since last year's Christmas party...I'm cured!

Sandi Patty singing, "We Shall Behold Him."

The weekend came to an end all to quickly. I missed my family, but enjoyed spending time laughing with my BFF (aka sister) and Suri (Shannon's new iphone friend). I hope she plans to go next year because I do too (as of now, that is).

Why Do You Make Me Soo Happy?

2011-10-27T18:30:00.001-07:00

Even with my Cost Plus coupon they remained housed on their shelves...! They both were begging to come home with me! Owls have a special place in my h.e.a.r.t. I'm not sure if it is because they remind me of my favorite time of year, or being in the great outdoors, or the awesome way they can move their heads, or the cute noises they make that sound just like its' name! Either way
anytime I see one it tries to find a way into my cart. Too bad that my pocket book kicks it right out onto the shelf again.

Hide and Sleep

2011-10-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

Charlie does the strangest things sometimes! As of recent, she sneaks into Ethan's bedroom after we've read to her, snuggled her, given her kisses, and said our goodnights! She gets under his desk and goes to sleep! So sweet!

For Kicks and Giggles

2011-10-26T03:35:00.000-07:00

Look she even has tears in her eyes! Beautiful.....

Annual Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T21:52:00.001-07:00

Hmm! Don't know how to go about writing this post, since I was sort of cranky for our annual pumpkin patch trip to Schilter's farm! We like to go to this particular farm for the cow train rides and to see all the animals! Unfortunately this year we were missing Valerie in our group! We had to make the tough decision to parent first, befriend second! Val has had some recent trouble with turning in her completed homework and actually doing it on time. When conference time came last week, it all came back to haunt her...! She attended the patch but front the back seat of our car, working on said homework! I love getting a quick shot of our family on the hay ride so it was hard to not have her there! Who's punishment is this anyways? Val was fine in the car, or so she said! She told us, "Grandma brought me two honey crisp apples so I was happy." Grr! Life lesson missed due to granny's apples...he hee! We ended up waiting in line for 90 min just to ride the cow train! After all was said and done, I was happy with my free hay ride, a couple of pics, and getting to see my niece and nephew!

Due to the changes at Schilter's Pumpkin Patch and my refusal to pay $5-10 for a parent bracelet I didn't get pictures of the animals. Thanks to my sister she took a few and posted them here! We ended the night with some yummy local Mexican food.

Annual Great Wolf Experience

2011-10-17T00:21:00.000-07:00

We started this tradition last year, which you can refresh yourselves with here and here. We had a great time. I took Valerie and Ethan on Thursday, and Mark and Charlie met up with us on Friday (after a short trip to the outlet mall). I enjoyed going a day earlier and letting the older two have the freedom to roam around, MagicQuest, ride the waves with mom, and play in the arcade on mom's dime! We had the opportunity to upgrade to a Kid's Cabin which featured their own T.V., a bunk bed, and a single bed for Charlie. The kids enjoyed the freedom that their own room allowed, and Valerie felt very grown up when they offered her a key to the room on her arm band. I spent Friday morning relaxing in the lobby with the latest copy of Good Housekeeping, and some hot tamales.

Friday afternoon we met Charlie and Mark in Centralia for a little shopping. Valerie got some clothes and Ethan go a new spiffy (just like Mark's) jacket. He also made out with a pair of Converse because I noticed his two month old Vans were ripped to shreds. He claims it was from playing soccer at recess...but it was most likely because we bought them at Payless for $9.00 (didn't tell him that though). Oh, and we pierced (or I did..because Daddy was NOT on board) Charlie's ears. She loves her pink flowers, and will tell you now that "It only pinched a bit, but didn't hurt." Funny girl. We ended back at the hotel around 5p and swam until dinner. We ate Mexican (refusing to pay the crazy prices for one pizza) and snuck into bed around 11p. Saturday we woke up, ate breakfast, and went to the water again. We planned to spend all day there, but everyone wore themselves out by 3p so we stopped, let Charlie nap in my arms while the olders went MagiQuesting again, and headed home around 5p. We love this vacation because it allows the kids to be independent, plus we have a boat load of fun in the water with them. We plan to do it again next year! In fact, we have on our calendar November 28th...Return to the GWL for MagiQuesting!!

Here's some pictures of the fun we had.....

Tired Water Fish

Kids' Cabin

Gut bomb Breakfast burger..ham, beef pattern, egg, hash brown on a bun!

Humoring Mom

I love the way the candles are all different colors, and uneven. My OCD makes me want to switch them, and maybe pattern the colors....

Charlie's New ears!

Love the Owls..

Charlie's Pick

Dad's Pick

Mom's Favorite Pumkin

Water pics to follow after I get them developed. FYI, Charlie refused to dance this year, so no funny YouTube videos. I think I have one of Ethan though :0)

Mike, What a Mess You've Made

2011-10-14T13:32:00.001-07:00

Sitting here in my room at the GWL enjoying some alone time! My mistake...turning on the television! I am watching HLN's covering of the Michael Jackson case! Very irritating how they are covering this case! Yes, I believe Murray is guilty of gross negligence but not manslaughter! For whatever reason, Michael found it necessary to continue to take drugs on a consistent basis! Let's own up to whose fault it is! Why are we a society that refrains from blaming or convicting the guilty party! Michael, although he was a giving and awesome musician, was a very disturbed man! Michael is to blame for his death, Murray is responsible for his lack of performing his role as a physician! His license deserves to be revoked, but he doesn't deserve to be labeled the guy who killed M.J.

MJ what a mess you made! Katherine, please remember your son was an adult! Once you place the blame where it belongs then YOU too can grieve and move on!

Apple Squeeze Me Pleeze

2011-10-02T23:17:00.001-07:00

I love fall! The weather is beyond wonderful, the trees are perfectly colored, and the harvest festivals are in full bloom! Today we took the kids out to Steilacoom for the Apple Squeeze Festival! The town was caught with their ducks out of a row, when nearly everyone in the food booths failed to bring enough! We attempted to have apple fritters, corn, and some toffee nut toffee...all were SOLD out! We eventually scored some toffee nut sprinkles for our ice cream, real honey (no preserves), and some hot spiced cider! Charlie enjoyed seeing all the scarecrows, and reciting the scarecrow poem at frightening decibels with Ryan in the middle of the Square.

The Steilacoom Garden Club was sponsoring the annual "Scarecrows of Steilacoom." October 1st and running through the end of the month, residents and businesses are encouraged to create and display scarecrows. This year's scarecrow theme was in honor of resident and member, Sue Davidson. Sue was the creator of Scarecrows of Steilacoom and passed away last December, but her fun-loving spirit continues to inspire the residents. To commemorate "Scarecrow Sue," this year's theme was anything garden related. We found Scarecrow
Sue in town center with a basket of apples I'm her hand! What a lovely place to live!

Feeling Footloose and Fancy Free

2011-10-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Date Night. Yahoo. We trust Valerie now, to watch her brother and sister. We trust she will keep them safe from each other...he hee. We even pay her. In fact last night we made a transfer of $30.00 in Valerie's name to the Bank O' Daddy! Her bank is growing fast, now that she is employable (by us). We had went to Lakewood (to the posh chairs theater) to watch Contagion. Insert cough here, and here, and several touches to the face and you have pretty much seen the show too! Don't waste $19.00 to see this movie. Promise, wait for it on DVD. Maybe even as a free download on Netflix. We finished the night at The Hub in Tacoma. Beers, and one Cranberry Vodka helped the mood, and transitioned us into RELAX mode. We joined the Mira family (I haven't met one Mira I don't like yet) and rocked out to their boys' band, Ben Union. I love that their parents are always at each booking. In fact Mr. Mira made the sweetest statement about his sons' band..."I tell them all the time, I can make 5 more just like you." He is very proud of his sons', as well he should. Awesome band. In fact in the midst of jamming to the band Mark and I were texting to each other how we need to focus on the positives in the kids. I want our kids to know we love them, are proud of them, and that they can be anyone they want to be. Even on a date, sitting in a bar, jamming to some tunes, we can still experience life lessons. Thanks Mira's for all the great moments.

We Need FP Power!!!

2011-10-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

photo captured by M. Wegley

We are Cardinals, or will be in a couple years! We decided to take the kids to a home football game to root for their future team. Unfortunately FP lacked some skills, and power. We enjoyed being out in the cold crisp air, sitting around the big Friday lights, and cheering for our school. In the end we walked away with a score of Franklin Pierce 6- Sentinels 15. Charlie loved watching the cheerleaders, but opted to be a future football player because she claims "I can run fast." Ethan was the one who was the most disappointed by the plays. Seems like Mark and Ethan have found something in common....football. My boys becoming a man! Valerie hung in there till about half time and then started drawing pictures of Dragons....somethings never change. We all had a great time, regardless of the score!

A Child's View

2011-09-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

"My Mommy hung the moon.
She tied it with string.
My mommy's good at
everything.

She lit up the sun,
so bright and so round.
She puffed out each cloud,
stretched trees from the ground.

When she pours down rain so it's wet and dark,
I clump up on her like she's Noah's ark.

She zaps out the thunder and makes lightening glow,
then crayons for me a giant rainbow.

She Feathered the birds. She taught them to chirp.
She taught me to speak, my cousins to burp.

She grows all the food
and makes it from scratch...

...and when she bakes me cookies,
it's a BIG MAMMA BATCH!

She writes all the books.
She made me TV.
She drew every 'toon, boxed all DVD's.
She webbed all the world, she dotted.com
She e'd the email, my own CD MOM.

My mommy's the boss, She drives in the pool.
She cures all the sick.
She works every tool
She ZOOMS in the car, and boy, it goes fast!
And those rocket ships, guess who made them blast?

She flies all the planes.
She rows all the ships.
She makes my new kite do spins and backflips.

She molds ever ball, carves rackets and bats.
And stealing the bases? She's way good at that!

She buzzed every bee.
She spun every spider
She growled every bear.
She striped every tiger.

My mommy makes music and boy, can she rock.
While we hip and hop, my mommy moonwalks.
She rules the whole world from her throne. She's my queen.
My mommy is nice. She never is mean.

She pours all the seas and sparkles each star.
And then she collects one in my night-light jar.

And when she paints night, so jet black and deep,
my mother ship rocks me gently to sleep.

I dream about how she gave me my start,
I love my mommy with all of my heart.

Then when I'm asleep all safe in my nest.
my mommy stays up and does all the rest.

My mommy hung the moon. She tied it with string.
My mommy's good at
everything."

-A Love Story written by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell

We checked this out from our library today. It is my new favorite children's book. Illustrations are awesome and the words are incredible. My three year feels this way about me, I am certain. My hope is the other two do too. I fail so many times a day, seriously. In my heart, I would do all this for them. Every single word. I would do anything for my children. A-N-Y thing.

Now, I hope the middle of November comes soon. Mark and I are planning a L-O-V-E adult only trip. He hee!

We Did The Puyallup

2011-09-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am a sucker for guilt. My friend at work told me how Charlie reallllllly needed to go to the fair and see all those animals. My response: everything at the fair has been the same for years. All those old booths under the grandstand are the same, scones are in the same place, rides never move, the animals stink and are the same, and the food isn't that great. I felt guilty though. She gave me two free tickets on the day, and because I had the day off and the kids still had their free school tickets we decided to go. We parked for free, got in for free, and spent money only on food. We wondered around and found some pretty cool stuff that we never new existed. The music tent, which was full of tons of instruments from around the world. They allowed the kids to play whatever they wanted....it was awesome and probably one of the highlights of the night (even though the workers were putting away the instruments and packing up). We visited the Great Outdoors visit, and learned about watersheds, animal tracking, and got a coloring book for Charlie.We went in the agriculture area, and picked our favorite fruit, and jam display. We saw a ZaDonk (donkey/Zebra), Zabu, and some really hungry baby piggies. Mama pig was so interested in eating her slop that she didn't even notice/care that she was stepping on one of her piglets. He made an awful noise, and still she kept eating. The worker had to come over and help the piglet. Can't believe she hurt her own baby, but then about 30 minutes later I turned around and hurt my own son's feelings. I was trying to take a picture of Ethan and Valerie in front of a carrot measurement stick and Ethan wouldn't make eye contact with my camera! I ended up getting the picture, but told him later that he looked like a retard in it. I saw his face go from happy to red, sad, and upset (near tears). I immediately understood what I had done and apologized. My poor baby. We watched a part of two interesting acrobatic shows, and enjoyed walking and looking at all the lights and excitement of the fair. We ended our fair trip with the kids and I riding the big slide together. We are glad we went! Charlie thanked us several times for taking her.

Looking at the animals with daddy!

Two man (one woman) Band!

Should have held my tongue...

Hand stand on a rod in the air!

You both shine!

Big Slide..Charlie and me. Valerie is behind the guy on the left! You can see her arm..

Banjo made music...by Valerie

Music Hall. Charlie on drums, Val on the piano

2011-09-14T02:40:00.001-07:00

Created with PhotoShake

Aquarius' Awareness

2011-09-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

My Horoscope today says:

As you grow and evolve as a person, it's only natural that your philosophies and opinions evolve, too. In other words, do not be afraid to reevaluate your values. Changing your position on controversial issues or political debates isn't a sign of waffling or weakness -- it's a sign that you are mature, and willing to admit that you were wrong once (and everyone is wrong once or twice, by the way!). You're human, and you change -- embrace it!

~~I don't believe in horoscopes, right?~~

October 2008 Revisited

2011-09-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Dang, look at my A.....pple Bottom Jeans :)

Ethan and I in front of my Kindergarten classroom at Waller Road

Isn't she cute...Charlie approx. 10 months old

Changelings

2011-09-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I wish I were blogging with a glass of wine in my hand. Unfortunately since it is before noon on a Wednesday I sit here drinkless, with lots to say.

First Mark is headed back to the classroom. GRCC gave him 2 classes for the fall. Yahoo. UOP solicited him for two classes in November, so the winter months will be great for us. Hopefully the cars will get fixed, our savings will grow, and house payments will be made on time. What a blessing that will be.

Charlie is headed to preschool next week with Ryan. They are both so excited. She really needs an outlet for all her energy and smarts. She is the spitting image intellectually of her sister. Smart, creative, imaginative (yes we have started to hear lots of made up stories), and above all that a true pink girly girl. She spent August dancing at the Dance Academy. Her first recital is at the Puyallup Fair on Saturday, along with her hip hopping dancing brother. I can't wait to see her perform. Even if she just stand there (I will be a tad disappointed), I will be sooo proud of her. My silly funny girl is growing so fast. She is loud, goofy, sweet as a piece of pie, and the best snuggler around. Every night she sneeks into our bed (we never let the other two do this) and sleeps right in the middle of us. I miss snuggling Mark but I know we have our whole lives to snuggle and she will probably only do this for a few more years (he hee). Her favorite color is pink, she is best friends with everyone she meets, loves her grandparents to pieces, constantly talks of living in my belly, begs for a puppy, and listens intently to her night time stories (both made up and read). What a great way to end....my third is beyond wonderful.

Ethan entered 5th grade this year. He loves his first man teacher, Mr. Springer. I haven't met him, but I already love him. The first day Ethan told us that he is Japanese, and the best part of his day was discovering a special small table in his classroom with pillows around it. Mr Springer said that it was for "alone time" if someone was bugging you or you just needed time to think. Ethan used it the first day. It is hard for him to concentrate, so a little retreat away from his school friends is just perfect for him. His bestest friend is in his same class, and sitting right next to him. Bonus! He is still involved in Safety Patrol and he also talked to Mrs. Anderson about being library helper on Friday's. Luckily they found someone to cover him for SP on Friday's so he is able to do both jobs. He loves both equally. I spent an hour and a half just chatting him up the other day. What a remarkable, cute kid. He is still taking Vyvanse, after vacationing from the meds this summer we still felt he needed it for school. I predict in a couple years...no more medication. He has big plans for baseball this spring, and can't believe he has to wait till his birthday before he can play ball. Maybe tossing and batting a ball around will keep him content. Off to the park today in fact....

Valerie! My baby. The one I named our first night alone, sitting in a hospital bed after everyone left. The one who nearly got lost in my arms nursing (because she was so tiny). The one I didn't know what to do with the first night I got home. The one I felt so torn leaving after staying at home three months with her. The one I lauged at when she would stomp in the puddles and make messes of herself and her shoes in Boise. The one who has grown into a beautiful, intelligent, creative, talented, wonderfully willfull, preteener. She just started 7th grade, and remains in all the honors courses! I am so proud of her achievements. She plans this year to start an anime club at school, and has even convinced her quiet shy neighborhood friends to join the school for 5th and 6th period. Valerie plans to compete in track this year. She spends most of her time, held up in her room listening to music, walking around the neighborhood with her friends, and drawing. She continues to take Kung Fu classes at the Dojo in Sumner on Saturday. She is very strong!

Me, well better now that it is 1pm and I have in my hands a Mike's Lemonade! Maybe the post will get better now! Still working at Good Samaritan, Labor and Delivery. We have been busting tail there lately. Everyone in Tacoma was shacking up on New Year's so we are super, duper, antepartum, post partum, and preterm busy! I start my stretch on tomorrow so hopefully all those prego women are drinking enough, staying away from their men, and taking it easy. I love my job! I am thinking of starting up scrap booking, again. I need to go through all my picture files. Please forgive me in advance for posting really cute pictures of the kids when I start surfing through those files! Among that goal, I want to start working on, Couch to 5K with my honey. I need to get this crazy weight off. No hibernation for me this winter. Well off to finish my lemonade and to the park with the kids. Mabye a GEO cache or two....

5th Grade, Dude

2011-09-01T00:19:00.001-07:00

Ethan's First Day of 5th Grade.

Showering Baby and Mama Robin

2011-08-31T23:51:00.001-07:00

Okay, as much as I fussed when planning this shower, I really did enjoyed it. It was wonderful having all my co-workers over, showing off my house, and just relaxing together. No matter how slow we are in Labor and Delivery we still don't get a chance to really bond. Three hours together celebrating a new mama to be, and her unnamed baby girl gave us that chance. A little wine spritzer, some cupcakes, and friends was a great combination. I love to entertain, while I am entertaining. Prior to, I have major anxiety about people looking in my closets (seeing disorganization), examining the walls (chipped paint on the stairs), and judging my choice of decorations (I have specific tastes which I think everyone should love).

Now that is all said and done, my house is clean, and I am relaxed. My next seven days off should be stress free. One of which I need to work on...the stress I mean. According to my friend, I tend to judge too much, which makes me way critical of people. It really hurt hearing it from her, but it's not that I haven't heard it before. I think Chris just told me that about a month ago. I am going to try and be different. Until then, I don't want anyone else to tell me that I am judgemental....okay! OKAY? He hee.

In Flowers We Trust

2011-08-29T20:56:00.001-07:00

I was driving home the other day and stumbled on this Dahlia Farm off Waller Road. I know I have passed this gem a hundred times, but now I can spread the word on this awesome flower stop. We had a great time wandering around the Dahlia gardens (of which there are so many kinds) and eventually stopped back at the small stand with several Dahlia bouquets to choose from. The bouquets cost $6.00 for a huge bundle! If the owner isn't at the Dahlia stand, then you just put your six bucks in a slot in the mailbox, and choose your bundle. Valerie pointed out that he must be a trusting soul to sell his Dahlia's without being there. Reminds me a little of Arkansas, that state was filled with trusting souls. Glad to know that there are people like that here in Washington too.

Fort Lewis Fun

2011-08-28T02:51:00.001-07:00

Tuesday we were invited to cool off with Jackie and the kids on the Fort Lewis base! We had a great time swimming, tanning ( or burning if you are me) and relaxing with the Slaughter's! Valerie and Ethan both took jumps off the high dive, and Charlie loved the fact that they had a kiddie pool! Great times...

Backyard Words With Friends

2011-08-25T15:13:00.001-07:00

Please can I draw this into our backyard plans?

Ballerina Bribes

2011-08-25T00:57:00.001-07:00

It was Charlie's third week at dance class Monday! I took a completely different approach to her and class, I bribed her to dance with a Starbucks' cake pop! I know, spank the parental hand, but at least it worked! She wanted me in her classroom the whole time and she surprised me by dancing! I can't wait till September
10th for recitals....should be great!

Freaky Farmer Jane

2011-08-21T02:24:00.001-07:00

My mom and dad are back from vacation, our car is home from the repair shop...which means all is right with the world!

Mark was in Seattle today helping Chris with his photography sessions so I was left alone to work hard on my to do list! I think I did quite well! I ended my night with a few peaceful moments on the swing! I love sitting in the dark looking at my lit gardens! So peaceful!

My Crazy, Silly, Life

2011-08-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

Updates are always a challenge for me. My kids grow so fast and life changes constantly that by the time I am ready to update then everything is different again. Here is what I know to be true today. The kids are doing great. Consumed by Mindcraft (a building type game), playing with neighbor friends, and sleeping in, they are enjoying every bit of summer. We aren't able to do Camp Gilead this year, but hope the kids are ready for Camp next year. Valerie is still doing Kung Fu, and this month we added, Mark to Kung Fu with Valerie, Ethan's Hip Hop class, and Charlie's Ballet class. I guess we are going to be one of those crazy busy families. Ethan really is hoping to try out for softball this year so we are going to be getting him a glove to practice with, since he already has a bat (and can hit balls).

Mark is still trying to find time to write, work, and be a slave to me on my days off. He has turned into a wonderful cook (which I have always wanted), and caretaker of the house and chillins! He is hoping to get some calls soon for the fall quarter.

I continue to run our Home HOA as the president. After the 4th of July, everyone has settled in and the crazy threats have stopped. My neighbor is friendly again, and everyone is looking forward to next year's approved fireworks in the neighborhood (hopefully approved in November). My work schedule has changed, but I love the seven days off in a row! I think Mark hates it because my project list gets so long when I am off for seven days. We love our neighbors and even have connected with a couple families. The kids love to go outside and play with all the kids in the neighborhood.

Sunday we had a chance to spend the whole day out in the backyard. Here is a list of things we did:

Pressure washed the deck/table/driveway/porch
Weeded front clover/back tree area/flowers
Created a new flowerbed for the banana plant and Japanese ferns
Watered
Washed the house with chemicals
Washed on hands and knees the kitchen floor/dining room/and brightened it
Washed all the chair pads/groves between the kitchen table
Cleaned the rug
Continued laundry
Washed, bleached, and waxed the sink
Put up a couple wall hangings
Painted the swing

What I need to finish:

Paint front door
Paint touch ups on bathroom
Hang wall hangings in BR
Make pillow for BR chair
Find cupboard for BR

So tiring just to think of everything I want to do before my open house/baby shower!

Unexpectantly Discovered My Green Thumb

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

My Garden at the beginning of July....and now...

Mark calls this my bondage garden (I am constantly tying back the tomatoes)!

Crazy huge squash leaves!

Love how my garden makes me feel...I could care or less if it gives me anything to eat! We have already cut two huge buckets of lettuce and I need to cut more.

My tomatoes are giving my peppers a hard time. Move over tomatoes and let the peppers grow, will ya?

Your My Obsession

2011-08-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

Numbering and painting the front door

Subway tile, Open cupboards

Passing the Baton

2011-07-29T01:08:00.000-07:00

So I mentioned to Mark today around 615p, that I was passing the baton off to him. In my mind that is what this whole thing is called. I am off for 7 days, then on for 6 days. When I work, I don't do much other than sleep while I am at the house. I could get up at 330p and be with the kids but I am so tired during my days on, that I just crave sleep. So in passing the baton, in the mention of, Mark was slightly offended. He stated, "I am on every day." I agree, he is on 100 % of the time, but at least on my days off I am there to help out. Lately, I have been cranky. I don't know why. Maybe my weight, lack of funds, or maybe work. Multicare is laying off a bunch of people. Sad. Always thought medical workers would be in constant needs. Guess not. Anyways...I passed off the baton. In great respect to/for Mark! I love that my honey does such a better job of taking care of us, than I do. Thanks honey for always sprinting toward the finish line, even though I move as slow as a snail when I have the baton.

2011-07-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

A Day of Rest, NOT!

2011-07-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with only one plan, to go to church. Mark is still very uncertain as to where we are going and I hate hopping the kids around from church to church. We, or I, had planned to enjoy a service at Grace Works but we accidentally slept in (we forgot to set the alarm when we crawled into bed around 2pm). Grrrr. I think next week I will just plan to go back to High Point. The church is the only one I have enjoyed since we returned home. So no more going over options in my head or with Mark, it will be our church home.

Over breakfast (at 1130a) we mulled over options for the day. Gardening sounded too taxing (plus I was already burnt from being out there Saturday), Spray park was too lame for Valerie (she wanted to be in a pool, not just get sprayed), hike was out of the question since Valerie's friend Courtney was scheduled to come at 5p, then I came up with the only suggestion Mark liked...Chamber's Bay Golf Course (gruelling) Trail. It is only 2 miles, but it is up and down some pretty steep hills. Everyone did great, Charlie just needed carried up two hills, and other than feeling like my head was going to pop off, it was a pretty hike. Afterwards we stopped at Trader Joe's for some snacks and groceries.

Subway and visiting with Grandpa, Grandma, Lexie, Jaxon, and Kylie topped off the day.

A.

Millersylvania 2011

2011-07-09T00:57:00.001-07:00

Playing With Photoshop

2011-06-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

Cars and Cousins

2011-06-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

Digital collage created with Smilebox

Staycation Day 3

2011-06-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Staycation Day 3-Moments for Reflection (thoughts I'm sharing)

Passion is in each of us! In some of us it is buried, and may never be resurrected to take it's first breath. Some wear it on their sleeves, or all showy with clothing and accessories. In some it is a gentle spirit, a breath of air, a touch, or word. In others it is awakened by life, experiences, pictures, events, words. I like my passion, like I like my gifts. All showy and stuff. I would love to be the woman laying on the ground in this first photo. In the second photograph, the passion is unspoken. She is passionate about giving life it's first breath. She loves someone who is unknown, unseen. She also allows herself to be vulnerable to intense pain, while allowing her husband to see her most passionate moment. It is beautiful, this passion that we as humans can house. It is in us. Around us.

My favorite passionate quotes:

Scarlett: I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow.

Spike quotes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

"The last time I looked in on you two, you were fighting to the death. Now you're back making googly-eyes at each other again like nothing happened. Makes me want to heave"

"You're not friends. You'll never be friends. You'll be in love till it kills you both. You'll fight, and you'll shag, and you'll hate each other until it makes you quiver, but you'll never be friends. Love isn't brains, children, it's blood -- blood screaming inside you to work its will. I may be love's bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it"

I know that this is a different blog post. Sometimes life is not all about the house, work, friends, or family. Sometimes I open up, and let you in. Even if there are only four people out there who enters.

Staycation-Day 2

2011-06-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Up at the crack of dawn buying gummy bears, chocolate syrup, and magic shell for Ethan's last day ice cream party. The kids completed 4th and 6th grade at 11am today. Ethan walked in the door and said, "I have 70 days to do what I want." If he grew up with my father it would be different. It would be 70 days of weeding (okay maybe not 70 but close). My dad wasn't that hard on me, but you can bet that these kids will do their fare share of work this summer. I won't bring the house down on them yet though. I wanted them to have a great start so I declared today, "gift card day." They both had four gift cards between them. They did a great job. Ethan bought a nice bat, and a Nerf water gun, and Valerie chose sugar cookies, and the largest Nerf Supersoaker she could find. Ethan and Valerie also purchased together, Pokemon White. Charlie got (thanks to auntie's gift card) her own camelback!

Prior to the gift carding, we also went to Bally's and became official members of the club. Mark and I can workout, play tennis with the kids, and swim for free. I can't wait to get my first free personal weight routine set up with a trainer. 20th year reunion, here I come. I remember when Shannon, I and Jeremy walked through the halls of Pac West for the first time. I thought my parents had purchased me my own playground. The pool was the deal cincher, for me anyways. Back in 1990, it was very posh to belong to a Club. I was very proud of my Pac West membership, almost as proud as I was of my low bank account number at BN West. Now I carry the torch (or monthly payments of 10.66) for my kids. Thanks mom and dad for such a wonderful gift!

Great second staycation...maybe getting the shower in before 11am helped.

Please mom, PLEASE? Found her in G/G Diet Coke Stash!

New bike helmet? Nop not good enough to spend her dollars on!

Action shot

Meet me at Noon for a showdown!

Blasting away!

Staycation-Day 1

2011-06-21T00:26:00.000-07:00

Slept, got the kids to school, played outside, starred at my garden, drove to Bonneylake, ate at Blizzard land, spent the evening at Jackie and Chris' watching Dilemma. Going to bed now! Hope tomorrow is filled with more excitement and adventure.

The Way We Roll

2011-06-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple pictures of my last few days off before I go back to work for a grueling 3 days on, before I get 15 more days off! Can't wait. I hope to really work on my project list, cook some yummy paleo foods, and sign up to workout at Bally's. Very excited. Of course, Father's Day is Sunday so it will start off with a bang up BBQ at Dad and Mom's house. The past few days we spent entertaining family. We had Mark's parents and sister and brother in law over for a BBQ. Charlie was so silly, she told me, "Mom, this is my new best friend Andy. You gotta take a picture." I tried to explain that she is family, but since we rarely see them, she didn't understand. Silly Char.

Tonight Nic and I went for a cupcake after her workout! It was nice to spend time talking. She's the best!

Andy and Charlie

Lanie Grace

Checking out the new cupcake store!

Weekend Review

2011-06-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

We are at home, and it's Sunday 10pm! Our weekend flew by, no really it did. Mark and I, due to wonderful friends and family, were able to have a whole day/night celebratating our 17 years together.

Our first stop after dropping off the girls was, Starbucks. We met the Wegley's, gave them Ethan, enjoyed a bunch of conversations about healthcare, Obama, Republican's, upcoming elections, and family. It doesn't matter what we talk about, as long as there is coffee in hand. Off we went to Kent Station for some one on one time. We talked, walked, shopped, and watched Super 8 on the big screen. Great movie, great times, and lucky shopping. We found two beautiful tables for our front room for a steal, at a thrift shop. In the evening, we enjoyed a catered dinner by Dining Delicacies. It was good, not great, but relaxing. Afterwards we jumped in the car, headed to Fred Meyer, and bought each other an anniversary gift, a coffee maker. Right now my sister is getting excited thinking we bought a Keurig, but we didn't. We bought a 29.99 Coffee Mate. We love our drip. Our coffee stays on all day, and that is probably why our Cuisinart Coffee Maker kicked the bucket last week. Today we slept in, drove around to pick up the kids, and enjoyed another Sunday with Jackie and Chris and the kids. Thanks to Jackie, I got to go shopping for three hours at IKEA. Love that store!!!! I have so many projects, and so little time. Wonderful weekend...and I still have three more days off! Yahoo.

Our new tables

We played Hanging with Friends during our romantic dinner. Hey, don't judge!

Stopping to strike an Ikea pose with Mrs. Jackie

Can't I take the cart home?

Jumping before going to church...Mrs. Jackie made my shirt for me!

Seriously the kids spend most of the time on the trampoline

Camping in the garage!

Is that Charlie stealing Clover's ketchup. Ketchup thief!!!

Showing Growth

2011-06-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just a few short weeks ago, I had a dream....

Dreams became reality...Mark made these for me!

I planted for the first time ever...tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, broccoli, various lettuces, carrots, turnips, herbs, onions, and squash.

My garden is growing like crazy. I love watching the progress. I go out there nearly everyday just to watch. Today I planted 7 strawberry plants...yummy in about 45 days.

Big SHOUT out to Mark's parents for giving us their old lawn mower. I forgot how easy it is to cut grass, when all the clippings go right into a bag. FANCY.

A Fact I Didn't Know

2011-06-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

If you take a can of beer, pour off all but three ounces (or drink all but three-he hee), lay the can on it's side in your slug prone garden. Slugs will enter, drink up, and die happy!

Perfect, I will be trying this as soon as possible. Everyday when I visit my garden I have gently walk around all the slugs that are coming for my plants. I hope they like Samuel Adams because tomorrow they will be enjoying and early grave!

AW

Till We Meet Again

2011-06-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

2011 Abston Cup

Waldport, Oregon

The Gang

Cousins, but really more like best friends

The Lewis Family:

Left: Rick, Curt, Dave, Miget, Vicki

Eric, Joe, Karen

Grady

The Gibson Family

Left: Brent, Ernie, Duke

Melanie, Victoria, and Jake

Missing: Brady and Andrea

The Wegley Family

Left: Mark, Angela, Valerie, Arlene, Taylor, Harry

Ethan and Charlie

Missing: Jill, Curtis, Dave, Julie, Andrea, and Mitchell

One of my favorite people in the whole world. I hope that in my lifetime I can accomplish as many dreams, and love half the people she has. I look up to her as my mentor in nursing! Above all, I love how each time she sees me at the reunion, she will tell me I am one her favorite people (but shhhh, that's a secret). I love you Aunt Miget.

Grady, and Charlie! Best of friends after meeting each other in the first 5 minutes! Saying goodbye was hard.

Until we meet again next year! Treasures memories, treasured friends.

Family Reunion Mini Vacation

2011-05-31T23:41:00.000-07:00

Stairs to the beach

Grady showing us his Brine Eggs

Drawing pictures of Totoro in the sand

Dinner's served

Winner's Circle for May I...Look at that view!

Ethan loving on Aunt Miget

Charlie and Grady quickly became best friends!

My crazy kids out in the freezing cold Waldport waters

Why is she crying, the waves are several feet away?

Dad wrote my name in the sand!

Family Reunions we all love them, right? After 17 years,I think this is the one I enjoyed most. I loved spending time with the Abston's. Arlene's sisters' and all their families are hilarious and full of fun. Every year we spend Memorial Day Weekend battling each other in golf, shopping, pool, ping pong, and May I (card game). We have three trophies that accompany three of the events. I had the pleasure of winning the grand poo paw...the May I trophy. The house that we all stayed at, was a new one. It wasn't the best decorated beach house I've seen, but it was the best for our LARGE extended family. We were even granted the best room in the house. Each night we went to sleep listening to the waves, and in the morning we woke up to the most gorgeous view. We had a great weekend, and can't wait till next year when the Lewis' kids plan the reunion.

Then and Now

2011-05-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

I had this thought....I want to see progression. I love progression, not necessarily in my three year old (since she is the last one...although I've heard I can go to Mexico and get a reverse Tubal Ligation for 2800.00) but in pictures. I spent these precious moments with these wonderful children that God gave me. Sometimes I take it for granted, but photo's bring to a place where I can do nothing but praise these special times together. From those thoughts came...Then and Now. I think once a month, I will try to show progression pics. It humbles me, and hopefully thrills you!

May 2009

May 2010

May 2011

Celebrations

2011-05-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Shannon, I, and Valerie (who is now considered a Young Lady:0) took my mom out for a night on the town. Dinner and a Movie to be exact. We started the night with some yummy eats at Peanut Sauce. I love that place, it has something for the Vegetarian, Paleo Eater, and my cute 12 year old Meat Eater. I think the best part is leftovers though. We tried out the theatre at Lakewood Town Square and will NEVER go to another movie venue again. The seats were huge, comfy, electric adjustable chairs. What an awesome idea. My sister and I couldn't stop giggling at the comfort we were enjoying at just 10.00 a ticket! We continued laughing through the movie, Something Borrowed. I don't think it was the best film for Valerie to see because it promoted cheating, but on the other hand I hope she heard the main message in the film. GO FOR WHAT YOU WANT. Don't settle for second best, and love with all your heart. Life isn't worth living without love....that last one is my thought, not necessarily the movies.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

I met up with Mark at the Slaughter's house and had a chance to chat with Jac for awhile. I love her whole family. Wonderful people! Reminds me of some Arkansas folk we use to live near. Always giving....

Ang

Progress

2011-05-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Mark and I have HUGE plans for the backyard. I know people say that, and 5 years later there sits the backyard the same as it was 5 years earlier. My husband likes to follow through on projects though. I start them, and he completes them. We make a good couple. On Friday we began by mowing the grass, weed eating, and straightening up. Saturday we dug out sod to make way for our flowerbed border, and staked the ground where we wanted the garden box to go. Sunday, my wonderful husband actually built the box gardens himself. I am so proud of him. I never thought I would ever have a garden, and now I see my dreams become reality. We both love Asian flair and hope that by the time the landscaping is completed, it will reflect our love, hard work, and dreams. After a handholding circle prayer in the back yard on Saturday, the kids spent three hours digging out the grass with us!

Daffodils and Darlings

2011-05-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

I know I am behind. But oh well. Time I said it....I can't do it all. The important thing is that I am continuing to update. I love looking back to see how much the kids have changed. We spent a sunny April Saturday afternoon on the streets of Puyallup watching the yearly Daffodil Parade. It was our friends, the Slaughter's, first glimpse of how Washington brings on their magic for a beautifully, fun, family oriented parade. Well done, Puyallup! We were proud! We ate, Ethan had a chance to shake Abe Lincoln's hand, we visited with friends, laughed, and got alittle sun burnt. Great Day!

Heck yeah! How?

Love ya sweetheart!

Maybe Val or Charlie one day???

Me and Naomi

Abe Lincoln, I thought you were dead?

The gang! Valerie, Ethan, Clover, and Naomi (Charlie is laying down in between Valerie and Clover)

Ivar's Clam

Sharing Food, Fun, and Cheetos!

Janessa S marching for the Sumner Band

Favorites Pics of March

2011-05-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

My favorite Bestie's at work...Nic and Em!

Enjoying Sushi with my work friends

Oh yes! She did eat Salmon Roe!

Charlie's Bestie....Clover

Tai Chi Chaun Fa on the Washington's Coast

Running from the waves because Mamma said NOT to get wet!

Before the older two got soaked from jumping waves!

Blessed by a Yearful

2011-04-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Then...April 2010

LANIE GRACE CORTEZ

Now, a Year Later

April 2011

Happy Birthday LANIE

Wake up sleepy head, Parties On!

A little Scary

Wait, that's backwards Ryan!

Happy Birthday Laners! It has been a spectacular year of changes. Houses, Jobs, Ages, Friends, and most importantly internally. I am not the same person I was last year. Daily experiences change us, heck even our blood cells have changed, and replaced themselves at least tenfold. I am happy for the changes, but sad to see the kids growing so much. My baby is a toddler, with specific ideas and desires that sometimes don't require my help. Valerie is changing into a very beautiful preteener. One with specific interests and ideas. Ethan needs some changing. He needs someone who understands him and happens to NOT be female. He hee.

We had a wonderful time at The Cortez's yesterday. The birthday girl did such a wonderful job staying happy, until the cake was set in front of her. I have never seen anyone get so upset at sugar :) She received some cute shoes, toys, babies, clothes, stuffed animals, and my silly gift of a Scentsy. It also works as a night light....he hee. We stayed later than expected, and enjoyed a awesome Veggie/Fruit Vita mix smoothie before we left. Great Party. Great way to celebrate the year!

Nightstandy Goodness

2011-04-14T23:40:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Groupon (luvin it), I got my newest night stand addition! A huge Decorating dictionary by Home and Gardens! Best thing about it, it was only $2.71 out of my money jar! Right now on my night stand I have:

Two Food Network Mags
Five decorating Mags (library checkouts)
New Decorating Book
Parenting with Love and Logic
Zero Regrets by Apolo Ohno
The Last Town on Earth
Rich Like Them

I would say that's sounds like a well rounded
Person, (not me, just my choice of books ;)wouldn't you?

So I set up some daycare for Charlie so that Mark could go back to writing! For some reason a three year old requires a lot of attention! Imagine. That. I am really gangbusters about Mark finishing his book, after all it will eventually get me a larger house to decorate and of course some servants!!!

A.

Design Style

2011-04-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

"Lovin the Rug"

The other day we had the exciting opportunity to work through what types of cabinetry we want to install in our dream kitchen. Home Depot promised it would be a free consultation, so we felt comfortable to just take a peek into our future (way future). Although no big surprise to us, our styles are different. Mark is contemporary modern and I, well I am still waiting for a design stylist to tell me what category I fit in. I definitely enjoy a decluttered room, old houses, and country style kitchens. Oh, and lets not forget about subway tile....love it! What do you think my contemporary modern man would think of this awesome, superly delicious, colorfully wonderful kitchen? I will own the rug that is under the table in the top picture. I would prefer the rug be yellow though. I am addicted to design blogs, and plan to make my own mood boards for each room in my house. Here is a list of design blogs I am addicted too (just to name a few :):

Little Green Notebook
The Inspired Room
Design Sponge
House of Smith's
Ikea Hackers
coco+kelley
Young House Love
Pinterest

Cravings

2011-04-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Would I be pretentious if....

I wanted a flowering chandelier?

An entry way like this one?

A stamp with our address on it?

I love each and every one of these decorative embellishments. It is me, don't you think?

My White Boy Can Dance

2011-04-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Ethan's 4th Grade class put on a wonderful show about the US rivers. What he didn't tell us was that he had signed up to dance during the program. What a wonderful job he did. I am so thrilled that my son is not afraid of performing in front of large crowds...he's only afraid of a shark or two that might come out of the shower head. Boohahahahah. Pretty sure that Ellen will be ringing my phone soon, since I uploaded this video to Youtube!

My First Safari

2011-04-02T01:54:00.000-07:00

We found a gem at the Sumner Library the other day. We went just to hang out, check out some books, and let Charlie play on their computers. When we took a bathroom break Charlie saw all the kids her age, tucked in a classroom listen to books on Wildlife and talking about Safari's. We snuck in and caught the end of the show. It took her a minute to get comfortable but soon enough she was wearing the Safari hat and pretending she was seeing Tigers roaming all around her.

On Our Way to China Town

2011-04-02T01:43:00.000-07:00

Valerie trying her hand at painting owls

On our way to China Town

First, a quick stop at IKEA!

Ethan enjoying the anime section of the bookstore

Hello Mr. Crabby

Ethan and Valerie enjoying Chinese Ramen

We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at China Town in Seattle. We originally went there so that we could get Valerie's shoes for her Kung Fu lessons, but since it was a Sunday everything was closed. We ate some yummy food: the kids ate Chinese, I had Vietnamese, and Mark had Korean food. We had a blast. Charlie got her stuffed "Ponyo" at the bookstore. I don't think it has left her side since we gave it to her (except for that one time when Ponyo was lost--it nearly panicked Mark and I more than it did her).

Kicking Myself Currently

2011-03-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

I love going back and reading my blog. I can see the changes in me (although sometimes not for the better) and in my family. I can see where we've been, and where we are heading. I love progression, although my life is filled with regression.

I thought recently, after the hunk of change old government money bags gave back to us (or stole, just depends on how you look at it) that I needed a tiny camera to capture all those moments I was missing because I refused (or forgot) to bring my Kodak. In my mind my new camera would:

1. Never run out of batteries
2. Forever be in my purse because it's small
3. Be as posh as my sisters
4. Take fantastic pictures (regardless of the photographer)
5. Never let me down

Big expectations for such a tiny camera. What I have discovered, since my Nikon has failed at all 5 tasks, is that people who take fantastic pictures, who never run out of batteries, who always manage to catch that rare shot, is a person who makes captivating moments one of their top priorities. Just like blogging, it won't continue to show progression and regression unless I remain faithful. Boy, there's a word. Faithful.

I need to be Faithful in blogging, weight loss, finances, spirituality, friendship, loving, giving, family time, and of course faithful to our kitty who needs a couple of hugs a day. I fail in faithfulness daily. But I have had two great conversations today and both of those wise women said the same thing: Baby steps. Baby steps must be the key. So I will put on my Robie's and practice walking alongside my couch today.

I want to take you on some picture journey's that we have had recently. Much to see, lots to share. Hold on to your adult size shoes and enjoy the ride.

Angelina

Soup and Slopes

2011-01-13T12:58:00.001-08:00

Entered Leavenworth at 1323! Quickly took a look see around and then headed to our favorite place...The Soup Cellar! The kids love reading all the dollars up on the walls. Since we are starting a tradition of Leavenwoth in January we thought we would let the kids decorate their own dollars for the wall. Charlie couldn't bear to leave her dollar on the wall so we still have hers! We checked into the condo around 4p, dropped off our supplies, and then headed out to sled! The snow is quite deep in places which made it hard to walk around in! We had a blast:) After dinner we taught the kids how to play "May I", and spent 25 minutes of adult time in the hot tub. All in all a good day, I would say. I was even told by a shopkeeper that I had a very well behaved child...and yes, she was talking about Charlie.

Weather Conditions

2011-01-12T12:23:00.001-08:00

Mr WSDOT was right! Poor visibility and compact snow over the pass! Mark is driving without any problems! Thank heavens for 4 wheel drive or we might be one of those poor smucks on the side of the road putting chains on in the freezing rain! Charlie is so excited and can hardly handle not getting out of the car to make Mr. Frosty! We have heard several, "Are we there yet?" but that's to be expected with kids right!

Lazy Lounging Lacey Day

2011-01-12T00:34:00.001-08:00

The kids love going down to my sister's house! The older two spend the bulk of their time at the neighborhood retention pond and the younger loves to play competitively with her cousin Ryan and baby Lanes! We got together and had pizza and meat and cheese while watching the Packers and Eagles! Thanks Shannon and Mike for opening up your home to us!

A.

Movie Night

2011-01-08T01:15:00.001-08:00

Fridays are our Traditional family movie night! The kids love bringing their pillow pets, and blankets into the family room to watch a movie! We always have popcorn with a touch of Carmel corn on top to make it extra special! Tonights feature: The Bear! We loved watching this one on our BIG screen because it has beautiful scenery in it! Felt like the streams and mountains were right in our family room!

I start my vacation tonight! I need to write a list so that my time will be put to good use! Tomorrow I plan to project and maybe start painting the living room! Excited!

A.

Hanging Out with Friends!

2011-01-08T01:03:00.001-08:00

Love spending time with these guys!

Christmas Spirit- ✓

2010-12-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas has finally arrived. A whole day devoted to Christmas shopping helped me locate my Christmas spirit. Of course the day had it's mishaps...Turning down our friends for another Sheraton overnight hotel stay which included a Seahawks game tomorrow, Charlie falling down and getting wet, Charlie hitting her head on a fire hydrant wheel, and Charlie crying. Despite all that we had a good time. The kids purchased really awesome stuff for each other (with their own money-a first), and a few goodies for us. I ended the night with a shopping trip at the PX with Jackie and Chris. They are so much fun, and I love how goofy they are with their kids. Valerie gets really embarrassed by how much affection they show each other, but she is getting used to it. We and I, absolutely love having the Slaughter's around. It's changing my whole family, for the Better!

I would type longer, but I have Taco Bell sitting here yelling at me, and I bought Mark some sexy cologne so I think I might be tied up for awhile ;)

Happy Night to all, and to all a good-night!

A.

El Grincho

2010-12-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

I feel like a Christmas Grinch. Inside I am craving to spend money on the kids, decorate the heck out of my house, and bake gingerbread cookies. Outside, I just want to ball up in a corner, drink coffee, and never move away from the couch.

We haven't decorated. We haven't shopped. We have plans though. Plans to buy a TV for our family room. Plans to decorate the tree with a new tradition of putting it up with the kids on December 24th. What would santa think? Maybe I will catch the Christmas spirit today....! I wonder if I forget to wear a coat today, then maybe it will happen? Maybe catching the spirit is like catching a cold. Either way, better come soon for everyone's sake.

A.

No Regrets

2010-11-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Every time I post on my blog, I have to change the background. Why, you ask? Because I am only happy with my blog background for a few days. Seems so small in the scheme of things. Life, that is. I had no idea what today would bring, nor would I have imagined what it did. Clarity, focus, a sacredness for time, and a outlook that I would love to adopt in my own life (in hopes that my children will grab hold of it as well). No Regrets, the first book title of author and Olympic Gold Medalist Apolo Ohno. Since Mark is Apolo's Facebook friend, we found out that he would be in Federal Way signing his newly released book. We loved watching Apolo skate in the Olympics, and Ethan loved watching him more. We thought it would be a great outing for E-man. Turns out, for me too. I stood in line patiently (and I am usually short on patience), for nearly two hours, just so my son could have this experience. Little did I know that I would enjoy it almost as much as he did! I had a few moments to read the beginning of his book, in line. I was sold hook, line, and sinker. He spoke to me in just two pages. It doesn't usually happen to me that way, not within a couple of pages of a book. In my head I keep hearing "No Regrets," not in Apolo's voice (since we didn't get to hear him speak) but in mine. I want to live with no regrets. I want to know WHO I want to be, not WHAT I want to be. I want to have a game plan, an idea, a goal, and strive to work toward that goal. As you can see, Apolo moved me. Unfortunately the day didn't end there. I lost a friend today. Bill Jordan. An X-ray tech, a passing friend at work, a ICU bud, and an all around great guy. He was younger than I! He went to sleep Wednesday morning, and never woke up. My heart goes out for his young family he left behind! Ringing in my ears is the phrase again, "Did Bill live with No Regrets?" I wish I knew. I wish we had more control. I wish life wasn't so fleeting. I need to LIVE with NO REGRETS.

Apolo Ohno

Signed for nearly four hours at Costco in Federal Way

So close, Ethan is getting nervous and excited!

Taken from Mark's phone
Signing E's book!

Ohno noticing little Charlie girl!

Actively, Active

2010-11-14T00:27:00.000-08:00

This picture collage created with Smilebox

Spaced Out

2010-11-12T21:57:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday we had big plans to take the kids to their first concert! The Harvest Festival in Seattle was hosting a free night of Christian music bands! We didn't expect everyone else to be going too! We arrived at 615 and they weren't allowing anyone else in because there wasn't any more seats! It was at Key Arena! Big crowd! So change of plans...we took the kids up to the Space Needle and had some light snacks! Good time was had by all...I think!

I love Lucy meets the Red Hatters

2010-11-07T13:36:00.001-08:00

We stopped by my parents house this morning for a roast my mom made for us! Instead of grandma opening the door we were met by a VERY pregnant Lucy Arnaz! She was all dressed up to go to one of her Red Hat functions! The funny thing was that Ethan actually thought she was pregnant!

Grandpa claims "this kid" is not his!

Weekend Warrior

2010-11-06T22:42:00.001-07:00

Lists! I love them! We have been so busy with the holidays, that my personal list looks long and overdue! I have completed about three fourths since yesterday so I am feeling great! My parents also came over today with yummo scones! I enjoy living closer for this reason, and of course the kids love seeing grams and gramps! Tomorrow is going to rock...first church then taking the kids to see Merci Me and Jars of Clay at Key Arena!

Completed Charlie's dress up wall...tinker bell philosophy and all!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

Our Halloween Party went off with a few glitches. Thanks to my mom, we had a blast decorating, shopping, cooking, and baking . I unfortunately was ordered to lay low and not do any work this weekend by my Dr., since my BP was out of control. Also everyone was on time except the hostess'. Despite that we were able to enjoy our party and our guests. Everyone came, but not everyone dressed up. We will have to work on that for next year! It is fun to dress up, I think anyways. Those not dressed up included Mike, Shannon, Lanie, and Jeremy.

After the party, when everyone had left, Val agreed to host a tutorial on the Thriller dance she had learned at school. I was her first drop out (remember my BP :), but everyone else made it through with flying colors. After rehearsals, Mark introduced Valerie to more of Michael's ingenious works. YouTube was a great way at first to give her a glimpse of his career, but somehow we ended the night with Michael's last greatest achievement, his movie called "This Is It." The kids were mesmerized with his dancing. Yes, there was more to Michael than just his crotch grabbing. All in all we had a great night with our own family, and our extended family.
-Ang

Best Costume goes to Mark!
Cinderella loves Candy!

Trick or Treat!

Lanies watching the kids Trick for Treats!

Awesome smile big boy!

Ethan, Your a little wolfey!

Best of friends!

The Gang...Halloween 2010

Best Costume: Mark (Adam Lambert)

Coolest Costume: Valerie (Cleopatra, Pharaoh's Daughter)

Funniest Costume: Grandma Judy (Rooting Tooting Cowgirl)

Jaxon showing grandpa how to "Wiggle Dance."

Who's got the power?

Adam Takes on M.J.

2010-11-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

The After Party Thriller Tutorial

2010-11-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Future Alaska Airlines Worker?

2010-11-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Haunting Halloween Video

2010-11-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Valerie Frog Jumping at the GWL

2010-10-18T10:38:00.000-07:00