Creative Living

Blast from the Past!

2012-01-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

It's a snow day... I sat down at the computer {the one I don't use often} and started looking at pictures. I came across these and I just sat in amazement. This was the first time I let the boys go down a BIG ride by themselves... the were 8 and 6 {respectively}. Look at how little they look. They loved it... I remember this day vividly... the entire time thinking and wondering if I'd done the right thing. I stood in line with them until I had to let them be on their own and then I headed to the viewing area. Listening to them scream all the way down the drop was scary... the smiles and joy on their faces... PRICELESS!

Week 1 -- FAIL

2012-01-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

So much for my daily list... but I'm not giving up... I'm determined to make it happen. Now if everyone would give me some time to implement my new system all would be grand. HA! With family, work and Bike First! commitments I was lucky this week to hang on for the ride. I've "rejected" 3 teaching assignments for today in order to spend some time on my home duties (should the Christmas tree come down yet?)

Here's to another week of TRYING!

It's the first week of January... have you heard?

2012-01-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

The first week of January always brings about change... get organized, lose weight, etc. And it's no different around here. Some major changes need to happen. Our life is full, and we love it like that, but we are at a point with the ages of our kids to help teach more responsibility. If we can get organized together, it will help them in so many areas of their lives as they grow (physically, mentally and emotionally). Normally, I'm a pretty organized person, yet, lately my house/garage seems to prove otherwise... yikes!

I'm aiming to do a project a day... I found a great site with a free printable that is keeping me focused (for the moment). I'd love to share it with you, but I can't find it... even with pinterest, I can't find it. This is what I'm talking about... organization. I think it's saved on my other computer... frustrating!

This week's organization help:
Sunday:: Think about who you want to be this year
Monday:: Set up a donation station
Tuesday:: Declutter the top of your cabinets and dust
Wednesday:: Declutter the top shelf of one of your cabinets
Thursday:: Go through your spices to discard expired and old ones
Friday:: Put all your cans together on a shelf
Saturday:: Go through your freezer to let go of old, freezer burned food

Simple and focused... just what I need.

So along with organizing this blog may become all about weight loss... it's that time of year to!

I found a blog I'm really enjoying and exploring daily... I can't do it all at once, but I'm incorporating ideas daily. I want my kids to understand the importance of food and how it makes them feel and move. I didn't ever learn this and I've paid for it. Most of 2011 I felt yucky (for a very technical term)... I've realized that I'm the only one that can help myself so I'm starting in the food department.... one day at a time... I also love visiting this blog for inspiration.

Simple & focused... I think I just found my 2012 motto!

My Night

2011-12-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

I snore... or so I'm told.

Over the last 6 months I've become increasingly tired (and I'm always tired, so this is bad). I'm not rested. My poor husband complained quietly and now loudly. It was time to do something.

Last night I headed in to the doctor's office for a sleep study. Kind of crazy to show up at the doctor's office at 8:30 at night!

I was led to the "Spirit Lake" room where I was met with a cozy bed, pillows and tv. Lying across the bed were a MASS of wires. It took about 30 minutes for the technician, Natassia, to hook me up. She then told me to sleep normally... yay, right... with all of these wires.

Surprisingly enough, I fell asleep quickly... I was tired, had dealt with a headache all day, hosted a party the night before and run like a crazy person all day.


Imagine that this is me! I wanted to take a photo of myself, but I chickened out!

Are you ready?

2011-12-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

There comes a time... often for me... when I get discouraged.

Right now I don't feel healthy. I'm doing some things to help myself {and my family}, but it can be a slow process, especially this time of year.

I found this blog {it is now in my blog roll} which has re-inspired me. It just makes sense!

97. health... my cousin just had brain surgery... she's doing great, but something like that really makes you think about your life.
96. my growing children, particularly this new pre-teen phase... woah!
95. my ability to be independent and get things accomplished
94. my dependence... I can't quite do it all
93. our puppy... she is just too cute and fun

92. my big dog... you can't beat a gigantic snuggler

Living in the moment...

2011-12-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

I've realized that I need to better about living in the moment and enjoying each moment as it happens.

For example... Fall is my favorite season and.it's.gone.

How did I celebrate it? (Besides celebrating Thanksgiving.)

Did I embrace the beautiful changing colors of the leaves?

Did I enjoy the texture, the chill, the sun breaks, the crinkling leaves?

The big answer is... no.

So, now that Winter is almost upon us and Christmas is rapidly approaching I'm realizing that I'm not living the experience.

Living Today... my countdown...
100. I stood back to admire our Christmas tree.
99. I watched proudly (and cramped) as my son sang in his Winter concert (and cracked his knuckles the entire time).
98. The warmth of the pellet stove.

A day of snuggling

2011-11-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

It has been a long few weeks... transitioning to working a lot more and looking at working even more. Yesterday was filled with snuggles, movies, jammies, puppy love, etc. It was just what the family needed.

A lovely Friday morning

2011-11-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Finally a few minutes at home to just BE... linger, waste time on the computer, listen to the quiet. Oh, how I've needed this. It's been a couple of weeks of just go, go, go...

I do have to work today, and grocery shop, and run the vacuum through the house and tackle two more bathrooms, but I needed this morning for an hour to just BE.

Enjoy your weekend!

Missing in Action ?!?!!

2011-11-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

No, not missing, just missing from my blog. It has been a whirlwind of adventures and I'm trying to enjoy (and keep my sanity) with each and everyone!

Fall soccer has ended, basketball has begun, indoor soccer is in swing and the list goes on and on.

I've found some new challenges at the University in writing a new undergraduate level class as well as preparing to teach two classes in January. Social studies boards, tutoring, supervising... not to mention being a MOM!

The kids are doing great... we have a preteen which is making life interesting and a 10 year birthday rapidly approaching.

They always ask to do more, and while we welcome new opportunities (Mad Science, Swimming, Piano) it's important to keep life in check.

We "squeezed in" the pumpkin patch between soccer games.

Wishing I had more time... time to foster and develop friendships further, time to clean my house better, time to craft, time to attend bible study... this is my life in this moment... and I love it!

And they've finally settled in...

2011-10-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those afternoons/evenings... everyone picking... a few too loud... one wanting quiet. We headed to the park (practice of course), with our intention to come home and get things done, it was apparent that they all needed to stay and play and run.

So we did.

Upon on arrival at home the picking continued, the too loud and one wanting it quiet.

Husband is traveling, again.

Missed my bible study, again.

But now, their bellies are full and they've all retired to their beds to read.

All is quiet, finally.

In this season...

2011-10-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

This is a season for us... FALL SOCCER. It is all we do and we love it... sadly, my posts end up with the same photo "look". We've had our ups and downs with wins and losses, but in the end my kids continue to grow and grow in all ways.
Joey has been picked as one of the captains for the fall season... he's working very hard.

Joey's team photos (I took these!)

They are learning how to lead... sometimes the are successful and other times they are not. All of my children are learning responsibility... what a lesson. It's is a constant battle... some days I feel like I'VE FAILED. Other days, I feel like I've done my job.

Daisy playing at the soccer game... she is the life of the party!

I'm getting prepared to host my little sisters baby shower... she's due with her first baby in December. It's hard for me to believe that she's having a baby... she's been married for 10 years, but my first memories of her are visiting her in the hospital when she was born. There is only 4 years between us, so I was little, but I remember pressing my face up against the glass to get a peak at my new baby sister and then I saw my mom walking down the hall to see us... she was in a robe and slippers (in those days we weren't allowed to go back to her hospital room.)

Emmi playing goalie.

My baby girl is growing up... reading Junie B. Jones, enjoying her friends, making new friends, joking with her coaches, etc. It is so much fun to watch her come into her own. She REALLY wanted to try an afternoon program at school, Mad Science, so she's taken it on and LOVES it. I love watching her try new things... the other night she came down in her version of a karate outfit and asked if she could take karate classes. She also wants to begin piano lessons... I'm sure her life will continue to be full!

Showing her skills.

It's the good stuff...

2011-09-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

Daisy at the soccer game... playing with the shadow!

1. Snuggling with miss Daisy Duke is fabulous... it's like she's teaching me to slow down a few times a day and just be at peace.

2. Watching my kids do well in their soccer games, but more importantly watching them take leadership roles.

3. Buying and putting together a new desk for myself.

Phinneous has become a great leader on his team.

4. Working as a supervisor for student teachers -- I LOVE IT!

5. The changing of the season.

6. Missing my husband, but appreciating all that he does.

7. Planning a baby shower for my little sister.

A homemade breakfast for Joe!

8. ~~Laundry~~ -- trying to hard to love it... I do love my new homemade laundry soap.

Frugal -- Cheap -- You decide

2011-09-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

So, I'm always looking for ways to cut my big costs down. As my kids get older and eat more and their acitvities cost more, I'm looking for ways to cut out excess but still provide a wonderful life. Here are a few ideas that I've tried lately!

Shopping... One of my big methods is to stay out of the stores! The longer I can wait, the better I do. I've attached a magnetic pad of paper to my refrigerator and I'm training everyone in the house to write down what we need. Then, when I do head into a store I can choose to pick up the items if they are a great price, or I can choose to wait for another time.

Cash... I'm also trying to use more cash when shopping... it makes me more accountable to my budget.

In the kitchen... with the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm right now, I don't want anything to go to waste. We have some wonderful tomatoes that were beginning to go bad. Instead of letting them continue to rot, my friend told me about freezer pasta sauce. I gave it a try... it is so easy! {Olive oil and garlic in a pan, huge chunks of tomatoes, seasoning and let cook down for about an hour and a half. When finished puree and freeze.} I've made several batches and even purchased more tomatoes so that we will benefit from our homemade sauce for several months.

I also picked blackberries at my sisters house {for free!} I brought home a huge bowl and got to work making jelly. My husband kids are not fans of seeds, so I spent time straining the seeds from the blackberries, but it wasn't too much work and they will all be happy. The kids even helped with a few batches which gave them pride and satisfaction of making something for our family.

{With my thought of being frugal I also want to provide healthy meals for my family... I don't know that my tomato sauce adventure is really frugal... I'm sure I could find sauce with coupons and on sale for much cheaper, however, my sauce is full of other "stuff"... however, I may have thrown in some eggplant and such :)}

How cute is Phinneous!??!?!

My supplies

Finished product

Laundry... I do massive amounts of laundry! I've seen recipes for making laundry soap and decided to give it a try. I made the liquid soap with the kids... we had a great time and it didn't take too long. I started using it yesterday and I must say it smells good and our clothes look clean, so I must declare it's working. I'm keeping track of the number of loads of wash I'm able to do. The supplies cost me about $6 and I'm told it should do 576 loads of laundry... so cool!!!

What ideas do you have?

And we're only half way through the month!

2011-09-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Joe's birthday flowers -- We had a Mexican food theme "party"

Joe's sushi lunch.

A new nephew... so sweet.

Got to watch our favorite volleyball player!

Baby girl's birthday.

Tent camping in the backyard.

Ooops.

2011-09-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is what can happen with "helpers" in the kitchen. Not a big deal... we learned to be more patient, take our time, clean up our messes and try again. I think it was a good lesson for everyone involved.

Camping Birthday

2011-09-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from Baby Girl's 8th Camping Birthday.

It was simple. I'm happy with what we did. I have found ways to improve (such a teacher... always).

However, my baby girl was HAPPY!

Cake pops shaped like marshmallows... lantern from Target (it's solar and is awesome at night in her bedroom).

Cupcakes (digital fun added)

Baby Girl helping.

The table... fruit kabobs, cake pops, cupcakes, create your own trail-mix -- FUN!

And... it's another birthday!

2011-09-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Mt. Hood... playing in lots of snow!

Goofy Girl

Found an Anaconda exhibit at Newport Aquarium... she was so excited as she wrote a report on Anaconda's in first grade.

Running down the dunes in Newport! She was nervous to jump.

Found a crab claw in Seaside.

This girl likes her whip cream!

A diva in Maui!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Baby Girl... she turned 8! I can't believe how the time has flown by. She is creative, artistic, caring, stubborn, independent, courageous, helpful and almost always smiling. What a joy you've brought to our lives!

Birthday Boy

2011-09-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

It's time to celebrate Joe... it's his birthday! As much as he doesn't need or want a bunch of attention, it's still his special day!

Tonight we will celebrate with a Mexican fiesta with some friends and the kids. It should be a nice evening... just the way he likes it.

I've watched him over the last year go through many ups (Maui, work success, kid success, etc. and downs (the death of his mother, work stress, kid stress, etc)... you know the routine. But through all of it, he somehow manages to keep it all together.

Wishing you a very happy birthday... I love you!


First night in Maui

Wipeout in Kaanapali

Snorkel cruise

Hang loose

In front of Papkea -- out resort.

Back to School

2011-08-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that summer is over and the kids have headed back to school. We have a 6th grader, 4th grader and 2nd grader in our home now. Boy does time flies... it just seems like yesterday that they each started Kindergarten.

Countdown to School

2011-08-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

The kids are headed back to school is 2 days and counting.

As we prepare for the big day (hair cuts, supplies, nerves, etc) I wonder ... did we slow down and enjoy our summer? Did we spend time together? Did we get to just "be"?

I don't know that we slowed down... it seems that life is always a bit hectic around here.

We did spend time together... Maui, soccer fields, driving to many soccer tournaments, swimming, etc.

I think I would have prefered more time at home to just be... I certainly know my yard would too.

Ready to snorkel.

Playing together.

Mama watching the kids play in the pool at night.

Joey working hard with his team (they took 2nd place 2x this summer).

Stefan working hard with his team (they took first place 2x this summer).

Mirror Lake... look at this beauty!

Wildwood at Mt. Hood

2nd annual 3-on-3 tournament for Stefan and his buddies... they took 3rd place in their division.

Putting up the shots!

The comment I heard last night was, "I think I'm ready to go back... it will be fun." I guess that means we've done well with our summer fun. Now, to make it through the first day jitters!

The Daniel Plan 50 Best Brain Foods

2011-08-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

Almond milk, unsweetened
Almonds, raw
Apples
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Barley
Beans
Beets
Bell peppers
Blackberries
Blueberries
Bok choy
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cherries
Chicken, skinless
Coconut
Coconut oil
Egg whites -- DHA enriched
Gojiberries
Grapefruit
Green tea
Herring
Kiwi

Lemons
Lentils
Limes
Oats
Olive oil
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Plums
Pomegranates
Quinoa
Raspberries
Red grapes
Salmon, wild
Soybeans
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Tuna
Turkey, skinless
Walnuts
Water
Yams/sweet potatoes
Yogurt, low-fat, sugar- and artificial sweetener-free (sweeten with stevia and/or low-glycemic fruit, like blueberries, raspberries or strawberries)

Have you heard of the Daniel Plan? I hadn't... it's all the same information... eating well, exercising, staying motivated, but there is a catch... the "cute" Dr. Oz is one of the founders. Check it out! I know I need all the help I can get... maybe you can find something inspiring as well.

The best birthday surprise EVER!

2011-08-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

And I got it on video... except I really didn't... and I'm bummed... but if you could of seen her face. We told her she was holding our friends new puppy and she oohed and ahhed over her and then... I told her Happy Birthday... this is your new puppy and she just lit up... she couldn't believe it... and I had it all on video... except I didn't.

Time to plan a birthday party!

2011-08-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

My kids are deprived... we do birthday parties (with friends) every-other-year. I know... mean, right?!?

Well, it works for us me.

September begins birthday parties for the next 6 months.

Baby Girl has decided on a camping party (I said camping, not sleepover... I'm not crazy!) and Pinterest has provided a gaggle of ideas for us to peruse and choose from!

She definitely wants cake pops!

A gift for friends?

S'more station... yum... maybe too much with the cake pops?

Table... so fun!

A tent to hang out in... our green coleman will have to do!

I'm thinking we need to add a craft... please pass along any camping craft ideas... after the party I'll post our actual pictures... happy camping!

The coupon craze...

2011-08-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

So, I'm reading blogs, printing coupons, organizing them {{ha}}, reading books, more blogs, watching video posts, etc. I think it all comes down to what works for me!!! I'm not exactly sure what that looks like... yet... but I'm getting there.

I think I'm going to try the "shop with cash & a calculator" method... could be interesting. I've noticed that there are certain items I buy in which there are so many coupons it is just WRONG if I purchase them without saving any money... yogurt, cereal, etc.

I've also been reading more about cooking ahead and freezing meals. I believe this is going to be essential in my life. My boys are eating... a LOT! And they want food... snacks are not cutting it. I think I'd like to implement a day of cooking... I don't think once a week is realistic for my life, but every 2 weeks I'm envisioning spending a day in the kitchen... prepping.

Any ideas?!?!?

I really love this boy...

2011-08-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

His BBF (I know it's BFF, but it's a joke at my house... Joe can never get the letters right when he says them... hysterical) is in town. He was invited to go to the beach, but because of commitments he could only go for a couple of days... so I drove him to Tillamook (with the other kids in tow) and then turned around and came home (don't worry, I had a chocolate/peanut butter icecream cone before I turned around)! And... I get to do it all again on Thursday.

I really love this boy!

Fill in the Blank Friday

2011-08-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

1. My go to outfit for a dress-up occasion like a wedding is a knee-length purple floral tank dress... it looks great with a shawl wrapped around it too.

2. This week has been a parenting challenge. I've not been on my game and the kids can sense it (and take advantage)... hmmm... maybe it's my attitude.

3. When it's dinnertime and I'm feeling lazy I'll usually eat eggs and toast with the kids.

4. My favorite pair of shoes is my {red} danskos in the fall/winter and my nike flip-flops in the summer.

5. A random item that I own that is completely unnecessary, but that I could never part with is my jewelry from high school... it serves no purpose, in fact it's atrocious, but so much fun to look through.

6. My favorite person is my husband.

7. If I were going to write my own blank it would say What will you do today to enjoy being in the moment?

What are your plans this weekend?

Friends

2011-08-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

I think I have a reputation in which I make friends easily... I'm pretty easy to get along with, helpful, caring, funny (ok... so maybe I'm the only one that thinks I'm funny, but I am!), etc. That being said I really have a handful of friends that are part of my inner circle. I am so grateful for those ladies.

One of my inner circle friends just moved back into town and I couldn't be more thrilled. We had a wonderful afternoon together with the kiddos... kid lunch, our lunch, kid hot tubbing, kid bike riding, ice-ee, iced coffee, and nail painting... what a great afternoon!

No other way to say it... my children were {{bad}}!

2011-08-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

I had one of those parenting days. The days when you just want to through your hands in the air and declare your demise. It was bad... it was the boys... BOTH of them.

It started with an adventure to go swimming... but first let's tidy up, put away laundry etc. Ack... it took forever. They kept declaring their work finished and I was dumbfounded. {{Your work is not finished if I can not walk in your room without walking on something!}}

We finally headed to the pool... my boys screamed and fought with each other forever. I was the ref... I made them get out of the pool, I made them go eat {{because surely they were misbehaving because they were hungry, right?}}, my girlfriend finally lit into them... and it helped, for a second.

Some days we all end up on our "bums"

By the time I got home, I was done. I looked at Joe and said, "Our boys were bad... even the friend I brought to the pool was dumbfounded.. she'd never seen them behave like this!" Joe talked to the boys and made them scoop the yard.

Then, all was quiet. I heard the tv on and thought {{good}} a little peace. And then I realized that both boys were asleep and it was only 5:30... but I let them sleep because I was spent. Baby girl, Joe and I ate dinner and the boys slept. We had icecream and the boys slept. I finally tried to move them upstairs for bed {{at 9pm}} and they woke up and they were hungry and then I was up until 10:30 with them and then I declared bed time again 'cause Mommy was tired.

Lesson learned: sometimes big kids are really rotten because they are tired and they need a nap. I should have just made them go lay down. In hindsight, Pepe had a long, exhausting weekend of soccer and he was tired. When Pepe is tired he enjoys bugging Phinneous; which then turns into chaos. Didn't I learn this when they were 2 and 3 years old?!?!?!?

Today ... in the life of...

2011-07-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Kiss -- Kiss

One child is at the zoo with a friend.

One child is unloading and loading the dishwasher... he came to me to tell me he wasn't sure if he's done it "right"... as far as I'm concerned if he is doing it then it is "right"!

One child is taking all laundry back upstairs.

Jeep is running around crazy with the excitement of the doorbell and the neighbor stopping by.

I hear a baseball game in the background noise of my home.

I see a few more areas of my house that need to be organized.

I'm excited and anticipating my husband coming home... tomorrow.

Life is good.

I'm over it!

2011-07-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've always been a little obsessed with my coffee creamer... I affectionately call it "foof"... and then half a container of it was spilled on my kitchen floor. The child wiped it up... I later mopped it... and I still have an oily film on my floor.

I had an "ah ha" moment... if the creamer is leaving this film on my floor then WHY AM I PUTTING IT IN MY BODY!?!!?!?

So, I'm over creamer. I guess I've just saved myself $6 a month.

Random...WHY?

2011-07-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life is just random... so here are random thoughts...

1. Why is it that when you clean/organize an area of your home you make an absolute disaster while in the process? And furthermore, why does the rest of your house look like a tornado when you're focusing on a said particular area... WHY?

2. Why after 3 trips to the doctor (over a 1 month period and an air-flight) does the doctor finally decide to believe mom and try antibiotics... WHY?

3. Why do I have a child obsessed with porta-pots... WHY?

4. Why do your child's feet grow after buying new shoes one month prior... WHY?

5. Why is it your sister's fault that you spilt the coffee creamer on the floor because the apple juice was behind it in the refrigerator... and furthermore, Why after mopping does the floor still look like something spilled on it... WHY?

WHY?

Shoulder Pain

2011-07-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

So, for the last month or so I've been experiencing shoulder pain...especially when I sleep.

It didn't improve while on vacation, in fact, it worsened.

And then we came home and it was terrible. Couldn't move my left arm at all without wincing... I was on massive ibuprofin every 4 to 6 hours... I was miserable... considered seeing a chiropractor.'

And then... all HELL broke lose at soccer this weekend. Terrible games, watched one child suffer in a way I've never witnessed and the other have the ultimate success... and my shoulder continued to give me massive trouble.

And then... we did the ultimate... we quite the soccer team of the struggling child and joined a new team and withing 24 hours my shoulder is fine.... did you hear me... it is fine?

Does that mean I have mental issues? Or is it a testament to carrying stress and the need to let go of it...

Always follow your {Mom} heart!

Parenting from Maui

2011-07-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

We're home now... but I had to share this!

Pepe and his buddy were texting and being a great mom, I always check texts. I see that he has a text that says... "I'm just checking out a chick with a great butt in daisy dukes."

So.... what do I do? I ask him about it... he's embarassed as I tell him its not an appropriate text. Then, I add, "What are daisy dukes?"

He replies... "I don't know."

I say... "Don't let it happen again." as I walk off and chuckle that my son has no idea what "daisy dukes" are... hysterical (is that wrong that I'm happy he has no idea, yet amused.)

The next night I check his phone and his friend is apologizing and says, "It won't happen again... sorry."

And then I'm a proud mama that my son passed along my concern... instead of just deleting his past messages.

So Lovely...

2011-07-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

We are having a great time in Maui... just blogged about it at...

www.vossenkuhl.blogspot.com

It had been 2 years since I'd blogged on that blog... thinking about combining the two blogs... anyone know how to do that?

Blessed

2011-06-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed to have been able to work all week with Bike First! an affiliate of Loose the Training Wheels and teach people with disabilities how to ride bicycles.

I won't lie... it was a ton of work. I pushed myself in ways I didn't know I could be pushed. Have you ever taught someone how to ride a bike... remember running along side the bicycle? I did that for 5 sessions a day for 6 days ( 5 days with people with disabilities and 1 day with typical developing people who need to learn to ride.) A truly incredible experience; especially since I was able to share it with my son. He worked incredibly hard an worked for 5 days with children... I cannot begin to express my pride in him.

My body is recovering today... I am so blessed. It was my birthday Saturday and I spent the day teaching bike riding skills... I am so blessed.

Mom's Day 2011

2011-05-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day began with an alarm clock blaring at 4;30am... another drive north for a soccer game with my boy!

After 2 days of driving up and down the free at ungodly hours of the morning I was sick by the time I got home Sunday afternoon.

That didn't stop baby girl from celebrating! She create posters, place cards (for dinner), letters (5 of them), confetti and she gave me a mini pedi (hee, hee... it was actually a manicure, but I love her words for a mani/pedi). Phinneous picked out white roses and asked that I catch for him outside... unfortunately my body wouldn't cooperate, so we took a rain check on that. Daddy also picked out cards... his gift was... 2 bathroom remodels... yay me!

Today I'm Loving...

2011-05-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

1. The sun streaming in on my face

2. The quiet of the morning (although the fish tank is really loud... must add water)

3. Watching Jeep explore the backyard in the morning sun

4. The anticipation of the bathroom remodel(s) beginning

5. My neighbors... whom always smile, go the extra mile (cleaning off the bottom of my driveway)... they are great.

6. My book

7. My sore legs... (mental note... avoid stairs today)

8. Watching my children grow through tough experiences (although this can be very painful)

9. My husband

10. My camera... and the need to capture more of our daily memories.

Sometimes growing up is just hard....

2011-05-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

We headed up to the state cup for soccer this past weekend... the games did not go well... the kids did not play up to their potential... it was just sad. (They did, however, have a great time together in the hotel... so much fun watching them hangout and do the pre-teen thing... a little scary too for mom!)

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

2011-04-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

See that cute boy in my blog header... it's his birthday today! Pepe is 11 years old and I can't hardly believe it.

I'm so proud of the young man he is becoming... we have definitely hit the pre-teen phase over the last few months, but I have to say that we are all handling it well (most of the time)... skinny jeans (purple and orange) and long hair... oh my! He's smart (really smart), talented, athletic... he's coming out of his shell, he's becoming less afraid to be himself and I am so happy and pleased to watch him go through these phases in life.

I had the opportunity to go to dinner with just him last night... he chose Izzy's... we talked, we had a conversation... he's getting that big. He made his own food decisions and I was an observer. A different role for me, but one I'm happy to take on.

Pepe is known for his quiet ways (don't get me wrong... he's very loud when playing)... he just doesn't need to be talking all the time. But I still enjoy his chats at night... he's always been a night talker... like when the lights go off for bed time and I hear him say, "Mom, can we talk." Oh, how I love that moment... when he doesn't want me to go and bear hugs my arm and just wants to talk.

For all the rough times we have, there a million more great times. It's never easy being a parent and it's certainly not easy being a child... but we are both doing a good job.

Happy Birthday Pepe!
(Kick bootie today at your soccer game!)

"Home-made" Pizza

2011-04-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Some of us love pizza, some of us don't... but we eat what's put on the table.

We've discovered the joy of making our own pizza... don't get too excited, I still buy pre-made crust. Our favorite is this... and I wish it came it whole wheat... I do want to try to make my own crust, but in the meantime we'll stick with this. (Best price Winco $1.58)

I topped it with 1/2 cup of sauce (I used Classico red sauce).

Pre-shredded Mozzarella and Colby Jack Cheese.

Half the pizza I covered in pepperoni.

The other half I covered in mild italian sausage (precooked... I used the pampered chef meat tool to get it nice crumbled) and black olives (which Pepe chopped for me using the pampered chef food chopper).

Baked for 13 minutes on my pizza stone and it was fabulous! The entire pizza was gone :)

We had a green salad made with butter-leaf lettuce, cucumber, red pepper and avocado.

A scrumptious family meal for a few dollars and a lot of taste and fun.

Bathroom Remodel(s)

2011-04-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are moving forward with 2 bathroom remodels! The kids bath and master bath... we are over the moon excited, however, now we are forced to make decisions. We know what design we want and we thought we knew our color schemes until we stop at the show room with the kids. (The kids were great! and I really valued their input.)

The designer is fabulous... she talked with us for a few minutes and definitely got a sense of our personality and went with it. She will be coming out after spring break to look at our spaces and bring us product boards based on our conversation. Joe and I both wanted to go with a natural tone for the master bath and then he spotted marble... in subway tiles and he smiled... a really big smile... and then we came back to reality $$$, but we really like it.... decisions, decisions!

And then there is the question of the kids bathroom... it needs to last... needs to not be outdated in a few years... so now I'm consulting the internet and pulling together looks and ideas that I like... any input appreciated... any design blogs appreciated!

I love what August Field did with her master bath.

I like this... maybe inspiration for the kids bath?

Maybe I need to go retro? Love this floor.

Maybe something gray? However, not this modern.

Best of both worlds? Yellow and Gray... might be true love!

Conversations with a First Grader

2011-03-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Another adventure in the suburban...

Baby Girl: Some girls told me that a boy likes me. (Please remember she's 7, so as my heart skipped a beat and I wanted to scream, "NO boys!")

Me: You're too young to like boys (still panicking).

Baby Girl: I know... but if he likes me HE should tell me. (How does a 7 year old get this... will she remember this in high school?)

Me: You're too young to like boys (... panic continues)

Baby Girl: (confidently) I'm not into boys... I'm into hair, horses and bling!

Me: Smile, chuckle and again remember another reason why I adore this first grader :)

Oh, how I love this first grader!

2011-03-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

The first video is of Baby Girl's letter to Jeep.

The Second video is Baby Girl reading the letter to Jeep.

How cute is this first grader... and she's all mine!

Do you have one yet?

2011-03-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

REVOLUTIONARY!

After many of my friends had recommended it, I caved today and purchased the Shark at Costco. This is awesome!

- I was able to put it together by myself!
- I quickly swept/vacuumed
- Plugged in the shark and went to town.
- I did my hardwoods and then moved right to the tile -- I didn't change anything... just kept mopping.

My floors look great and they feel clean!

Link-up :: The Simple Things

2011-03-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

We were at the mountain, playing and enjoying the snow... the kids were screaming with delight with each sledding adventure down the hill... then I heard the soft sound of bells. I turned and saw these beautiful Clydesdale horses pulling the carriage... it was simple and magical.

I love this... who's joining me?

2011-03-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Has anyone done this?

I think it's genius!

40 bags in 40 days Challenge

The gist of it: During Lent (40 days) rid your house of 40 bags of stuff...things you don't love, don't use, junk, accumulated stuff, clutter, garbage.

Who's joining me? This is really motivating me... happy bagging!

Busy

2011-02-28T21:24:00.000-08:00

I saw a post about a mom's desire to not be busy (I am not judging her wishes... it just made me think about my life... these are my thoughts)... to have her family at home with her... and while I crave my time at home with my family and being "just us", I feel that it ?IS US" when we are together at our events. My kids have learned to support each other, cheer for each other, and help each other. I feel that for the next few years I have to find balance between being just our family vs. giving my kids the opportunities they've asked for.

For us it means we are heavily involved in athletics... they each have a sport each season and in true athletic fashion all of those sports overlap a bit... which can make for crazy times. And now I've found that as my kids get "good" at something they crave it more... individualized lessons, open-play time, etc.

I always laugh when people tell me ...

just say no... my thought is who do I say no to... do I tell baby girl that she can't swim because it's inconvenient with her older brothers schedule? Do I tell Pepe that he can't participate in math club because I need to take Phinneous somewhere... NO... for me I figure it out.
I won't allow my children to play/do ________ (aren't these the times that shape who we will be become... I don't expect professional athletes, but I do expect hard workers, the ability to work on a team, to stay focused... all of those skills will transfer into life)

The joy I have in watching my children play, focus, interact, find determination is incredible. So my weekend included 6 soccer games, 2 basketball games and one swim lesson... I loved every minute of it!

Play on!

Snow Day

2011-02-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

I woke to my phone ringing at 5:25am... it was our school district... I didn't get to the phone in time and I received a non-existent message... did they need me to sub? was school 2 hours late? canceled?

So, I was awake... I kept checking websites, the sub line, fb without luck... NOTHING... every district was canceled but ours! UGH!

Finally, the kids are awake and the news comes through... NO SCHOOL TODAY!

Is it nap time yet?

The following pictures are not from today -- these are from our fun at Government Camp :)

UPDATE: No wonder the confusion... the NewsFlash system crashed this morning (it's the system that emails us when school is delayed or canceled... now it all makes sense!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

Oh, the places you'll go!

Quick, quick... SMART?!?!

2011-02-10T21:56:00.000-08:00

KIDS,

BASEBALL, SOCCER, BASKETBALL, SWIMMING, ETC

HOMEWORK

APPOINTMENTS

AND NOW... SUBBING!

Life is very full, and there are times that things must happen quickly around here. One of our go-to-meals is tacos/burritos. Everyone loves them and I can use left-over meat, (and such) to prepare them.

On this particular night I had left over pork... I chopped it, added taco seasoning and let it simmer.

I discovered I was out of refried beans (the kids favorite)... but I had left-over rice and a can of black beans... I mixed them together and simmered.

It was a great taco/burrito night (I try to always have both kinds of shells on hand.) We like to add cheese, olives. avocado, salsa (My kids don't like fresh tomatoes... I do so I add them to mine if I have them, but they will eat salsa.), etc...

What happens next?

I used to wrap everything up individually and store it in the refrigerator for left-overs... not any more!

With the remaining shells, meat, beans and cheese I roll burritos. I can then either freeze them for future use or I put them in the refrigerator for snacks.

1. Roll out cling-wrap.
2. Place shell on cling wrap.
3. Add meat, beans and cheese.

4. Roll burrito and then wrap snugly in cling-wrap.

5. Place rolled burritos in zip-lock bag... on this night I decided that the tortilla bag that was headed for the garbage can would be perfect to store the wrapped burritos in.

Wam, Bam ... quick snacks or lunch... I love doing this as it cuts down on messes in the kitchen and it gives my kids a great snack option!

Also, with subbing, I'm leaving the house early which makes for a hectic morning. I'm trying to cut-down on the things I have to do each morning and making lunches was the first thing to go. After all basketball practices were over I assembled lunches... Baby Girl offered to help. She took orders from everyone (hot lunch or cold lunch... ya know, does mom even need to make you a lunch) (pbj or bagels or sliced salami and cheese) (chips or crackers), etc.

We got everything assembled in the lunch boxes and stacked them in the refrigerator... now the kids just need to grab them in the morning. (I did leave the crackers and chips on the counter... it just didn't seem right to refrigerate them. The kids will add them to their lunches in the morning.)

Whew... one less thing on my hefty morning list... now, what to wear to work?

World Champions!

2011-02-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

And that is one happy group of boys at my house!

V-day

2011-02-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

I was at the preschool this week... subbing.

I headed off to find a book to read and I stumbled across the box of Valentine books. I love this book... it was a find a couple of years ago and I read it to my class as a cold read. As I read several ideas came to me and I scrapped my entire planned day and we worked on projects surrounding this book.

Mice made out of hearts....

Huge valentines...

Sparkly, fluffy, lacy valentines...

Writing notes to friends...

Loving our families...

etc.Enjoy... you can find it here.

Full, full, full

2011-01-31T07:12:00.001-08:00

Life is very full right now...

A very full weekend away with Joe to Spokane to entertain customers... a truly new experience for me... hockey game, peacock room, shopping, churchill's (3.5 hour dinner), the piano bar, breakfast alone with Joe (the only time we got to spend along together)... oh wait, I forgot about the 5.5 hour car ride there and back, big horn sheep, books on cd (ick... I prefer books on paper). Stopping at my new favorite eatery for a turkey sandwich and salsa tasting and few *treats* (turtles, anyone) for late night.

Watching my children *bloom* before my very eyes... 2 days away gives a Mama a whole new perspective... can they really grow that much, can their vocabulary mature, can their ideas change/reform, can they look at their mama in the grocery store when she reaches for their hand and simply smile and hold her hand.

With traveling with Joe came a better understanding of his time spent away from us.... I'll take teaching any day!

Looking ahead to this week... it's full! I have a list of places to be and projects to do, the kids have their schedules and Joe has his... it's full, it's our family...

love

2011-01-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

Have a happy, orangy kind of day!

What to do...

2011-01-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Baby girl has a sore throat.

She has a cough.

She does not have a fever.

She plays at home, wrestles with the dog and her brothers.

She called me twice from school yesterday... "I'm sick."

My response... "I can come and get you so that you can take a nap or you can participate in school... your choice."

She chose to stay at school.

This morning... no fever, froggy throat... I told her she could stay home in.her.bed.

She was in her bed, until I got back from the bus stop... she thought she could rest on the couch and watch a show.

{NO}... "I'm sorry, you're sick. Back to bed you go."

Called the school... informed them that she would be in bed... "sick"... they all chuckled... I think that means I'm a good mom in their eyes!

A gift...

2011-01-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."
~Desmond Tutu

Baby Girl with her baby cousin... so precious to finally have another girl in the family.

Praying...

2011-01-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

Praying for a friend... a friend that I don't know in real life, but someone I realized I've become attached too.

Joanne Heim suffered a stroke yesterday morning... she's young, she's vibrant, she's full of life and now she and her family wait...

I'm a little shocked by my feelings, so I'm praying... specifically Psalm 46 (which the family has requested).

God Is Our Fortress

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. [1] A Song.

46:1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present [2] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Practice

2011-01-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

Baby Girl had a meltdown... "I'm not good at basketball... I can't dribble..." in all of the 7-year-old drama she could muster.

I had a split second to decide how to respond... I decided to respond with a lesson; which in turn gave me a lesson (doesn't it always work out that way?)

We talked about how she could get better... {PRACTICE}

We came up with a plan... {10 minutes each day}

I involved her brothers... {you will each work with her on different days and you will MAKE IT FUN}

I was so impressed with her first lesson... {Pepe did an amazing job and since Phinneous saw his example, he is on board as well.}

My lessson:

I have many things in my life that I feel I can't do right now... hmmm... {PRACTICE}
Everything doesn't have to be sooo painful {MAKE IT FUN}
It won't happen instantly... {PLAN, TAKE IT SLOWLY}

So, today I will {PRACTICE}... love, patience & new routines.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

{Ha... me without words}

Have you giggled today? Watching these girls get up on this mat brought LOTS of giggles... especially watching Baby Girl hoist everyone else up and then figure out how she would get up on the mountain of mats too. What I saw was the most determination and fight I've seen in a 7-year-old. She assessed the situation and DID.NOT.GIVE.UP until she had achieved her goal. Definitely a lesson for me to live by!

And the joy continued...

2011-01-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

All three cuties in front of the tree in their new Christmas pjs.

Jeep was surprised with his new blanket and squirrel!

Baby Girl received zhu zhu pets... she'd been wanting them for a long time and big-brother gave them to her!

Pepe was excited about his huge lego set (which he has already put together and loves).

Phinneous admiring his new silly bandz... he really liked his new glove and ball (that measures how fast he throws).

It was a wonderful time together as a family... not too much stuff, but enough to make everyone feel special!

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2011-01-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...

We spent Christmas eve with very good friends and their family... friends that we have had since Joe and I began dating... in fact Joe goes back even farther with them. It is a friendship in which you help each other out, compliment each other, appreciate each other... it's incredible.

I lost count at how many people we celebrated with... kids opening presents... my kids opened their Christmas eve pjs... loved watching the excitement and the embarrassment (I guess when you're a 5th grader it's weird to open pjs in front of people.)

And then we headed home...

And what to our wondering eyes had appeared... I do believe Santa had been to our house while we were gone...

They were excited, surprised... they opened half of their gifts and then chose to save the rest for morning... it was pleasant and nice and exciting and a joy to watch my children so happy.

To be continued...

Giving it ALL

2010-12-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

This kid gives it ALL each week.

His determination, intensity and passion speak loudly.

He's struggling right now... not with the game of basketball but with the move of his best friend and his coach (of two sports).

I see the frustration. It manifests itself in pure crankiness and often tears (about something totally unrelated).

He's taught me a large lesson. I need to give my ALL each day when parenting. It's not acceptable to not be intense and determined and focused.

I need to think outside the box with this kid... I need to know how to get out of sticky situations with him. He's an extremely sensitive kid and he often tells me to "not yell at him"... and I shake my head... {I'm not yelling.} But, in his eyes and ears anything stern is yelling and he shuts down.

Oh, the joys of parenting... It's a daily struggle and joy to parent.

Stay focused, be determined, have intensity...

Give it ALL.

Tradition

2010-12-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

I have not sent out a traditional card in a couple of years. That whole Masters "thing" really sent me for a loop... I did create a slide show that I sent via email during that time. While I LOVED the slide show (so many pictures to include and songs, etc) it wasn't the simplicity of a card. So, this year I've purchased cards. I used the picture above... went with the theme of the year... "how many sports can we play at this house"... and had some fun.

Now to address the envelopes... ha, who am I kidding... I need to find the address book!

He's 9!

2010-11-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

Phineous is 9! My Thanksgiving (born a month early baby is 9!

This year is a year to celebrate with family... which the kids are skeptical about. But it proved to be a great birthday celebration.

We surprised him with the chance to watch Oregon vs. Duke on Saturday. He went with his two buddies and the three Dad's. He had no idea he was going... we told him to get ready to head to the store (he put on his Ducks shirt... cause he always wears his Duck shirt) and we stalled for the friends to arrive. He kept asking if his buddies could come and play and we kept putting him off. Finally the door bell sounded and his buddies had arrived... he and Joe got in the car and the friends told him where he was going. So cool! (He loved the game!)

The second surprise was an ipod touch. I know, I know... he's only 9. What do you do when it's the only thing he wants, you get a great deal, he's very responsible and it's the only thing he wants?!?!!? He LOVES it. He has even shared with his brother without.being.asked!

It was a great celebration! Which wasn't complete with out plain cheesecake :)

I can't believe he's 9! I'm trying hard to enjoy this year because I keep thinking... I'm going to have two kids in double digits next year... aaaagh! Enjoy this season :)

Gratitude :: 10

2010-11-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for a "girl" day... a fun "Just Dance" workout, a pedicure and lunch. A little spoiling {especially when Mama gets the kids cold} is very nice.

Gratitude :: 9

2010-11-10T20:27:00.001-08:00

Grateful to be able {although sometimes not willing} to workout... especially with friends.

Gratitude :: 8

2010-11-10T20:25:00.001-08:00

Grateful to practice my teaching skills... I was blessed with the opportunity to sub at my old preschool!

Gratitude :: 7

2010-11-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for two boys that {sometimes} get along and do great things together.

Gratitude :: 6

2010-11-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

I'm am so thankful for my sense of humor.... sometimes you just have to laugh!

Gratitude :: 5

2010-11-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for my couch... sometimes it's just what I need... a moment to sit, relax, reflect and enjoy.

Gratitude :: 4

2010-11-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for my "beast" of a car!

It is on the go very often... hauling kids, dirt, equipment, dirt, stinking shoes, kids, dogs, etc. It may not be the prettiest thing, but it is mine and it is very functional!

Gratitude :: 3

2010-11-04T14:38:00.001-07:00

I'm thankful for my husband...

I often find myself doing a lot on my own... (anyone else have a traveling hubby). I don't mind doing it on my own... some may call me a control freak.

Lately, there have been numerous occasions where I realize it is soooo much easier to do things with him than without him.

Gratitude :: 2

2010-11-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate...

bible study / soccer board position / bike first!

Gratitude :: 1

2010-11-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

I saw a post about gratitude that I loved.
So I'm going to do my own month of gratitude postings.

I am grateful for my spirited, fun, routine-loving, thoughtful children. Another Halloween, but this time we experienced changes. Friends were of great importance; which was fine, just different. I'm so grateful for these kiddos and all that they enjoy and especially for the joy they bring to me.

Laundry Brilliance?!?!?!

2010-10-28T10:13:00.001-07:00

I do a TON of laundry! (I know we all do, but today it's all about me.)

I know it will never be done, but I'd like it to be manageable. (Which seems to always fail me.)

I had a thought last night (scary) and I'm trying it today. It's not so much doing the laundry as it is putting it away... sorting the piles of shorts, pants, shirts, uniforms, socks, underwear, sheets, towels... ick!

Here is the BRILLIANCE... wash items according to like-items! {WHAT?!?!?} (I usually do LOADS & LOADS of darks, then whites, then towels, then sheets, then blankets, etc.)

For example... I just went up to my bedroom to the mountain of laundry and pulled out all of the shirts and filled my laundry basket with them until it was full. I'm going to wash the shirts, dry the shirts and then hang them up (or fold them) as they come out of the dryer and they will be ready to put away.

While I was sorting I went ahead and made a pile of pants/shorts/sweats and socks/underwear (I just mixed the whites and colors together and when I do those loads I will do one white and one of colors.)

I think that I may be on to something! {WHAT?!??!?! Do you already to this and you didn't share? I'll let you know how it goes!

And... while we're on the subject of laundry... this room just looks dreamy!

$ Dollar Store LOVE

2010-10-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

The $ store and I have a love/hate relationship! Sometimes I love what I find, but often the lack of any type of quality drives me crazy. I love to be frugal, but not cheap. Buy less and buy quality is what I'd rather do.

That being said... I found a few treasures yesterday to share with you.

Just for fun... kids sized bowls that I used on a runner down the table. The kids think they should be filled with candy... I'm not so sure! Maybe pumpkin seeds and nuts? I think today I'll have them filled with their after-school snack.

Adding an unexpected Pop... I had marbles and clear "disks" surrounding my candles, but I found these mini pumpkins and acorns. While they are plastic and a bit "cheesy" I think they added great color and texture to this decoration.

Just because I wanted them... I've wanted new wine glasses for awhile and couldn't force myself to splurge. Then I saw these last week and I've been thinking about them. I ended up bringing home 6 of them for $6), ran them through the dishwasher and hung them up. I love them! They are nice and heavy and tall... perfect. Would I love something fancier... maybe someday. But these glasses won't cause me any heartache when they get hit by a football (it will happen in my house) or dropped on the granite counter.

Happy Wednesday!

I'm running?!?!

2010-10-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

About 4 weeks ago I was feeling like I was at the depths of despair... okay, maybe not that low, but pretty darn low.

I had some choices to make... get medicated or do something to boost myself.

I chose to do something (although I'm not sure that I'm out of the woods... there is nothing wrong with medication... I'm just going through a lot of transitions and I'm trying to make the right decision for me)... I started running.

OR... maybe I should call it GULPING air! It was pretty awful at first. But I have to say, that surrounded by great friends I have kept at it. I am up to running at least 1.5 miles before I need to stop for a cleansing breath (I usually then walk about 1/4 mile and resume running). My goal has been to run 3 miles... to be able to head out and just run 3 miles. I'm scaring myself that it is getting very near. Last Thursday I went 5 miles... I didn't run all of it, but I ran A LOT!

I have always said... I will never run...

Ha... never say never!

In pain

2010-10-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

It is terrible to watch your child suffer... Phinneous is in PAIN!

While wrestling with his buddies he was SLAMMED into a wall. His wind was knocked out of him... I worked to get him under control and then suggested the boys quit wrestling (fyi -- I hate wrestling... someone ALWAYS gets hurt.)

A little while later the boys were running down the stairs and I heard the classic thud, bump, bump, s.p.l.a.t. It was Phinneous.... now he was really not happy. But, he was headed to the trampoline...

A few minutes later I heard the screeching.... MOM!

He couldn't get off the trampoline... couldn't move... I thought he MUST be cramping... he had pitched that afternoon and he must be dehydrated, etc. I had to climb up through the tiny-kid-sized net and retrieve him (visualize my larger arse climbing through everything... not a pretty site). He was pretty upset... I massaged him and got him ice and gave him an ibuprofen... I figured he'd be fine.

Got him home, positioned him in bed and just waited for him to pass out... which he did... yay! That was short lived as at 2am he was up and in pain. I repositioned him and thought {^&*}... do I take him to the ER... did he break a bone... is it muscular... can it wait til morning...

I chose to wait till morning, but I was up several more times repositioning him... needless to say... no sleep!

***

Dr. Report... muscle strain... heat, ibuprofin and no physical activity for a week! Hot tub is a great idea (so glad I have one in my backyard)! And Ty!eno! 3 for bed time... yay!

So now I'm exhausted and I'm still waiting for him to pass out. However, he has found the Duck game on TV... it's going to be a long day!

Real Housewives

2010-10-18T21:43:00.001-07:00

Addicted... not because I aspire to be like them, but I am enthralled with them.

Did she just wear that? Say that? Do that? Think that? Portray that?

Totally addicted... I'm also addicted to Sister Wives... I wonder what that says about me?

I think it says... I'm a woman without homework and I've rediscovered TV!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Check out other wordless wednesday posts.

Just cute

2010-10-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

Cleared 370 pictures off of my camera and found baby girls bday photos. She just makes me smile! This was her year to have a family party... she wasn't too keen on the idea, but I think she loved it!

Parenting -- ick!

2010-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

My son had a total break-down about school last night... broke my heart.

playground -- specifically the soccer field -- kids are mean, telling him "he sucks". If you know my son you know that he is an athlete... are they just happy when he makes mistakes? He is not my boastful child... he does well and lets it be.
classroom -- hates where he sits, was moved from his friends (because he's the kid that can sit with the kids who won't behave). He feels ousted from the group.
just plain bullying -- "I can break your wrist... I'm in karate."
I'm mean -- I don't like play dates during the school week. Occasionally is fine, but we are busy with practices and homework and they don't get home from school until 4 and I like them in bed by 8:30... doesn't give us a lot of time for play dates. I squelched that one... told him that we do not have play dates on a school day, but I told him I would work harder to set things up on the weekend.

What do I do? My first reaction was to call all the parents of the children he mentioned and "give it to them". Knowing that was not the right thing to do I waited... I calmed down. I chatted with Joe...

We both agree that...

this child of ours has most likely been experiencing these things for awhile (he tends to take a lot and then burst) and for whatever reason it all came out today.
He is also VERY sensitive... wears his emotions on his sleeve. We are always working with him to let things "roll" off of him.
He doesn't understand why people would be mean... he's not a mean spirited kid

So... I can counsel most parents through this issue, but when it comes to MY kid I'm at a loss for what to do.

Advice? (I already emailed the teacher and asked for her observations.)

My First Bible Study!

2010-10-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I've joined my first Bible Study with a great group of ladies that I'm looking forward to getting to know even better. After over a year of being invited, I finally felt that I could actually focus on a bible study. So... here we go.

If you've read my "finding church" posts, you know that this is a difficult area for me. That being said, I want to learn and find for myself.

Week 1 (last week) -- I was able to stay at bible study for 15 minutes. It was an insane evening of schedules. I persevered and was glad to make it. As I began my homework for the week I was completely overwhelmed.

What am I doing?
I don't belong here?
I don't even know what they are talking about/referencing/
You want me to pray?
My bible... it's burried on my shelf... haven't opened it since college.
I should quit... this isn't me.
I can't do this?
I didn't even know that was the name of a book in the bible?

The thoughts and panicked swarmed. I finally decided that I would get "something" out of this bible study. It may not be an epiphany, but I will learn. As I was driving one afternoon, I realized that it felt as though I was reading a foreign language. And then I had even more compassion for my daughter... who is struggling with learning to read. I see her frustration and I feel for her... it's a foreign language to her.

Week 2 -- Group
Cautiously I told the group about my feelings of feeling overwhelmed and I shared my feelings of it being like reading a foreign language. The women were great and even agreed that it felt difficult to them as well. I felt better. I will keep plugging along.

The quote I pulled out of the dvd and that I will hold onto is this...

Are you looking for religion or a relationship [with God]?

The answer for me was so clear... I'm looking for a relationship.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY -- Just Laugh!

2010-09-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

You can participate here.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-09-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Time

2010-09-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

This little girl is a gift. She is sweet (with a bit of sour). We comment regularly at home about how she is our easy child... the one who smiles, makes us smile, is cheerful and helpful. She is very independent and will spend hours playing in her room or in the sandbox. However, there are times when she is very dependent and wants her mama. In the recent past (during that Masters degree) I found myself putting her off, having few patience with her. I've vowed to change that. I could feel myself pushing her away and didn't want to, but didn't have the effort to put into her needs. (sad, very sad) So I'm on a quest to meet her needs (and mine) in a loving manner.

She loves our nightly reading together... we snuggle up on the couch and read from her American Girl books. She puts on her little glasses and we sit together. I still squirm at times (it's like I get claustrophobic or something), but I'm learning to set my boundaries.... lovingly.

To pay them, or not (allowance)!

2010-09-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

The issue of allowance is always staring me in the face... what to do, what to do, what to do?

I do believe that my kids need to earn money AND spend money at this age to learn to be responsible for the future.

I do not believe they should be paid to help out in the house that they live in... isn't that part of their responsibility... they should just pick up their own undies and socks (I'm just sayin').

I did get tired of hearing, "Mom, can I get the new lego, sports card, littlest pet shop, NFL jersey, lipstick, baseball/soccer ball, _______ insert annoying request."

I caved... Allowance... it's alive and well.

Here's what we're trying and it seems to be working for us...

1. Children do normal jobs... just because (brushing teeth, making beds, etc are not a paid job)

2. Children willingly help with jobs when mom and dad ask (without eye rolling or huffing)

3. Some of my children have figured out that if they ask for a job at least once a week they make their mom REALLY happy (and she may or may not think that they are the golden child for the moment).

4. The giving of allowance is heavily weighed upon the childrens behavior for the week (I LOVE THIS)

5. Allowance is given on Friday AND the children must ask me for it. They may not ask on Thursday and if they wait till Saturday (that's a bummer). It's given on Friday. (Note... you should have cash on you on Friday... ugh... that's embarrassing)

6. Some portion of the allowance must be put into Long-term savings. The parental unit will match the amount put into long term savings (like a 401K). Some portion of money should be put into short term savings (i.e. saving for the new lego set, ipod, etc). And children should have a couple of dollars for WAM (walking around money -- love that acronym)

That's it... that's the plan.

The results...

Week 1... Children asked for allowance (mommy was out of cash... still paying them... pathetic... note to self... go to the bank)

Week 2... Children forgot to ask... remembered 2 days later (what a bummer)

Hello Me, Meet Me

2010-09-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Day 2 on my own.

I was "blessed" with a phone call from my professor... and found myself with some additional work to do (not a big deal). I did half of it this morning... so by 11am I was ready to head out on my adventure.

{Really, I was tired of working and needed a break... the house was soooo quiet that I had to leave.}

I picked up some of Baby Girls birthday surprise (I will have to blog about that later). I ran to Target, Home Goods, Sports Authority and Ross (for the second day in a row).

{Really, I couldn't focus yesterday while shopping and forgot half of what I needed to get.}

Then I came home and did dishes, laundry, made kids beds, sorted soccer uniforms, made dinner, chatted with my sister and got the kids off the bus.

{Really, I tried hard to move my feet. I certainly could have napped, watched a movie, cleaned and organized the chaos.}

As I did all of this {I really didn't do anything} I looked around and became a bit overwhelmed with all of the projects I see around me... how will I accomplish this. I have the time NOW.

Then it dawned on me... normally I am sooo many pressing deadlines that I have to schedule my time tight. Right now I don't need to do that and I'm floundering.

{Hello Me, Meet Me}

I need a list... a direction... a plan (hello me... teacher).

I got into the habit of not making lists because they were depressing... they never got accomplished. But now, I can make lists!

Daily lists :: Short Term lists :: Long term lists :: Lists for the kids :: Lists for Joe :: Lists for the family

Isn't it wonderful.... anyone have a pad of paper?

For this moment...

2010-09-01T06:09:00.001-07:00

For this moment I am officially a stay-at-home mom, again.

It's been 4 years since I've said that.

Staying-at-home is a difficult task for me, but I'm determined to give it my all. I've been given the time {opportunity} to be a mom and a wife and I'm jumping in with both feet.

I know it won't be easy... I've done this before, but this time I feel at peace with it. I'm excited to be slow, be still and enjoy the chaos. While during the day I don't have little feet under mine {except Jeep, but he's not little} there are meals to plan, a house to reorganize, unfinished projects to complete, a woman, wife and mom to "find" and laundry... there's always laundry.

So during this time, it will be an adventure. It won't last for long and I'm embracing it... for this moment.

Last day of summer!

2010-08-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of summer for my kiddos (do you see my dancing feet).

It has been a great summer... we've enjoyed many fun days and nights and camps and vacation and soccer tournaments and a basketball tournament.

But, all good things must come to an end. It's time... time for school, routine, structure and fall.

It's time for my children to like each other again. These last two weeks of summer have been terrible... everyone anxious and grouchy.

But tomorrow, I will put all three of my darlings on the bus. Then I will drive to the school and get them off the bus and walk them to their classrooms and then... I will be on my own for.the. whole.day!

Goodbye summer, hello fall!

Beauty

2010-08-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

A small compilation of photos from our trip. We head back home in the morning (and really I'm just procrastinating my packing duties). I have so many thoughts swirling in my head. I had time to think, ponder and reflect. As much as I beat myself up for all that I have not done, I also thought about those things that I do. It's an interesting list... and I'm sure I'll share more of it... later.

For now... goodbye beautiful lake... hello home!

FEAR

2010-07-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have a fear... of canoes.

Silly, right?

But real.

When Joe suggested we borrow a canoe for our lake trip I was very honest with him about my feelings... NO!

Being that I am so mature, we brought the canoe along and I requested that I not need to be in the canoe. He made my dreams come true. He took the kids out without me. I stood dock-side to take photos. The lake was very windy that day and there ride lasted all of 5 minutes. Pepe was thrilled to help paddle. Baby girl was very nervous and began to cry (that's my girl). And Phinneous... he just went along for the ride.

In the end... Pepe's dream of canoeing was realized, my dream of not canoeing came true.

Comfort

2010-07-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

At home, I have all of my things around me that make me comfortable... favorite cup, blanket, squooshy spot in the couch, etc.

On vacation, I've realized that I immediately find things to replace my comfortable things. As I was pouring coffee this morning I realized that I reached for the red mug. The house we've rented has a set of nice yellow striped mugs (which I gave to Joe) and I took the red one. I prefer to sit in the big oversized brown couch and I've found my favorite water glass... it's green... I gave Joe the pink one.

Hmmm... even though it's only "stuff" I have found a way to create comfort.

And we sat...

2010-07-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

we sat at the end of the dock, in our chairs (pushed really close together) with a blanket spread out over the two of us. We watched the moon rise, the sun set, the fish jump, the birds dive and we sat. We talked about our trip, but mostly our day with guests at the Lake House. It's not often that we find the time to just sit with each other, to listen to each other and just BE.

Just a little bragging!

2010-07-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Pepe had an incredible soccer tournament last weekend. We are soooo proud of him. He played tough, aggressive, smart and most of all consistent! The team went 2 and 1 to make it to the semi-finals. Unfortunately, they lost in the semi's, but Pepe made the only goal for our team in that game... he hadn't scored since last fall (and when he scored last fall I missed it... I was coaching one of the other kids teams).

I was soooo excited... I went to mommy crazy town (you know when you forget where you are and you let it all out... with a huge YAHOOOOOO!) I stood up to cheer and about dropped my camera. That's when I realized that I didn't capture "the moment". I then started clicking away without even looking through the lens. I was able to capture the excitement on his face and high-fives with teammates. I love the goalie getting the ball out of the net.

Winner -- Winner

2010-07-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

The boys have done their share of camps this summer and most of them independently. But they had the chance to attend the Martell Webster (formerly a Portland Trailblazer -- we are so sad that he's been traded) basketball camp.

The camp was held during the three hottest days of the summer. Needless to say they both worked very hard, got very sweaty and red in the face. The boys love Martell... he is so good with the kids. He even brought squirt guns and water balloons to the camp to help everyone stay cooled off.

Joe headed to camp on the last day to take a few photos. The boys didn't know he was coming and they were a little stunned!

Pepe -- going through one of the drills. He did a contest at the camp and took 3rd place in bump.

Phinneous also competed in a contest called hot shot. You have to shoot as many baskets as you can from different locations and you earn points. He made it to the finals and finished the contest in front of all of the campers. He "drained" two 3-point shots and had a final score of 57 and won the contest. He beat everyone in the camp. He competed against 13 year olds! He won a signed Martell Webster jersey. He was ECSTATIC! The thing that just blows my mind... he told me the day before the contest that he was going to win. I watch this kid and see the determination he has and I am impressed!

Self

2010-07-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever stop and realize that you've just learned something knew about yourself?

I know I will always keep learning and growing and developing, but sometimes I just laugh when I realize something new.

New #1 :: I like drinking water out of a straw.

New #2 :: I like to listen to instrumental jazz music when I study.

New #3 :: I can't work if the kitchen isn't clean... something about doesn't let me focus.

New #4 :: I like good food... we went to I22y's the other night and I wanted a salad. I made my salad and as I ate it I realized that the ingredients were just not up to my standard. I admit I am spoiled... I get organic vegetables every week from the farm and they are really good. So disappointing.

New #5 :: I don't like large crowds. Really this isn't new, but reaffirmed. I took my kids to the movie last week and I chuckled when I realized that I always take them to a small theater.

New #6 :: When I start my homework it takes me about half and hour to get settled in and really work. Interesting.

What's new with you?

Oh, those silly boys!

2010-07-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

I just found these pics and laughed hysterically. What a fun night! One of those nights with Joe out of town and myself running kids back and forth.... baseball, soccer, etc. I remember dropping Phinneous off at baseball and running Pepe to soccer. Pepe finished soccer in time to catch the end of Phinneous' baseball game. We headed down and when we stepped out of the car it started POURING! The field was disgusting, but they kept playing.

Phinneous had a great hit and ran the bases... the coaches were yelling for him to slide into third base... which he did pathetically. The field was so gross... so I was yelling for him to stay on his feet. He had to slide into home and it was muddy. It happened to be their last game, which was a make-up game.

Afterward, the boys ran the bases like they usually do but decided to slide into each base. I was in shock -- MUD. And then I see Pepe... in his soccer gear running the bases with the team and sliding... so GROSS! Must they ride home with me?!?!?!?

I live with this daily!

Pepe had already removed the mud filled jacket he was wearing!

Sometimes you've got to throw the kid a bone.

2010-07-07T21:46:00.000-07:00

Phinneous has a LIST of movies that are "must see" this summer. I am very frugal (some may say cheap) and we typically only see 2-3 movies each year in the theater. Maybe it's because he's the middle child (the forgotten one -- ya right), maybe it's because of that blonde hair and those blue eyes, maybe it's because he wrote me a list of all of the characters, maybe it's because he was able to compare the first two movies in detail or maybe I just caved.... but I took the kids (plus 2 friends) to see
Toy Story 3.

After getting past the ticket cost and snacks (we kept it reasonable... 1 large, refillable popcorn, 2 large sodas and they threw in a box of candy for an extra $.50)... a whopping $62.50, we settled in to enjoy the movie. It was darling. I haven't seen Toy Story 2, but I have seen the original MANY time. I must say that I liked both of them... for different reasons, but they are both good.

One movie checked off of Phinneous' list. (And a priceless moment for mama when I looked down the row as the movie began and saw the look on his face... excitement, thrill, surprise, love... it was the best!)

In a jam?

2010-07-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

We've had non-summer like weather, which pushed strawberry season way, way back.

But, I finally have my flat of strawberries and that means... jam time.

Last year I made raspberry jam and no one in my family liked it. I liked it, but I ended up giving it away as gifts. (Which was fine, because who doesn't like a homemade gift that you can eat?)

Phinneous likes strawberry jam... (but now he tells me he only likes Smucker$ -- what?)

Looks good, huh?!?!??!

Creative Living

Blast from the Past!

Week 1 -- FAIL

It's the first week of January... have you heard?

My Night

Are you ready?

Living in the moment...

A day of snuggling

A lovely Friday morning

Missing in Action ?!?!!

And they've finally settled in...

In this season...

It's the good stuff...

Frugal -- Cheap -- You decide

And we're only half way through the month!

Ooops.

Camping Birthday

And... it's another birthday!

Birthday Boy

Back to School

Countdown to School

The Daniel Plan 50 Best Brain Foods

The best birthday surprise EVER!

Time to plan a birthday party!

The coupon craze...

I really love this boy...

Fill in the Blank Friday

Friends

No other way to say it... my children were {{bad}}!

Today ... in the life of...

I'm over it!

Random...WHY?

Shoulder Pain

Parenting from Maui

So Lovely...

Blessed

Mom's Day 2011

Today I'm Loving...

Sometimes growing up is just hard....

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

"Home-made" Pizza

Bathroom Remodel(s)

Conversations with a First Grader

Oh, how I love this first grader!

Do you have one yet?

Link-up :: The Simple Things

I *love* this... who's joining me?

Busy

Snow Day

Wordless Wednesday

Quick, quick... SMART?!?!

World Champions!

V-day

Full, full, full

love

What to do...

A gift...

Praying...

God Is Our Fortress

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. [1] A Song.

Practice

Wordless Wednesday

And the joy continued...

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Giving it ALL

Tradition

He's 9!

Gratitude :: 10

Gratitude :: 9

Gratitude :: 8

Gratitude :: 7

Gratitude :: 6

Gratitude :: 5

Gratitude :: 4

Gratitude :: 3

Gratitude :: 2

Gratitude :: 1

Laundry Brilliance?!?!?!

$ Dollar Store *LOVE*

I'm running?!?!

I love this... who's joining me?

$ Dollar Store LOVE