.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2012-01-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year! It is the year of the Dragon and we had a great celebration. This year was a little bit of a different group and it was fun to share the tradition with new people too. I made a dragon cake that I am quite proud of and the kids were thrilled with.

Just before CNY we finally had a mini snow day. There was no school, since no one knows how to drive anything more than rain around here, so the kids built a snowman in a hurry before it melted! Then we peeled the drenched clothes off their freezing bodies and started the drying process. By afternoon it was all gone and life had returned to normal.

Heaven has a new angel tonight

2012-01-14T21:20:00.001-08:00

I have followed the blogs of a couple of little boys for more than two years now. Both of them were born with a horrible, awful disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa, EB for short. Jonah is a little cutie who, despite this disease, is thriving and growing. Tripp has not been so lucky. Tripp has suffered every possible side affect ending up with a feeding tube, trach, constant pain, blindness and the inability to even move over the last couple of months. Today he finally earned his wings. He was a special blessing whose mother has proven to be an amazing young woman. The life Tripp lived was by no means a life of high quality. Yet he touched thousands and thousands of others in his short time here - more than most of us will be able to say! He has brought about an awareness of EB that never before existed. The two years of agony he lived had a purpose and now that purpose will live on in his memory. Please say a prayer for his mother and others who loved him! His blog is in my side bar if you want to check it out.

Why do I follow these blogs? Why to I subject myself to the sadness and suffering when I don't have to? I have asked myself this many times. I don't do it to make myself sad, nor is it to make myself feel better about my life. I find it very hard to put in to words the reasons I follow these stories.

The word compassion means: (1) a deep awareness and sympathy of the sufferings of another. (2) the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it.

In addition to having the sorrow that is felt for the
suffering of others, it is a willingness and an urge
to assist them. The word compassion actually means
to do something about feeling sorry, to be affected
by their situation. It is to enter into another's sorrow
and pain. When we feel true compassion, we will be
moved inwardly. It means to be tenderhearted; to
be sensitive and affectionate, to be moved with
tender feelings over the pain and sufferings of others.

I have cried with and for these families. I have held my own children tighter. I have celebrated the triumphs as well - not every situation has a tragic ending. To be with these people in spirit is to feel a human connection that is unlike any other.

The suffering of innocent children is horrifying beyond words. But if we can somehow participate in suffering that we can not relieve, then somehow maybe our silent presence will relieve it.

Tonight I celebrate how well Jonah is doing while aching for the loss that Tripp's family is feeling. Do I know their pain? No. Lord willing, I never will. But if I should, then I can only imagine the comfort I might feel in knowing others were hurting with me and trying to ease my burden by simply sharing it.

First Grader!

2012-01-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

I haven't made it very public yet but I guess it's time. Paige "graduated" from Kindergarten in December and started first grade today (January 3). We went through a long drawn out evaluation process and finally got the results we expected in December. All Fall she spent 1/2 of her kindergarten day down in a first grade classroom so the transition was not difficult. I suspect the full day will take some adjuting too though! We are very proud of her and how well she put up with the testing and moving around - kind of a rough start to a school career. Now we hope things can settle down into a semi-normal routine!

Gymnastics

2012-01-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Paige started gymnastics in November. I had told her that as soon as football season was over she could start. She was always so good sitting through two hour practices in the rain and going to two games every Saturday!

By the end of the month she was asked to join the pre-team class! It is two hours of hard work every Saturday and she loves it! Somehow she still has the energy to come bouncing over to me at the end of it too. We have been amazed at how natural it all seems to her and how quickly she learns! They would like her to start a second day of training to get her ready for meets by Fall. Who knew?

A Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

We spent the first part of Christmas Eve across the street at Rick's sister's house. Once Paige was ready to collapse we went home to play some Mexican Train and watch It's a Wonderful Life with more family.

Paige and Daddy checked out NORAD to see where Santa was.

Trace was shocked that Santa brought him the skis he had dreamed of but never in a million years thought he'd actully get!

Caden loved his little remote control helicopter! He brought it when we went to my parent's house for Christmas dinner and had a blast flying it up into their vaulted ceilings.

We had a wonderful Christmas and were so very blessed in so many ways. Not only was there food on the table and gifts galore, but we were all together as a family and everyone was healthy. Our kids are happy, we have jobs to support them. Life is good. And I am thankful.

December Days

2011-12-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy month for us - as I'm sure it has been for everyone! With work, shopping, school activities and meetings, kids parties, shopping, tree hunting, did I mention shopping? This year we were able to resume our tradition of hunting for the perfect tree up in the Gifford Pinchot near Mt. Adams. Because of the weather we haven't been able to go the last couple of years and the kids were thrilled that we could go this year! It turned out to be a real Currier and Ives kind of day. Uncle Woody built us a small fire and we roasted hot dogs, hiked through the snow in search of our tree and the kids did a little sledding with their cousins before calling it a day. The best memories!

Trace doing his imitation of a polar bear after loosing his sled!

Caden's reaction after one of his first runs down a really fast and long hill!

Hiking through the woods. The snow was almost up to my knees in some areas!

On the last day of school before Christmas Vacation Trace's school hosts the Red and Green Games. They divide the grades into boys and girls teams then assign them red or green. They each play a ten minute game of basketball. It is a loud and roudy tradition that everyone loves. The teacher in the picture is Trace's P.E. teacher, a great example of how the teachers get into the spirit.

This last week we made our gingerbread houses with the Biundos. It was really fun to watch Paige, who just last year didn't get it, take the longest time to carefully work on her creation. We've taken the kids to a $3 movie and spent an afternoon at an indoor trampoline "park" and now we are getting geared up for the big day. We will spend Christmas celebrating with family and trying to enjoy some peace. I wish the same for all of you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Having a daughter …

2011-11-30T21:27:00.001-08:00

Sometimes brings the simplest of joys. Tonight as I was cleaning up the kitchen Paige appeared asking for ice cream. I told her when I was done cleaning up I would get her some. Do you know what that girl said? “Can I help you, Mommy?” Usually I am too hurried, too tired, to whatever and tell her no (I know, I know I should always let her), but tonight I decided to let her help. So I got out the stainless steel cleaner and told her I had a big job and I could only let her do it if she was really responsible. Of course her little eyes lit up as she assured me she could handle it! So I got down on the floor and showed her what the “grain” is in the stainless on the dishwasher. Then she got to work. She did a fabulous job! What was most amazing to me though was that when she moved to the fridge she noticed on her own that the grain went the opposite direction! Rick was impressed when she demonstrated what the grain was on the stove (and that it went the same way as the dishwasher!).

When she had finished and had her ice cream she went to watch a show while I mopped. When a commercial came on I asked her if she wanted me to fast forward it for her. Well, little Miss. Big says, “No, I’ll do it.” And she did. The things she knows just never cease to amaze me!

There are many, MANY days that I wonder what on Earth we were thinking to want a daughter so much! But it only takes a one tiny moment for that huge wave of love to wash over me and remind me how blessed I am. My little girl is beautiful, smart, loving, and carefree. People tell me all the time that they wish they could just squeeze her because she is so cute. You know what? I GET TO! Every. Single. Day. And not because she is cute, but because I love her so much!!

Thanksgiving...

2011-11-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

Caden and Paige got out all of our Playdough yesterday. I asked them to sort through it and toss out whatever they didn't use anymore - which is actually all of it but they would disagree with me on that. Once they had it sorted they decided it needed to be played with - of course.

So, while they were busy with that, I was a tad busy doing a few other things.
Uh, ahem, cough, cough... yes this was my house.
I posted these for all the world to see for two reasons. 1. To make you all feel better about the way your own house may look. You're welcome. 2. Because I'm quite proud of the end result. Which I'll get a picture of tomorrow.

As has become our new tradition, we celebrated Thanksgiving on a different day. Rick has had to work every year so we just pick another day and it works out great. Except when you have a job, a husband out of town, three bickering kids and a house that looks like, um well that! Somehow or other I managed to get it all done though! By last night the laundry was washed, folded and put away, dishes done, counters cleared, and the floors were picked up and vacuumed. Then this happened...

Yeah, 2am, 4:23am, 7am, and I lost count of how many time after that. I was up washing sheets bathing her (no one tells you about vomit getting in little girl's hair!), and generally cleaning up the aftermath for about 20 minutes each time. Then, because I knew how much I had going on the next morning (Thanksgiving was at our house) I couldn't get back to sleep for a while. So essentially I got very little sleep!

Thanksgiving turned out beautiful though! Everyone made it, the food was fabulous - as always, and Paige even manage to rally for the afternoon!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I told you!

2011-10-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life is stinks when you have to act like an adult. Especially when you really, really want to act like a child! The kindergarten teacher said today that Paige's reading is, "out of my league!" She is a very experienced teacher who is retiring this year. Apparently when the reading specialist first had Paige read to her the other person in the room emailed Paige's teacher saying, "Oh-my-goodness! Have you heard this kid read?" Um, yeah! She is well into first grade level math also. Sooooo they are arranging for testing asap to determine if she would be better off in first grade. Criminy people - I TOLD YOU!!!

2011-10-24T22:36:00.002-07:00

I have followed the stories of many of these children from birth and all of them for many years now. I sat and sobbed over the deaths of each of the "angels" shown in this video. Though we've never met, this connection through the internet has brought us together. I follow Tripp and Jonah's blogs especially close and encourage you to check them out. (The links are on the right).

This week is EB awareness week:

Be Part of the Cure

2011-10-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday, Trace!!!

2011-10-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Trace requested a football cake and I was quite impressed with the way it turned out. I ran out of brown food coloring so it's a bit more tan than I wanted but close enough! This was also the first time I ever added whipped cream to homemade frosting and boy did that make it wonderful!
Opening his gift from the grandparents - a LEGO set. Aunt Chris gave him $25 on a Target card. Rick and I decided a long time ago to get him his own laptop for his 13th birthday. So in early September we went shopping for the one we had decided we wanted only to find it had been discontinued. A week later we were able to buy the floor model - but the keyboard was broken. So off we went to another store that had the only other floor model. THAT one had blown speakers apparently. It was sent in for repair and came back a week later UNrepaired! So back it went and after three weeks we still didn't have it back. After spending all weekend on the phone with managers we were finally informed on Monday that the computer was being junked and our money refunded. Trace's birthday was on Wednesday! Talk about a stressful couple of days! In the end we found a new computer, wrapped it up and set up a scavenger hunt for him to find it. After a lot of laughs over the clues he finally found it. It was a great surprise and he loved it!
For his birthday dinner I made him steak (which he'd been begging for for weeks) and baked beans (which he loves) with salad and parmasean noodles. It tasted great!

So another year has passed and technically we have a teenager in the house now. I'm glad that Trace isn't in a hurry to grow up. No girlfriends, no loud music and no gangs of kids hanging around all the time! It will come - Caden will be 13 in only 3 more years! Until then, I'm going to just enjoy the kid that he is and take each day as it comes!

Football is our life right now!

2011-10-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Trace is really doing great in football this year! His team is one point (literally) from being undefeated! Trace was asked to fill in for center when the regular one broke his hand - when the regular guy returned they had a contest and Trace beat him out to keep the position! Apparently the other boy has played for three years too! I wouldn't say that Trace is an all-American football star, but he is eager to learn, asks lots of questions and works really hard to follow instructions - his coaches love him! The picture above is pretty typical of most games where the other team doubles up on him and he holds his own!
Practice in the mud! Somehow this night it rained at Caden's practice but not at Trace's 5 miles away!
Carson was excited to try on his big cousin Caden's football gear! A little future CCYF player I think!

The Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

For the second year our (totally awesome) friend gave us each a ticket to get into the local pumpkin patch. At $8/person x 5 we really couldn't justify it on our budget so we were extremely grateful! We went early this year and managed to avoid both the mobs and the rain. Rick's parents as well as his sister and her family all met us there for a fun morning.
The great pumpkin launch! No one got it in the bucket, maybe next year.
The whole crew!

Kindergarten days

2011-10-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

Paige is loving school this year! I suspect that most kindergartners do though. Her teacher has been great and makes a real effort to keep her challenged. Just today the teacher told me that they are still in the process of testing her reading level. At this point she has cleared first grade and still going strong! I’m anxious to see how close she is to my guess of 3rd grade. Yesterday I gave the teacher her homeschool math book to work with at school (now that’s a pretty receptive teacher!). We’ll find out on Halloween at our conference what the recommendation is as far as testing her to be moved to first grade. The teacher told me the other day that a lot of parents talk about how smart their kids are, “but this one… this one should definitely…” I believe she meant Paige should be tested for first grade, or maybe moved, I’m not sure. Fun, fun, fun!

A few more of my favorites…

2011-09-28T19:38:00.001-07:00

This girl won’t be ignored!

2011-09-26T22:02:00.001-07:00

I love this picture! It just seemed to fit the mood of this post too.

So, we’ve known for a VERY long time now that Little Miss was smart as well as a wise old soul. At two she would sit in a chair during a busy party and contentedly watch the goings-on. At three, Caden’s first grade teacher asked repeatedly what we were going to do with her. By four I was asking teachers and school administrators what we should do with her.

I’m so frustrated! I’ve researched and talked and asked and asked and asked again. I’m getting no where! The teacher smiles and says she’ll keep an eye on things, the principal smiles and says I’m just like a lot of other parents who think their kid is smart (in other words I’m one of “those” parents) and everyone who knows Paige says, “what the heck is going on?!” The answer is, I don’t know! I’m trying. At this point I’m balancing too many balls and trying to make too many people happy at once without upsetting anyone. And what usually happens when we do that? We end up miserable! I wish I was better at expressing myself. I do great in my head but not so well in person!

To be cont…

Our Fall photo shoot…

2011-09-25T21:11:00.001-07:00

Some big days!

2011-09-21T22:07:00.001-07:00

Caden turned 10! Double digits? How did that happen? He wanted a LEGO cake so this was my rendition. It’s the best I could do without fondant (which my family hates).

Paige started kindergarten! Seriously – how does this happen? It just feels like yesterday she was placed in my arms with her little lower lip quivering. She is making friends and getting used to school and every day she goes skipping in.

Caden started 4th grade. He was excited to get the same teacher Trace had in fourth grade. I’ve been amazed by how much he has liked being in a very uncluttered, calm and controlled room – he thrives in it!

And Trace started 7th grade! I can’t wrap my head around it. For some reason I keep telling people he is in 6th grade. He doesn’t have any of his old friends with him in class but it seems to be working well for him.

Life is what happens…

2011-09-20T22:19:00.001-07:00

While you’re busy, busy, busy!

Paige is constantly keeping us on our toes! One minute she is easy going and loving, the next she is disrespectful, stubborn and rude. Oh, who am I kidding – she pretty much sticks with the latter! We’re working on it though and there are the occasional moments where I see the sweet girl she can be!

Then we had Caden with his black eye right before school started! Cousin Katy chased him down to throw him in the pool. When she caught him he flipped upside down in her arms and hit his eye on her knee – what are the odds?! She tossed him in the pool and by the time his head popped back up it was already swollen to about the size of a marble!

The kids and I “celebrated” Chinese Moon Festival too! Over the years we have come to decide that we don’t particularly care for moon pies but Oreos make a great substitute. So we sat out on the driveway and ate our Oreos while looking at the yellow Harvest moon. We talked a little about what the mid-Autumn moon festival is about in China and about Paige’s first families who might be looking at the same moon with us. Then, since no celebration is complete with out friends, the kids took Oreos down the street to their friend Aly and across the street to Mr. Jim. After that we all ran, in bare feet, up around the corner to the Clary/Walker’s and surprised them with a chorus of “Happy Chinese Moon Fest!” We shared more Oreos before heading back home to get ready for bed.

Our Girl

2011-09-12T22:14:00.001-07:00

What a girl she is! Small enough to fit comfortably in a laundry basket and big enough to be reading a chapter book while in that basket!

This kid…

2011-09-08T22:11:00.001-07:00

Is my baby boy. He makes me laugh, makes me cry but mostly he makes me proud! Ten years. And what a ten years they have been! This last year has been possibly the hardest and yet most rewarding as we have navigated the murky waters of what makes him who he is. It has been frustrating and enlightening and my eyes have been opened so much. What a wonderful summer we have had! And what a wonderful kid he is! Caden, I love you to pieces and I am so proud of the young man you are becoming. I hope the next ten years bring you more peace and joy than you’ve ever known!

Trace

2011-08-27T23:07:00.001-07:00

A sweet, easy going kid. Always wants to please(unless it’s his brother or sister) and goofy as can be at times! He is such a joy to be around and I’m so proud of him!

Hanging out with little cousin Cruz.

Football gear pickup day – he didn’t want to take it off! What a nut!

Disneyland 2011!

2011-08-02T14:56:00.001-07:00

We hit the road early Saturday morning, July 23. First stop was the Rice Hill drive in where they serve the best ice cream in the world! It’s one of those places you’d normally drive right past unless you know it is there. Mmmmmm – good!

Our next stop was the Oregon Vortex. A fun little place that – again, very few people know of. It is a natural phenomena where people appear to change sizes, bottles roll up hill and people appear to be standing at an angle when actually they are perfectly straight. The kids got a real kick out of it!

After a night of rest we hit the road again for LA. Shortly after we arrived my parents pulled in and Ed and Rick went to the airport to pick up my sister, Chris. With the gang all there we were ready to hit Universal Studios the next day! Boy has that place changed since I was there last! The boys loved it but there wasn’t much for Paige (which we knew). She did great though.

On Tuesday morning we headed to Disneyland bright and early. Over the next three days we hit just about every ride, a few of them multiple times! Space Mountain and Star Tours were the boys favorites and Paige loved Dumbo and Winnie the Pooh. Paige got a princess makeover at the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique and got to meet her favorite princess – Ariel. An absolutely exhausting few days but so much fun too!

On our last day at Disney the boys went to Downtown Disney to Ridemakerz where they got to design and build their own RC cars. They had worked hard for months to earn the money and said it was well worth it! They blew the rest of their money at the Lego store!

On Friday morning we got up early and loaded the cars. After dropping Chris at the airport we drove down to San Diego for a tour of the USS Midway. Rick was stationed on board the ship for a couple of months early on during his time in the Navy. That made it extra special for the boys to get to see it.

A stop at In-N-Out was a necessity before getting on the road again! Paige kept saying, “mmmmm this is a good cheeseburger!” Yes it was!

We wanted to get as far north on Friday as possible to make Saturday as short of a day as possible. By 10:00 we were in ~~beautiful~~ ~~dumpy~~ um, functional, Lost Hills California. ~~I was~~ The kids were loosing it so we pulled into a ~~nice little~~ functional motel. Despite telling them there were five of us they only saw fit to provide beds for four of us! So after piling up the comforters and putting clean sheets over them I begrudgingly put Paige on the floor while praying there were no bed bugs or anything else that might crawl all over her! The rest of us collapsed in our clothes. I’d like to say we slept, but well, that would be an overstatement. The ice machine was right outside our door and, of course, people felt the irresistible urge to get ice at all hours of the night! The air conditioner rattled, hummed, stopped and started again until I came up with this ingenious idea to make it stop.

I considered putting an ‘out of order’ sign on the ice maker but didn’t have the necessary supplies to do it. We finally pulled in to our driveway at 9pm on Saturday. Everyone was exhausted but SO glad to be home. It was a great trip and one the kids will remember for many years to come – especially the “steeewpiid deeesk.” (you’ll have to ask them about that!

Kid’s Bunco Night

2011-07-16T23:17:00.001-07:00

The kids have been asking for months now if we could have a Bunco night with them. So, tonight was the night! We got together with friends and family for a BBQ, Birthday and Bunco. The kids went for a dip in the pool before (we really follow directions well – the ER doctor said no swimming!) and Marc gave them a little science lesson on sulfur. All three kids got a Bunco and had to wear the goofy glasses – Paige was really embarrassed. All in all it was quite a success and the boys asked, on the way home, when we can do it again!

Whoo-hoo!

2011-07-14T22:04:00.001-07:00

She did it! Paige has been determined to learn to ride a two wheeler this summer. She latched on to a neighbor’s little bike a few weeks ago and has been putsing on it every chance she gets. There are five or six little girls on our street that are all out there holding the seat and encouraging her along too. Well, today she finally made it several yards on her own! She is SO proud – look at the determination on her face!

At one point a neighbor knocked on our door to ask me if I knew what my children were doing and why wasn’t I supervising them?! LOL She was totally giving me a bad time but did want me to come check out Caden. There are some empty flag lots at the end of our street and the developer has been working on it recently. So Caden and Ali have turned it into a mountain biking course! Anyone want to place any bet on us making it through the summer without an ER visit?

Chaos, mayhem and fun…

2011-07-05T16:58:00.001-07:00

That about sums up the Fourth around here! We BBQ’d at the neighbors while the kids lit off as many fireworks as we would allow before dark. Once it got dark everyone let loose! There were 4 different groups in our cul-de-sac shooting them off at the same time. It was so loud for a while we couldn’t even talk to each other! We finally drug the kids home to bed (they were riding scooters with about five other kids) around midnight. I’m not sure what I was thinking but I had scheduled a doctor appointment for Paige at 8:30 this morning! Waaaay too early after a night like that!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2011-07-04T17:58:00.001-07:00

We’ll be celebrating in our own little neighborhood this year. The kids are bummed to not be with the Pritchett family this year but we’ll make the best of it!

Summer time…

2011-07-04T17:54:00.001-07:00

Caden and Ali playing in the rain!

We made a quick trip down to Long Beach for a quick over night. The boys got to help with the building of Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Woody’s beach house and they LOVED it! They also got to go surf fishing in the morning! It was a beautiful weekend and we all had a good time!

First week of summer

2011-06-25T23:01:00.001-07:00

What a week it has been! It started off with three birthday parties, Father’s day and a Timbers game. The boys absolutely loved the game and can hardly wait to go to another one! Thanks Aunt Chris for taking us and Uncle Brian for the cool masks!

I’m thinking maybe (hopefully) Trace is hitting a growth spurt. He ate three of these chicken sandwiches during the game!

On Monday the boys and I went to help close up the classroom I worked in all year. While the boys were a help, they also had some fun with the toys…

On Tuesday Trace and Caden helped their grandpa wash two cars and a trailer all afternoon; Wednesday they mowed lawns and did yard work with Papa; Thursday they weeded at cousin Brady’s business, Friday was a day “off” and Saturday was back to weeding in the morning a birthday party in the afternoon and a graduation party the rest of the day! Whew! When do we get a break?!

Missing these little guys though! Wish we could go visit them in Hawaii…

I think it’s summer

2011-06-23T23:37:00.001-07:00

But I’m honestly not very convinced. The roar of the school bus has faded, the bickering has escalated, strawberry jam is made but so far we’ve only seen that yellow thing in the sky once. In a week. Tomorrow’s high is supposed to make 68. I just told Rick I’m ready to move anywhere that isn’t muggy or have big bugs. When moving is joked about Trace panics and Caden gets excited. We can’t win can we?

So far we have spent each day working in various locations. Trace is trying to earn money to go to Young Life camp this summer, Caden just likes to spend and knows he has to work to have the money to spend. I’m planning to join them soon in order to pay for three kids in orthodontics and multiple other activities. What else is new? So much more but this program hasn’t been working very well and I hate to type a bunch only to have it not post again!

Outdoor School 2011

2011-06-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

I remember going to outdoor school as both a sixth grader as well as a counselor a few years later. Now I can add to those memories the time I went as a cook! The kids go to the same school I went to and it has always had an amazing outdoor school program. This year, for the first time in 7 years, they went back to a three day/two night sleep away camp. It is by far the best memory most of these kids will have of their school years!

I was given the honor of being able to go along as a cook. I didn’t realize what an honor it was until after it was over though! We hit the ground running on Wednesday morning and didn’t stop for three days. We worked from 5:45 AM until 10:30/11:00 PM and I had one one hour break in three days! It was an amazing experience to see what goes in to feeding 150 people (cracking 15 dozen eggs and making over 300 pancakes were my personal highlights!). What I learned though is that once you go, you keep going. No one wants to give up their spot on the “team” and there were people there who had been coming since their children were in sixth grade. One man’s last child graduated high school this year and he is thinking he still may be back next year! It’s that awesome! No sixth graders in our family next year, but I hope to be there!

The Columbia River

2011-06-18T22:48:00.001-07:00

The kids and I went down to check out the river the other night. Though it was just above flood stage it wasn’t up to the sidewalk where we were. It was however very high compared to what it usually is!

The Demon Bird

2011-06-17T08:32:00.001-07:00

So we have been hearing the sounds of birds in the vent above our microwave for probably about a month. I finally got Rick to to out and take a look. After much poking and prodding he eventually had to take apart the cupboard above the stove.

This is what he found…

It was no small task to pull all of that out of there either! I don’t think that bird was building a nest so much as a nestmansion! Criminy, that thing was huge! Rick cut a piece of chicken wire and put it over the vent and after several hours we were finally done. At least that’s what we thought…

After dinner Trace told Rick he thought the bird was back – to which Rick scoffed. Then I agreed with Trace and Rick said there was no way they could get in again. I went out to have a look and here is what I found…

Apparently those blasted birds are pretty determined little buggers! After that Rick took four screws and screwed the chicken wire on! There is strong evidence that the birds do not appreciate his handiwork but they have yet to defeat it this time!

The Parade of Bands

2011-05-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Trace marched in his first parade this year! He has worked really hard to help his band placed first again. One more parade to go - hopefully they get that blue ribbon! We are very proud of you Trace!

Life is such a gift…

2011-05-14T22:53:00.001-07:00

I couldn’t decide which collage I liked the best, so you get them both!

If there is one lesson thing I’ve learned about life it is that it is not a guarantee. It passes us by so quickly. One day we are anxiously awaiting our high school graduation and the next we are watching our children walk across that stage. One thing I have never wanted was to grow up. I remember fervently praying as a child for God to please let me stay young. And yet here I am nearly 40 years old. My children are growing before my eyes and I am growing old(er). Part of me still wants to beg God to not let me grow any older but I know now that that is futile. We are all nothing more than a vapor in the wind of time. So why do we spend so much of our time on unimportant things? All that matters is people. Our memories will live on in people and a life we touch today may continue touching countless others long after we are gone. The kitchen floor may be sticky, you can’t walk through the garage, clothes are balanced precariously on top of the washer and dryer and dinner is only mac-n-cheese, but if the backyard is crawling with children whose shrieks and laughter echo throughout the neighborhood, you know you are loved and you can crawl into bed each night knowing you are blessed more than anyone deserves then really, does anything else matter?

“…I just want something beautiful…”

Something Beautiful by NeedtoBreathe

What we’ve been up to…

2011-05-06T19:38:00.001-07:00

Really isn’t much, but I’ll humor you anyway. Caden, our little socialite, has had friends over here nearly every day lately. One day his friend called and was here before Caden was even off the bus! Another afternoon he had two friends come home from school with him and three more showed up! It makes for some crazy afternoons, but honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so grateful that my kids want to be here and want to have their friends here. In all too short of time they will be gone more than they are home.

I think we have had two days where the temperature was at (or real close to) 70 degrees (since last September). On one of them I decided to get our and do some power-washing. Rick eventually took over which led to a few wet kids! No one was complaining though!

Man I love this kid!

One cute kid, and all boy too!

He is Risen!

2011-04-24T21:13:00.001-07:00

After making Resurrection Cookies last night I hurried everyone off to bed. We spent the entire day working outside and were all pretty exhausted. Unfortunately it took the bunny until after midnight to get through all of his/her work! The kids were under orders not to appear until after 7:00 but apparently Paige didn’t get that memo. Just after 6:00 I awoke to a loudly whispered, “Caden, wake up! It’s Easter morning!” being repeated over and over. I groggily told her to go back to bed but of course it was too late.

The boys were less than thrilled at having to get “all gussied up” (Caden’s words) for the obligatory picture. But they just look so cute, don’t they? Don’t let the brightness of the picture fool you. It rained all. day. long.

Thank you Trace, for getting photographic evidence of what is quickly becoming a tradition – burnt marshmallows on the sweet potatoes! At least this time they didn’t ignite into 3 inch flames like they did at Christmas!

Rick spent the day in Seattle on a trip. We all missed having him here but over all it was a nice day with friends and family!

An Exciting Day for Paige

2011-04-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

This morning Paige and I took all of her paperwork down to the school and registered her for Kindergarten. She was SO excited! It was fun to see her so happy and I know she is ready but…

As I helped he put on her dress this morning and pulled her wet hair out of the collar there was just this little pang of, “how did this happen?” This is my baby. The one I waited so long for! I’m not one to get overly emotional with these kinds of events, but I think with Paige it is a little different. We worked so hard, went through so much and ultimately waited so long for her that it just doesn’t seem possible that she can be growing up so fast. I’m excited for the future and to see each of the kids grow, but …

Time to Color the Eggs!

2011-04-22T11:52:00.001-07:00

Before Rick left for his trip we wanted to color eggs with him. As usual, the kids were very excited. Paige was especially excited – she didn’t remember doing it last year very much. We all had a good time though and in the end we had 2.5 dozen (a few broke in the process) hard boiled and 18 unboiled, brightly colored eggs!

Oops!

2011-04-22T11:44:00.001-07:00

As I was walking in the house from work last Friday I stopped to figure out where the “sssssssssssssss” sound was coming from. It didn’t take me long to figure it out and it didn’t take long for the tire to look like this (about an hour to be exact!).

Yep, that’s the nasty culprit! As you can see, those nice bald tires needed to be replaced anyway.

Caden got to learn how to change a tire though! See, there is a bright side to everything!

Can you believe my kids get to go to school here!

2011-04-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

If that isn't the most beautiful setting, I don't know what is! We are very blessed.

As for the other parts of life around here...

I finally made a decision about a doctor for Caden. That apparently was the easy part though! Then I spent two days on the phone calling insurance and offices to find out if we could even go to him and then if we could even get an appointment. To make a long story short, we have an appointment made for July with what sounds like an exceptional doctor! I was initially very upset at having to wait so long, but after a night of sleep I had a new perspective and am now just grateful to have an appointment at all. Rather than be angry with God for another delay, I am thankful He made an opening with a doctor on staff at one of the best hospitals in the country!

Yes, we're still alive!

2011-04-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

There just really isn't anything going on. The kids and I were on Spring Break last week and we pretty much sat around and played video games all day. Pretty pathetic, but it rained for all but two days of the break.

So, I've been stewing for a while about a couple of different things. It really just boils down to making the right decisions for your kids. That seems like it should just be so simple and yet we all know that it is anything but simple. The first issue for me right now is dealing with Caden. While I have been pretty open on here about most things there is a small part of this that I feel needs to be kept private. For him to share if he ever feels like it. Unfortunately that has a lot to do with the decisions I'm trying to make for him. So, hopefully I can explain in a semi understandable way! I counted up the other day and figured that we have seen seven different medical professionals since he was born. Three of those have been in the last six months. All of them were consulted about his anger. None of them gave us any answers. Several of them tried, they really did, but it wasn't the answer. Six months ago I decided I couldn't take another day of the anger and violence. Our home was in constant turmoil and Caden was never happy. So we went to our pediatrician. He tried to help but ultimately sent us to a behavioral pediatrician. I was so unhappy with that guy that I took him to see my doctor. Now I just feel like we are in limbo. My doctor really isn't ideal for the long term and I won't go back to the behavioral pediatrician (he asked Caden the same questions every visit and told us about three times that he definitely doesn't have Asbergers (Autism) - no kidding!? Since that isn't what we brought him in for I'm so comforted to hear that! There were several other issues with him too.) So where do we go next? I'm so tired of "trying" out doctors and having to repeat our story and all the tests. I'm really, really just tired of it. Mostly for Caden's sake though. He is sitting right there when I'm telling the doctor what is going on! That just isn't right and I refuse to do that again. So, I have the recommendations of three different doctors and some center for testing and evaluation. But I need someone who is going to listen to me. I definitely don't know everything, but I've lived with this kid for nine years, read everything I could get my hands on and consulted with seven doctors. I've also worked with young children for over 20 years. I think I have earned the right to be listened to and worked with. I'm not a quack job or a nut case, really I'm actually pretty reasonable (so I've been told). At this point I'm trying to decide between a referral from my doctor, one from a special ed. assistant and one from a parent. The one from the parent happens to be at OHSU which I think would be fabulous except that he seems to specialize in Autism - which you will recall we've been told he definitely doesn't have! I don't know what to do anymore. I really don't and that's probably why I haven't done anything.

The other issue is Paige and school. I've been asked many times over the last couple of years what we were going to do with her when she started kindergarten. For about the last year now I've been trying to figure that out. My first choice is to send her to the private school Trace went to for kindergarten and part of first grade. We were very happy with the school and they are certainly more advanced than the public schools, but they have a high price. The public school is obviously the easier choice in some ways - no cost, no uniforms and bus service to name a couple. Our principal though has made it very clear that she will not move kids up a grade. Not a whole grade and not even for a subject. I have a real problem with that and did find out it is not a district wide policy - just hers. I am in pretty good standing with everyone at the school and I don't really want to rock the boat. However... my child comes first. If she tests into first grade reading or math I want her sent to a first grade classroom for those subjects! There is study after study after study that shows the benefits up placing kids with like-minded peers rather than age equivalent ones. I haven't seen anything that says it is detrimental to a child or their development. Now if she doesn't test that high I'm totally ok with that too. She isn't a genius just very bright and I don't want her bored with school right off the bat. Anyway, that's what I've been tossing around in my head for a while now. I'm open to any thoughts, ideas or suggestions from the three of you who actually read this blog (if there is more than that I wouldn't know because you never comment!).

It just seems so wrong...

2011-03-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pictures to post! What is the deal with that you ask? I'm blaming it on the weather - which has been nothing but crap forEVER! We had 30 straight days of measurable rain and I am so sick of it I could scream. Me and everyone else. So without getting outdoors and just feeling generally gloomy I haven't been inspired to take any pictures.

But, for the few of you who still bother to check in here...

We are doing well. The kids are keeping busy but without any Spring sports it does feel a little strange. I'm not complaining though - Fall is just around the corner! Caden finally got a 100% on his spelling test this week and earned an ice cream date with Mom. He was SO proud and rightly so. We have tried everything to help him to just pass a test so the perfect score was particularly exciting. Trace has to bring his math grade to an A in order to earn the same thing. He is at a B- right now so it isn't too far to go. Paige is just doing her preschool thing and growing socially everyday. Kindergarten won't know what hit them!

Rick and I are also pretty much the same. Rick is flying quite a few hours which is helping us save for our Disneyland trip this summer! I'm still working with the special-ed preschoolers and enjoy it most days. Some days can definitely be a challenge though. There is a chance I'll have a permanent position next year which would be so much nicer than spending the summer wondering whether or not I'll be working.

Well I guess that's it for now. Time to vege a little before heading up to bed....

Skiing!!

2011-03-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a trip up to the mountain with the boys. Trace has been dying to show us his new found skills on the slopes for a few weeks now and Caden just couldn't wait to try it out. We pulled the boys out of school a little early and made it up to the mountain by 3:00. We skied until 7:30 then headed home! Caden absolutely loved it and was up and moving right away. After an hour or so on the rope tow he was bugging me about going on the lift - so I took him! Without falling we made it to the top and he was off. The only issue we had was that Caden wants to point his skis straight down and just go. He kept telling me he wanted to go faster! The problem? He didn't want to learn how to stop or turn! Little Daredevil!

Yes, that is Caden (the little red dot) flying straight down! Look at that view with the mountain in the background! It was a beautiful day.
As expected, Trace amazed us with his with how quickly he has picked up the sport. I easily forgot that he had only been up once before! We enjoyed a couple of runs together which was a lot of fun. Again, look at that scenery! Wow.

It's been a looooong day..

2011-03-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Trace and I started our day about 4am! We had to be at the school by 4:45 so that the unicycle team could be the live feature on our local morning news. It was a pretty exciting morning for all of the kids and they did a great job too. After two hours of filming the kids went on to school and I went on to work. This afternoon I napped for a couple of hours and when Trace got home he slept for 3 hours!

The team with "Coach" Mr. White (in black) and Drew Carney from the news on Mr. White's right. Trace is directly in front of them with his head right between their shoulders.

Finally got a couple…

2011-03-08T18:54:00.001-08:00

We had a day with no rain and all the stars lined up so that I could take a few birthday pictures of not only Paige, but Carson too! Carson just turned three. We also had another friend’s little boy with us. Got a few great shots!

Birthday Photos

2011-02-19T15:16:00.001-08:00

I took Miss P. out for a walk around the block and tried to get a couple of birthday pictures of her. Unfortunately this is the only one that was any good! We’ll try again – hopefully we’ll get another nice day soon!

Happy Birthday!

2011-02-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Chinese New Year and Paige's birthday together this year! Once again it was a fun time to get together with family and friends and do what we all do best - EAT! Paige was very excited to finally get a couple of Barbie dolls. We have stayed away from them up til now but decided that as long as she had some "kid" ones and a "mommy" then we could do it. So Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea joined us along with Glitter Glam Vac Barbie. As Paige's preschool teacher always says, "glitter is the gift that keeps on giving." I suspect we will be graced with this gift for quite a while yet to come! Hello Kitty was also a big thing this year and she got some cool new Hello Kitty Legos and an umbrella. The cake too was adorned with Hello Kitty. This morning I was awakened by a bouncing, giggling little girl and the words, "Mommy I'm FIVE!" Technically not for another week kiddo but who's going to squash that entheusiasm?

Where have we been?

2011-02-04T20:02:00.001-08:00

Yep, we packed up the kids and headed off for a week of sunshine and pineapple! Thanks to Rick’s sister and her husband we had a free place to crash and thanks to SkyWest we had a free ride to get there. You just can’t pass up a chance like that! We were able to take the kids to Pearl Harbor, the Battleship Missouri, the Pacific Air Museum, Diamond Head, the swap meet and numerous trips to the beach. It was hard to remember that it was actually winter back home. After a week we were ready to get back to our own surroundings and I’m sure Kim and Doug were ready to have there place back too! We are so grateful for the chance to go and rejuvenate – it was wonderful!

The QUESTIONS this kid asks!

2011-01-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

Caden and I read a book on the titanic the other night. So, of course, we then had to get out the globe and plot the course they might have taken and guess where the accident might have been (I was amazingly close by-the-way). Then we had to figure out how many people survived and how many didn't and discuss what we might have done to survive (Caden would have climbed onto an iceberg since they were apparently all over). Of course there was the discussion about whether or not artifacts should be brought up or left as a memorial and then there was Caden's final idea. He decided that someone needs to invent a dome that they can drop down over the wreckage so people can go in and see it.

Tonight we finished a short little book on the Civil War. What was I thinking? That led to a half an hour of questions and discussion: What if a black family was looking at Christmas lights and someone called the police - why can't that happen to a white family(?), who thought of making black people slaves in the first place(?), why didn't they fight back and go back to Africa(?) and here's one every nine year old asks; what if it was the other way around and white people were the slaves and black people were in charge?

Criminy, this kid keeps us on our toes! His mind! It just works unlike any I've ever known...

(This is how he organized his Legos while playing with them one afternoon.)

Doesn't everybody do this?

2011-01-17T20:48:00.000-08:00

That would be major yard work in January? And not just any January, but one of the wettest in a long time and in which most of the area rivers are cresting their banks! Yeah, there is flooding everywhere and our yard is a swamp and these poor guys have to go out there and dig it up and try to make it not be a swamp - while it is raining. Paige looked out and said, "Mom! Those guys are really dirty!" They did keep us entertained today though and presumably will for a few days yet to come. I just hope, for their sake, the temperatures stay warm!

(Sorry about the picture quality. I took them from inside and didn't want the guys to see me!)

The End of a Wonderful Year!

2010-12-31T20:03:00.001-08:00

We took the kids sledding in the mountains to send off 2010! They have been dying to go since we went last year. This was the first time we took Paige with us and the first time I’ve ever seen her in the snow with a smile on her face. She had a bad experience sledding a couple of years ago and was pretty apprehensive at first. After our first run she was hooked though!

Digging into the chips during our lunch break.

Mmmm… finger lickin’ good!

Um, somebody’s not pulling her weight here!

She did a lot more eating of snow than sliding on it!

It was a beautiful, COLD day! With over 30 inches of snow, plenty of sunshine and good friends we all had a great day! Now we’ll see how late we all manage to stay up…

It’s midnight somewhere isn’t it?

Christmas 2009

2010-12-28T09:07:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve we went to the candlelight service at church before heading over to spend the evening with family. After dinner and a couple of gifts the kids were begging us to take them home so they could go to bed! Seriously, they couldn’t get home fast enough.

Once we were home they all tore into their new pajamas. I managed one quick picture on the stairs before they headed up to bed!

Santa did stop by. He treated us all well this year! Trace got a video game and some gaming stuff. Caden got his beloved Nerf gun and Paige was thrilled with her PINK Leapster! We told them no one could be out of bed before 7am and I am still amazed at the fact that they actually do it! They sat not-so-very patiently on the stairs waiting for Rick and I to get up. Other hits this year included Legos for both boys, a magic kit for Trace and Pillow Pets for Caden and Paige. Paige was also thrilled with her Twinkle Toes (shoes that light up) from Aunt Kim. I was blessed with a new language learning program that rivals Rosetta Stone. So expect to be hearing some Mandarin soon!

The aftermath is never pretty is it? We had a wonderful Christmas this year with many blessings – not the least of which included family and friends! By Sunday we were all pretty exhausted and spent most of the day doing – well, not much.

Tree hunting, Red & Green games and Gingerbread houses…

2010-12-22T19:37:00.001-08:00

The kids in front of the final choice…

Trace had a try at sawing…

Caden had a try. And I just gave it some thought!

The kids say this is why you don’t take teenagers tree hunting with you!

Trace’s school sends the kids off to Christmas Vacation with the Red and Green games every year. Each class is assigned a color (red or green) and a boys and girls team from each grade is chosen in each color, to play a 10 minute basketball game. Of course the best game is the teachers against the eighth graders! The kids are so wound up and excited that you can’t help getting into it with them!

Trace (standing on the right) was Red this year (obviously). The eighth grade boys pulled off a win for the red in the last few minutes! Yay!

Today we made our annual gingerbread houses. Every year we have made them with the same friends so it is definitely a tradition! I was especially amazed at how much more detailed the houses looked this year over past years. One more sign of how they are all growing up! If I can find some past year’s pictures I’ll try to post them side by side.

Christmas is coming...

2010-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Paige had her preschool Christmas program, the boys had parties and I finished up my last day of work for the year! The end of the week was pretty insane and by Thursday night I had reached my peak stress level. Then as each event passed on Friday the stress dropped - Whew! Friday night I met Rick at the airport to fly with him for the end of his trip to Eugene. We knew all day the plane would be late (thank you wonderful San Francisco airport). So I wound up with five hours to ~~try and stay awake~~ kill in the airport. After two I was loosing the battle! By midnight we finally boarded and by 2 am we finally turned the light off in our hotel room! What a night. Saturday though, we slept in ~~really late.~~
We wandered the mall and I even got in a little nap before heading back to the airport. Of course, that flight was late too. Apparently everyone else on the flight decided to drive so I wound up being the only passenger on the plane! Talk about service! The kids would have loved it.

So now we are on to the week before Christmas! Today I am finishing housework so that we can bake gingerbread men, sugar cookies and build gingerbread houses the next few days. Is it Friday yet?

Where oh where have I been?

2010-12-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Um, working, shopping, ~~on facebook~~, shopping, ~~napping~~, working. Notice there is no 'cleaning house' on that list - hmmm. All you have to do is look around this house to see that it clearly wasn't on the list - any list. Every single year I make mental plans of all the things we are going to do durning the Christmas Season. Gingerbread men, sugar cookies, sledding at the mountain, ice skating, hot chocolate and Christmas movies. You know, the real Currier and Ives type things. I pledge not to be hurried or frazzled but to instead create wonderful memories for my children! I'll have time to play carols on the piano and wrap gifts in front of the fire place. Most importantly, I'll have the time to sit in front of the Christmas tree, in the dark, and contemplate the real meaning of Christmas. Doesn't it sound wonderful?

----- insert screeching sound-----

It's pouring rain (literally. pouring); the gifts are half wrapped and the paper and trappings are strewn across my living room; no cookies have been baked -none. nada; the teacher's gifts are being rapidly thrown together at the last hour; the piano is buried; and the snow melted on the mountain the day before our scheduled trip (seriously the.day.before.).

So much for Currier and Ives. Somehow, mysteriously, Christmas will still arrive. And somehow, magically no one will care just how it happens. That is the beautiful thing about Christmas - it comes. Somehow or other it comes just the same.

So here is a picture of little miss fancy pants all dressed up for her grandparent's 40th anniversary party. Since it is unlikely I'll be getting to the Christmas cards this year - I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Shopping for a 12 Year Old

2010-11-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hmm... So, Trace says he really, really, really wants an Ipod Touch this year. As his mom I really, really, really want to get him his heart's desire. But there are just a couple of problems with his request. The most obvious issue is the price. At $239 it would pretty much break the bank. Not to mention, I personally think that $239 is an awful lot for a gift for one person - especially a twelve year old! The next issue is the internet connection. We have a strict policy of no internet in our house unless it is in an open, family area. Giving him internet access to carry in his pocket seems to go a bit against this. Rick and I decided to go in to Best Buy and see if they had any other options we might find acceptable. We found a nice, friendly clerk and asked his opinion. We told him our son was twelve and that a Touch just wasn't happening. I lost hope when he asked why we didn't want him to have internet access - umm, did you miss the part about him being twelve?! Admittedly we asked the wrong clerk, he was maybe all of 20 years old. Next time we'll find an elderly (by Best Buy standards, like 40 something) clerk to talk to.

Needless to say, we still haven't found an alternative. In a few moments of weakness I've toyed with the idea of getting him a laptop (like Black Friday cheap one), or a cell phone. But I quickly remind myself that he is TWELVE! What is left to get him at 14, 15, 16? So, at this point we still have no ideas for him. It looks like he will be getting a variety of little things and not have "the one big thing he wants most" included. I guess that's ok too.

I'm trying to figure out if I am just terribly old fashioned/behind the times or if the world is pushing these kids along too fast? I know that in a lot of ways kids are growing up much faster than we did but isn't that the way things have always been? Doesn't each generation seem to push the boundaries a little more? How do you know, as a parent, which areas to allow and which to fight? We've chosen to fight the over sexualization of little girls; Paige isn't allowed to wear clothes with writing on the backside, shirts that show her belly with arms stretched above her head, bikinis, heals, or makeup. She is going to push and already has, but it is something we are pretty passionate about and intend to hold firm on for as long as possible. We have also been a bit "restrictive" with movies and video games. PG13 ratings are given for a reason and given by people who's values are far lower than ours therefore we abide by them. Our kids will tell you that they can't watch PG13 or play Teen games because if they play them now there won't be anything for them to play when they are teenagers. There have been a couple of exceptions, but only after very careful consideration! Children have always wanted to be grownup and grownups have always wished for their youth back, it's an age old conundrum. I guess I'd rather my kids seem a bit innocent or naive. They only get one chance to be kids. As we all know adulthood lasts far longer. I am always hoping that we are making the right choices for them. It isn't always easy that's for sure. Someday they'll thank us for it right? Right? Yeah, that's what I thought!

Family Day #4

2010-11-14T19:51:00.001-08:00

On November 13, 2006 our family was made complete by a very special baby girl a continent away. She looked at me with her big eyes then leaned around to get a look at her daddy. For a brief moment her little lower lip quivered but she didn’t shed a tear. She grinned her way into our hearts and we have never been the same.

What an absolutely beautiful girl she has grown into! Those big, black eyes, her little dimple and long silky hair only make her beautiful on the outside. But the thoughtfulness she shows for her brothers, the hugs and snuggles she so freely gives and her sensitive spirit make her beautiful on the inside! We are so very blessed!

Ironically, November is National Adoption Month. We are so fortunate to know personally the gift that adoption is. To know the way it not only changes a child’s life, but the way it has changed ours. We will never be the same…

Caden’s Football Championship Game

2010-11-06T14:59:00.001-07:00

We were the “guest” team…

With 2:04 left in the game the Sharks got one last touchdown! It was an exciting game that just seemed to go back and forth depending on who had the ball. Fortunately, for us, we had the ball last! Way to go Sharks! We’re proud of you Caden!

Halloween and beyond…

2010-11-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

This year we had a Whoopie Cushion a Ninja and a BLUE Butterfly. We were lucky to have Rick home again so that I could go out for the first run then he went for the second (and longer) one. Works for me!

Paige and Carson were so cute holding hands as we walked through the neighborhood. Awww…

In other happenings; Trace seems to have gotten the message and things are going better at school. He’s a good kid, just needed a little reminder.

With Caden we have made some changes in his life that I wish we had made years ago. No need lamenting what could have been though – now we just look forward to the future! He is a new kid and it is truly amazing. I’m having fun with him and enjoying having him around now – WOW!

Today both boys began their adventures in orthodontia. Trace had it relatively easy with just an upper spacer being put in. Poor kid didn’t get much sympathy though when his brother had four teeth pulled and a spacer put in! Next week he goes in for his upper spacer which should be a piece of cake after today.

Coming up next will be Caden’s football Championship game on Saturday. We are so proud of him and his team for making it two years in a row! Trace’s friend birthday party and final soccer game next week. Whew – then life slows down, right?

Life is never simple...

2010-10-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

... no matter how hard you try!

Just keep hanging in there!

Caden's behavior has had a dramatic change in the last three days! We haven't had and major meltdowns and essentially NO fighting. If you've known us for long then you'll understand what a HUGE deal this is! I am so excited to see the "new" Caden emerging!

"You take the good, you take the bad..."

We had teacher conferences yesterday. Trace's teacher said, "he is a brilliant kid and his grades are wonderful." Then she closed his file, folded her hands and said, "but there are some other issues we need to discuss." Oh-crap. You just know this isn't going to be good. She was very careful in her wording and I knew she had probably stressed over just how to say what she wanted. But how exactly do you tell parents that their kid is an obnoxious pain in the you-know-what? Rude, disrespectful and arrogant. Mmmm hmm, not good.

THEN... to top the week off, we had a huge nightmare/mixup with our checking account and let's just say my paycheck was gone before it arrived. Two months of working without a check then it's just gone!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, our satelite receiver died Monday morning and we've had no t.v. all week. Not a huge deal (thank goodness for Netflix though), but definitely a pain.

Sooooo, it's a good thing we are a the place we are at right now and we're not letting it get to us like it could. The house is clean(ish), there is food in the pantry (thanks to a shopping trip before discovering the checking issue), and we are all healthy. The rest will work itself out!

So, how's your week been?

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-17T22:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we drove past the local pumpkin patch and were totally shocked to see the number of cars and people! It was INSANE I tell you! We first started going to this place when Trace was just tiny and essentially no one had heard of it. It’s grown just a tad. So, as we drove by yesterday and discussed the cost for a family of five we knew there was no way we could swing it this year. I knew the kids were bummed (especially Trace who loves tradition), but they are so understanding of financial matters. Then late in the evening there was a knock at the door and in walks a friend we literally haven’t seen in years! He works a the pumpkin patch and was stopping by with five free passes for us!!! I was honestly just totally shocked. How could he have know the decision we had made just hours earlier? Only God.

So with the beautiful Fall sun shining down on us we set out this morning to try and beat the crowds. Apparently everyone who wasn’t there yesterday decided to get up early and go today presumably to beat the crowds. Needless to say it was a bit crowded! By the time we left though there was a line probably a good 20 minutes just to get on the tractor to take you out to the fields and cars had filled the parking areas and spread across the street to the baseball field’s parking lot! Just nuts! According to our friend they estimated over 9000 people yesterday ALONE! At $8 a person, three days a week over three weekends?!? Holy Cow.

The kids had a lot of fun and were sooo grateful to be there! Trace just kept saying how much he loves going since we all get to go as a family and it is such a fun place to be. The boys and Rick picked four of the largest pumpkins they could find and I just shook my head and told Rick he better be prepared for all that cleaning he’ll be doing! Before heading home we had some hot apple cider and kettle corn and the boys did the corn maze while Paige and I checked out the animals. What a fun filled, beautiful day!!!

Crazy days

2010-10-17T09:44:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a week we just had! For my new job I was required to take a class on Non-violent Crisis Intervention –12 credit hours earned over four nights. With a husband who travels and three kids with activities that isn’t easy. (thank you Mom and Ed!) So this week I had that on Monday and Wednesday nights and on Tuesday night I had CPR training for work! Thursday I picked the boys up early from school for a visit to the orthodontist. We’ve been going every six months and are always told to come back in six more months. I strongly suspected Trace was about to the point of starting but I was a bit shocked when he said Caden was ready too!! Holy cow – doesn’t having them three years apart buy me three years between treatments? Apparently not if the second one’s mouth is a far bigger mess. So Trace will be getting a spacer on November 4th and poor Caden will be getting four teeth pulled and a spacer on the top AND bottom! I got to go into the special little room to “go over the details” – Ahem, the BILL. Good thing the Suburban is almost paid off. Well after that appointment we took Trace to unicycle then raced home to get both boys ready and out the door to practices. So another day where I was gone 8-7 basically. Let me tell you, I was pretty exhausted by Friday!

Work is going well for me. It isn’t my favorite job of all time, but it is ok for now. The kids are all doing well. Caden has adjusted very well to being back at his old school which has been a huge relief to see. Paige is having fun in preschool despite the fact that they (at my request) are riding her pretty hard. We are trying to get her to play with the other kids rather than follow the adults around or just sit in the book corner. She isn’t happy about it but is making an effort.

A wonderful friend stopped by last night and surprised us with free tickets to the pumpkin patch so I think we are going to try to get there this morning. Guess I’d better get moving!

I’ve been really slacking on the picture taking lately (wonder why?) but here is one of an awfully cute little guy. Cruz is 4.5 months old now and just the happiest little guy. After the pumpkin patch I should have lots of pictures.

I Just LOVE where we live!

2010-10-03T21:41:00.001-07:00

The kids and I decided it was time to let our fishies learn to swim with the big fish. (well, ok, I decided, and they begrudgingly agreed) Trace brought home three of the little darlings last March and they had mysteriously morphed into 14!

On the path to the creek Trace found a very friendly and pretty kitty. Of course we had to stop for some petting!

Getting ready to free the fish.

If you look closely you can spot the little buggers. Two are on top in the clearer water.

That’s the kids school in the background. Isn’t it a beautiful area?!

So, our fish are swimming with the big fish (we hope). Either that or they were some big fish’s dinner!

Our little athletes...

2010-10-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

Caden is our football player. He loves the games but hates the practices! So far he mostly plays center (where he spikes a mean ball) and left defensive guard. This year he isn't the smallest on the team so it is much harder to spot him out there! He has been blessed with a winning team (last year undefeated) and took quite a blow with their first loss today (by one touchdown!). He's a tough little guy and he makes us awfully proud!

Trace is our soccer player. He loves the practices (for the social aspect!) but games make him pretty nervous! This season he has played backup goalie once but mostly prefers to be in his comfort zone as defender. I think of him as a brick wall on the days he is really "on". Little gets past him and he's the type of defender I used to hate - no one gets past him! He has a natural instinct as a defender and we are sure proud of him!

Then there is little Miss. At Trace's game today she and Caden went off to play on the playground and in the trees. Every so often they either checked in or I'd glance over to try and spot them (there were other kids around too). Toward the end of the game when I hadn't seen them for a bit I looked over and noticed a child in one of the trees. At first I thought I was seeing an older child's light colored t-shirt. In a split second though it dawned on me the the movement didn't support that theory. I asked out loud if it was Paige which made everyone turn and look. By that time I was sure it was her and sat there a little in shock trying to decide what to do. She was at least 20 feet up in the air! I'm thinking maybe we should look into gymnastics rather than soccer!

4 going on 14

2010-09-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

The sun shines on…

2010-09-24T17:03:00.001-07:00

This is the view from the window above our stairs. Last Saturday morning as we were getting ready to leave for games I happened to look up and see this breath-taking sight.

We have had a very emotional couple of days around here. Starting on Wednesday we began to rethink our decision to move Caden into the gifted program. His stress level was rapidly rising and his happiness was decreasing. He had chewed all of his fingernails to the quick and was now getting stomach aches. After talking with the mother of another student in the program and a lot of family members we made the decision last night to pull him from the program. So today at noon I picked him. As soon as I walked into the classroom, the tears I’ve been holding back for two days just spilled out. The best thing I ever did though was to go straight back to his old school to re-register him. Every adult who passed him said, “CADEN! Hey, how are you?” His favorite PE teacher, the nurse, the secretaries. The absolute best though was walking into his new classroom and seeing the faces of the kids as they saw him! He was a celebrity. We were able to go out to recess with the class where he and his best friend saw each other for the first time – it was priceless! So, as hard of a decision as it was to make I just knew that we had made the right decision.

Football

2010-09-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Football season is in full swing now. The boys have practiced hard and it is showing in their games! Caden is playing mostly center and safety this year (Rick told him to enjoy center because this is the only time in his life he'll be in that position!). Their first game went really well and was a relatively easy win despite the size of the boys on the other team. The second game was quite an adventure - for the parents. It's a long story about unsportsman-like conduct from the opposing coach which ended with him being suspended for three games. Should have been permanently based on the seriousness of the issues but whatever. It was one of the most intense games I've ever watched and after being behind the whole game our boys were able to pull off a win in the last two minutes! It was the sweetest victory ever!

That's Caden's helmet, he's spiking the ball.

Caden is #40 in the center.

Miss Creative

2010-09-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Having the boys gone all day has it's good and bad as far as Paige is concerned. If I had to guess though I'd say the good outweighs the bad so far! Yesterday I told her we could do one of her Easy Bake cakes. She loves to do it and I get don't get it out nearly as often as she would like! The picture below is of the beautiful creation she made -frosting and all. Today, while I was getting some work done she came over and showed me this picture. I was actually pretty imressed with her mama duck (beak and all)! I took the liberty of labeling it for all of you though, just in case you aren't too familiar with preschool art.

Other than that, Paige and I are just enjoying our last week before she starts preschool and I go back to work. Next week should be pretty interesting!

This kid…

2010-09-08T22:09:00.001-07:00

“They” say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? If that is true then I will either be dead or the world’s strongest woman by the time this kid is grown! Since the day he arrived (nine years and 24+ hours ago) he has been hell-bent on doing me in – and a couple of times I think he darn near succeeded too. Many of you don’t know (because I’ve intentionally kept quiet) that last Spring we found out he had tested into our school district’s “gifted” program. Most people will assume that was news received with great joy and celebration – well, not so much. A “gifted” child is not a genius (that would be profoundly gifted). Rather they are kids who think differently, react more intensely and generally delve much deeper into questions. This type of child is not easy to live with (which would be the understatement of the century)!

“Emotionally intense individuals are often accused of "overreacting." Their compassion and concern for others, their focus on relationships, as well as the intensity of their feelings may interfere with every day tasks. It is often quite difficult and demanding to work and live with intense individuals. Those who are not so, find the behaviors unexplainable, frequently incomprehensible, and often bizarre.”

The way they see the world, others and themselves makes them hard to understand or relate to at times.

“Critical thinking Critical of others, perfectionism, unreasonable standards for self.

Preference for Resistance to simple solutions; constructs complicated rules.

Complexity. Bossy.

Versatility. Appears disorganized, scattered, frustrated over lack of time.

Sensitive, Extreme sensitivity to criticism or peer rejection.

Feeling everything more deeply than others do is both painful and frightening. Emotionally intense gifted people feel abnormal. "There must be something wrong with me..... maybe I'm crazy... nobody else seems to feel like this".

Emotionally intense gifted people often experience intense inner conflict, self-criticism, anxiety and feelings of inferiority.

This may be sensory sensitivity to factors such as noise or texture or the number of people in the room (sensory integration issues), or emotional sensitivity to perceptions of unfairness, discrepancy or insincerity. The heightened awareness of contradiction (when someone breaks a promise, does something that seems unjust, contradicts an earlier statement, changes a plan or says something he doesn’t really mean) can be unbearable to these children. This can result in behaviors that may look oppositional or rude – refusing to listen, running away, tuning out, becoming angry and defiant, and so on – but are actually coming from the child’s acute sensitivity and inability to tolerate contradictory impressions.

This can also be intellectual sensitivity, when a gifted child who is a divergent, creative thinker becomes so overwhelmed with all the aspects, side-bars, possibilities and implications of a subject that he “overloads.” Conversely, the gifted child who is a deep, intense thinker may become so hyper-focused that he cannot attend to anything he considers extraneous and may become irritable or even explosive”

I’ve never been able to adequately describe or explain this child and much of the above is obviously quoted but describes him better than I ever could. So why am I going into all of this now? Well, I feel like we have just jumped off a cliff and are now clinging to a ledge. Ever since finding out he would be going to a new school Caden has been miserable and just so very sad! This all came to a climax last night as he anticipated his first day and cried himself to sleep – it was enough to break any mother’s heart. If I could have just said to forget the whole idea and taken him back to his old school and best buddy! I had to fight everything in me not to do just that. Sometimes being a parent and doing what you hope is for the best can be harder than anything else you’ll ever do in your life! Especially when it means watching your child suffer temporarily.

I felt such a huge relief when I saw the smile on his little face as he got off the school bus this afternoon! Yet, I also know that it most definitely is not over yet. Just writing four to five sentences on his summer turned into an hour long ordeal with near hysteria, hyperventilating and anger! It had to be PERFECT! ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! Oh, do we ever have a long way to go. I just hope my arms or that ledge don’t give out anytime soon! Like I said, I’ll either be dead (if I fall off that ledge I suppose) or one mighty strong woman (from holding on so tight) before this one is grown!

“God, I love this kid so much – You knew I’d need that love to get me through!”

Final Summer Adventure

2010-09-03T09:58:00.001-07:00

I was feeling guilty that it was the end of summer and we weren’t planning to do anything fun. So at the last minute yesterday we decided to take the kids up to the Ape Caves near Mt. St. Helens. Paige and I made it to the second set of stairs before deciding we preferred to stay above ground! So, while to men-folk continued on we hiked back up to the sunshine. While we waited we followed a beautiful trail to a meadow with huge lava rocks. After snapping a picture of Paige on one of the rocks with Mt. St. Helens in the background, she and I sat perfectly still and listened. That is probably one of my most favorite things to do – just sit and listen to the sounds of nature, away from the noises of modern life. We mostly heard the grasshoppers snapping! It was a perfect, beautiful day!

Family Reunion and the end of summer…

2010-08-30T10:50:00.001-07:00

The end of August is family reunion time. We drove a few hours into the mountains to my dad’s family reunion first. While most of the family camps, we usually only go for a day. This year we arrived in time for the boys to leave with some cousins and two aunts for a hike. I am soooo glad I decided not to join them! We had a blast like we always do and didn’t get home until late that night.

The next reunion was Rick’s mom’s family up North. The kids got to run around and play guns with several other boys. Before heading home we stopped off to ride the train at one of the cousin’s houses. The kids look forward to riding the train every year (even Trace).

Cruz is 3 months old already! I can’t believe how big he has gotten – and so much fun.

The Summer Fair

2010-08-18T20:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry about the picture quality!

The kids all look forward to the fair every summer! They anxiously count down the months/days! While Rick took the boys to spin themselves crazy on unlimited rides, Paige and I spent some time checking out the animals. I was amazed at how long she wanted to sit and watch the horses! Her favorite was the brown one. The sheep and goats were fun too. I think she found the rabbits rather funny – the ones who’s faces you couldn’t even see especially! In the evening my parents met us just outside the gate to pick up the kids. Then Rick and I got a little dinner and wandered the commercial building together. All in all a fun day! Until next year…

The ‘ole barn at the beach…

2010-08-08T23:19:00.001-07:00

I decided to brave it and take the kids to the beach myself this weekend. We set out with few expectations other than, well – to have no expectations. Saturday we awoke to rain. Rain that didn’t let up all afternoon! The kids did puzzles, fought, played games, bickered, snacked and argued. I read a little and played referee a lot. After a few hours of that fun we decided to make a run in to town and play a few arcade games (along with everyone else in town!). By the time we got back to camp the rain had let up enough to allow us time to build a fire to cook dinner. Potatoes baked in the fire, hot dogs and giant marshmallows. The fire was slow to start and quick to burn out, but lasted long enough to sustain us! Around 2:30am I was awakened to Caden moaning in his bed, “No. Nooo. Nooooooooo!” Followed by some sounds I’ll leave to your imagination! After literally opening the door and tossing his sleeping bag out, we finally managed to get back to sleep. Sunday morning I was in no mood to hang around. We picked up, cleaned up and headed out before noon. Along the way home I stopped to get a few pictures of the kids – technically this year’s school pics. Well, Caden has been in a mood lately and really wasn’t having any of it. So I’m lucky that I got what I did and we’ll just have to try again another time! Tonight, we are home, in our nice warm and reasonably clean beds! Not too sure when I’ll be up for that again!

A Quick Trip…

2010-07-31T20:44:00.001-07:00

We tried to take advantage of Rick having three days in a row off and go down to the beach. Then Paige ran a fever and kept us home one night to make sure she wasn’t coming down with something! We left the next morning though and were on the beach by 1:00. The kids dug and ran for hours! Trace decided to dig until he reached water and Caden made the path to Trace’s hole.

Rick had some fun flying his stunt kite and “chasing” the boys with it! In the last picture you can see the tip of the kite’s wing.

Paige wanted Trace to bury her feet. He went a little farther and she was very happy with the results! What a couple of nuts!

~~The end of a perfect day. The end of a too short trip. The end of two days of bickering.~~

The end.

Hot Springs…

2010-07-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

A friend and I were able to make an unexpected mid-week trek to the Hot Springs resort several hours away. So we packed up the kids, the food, the inner tubes, swimsuits, food, sunscreen, towels, food, etc, etc… and headed off.

We ate lunch on the lawn when we got there then headed in for some warm swimming. And I do mean WARM! The pool must have been 95 degrees! It is hard for me to admit, but it was actually a little too warm. The kids had a blast though and swam until hunger took over. So we headed back out to have a snack break. Then back in to swim a couple more hours. We finally packed up and headed to the COLD showers around 4ish. Then we hauled out the cooler one more time for dinner before hitting the road. I finally pulled in to our driveway around 8:30 with three very tired kids! It was a really fun day and I’m so glad we were able to do it (though I wish the circumstances had been different!)

Little cabin in the woods…

2010-07-17T14:14:00.001-07:00

Two days in the beautiful Cascade Mountains! It felt like summer camp – well, sort of. I don’t remember summer camp involving child care and cooking – but maybe that’s why this food was so much better! Anyway, we went up on Wednesday night and spent all day Thursday and Friday covered in bug spray and soaking up the sun and beauty. The guys went fishing several times both on the dock and in the boat. Rick and Doug also took the older boys out shooting with their pellet guns they all got for Christmas. There was some hiking (I wouldn’t know anything about that though), and Paige and Carson threw a lot of rocks in the lake. Did I mention how beautiful it was?

Caden and Uncle Phil after one of their fishing expeditions.

Teaching the little ones the finer points of fishing…

Rick was great about taking the boys down fishing! As is so typical of Caden, he made a friend while we were there!

Boating can be pretty exhausting apparently…

I think those ribs are as big as Caden’s head!

Just a few more memories for the kids…

Summer days…

2010-07-12T22:29:00.001-07:00

“Look at me! I’m a swimming girl!” It took quite a bit of persuasion but Paige is finally in the pool without clinging to an adult – whew!

Caden loves to just be a goofball in the pool! He is proudly learning to swim deeper and deeper this year!

After taking some pictures today, Caden and Paige jumped in for a shot. I love this one of Paige. It is such an open, pure(?) look at her little face. What a beautiful little girl.

Then there is this guy. Never takes a bad picture. I don’t pose him or give him any suggestions. All I said was, “Caden, let me take one of you.”

Vacation…

2010-07-06T11:03:00.001-07:00

For the end of Rick’s vacation week we took off for the beach. The lot we usually leave our trailer at was being bulldozed so we weren’t too sure how things were going to play out. Turned out we were able to park the trailer on not have to move it again! So on Friday we watched the huge power shovel flatten out the dirt and pick tree stumps out of the rubble. In the picture above he is moving the fire pit ring! I never knew what a skill it is to use one of those things!

The kids were getting restless so Aunt Cheryl and I took them down to the lake to try out some fishing. They caught a lot – of weeds! It was nice to get out for a bit though. On our way there we passed “Rocky” isn’t that what all male raccoons are named? I just think they are such beautiful little critters!

On Saturday we spent some time down on the beach. It was a beautiful day (for the WA/OR coast that is). Any time you can be barefoot on the beach here is considered beautiful – even if you are wearing a winter coat in July! The kids dug in the sand for a bit then the boys went out to play in the water (once you are numb it no longer feels cold) while Rick fished a little.

For the fourth of July we went to a genuine small town parade. We nearly got soaked by the heavy mist while we waited for it to start but the minute it started the water stopped! The highlight was the little local grocery store’s shopping cart drill team – what a hoot!

For the afternoon we just chilled out for a while before heading over to some friends for dinner and fireworks. Paige watched her favorite “big girls” play games in our trailer for a while before crashing for a little nap.

The fireworks were a hit as usual. Not quite the same adventure as last year because we didn’t actually go down on the beach. It was too windy and cold so we opted to stay and do them in the yard. Rick got a nasty burn when Trace unintentionally thrust a lit smoke bomb into his hand. The “grand finale” was truly a GRAND finale as the mortar was apparently loaded upside down! We were all scared to death and nearly deafened when the darned thing exploded in the yard rather than in the sky! The kids couldn’t stop talking about that little bit of excitement! All in all, another fun and memorable Fourth of July!

What we did today…

2010-06-27T21:57:00.001-07:00

Today we took the kids up to some local water falls. Last year I took them by myself and we all wanted to go back with Rick. It was a beautiful day (summer has finally arrived) and being near the water was so nice!

The boys did some exploring and lots of climbing. They kinda freaked Rick out at first but eventually he relaxed – just in time for me to start getting panicy about Paige who was getting braver!

Not sure who looks funnier here – Caden aka Joe Cool or Trace who looks like he’s in pain!

Can you believe how big Trace is getting?! Granted this picture’s angle is a bit deceptive, but still!

Look at little miss brave! The picture below was what started my panicing! Out of the corner of my eye I could see her moving and my heart just lurched! Thank goodness Rick had his hand on her and she wasn’t as close as it appears!

Then Rick let the boys do this!

We all really had a good time. It was so nice to get out and just have a fun day with no worries. I am so blessed with such a wonderful family – there is nothing better than an afternoon spent together!

The Little Princess…

2010-06-20T22:27:00.001-07:00

Paige attended her first birthday party this weekend. The theme was pirates and mermaids but she opted to go as a princess. None of the princess dresses she owns were quite right though so she instead opted for a hand-me-down flower girl dress. With her hair in a heart on top of her head we headed out in eager anticipation.

The party turned out to be quite an ordeal! A bounce house, bubble machine, treats and goodies galore! They turned their upper deck into a pirate ship, had ice cream cones to hold your popcorn and enough tooling (fabric) to fill several of bolts!

A canine family friend even made a quick appearance in costume! She was so adorable and clearly only barely tolerating the humiliation! Probably the most fascinating part of the day though was that it all happened at a house I spent many hours babysitting in years (and years) ago! Just down the street from my best friends house! Oh, the memories…

Getting a baby fix

2010-06-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

This little guy...

has been such a joy to have around! The kids have really gotten an education in newborns and they are totally amazed! I'm just loving the chance to have him so close! What a reminder of the miracle each life is.

I should also add that his big brother has been an awful lot of fun to have around too! Not nearly as quiet, or still, or easy to hold - but most definitely a joy in his two-year-old way! He makes me smile every time I see him! Such a happy little guy, he brings me back to when my boys were two.

What a great day!

2010-06-12T22:24:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a day we had! This morning the kids and I started off with a 3K Fitness walk that benefited the school. We walked there to and from my parents house also! It was also the first day of real summer weather we’ve had around here.

The unicycle team had their final performance of the year at the Fitness Walk. They did a great job despite having to perform inside a space less than half of what they are used to!

The unicyclists started the walk (Trace in the blue helmet). Trace also rode the entire route on his unicycle! It wasn’t an easy route either!! Caden ran along side him and together they finished in 9th and 10th place!

I am so proud of Paige for walking the entire way! She was hot and tired and I had a stroller but she managed to do it on her own!

The kids all got a medal for completing the walk. I hadn’t told Paige and she was SO proud of that medal! For the rest of the day she told everyone all about it.

After the hot walk I took the kids over to Aunt karen’s for their first swim of the year. The water was a bit cool for me but apparently not for them!

Little Miss Legs! Tiny as she is, those legs just keep on getting longer.

While Caden and Paige finished off the day relaxing at home, Trace was off to one final activity. His cousins are Young Life leaders and tonight was the end of the year send of to the 8th graders and welcome to the incoming 6th graders. The annual food fight is something looked forward to by all! After everyone was covered in gunk the fire department arrived to hose them all off! What a day, what a day…

2010-06-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have tried to get this on video forever! Today I actually had the camera sitting on the couch next to me AND remembered it had video on it! Watching Paige dance has given Rick, the boys and I a lot of chuckles but I never seem to have the video camera around to catch it. Now we have it to show her future boyfriends! SOMETHING IS NOT WORKING WITH YOUTUBE SO JUST CLICK ON THE VIDEO AND IT WILL MAKE IT BIGGER. Ok...now the video seems to have exploded - whatever!

End of the year…

2010-06-11T14:17:00.001-07:00

Before our program started we had to line everyone up in the hallway and get their “sailor” outfits on. Because Paige goes to Preschool in our local high school there are high school “tutors” there to help. Organized chaos!

Miss Paige waiting patiently in the hallway.

Completing her first year of preschool! Paige has “graduated” to second year preschool. She was a little shy about going up on the stage but she did it!

At the beginning of our program we showed a slide show that I had made of all the kids. While I have seen it probably a hundred times during the making of it, it was really rewarding to finally see it with the parents and hear their reactions. It made all that hard work more worth it! The other teachers gave me a new journal in appreciation. It was a bit of a sad day knowing that I probably won’t be returning to work next year. It will be hard to go back to being “just” a parent. I am thinking of signing up to do subbing in our district next year. We’ll see.

Welcome to the world!

2010-05-28T21:38:00.001-07:00

Cruz Zachary arrived on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. The kids were so excited to get to see their newest cousin when he was just two hours old! What a sweet boy!

What’s wrong with this picture?

2010-05-28T21:23:00.001-07:00

Absolutely NOTHING if you live in the Pacific Northwest!

Paige’s pre-school has taken a field trip to the zoo every Spring for at least the last 20 years. Rain or Shine. I’ve been for both and I must say I do prefer the shine. The rain certainly has its benefits though! We were able to see the exhibits well because the place was practically deserted – go figure, and some of the animals are more active when it is cooler out. Mr. Polar Bear gave us quite a show as he dived and splashed and played in his pool. I could have watched him forever!

Hawaii…

2010-05-18T19:23:00.001-07:00

It was a “picture perfect” four days in Paradise! Rick and I laid by the pool or floated in it’s bathtub-like warmth. We ate junk food normally prohibited with children. At out frequently. Walked. Enjoyed the sunshine on the beach. Were introduced to the downtown Waikiki nightlife. Walked some more. And slept in!

On Saturday morning I decided to walk to the mall by myself. On the way there I wondered why I was so anxious to go do something that I was able to do at home. Then it dawned on me – I’m not able to go wander the mall by myself, with no time limit! Every so often I’d feel the urge to get back and I had to remind myself that I could take all the time I wanted! It was wonderful! After the mall I headed up a couple blocks to Ross then over to a yogurt shop we had discovered the day before before finally finding my way back in the afternoon. I bought myself FOUR dresses - I can’t remember the last time I bought myself a dress! Rick was shocked too. I’ve discovered where to buy petite clothes though(!) – Hawaii! Where the majority of women are Asian and very petite. I guess we’ll just have to go back when I need more clothes!

I only included a couple of pictures. Just imagine any picture of Hawaii and then imagine us in it – you’ll get the idea. The little birdie below was so pretty that I had to get his picture though. He just posed for me while his owner watched nearby.

Of course there is always more to tell and a few more pictures to share but I’ll spare you the details for now.

Thank you to all who made it possible for us to get away (you know who you are!).

End of the season…

2010-05-08T23:00:00.001-07:00

Yeah!!! We are done with sports until August! Caden was our goalie for a bit today and he did great (despite stopping to make sure his hair was looking good occasionally!). He was my only goalie willing to really get down and do what it took to stop the ball! Way to go Buddy!

Despite having a loosing season the boys got better with each game. We only lost by one point today and scored the most we have all season! We all thought that since our team was the Eagles, maybe this guy watching over our entire game gave us a little luck today. How cool is that?! He didn’t take off until the game was over either. I love living in a place so full of the beauty of nature.

Dang they're cute (if I do say so myself)!

2010-05-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

A happy, busy kinda weekend…

2010-05-03T16:40:00.001-07:00

The kids had a ton of fun jumping on the Biundo’s trampoline Sunday afternoon!

Friday and Saturday night they were outside playing until 9:00 with their cousin who was down from Seattle. They are all going to love it when he is here longer in the summer and just across the street!

Other than that we had the usual soccer games (only one left!) Saturday morning. It was a busy weekend but not crazy busy! We’re all looking forward to the end of soccer for now and having our Saturdays back.

Who’s the mystery kid?

The boys did as much wrestling as jumping!

Houseguest

2010-05-03T15:56:00.001-07:00

“Um… would somebody mind telling us just what exactly this is?”

NOPE! I was NOT thinking it was dinner!

OH! It’s just Nelson the preschool Guinea Pig.

The boys got permission to bring home Nelson for a weekend visit and I have to say we all enjoyed his stay. He was better than a lap cat because he never moves! It was good to take him “home” again on Monday though.

Have you stopped to smell the flowers lately?

2010-05-02T21:03:00.001-07:00

Paige is always noticing flowers, with a shout of, “FLOWERS! Mommy, look FLOWERS!”

Is laundry the center of your world?

2010-04-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Or the laundry room the center of your happiness? I have been a real bear lately toward the kids. Now, to be fair they have earned a lot of my wrath - just not to quite the degree they've gotten it! I've not slept well for several nights and gotten next to nothing done during the day.

This afternoon I decided to clean the laundry room. My kitchen sink was overflowing, you can not walk through our bedroom without stepping over dirty clothes and the bathrooms are in desperate need of attention (we won't even mention the flags I'm supposed to be sewing!)- but for some reason I gravitated to the laundry room. As I vacuumed behind the dryer (finding 3 pair of socks, one pair of underpants and some soccer shin-guards), bleached the floor and cleaned all the cat stuff I was able to spend a lot of time in thought. I've come to the conclusion that a messy laundry room = a messy house. See, when the rug in the laundry room is too dirty to sit on, the washer and dryer piled so high you're now carefully balancing stuff you add to the stack and the sink is filled to the brim with dirty clothes, you tend to not want to be in there! If the dryer is full and so are all the laundry baskets and the top of the dryer is piled to it's tipping point well, then where are you going to put the stuff from the dryer? So what sits in the washer will just have to stay there a little longer too. If you decide to start another load you can't because the one in there has been sitting too long and must be rewashed first. With the sink full and the floor a mess it is hardly a good idea to bring more laundry down the stairs. So the clothes pile up in bedrooms and bathrooms and hallways. In order to dress in the morning the laundry baskets must be dug through by each family member thus creating a bigger mess. Naturally, with the floors a mess it is hardly motivating to clean the room! And with no where to put the dirty stuff, the mess just keeps growing! It becomes a vicious cycle with no seeming end in sight (laundry multiplies overnight you know).

So, my bottom line is that if your laundry room is a mess, it might explain why you're in a grumpy mood. And if your laundry room is a mess and you're not in a grumpy mood well, then I don't know what's wrong with you!

Now, go clean the laundry room and see if you don't feel better!

And life just keeps plugging along...

2010-04-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

We had another busy weekend around here! Saturday morning we spent freezing to death at two soccer games. (And I spent some time being depressed about my first team never winning a game!) Then Trace and Nana and I went to a huge bookstore - the biggest one I've ever heard of! Trace and I love to go there and wander for hours. After that we raced home to get Caden to a birthday party at Chuck-E- ~~He _ _~~ Cheese. Trace and Paige and I went to a much quieter pizza place and met up with Aunt Kim and Grandma before going back for Caden.

On Sunday morning we went to early church in order to get to a birthday party at 11. It turned out to be a beautiful day and the kids had a blast at the party. It is amazing how something so simple as a morning at a park can be so much fun. I think the coup-de-gras was finding the huge cow bones in the forest (the park was built in part of an old cow pasture)!

Sunday afternoon we finally finished up Aunt Kim's yard. Now it is on to our yard next! Rick met up with Kim's husband in So.Cal. and together they have been driving up. I'm expecting them to arrive literally any minute now.

Two more soccer games for each of the boys and hopefully a trip to Hawaii for Rick and I - that's what's coming up. Other than that - it's life as usual around here!

Watching the gift unwrapping! Look how long her hair is!

I just love the views around here!

Spinning himself crazy!

"Um, is this God?"

2010-04-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

"Cause, does God wear a crown? I don't think so!"

The Truth About International Adoption

2010-04-18T21:57:00.001-07:00

The following is NOT my own work. It is copied with permission from CW at www.pullthisblogover.blogspot.com She has put this into words in a way I never could. I am thankful for her work and her willingness to share...

Recently there have been many stories in the news regarding international adoption. Stories about corruption and trafficking, about unethical agencies and uncaring parents, about abuse and about neglect, about unprepared families and uninvolved agencies, but are those stories really the truth about what international adoption is? In the face of these stories, the Joint Council on International Children's Services has asked that all adoptive families speak out about the truth of international adoption.

But what is the truth of international adoption?

The truth is international adoption is not for the ill-prepared or the uncommitted- but then that is true of parenting- PERIOD

The truth is your child comes to you with a history that you not only were not a part of, but that you might never ever know. Some of that history may involve their first families or foster families and you will realize that these people have become part of your lives, regardless of whether or not you have ever met them or even know what they look like.

The truth is smiles and hugs, tears and tantrums, joys and sorrow

The truth is that you will always cringe when people ask you if you have children “of your own” because you understand how totally and completely your child is yours even while others can’t understand how that can be so

The truth is that your child's story becomes part OF you yet it doesn't belong TO you. It is neither yours to tell or to interpret

The truth is that love is not enough

The truth is that you occasionally feel that you have to explain or defend your family to others and this includes the seemingly positive statement that you “saved” your child. No matter how bad a situation they might have been in, what happens after an adoption is parenting, not saving.

The truth is you need to think about things you may never have ever considered before and things that maybe you would rather not consider- things like racism, classism, privilege, power and entitlement.

The truth is tiny handprints on the wall, little footprints on the floor, potty training, homework, band-aids, piles of laundry, sloppy kisses, bouquets of dandelions and belly laughs

The truth is that every news story about your child's country of origin now matters to you too

The truth is that great sadness at what was lost can exist in the same space as great joy at what was gained

The truth is that a child can be the bravest person you have ever met

The truth is that international adoption is messy and complicated and hard and amazing and wonderful

Before we began the adoption process we took some adoption classes. On the last night there was a panel of adoptive parents (all of whom had only adopted children) One by one they each told their stories and each said they could not have loved their child more if they had been born to them. And while I understood that academically, I wondered how they could be so sure. I now look at my daughters and know birth is not what makes a parent. I look at my girls and know they are mine- yet at the same time, I also know they are not mine alone. I look and wonder whose eyes do they have, where does their personality come from, how much is nurture and how much is nature. But I do know- with every fiber of my being that parenthood is not based on genetics or birth or sharing a resemblance.

The truth of international adoption is that family isn't determined by the single act of giving birth but by the act of simply BEING a family

THIS IS THE TRUTH OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION

I'm kinda busy...

2010-04-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of big projects on my plate right now. Both volunteer but only one I'm actually enjoying! I guess that will teach me to be a little more careful about choosing where to volunteer my time! So, I am supposed to be sewing six flags for the middle school marching band. I don't want to though and they are a lot more work than I was led to believe they would be. At this point I have one partially finished and they are due in about two weeks. Thank goodness for a wonderful sister who sews better than I do who was kind enough to offer to take two of them off my hands! My other project is to take pictures of every preschooler at Paige's preschool/my job. I took a couple one day that I shared with the other teachers and they excitedly asked if I'd be willing to do all the kids for their end of the year file. At this point I have about 30 pictures I'm happy with which leaves about 20 more to go. I'm loving it! I am also constantly amazed at how photogenic some kids are and you'd never guess which ones! Some pictures I wasn't sure about can be edited to be totally awesome! Someone told me I'd missed my calling- I don't know about that, but I do know I'm enjoying this. The picture above is the one I took of Paige while I was getting the other kids. I love how it turned out despite not liking it at the time I actually took it! In the meantime, the house is slowly falling apart so I guess I'd better get off the computer and get moving!

Day to day...

2010-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the water splashing around him and the mud on the bottom of his cleats!

Thanks for the gloves Aunt Cheryl and Nichole! They helped a ton!

Well we have made it through the first week back to routine! Things are busy as usual with work, school, laundry, soccer, laundry, soccer (oh! did I already mention soccer and laundry?) - I guess you get the point! The rain, hail, snow and sun have wrecked havoc on us this week. We are all ready for Spring but apparently the weather isn't. It snowed twice yesterday! AND IT'S APRIL!!! That is totally unheard of in the NorthWest! Poor Trace keeps getting soccer practice in the rain and mud and somehow Caden hasn't had a rainy practice yet.

Rick is managing to keep busy though not flying as much as we'd like. Being based close to home does make it a little easier and he seems less stressed most of the time. Caden, especially, benefits from having Dad around as much as possible. I seem to be perpetually busy! I love my job but sadly it doesn't look like it will be continuing next school year. Unless they get a new child who needs one on one care - which isn't highly likely. So, I'm on the hunt for something else. Part time would be ideal since Paige still has two years before she is in full day school, but I would happily take full time too. We have enough people around who could help me with Paige that it is a viable option.

Not much else is going on at the moment. Just your average day to day...