The Mighty M Family

today

2012-01-19T12:50:00.001-08:00

today we went from this

to this

(see all of Eli’s meds on the counter there?)

So we are officially out of the cast and into a splint that she can wear during the day but take off at night. She will wear this for 3 weeks, and will still need to refrain from doing much active play to keep it safe.

We kept the cast and boy does it stink!

In other news we have had yet ANOTHER snow day today….I’m getting stir crazy, although I was driving today and the roads are manageable in a 4WD. Hannah and I were supposed to leave tomorrow and take a train down to visit my new niece Charlotte…but we decided to wait a couple more weeks.

Here are a few more pictures from our morning. The man who took Hannah’s cast off asked her if her mom always takes so many pictures. Why, YES she does! Especially if it’s something as important as getting a cast off!

frigid cold + pink eye + ear infection =

2012-01-18T12:29:00.001-08:00

Another day spent indoors.

Fortunately we made it to the doctor so Eli has medication now. Last night was rough!

same

2012-01-17T16:22:00.001-08:00

same kids

same clothes

same backyard

same dog

only this time,

today,

there was SO much more snow!

and we may get another 6 inches tonight!

which means another snow day.

I don’t think Hannah will mind one bit.

However this is definitely, positively, the very last year my size 7/8 daughter is going to wear her size 4T ski pants!

first snow of 2012

2012-01-16T11:35:00.001-08:00

It is a winter wonderland In Bellingham! The kids, already off school today, were thrilled to wake up to all the white stuff. Once I got them into about 4 layers of clothing they were ready to go play.

First post of 2012!

2012-01-13T10:32:00.001-08:00

I can’t believe how long it has been since my last post! I’m not even posting my pictures from the holidays today because they are on a different computer. But here is a picture I snapped of Hannah when we went to see the Nutcracker in December.

She is looking so grown up!

I took this a week or so before she broke her arm. She gets her cast off next week!

Eli is doing well too, except that he is going through a phase where he is VERY scared to sleep in his room and often wakes up in the middle of the night..which so far results in mom or dad going in to sleep with him for a while. Hopefully this won’t last too long…

Q&A with Hannah and Eli

2011-12-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

Totally stealing not only the idea but also the actual questions from Helene's blog.

But she said it was okay.

Interview with Hannah and Eli:

What does Santa look like?

H: Well, he has a white beard and mustache. He wears red and white and I think he has green eyes. His cheeks are red and he is fat.

E: A little red!

Where does Santa live?

E: He lives in his workshop!

H: In the North Pole in his workshop.

What is Santa doing right this minute?

H: Making toys and packing his sleigh and giving orders to the elves and feeding his reindeer.

E: Making toys!

How does Santa keep track of what you want for Christmas?

E: I can't tell you that. What I want for Christmas is more Lighting McQueen stuff!

H: One thing is magic. Number 2 - some people have an elf. Number 3 - Christmas lists. Number 4 - there are people who live close to the North Pole who watch with computers and binoculars.

How does Santa get to every house in one night?

H: It's a little bit of the same thing. He's magic and he's quick. That's about it. Oh, and his reindeer.

E: Ride his sleigh!

Is the Grinch real?

E: It's real in the North Pole.

H: NO.

Do families have a special dinner on Christmas Day?

H: Yes...probably like beef, ham, turkey, maybe a salad and some stuffing. Sometimes nuts. Like chestnuts roasted on an open fire.

E: Yeah - like turkey sandwiches!

Does Santa bring gifts for parents?
(this is when Eli's doll baby dinosaur wanted to get in on the Q&A)

E: (nods yes)

Baby dinosaur: yeah (in baby talk)

H: Sometimes.....just because if he knows if parents get enough presents from their kids and families. Just depends.

Is it customary to leave food for Santa on Christmas Eve?

H: (long pause why she tries to figure out what "customary" means). Yes. I think that's right, right? Cookies and hot cocoa.

Baby Dinosaur: yeah, cookies!

E: Turkey sandwiches!!

How does Santa know if you are good or bad?

Baby Dinosaur: Cause if you're frustrated you go on the naughty list, if you're happy you go on the good list. Swiper and the Grinch don't like Christmas!

E: When I'm mad he won't bring me presents but when I am happier he does.

H: This is how: (starts singing Santa Claus is coming to town)

Have you ever been on the naughty list?

H: Uh, no.

Baby Dinosaur: No!

E: No because I'm so happy!

Why do we celebrate Christmas?

H: Because it was the first day of Christmas there was a woman and a man who had a baby prince named Jesus and then also after that was done a long time later there was another baby when he grew up that is how we had Santa Claus....he finds all the friends and first he finds magic corn that feeds reindeer and the reason he gives gifts is he was a toymaker with some elves and that's all.

Eli: Cause Santa came!

Baby Dinosaur: What I want for Christmas is my own blue toy dinosaur!

What are you most excited for this Christmas?

H: Being with my family and getting gifts and giving gifts.

E: Cause Santa gives me all gifts.

Baby Dinosaur: I want to get a dinosaur train set cause my other one is broken.

hannah broke her arm!

2011-12-22T06:38:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, about 5 minutes from the end of the last recess of the last day before Christmas break, Hannah slipped from the monkey bars and landed on her hand.

The result:

Not the best picture, but she got what is called a colles fracture – when the arm breaks right where it meets the wrist.

Major ouch.

Hannah and I spent about 6.5 hours at the ER on Friday.

Super fun.

She was a trooper though.

A nurse brought her a stuffed elephant and these:

The worst parts for me was when I picked her up at school and felt her arm through her sweat shirt and realized it was not the normal shape it should be, when I called my husband to tell him we were on our way to the ER, and when I had to watch the doctor put her bones back in place (which Hannah was not awake for).

I think Hannah’s worst parts were the pain from the break and having to get an IV. She did not like that one bit!

Her arm is in a splint for 2-3 weeks then we will move to a regular cast.

Hannah is thinking pink is a good cast color.

And we definitely won’t let this dampen our holidays!

Wordless Wednesday: hannah and eli

2011-12-21T08:28:00.001-08:00

showing the love–outtakes

2011-12-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

I have to call these outtakes because not one of them turned out as a good “sibling” shot…but it was fun to try!

2011 Gingerbread houses

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

2011 Picture with Santa

2011-12-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

The only reason mom and dad are in this picture is sitting on my lap!

Eli’s christmas outfit

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

He loved it so much he wore it on Thanksgiving…and to bed Thanksgiving night….and to the grocery store….

fast break

2011-12-14T17:00:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from Hannah’s first basketball game a couple weeks ago.

If you haven’t watched a bunch of little kids play a basketball game you must add it to your to do list!

Not just any Monday

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday.

I'm 38.

But I'm pretty sure I don't look a day over 37.

Not sure what we are doing tonight. But my kids assure me there are plans. I've even gotten a couple hints. But so far they are pretty good at keeping secrets.

pictures from Halloween

2011-11-16T11:33:00.001-08:00

Better late than never!

Hannah’s kindergarten picture

2011-11-07T13:04:00.001-08:00

She is looking so grown up!

a few Pictures from the past couple weeks

2011-10-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Batman and his Batmobile: keeping our garage safe.

Halloween lights: 2010: Big box 2011: Smaller box (and much higher price!).

Hannah pretending to be in a wheelchair (and Fireman Eli smiling!!).

Lunch failure.

Lunch success!!

Sixth tooth lost!

Hannah’s 6th birthday

2011-10-27T10:51:00.001-07:00

I’m only about 2 weeks late in posting this! I seem to be in a bit of a blog reading/blog posting rut lately. But I’m sure that is only because I have been super busy with life ~~and not at all lazy~~.

Hannah wanted to have a Kidz Bop/Rock Star themed birthday party to ring in her 6th year and that is exactly what she got!

And of course who better to represent her than “momager” mom and “MC/bodyguard” dad.

We had a wonderful evening of music, karaoke, cake, presents, and most importantly friends and family!

My first field trip!

2011-10-21T09:09:00.001-07:00

another milestone

2011-10-18T06:51:00.001-07:00

Our little pop star is 6 today!

Fortunately her bodyguard will keep the screaming fans at bay.

Happy Birthday to our future pop star, football player, chef, doctor…whatever you may choose to be we’ve always got your back.

the walk to school

2011-10-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

There is a rock sculpture on the trail we take when we walk to school.

You can tell somebody is putting a lot of time and effort into making it look pretty.

Stacking rocks.

Adding flowers now and then.

Sometimes someone knocks a rock stack or two over.

But it is always “fixed” within a day or two.

honor thy parents

2011-10-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

This is my mom.

And me.

This is my mom’s new CUTE puppy. That is completely off topic but she’s just so cute!

My mom is pretty awesome.

and today is her birthday! So if you feel like it go wish her a happy day!

Happy Birthday mom!

still eating for less than one…

2011-10-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

I think from now on we will do away with “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” and it will all just be called “snacks”. He does much better with those.

it doesn’t add up

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Macy,

Your dad and I have looked at the calendar.

We’ve crunched the numbers.

We’ve figured it out.

Each and every time reaching the same conclusion.

Mathematically it works.

Emotionally though our summation is:

“HOW IS THIS FREAKING POSSIBLE???!!!”

For today you are 16.

The calendar doesn’t lie.

But we might try to deny it for a while.

Wishing you the bestest, most wonderful 16th birthday!!!

Love you lots!!!

wordless wednesday: elementary jog-a-thon

2011-10-05T11:49:00.001-07:00

And now I interrupt this wordless Wednesday with some words…… Hannah ran 20 laps around her 1/8 mile track which makes for about 2.25 miles of running (in 30 minutes!).

Great job Hannah!!!

a day in the life of eli’s lunch

2011-09-24T14:40:00.001-07:00

12:05 pm

12:30 pm

1:00 pm

2:00 pm

3:00 pm

4:00 pm

“Mom, can I have a snack?”

“But you haven’t even eaten your lunch yet.”.

“Oh, okay!”

“Now can I have a snack?”

My son.

Not a big eater.

wordless wednesday: home sick today

2011-09-21T08:30:00.001-07:00

the first week of school

2011-09-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

The first week of school went by without too many hitches.

The kids both like school. They enjoy their day.

They just have a really hard time saying goodbye to mommy.

I took these pictures last Tuesday – which was Hannah’s second day of school and Eli’s first day of preschool.

Eli is not as into posing for pictures as Hannah. So I didn’t get too many and he insisted on including the shovel in the picture.

same lake

2011-09-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

July 2005

September 2011

Different daughters.

wordless wednesday: who cares if it’s hot out?

2011-09-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hannah’s first day of kindergarten!

2011-09-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hannah was ready to rock and roll this morning – did all her morning tasks and was pretty much ready to go about an hour before we needed to leave (how long is that going to last?).

Eli was ready and willing to smile too!

Not so sure he will be tomorrow (on HIS first day of preschool).

She was a little nervous when it was time for us to leave….but I am hoping she quickly realized how much fun she is going to have!

It is hard to believe she is in Kindergarten. It seems like yesterday that she looked like this:

And NO I didn’t cry……but I can’t get this song out of my head!

Watch out Kindergarten – here comes Hannah!

a boating we will go!

2011-09-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we took advantage of a wonderfully sunny and warm September and took the boat out on the water.

For the first time.

In 6 years.

As soon as we got out there I couldn’t believe we waited so long. What fun!

Or as Hannah put it with the wind blowing on her face:

“THIS IS AWESOME!!!”

Eli thought so too.

Captain Daddy was having fun driving the boat.

But then it was time to tube!

Which meant Captain Mommy had to take control of the boat.

Captain Mommy had to relearn boat driving.

Captain Mommy was nervous.

But Captain Mommy did her best and the kids had a blast – especially Hannah who tubed by herself for quite a while after daddy and Eli disembarked.

We had a great day and plan to do this WAY more often next summer!

trip to eastern washington: monday september 5th

2011-09-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Time to head home, but not without some pictures!

Love you Grandma!

trip to eastern washington: Sunday, september 4th

2011-09-09T06:47:00.000-07:00

We spent most of Sunday relaxing in the (HOT) sun. First at the pool in my Grandma’s neighborhood:

The pool water was really cold (to me and dad!) so we didn’t hang out there too long.

After lunch, we headed to the club my Aunt Diane and Uncle Bill use to try out their new water park addition called Splash Cove. The kids had a good time playing here!

We ended the day with a pizza dinner (and cookies!) with Bill and Diane at my Grandma’s house.

Another super fun, busy, day!

Trip to eastern washington: saturday September 3

2011-09-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

We arrived Friday night at my Grandma’s in Kennewick after a fairly quick 4.5 hour drive (about 300 miles). I, as per usual, slept through the majority of it.

I just get so sleepy in the car.

Saturday morning my husband was up and off bright an early to compete in his Titanium Man Olympic Triathlon. I got the kids ready and met up with him at the end of the first leg of the race: swimming.

Kids got a high five and then he was moving on to transition to the bike.

While we waited for the biking leg we went to a very nearby playground to play. My Aunt Mary came by to keep me company.

Which was good because shortly after this last picture of Eli was taken he fell and got a bloody nose. Tissue was about the only thing I didn’t have in my bag, Eli was freaking out, and I was trying to console him while also trying to keep myself clean. Aunt Mary to the rescue – she ran to the bathroom for wet paper towels, and we got him cleaned up as best as possible. My shirt would have to wait. Poor kid.

Hannah couldn’t let Eli have all the fun so she decided to fall on the way back to the car.

After all that we headed down to the ending point for the triathlon. Mickey had already returned on his bike and was out on his run. Finally, shortly before noon we caught a glimpse.

A triumphant finish!

Nice job honey, even if you were hobbling a teeny bit for a day or so afterwards! We are proud of you!!

The evening was spent at my Aunt Mary and Uncle Ron’s home in Kennewick. They have a huge backyard and the kids enjoyed every bit of it.

Yep, that’s a pool for a small dog.

Great way to end a long but very fun day!

wordless wednesday: when they aren’t fighting…..

2011-09-07T08:38:00.001-07:00

8 hours

2011-09-01T09:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I decided to join my friend Connie (and many of her friends too) in a computer/phone fast. So from 8am-4pm I shut off the laptop, turned off the phone, and hid the iPad. But, lucky you – I took notes!

7:58 am – If I hurry I can play Words With Friends before 8:00!

8:00 am – Go time! Wish it wasn’t grey and raining today….

8:01 am – I suppose I could go shower…..

8:18 am – Just tried to check my phone and turned it on accidentally – OOPS. Forgot already!

8:19 am – Powered phone back off and hid it in a basket.

9:00 am – Watching a movie with the kids. Rather they are watching “Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz” and I am watching “Earthlings” on my iPod touch but we are all in the same room together.

10:30 am– Snack time. (Is this exciting stuff or what?)

11:00 am – Heading outside to play. Still grey and chilly but no longer raining.

11:30 am (I think….I want to see what time it is but I don’t have my phone and I’m outside!). Letting Eli take a picture of me:

(Nope….still haven’t showered).

12:05 pm – Halfway there. Lunch time!

1:03 pm – Thinking about what to make for dinner but don’t want to go to the store (because then I’d have to shower). Kids are playing at the table.

1:30 pm – Cleaning out fridge. Kids still playing and getting along (probably because they aren’t playing together).

2:00 pm – Cleaning out a couple handbags and my wallet and switching to a different bag/wallet.

2:30 pm – Playing Lego with the kids.

2:35 pm – Kids fighting over Legos. Done with that!

3:00 pm – Just going to snuggle on the bed with the kids and watch a show or two.

3:15 pm – “Mom, stop snoring!”.

3:23 pm – “Mom, you’re snoring again!”.

3:40 pm – “MOM!”.

(In my defense I was really really sleepy. Normally I don’t snore at all, right honey????????).

4:06 pm – Hey! I can turn my phone back on now.

4:10 pm – Wow, the world didn’t fall apart. Nobody texted me. No major emails to report. And I never did take that shower.

The sun came out after that so the kids and I went out to play some more. Dad came home and the kids rode bikes while I finished up dinner (vegan fried rice and fruit smoothies).

Good day.

Rainy.

Lazy.

But good.

Oh – and I pretty much get to spend the entire weekend offline anyways as we will be at my Grandma’s and she doesn’t have internet access.

The phone will still work though.

Expecting fun and lots of sun this weekend. Mickey is doing his race on Saturday (The Titanium Man Olympic Triathlon in Kennewick, WA).

wordless wednesday: THOR!

2011-08-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

10 on Tuesday

2011-08-30T09:56:00.001-07:00

1) I am going to join my friend Connie and many more tomorrow for an 8-hour phone/computer fast. So from 8am – 4pm tomorrow I am going to be completely offline! Wish me luck!!

2) Eli’s “paci” disappeared for real on Sunday. It needed to happen but we didn’t plan it…we just can’t find it! I am desperate to find it before he does because he has done pretty well without it the past couple nights and I don’t want him to have it back. I know it’s in the house…but where???

3) Speaking of Eli, he can be a real pain in the nose sometimes. Literally.

He’s been known to bite his sister (and parents) sometimes….but ON THE NOSE? Ouch!

4)We had a run of summer weather but it is back to the clouds today…..kindergarten starts in 1 week, 2 days, and 23 hours.

Not that I’m counting.

5) My cousin Nicole is most likely moving to Crete or Florence to further her education and cultural experiences. I am so excited for her, what an adventure!

6) We are heading to Eastern Washington this weekend to visit my Grandma and Aunt’s and Uncles (Nicole would normally be there too but she decided to leave to see some friends – boo! )

Also, Mickey is participating in his last triathlon of the season and it’s a doozy – approx. 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike ride, and lastly a 6 mile run. I’m worn out just reading that.

7) We had a garage sale this past Saturday. Fun and successful and something we are so totally NOT going to do again (even though we had plenty of helpers!).

8) I’m on a break this week from my normal 3-morning a week boot camp workout. BUT my friend Ellen (who has a fabulous vegan food blog) talked me into going to her workout with her a few times this week, which also involves getting up before there is a “5” on my clock. Makes for early mornings but I get. it. done. One of these days I’ll do a post about my workouts – they are intense!

9) Movie night tonight – I’m making Rolo pretzel cookies. Easy to make – put a Rolo (unwrapped of course) on top of a pretzel (on a cookie sheet lined with parchment) until you fill the sheet (or run out)…bake at 350 for about 5 minutes then take them out and smoosh another pretzel on top. Let cool – and try not to scarf them all down.

10) Wishing you all a fabulous Tuesday!!

wordless wednesday: award winning fair fare

2011-08-24T08:05:00.001-07:00

two weeks

2011-08-22T08:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday morning!

One more week of summer camp.

Then we get a week off (except for dance class starting back up).

Then.

It.

Is.

Time.

To.

Start.

Kindergarten.

Whoa.

Hannah may be ready.

Not so sure about me. Going from 3-day a week 3-hour preschool classes to all day every day kindergarten is going to be a big change.

Two more weeks.

fair day!

2011-08-19T13:33:00.001-07:00

I could

2011-08-15T08:15:00.001-07:00

I could tell you that my sister, brother in law, and nephew are visiting for a week and so far it’s off to a fun start.

I could tell you my sister and brother in law left for a couple days (of said visit) while my nephew stays behind with us to play.

I could tell you we had a great weekend with lots of fun, friends, and food.

I could tell you that Saturday morning I had to go to the ER for a couple stitches after an unfortunate incident with my hand-held smoothie blender (and my finger). Note to self: UNPLUG before attempting to remove stuck food from blade.

I could tell you that I went for a 6 mile walk on Sunday.

I could tell you that this week is filled with plenty of fun plans and activities.

I could tell you that we have to bid adieu to Macy in a couple days.

I could tell you that it’s hard to type with a bandage covering my left index finger.

I could go on and on.

But it is Monday.

So instead I will just give you an Eli moment.

wordless wednesday: he wouldn’t look up

2011-08-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

eli!

2011-08-05T08:12:00.001-07:00

happy saturday!

2011-07-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

weekend in Chelan

2011-07-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

We spent a long weekend on the “east side” of the state of Washington, also known as the dry, hot, desert-like side. And except for the day we left it was indeed dry, hot, and desert like.

We stopped in Leavenworth, WA on the way – a famous little town known as “your Barvarian getaway”. We browsed the shops and had lunch and ice cream.

We spent the rest of the time in Chelan. All we did was PLAY! And I’m sure a year from now I will have totally forgotten ANY kids that may or may not have been a little cranky from time to time (which is a vacation must, right?).

If we go back next year maybe I will even get a picture with myself in it!

wordless wednesday

2011-07-27T14:26:00.001-07:00

It is Wednesday, right? We were out of town for a long weekend and I am all messed up on the days. I’ll catch up on blogs and email soon!

footloose and training wheel free

2011-07-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

One of our goals for the summer was to get Hannah’s training wheels off her bike.

Tuesday we took them off.

After a few hours of practice, a lot of self talk (“I know I can do this!”), and a couple of tumbles….

She got the hang of it!

Speaking of hanging…

Eli was keeping busy on the playground while Hannah practiced.

Mastering a bike takes a lot of practice and we will continue to do so as Hannah still needs to work on a couple very important elements:

1) Steering

2) Remembering the bike has brakes.

But by the end of the summer I am sure she will be leaving us all in the dust!

epic weekend

2011-07-19T11:10:00.001-07:00

The weekend was epic.

At least, Hannah thought so.

On Saturday she lost her 4th tooth .

On Sunday she lost her 5th.

Teeth lost: (upper left center and bottom right canine).

Let’s hope the tooth fairy stocks up on one dollar bills before any more teeth decide to come out!

Oh – and we are growing her bangs out so she is going to have that hair in her eyes look for a looooong time!

whatever eli wants….

2011-07-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

I’ve given up the battle.

I just lose anyway.

I let my son wear whatever he wants.

So if he wants to wear his sister’s pajamas and go ride bikes. Okay.

I guess.

But seriously can you please stop changing your clothes a bazillion times a day????

wordless wednesday: balancing act

2011-07-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

The abc’s of me…

2011-07-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

A: Age. 37. That seems old. But I got a kick out of our neighbor coming over a couple weekends ago to tell me to turn down my music (I had been home alone blasting my iPod for hours not realizing the outside speakers were on) and he thought I was the house-sitter. And of course that means the young college aged house sitter, right?

B: Bed size. We recently upgraded to a king. Love!

C: Chores you dislike. Dusting the blinds, scooping/cleaning the litter box (another dust issue), and pretty much anything that needs to be done that I’m not in the mood to do.

D: Dad's name. Norman. Jennifer Aniston likes it so much she got it tattooed on her foot.

E: Essential start to your day. Coffee and exercise not always in that order.

F: Favorite color. Black.

G: Gold or silver. Silver but I am liking gold more and more.

H: Height. 6” 0’

I: Instruments you play(ed). I played tenor sax in 5th and 6th grade (go Silver Star ES Jazz Band!)…switched to clarinet for Junior High and High School (cause I felt less dorky with a clarinet case than a huge tenor sax case). And in college I took one quarter of piano.

And yes, I went to band camp.

J: Job title. Chief Executive Mommy

K: Kids. Hannah – 5, Eli – 3, and my step-daughter Macy (15).

L: Live. Beautiful Bellingham Washington. A town of 70,000 that feels much smaller. I am often bumping into familiar faces around town.

M: Mom's name. Karen….which is Kalena in Hawaiian. She also goes by “Tutu”….which is grandma in Hawaiian.

N: Nicknames. Teri Beri, TJ.

O: Overnight hospital stays. Yep – when I had Eli, when I had Hannah, when I fractured my hip, and maybe for one of my ear surgeries.

P: Pet peeves. Those who know me know that list is long and plentiful.

Q: Quote from a movie:

R: Righty or lefty. Right handed.

S: Siblings. My sisters Jeni and Jaime. I also have step-siblings Ralph, Sherri, Jason, Tony, and Jon (who just finished his medical residency!!).

T: Time you wake up. Between 5 and 7 am depending on A. If I’m working out B. What day of the week it is and C. How many times I hit the snooze button.

U: Underwear. Is this a question?

V: Vegetables you don't like. Peas. Brussel sprouts. Lima beans.

W: What makes you run late. My kids and that includes you Macy!!

X: X-rays you've had. Too many to list out here!

Y: Yummy food you make. Most of my desserts as long as I don’t try to make them “healthy”, then my family likes them less.

Z: Zoo animal favorites. Any of the babies! Seems like the animals are always hiding when I’m at the zoo!

wordless wednesday: ice ice baby

2011-07-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

the 4th of july

2011-07-05T14:13:00.001-07:00

I scream, you scream

2011-06-27T08:25:00.001-07:00

just horsing around

2011-06-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

These are from a birthday party we went to a few weeks ago. Hannah’s first time on a horse – and they got to ride them for close to 2 hours!

the help

2011-06-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

girls night!

2011-06-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Hannah and I spent a day (and night) in Seattle.

We ate out, we shopped, we ate, we shopped some more and we also saw this show:

It was such a fun show – we both enjoyed it very much!

wordless wednesday: pirate edition

2011-06-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

preschool graduation

2011-06-14T11:36:00.001-07:00

May 25th, 2011

Being silly

2011-06-10T08:33:00.001-07:00

Stating the Obvious

2011-05-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Clearly I am taking a bit of a blogging break.

I have pictures to post.

I do.

I have blogs to catch up on.

I will.

Probably.

The weather has gotten nicer.

Occasionally.

And the kids want to play outside.

Constantly.

I just haven't felt like blogging.

But I'm here, all is well! Summer approaches. My daughter is "graduating" from preschool tonight - very exciting and emotional. I imagine there will be a lot of momma's with misty eyes tonight at the ceremony.

Our kids are growing up so fast!

Too fast.

mother’s day celebration

2011-05-07T07:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we had a Mother’s Day party at Hannah’s preschool. All of us mom’s felt pretty honored. There were songs, food, and gifts galore! Plus all this amazing artwork:

Hannah (with the help of a teacher)filled this out about me. LOVE my age Hannah – thanks!!

Here Hannah drew her answer to the question “what makes your mom beautiful?”.

This is a picture of Hannah and me.

And lastly a picture of us doing something together:

We are driving in the car.

I think my Mother’s Day is complete and it’s not even Sunday yet.

painting rocks

2011-05-06T16:13:00.001-07:00

helping hands

2011-04-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

eli’s birthday cake

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I did not

Make this cake

That’s what friends are for!

pictures from easter

2011-04-27T15:37:00.001-07:00

vacation day seven: back to sea world

2011-04-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

For our last full day in San Diego we decided to head back to Sea Word as we missed a few things on our first day there.

We got a warm welcome at the gate.

The big kids and daddy put on their parka’s and went to see how many times they could ride the Atlantis ride in an hour and 45 minutes (6).

Eli and I kept ourselves occupied.

We might have done a little shopping.

And taken a ride up. Way up!

Later we all joined forces to see the Sesame Street 4D show. It was great, but a little too much for Eli. So darn it, dad missed the ending!

Then the kids were acting lovey dovey long enough for me to snap some pics.

Before we left the girls had time for one last ride.

We had a BLAST on our trip. San Diego is a huge city of over 1,000,000 people but it does not feel like it is so big. Almost everything is a pretty quick drive and the traffic was not bad at all. We still have lots we need to see so I imagine we will be coming back!

the ride

2011-04-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

When we were at LegoLand Hannah saw a ride she really wanted to go on.

I was hoping she wouldn’t meet the height requirement.

But she did.

So I relented. It was the only ride she went on that made me really nervous.

Really, really nervous.

But of course after they got off Hannah immediately said “I want to go on it again!”.

And they did.

vacation day six: legoland

2011-04-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

Legoland was pretty fun and I took a ton of pictures!

Another fun day? Check!

vacation day five: San diego

2011-04-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

Today we drove out to Coronado Island to have lunch at the historic Hotel Del Coronado.

It was cold and windy and we were dressed for sun. Brrrrrrrr!

Lunch was delicious.

And artistic.

After lunch we drove to Belmont Park, which is an amusement park and entertainment center located on Mission Beach.

They have a large wooden roller coaster, originally built in 1925.

Hannah really wanted to go on it but when we got there we discovered she did not meet the 50” height requirement.

She took the news well.

She cheered up ~~not at all~~ with a consolation ride on the carousel.

After all that we still had time to go back to the hotel and hit the pool for a bit before dinner.

Macy never got the memo about bringing a bathing suit.

vacation day four: seaworld san diego

2011-04-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

We spent our first full day in San Diego at Sea World.

It was raining.

We hit some rides.

We saw some shows.

The polar bears were sure excited to see us.

It was a fun day.

We left around 5:00 so Mickey and the kids could drive and pick up Macy, who was going to join us for the rest of our trip.

Then we headed to Old Town for some Mexican food.

And a margarita.

Super sized.

a garden of succulent plants

2011-04-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

Grampy and Judy have a beautiful garden of succulent plants in Mexico. Judy has put a lot of work into cultivating these plants and has turned a fairly barren landscape into a lush, green, gorgeous scene.

Vacation day two & three: more from mexico

2011-04-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

On our second morning in Mexico we were reminded that the sun is much hotter than it is at home. It was so cool on our first day that sunscreen somehow slipped my mind.

We spent the day at the casa.

In the afternoon we decided to walk down to the beach.

And if by walk you think I mean hike down a mountain on a at times very steep and narrow trail dug out by a 90 year old resident you’d be correct.

I didn’t take any pictures on the way down as I was too busy holding on to Hannah for dear life while also keeping out a close eye for any snakes that wanted to attack me.

You never know.

The beach was beautiful and we had it all to ourselves. Eli was a little unsure about the water but Hannah and daddy had a great time playing!

The surf was bringing in thousands of little baby animals of some kind (maybe lobster or crab). Hard to tell but every little shiny dot in the below picture was one of those animals.

After playing for a while it was time to venture back up the mountain. The kids were going to need some ~~bribes~~ encouragement to hike that trail again.

And finally – a picture with Grampy’s right hand woman Judy at the base of the trail.

Up was easier to trek than down.

We made it back with Oreo’s to spare.

On our last day in Mexico I only took a few pictures.

One of which was from the car on our way out.

Thankfully it didn’t attack me.

Vacation day one: Baja, mexico

2011-04-15T11:57:00.001-07:00

We were up bright and early on our first morning in Mexico. And I do mean bright because it looked like the sun was going to be on our side.

Mickey’s dad has a home down near La Bufadora, Mexico and it had been a while since our last visit. I forgot how much I love the view.

We spent the morning at the casa, going for rides in Grampy’s buggy…..

and waiting for the water truck to arrive. We all thought Eli would love to watch the water truck…but it scared him.

Once the water truck had vamanos’ed we were able to head down into town. It is only about 1.5 miles to the town of La Bufadora, but since the casa is located in a hillside area with no paved roads it takes a while to drive down there.

First stop: Lunch at the tequila grill.

It was much better than this sign would leave you to believe.

Or maybe it was because of these:

Nothing like two of those and a shot of their special blend tequila to get you in the mood for a little afternoon market shopping.

But before we left we let the kids play a little. Remember this?

A couple of you were right. They are indeed surfing.

Table surfing!

After lunch we headed into town.

Trinkets were purchased.

Beer was consumed by men waiting for women to finish shopping.

At the end of town you can stop and watch the famous blowhole spouting water every few moments.

I didn’t get very good pictures but the kids enjoyed the view.

We spent most of the rest of the day back at the Casa…..I have no further photographic evidence of this as apparently I put the camera away for the rest of the day.

Next up: More Baja!

Wordless wednesday

2011-04-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

what on earth are these two doing?

2011-04-12T14:30:00.001-07:00

Bet you can’t guess. :)

We are home and unpacked…..but I am not feeling organized or caught up right now. Got the pictures downloaded today (over 550 of them!) and hopefully this week I will start posting about our trip. We had a great time!

And here is Eli yesterday:

When he opened his first present he goes “I love it! What is it?”. :)

Oh – and be sure to check out tomorrow’s Wordless Wednesday. It was our last stop before we left Sea World a few days ago….

Eli’s coming…better hide your hearts!

2011-04-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

Before I left for vacation last week

I spent a little too much time on Windows Live Movie Maker,

creating what I thought was a pretty darn good slide show to commemorate the third birthday of my son.

It had all my favorite Eli pictures from the past 3 years.

And of course no slide show would be complete without the appropriate soundtrack,

I chose “Eli’s Coming” by Three Dog Night. A song I was not at all familiar with until

both my mom and father-in-law sang it to me when they heard what we were naming our little guy.

And now, naturally, it is a song I am VERY familiar with.

For the second song, I went with the one guaranteed to bring the tear (a must for all birthday boy blog posts at one time or another) “Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon.

It was awesome.

Then it was time to save and upload to YouTube. It took a while so I waited.

And waited.

Finally it was done so I had to watch it one more time just to enjoy my handiwork.

It was all messed up.

The pictures I had meticulously put in a specific order were now out of order.

The music I had chosen was not audible. I couldn’t hear a thing (and yes I checked my volume controls, many times!).

What a bummer.

But not the end of the world.

Eli you are the cutest, sweetest boy and we love you like crazy. We adore it when you tell us that “that does NOT make ME HAPPY!”. Or “that makes me soooooo happy”. We love when you come up and hug us and say “I love you”.

I also love your take on potty training “I don’t need to use the potty mom. It’s FINE. I just go in my diaper! It’s fine!!”.

You are sensitive and kind, although you often show your “spirited side” too (gotta keep us on our toes after all).

Today you are three.

And that makes ME “sooooo happy”.

We love you bud.

Happy Birthday.

Testing....

2011-04-01T16:22:00.001-07:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

vacation (all I ever wanted)

2011-04-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Bright and early tomorrow morning we are heading down south to catch a flight to San Diego, in search of relaxation, sunny skies, and fun family time!

I’d like to leave you with our list of things that we will be definitely doing without while on our trip:

1) Blogging

2) Rain coats

3) Coats of any kind (do you hear that Mother Nature???)

4) Shoes that don’t start with flip and end with flop

5) Diligent watching of our diets

6) Socks

7) Chores

8) Primetime TV

9) Pacific Northwest rain

10) Siblings that fight (hahahaha! A girl can dream…..)

One thing we are excited to not be doing without is Macy who will be joining us for most of our trip!!

Hasta la vista!

wordless wednesday

2011-03-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

“Take a picture of my outfit, mom” #2

2011-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

super secret spies

2011-03-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

Super secret spies know a thing or two about being super.

And secret.

And spies.

For instance super secret spies must always know the best ways to hide from their targets.

Super secret spies also know a thing or two about just the right way to spy.

Super secret spies must always be ready to jump and run for cover.

Super secret spies must never be without their trusty spy vehicles.

Super secret spies know that putting on a cute sad face will almost always get them what they want.

Super secret spies know the trick to apprehending quick moving targets is to have a fierce looking, highly trained, loyal pal by their side.

Super fierce, right?

And super secret spies know that after a long morning of super secret spying a relaxing break is always in order.

“Take a picture of my outfit mom!” #1

2011-03-26T06:45:00.001-07:00

because brick walls make great backgrounds

2011-03-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

wordless wednesday: same slide, different day

2011-03-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

saturday + no rain =

2011-03-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

A trip to the park!

I mean, the playground. As my daughter constantly reminds me a park is just a big place with grass and trees.

Anyways, the weather was nice enough Saturday to convince us to venture out of the house for some fresh air and fun.

There is so much you can do at the park. I mean playground.

We did some swinging:

And some sliding.

We did some chasing:

And some finding.

We played jail:

And we ran.

We did some climbing.

And climbing.

And someone decided it was warm enough to dress like this:

The temp was in the 50’s and he had a perfectly warm sweatshirt. But “I fine, mom. I have tank top”.

happy st. patty’s day!

2011-03-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Someone…..

Doesn’t like…..

To feel like she’s out of the spotlight:

Personally I think the star of the show is “Eli’s” orange skirt. Happily loaned by sister.

I know their dad is proud.

Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t forget your green (it goes nicely with orange sparkle skirts)!

wordless wednesday: stop, drop, and sleep!

2011-03-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

the resemblance is obvious…

2011-03-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

But just in case you don’t see it: