Mom always said "Worrying doesn't do any good"

Ok...So on Saturday morning, Nolan's friend invited both him and Nick to go inner tubing up at Snoqualmie Pass with a bunch of other friends. YIPPEE, They were stoked! I talked to the mom who was crazy enough to venture into the high country with 5 boys, ages 6 to 11. She informed me that there would also be two other moms up on the slopes to help keep an eye out for everyone. I tried to put my worries aside, telling myself that Nick and Nolan are very responsible and smart kids and that they would be just fine. While they were gone, I filled my afternoon with a cleaning spree that would put Mr. Clean to shame. I also, took at least 3o minutes to enjoy the SILENCE and did nothing but veg on the couch... SUBLIME!!

Well, 5:30 rolls around and lo and behold my boys come tumbling through the front door in all their soggy and slushy gear rambling on about how much fun they had playing in the snow!

See...I was right, they were safe all along. Why me worry?

I'll tell you why... Because within seven minutes of being home, Nolan decides he's going to vault over the ottoman in the family room. He had lost all sense of smart. He did not stick his landing like the Olympic gymnasts do on TV... instead he injured his left foot so bad, he was unable to apply ANY pressure to it! LOVELY.

On a good note. The local doctor who reviewed his X-RAY was 90% sure he didn't break any bones. Just a bad sprain. This was music to my ears, because I kept picturing Nolan hobbling around Disney world in late January with a cast and not being able to go on any water slides.

So, for now, Nolan is mastering crutches until his foot feels good enough to walk on. Hopefully, within the next few days he'll be as good as new.

I guess my days of not worrying are far in the future. I've come to the conclusion that once you become a mother, you also become a worry wart.

One Foot In The Grave

Do you remember when you were a kid and summer vacation seemed to last FOREVER? Now that you are an adult, do you find that the years just slip by in just a flash? Well Nicholas and I were having this conversation yesterday and he seems to have this old age time warp phenomenon figured out perfectly. He thought a minute then spouted out..."Yup, so when you turn 30 years old, your life is pretty much over."

So please, enjoy what little bit of life you have left. If any. I'm livin' on borrowed time.


By the way...Happy Birthday DAD!! We love you and are so glad you've outlived Nicholas' life expectancy chart more than double!

Down with Scrooge

I hope everyone is having a happy and festive month. I always find myself a little overwhelmed by the daunting Christmas season early on... but as the days go by, I realize just how much I really love this time of year. I breathe a sigh of relief as soon as our Christmas decorations have finally made their way out of the countless totes and found their places in the house. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE seeing all of the homemade decorations Nick and Nolan have made over their lives. Little paper snowmen, hand print wreaths, nativity scenes made from felt...etc,etc.etc. Another fave of the season would have to be trimming the tree. Each ornament holds a little memory from the past. I still have one I made in 1975!! What other time of year can you actually look forward to your trip to the mailbox?... I LOVE Christmas cards! I love to see pictures of family and friends and hearing about what's new with them. It's these simple, little traditions that make Christmas so enjoyable for me each year.

Another favorite holiday tradition took place last night... Our friends, Bill and Marianne, host the most amazing Christmas party every year. They estimated between 80 and 100 people attended last night's gala. Their home is so beautifully decorated, like someone brought the pages of the Pottery Barn Christmas catalog to life. They have endless supplies of delicious food for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the food, there is an abundance of yummy drinks...which make for an entertaining evening for some. A highlight of the evening is the traditional GREED gift giving/stealing event that takes place in their lovely living room. You are lucky if you get a place to sit because the place is packed with people standing shoulder to shoulder hoping to get the $10 gift of their dreams. We ended up with a 41-piece socket set and a keyring/pocket knife. Not really the gifts of MY dreams, but Nick was stoked about the pocket knife. It's fun to meet new people and see smiling faces in every direction. We really look forward to spending this evening with our closest friends. We are lucky to have such great people in our life. It was another fabulous party, way to go Bill and Marianne! Thank you for all your hard work, we had a wonderful night!

Only a little over a week until Christmas morning. Take time to thoroughly enjoy this special time of year. Don't get wrapped up in all the commercial hoopla. Try to bask in the twinkly lights, watch a favorite Christmas movie with family, be thankful for what you have, and most of all have fun!!

Let them eat Cheesecake!

Connor and I had the best time Friday night. My dear friend Karen and her husband were in town from Eastern Washington. They came up with the grand idea of going out to a dinner that didn't involve ANY children menus! DIVINE!
My awesome sister in law came to the rescue and agreed to keep the boys for the evening. THANKS SHANNON!
I was super thrilled to see Karen. She is the kind of friend who just lights up any room she enters. I really don't know anyone on this planet who has the ability to make me laugh as much as Karen does. I love her to pieces. Her hubby, Brad, is such a kick too. Connor and I really enjoy spending time with these two.
They introduced us the the Cheesecake Factory (Karen's fave). It is a beautiful restraunt with the most massive menu I've ever laid my eyes on. Needless to say, we ate A TON. Everything was delicious. Even though I felt like my belly button was about to burst, I HAD to try a piece of keylime cheesecake... I mean....it is the factory afterall. It was fabulous, a little painful, but fabulous.
When was the last time you spent a few hours with special friends, eating, laughing, talking, shopping, reminiscing, and just having a ball?
Thanks, Karen, it was a great night!

Better Than Any Pain Reliever

Ok, I'm still feeling a bit under the weather thanks to this NASTY head cold that has plagued me since Thanksgiving Day. I woke up with a horrible headache. I was just resting, feeling sorry for myself, in my bed this morning when my sweet Nicholas came in to tell me good morning. After finding his mother feeling like a troll he strolled off to the kitchen to make me some breakfast. He brought it to my bedside and said "Here ya go mom, hope you feel better real soon." That was the best cinnamon toast I've ever eaten. That boy makes me proud on a daily basis. He is such a thoughtful and kind kid. He had me feeling better in no time!