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!

Thankful for vacation, family, and a day without rain.

Last week, our family was lucky enough to get to spend Thanksgiving week
in the warm sunshine of Arizona.

We do this about every two years and it is so much fun to spend

time with family we rarely get to see!

The first 4 days were spent with Connor's side of the family. His cousin, Lisa, was a fantastic hostess! She let us stay with her and her adorable twin girls- Kennedy and Miranda!

Nicholas and Nolan LOVED being with them. Hardly a moment went by that there wasn't the sound of giggling heard throughout the house.

Connor's aunt Marylou and Uncle Lloyd invited us over for a birthday party for Nicholas! This is a photo of the Javelinas (wild desert pigs) that joined the party on the back of their patio. Their house is on the outskirts of town right on the edge of the desert, so they get lots of wild visitors in their yard! You never know what you'll see....it's so much fun!

Marylou made Nicholas his favorite chocolate cake to celebrate his 11th birthday. I've never met a family that is so good at making their guests feel so welcome. We ate like kings every night while visiting in Scottsdale.





Yup... That is a SCORPION!

Lisa told Connor if he took a black light outside at night he might be able to find scorpions because the black light makes them glow! She was pretty sure they would be hibernating because it's so late in the year and was hoping he wouldn't find any.

BUT... He found four of them in her backyard! She wasn't pleased. :)
He and the boys managed to kill 3 out of the 4, so that made her feel a little better.
They are so prehistoric looking and scary!

Nick and Nolan thought scorpion hunting was pretty cool. Needless to say, I did not.

Miranda, Nolan, and Kennedy hanging out together playing a game. They are such sweet girls!





One day, we headed to his cousin Don's place. He also lives in the desert and has the most beautiful yard of wild desert plants, cactus, and this LOVELY swimming pool. The boys wasted no time and hopped right in... even though the water temperature was only 65 degrees. They are true Washingtonians, not afraid of a little hypothermia!






Connor hopped in too, because it looked so inviting! I thought I'd better be on photographer duty...that was my excuse not to get in the frigid pool.

While at Don and Corinne's house, we were served yet another delicious feast and had a great time visiting with all of Connor's family. They are all so nice and welcoming!!






After four days in Scottsdale... we ventured a little bit south to Sun City to spend the rest of the week with my side of the family.



Nicholas' birthday was actually on Thanksgiving day this year! What a wonderful day it was...






Pocahontas joined us for Thanksgiving dinner!



Would your grandma dress like this for Thanksgiving? Mine did and I absolutely love her! She is a riot and a half. My grandma "salty" Barton is the most jovial, fun-loving, and lively gal in Sun City for sure! I only hope that when I am her age, I will be healthy enough to engage in the level of activity and have as much fun as she does.




My brother Scott, his wife Shelly, and their kids Grace, Kenny, and Hanna drove over from California to spend Thanksgiving with all of us.

We ALWAYS have the best time together.

Nick and Nolan LOVE their California cousins and when they see each other, they immediately get to laughing and having the best time.

We played a lot of games every day. Is it bad if your kids know how to play Texas hold'em before they're ten years old?






Nolan, Grace, and Hanna hamming it up for the camera.

These two are like peas in a pod! Nolan and Hanna are only 2 months apart in age and my goodness, they are so much alike.

Never have you met two kids that love to by goofy around the clock. They were laughing, singing, jump roping, and clowning around the entire time we were together.

CUTE!!

This is Bella, my brother's adorable new puppy. She is a mini Australian shepherd and she is only 3 months old. I really wanted to put her in my suitcase to bring her home. I've never seen a better behaved puppy than Bella. She hung out with all of us at my parents' house and I never once heard her bark.

Grandma and Grandpa with all their grandkiddos! My mom and dad are the best. We had such a fun week with them. My mom is a great cook, and whipped up a tasty Thanksgiving meal. Her cooking always takes me back to my childhood. My dad has become quite famous for his ability to make the most fabulous margaritas. SO GOOD!!

Hanna, Nolan, Grace, Nick, and Kenny

It was a great week all around! Going to Arizona in November is like revisiting summer for a week. It was in the 80's most of the time so we wore our shorts and soaked up as much sun as possible knowing we'd have to come home to nasty, soggy, wet, and cold weather soon.

This Thanksgiving we were so thankful to have the opportunity to spend the holiday week with family members we don't get to see very often. We loved catching up on each other's lives, playing games, going for long walks in the sunshine, cooking together, and just plain glad to be with one another. It was a fabulous vacation!

Never judge a day by it's beginning

Yesterday morning I dreaded going to work because of an awful head cold that has been making me feel like I've got cotton balls crammed into my ears surrounded by a think layer of duct tape. Needless to say I can't hear very well and I'm quite astounded at the amount of Kleenex I've had to go through in the past 5 days... Yuck.

But... as I slaved away at work, helping other poor, sickly individuals, my hubby called me to tell me I must check out my friend, Karen's, blog because it would put a smile on my face. After such information I couldn't resist, so I checked it out and was smiling from plugged ear to plugged ear. Feel free to check it out and see why I was so thrilled. www.prpakakjo.blogspot.com

I went about my day feeling much better and kind of enjoyed the fact that I was unable to hear the corny piped in grocery store music that usually drives me batty. After driving home from my busy, sickly, but happy day I walked in the door only to have Connor instruct me to head directly upstairs to my master bathroom. Upon opening the door I noticed my cherished bathtub surrounded by beautiful glowing candles and filled to the brim with warm sudsy bubbles. On the edge of the tub was a newly delivered magazine, a soft towel, and a delicious glass of my favorite Bailey's drink. Perfection! What a wonderful and thoughtful husband I have! I vegged in the bubbles, sipped my yummy brew, and was completely happy and relaxed. Just what I needed! Thanks Con!!

Some days can start out seeming like a lost cause but can transform into one of your best yet.

Now that's what I call a cat nap

Connor snoozin' away on a lazy Sunday afternoon with Sophie. (AKA the sweetest, most lovey kitten in the the whole universe) This is the same kitten that was almost named Joann... Nick has just informed us that her middle name is Alexis. Isn't he sweet? What is it with this kid and names?? He should've been around when cabbage patch kids were all the rage, he would have loved hanging out with Jaqueline Suzanna and Giesla Molly.

Good Times

Ahhhh.... Friday night, good friends, pizza, pumpkin pie, karaoke, hot-tub, movies, happily entertained kiddos, Jenne's punch, and uproarious laughter. It doesn't get much better than that. Big thanks to Bill and Marianne for starting our weekend off right!

Powerhouse Performance

Ok, here's the scenario....

Beautiful Fall evening, kids happy with their newly hired babysitter, and Connor and I are on our way to spend our Friday evening together in Seattle. I love date nights like this! But it gets better...

We get to have Dinner at a beautiful Italian restraunt in Pacific Place called Il Foriano's. It was nice trying out a new place...we've been eating in our little home town way too often. A girl can get sick of Applebees and Quiznos if you're not careful. The Italian food was delicious... you can't go wrong with pasta swimming in sundried tomato vodka sauce, can you? So after we finished the meal off with a little creme brulee, we were on our way to the second portion of our date...

We walked a few blocks to the Paramount theater where we were about to see one of the best concerts we've ever seen.

We walked upstairs to the mezanine to take our seats. The Paramount is fantastic place to see a concert, it has great accoustics and there isn't a bad seat in the place. The opening band, A Fine Frenzy, was on stage wowing the crowd with their lead singer's beautiful voice. She was great, I was impressed. But as soon as the star attraction took the stage, I soon forgot all about the opening act.

Brandi Carlile was the gal we came to see perform and holy cow, she did not dissapoint! She has the most amazing voice and can belt her songs out with such power and feeling. I love her! She even turned off her mic and unplugged the guitars and sang an entire song, it was very cool to see. She's a local gal, she grew up only fifteen minutes from where we live in a small town called Ravensdale. Connor and I have been fans since the first time we heard her the radio earlier this year. Her voice is one of a kind, there is no doubt in my mind that she is going to be HUGELY POPULAR.

We spent the car ride home, singing (trying anyways) her songs and chatting about what a great night it had been. I love date nights-thanks Con!

Check out one of Brandi Carlile's videos by following this link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnG9KEDLPhE

Her most well known song is The Story, check it out here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq-ZmAYLeB8

She's awesome!!!

Halloween Highlights

We had a great Halloween,

Started out with a little pumpkin

carvin'...

Who knew cats like the taste of pumpkin guts?

Nolan was concentrating very hard on his pumpkin carving skills...

You can always tell he's trying hard whenever his tongue makes an appearance!

Nick actually carved his jack o' lantern all my himself...

from start to finish!! I didn't have to remove even one seed, yay!

Scary face guy, and a ghost!!


Here we have Legolas from Lord Of The Rings
and
Nick the outlaw.

They had fun trick or treating around the neighborhood and now they have a giant stash of possible sugar highs ahead of them! ... Nolan even got a whoopie cushion from the Dentist neighbor. I guess that's better than a cavity in his eyes :)

Burstin' with Pride

It's taken 3 & 1/2 years of dedication, hard work, two taekwondo outfits, several different colored belts, and countless Hi-Yahs to get my boys their BLACK BELTS!! We are so proud of them!



They started back in 2004 when Nick was in first grade and Nolan had just turned five years old. They were hilarious to watch because they couldn't even do a jumping jack or push-ups. But while we sat and watched them test for their black belts on Saturday, it was evident they have transformed into very coordinated, strong, and confident boys. It was fun to watch them demonstrate all that they have learned. It truly is amazing how much they had to do to get their belts. It took about two hours for them to complete the entire test which included forms (a long series of blocks, punches, kicks, etc), sparring, self-defense moves, board breaking, and reading a thesis out loud to the audience about how Tae Kwon Do has affected their lives.


This is Nolan breaking one of five boards. He got to choose five different breaking techniques some hand and some foot. It was awesome!

Look at those feet high in the air! In the beginning they could barely kick higher than their kneecaps! We'd tease them endlessly about them being able to take out a rabid raccoon or a short goat, but these days I don't think any one would want to mess with these bad boys! I know for sure if I tried to kick that high, I would have to spend the rest of the day in the urgent care center.

They were so proud of themselves, you should've seen the looks on their faces when their Master tied the new black belts around their waists.

Just watch this video of Nicholas in action as he slices through all five boards! So cool!!! I think we have enough wood to construct a small house, maybe Hazel would like a new dog house???

I think this has been a great experience for them. It's taught them to stick with something and to know that with hard work you can reach a lofty goal! While at the same time has taught them respect, discipline, and confidence. Way to go boys, your dad and I are SO PROUD of you both!! Congratulations!!

I love a good practical joke...

One of our friends gave us a great idea to play a joke on our poor neighbor who just had their roof ripped to shreds. Our neighborhood is known for its strict covenants, if you break any you are quick to get a friendly reminder postcard in your mail box. Our neighbor across the street was the president of the board last year so we thought it would be funny to send her a bogus postcard stating the following:





Lake Winterwood October 19, 2007
Violation Notice

Please be advised that your new roofing material has not been approved by the Board. “Blue Tarp” is not on the approved color palette for homes in our development.

Additionally, your removal of trees from the community greenbelt has not been approved. The cottonwoods are meant for the enjoyment of everyone.

We will expect you to attend the next Board meeting to explain these actions.

Sincerely,A Concerned Neighbor

Hee hee hee....We are hoping they have a good sense of humor!!

Look what the wind blew in...

Alas... one more reason I don't like Fall..... Wind Storms!




Luckily, we don't have to worry about any large trees toppling down on our home. The only thing we have to watch for is the occasional lawn chair flying by or Hazel's food dish blowing away.




I wish the same were true for our neighbors across the street....























Isn't that awful!!?? Luckily, no one was hurt. They lost a total of seven trees in their back yard. A group of cotton wood trees came crashing down on the major trusses above their bedroom. She invited me in to see the damage and I was shocked to see an 8x8 foot hole in their master bedroom ceiling. They now have a lovely view of the sky.

She was the only one home at the time. Thankfully, she was downstairs getting her camera when the roof collapsed. She said she's never ran so fast in all her life to get out of the house because it sounded like the top floor was crashing down. SCARY!!






This is what it looked like from the backyard (that is Connor on the roof helping to cover the gaping hole with a tarp!). It's hard to believe no windows were broken!
Today a crane will be coming to lift the tree off of the house so they can start the process of rebuilding. They have a guest room in their basement, so that is where they will be sleeping for the next couple of months!

Don't you just hate it when bad things happen to good people? These neighbors are the BEST and I feel so bad that this happened to them. They've been working so hard the past 2 years renovating their home. At least now they will be getting the new roof they'd been talking about.

My boy is turning into a Mennen

Nick informed me last week that all of his buddies at school use deodorant. He asked me if I thought he needed any. In my head I was thinking..."I don't think so, you are only ten years old, you wash regularly, and you don't stink." But, of course, I said "You smell great to me, but if it would make you feel better I think you should get some."
So off to the store I went. I was not aware that almost all mens deodorant is designed to smell like you are either a lumberjack/hunter guy or giant line backer/wrestle mania man. Seriously strong scents going on in that aisle. Where is the scent that says I'm just a young kid who wants to grow up too soon but smell fresh scent? After much searching and sniffing I settled on the "ocean breeze" deodorant. How wrong can you go smelling like a fresh day at the beach.
Nicholas was beyond pleased with my purchase and the next morning, after his shower, he ran into my room and said..."Well I think I did it right!" He had come in to get my approval of his deodorant applying technique. I thought that was pretty funny! Luckily, it all was applied as intended and Nick happily went about his day smelling as fresh as a daisy at the beach.