Watch out Orlando...Here we come.

It's finally here.



The vacation we've been waiting for for quite some time. We thought about this trip probably over two years ago... While the boys were deep in the thralls of learning TaeKwonDo we told them if they stick with their lessons and reach their goals of becoming black belts we would celebrate by taking a family vacation to Disney World. Those boys have worked really hard at reaching their goal. It took about three and a half years of sweat and dedication but they did it! I feel a little guilty for getting to go along on this trip as I didn't sweat once to deserve this vacation. I guess I did a lot of driving, belt tying, and bill paying to reach this point.



We are stoked about just being together and having a grand old time. Disney is such a wonderful place. You can't help but feel happy just being inside the park. We are such huge fans of Disneyland, so we are jazzed about seeing what Disney World has to offer.



So, goodbye, Au Revoir, Caio, aloha, etc....

BRRRRRRR

I remember my Grandfather once say to me on the phone "It's colder than a well digger's butt here today." I thought it was a bit odd and funny at the same time. Those crazy Nebraska Corn Huskers can be a little loopy at times. But OH MY GOSH....

It IS colder than a well digger's butt HERE today.

It was 20 degrees when I awoke this morning. That is just not right. The only thing making me feel better about this deep freeze other than my scarf and mittens is knowing I will be in sunny Orlando on Saturday. Hallelujah!

Until then, I'll just have to down a lot of hot chocolate and wear an extra layer of clothes.

It's shaping up to be a good one

It's been a great day so far...

I woke up to see the sun shining which is always a nice thing.

Had a bowl of frosted mini wheats while sittin' at the table with my boys.

I went to the school's MLK assembly to watch with pride as Nolan went up on stage to read a paper he wrote about how he serves his community. He was one of six kids whose paper was chosen by the Vice Principal out of 60 contest entries. He did a great job and we are so proud of him!

Nicholas was also on stage... he's in the school choir, so he was up front singing and did a fantastic job as well!

Then I went to go get my haircut, and I feel SOOOOO much better!

Soon, I'll be heading back to the school to teach a great group of 3rd/4th graders a fun art project.

So... All in all, a good day and it's only half over...

OOPS

Well doesn't my background choice look just snazzy? Unfortunately, while applying the new background, I have accidentally erased my music and slide show. So...until I can get it fixed, you'll just have to hum your favorite tunes and imagine in your head what we look like in photos.

I prefer you to envision me as a size 6 on a good hair day. Please hum a KT Tunstall song, as she is my latest fave.

Thanks

Special Delivery

Happy Anniversary to me! Aren't these the prettiest roses you've ever seen? I had to work yesterday on our anniversary which was a big bummer, but this lovely vase and flowers brightened my day as I worked away. Not to mention about a gazillion people commented on them and informed me that my hubby was a keeper!

Look what a little breath mint can do...

It all started over 17 years ago when this strapping, young, handsome co-worker of mine came through my checkout line wanting to buy a pack of Wintergreen Lifesavers. As he purchased them he asked "Did you know these spark in the dark?" I replied..."Nope, and I really doubt they do." Then here's the hook he used to reel me in... he said "I bet you a free lunch that they do." I, of course, was poor and could use a free lunch (especially with such a cute guy) so I said "you're on!" About ten minutes later... the two of us and another co-worker were all standing in the ladies room in the dark, munching on these breath mints watching for some sort of pyrotechnics to emit from our mouths. Well, I totally lost that bet, but deep inside I knew I had actually won!



And so it began...



A homemade pizza and a game of pool and Connor was mine! We don't consider that first meal our first date, however. Seems kind of wrong to call a lost bet a date. It was just the starting off point to where my life would lead with this fantastic guy.



For the next two years, we had so much fun together. Going out all the time, hiking, bowling, camping, weekend trips to the ocean, spending as much time as possible together. He opened my eyes to all kinds of wonderful things in life. He is a nature lover, he taught me to look at my surroundings and be thankful for this beautiful world around us. I got to know his group of friends very well over these two years, and realized they are such fun and wonderful people. I felt very lucky to have these people as my friends too. But most of all, I learned that Connor was the kind of person I could share my life with and be completely happy forever. From day one he continually showed me how caring and thoughtful he was. His sense of humor and wit kept me in stitches. He could whip me at a game of Trivial pursuit...but was sensitive enough to not make me feel like the idiot I was. (He is seriously, one of the smartest people I know) He loved his family and the way he talked to his mom sealed the deal!

On one of our many nature excursions, Connor and I headed up to Mount Rainier on a sunny April day in 1992. It was such a clear and crisp Spring day. We pulled off the main road to explore the forest lined creek not too far off in the distance. I distinctly remember watching the most beautiful blue butterfly flittering away from rock to rock along the water's edge. We were lying down in a grassy meadow watching the clouds above, when all of sudden Connor placed something round on the tip of my nose. Of course, it didn't take me more than a second to realize what it was. Suddenly I felt like I was sitting on one of those clouds I was watching just a moment before. He was so sweet and asked if I'd like to share the rest of my life with him. I remember a feeling of complete happiness wash over me as I said yes. Forever couldn't start soon enough!

So...Fifteen years ago today I met him up at the altar. I don't remember a thing the pastor said and we might as well had Charlie Brown's teacher up there saying "Mwa Mwa mwa mwaaa mwa mwaaa mwa mwama." My brother, Scott, had warned me that might happen! :) Later on, we danced the night away at the reception and had a grand ol' time. We just tried to ignore the fact that our wedding cake was yellow...

With the passing of fifteen years have come a boat load of wonderful memories. I'd be writing for 8 months straight if I were to mention all of the good times. But the most important, would have to be Nick and Nolan entering our lives. I feel that we've created this family for ourselves that brings me total joy and contentment. Connor is a fantastic father and role model for those boys. And as a husband, he is the absolute best! There isn't a person on the face of the earth I feel more comfortable with. He is just as romantic today as he was way back in the early days and keeps me laughing ALL OF THE TIME and that is the way I like it.

(This was taken at our friend, Rob's, wedding in July 1996)


In fact. Here are a couple of things Connor has said to me over the years on our anniversaries...



5th year anniversary... "You know, Kel, there are prison sentences shorter than this."



14th year anniversary... We were driving around and he asked me if I wanted to hear the latest song he'd downloaded from itunes. I said "sure." Before I knew it we were listening to Paul Simon touting the "5o ways to leave your lover." Isn't that sweet?



Well, I guess it's safe to say he didn't hop on the bus, make a new plan, or slip out the back because today we are celebrating our 15 th Anniversary! I can hardly wait to hear what he's going to say about fifteen years of wedded bliss.

But I will say this, Connor, thanks for making my life the wonderful journey it has been. I love you and I can't wait to see what new and fantastic things we will encounter as our journey continues. You are the absolute best.


HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY CONNOR

Just Three Simple Words

Warning... This post is going to be a little syrupy sweet.


I just have to put this little episode of my life in writing so I can refer to it any time I'm having a bad day...

The other morning, I woke up to the best sound a mom could hear. Nick was just hanging out upstairs in his room and decided to poke his head into my bedroom to say good morning. That was nice enough, but then as he was leaving he let out a sigh and said "I love life."

As a mom, you spend a great deal of your time wondering (or in my case, worrying) if you're doing a good enough job as a parent. I know I lack in MANY areas and make a lot of dumb decisions when it comes to the challenges of parenting...but, hearing Nick say that little phrase put my parenting woes at ease. It brought a huge grin to my face that morning and I don't think it's left my face since.

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.