The Egli Family

REFLECTION

2011-01-30T19:42:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In the church, the jobs we perform as a service is called our calling. My calling/job the last two years at church has been Primary Chorister, the music lady for kids ages 18 months to 12 years. I HAVE LOVED THIS CALLING!!! Every Sunday for the last two years, I have taught the kids song after song and had to come up with clever ideas to make it fun and interesting. It has been the most rewarding experience for me. When I started, I had a row of boys who refused to sing...who thought it was uncool to be caught singing. Guess what! They sing now and no longer make the other boys feel self conscious about singing! So rewarding!

On Friday, I got a phone call from the stake. I met with him on Friday evening and he asked if I would accept a new calling to be the Stake Primary Music Director/Specialist. A stake consists of multiple congregations. So, I am going to be released from my ward (congregation) calling and was called to the stake today in church.

I have been reflecting on the last two years alot these last two days. I am excited about sharing with other choristers the experiences I have had on what does and does not work. I feel like I have alot to offer but I'm scared at the same time....and sad to leave the ward kids.

I'm just going to have to sub for them every once in a while to get my fix!

EMBARRASSING?

2011-01-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

I was driving Christian home from school today and said, "Christian, do you know what I love about you kids?"

He says, "What?"

I then proceed to tell him how I love that, at least to my knowledge, he has never been embarrassed to be seen with me or dad.

He looks at me funny and says, "What do you mean?"

Are you kidding? I have to explain it? Yep, the thought never even crossed his mind to be embarrassed to be seen with us. I know, the day may come. He's only 12 and in the 7th grade, after all. But, I am cherishing these moments where my handsome young man isn't afraid to be seen with me.

After looking a this picture, maybe I should be the one to be embarrassed.......but I'm not!

I AM BACK?

2010-11-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Notice the question mark at the end of the title. Will this last? Am I really back...we shall see. This was the busiest summer and fall on record for our family. This week......I can breathe. Soccer is no longer 6 days a week. Now it's only 3. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh......

So what is new in the Egli household? I posted a while back about my love-hate relationship with running. Now I am happy to report that it is all love! I ran 9 miles on Monday and loved it! It feels so invigorating. I love that I'm not winded at the end....I love that my legs feel like jelly. I LOVE THAT I CAN THEN EAT ANYTHING I WANT AND NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT!

My goal, you might ask? If my knee holds up, I am going to run a half marathon in the spring. I think I could run one right now. In case you are wondering, I HAVE NO DESIRE TO RUN A FULL MARATHON!

So, if you have always hated running and said you sucked at it....mark my words, you CAN learn to love it. Slow and steady!

GROUP SHOT

2010-08-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a good portion of our family....not everyone was at the reunion but this is most of us. I love my family! Click on a picture to see it up close and personal!

LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP

2010-08-25T21:16:00.001-07:00

There is something I'm learning to like that I have never enjoyed...jogging. JOGGING? That's right, jogging. I have never liked it. I have avoided it like the plague. Well, my cousin Corina inspired me...she does so on a regular basis on so many levels. She started up jogging so I thought I would give it a try.

I feel like I am in pretty good shape but I have always had an issue with this sport. It isn't the perfect sport for even now due to my knee injury 5 years ago. I was told to never jog on cement. So...I have taken to the treadmill in my quest to be a better jogger. When I started, it was hard for me to complete a mile. Now I'm up to 3.5 miles! The problem I have is I'm just blasted BORED by the time I've ran for that amount of time!

I ran on cement twice in one week when I was at my brother's house and have paid for ever since. My knee aches when I'm driving or sitting too long.....back to my lovely treadmill. It is possible to love something and hate it at the same time...I'm convinced.

THE MIRACLE OF BIRTH

2010-08-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

Mom and I headed over to Lacey, Wa to Mike and Julina's on Tuesday, August 10th to wait the arrival of my new nephew. We went to bed only to be awoken by Mike that night at 2 am to let us know Julina was in labor and heading to the hospital. Mom and I got to the hospital at 2:30am. We were getting settled and trying to sleep when Julina's water broke and she said she needed to push. A couple minutes later, Phoenix Townsend was born at 4:56am with no doctor in sight. Everyone was in shock that Phoenix was born so quickly!! He was 8 lbs. 4 ounces, beautiful and perfect! Phoenix was born on my oldest brother's birthday. Christopher Townsend died when he was 8 months old and it was a nice tribute to him to be named after him.

This was my first experience watching the miracle of birth firsthand when someone else was doing the laboring. I loved everything about it. An experience I will never forget! Thanks, JJ!

The night before we left, cousin Jen Hannah Skar came over with her 2 week old baby boy, Brayden. Babies....they're everywhere. I love it.

CHRISTIAN'S PRIESTHOOD CONFIRMATION

2010-08-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

My boy is 12....such an important age. Following Macy's baptism, Christian received the Aaronic Priesthood with some of his favorite father figures in attendance.

left to right: Bishop Flint, Erik Hebdon, Gpa Les Sousley, Dad Ken Egli, Uncle Bob Sousley, Gpa Boyd Drennan, Uncle Brad Sousley, and 2nd Dad Jim Hansen.

By the way, he passes the sacrament beautifully!

MACY'S BAPTISM

2010-08-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

My baby is 8. I can't believe it. Where does the time go? She's half way to dating....let's not go there. The day after we got back from our family reunion, we baptized Macy on August 7th while we still had family in town. It was a sweet baptism. Uncle Brad and Uncle Bob gave talks. Gma's said the prayers, Gpa's witnessed, and Dad baptized.

MOSSYROCK FAMILY REUNION

2010-08-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

We love our Mossyrock Family Reunion each summer. It's the highlight of our summer. We take our trailers and camp on my Aunt Lorel and Uncle Dan's property in Mossyrock and play for a week. This year we took a day trip to Mt. St. Helen's, spent a couple of afternoons at Mayfield Lake, had a kids talent show, played Win It In A Minute, hiked, fished, and just hung out. One night we even had a flashlight candy hunt for the kids.

1ST ZOO TRIP? WHAT?

2010-08-22T20:04:00.001-07:00

Ken and I found ourselves at home for two days with only Macy, our youngest. When does that happen? Madison was at girls camp and the boys were in Seattle at a live in soccer camp. We decided to take Macy to Seattle for the day before we picked the boys up and do whatever activity she wanted. Macy picked the zoo. I couldn't believe it.....my daughter had never been to the zoo....well, when she was a baby so that doesn't count.

We spent most of the day at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Macy was so engrossed in every exhibit. We couldn't miss a single one! The gorillas totally grossed us out. One gorilla continually pooped in his hand and then ate it right in front of us!

1ST ZOO TRIP? WHAT?

2010-08-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

4TH YEAR HIGH ADVENTURE

2010-08-22T20:01:00.001-07:00

This year for girls camp, I was in charge of the stake 4th year girls High Adventure. I had 34 girls to take on an adventure so we took to the Yakima River and went tubing on an 8 mile float. We had a blast blast blast.

BIRTHDAY WEEK

2010-08-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

For their birthdays, the boys got a WII which completely shocked them!!! Macy got the IPOD she so desperately wanted and Madison got the rabbit cage she was dreaming about! Everyone was happy! Madison turned 15, Christian turned 12, Caden turned 10, and Macy turned 8.

AAAMMMAAZZZINNNGGG SOUNDERS EXPERIENCE!

2010-08-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

On a whim, I decided to take 3 of the kids along with our adopted Chandler to my brother Mike's house for a few days. The thought occurred to me to see if the Sounders had a game. Not only did they have a game but it was at their practice stadium in Tukwila and tickets were only $15 a piece!!!! I made some phone calls and see who else wanted to go and immediately bought tickets.

Who knew what we were in for! We got there as the gates were opening and it was first come first serve. We got front row seats and were literally feet from the field of the Seattle Sounders vs the LA Galaxy. We got such a kick out of watching the warm ups and seeing these players we watch on tv so close up in person.

With a few minutes left in the game, I sent the kids over to where I thought the players would pass on their way to the locker room. Wow, was I right!!! The kids got autographs of all the players and were able to talk to them one on one. What an experience none of us will ever forget. One kid (not mine) asked Zakuwani if he could have his shoes and Zakuwani took them off and gave them to him!

VISIT TO THE CEMETARY

2010-08-22T19:43:00.001-07:00

On the way to the Sounders game, we (including my brother Mike) stopped and visited the grave site of my brother Christopher, Aunt Paula, and my Gpa Sousley. It was the first time I took the kids and I hadn't been there in several years.

First Pitch!

2010-08-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

My cousins Tim and Corina Hannah were honored by the Seattle Mariners as their hometown hero. We went to the Mariners game where Tim threw the honorary first pitch for his work with Jamie's Heart Foundation that he and Corina began in memory of their beautiful angel daughter Jamie. Mike and Julina came with us to the game.

July 4th Weekend

2010-08-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

We spent the fourth of July at Sid and Rosy's place for an evening of pigroasting, games, family, and fireworks. Julina and Lincoln came from Olympia while Bob and Wendy came from Boise. Us girls spent part of the time canning 22 flats of raspberries and strawberries, too!

PLAYING CATCH UP

2010-06-07T07:29:00.001-07:00

Can you say, "FOOD FIGHT!?" Evidently, Sid and I can!!!

It was Mom's birthday and Kristie, Rosy, and I got her a beautiful necklace.

Mom's BDAY BBQ.

Nickelback concert at the Tacoma Dome with two of our favorites....Kristie and Erik!

2 Hot Mommas!!

Love you, Ken!

Wow! I haven't blogged in a while and it's been a busy month of May and first week of June. I better get posting! We started the month of going to the Nickelback concert in Tacoma with our good friends Erik and Kristie. Memorial Weekend was spent celebrating Mom's bday. Mike and Bob's families came over for the celebration as did Kristie and Sid and ROsy's fam. Good times!

Puppy Love

2010-05-13T12:51:00.001-07:00

One week ago, I picked this sweet boy up from the airport. Can I just say....I LOVE HIM! His name is Sounder (after our other puppy who died and is his half-brother) and he has found a way into my heart after just a week of having him.

Sounder loves affection. He loves to snuggle and when he is in the car with me, he is not happy unless he is snuggled in my lap resting his head on my arm....utter contentment. Hmmmm....wonder how that's going to be when he is 50 pounds instead of 8!

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

I love Mother's Day. I love the men being in charge and the kids eager to please....LOVE IT! My Mother's Day started off with breakfast in bed. I WILL NOT post any of those pictures....ok, maybe one.

I got a Barnes and Noble Nook for MOther's Day which I have been wanting. So excited about it!! We then headed off to church with the boys while the girls stayed home with leftover sickies.

After church, we headed over to Boyd and Ruth's to give Ruth her HUMONGOUS hanging flower basket and meet her new parrot Jasper.

We spent the remainder of Mother's Day with my family at Sid and Rosy's house. There is nothing like spending time with our extended family members. We are blessed!

MY MOTHERS

2010-05-08T22:02:00.001-07:00

I am a fortunate woman. I was raised by a mother who put everyone elses needs above her own and taught me, by example, what kind of friend, wife, sister, and mother I should be. I don't always get it right but I do try to be like her.

When I married Ken, I got another wonderful mother. She raised an amazing son and passed on her finest qualities to him. I am grateful to her for turning out such a good man!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom and Mom.

INTRODUCING

2010-05-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

.....I don't know his name....imagining trying to introduce with no name....today, Christian and his two best friends, Chandler and Brenden, went with me to Spokane instead of going to school! The purpose you ask? To pick up our new australian shepherd puppy from the airport. This little guy is the half brother of our aussie who died in January so he is mending our hearts!!

First, the boys and I went and bought some flowers and visited our dear cousins Jamie Hannah's gravesite. Jamie died a few years ago at the young age of 2 with a failed heart. You can learn her story and how to donate to her foundation at www.jamieheart.org.

Next, we went to Qdoba for lunch and IT WAS DELICIOUS! Then on to the airport to pick up our beautiful dog!! We found some grass for him and he immediately started playing around with the boys and being curious....not timid at all. I love him!

We then headed to the mall to hit some stores our shopping deprived Tri-Cities doesn't have to offer. Ended our shopping trip with a trip to The Milk Jug for some shakes and a romp at the park before heading home. Such a great day with 3 12 year old (almost Christian) boys!

SALT LICK

2010-05-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

We got cows! Yes, those four legged animals that sit out in the pasture and graze all day. Our purpose you ask? To eat them! The kids named them Big and Mac in honor of our purpose. They are actually very low maintenance. Give them water and feed them some grain once a day and they are in moo heaven!

Our kids find this project very exciting. Macy and I were in the car the other day and she asks, "Mom, are you getting enough salt?" (Background info: I have low blood pressure which requires me to eat alot of salt and drink alot of water to avoid lightheadedness and passing out...another story). I said, "Yes, most of the time. Why?" Macy replies very seriously, "Maybe we should buy you a salt block like the cows have and then all you have to do is lick it when you need your salt!" Macy is thinking this is a brilliant idea. I just start to laugh and said, "Great idea, but I think I'll stick to my people food and salt."

COUPON CRAZE

2010-04-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

I am not coupon crazy...just a little excited about it. I decided to give the coupon game a try after speaking with a few family members and friends. I am not one of those ladies that has to buy stuff just because I have a coupon. I have decided it doesn't hurt to take a few minutes and find the good deals of the things I do use.

This week, I stocked up on about 15 boxes of cereal that I didn't pay any more than $1.48 per box plus I ended up with 3 gallons of free milk. Today I bought 2 boxes of tampons for a whopping $.28 cents each. CRAZY!

I am all about saving a buck or two! However, you won't find me buying stuff I don't normally buy.....unless is practically free!

Family Scrap Weekend

2010-04-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Once a year, the females in our family go on a scrap weekend getaway. This year, Mom and Phoebe were in Cancun so they were not in attendance. We had Aunt Judy, cousin Corina, adopted sisters Rosy and Kristie, sisters-in-law Jenn, Julina, and Wendy. We had sooo much fun....so much in fact that we are added another night next year! Thanks to Corina for setting up our photo shots and teaching us some Zumba while we took a break! I did a whoppin' 104 pages! My most ever!

Kristie's Birthday

2010-04-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

March 20th ranks up there in year of importance for me with Christmas! It is my dear Kristie's birthday!! Kristie and I have now known eachother almost 7 years and it feels like forever! I am so fortunate to have moved in across the street from her on Van Dyke Court. Cheesy movie line but nonetheless true....she completes me!

For her birthday, Kristie wanted to sit down with some friends and just hang out for an evening. We had her favorite meal which is chicken alfredo and a bunch of other yummy things. It was an enjoyable and relaxing evening of friends and laughter! I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing women.

PERSPECTIVE ON AGE

2010-02-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

I love it when kids blurt out random things. The wheels in their heads are forever turning. Yesterday was one of those random happenings when we were in the car.

Macy: Mom, are you going to be alive when I'm in college?

Me: Well, I hope so.

Macy: How old are you going to be?

Me: I will be 45 when you start college.

Macy: Oh, well, you should be alive then.....unless you get shot in the head or something.

Like I said....RANDOM!

QUICK TRIP

2010-02-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

This adorable kid in the picture with me is my hilarious nephew Nikolas. He is Brad and Nina's second child. He turned 8 (and Vanessa, his sister, had a birthday, too). Nikolas doesn't try to be funny....he just simply is. I love that about him. He got baptized a couple of weekends ago in West Jordan, Utah so the kids and I drove with my parents, Mike and Julina, and Bob and Wendy for the special event. We had a great time filled with endless games of Settler's of Catan and food! Happy Birthday and Baptism!

5 WEEKS OLD!

2010-02-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

Sammy's pups are now 5 weeks old. We had several interested parties and then when it came down to actually coming out and seeing the pups to pick them out, most backed out. So.......we have puppies! Any takers? They are absolutely adorable! We have 3 girls and 2 boys. Please spread the word!

In Memory of Grandma Butler

2010-01-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

This has been a sad weekend for us. Our puppy died on Friday and our dear Grandma Butler died this morning on Sunday. On Thursday, Ken and I spent some time with Grandma and brought her her favorite meal....a Taco Bell taco. Saturday morning, we got a call from Ruth letting us know Grandma had severe stomach pain. We took the kids over and spent some time visiting. This morning, we were getting ready to go spend more time with Grandma before we headed to church and got the call that she had just passed away. Grandma was an amazing woman full of kindness, quick wit, and playfulness. She was still getting down on the floor to play with the kids with no help. My children are so blessed to have known their great grandmother so well and she will be truly missed.

We were able to stand around Grandma's bed side this morning so the kids could say goodbye. Ken explained to them why she was pale and her skin was cold to the touch. Christian took out her earrings and Madison took off her rings in preparation for her cremation. It was a very tender moment to see my kids want to help and participate in laying her to rest.

There will be a memorial in California at the end of the month where we will lay her to rest beside Grandpa Butler in Hayward, Ca.

This 4 generation picture was taken just a few short weeks ago. So glad I thought to take it!

OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN

2010-01-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

Today, and the next day, and then next day....our hearts are broken. Today, our 7 month old Australian Shepherd named Sounder died. We are so incredibly sad. Sounder chased Ken's truck when he left for work and somehow got caught under the back wheel and died instantly. We take great peace in knowing he didn't suffer and that his last 24 hours on earth were good ones. Yesterday, Ken and I took Sounder and Hope around on our errands, took them to Ken's parents house to play with their dogs, and then down to the Columbia River to swim. It was Sounder's first time swimming in "the deep end." This morning, he made both trips with us up to the bus stop with the kids. This was one special dog and a member of our family. We now feel empty and sad inside but know that this feeling will pass but we will forever remember our favorite puppy named Sounder.

WE'VE GOT PUPPIES!

2010-01-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Right after puppy #1 came out and Sammy ate the sack.
Puppy 1 and 2 came ten minutes. It was about 1 an hour after that.
Giving Sounder some TLC and encouragement. Us Mom's have to stick together.
I woke everyone up at about 2:30 right after #3 was born so they could see it.
Just a few hours old.

TODAY at 3 DAYS
These were taken today! All of them are black and white except one that has brown. They're all so cute! Can't wait to play with them!

On November 10th, I pulled into my driveway and there was a strange dog sitting in the middle of it. At first I thought it was our 5 month old puppy Sounder but then realized when I got out that I didn't know this dog. We gave her a warm garage to sleep in as it was freezing outside but left the door open so she could leave. We woke up to her. We proceeded to give her food and a warm garage while we asked around and put an ad in the paper for a missing dog. We talked about the possibility of someone having dumped her at the end of Reata.

We fully intended to give this dog away. However, she quickly won over our hearts. She's extremely obedient and hardly ever barks which I LOVE!

Since being with us, the kids named her Sammy and she has slimmed down quite a bit since living here. 3 weeks ago, Ken mentioned he thought she might be pregnant due to her belly size. I took her the vet and they confirmed the pregnancy and said she was due somewhere around 2-3 weeks.

I was hoping she would have her babies between Christmas and New Year's before I went to Boise for the New Year weekend. Less then 6 hours after I returned home right before midnight on the 3rd of January, Sammy had her first baby. I stayed up for 4 of the 5 and was with her but she did awesome! 3 girls and 2 boys.

We are fortunate that Sammy chose our house!

Idaho Weekend-New Years and Baptism

2010-01-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ringing in the New Year at midnight.
Mom, Dad, Reagan, and Christian
Cheers!

Alex's Baptism after her confirmation.

Brad and Nina and AlexBrad and Nina's kids with Alex.

We had a dinner afterward and Dad found this chef hat and coat in the kitchen and HAD to wear it!
My family minus one brother, J. From left: Mike, Bob, Mom, Dad, me, Brad
I love this shot.....but not as much as I love my brothers!
The girls in the family minus J's wife Jenn. LEft: Me, Nina, Julina, Wendy, and Mom.

We spent New Year's weekend with Bob's family in Idaho for their oldest daughters' baptism. We played hilarious group games and rang in the New Year with them and Wendy's side of the family as well. We learned an awesome new game called Settlers of Catan and played it a couple of times each day.

Congratulations, Alex on your beautiful baptism!

ALL ABOARD!

2009-12-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

This weekend was Polar Express time! We drove to Hood River, OR to the Mt. Hood Railroad to ride the Polar Express train. Our expectations were low based upon some friends who have gone before. Our train was sold out...390 passengers... but the freeway between Hood River and Portland was shut down due to icy conditions which left our train with MANY empty seats. We had an awesome time! The train was old which is part of its charm and we got individual attention from the conductor, elves, and Santa since so many people were missing. Our hot chocolate was even luke warm! The Polar Express book was read to us over the loud speaker and we sang christmas carols. The ride was an hour and a half. We take a trip to the North Pole where Santa and his Elves join us on the train and there is a little village to see outside of the train but we don't get off. Did I mention we were all wearing pajamas including my parents? Most kids were in pajamas but VERY FEW adults. I loved wearing mine!
I would recommend this trip as long as you keep your expectations low and you have smaller kids. My older kids had fun but if they were any older, I don't think they would have enjoyed it as much.

A BAKER'S DOZEN?

2009-12-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

During singing time in Primary on Sunday, the topic of cookies came up. I told the kids that once a year, the women in my family get together and bake Christmas cookies. I asked them to guess how many? The first guess was 15. I said MORE! Then one kid who likes to be a smarty pants said "1000!" You should have seen his eyes when I said MORE!

You read right. We baked 1155 cookies. I know because I counted EVERY single one. We started at 9am and finished by 5:30. That includes cutting out and frosting 360 sugar cookies!!

I look forward to this back breaking day. SO FUN!!! Thanks, Ladies! Mom is missing in these pictures. She was stilled drugged up and in a sling from her arm surgery.

PEACE

2009-12-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. Did I happen to mention I love Christmas? How can you not feel a sense of peace when the lights are low and the tree lights are on? Every year, our kids get a new ornament that represents that year somehow. When they are grown, they will take their ornaments with them. The kids each like getting out their own box of ornaments and remembering when they made or received each one. Stories are passed around as we trim the tree and hang our memories. Yes, Christmas is my favorite.

UNEXPECTED MISSIONARIES

2009-12-04T14:24:00.001-08:00

I had a visit today by two very nice older women from the Jehovah's Witnesses church. They came before a couple of months ago. Then, we chatted outside for a few minutes and they left me a magazine which I proceeded to throw in the garbage after they left.

Being cold outside, I let them in my home. We stood in the entry way and made small chat which I was just waiting for them to lead into their purpose for coming. Sure enough, they began sharing scriptures with me and talking about Jesus' purpose of coming to the earth and the earth's role. I let them know that I am LDS and I told them what we believe.

The main speaker lady then began talking about how most people view Christ as a baby in a manger or a person who is just a man that people consider a prophet. We were standing right in front of my beautiful Greg Olson picture of Christ and I was able to bear witness to them that Christ is the center of our home. He is more than someone we talk about just at Christmas time but a member of our family all the time.

These two missionary women asked if they could leave a book with me. I told them I would rather they keep as I would not read it since I was firm in my faith and there was no chance in wavering. I was afraid that they would find an audience in me if I accepted the book and come back for more discussions. We made small chat a little bit more and they went on their friendly way.

This happened just 10 minutes ago. Now they are gone and there are things I wished I had said and done. I wish I had said I would accept the book if they would accept mine and give them a Book of Mormon. I wish I had said MORE about the gospel. I tend to clam up and not know what to say in these kinds of situations.

I highly respect these women who are going door to door preaching THEIR word even if it isn't MY word. As uncomfortable as it seems when someone is trying to tell you to believe something else, I can't help but admire that they, too, are firm in their convictions and trying to spread words of Christ and love....and they did so with respect and love. I am sure I wouldn't feel the same way if they were pushy and obnoxious.

Do I want them to come back and discuss more with me? NO. But I would be happy to see them in the grocery store and chat about the little things.

NOVEMBER CATCH UP

2009-12-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

November is always a busy month for us. We have Ken's birthday, Leslie's bday, my dad's birthday, Ken's dad's birthday, and Thanksgiving and who could forget New Moon! So.........I got behind a little bit in the blogging. Here's what happened thus far.....
ICE SKATING AT THE TOYOTA CENTER WITH JULINA AND LINCOLN

DON'T FORGET THE CRAZY BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING! WE GOT UP AT 4 AM AND WERE AT THE FIRST STORE BY 5. MY SHOPPING WAS FINISHED ALREADY SO I WAS THE DESIGNATED LINE HOLDER! THIS IS A FUN TRADITION.

ENJOYING OUR THANKSGIVING FEAST.
MOM HAD SURGERY ON HER ARM THE DAY BEFORE SO SHE JUST SAT AND RELAXED DOPED UP ON HER PAIN MEDS WHILE WE DID THE WORK!
OUR THANKSGIVING BUFFET.
SINCE MOM WAS LAID UP, IT WAS MY JOB THIS YEAR TO MAKE ORANGE ROLLS FOR THE FIRST TIME.....OHHHHH SOOOOO GOOOOOODDDD!

BOB, DAD, AND J FRYING ONE OF OUR TWO TURKEYS. JUDY BAKED ONE, TOO.DAD AND I CELEBRATING OUR BIRTHDAYS. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE MY DAD'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT (SAME DAY) 35 YEARS AGO.KEN BOUGHT ME A STATIONARY TRAINER SO I CAN RIDE MY ROAD BIKE INDOORS DURING THE WINTER.ON MY ACTUAL BIRTHDATE, NEW MOON CAME OUT. I GOT THIS PICTURE AT OUR PRIVATE SCREENING AS MY PRESENT. LOOK AT ROSALIE....MY FACE WAS INSERTED. I LOVE THIS!
KEN AND MOM SURPRISED DAD AND I WITH DINNER AND A KENNY G CONCERT. IT WAS FANTASTIC. HE'S FUNNY AS WELL AS TALENTED!

THIS IS MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT CAKE DECORATING WITH FONDANT. THANKS TO MY FRIEND WENDI FOR TEACHING ME! I USED THIS AS KEN'S BIRTHDAY CAKE.

HOW PUMPKIN PIES ARE MADE

2009-11-25T14:44:00.000-08:00

Oh come on.....you KNOW it's funny! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

California Shopping

2009-11-18T08:15:00.001-08:00

We stayed at Rosy's family hotel in Scotts Valley for free!!!
Charlie's Angels...Rosy, you are the best poser....the good kind!

My two moms.

THis is the result of Day 1 of shopping at the outlets.
The result of Day 2 at the mall.
Mom and Ruth sporting their new outfits.
Work it...work it....Rosy!
Kristie modeling her new outfit.
I sooooo don't know how to work it!!

We have a family tradition started 2 years ago. My mom, mother-in-law, Rosy, and I (and this year Kris went, too), fly to San Jose and spend a couple of days for some retail therapy! We hit the outlets in Gilroy and then a really awesome mall that we want in Tri-Cities!!!! We also visited with Ken's brother Paul in Santa Cruz. We packed light going and came home quite full!!!! Thanks girls for so much fun!

Birthday Fly Fishing Trip

2009-11-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

For Ken's 40th birthday, he asked me NOT to throw him a party. He said he wanted to go do something with just me. So.......I thought and thought and thought. What is something we haven't done that we could do with it cold outside? I came up with fly fishing. Neither of us had ever tried it before and we didn't have to go too far to do it. So, I got online and booked a guided trip out of Cle Elum on the Yakima River.

We loved it!!! We dressed in layers as it was a little rainy and chilly....about 45 degrees to be exact. We started out learning the proper technique and giving it a try. We quickly caught on and caught 10 fish over a 4 hour period. Not bad for first timers!!!

After dark, we went to Suncadia resort in Cle Elum for the night. Nice place but a little spendy.

HALLO-TEEN

2009-11-01T14:49:00.000-08:00

Instead of the usual trick-or-treating this year, Madison and Christian had some friends over for a costume party. We had 20 kids over and the fun began! These kids were all about games and they were great! We started out playing the paperbag game where you have to bend over and pick up the bag with your mouth standing only on one foot and not using your hands. Then you cut the bag down about an inch at a time. So fun! We played Spoons, Glow in the dark Tag, Sardines, and Ninja Destruction.

Instead of trick-or-treating, we played throw-a-treat. Us chaperones threw candy from upstairs over the balcony and the kids had to catch them in a bag. This was over and was so much fun that we continued with individual m&m's to see how many they could catch in their mouths one at a time.

This was a great way for Mom to meet the new friends Madison and Christian have made this year at school. We just may have a new Halloween tradition........

New Family Member

2009-10-27T06:34:00.001-07:00

Meet our new family member....his name his Jack. He scares Madison in the morning when she gets up for school. I don't understand why.

One of My Favorite THings

2009-10-19T06:50:00.001-07:00

There are two things I really look forward to twice a year....going away for the weekend on a women's retreat. This weekend I spent with 7 incredible women in Spokane and we had so much fun. What are we doing you ask? LAUGHING.....TALKING.....SWAPPING STORIES.....WATCHING MOVIES......LISTENING TO MUSIC.......AND SCRAPBOOKING. Yes, scrapbooking. We stay up late and then sleep in one large room that has 10 twin beds. It's one big slumber party!!! We left Tri-Cities Friday morning at 6:30am to get their by 9am and scrapped until 2am. I got up at 6am to start again and went to bed again at 2am. Slept awesome and got up at 8am. Now it is Monday morning......I want to go back to bed!!!! I did 65 pages!

That's Corny

2009-09-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

This summer we have been watching the crop circle behind our house grow corn. We got word last week that we had permission from the farmer to pick some corn. We went out a got some and the next day it was harvested.....literally in one day! Today, we walked out to the field and picked out the "leftovers" and brought a bunch home. The kids had asked to have german pancakes for dinner so we had german pancakes....and fresh corn. What a mixture! But it was yummy! On the way home, we ran through the irrigation splinkler and Caden biffed it in the mud. He wasn't happy about it until I told him he earned his own special picture and memory from this.

Our New Puppy

2009-09-07T07:17:00.001-07:00

To view pictures of our new puppy, scroll down below our first day of school pictures. I had been trying to post these for a week and blogger wouldn't do it. It finally worked but posted there since I had started that one before the school pictures.

It's Official

2009-09-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

MADISON IS A HIGH SCHOOLER!!!!!

CHRISTIAN IS A MIDDLE SCHOOLER!!!!

CADEN IS A THIRD GRADER!!!!!
MACY IS A 2ND GRADER!!!!
MOM IS FEELING OLD!

New Addition

2009-08-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to make this post for a week now. The pictures finally loaded! We've had Sounder now for 16 days......but who's counting.

No, we didn't remodel....we got a puppy. Welcome, Sounder Egli! Sounder joined our family this past Thursday after flying to us from Missouri. He is so stinking cute! Sounder is an Australian Shepherd. He's feeling a little under the weather as he caught a respiratory infection from flying...poor little guy. We do love him already. Ask me in a week and maybe my answer will be the same...

MONUMENTAL MOMENT WITH A CAPITAL "M"

2009-08-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

5 YEARS AGO

TODAY

Today was no ordinary day. Today was monumental. As most of you know, 5 years ago, I had a waterskiing accident. I wiped out slalom skiing and shattered my knee cap. 2 surgeries and 53 physical therapy sessions (not even attempted to count the amount of vicadin), my knee was as good as it was going to get.

Today, I skiied for the first time since my accident. I woke up with an upset stomach and thought I was catching a stomach bug. Little did I realize it was nerves. I was nervous out on the water so I decided to just get it over with.

I got up right away the first time and took about a 5 minute ride behind the boat. Then I let go. I was itching to get out of the wake but thought against it.

The next time it was my turn, I did it....I went back and forth across the wake a few times and then let go.

It wasn't graceful....it wasn't hot dogging....it wasn't dynamic....but it WAS! I did it! I will never be fearless on ski's again but I felt that joy of doing it once again.

OVER AND OVER AGAIN

2009-08-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

The boys in my house (including myself) love the soccer channel. MLS games are recorded and watched by my boys....Caden especially. Caden will watch the same match over and over again to the point that he knows at what minute during the game the goals are scored and will watch them over and over. This morning, he's watching a game and counting down 5...4...3...2...1... and then the goal is made. Cracks me up. Yesterday, he came in to the office excited and said, "Mom, you gotta come watch my favorite goal!" I watched it on tv and live as he reinacted in the family room while watching himself. Can you say, OBSESSED? I love it!

Random Tag-Here You Go Tami

2009-08-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

Random
What is your current obsession?

Orange Vitamin Water 10

What do you hate the most that everybody else seems to love?

100+ weather....I prefer mid 80's myself

What are you wearing today?

black pants and green shirt

What's for dinner?

Taco Soup

What would you eat for your last meal?

Dessert and lots of it

What's the last thing you bought?

A church shirt and shoes for Christian and a rug for the kitchen sink

What are you listening to right now?

tv commercial in the background

What do you think of the person that tagged you?

I think she's hilarious...definitely a thinker

If you could have a house, fully paid for, and totally furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be?

My current house...I do want a family cabin.

What is one of your hobbies?

Cycling, reading

What are 3 things that annoy you most?

1. My kids invading my personal space 2. Being talked about for no reason 3. Laundry

What is your favorite color?
Green

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
jeans

What is your dream job?

Other than Mom.......something that doesn't feel like work but fun that I can control my hours. Haven't found it yet.

Describe your personal style.
Cheap but looks expensive. That's what I try for....you be the critic.

What are you going to do after this?
scrapbook

What inspires you?

Other people, desire to do good

Who was the last person you kissed?
Ken

What are you currently reading?

750 page novel called The Outlander

What delighted you most today?

Buying a new shirt and eating pizza...so far.

By what criteria do you judge a person?

Intentions

If you could pick a talent, what would it be?

I wish I could paint (not walls but art)

The rules: 1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.

FUZZY BALLS

2009-08-03T17:10:00.001-07:00

Ok, so the title was to just reel you in to want to figure out what I'm talking about. Did it work? I figured it wouldn't be very interesting if I just typed FAMILY VACATION. Our trip in a nutshell.

Mossyrock for a few days and my aunt and uncle's place which we dubbed Fuzzy Balls: included two days at the lake and one at the ocean at Long Beach. Record breaking heat but great fun with the family.

Then on to central Oregon to East Lake near La Pine and Bend for 3 days of camping in a 1700 year old volcano. We hiked, went through a lava cave tube, fished, and swam.

GREAT FAMILY TIMES!!!!

I CAN DO THAT

2009-07-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

On the side, we planted rhododendrons (to remind me of my grandma...she loves them), a Blue Bird of Sharon, and a Dogwood.
Blue Bird of Sharon
Haven't completed this section with planting yet. Waiting to be inspired.
My knockout roses....of love love love these.
Coleus, Japanese lace maple, irises, and pine topiary I can't touch or I'll break out in a rash instantly!
The only thing missing now are our big boulders we still have to get.
Again, our big boulder is missing. In the back corner is a hydrangea (again it's a part of my gma), a white weeping cherry, coleus, and irises.

Our goal this summer was to get some landscaping in around the house. We got motivated when Jordan Hickman and his fiance Natasha asked if they could have their wedding reception at our house. We got to work! We had a guy give us a bid since we've never had to do any landscaping before and was I in for a surprise!!! I told Ken, " I can do that myself!" So.....we did! We rented a sod cutter, figured out where we wanted our curbing, hired out the curbing portion, then layed down everything, installed drip lines, and planted. It was a lot of work and the kids were troopers helping but very satisfying work. Don't tell me if you don't like it. I'd rather not know!

I knew NOTHING when we started. There is still much to learn but I have a clue now and I found that I really like it! Not to mention the amount of money we saved doing it ourselves.......

Seattle Sounders Game

2009-07-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is where I sat for two hours on the exit ramp. I hate traffic!!!
My handsome boys in green.
We had great seats! 21 rows up from the field.

Chelsea groupies doing a victory lap after the game.

For the boys birthday, we bought tickets to go to the MLS Seattle Sounders soccer game. We went yesterday. We got to Seattle with plenty of time. An hour and fifteen minutes before game time. However, we proceeded to sit on the exit ramp in gridlock traffic! After 45 minutes of barely moving, I kicked Ken and the boys out of the car to run to the stadium on the side of the freeway!!! We paid a pretty penny for these tickets and I'll be darned if the were going to miss any of it!! I was driving so I stayed behind. It took 2 hours to get off the exit ramp! I made it into the stadium right before half time but at least my boys saw kick off. The crowd was awesome! There was so much energy and non stop action in the game. We loved our first game even if we did lose to Chelsea. There were over 65,200 people present at this game. Totally sold out!

This Man

2009-07-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this man....................

GIRL DAY

2009-07-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

Today was girl day...with Dad included, that is. This was a day set aside for our girls as a present. They received a $50 mall gift card on their birthday and today was the day to shop. We started the morning off with haircuts, stopped at the river for a snapshot or two, then headed off to the Olive Garden for lunch. We then hit the mall for some "serious" shopping. I'd say it was a successful birthday!

Birthday Breakfast

2009-07-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's that time a year again....4 birthdays in 4 days! No separate friend parties this year!!! I gave my kids fair warning. Ken is working 11am-11pm this month so we had to do a breakfast birthday. We invited our family and my kids' second families (AKA the Hansen's and Hebdon's) and each one of them got to have one friend. We had Cinnabon's and ice cream for breakfast!!!

Ken and I couldn't wait to see the boys reaction to their birthday present. They each got a Seattle Sounders soccer jersey and a note that said that we are taking them to a game in Seattle next Saturday against Chelsea (MLS). They were so excited!!!!!! We are spending the day with the girls shopping and they each have a $50 gift card to spend. FUN FUN!!!

Happy Birthday Caden

2009-07-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Today is Caden's "real" birthday. He has been counting down the days to turn 9! I love this boy soooo much. He was the calm child after the storm. I say that with love, Christian....you were an awesome happy little baby and toddler....just very busy!

There are so many things I love about Caden. He is genuinely kind and it is so evident when he is around a toddler or baby. He is so drawn to them. Yesterday, in line at Costco, he had a baby in the cart behind us just rolling with laughter and I peered around and found many adults in the lines around us just smiling and laughing at the scene Caden didn't even know he was a part of. He was simply having fun with a baby.

Caden is driven...more than any child I know. He will work so hard to succeed at something. He is outside DAILY kicking a soccer ball all by himself...he doesn't care. He just wants to get better and better and really enjoys putting in the time and practice.

Caden is adorable, smiles with his eyes, and has a beautiful heart. I love you, son.

Fun Pix from the 4th

2009-07-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

We spent July 4th at home with family. Mike and Julina were visiting along with Julina's sister Michon and son Solomon. We spent the morning at the 4th of July parade, went swimming at the pool, ate Carne Asada for dinner, and shot off fireworks in the driveway. We took some fun pictures in the front lawn of everyone.

GIRLS CAMP 2009

2009-07-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

This week, I spent Monday through Thursday in the mountains at Camp Ensign with the teenage girls from church at Girls Camp. I was ward camp director meaning I was in charge of 23 girls from our ward going up to camp. We had so much fun! I hadn't been to girls camp since I was 17...which was 17 years ago.

I had awesome women up there helping me. So much thanks goes to Amy Durst, my mother-in-law Ruth Drennan, Kim Brereton, Lori Hayden, and Kristy Hebdon who served as unit leaders.

This Man

2009-06-22T08:55:00.001-07:00

I love this man....and he's all mine.....MINE! After 15 1/2 years, it's still hard for me to believe that he chose me! As we get older, he just gets sexier and sexier....just goes to show that the brain is a very appealing organ!

For Father's Day, the kids planted him a willow tree. This is a tree for our FUTURE grandkids to climb in. If you think it about, it's really not that far off. Let's just hope it's not any sooner than it should be! We also got him a Seattle Sounders MLS t shirt.

We had Mom and Dad Sousley, Mom and Dad Drennan, Gma Sousley, Aunt Judy, and the Smith's over to celebrate the special men in our lives.

I am one lucky girl. Not only do I have Ken, but I have an amazing Dad, too. How did I deserve to have these two men?

A Runner?

2009-06-20T18:53:00.001-07:00

I've blogged 3 posts today so be sure to scroll down more, too.

I don't like to run. I detest it actually. I've tried to like it. Now I have a good excuse for not running...my knee accident. I've wanted to like it for many years now but have never gotten past the dislike.....but......it gives me great pleasure to know that my boys like it. Caden ran 85 miles during mileage club this year over the school year. Only 4 kids in his entire school made that accomplishment. Way to go...I mean run....Caden!

My Little Cute Cub

2009-06-20T18:49:00.001-07:00

Caden is my cute little cub.......that is Cub Scout. I spent Friday afternoon at Day Camp helping out and really enjoyed the time with my son. His favorite things were my favorite things. We both loved archery and making popcorn over coals.

It's That Time Again!

2009-06-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

It's jam time! Each year, Mom and I get together and make homemade jam. I can't buy store stuff anymore. I try and make enough to last me the whole year. Freezer jam is extremely easy and much better with to make WITH someone. I put our kids to work stemming the strawberries. They grumbled at first but then really got into it. They were done with it all in about 20 minutes and they did a great job!!!

My French Friend

2009-06-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

I have a french friend. Who are you? You live somewhere in or near Nancy, France, and visit my blog on a fairly regular basis. I'm intrigued!

High School and Cell Phones

2009-06-13T20:58:00.001-07:00

It's official! Madison is a high schooler......not only that but a high schooler with a cell phone!!! She has been wanting a cell phone for about 3 years now. We told her at the beginning of the school year that if she could get straight A's during 8th grade, we would get her a cell phone. She had straight A's during the whole year UNTIL the last week of school when her 90 in history fell to an 89 with the last quiz. Seriously! We figured she deserved it anyway, although, she did get a talk from Mom about how she better not learn from this that you can almost obtain a goal and reap the rewards anyway! Good job, Madison!

Catching Up!

2009-06-13T20:49:00.001-07:00

Caden ran 85 miles during his 2nd grade year. There were only 4 kids in the entire school to do so and Caden got a mileage club t shirt for doing so.

I just love my honey!

Christian got his Webelos patch at Cub Scouts.....how? I'm still figuring that one out.
Caden had a piano recital and did awesome!

Feeling Philosophical

2009-05-29T16:16:00.001-07:00

I road my bike along the river this morning....nothing special....just another day on my bike. I was alone today so the only person I could talk to was myself....I'm really good at that, by the way. Well, today, I forgot water. I told myself that it wasn't any big deal. I could handle the 15 mile ride without it...I was right...I did handle it....but I wanted water!

The whole ride took place right along the banks of the Columbia River. I was surrounded by water but none that I could partake of. I passed a park with a drinking fountain...it worked but just a small little stream came out and I wasn't willing to risk sucking on the mouth piece after who knows who. At the end of my ride, I stopped at the Hippie convenience store not far from where I parked....closed....couldn't get water. I ended up drinking my old water from yesterday's Taco Time lunch!

Here's where the philosophical part comes in. How many times do we want something so badly, we're surrounded by it, but it's still out of our grasp? Are you a smoker who has quit, a recovering alcoholic, someone with the right credentials for a job and your just waiting for the phone call to tell you YOU'RE HIRED! Whatever the case may be, it's a sucky feeling. The best we can do, is prepare our spirit and our minds and deal with things as they come.....ok, I never said I was a GREAT philosopher.

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Memorial Day over the weekend....not necessarily on the day itself. This weekend was all about family. So fun....we mostly hung out at home but, man, we had a great time doing it!!!! Bob and Wendy came to town for the weekend and we enjoyed visiting with Aunt Lorel and Uncle Dan, Aunt Vera and Uncle Jim, and cousin Carol and her husband Gary.

On the News

2009-05-22T20:27:00.001-07:00

Madison made it to television. Follow the link to see the story she is in.
Go to www.ksd.org and scroll down toward the bottom (under the photos) to where it says Desert Hills Middle School Student Store and click on it. A video will come up.

Yak Attack

2009-05-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

So, by the title, did you think I was attacked by a yak? Come on, admit it....you did! Actually, the Yak Attack is a soccer tournament we spent all day Saturday at in Yakima where Caden and his team played 4 "speed" games of soccer. They were 24 minutes long on a smaller than normal field with a smaller than normal goal and less players on the field. I couldn't believe how intense the game was and felt!!!

The theme of the tournament was The Movies and Caden's team was called The Force. Each player was a different superhero and Caden was Dash from The Incredibles. We tied our first game and won the next 3 games. It was a fun day in the beautiful sunshine and I got to do one of my favorite things....watch one of my boys play soccer.

Dermahealth Ribbon Ceremony

2009-05-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

Sid and Rosy and their kids are family to us....they are also our partners in our Dermacare Skin Care and Laser Clinic. Sid is a Dermatologist and opened up his own Dermatology clinic and surgery center called Dermahealth and today was the ribbon cutting ceremony. Congratulations, Sid and Rosy!

Guns and Gardens

2009-05-09T23:10:00.001-07:00

Madison

Caden

Christian

Our three older kids are taking a hunter's safety course. It's 6 days of classroom for 3 hours a day and a Saturday range day which was this morning. The kids LOVED it. Madison is a really good shot! Caden was chosen by the instructor as an example because he said Caden did it perfectly keeping his finger off the trigger until time to pull and then taking it right of the trigger into the correct position. Caden thought he was in trouble when he was called up! I have video of it but can't get it uploaded right now.

Tonight, we planted our garden. We've been trying to plant for two weeks but between schedules and yucky weather, it didn't happen til tonight. We aren't excellent gardeners but it's fun.

Name Rankings

2009-05-09T06:47:00.000-07:00

I read an article on CNN this morning that prompted me to do something kind of fun! If you go to www.ssa.gov, they have their annual list of the 1000 most popular names for kids for 2008. I plugged in our names to see how popular they were. Here's what I found.

Madison ranked 4th to come out on top in our family.
Christian ranked 23rd.
Caden ranked 95th.
Ken ranked 136. (I can't believe his was more popular than mine!)
Leslie ranked 147th.
Macy ranked 281.

Macy's name surprised me. I really thought hers would have beat mine and Ken's. Try it out. It's really fun!

The most popular name for girls was Emma and for boys Jacob.

Hood Park

2009-05-06T11:49:00.001-07:00

My parents like to camp at Hood Park. It's not very far from home but it still gets them "away" when they don't have a opportunity to leave town to do it....plus they can commute to work if needed.

Last weekend, we went and spent the evening while they were camping. We had fun playing soccer, fishing, climbing trees, and our favorite.....EATING! I do love a good smore!!!!

Almost Brought Me to Tears

2009-05-02T16:19:00.001-07:00

Today I had one of those MOMMY MOMENTS that brought me very close to tears. Now, to some of you, your going to go, "Huh?"

Caden had his last regular season soccer game at 8am this morning. I am truly a soccer mom. I love love love love love to watch my boys play.

At 9am, Christian had one of two games he was to play. His team was down a player and, in order to not forfeit, Christian's coach asked Caden to play. Caden is 8 and the boys on this team are 10 and 11 year olds.

Caden was very hesitant to play. He's practiced with Christian's team but he was nervous to play. With a HUGE push from Mom, he played.....and he was FANTASTIC!!! Five minutes into the game, Caden's nerves were gone as he realized he could play with the big boys. It made me so proud!!!! But that wasn't the MOMMY MOMENT.

The MOMMY MOMENT came when Caden made a sweet pass from the right side across over to Christian and Christian shot it in for the first goal. That was my MOMMY MOMENT. Christian and Caden ran up to eachother with big smiles and high fives. They did it....together. They did it two more times in that first game and couple more in the second.

My excitement wasn't so much for the fact that goals were scored....although that was fantastic. It was the common (excuse the pun) goal the two were going toward together and accomplishing....TOGETHER...and then celebrating....TOGETHER.

Fellow Bloggers

2009-04-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Oh, Bloggers, Bloggers, wherefore art thou, oh Bloggers?

Okay, this is my plea to my fellow bloggers who are also on facebook. Facebook is not a replacement!!!! You know who you are! You don't update your blogs much anymore because your too busy finding out what kind of tv mom you are, who your celebrity boyfriend is, or what type of car you should be driving. That's all fine and dandy but...............

I miss you! I miss reading your posts. Please....come back!

"Alice is Hot!"

2009-04-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Christian has read the Twilight books recently and he has seen the movie. We're in the living room and he says to me and his best friend Chandler "Alice is hot!" Chandler says, "Dude, she's like 20!" Christian replies, "So, maybe she likes young men!" I start laughing and tell him that's illegal...keep in mind I'm telling this to a 10 year old! Christian responds, "Yeah, but when I'm 20, she'll be 30 and we can get married!" Chandler pipes in at this point and says, "Dude, you said you were going to marry a kindergartner!" I look at him with this weird look on my face and he says, "I was thinking of you and Dad, Mom. When Dad was in the 5th grade like me, you were only in kindergarten!" I can't even begin to tell you how hard I was laughing at Christian's line of thinking. He's hilarious.

Madison's Cell Phone Quest

2009-04-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Madison has wanted a cell phone for a few years now. We told her she would have a cell phone when we were ready for her to have a cell phone. Well, we're ready. She had to have one for her DC trip so I bought a pay-by-the-minute phone and a cheapy phone. She didn't like the little white flip phone until I told her I would trade with her. I have an ANCIENT Nokia clunker. She changed her tune.

Well, at the beginning of the school year, we told her that we would get her her very own cell phone if she could pull straight A's all year. She brought home her 3rd quarter report card yesterday and for the third straight quarter she has pulled all A's.

You're almost there, Madison. We're proud of you!

Madison's DC Trip

2009-04-10T06:58:00.001-07:00

My dad gave Madison some names of people he was in Vietnam with who died. Garrett Eddy was on of them.
The White House group shot.
Arlington National Cemetary
Washington Monument....not as tall as I thought...ha ha
Theatre where Lincoln was killed
Mount Vernon

Madison spent 4 days of her spring break in Washington DC with a group from her 8th grade class. In order to go, Madison earned half of the trip costs which meant she earned and saved up $800. Good job, Madison!

She saw many of the capital's highlights including the memorial of the flag raising of Iwo Jima in which a cousin, Franklin Sousley, was one of the five men raising the flag. Her camera was dead at this point so I don't have a picture of that, yet.

Cyclist in the Making and Spring Break

2009-04-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break, Christian went to the Oregon Coast with his other family, the Hansen's. Madison went on a school trip to Washington DC (she earned $800 to pay for half her trip), Ken worked, and I went to Puyallup and Olympia with Macy and Caden. First stop was Puyallup to my cousins Tim and Corina Hannah's house. Corina is 38 weeks prego and on semi-bed rest so we spent a few days with her and the kiddo's hanging out. My baby brother Mike is a police officer in their area so he would stop by a few times a day on patrol when he didn't have any calls or on his lunch break and visit. Toward the end of our week, we headed down to Olympia to Mike's house and my oldest brother J and his family came down for pizza and a movie. We went to this place called Charlie's Safari with Mike, Julina, and little LIncoln. It's an indoor playland. Very fun and it was busy!

One thing Macy got out of spring break was wanting to learn to ride her bike without training wheels. She saw her cousin Megan do it. So, on the drive home, she asked if I would take of her training wheels. I did so and she taught herself to ride in a matter of an hour. She didnt' want ANY of my help! Good job, Macy! I look forward to many rides with you!

BEWARE OF LISTENING EARS

2009-03-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Most of you have heard my pregnant chalk story. For those who haven't here's a quick recap. When I was pregnant with Macy, I was at church and saw a piece of chalk (fairly new but used) and it looked so good I wanted to eat it. I stuck my head out in the hall to see if anyone was coming from either direction. I didn't see anyone so put the chalk in my mouth and ate like a rabbit would eat a carrot. It was SOOOOOO goooooodddddd! This is the ONLY time I ate chalk.....until I tasted it non-pregnant to see if it had the same effect.....just a taste...and I didn't like it.

Well, the reason for the post....today, Macy and I were at Target to buy a binder. I told her to look for some chalk (for my primary bag so I don't have to go the library on Sundays). Macy says: "Pregnant ladies have to eat chalk, right, Mom?" I asked her what she was talking about and she said : "YOU ate chalk when you were pregnant. Don't all pregnant ladies have to eat chalk?" It dawned on me. She heard me tell the story to somebody and thought it was NORMAL.

Today was a good lesson for my daughter. She learned that her mother is NOT normal.

Happy Birthday Kristie

2009-03-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

I grew up in many places...far away places, not so far away places. At the age of 28, I finally had a say in where to live when Ken finished his ER training and we could decide what part of the country to live in. We knew we wanted to move to Washington to be near family but were pretty open to where. The Tri-Cities kept coming to me. Ken interviewed here, we were offered the job, and we turned it down! Well, the Tri-Cities kept coming to my mind. We ended up calling back and asking for the job and it was ours. I could list a million reasons why the move to this place was a good one. However, the most important one to me is because there were women here that I needed to meet and rub shoulders with.

Moving into our house on Van Dyke was not a coincidence either. I met the gal across the street and my first thought was, "Dang, she's beautiful!" It didn't take me long to realize though that Kristie's beauty on the inside far exceeds her beauty on the outside. I was meant to move here. I was meant to be Kristie's neighbor. I was meant to meet her and be her friend. I needed and continue to need her. She is the part I was missing.

Kris, you are the sister I yearned for as an only girl growing up. I am a better woman, mother, and spouse because of you. I love you with all my heart. Have a happy birthday!

Girls Weekend

2009-03-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Top row: Mom, Aunt Judy, Phoebe
Next row: Kristie, Wendy, Ruth
Bottom row: Leslie, Julina, Rosy

The girls in my family (minus a couple) went for a girls getaway to Reardan, Wa near Spokane with a whopping population of 500 people. What was the draw? This adorable little house that was once a shed. It was built specifically for crafting groups. It was perfect!! It consisted of 3 rooms and two bathrooms. The main room when you walk in is the kitchen/dining area. Up the stairs is a bedroom with 10 twin beds and a bathroom. SO FUN!!! Down the stairs is the work room and another bathroom. It was the perfect setup for a weekend of scrapbooking. We laughed so much, had movie after movie on the tv going, and scrapped til we couldn't scrap anymore. DId I mention how much we laughed!!!!!!! These ladies were so much fun! I am blessed to have them as my family. By the way, I beat my 100 pages last time...this time I scrapped 101!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2009-03-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Interview with Madison, Christian, Caden, and Macy.

If you have a kiddo old enough to answer, do this...it was really worth it for the laughs!!

Cut and paste these questions and ask your kids their answers....
These are all direct quotes. Some of them make sense, some of them I have no idea where they came from!

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Madison: Go clean your room.
Christian: Take of your cleats in the house.
Caden: Kick the ball outside!
Macy: Go clean your room.

2. What makes mom happy?
Madison: When I offer to do the dishes
Christian: When us kids care for eachother and clean our room
Caden: When we do what she tells us to do
Macy: Doing what she says

3. What makes mom sad?
Madison: When I don't listen to her
Christian: When one of us kids are sad she is usually sad
Caden: Saying bad things to others
Macy: Disobeying her

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Madison: By singing the Madagascar theme song
Christian: Tickling me and threatening me with funny things
Caden: When she makes sentences up for Macy's spelling words and it ALWAYS has the word carrot in it. (This is true...it's a running joke)
Macy: If she toots or burps (Let me clarify that Macy says this right after she herself toots and makes herself laugh----didn't want ya'll to get the wrong idea!)

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Madison: Permed hair, funky clothes, and liked a lot of boys
Christian: I don't really know
Caden: She had blond hair
Macy: Little

6. How old is your mom?
Madison: 34
Christian: 32
Caden: 34
Macy: 34

7. How tall is your mom?
Madison: 5 feet 3 1/2 inches
Christian: 5 foot 6 inches
Caden: 6 foot 5 inches
Macy: 6 feet

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Madison: Read or play piano
Christian: Scrapbook with her girlfriends
Caden: Play with the kids
Macy: Go to Chuck E CHeese's with me

9. What does your mom do when you're
not around?
Madison: Read and hang out with friends
Christian: Usually scrapbook or clean
Caden: Works on the computer
Macy: Clean up the house

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Madison: Composing and playing music
Christian: Singing or scrapbooking
Caden: Volleyball
Macy: Piano

11. What is your mom really good at?
Madison: Playing piano and solving problems.
Christian: Loving us kids
Caden: Volleyball
Macy: Piano

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Madison: I can't think of one.
Christian: Being mean
Caden: Picking up a table
Macy: Huhhhhh...can you come back to it? She's not very good at doing what kids say.

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Madison: NOthing...she stays at home
Christian: She is our mom
Caden: Alot of things...uuummmm...cooks
Macy: Clean

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Madison: Nice juicy steak with chocolate dessert
Christian: Reese's peanut butter cups
Caden: Enchiladas
Macy: Cookies

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Madison: Mostly everything
Christian: That she's so kind and caring to others
Caden: When she takes us to McDonalds and gets McFlurries
Macy: Taking me to Chuck E Cheese

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Madison: Roadrunner because she's always on the go
Christian: I don't know, I don't watch very many cartoons
Caden: Cinderella
Macy: Wanda from Fairly Odd Parents

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Madison: Get dip cones
Christian: Go to movies
Caden: Play
Macy: Shop

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Madison: We wear the same clothes (Madison wears mine!)
Christian: We're both smart
Caden: We have the same color of eyes
Macy: Eye color

19. How are you and your mom different?
Madison: She won't wear my clothes
Christian: I'm younger and I'm a boy
Caden: I don't have long hair
Macy: Hair color

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Madison: She lets me borrow her clothes and she takes us out to get dip cones
Christian: By the kind and affectionate things she does for me
Caden: By taking care of me
Macy: She takes care of me

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Madison: He's got brains and bronze.
Christian: Ooohhhhh, uuhhhhhh, ummmmmmmmmm....how he's handsome.
Caden: His accent....no, he doesn't have an accent....she thinks he's a good kisser!
Macy: Kissing him on the lips

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Madison: Olive Garden
Christian: On a scrapbook weekend
Caden: Granny's Buffet
Macy: On trips

JAMIE'S HEART FOUNDATION DINNER

2009-03-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

My ONLY girl cousin Jen who is Jamie's Aunt and on the foundation board.

My cousin Tim who is Jamie's dad and founder/president.
My Gma, Aunt Judy, Corina (Jamie's mom and founder of the foundation).

My cousin's little girl passed away a little over two years ago (she just turned 2) from a congenital heart defect. Tim and Corina (Jamie's parents) immediately started a non profit organization to help other families who have children with congenital heart issues. The website is www.jamiesheart.org.

This weekend, Ken and I drove over to Tacoma to attend the annual GalaDinner. We drove over Snoqualmie Pass which was getting pounded with snow. We saw 3 accidents, several stuck cars, and had to put our chains on but we made it safe!

TO EVERY TIME THERE IS A SEASON

2009-03-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is Grandma...my grandma....my children's great-grandma. She is the one and only that I knew really well growing up and I cherish her dearly.

Grandma has spent her life in the service of others. She speaks kindly of others and looks for opportunities to give support.

Like all of us, Grandma is getting older and with that comes the need to receive service from others. It is hard to accept.

Well, this is my time and my season to give service to my grandma and it makes me so happy to do it...to take care of her. I enjoyed taking her to the hair salon to get her perm. We spend one morning a week playing cards together.

This week, her older sister was visiting from Walla Walla. I had such a great time spending a few hours with these funny ladies playing a dice game called Farckle. Aunt Marge didn't know how to play and by the time it was her turn again, she had forgotten how to play the game but she still managed to beat us a few times and we're seasoned pros!

If only everyone could have this kind of opportunity. I love you, Gma!

AND THE WINNER IS....

2009-02-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

It's a dateless Friday night tonight. No hot date with my hubby whose slaving away in the ER. I find myself at home alone with Macy for an hour or so and she wants to play the card game Golf. She's very lucky at this game and often times beats everyone at it. Well, tonight, I lost the first couple of hands and then started winning a few. She started cheering me on!! I asked her why she was happy that I was winning.

Her response: I just tired of winning all the time. Besides people who lose call winners WIENERS!

I have to explain that last part....we're not talking wiener as a slang word for a body part....something funny we do is purposely pronounce things wrong. Like mustard is MOOSE-TARD, Yakima is YUK-EYE-MAH, Etc. Don't want anyone to get the wrong idea.....ha!

THEY TEACH CRAP IN SCHOOL

2009-02-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Christian learned about a bunch of crap today at school....for real! A lady came in and taught them all about sewage and water treatment. Where used water goes and how it's made pure again.

Here is Christian's interpretation:

Everything we flush down the toilet and things that go down our sinks all run together and go to a water treatment center. They kill a lot of the bacteria (poop included here) by heating up the water really hot and it puts of a gas that starts with an M (something like millenium) that we use to make fuel. So, if we were to bottle our farts, we could make energy.

Madison's New Hair

2009-02-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

Madison has new hair....well, not really new, it's her same old hair...but curly! She decided to try out a perm (with Mom's suggestion) so she could be ready in no time flat and have some body to it. She loves it!

LEAVENWORTH TRIP

2009-02-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

We spent this past 3 day weekend in the mountains in Leavenworth, Wa. We rented a 3500 square foot log home with Kristy and Erik Hebdon and their kids. We had so much fun! It snowed every day, we shopped, we napped, the kids went in the hot tub and then cooled off in the snow...then got BACK in the hot tub, we played games, played in the snow, went on a sleigh ride, and the men took the older kids skiing. Those pictures will follow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAMI!

2009-02-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

It's all about you, today, Tami! Happy Birthday!! The Tri-Cities is so much better off now having the Smith family here. I still marvel at how ironic it is that you and I met at the King and I when you were checking out Tri-Cities, then moved in next to us in the apts, and now the same ward. See, we were destined to be friends. Tami, there are so many things I love you. You are such an amazing example to me in the way you are as a woman, wife, mother, and friend. Thank you for the insights you share, the love you show to others, and for being the friend that you are....and I'm excited to have you back on the bike! Love you!

LIP SERVICE

2009-02-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

MACY
Do you ever wonder what your kids tell their teachers? Well, I was going through the graded school papers and came across one of Macy's. She had to write a sentence using the word lip. Her sentence read "My mom sockt me on the lip." I sure hope Mrs. McLean knows better than to believe that one!

Caden
Out of the blue...
Caden asks me: "Mom, I know why Jesus doesn't want us to pray for ice cream and desserts, and stuff."
I ask him: "Why?"
His reply: "Because he knows it's not healthy and he wants us to eat good things."
Fair enough!

HOLE IN THE WALL

2009-02-11T15:08:00.001-08:00

Ken and I went shooting at a place in town called The Hole In The Wall. This was my first time going to an actual shooting range to do some target practice and getting familiar with my gun. I actually surprised myself!! My first couple of rounds I shot a little low but still within the chest cavity. Each time I got better. By the end, I was dead center of my target 3 of my 5 shots. This gave me GREAT confidence!! I know that if someone breaks into my house, I CAN protect myself and my family. I'm going to take a Firearm Skills course in March and decided (after one trip to the shooting range) that I am going to get my concealed weapons permit.....BECAUSE I CAN! Look closely at the 2nd to last picture. You can actually see the bullet leaving the gun. Good picture, Ken!

CANDY AIRPLANES

2009-02-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

This year, for Valentine's Day, I decided we were going to do something fun instead of just buying boxed cards. I found this cute candy airplane on line and we put them together today after school. It was a little frustrating at first but we tweaked the directions a bit and made it much easier so I'll share what we did.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Thin rubber band
	Peppermint Life Savers
	Smarties
	Cinnamon gum
d
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. Thread the rubber band through the holes of two Life Savers, then balance the roll of Smarties between them, across the rubber band.
2. For wings, balance the stick of gum on top, perpendicular to the Smarties, and pull the rubber band up and over each side of the gum to hold it all in place.
3. Decorate the wings with tiny heart-shaped stickers or a message.
Tips:
If smaller fingers are having trouble with all that balancing and stretching, have one person hold the candy in place while another works the rubber band up and over the gum.

HOW WE TWEAKED IT: We used lifesavers with the clear wrapper on them and poked a whole with a skewer then fed the rubberband through the the skewer. Then we wrapped the ends of the rubberband around the gum for the wing. Then we slid in the smartie. We had too much slack still on our rubberband so we hooked one side of the rubberband around the tail as well. Worked like a charm!

We made 115 of these!!! Then we made up little cards that said YOU ARE JUST PLANE FUN!

Pick Up Line

2009-02-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Christian, Caden, and Chandler were in the back of the car talking about Valentine's Day stuff and Caden says "I know what you should say to a girl.....You make me hot in winter!" then he giggles.

DIAGNOSIS

2009-01-30T16:15:00.001-08:00

On the way home today, Caden's pant legs were riding up a little bit and showing about 4 inches of bare skin above his socks. There were little black dots sporadically over his legs. I asked him what it was. Without skipping a beat, he said (in a very serious voice), "It's a bad disease." I started to laugh because he didn't even have to THINK about his answer. He then proceeded to tell me it was from spray painted his pine wood derby car. I said, "Caden, you a really funny." His answer" "Thank you." Witty AND polite. I love that boy!

100 THINGS ABOUT ME

2009-01-28T22:38:00.001-08:00

Ok, I realize there may not be 100 things you want to know about me but..... I saw this on Wendy's blog and thought it would be fun...so here goes.....

1. I always dated older men.
2. I ended up marrying one. I was barely 19 and he was 24.
3. I was the only girl on an all boys baseball (fast pitch) team as a kid.
4. I played outfield, pitcher, and catcher.
5. My favorite time of day is morning. I hate waking up but once I get up, I love the quiet and solitude.
6. My favorite thing to do at night is take a whirlpool bath and read a book right before I go to bed.
7. I am the only girl of 5 kids.
8. I went to 9 schools in 12 years. 4 of those being high schools.
9. I started playing the organ at church and the piano for choir at the age of 12.
10. I really love to go out and ride my bike for miles. I rode about 75 miles a week when it was warmer.
11. I LOVE TO EAT!
12. I exercise so I can eat!
13. I'm smaller than I was when I got married!!!
14. My church callings have included: anything piano or organ related, primary teacher (2 times), Relief Society teacher, Primary President, Activity Days leader, and Teacher Development Coordinator.
15. My family read the Book of Mormon together in 3 1/2 months when President Hinckley gave the challenge. We need another "official" challenge!
16. I really HATED turning 29.
17. Then I asked myself, would I really want to do my 20's over again and that was the end of that!
18. I had my first baby at 20.
19. I had my last baby at 27.
20. My oldest baby will be in high school this fall!
21. My favorite movies are romantic comedies.
22. I really loved to read and read ALOT!
23. I have met Stephenie Meyer (Twilight Series author) 2 times!
24. I collect my favorite novels signed by the author.
25. We've bought 2 vehicles and a kids motorcycle on ebay!
26. I LOVE being a soccer mom.
27. And a volleyball mom.
28. And a gymnastics mom.
29. And a piano mom.
30. I am taking a organ class from an amazing organist who has a masters in organ performance. I'm finally learning the correct way to do the foot pedals!
31. I have developed anxiety in my 30's going to the dentist! Thanks Mom!
32. I have lived in the Tri-Cities now for 5 years which is longer than anywhere else.
33. My bucket list includes visiting the Great Wall of China.
34. I am an Olympics freak. Have to watch it every night when it's that time!
35. I can get in the shower, have my make up on, hair done, and be dressed in 30 minutes.
36. I'm constantly feeling like someone is missing....although I'm content as can be with my family of 6!
37. I think my husband is sexy with a goatee. Did I spell that right?
38. I drive a mini van even though I swore I never would.
39. I'm an obsessed blogger.
40. My favorite dinner is rib eye steak and baked potato.
41. My favorite ice cream is chocolate chip mint or cookie dough.
42. I love going on road trips with my family.
43. I love going on getaways with just my husband.
44. I have guilt over not having enough patience with my kids.
45. I can't hold a grudge against anyone.
46. My house is my haven. I love it!
47. My parents, in-laws, gma and aunt moved to Tri-Cities to be closer to us.
48. I blast music in my car. My kids don't know what to do if the music isn't on.
49. I turn the stereo off in my car just to hear my kids keep singing.
50. I have really fantastic friends.
51. I am an obsessed scrapbooker.
52. My greatest fear is losing one of my kids.
53. My greatest pleasure is seeing my kids succeed at what they are doing.
54. I love to paint....not the artistic kind....but paint walls!
55. I constantly have other kids at my house.
56. My first job was teaching piano.
57. My only non piano jobs were working in the shoe dept at Ross Dress For Less and as a bank teller when Ken and I got married.
58. It really bothers me when I know someone doesn't like me....I think it bothers me because I try to be a friend to all.
59. When I was young, I could burp the alphabet...thanks to a family of boys!
60. I can scrapbook 100 pages in 48 hours on only six hours of sleep.
61. This is my first year of all my kids in school all day.
62. Two people I want to meet are my two brothers who died me ever knowing them (I'm really the only girl of 6 boys).
63. When I was younger I wanted to be a concert pianist.
64. I was baptized in a shipping crate box with tarp in it to hold in the water in the middle of winter, in a friend's backyard, in Japan.
65. I went skinny dipping in the East China Sea and ALMOST got caught by the military police.
66. I went to a habu (snake) and mongoose fight on a school field trip when I lived in Okinawa.
67. I survived 2 years on a 5 square mile in the caribbean handwashing clothes and having the rain as our water source.
68. I think my kids do say the darndest things.
69. I love to paint....not scenery pictures....I suck at that. I love to paint rooms!
70. I'm good at painting....rooms. I don't tape but freehand the edge.
71. I have a REALLY old cell phone. It's ancient, bulky, and won't break.
72. I have a hard time spending money on things that still work....like a new cell phone and plan.
73. I get a high from a good shopping deal.
74. I ALWAYS head to clearance first and rarely buy anything NOT on sale.
75. I am a facebook addict.
76. I love catching up with old friends and seeing how people are now.
77. I love watching the Biggest Loser and American Idol.
78. While watching American Idol, I usually dream about Simon at least once a season.......I don't even think he's that cute.....but evidently I foster a little crush?
79. At night, I like to drive through neighborhoods slowly and peak in the windows. That sounds stalkerish but I like to imagine other peoples lives and get glimpsed of decor. Am I the only one?
80. I compose music.
81. It is hard for me to play my music for other people...I feel very vulnerable.
82. I'm getting bunny lines on my nose.
83. I think I'm a really good gift giver...I really put a lot of thought into a gift.
84. I love having people over.
85. I hate feeling under appreciated. It makes me feel sad and depressed.
86. I try really hard to be uplifting and supportive.
87. I have committed myself to studying the scriptures more.
88. I have the best boys in my CTR 8 class!! They are hilarious!
89. I am blessed with amazing women in my life!
90. I sometimes think about adopting.
91. My car is almost always a mess.
92. My garage is almost always a mess.
93. I want to write a novel.
94. I am contemplated going back to school.
95. I volunteer at Kadlec MEdical Center weekly playing the piano in the lobby.
96. I am an internet junky....I google EVERYTHING! I've probably googled you!
97. I have conversations in my head with people...it's good therapy!
98. I worry....about tons of things. I'll wake up in the middle of the night with a thought and not be able to sleep the rest of the night.
99. I detest waking up to the alarm. I like waking up on my own just before it goes off.
100. I now have my own gun....Ken bought it for me for Christmas.

MADISON'S OWN BLOG

2009-01-27T16:15:00.001-08:00

Madison has started her own blog called Madi's Cooking Kingdom at
www.madison-cookingkingdom.blogspot.com. She loves to cook and is trying out new recipes one to two times a week and will post her recipes. Please check her out. She has made some AMAZING STUFF!

Bacon and Eggs

2009-01-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

Caden and Macy were in charge of breakfast this morning. They cooked bacon and scrambled some eggs. Caden was VERY proud of himself for his accomplishment and let us know as we were eating that he cooked the eggs.

Macy wasn't going to let him get away without having her due credit. She said: "I helped!"

Caden said: "All you did was help crack and stir the eggs!"

Macy said (in a DUH! kind of tone): "Well that's all there is to do!"

Thanks, Macy AND Caden for a good breakfast. It always taste better when I don't have to do the cooking!