No Worries... Enjoy This Life

Just thinking

2012-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

In the words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Mendocino, California

Ian's "Bowling" Birthday Party

2011-05-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Ian's actual 9th Birthday fell on a Saturday. Of course he had a soccer game first. Ian had decided that he wanted to have a "Bowling Birthday" so we invited all of his best soccer mates along with friends to come Bowl and have lunch along with Cookies and Ice Cream. Ian had a great time and it was so fun to watch him interact with all of his friends.

Easy Set Up- Love that!!!

I love that smilePatrick, Jordan, Nick, Andrew, Marlee, Dominic & Ian

Playing some video gamesGrammie & IanGrandpa & Ian"Come On"Doug Showing OffMarlee found her Purple BallIan was hoping to shut everyone out with all strikes
He LOVES ice cream & Chocolate Chip CookiesIce Cream Cups and Cookies from Roths (the best)Gotta love some hard cold cash

Ian received a ManU Ball from Abby~Matches his Jersey he's wearing

One of his favorite gifts~Timbers Sport JacketGood Time had by All!!!

2011-05-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Samuel our neighbor boy is always outside. He lives down on the corner and the other day he brought up a snake. He knows Marlee loves them! (YUCK) Notice he is holding it with a batting glove on. His Dad picked it up with a plastic bag.

Now take a look at Marlee bare handed. Loving the fact that she is holding one of her favorite reptiles. She begged me to let her keep it as it wasn't that big. NO WAY~I draw the line. NO SNAKES ALLOWED INSIDE THE HOUSE

New doo for Marlee...with a little added something

2011-05-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

It's been long overdue for Marlee to have a haircut. So off to Ashley's at Edens Apple we went. This is before...

This was after...You can barely see (that's the way I wanted them) the 3 thin feathers attached to her hair. A purple one, a turquoise one and a black one. It's quite the popular thing these days with young ladies. She loves it!

Marlee's D.A.R.E. Graduation at Harritt

2011-05-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

As you will be able to tell from the Video Marlee was not in the best of moods this day. But, it was cute to see the kids. They had to write a one page essay describing what the learned from Officer Seibel and why they will refrain from using drugs and alcohol.

Ian's latest Piano Recital

2011-05-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

Ian has been taking piano lessons since last fall. He chose to play a pretty easy song this time but it's two handed.

"Cuckoo" Suzuki Style

Our 14th Anniversary

2011-05-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am not one to try out new restaurants but we decided give La Capitale a try. It's a very French restaurant across from the Capitol. Very intimate and has a great reputation. Doug chose the Duck which was actually very delicious.

I on the other hand chose pasta with smoked mozzarella (not a fan of smoked flavor) because I didn't want rabbit or frog legs or escargot.

Doug and I enjoyed the apple tartlet the most out of all the food.

It seems like just yesterday that we knelt across the altar and were sealed for Time and all Eternity. I look forward to many more years married to my sweetie.

Just us being funny with my iphone.

On May 10th, 1997 I truly married my friend, the one I laugh with daily, dream with nightly, live for each day with, and love with all my heart. Thank you Doug for 14 years of marriage-through the good and bad I love you so much.

Time to play catch up...

2011-05-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hi friends and family~

It's true~I have slacked for 6 months-this tends to be a trend in my life. One of these days I may overcome it. But, until then I won't hold my breath.

The last 5 months have been rough for my little family and I. There has been lots of emotions in our home~feelings of happiness, sadness, chaos, of being overwhelmed, consumed, feelings of love, fear, hope and anger. I have felt forgotten by others. All these feelings are part of life and with faith in my Father and Heaven and in His plan, I keep putting one foot in front of the other. I am continuing to learn and be reminded that people are not perfect. I certainly am far from it! If I have offended or made any of you feel sad, or dissappointed or angered I sincerely apologize. It is never my intention to make anyone feel that way.

So, now it's time to start playing catch up. I am going to start with current events happening since so much has been going on. Then I will start back dating. That's the nice thing about blogger. I like to make books for each year of my blog so I will be posting lots of new posts but with older dates. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Feel free to check back often and scroll down to older posts or not. It's up to you. This little blog of mine has been forgotten and I hope to remedy that.

Since I love pics for blogging~I will leave you with my morning surprise yesterday. Doug and I celebrated our 14th Anniversary (a seperate post on that soon).

FOCUS

2011-01-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

My "one little word" for 2011 is Focus! Focus, In all things,I need focus,less distractions,less procrastination,less avoidance. Focus on what's important. Focus on getting things done. Focus on my relationships. Focus on the decisions that will shape our future. Focus on my health and welfare. Focus on my job. That's my word ~ FOCUS.

Attitude of Grattitude...

2010-11-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent some time taking down Halloween and putting up a few Thanksgiving decorations. I am grateful for the changes of the seasons. Decorating my home is one of my favorite things to do. Each year I love adding a little something to my collection. This year I am giving some of my older decorations to a local thrift store. It feels good knowing that I am passing it along to someone else's home.

Sometimes I feel pretty overwhelmed, tired or like there is too much going on to handle...This is when an

Attitude of Gratitude

comes in to play. Sometimes we need to be reminded...sometimes we need to tell ourselves to STOP and look at the good, be positive, be grateful...

As November is here already and Thanksgiving is right around the corner, STOP, take some time and remember, be grateful...And when your feeling overwhelmed, say to yourself~have an attitude of gratitude. It's working for me! :)

Halloween...

2010-10-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Marlee does not enjoy Halloween at all. I think she likes to dress up but hate's the darker side that halloween can bring. I can't say that I blame her. I like halloween but I only decorate with cute stuff, not scary or evil looking things. She decided to be Harry potter~Girl style. She looked pretty cute if I do say so myself. Ian was very excited back in September to have found a Jango Fett (sp?) costume. Last year he wanted a certain star wars costume that sold out very quickly. So we swooped this up and he was thrilled.

Harietta Potter & Jango Fett

My Marzipan!

Hallowed Eve...

2010-10-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

We didn't carve our pumpkins until the night before Halloween. Saturday was Ian's last soccer game in the morning and then we ran some errands and had lunch at Red Robin with Ian's bestest Patrick.

Ian wasn't to into carving his own pumpkin~his design was a little complicated so Dad helped him out.
Marlee being the creative one took her design to the next level.

Doug finishing up Ian's pumpkin

PT chose one that was way to complicated

Cute Anna did her own thing

Pumpkin guts=roasted pumpkin seeds

I boiled them first this time for 10 mins then roasted them in olive oil and sea salt. They were so tasty!
Ian's finished pumpkin thanks to Doug

My heart is full...

2010-10-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

It seems lately that some really amazing people in our life have passed away unexpectedly. Terry Morrison was a very kind and giving man who served his family and friends with all his heart, might, mind and strength. His son Tanner who is 13 had just finished taking his hunters safety course so they decided to go hunting over in Prineville, Oregon (Central OR). They got over there, set up camp, Terry with his youngest son Tanner and Devin an older son was with them also. Terry ended up having a massive heart attack. They jumped in the car to Prineville but he was not able to make it. He passed away on their way there. He told Tanner, "Whatever happens it will be ok and you will be ok". He was in pain and dying and yet he was still more worried about others. He passed into the Spirit World Thursday night~October 7th, 2010.

Terry was special to me because he set me apart as a missionary. I will never forget that day for as long as I live. It is a very special thing to be set apart and have the mantel of a missionary placed upon me. Terry promised me that if I served and gave everything I had to my mission , my experience would be meaningful and teach me lifelong lessons. I did just that and followed his wise and encouraging words. Next to being a Wife and a Mother there is nothing more important in my life that I have accomplished thus far as being a Missionary. I will be forever grateful to President Morrison. He was a wonderful Father to 10 children (amazing kids too), Grandfather and Husband. He genuinely cared about others and served tirelessly in his Church callings.

His funeral was amazing. His wife Debbi is a Rock and stood Sunday in our Ward Sacrament Meeting hugging and comforting others. She is a wonderful Mother to her 10 children (she birthed them all~wow). An amazing Grandmother too. There were over 1000 people gathered in attendance at our Stake Center today. When I went into the viewing the entire Morrison family was there. All 14 grandchildren were playing around on the floor or with each other and some of them were gathered up at the open casket. One of their grandsons said to his cousin Paige who is in my Primary class, "I haven't ever seen Grandpa wear this tie before it must be new". Paige then said, "well, I saw him wear it last night so I know it's not his first time wearing it". Paiges cousin continued then to pat his Grandpa's cheek, hold his hands and talk to him. It took me back at first that they were touching him so much. Then instantly I was overwhelmed ~ how wonderful to be so comfortable with death. It is the one sure thing in this life. We will all pass on into the next life. This life is but a short time and we have so very much to do. So many things to learn and so much service that we need to give.

I was uplifted and reminded of how truly blessed we are to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. For me personally, I would not be who I am today without it. My Young Women leaders let me lean on them during tough times of abuse and my parents divorcing three times. The Gospel gave me the Iron Rod to hold fast to, the teachings of the Church gave me the stability and security that I wasn't getting at home. Life is not easy, but with the Gospel knowledge it is worth it. I am indeed grateful to know the truth. To have the blessings of the Priesthood in my home. To be guided by the Spirit. To have the scriptures available to me everyday whenever I need or want them. To be able to listen and learn from a true Prophet of God. The list goes on and on. Gratitude is indeed what I feel today~Gratitude to my Father in Heaven.

Marlee got a package in the mail today...

2010-10-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that my baby girl is going to be 11 years old in a couple of weeks. She loves to get packages and letters in the mail and so she was truly excited when Grandpa and Grandma Bowling's package arrived. I always let Marlee and Ian open the packages right away. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for always sending fun stuff.

Fall is simply wonderful

2010-10-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year...when the leaves change color and start to fall. There is a crispness to the air but the days are still sunny. The kids pick fresh apples from the orchard out back and the crockpot is back to fulltime use.

Today I attempted my first homemade cookies with real pumpkin. Oh, they were so yummy and much healthier than the average chocolate chip cookie mind you!!!

Our Principal get's a Mohawk

2010-10-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Every year our school does a "Spirit Fund" Fundraiser. We ask all of the parent's up front for a one time cash donation. We then promise them that we will not ask them for any other funds and we promise to not do any other fundraisers (except a 5th grade outdoor school one). We have been the only school in the Salem Keizer School District to successfully do this. It's so nice not having to sell things and the school's only get 50% if their lucky. This way we get 100% of the donation. This year we raised just over $20,000.00 which helps our kids do a lot of activities during the year. Our new PTA President decided to ask our Principal to get mohawks if we met our goal. Here are the results.

Our Principal Mr. Wittman and Mr. Stonebrink (5th grd.)

Shaving our Music Teachers head~Mr. Nowickas

Three Mohawks!!!

I don't exactly agree with the kid's reward being mohawks. Getting pleasure out of seeing others be degraded. Call me old fashion.

Best Buds for LIFE!!!

2010-10-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Ian and Patrick have been Best Buddies since the first day they met in Kindergarten.

They are inseperable.

Soccer Time...Starring "Captain Big Foot"

2010-09-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ian's team mates gave him the nick name "Captain Big Foot" as he kicks the ball so hard.

We are starting to think he will be a cross country runner or do track in High School. He loves to run and it seems like our team tends to tire out the other rather quickly.

Taken the ball down the field
Showing off some fancy foot work

Catchin some air

Head Shot

He won't let anyone take the ball from him

Power Kick!

Decorating for the Seasons Begins

2010-09-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

I love my Halloween Decorations

Welcome Fall

Love Pumpkins~Orange is our family color after all

BEFORE

AFTER

My Nakiah...I will miss you.

2010-09-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

One of my precious little daycare kiddo's left my care today. She was returned to her Mother and Father. My prayers go with this sweet little angel girl. She has already in her young life of 2 years been through so much. When I received her she had just been placed with her wonderful Grandmother who I adore. She was malnurished and woke up in the middle of naps with night terrors. When she left my care she was healthy and happy. I will miss my sweet little Nakiah and hearing her call me "Meem".

Her eye's are so telling!

A little bit of fun

2010-09-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

Goodies to have fun and play with. I need to clean my scrapbooking room out!

Please check your pockets...

2010-09-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you can make it out or not but on my washing machine I have lime green vinyl lettering that cleary says "CHECK YOU POCKETS". It would make my life a whole lot easier if my family would just do this. lol

This is just a sample of what was in Marlee's two front pockets. This girl has many ideas about what is treasure versus trash.

Hair whohoo~$1.00~Homemade flower clip(Jessica recognize it?)~Ring~Change~Purple Paper~Baskin Robin sample spoon (really?)~Twig~Yarn~Butterfly bobby pin~Indian Corn Kernels~Rubber Washer

Sweet Kelsie...

2010-09-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

We just love our cat. She has such personality. She is such a people person too. She waits in the front living room window while were gone so that she is there to great us as soon as we walk in the front door. Just had to throw in a couple of pics of her.

She always turns away from me whenever I try to take a picture of her.

Girl Scouts

2010-09-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

Marlee has acheived many badges and awards in Girl Scouts. This night we celebrated by having homemade rootbeer floats. The girls "brewed" the homemade root beer all summer and we loved it. It really was better than Mug or any of the other name brands. She was excited to actually get the badges she's been working on. A few of them included:

Photography (I taught those classes to the girls)

Scrapbooking (again...I helped out with this)

Camping

Compass usage

Cookie Sales

Service given to book refurbishing charity's

My Funky Chenile Hanging Plant...I love this thing!

2010-09-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Doug, the kids and I all love to frequent our local Saturday Market. You can find all kinds of fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, plants etc. I love supporting our local economy and everything is organic and inexpensive. There is one lady there who always has the best plants every year. I have purchased many of my hearty hibiscus plants from her along with super huge lilly's and other varieties. This year she had an amazing Chenile hanging plant. I have never seen anything like it and they are so soft...thus their name.

First Day of School

2010-09-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

Marlee's first day of Fifth Grade and Ian's frist day of Third Grade!

Hard to believe that Marlee is starting her last year at Harritt Elementary. She attended Preschool there as well so this is her 7th year of walking to and from Harritt everyday. Needless to say it's "home away from home". Marlee made a comment to me as we were walking there this morning that she has always felt safe at Harritt. In these crazy times that makes me feel really good as a Mom. We are blessed to have moved into a home that is so close to their school.

The Traditional School Pictures

Ian ~ Senora Elaine Luna

Marlee ~ Ms. Emily Cunningham

Dad made it home in time to walk them home from school since he can't be there in the am.

Father's Blessings

2010-09-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful that I married such a wonderful man. One who holds the priesthood and has the ability to bless his family. Every year Marlee and Ian are given "Father's Blessings" the night before the first day of school. He blesses them with the ability to learn, to have a keen mind, to make good choices, to follow instructions, to be kind to others, to be a good friend and to learn their second language ~ as they study in Spanish. The spirit is always so strong and I am so blessed to have married such a wonderful man who is an amazing Father and Husband.

"Back to School Survival Kits" for our Teachers

2010-09-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows I love to scrapbook. These days I rarely find the time to get anything accomplished. But when Marlee and I were scanning some cute idea blogs the other day we saw this idea and had to copy it.

What great teacher doesn't deserve a "Back to School Survival Kit"? We put all kinds of goodies in these little buckets. Silly me, I forgot to take a picture of the finished product because we put cute paper around it and ribbon and decorated the lids with mini chalkboards. I will have to see if I can snag a picture if they are still on the teachers desks.

A few of the items included:

Gum
Chapstick
Altoid Mints
Kleenix
Dove Chocolates
Ferrer Roche
Hand Lotion
Hand Sanitizer
Tic Tacs
Finger Nail Files
Gift Cert. $5.00 Jamba Juice/Starbucks
Popcorn (single serving bags)
Advil (sample sizes)
Tylenol (sample sizes)

Canning time...

2010-09-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

It's been about 5 years since I have canned anything. This is mostly because the last time I canned I was doing pears and I dropped a jar back into the waterbath which then broke the jar and water came exploding out and gave me second degree burns all over my right hand and wrist. I had quickly ran my hand under the cold running water and watched the skin run down the drain. It wasn't pleasant at all and if you've ever had a really bad burn you know it's not nice.

Some Relief Society Sisters arranged for us to get pears from the Church Pear Orchards down in Medford at a great price. Since I love home canned fruits and veggies, I decided it was time to get over my fear. I decided if my Mom assisted me all would be well. Of course it was and my Mom has a way of cutting fruit perfectly so not only does it taste delicious, it looks gorgeous too! Thanks Mom.

Here are my pears~I canned about 36 quarts. I also did about 8 quarts of peaches and need to finish those up.

Who will be my Teacher this year???

2010-09-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Ian looking at the classroom lists ~ he has Senora Luna again. She was his second grade teacher and we adore her. Ian truly loves her!

Marlee was sad and teary eyed. She was assigned Senora Gonzalez but we actually switched things around and now she is in Ms. Cunninghams class who she adores and who she really wanted as her fifth grade teacher. So nice that both my kiddo's love their teachers. It makes all the difference in my opinion.

Canyon View Horse Camp 2010

2010-08-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Marlee went to her first horse camp last year with her best friend Alice. They went for 3 nights and four days and had a blast. So this summer they wanted to attend the longer camp. They were gone for 5 nights this time. It felt like a month but maybe that's just because I am Mom. They do have what is called "bunk mail" so we could write emails to them but they couldn't respond. It was fun though to know that she was able to hear from us everyday via emails.

It's a Christian Camp

Couldn't resist how cute Ian looks
Miss Alice with her Horse Rohan
Marlee with Jazz
Beautiful Buckskin
Showing us some drills
Love how content and happy Marlee looks
Taking care of Jazz
This girl loves horses
Alice and Marlee...BFF's Forever

Alyssa...Marlee's Counselor last year and this year

Not Your Ordinary Matching Hoodies

2010-08-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ian and Patrick are the best of friends. They do everything together and enjoy every minute of it. When back to school shopping Ian picked out this hoodie. Of course when Patrick was shopping with his Mom Susan he picked out the same hoodie just in a different color. Gotta love it.

The hoods zip all the way up

Two Sharks...ahhhh

This summer their noses have been to the books...

2010-08-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Marlee and Ian have been reading like crazy this summer! So cool. I love that they are enjoying reading. We do the summer reading program every year but this year they have done even more reading then last year. Ian loves anything and everything Star Wars, but lately it's all the Magic Tree House Series. The main character in the books is Jack and he happens to be 8 yrs old like Ian. Pretty cute!!! Marlee is into the My Weird School Daze Series. They are pretty humorous. I remember being their age and loving books as well. It's something both my Mom and Dad passed onto me. It's great to pick up more books this summer myself and remember that I have a deep love for reading.

Hiding under Ian's Loft bed after bedtime

So cute!!!

How we spend our Independence Day

2010-08-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

Last 4 years we have spent the 4th of July with our second family-Kristina, Lindzee, Helga and George. We have a BBQ and chill out playing the Wii, being outside or playing skipbo. Once it starts to get dark it's time for Doug to tune into his inner Pyromaniac. ;)

We have the cutest kids.

Plenty of fireworks Ian, Marlee and Lindzee
Did you know he's a Pyro??? lol

I love how much they LOVE each other!

Slip~n~Slide Time

2010-08-15T15:10:00.001-07:00

Marlee and Ian along with all of the daycare kiddo's have thoroughly enjoyed the slip~n~slides this summer.

Sad this triple racer ripped recently.

Marlee and Ian Racing

Chillin Out After a Full Afternoon

Camp Invention

2010-08-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Marlee and Ian both went to Camp Invention this year. Ian has gone in years past and Marlee wasn't thrilled about going. I was hoping they would have a good time. This year because of the Bond passing many schools were closing their doors completely until September. Camp Invention is usually held at Brush College Elementary which is where I went to school. This year though it was held at Harritt which happens to bed my kiddo's school. So it was great and they didn't just have a good time, they had a GREAT time!!!

Ian with his Jet pack 3000

His Avatar

Marlee's Game she created
The Fizzy BobbleIan is on the left Mar is on the Right

Where does time go???

2010-08-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

I love blogs! I read them every morning...it's part of my routine. Some people read the paper in the mornings...I read my blogs. So I am hoping to get back to blogging on a regular basis.

We have had a busy summer.

We moved back to our first home in May. We are finally settling in, hanging pictures back up on the wall and unpacking the last of the boxes. It's been a process!!! It's been great to have the love and support of our family and friends through this process.

At the end of July we went down to California where almost all of Doug's family lives. Bob and EmmaLee are still in Boston for one more year so we missed seeing them. But we were able to spend time with and see everyone else. I will do a separate post with pics about that.

Most of our summer days have been filled with slip n slide time, homemade snow cones, swimming lessons, popsicles, skyping with pen pals, piano and cello lessons, horse camp, invention camp, our local library summer reading program, walking around the Saturday market, picking blackberries in the back field, sitting in the hammock under the tree's, eating ice cream, watching meteor showers and above all enjoying each other's company. Simple summer pleasures that are coming to an end.

Doug is in charge of power camp which is for incoming 6th graders. That starts tomorrow and it's hard to believe he is going back so soon. I wish we had more time for him to be off. I love having him home with me during the summer. He is my summer assistant and I will miss him!!! Speaking of Doug we just celebrated his 37th birthday yesterday. He has caught up to me for a couple of months. :) Unfortunately I have been battling a tummy bug all week and on Wednesday I knew I was getting a sinus/head cold. So he took the kids yesterday to see "How to train your dragon". It was at our $3.00 movie theatre "Northern Lights" and they wanted to see it before it leaves for good. They loved it. We had some yummy strawberry cake from Konditorei and Doug opened his presents.

Ok, so now it's time to post some photos and video clips. Here's to being a better blogger. ;)

Today, a new door opens...

2010-06-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~ Helen Keller

So today is a new day...it happens to be the first day of June. We are officially out of the other house and technically it is no longer ours. It's a day filled with mixed emotion for me. We lived there for 3 years. Our kiddo's did a lot of changing and growing up during that time. Doug really misses the house. I am definitely feeling more at home back here in our first home which coincidentally is just down the street six houses. We are closer to our Elementary school that our kids and daycare kids attend. We also remodeled the kitchen and the house is looking beautiful inside. Of course it's still lacking the touches of pictures and decor to make it really feel like home but we are still busy unpacking boxes. It feels "right"to be back here and I have a sense of peace within me that I haven't felt for a couple of years.

In my life I have been given the chance on numerous occasions to learn great lessons. This has been a "huge" lesson for me. I'm OK with that though because I hope it is helping me grow and become more of the person I know my Heavenly Father wants me to be. I feel so blessed to have a roof over my head, a great husband and two wonderful children. Life is full of highs and lows, I am grateful to be coming out of a long low period. As the quote from Helen Keller above states~ I am going to stop looking at the "closed door". Today is a new beginning...a new door of happiness has opened in front of me and I am choosing to walk towards it.

HOPE..this is what I hold on to! Enjoy!!!

2010-03-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Life...

2010-03-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end...

Life is about knowing,

having to change,

taking the moment and making the best of it,

without knowing what's going to happen next.

Delicious ambiguity...

Gilda Radner

For fun...

2010-01-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever.....

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been to Key West, FL
4. Vacationed in Hawaii~One of my favorite places now
5. Watched a meteor shower~in Gridley is was so amazing
6. Given more than you can afford to charity~MS Walk-5 yrs as the chair for Salem
7. Been to Disneyland/Disney World (both for me)
8. Climbed a mountain~back in the days of Ricks College
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo or played a solo~does a piano recital count?
11. Bungee jumped - not in this lifetime
12. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea~while on a cruise
14. Gone rollerskating~Salem Skate Palace Baby
15. Adopted a child
16. Gambled in Vegas~don't care to ever do that again
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty~one day
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France~the Louve was closed the day I was in Paris
20. Slept on an overnight train~headed to SLC, UT when I was 9 or 10
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb~helped one be born on New Years Morning at the Pinkerton's
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Worked at a Cannery or Welfare Farm
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Played an instrument~Flute
32. Been on a cruise~a eastern Caribean
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community~can't wait to
36. Taught yourself a new language~with the help of the MTC Tagalog (Philippines)
37. Acted in a play or performed on stage~I was the green beans at Brush College in our big food train play
38. Been to Italy~went to Europe in 1990 I was 17yrs old
39. Gone river rafting~the Metolious
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David~again the Louve was closed the day I was in Paris
41. Sung karaoke~in the Philippines
42. Seen ‘Old Faithful’ geyser erupt~as a child and again in August of 2008
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant~McDonalds
44. Water Skied~tried to anyway haha
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted~in San Francisco
48. Gone deep sea fishing~the day before I married Doug
49. Been to Japan
50. Rode a horse~my Grandpa and I had a horse-"Salsa" a wild mustang off the range near Bend, Oregon
51. Gone snorkeling~Bahamas, Cozumel,Playa del Carmen,Grand Cayman,Hawaii,Blue Lake Nevada
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Sailed a boat
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Surfed
57. Started a business
58. Visited the Great Wall of China
59. Lived in a foreign country~the Philippines
60. Delivered Meals on Wheels or Served at a Soup Kitchen
61. Snow Mobile or Snow Skied~Skied all the time when I was younger
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Gone Ice Skating~Doug proposed to me while we were ice skating at Utah Lake
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar~gross to!
72. Knit, Crocheted, Sewn, Quilted
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone~collar bone 3 times,my ankle and my wrist
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle~my brothers Kawasaki Ninja 1000 R ~ sweet ride!!! That was when he was in the Marine corp during the "top gun" era.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car~twice
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper or been on TV
86. Visited the White House
87. Been stung by a bee~and now allergic to them
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Had to put someone you love in Hospice Care
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Eaten suishi~does a california roll count?
99. Won the Lottery~I worked for the OR Lottery for 2 years
100. Read an entire book in one day

Copy, paste, and bold what you have done!

Going to make my blog private...

2009-12-01T09:58:00.000-08:00

Send me an email address if you would like to be on my blog list. I have had many friends recently have pedifiles commenting on their childrens pictures and I do not want that to happen to me. So again, shoot me a comment and let me know you would like to be on the list. Thanks ;)

What are you Thankful for ???

2009-11-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

A Check Up On ...

2009-11-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

My Fall "To Do" List
~Decorate for Fall ~ Check
~Make homemade Applesauce ~ Not going to happen
~Go to the Pumpkin Patch twice ~ We went three times
~Finish Marlee & Ians School Scrapbooks ~Still in progress
~Can Pears ~Not happening, didn't buy any~next year
~Plan dinner for the week each Sunday ~does 50% count?
~Make a Nature Table ~Lost the inspiration to do this one
~Order Bowling Reunion Photos ~ was waiting for photographer to touch up~they are now ready to order
~Find a Good Home for the Hamster ~ Hamster died while we were gone one weekend
~Put Pictures in empty frames ~ In progress
~Finish putting together Scrap Studio in the Garage ~so excited to finish this
~Finish Quilts~Not even in progress
~Bead 6 necklace, bracelet sets~sadly, this to is not in progress
~Fix black bookcases in living room~this requires money
~Catch up on my Blog~attempting to
~Organize My Closet ~Half way there
~Finish Family Scrap projects for Christmas~not yet, hopefully I will find everything next week
~Make Pumpkin Bread ~it was so yummie
~Take a walk with the family 3 times a week ~lol, nice thought that was
~Take a weekend trip to Crater Lake ~not yet-probably in the spring
~Go to a West High Football Game ~we heard the band from our house does that count? lol
~Collect Leafs on a Family walk and make tracings with them ~nope
~Pick Apples~I wish we had because then I would have made applesauce
~Change the background on my blog~Check
~Complete my Jillian Michaels~30 Day Shred ~heck no~I think I have gained~sad!!!
~Have a Garage Sale ~ took it all to goodwill instead
~Make Choco Chip Muffins Pumpkin ~they were excellent
~Take a weekend trip to Gold Beach ~again, this requires money
~Make Pizza Dough from Scratch ~nope
~Organize Toy Closet~Half way there
~Organize Art Closet ~check

Happy Halloween..Thanks Mom B.

2009-10-12T09:41:00.001-07:00

My Mother in-law is a Fabulous Woman. She is an amazing Mother of 6 amazing kids. She is a spiritual giant and a fun Grandma. She is an amazing Gardner and Artist to boot. One of the things I love about her the most is her willingness and ability to keep up with the times and do fun things. This morning when I opened my email this is what I found. Marlee, Ian,my Mom and I all sat laughing our heads off. What a great way to start the week. Thanks Mom B. for being the wonderful person you are. I am so lucky to have such a great Mother in-law. I love you!!!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

I Love this Time of Year...

2009-09-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

A Few Items on My Fall "To Do" List

~Decorate for Fall

~Make homemade Applesauce

~Go to the Pumpkin Patch twice

~Finish Marlee & Ians School Scrapbooks

~Can Pears

~Plan dinner for the week each Sunday

~Make a Nature Table

~Order Bowling Reunion Photos

~Find a Good Home for the Hamster

~Put Pictures in empty frames

~Finish putting together Scrap Studio in the Garage

~Finish Quilts

~Bead 6 necklace, bracelet sets

~Fix black bookcases in living room

~Catch up on my Blog

~Organize My Closet

~Finish Family Scrap projects for Christmas

~Make Pumpkin Bread

~Take a walk with the family 3 times a week

~Take a weekend trip to Crater Lake

~Go to a West High Football Game

~Collect Leafs on a Family walk and make tracings with them

~Pick Apples

~Change the background on my blog

~Complete my Jillian Michaels~30 Day Shred

~Have a Garage Sale

~Make Choco Chip Muffins Pumpkin

~Take a weekend trip to Gold Beach

~Make Pizza Dough from Scratch

~Organize Toy Closet

~Organize Art Closet

My life is filled with "good intentions"

2009-09-23T09:39:00.001-07:00

Why is it whenever I try to set goals to be a better blogger or keep my house more tidy I feel like I fail? It seems when I think of my life lately it feels like I am full of good intentions but I always fall short. I suppose I shouldn't be so hard on myself but dang, I wish I had more energy at the end of each day to accomplish a ton of things I can't get to while watching 16 kids.

Kids are back in school
Daycare is in full swing which includes me dropping off at 6 schools daily (multiple times a day mind you) I feel like a bus driver!
Laundry is beginning to pile up(although we finally taught the kids to sort their clothes by colors)
Ian is back in Soccer which means every Saturday there is a game
Marlee has started Orchestra and chose to play the Cello
Marlee also started Choir but the jury is still out - she isn't terribly thrilled with Choir
Doug is back in school teaching (I miss him being home with me like he is in the summer)
PTA is keeping me very busy~I do fundraising and I do the yearbook (I love it though)
The Missionaries have been frequenting our house lately for dinner-they are sweet sisters

The list doesn't even seem that overwhelming on paper but trust me-16 kids in my house on a daily basis makes all of it seem overwhelming at times. I love my daycare kiddo's but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I look forward to the day when I don't have to do it anymore and I can focus on just being Marlee and Ian's Mom!

Here's to crossing my fingers that I get the first day of school photos posted today! :)

Back to Blogging

2009-09-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

It seems as though I have dropped off the face of the planet when it comes to blogging. It has been one fun filled busy summer. I am hoping this weekend to catch up on some cleaning and blogging. I hope you have all had a wonderful summer. Here's to a productive weekend and many blog posts.

Hugs :)
Charmayne

First Day of 2nd & 4th Grade

2009-09-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe how fast the kid's are growing up. It seems like just yesterday when Marlee was helping me paint her a "Big Sister" T-shirt and making a "Lil' Brother" onesie. I was ready to pop. I am so very grateful that my Father in Heaven blessed me with a beautiful, loving, kind and caring, thoughtful sweet girl. If that wasn't enough he then gave me my little man~who's fun, kind, makes me laugh and very loving. I wish I could keep them home with me forever. Since I can't I take lots of pictures. Now I need to make the time to scrapbook them. :)

My Little Man ~ 7 Yrs Old

My Baby Girl ~ 9 Yrs Old
Love how much they still love each other!
Traditional Picture~Their Getting SO BIG
Ian is in B~Pod with Senora Luna
Peace Out~He has his lower lip out not wanting me to go~aww...

Marlee is in the M~Pod (modular bld's) with Senora Perez
Marlee at her desk~no good buddies in her class this year

"CHARMAYNE-OLOGY"

2009-06-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice? Buttermilk Ranch
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Anything Seafood
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Cheerios
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushrooms and extra Cheese
What do you like to put on your toast? Butter
***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house? 3 (I like to go to sleep listening to the TV)
What color is your cell phone? Red
***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Tonsils, wisdom teeth, extra teeth, cysts, septum shaved, and two children (Marlee literally was pulled from me with forceps-she's still so stubborn too).
What was the last heavy item you lifted? Backseat to the van.
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Yes, car accident and falling to the ground from the high bar while doing a cherry drop. (broke my ankle during that fall too)
************BULLCRAPOLOGY**************
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Yes
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn't-I love that my name is unique.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?* Never-I can't even handle pepper.
************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? 15 (I don't go thru shoes at all-I have some that are ancient but still look great)
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? Warning on my way back from UT when Marlee was three, so 2003. My Mom was arguing with the cop and I told her to shutup so I wouldn't get a ticket. I never do that and so we were silent for the next 3 hours until we both apologized to each other.
Last person you talked to? Marlee
Last person you hugged? Doug
**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season? Summer - I love the warmth
Holiday? Christmas
Day of the week? Friday-last day of work and a weekend to spend together as a family.
Month? July - Usually that's vacation month since Doug is a teacher
***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone? My real Dad
Mood? a little tired but gearing up to go to the gym when Doug get's back from his massage
What are you listening to? Daycare kiddo's playing a video game with Ian
Watching? The leafs - there is a breeze outside
Worrying about? Sharing time this Sunday and our current house we are living in
***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning? Into the bathroom
What's the last movie you saw? Sunday night Doug and I watched "Taken" with Leeam Neison
Do you smile often? Yes-even with a lot of stresses, life is good! :)
Sleeping Alone Tonight? No~Doug and I both don't sleep well if one of us isn't here
***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
Do you always answer your phone? I used to but not so much anymore-it always rings when I busy doing something.
Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? Don't know because my phone is always in the car.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? I like my blue eyes.
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Only fresh lemon to my Diet coke
Do you own a digital camera? Yes-love my Canon Rebel XSi but would love the new T1i
Do you have a pet fish? No~ 2 hamsters, 1 cat and 2 turtles is enough
Favorite Christmas song(s)?Silent night and Rockin around the Christmas Tree
What's on your wish list for your birthday? A trip somewhere-I'm dreaming though!!!
Can you do push ups? Not very many.
Can you do a chin up? Ha-ya right!
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited-Life is a Journey and with all it's ups and downs I am grateful for my life.
Do you have any saved texts? From Doug and the kids
Ever been in a car wreck? Yes, 5 and only 1 was my fault
Do you have an accent? Not that I'm aware of.
What is the last song to make you cry? Listening to the Jr. Primary sing "Love is spoken here".
Plans tonight? Take Marlee to Girl Scouts then walk the River Bridge and get my Photography class homework done.
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? too many times!
Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Nothing, Nothing and Nothing
Have you ever been given roses? Yes, my Hubby used to buy them for me all the time but then I told him to stop because even though I love them they die. I'd rather have something more tangible.
Current worry? Flying to Australia-I don't fly well
Current hate right now? That I'm so overweight
Met someone who changed your life? Yes, the love of my life-Doug!
How will you bring in the New Year? With my family.
What song represents you? "Your simply the best" lol-just kidding
Name three people who might complete this? Kristina, Leah, Amber
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? Maybe-but probably not
Do you have any tattoos/piercings? Ears
Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? Certainly hope so-we've been married for over 12 years.
Would you be a pirate? No, to dirty-I have to shower everyday!!!

Ian's Spring School Concert

2009-05-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Ian's class along with the other three 1st grade classes were so cute in their performance. The songs that Mr. Nowickus had them sing were just darling. Ian has always had a love for music. So of course he sang his heart out. Gramie and Papa were there to watch him too. So here are some pictures of our cutie especially for G&G B and G. Jack.

Ready to begin-"Attention Please"!

Ian gets so into it.

Claire and Abby going to town!

Hand Motions

Smiling big for all to see!

I love that grin!!!
PT-Ian's Best Friend
Just call me "Big Mama"
Ian with Gramie and Papa

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

The kids and Doug made my day super sweet. They made me breakfast in bed but since our stove was not hooked up we simply had cereal. I love Cheerios and could eat it everyday for every meal. We went to Church where the kids were excited to grab a plant for me. They are always so excited to give me gifts and the best are the simplest ones. They gave me really sweet cards too. Doug was cute and since we are on a tight budget we both agreed to not give gifts on Mothers and Fathers day. He did give me a great card and Doug is always the best at writing me a poem-expressing how he feels. I love that I married such a romantic. Doug is such a well rounded guy! Athletic, Artsy, Romantic, Sensitive, Great Dad. Today I am grateful to be a Mother~Next to my Mission and Marrying in the Temple to Doug, being a Mom is one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Eat, Sleep, Play Soccer!!!

2009-05-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ian is a die hard soccer fan. There is nothing he would love more than to play soccer or video games all day long. Of course being his Mom I would prefer soccer. I love how focused he gets when he is playing. He has come so far this past year and I am so proud of him. Not only does he love soccer, but he loves to practice all the time. Here some pics from one of his games.

Ian as Goalie

No way will Ian let them score on his watch!
He rarely throws the ball in-he loves to kick it!
Case in point!!!

Early Mothers Day gift...

2009-05-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

I had to go run errands Saturday morning and so I told Doug how nice it would be if he weeded the front patch of garden. Well, when I returned home later in the afternoon this is what I found. Not only did he and Ian weed but they also went and bought some flowers, planted them and made me a sign.

Lindzee Lu's 4 Years Old

2009-05-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

So much was going on this day but we were excited to go spend the evening with Lindzee to celebrate her 4th birthday which wasn't until Sunday the 10th. She was born on our Anniversary. But, they were headed to Disneyland the next day so we all celebrated before she left. I can't believe she is already 4. She is a sweetie-fun and always has lots of energy. She definitely has her mothers stubbornness to boot but that will probably serve her well down the road. :) (love ya Kris) Happy Birthday my sweet Lindzee Lu~we love you.

Marlee's Class ~ Mothers Day Celebration

2009-05-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Last year when Marlee was in 2nd grade with Senor Penhollow they did this Mothers Day Celebration and it was a lot of fun. So I was excited to receive Marlee's invitation to this years Mother's Day Celebration with her 3rd grade teacher Senora Dail. I think it's so thoughtful for Marlee's teacher (who I absolutely adore) to go to all the effort. They served coffee, tea and water along with doughnuts and pastries (Marlee was sad all I wanted was water). Each child writes a poem about their Mother and then a few are chosen to read/present them in front of everyone. Marlee did it last year and this year. Of course since it is in Spanish didn't totally get it until Marlee translated it for me but just watching her read it and being so excited for me to come so she could share that with me is just so touching. After Doug and and I were married and we were trying to have a baby I would always pray that H.F. would send me a beautiful little red headed, blue eyed baby girl. Well, He granted my wish ~ Mar's hair is now more strawberry blond and although she can be a drama queen at times I am just so grateful to have such a wonderful daughter. She is the kindest, sweetest most thoughtful girl I know and I am so proud of her. She is so smart and is such a good friend to so many. She is becoming quite the young lady.

Marlee presenting to her Poem to me and the class

The really cute ring and earring holder she made me

The front of the poem!

Twin Day

2009-05-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

Marlee and Ian always look forward to Twin Day at school. Spirit week was a lot later this year than in the past, so with much anticipation we had time to plan. Marlee was twins with her BFF Alice and of course Ian and Patrick who are also BFF's were also twins. They were so cute and even though I took their pictures next to the sign they each used their own money to buy a picture from Senora Schaefer for $1.00 each. :) Too cute!!!

Marlee & Alice Best Friends Forever - notice even the bracelets match

Ian and Patrick Best Friends Forever - you can't tell but their both wearing black soccer pants

HANNAH MONTANA

2009-05-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

I took Marlee and Ian Saturday night to go see the new Hannah Montana movie. Both of my kiddo's love her and for Marlee's 8th birthday I took her to see Hannah in concert up at the Rose Garden. I didn't have any expectations for the movie. However, I was pretty surprised. I really liked it and of course the kids loved it. Kristina and Lindz met us there. They had already seen it. It was a lot of fun and great songs. I will admit it, I don't mind listening to my children's choice of music. :)

Busy~Busy~Busy

2009-05-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

I feel like this today!

Seriously, I have accomplished a lot this morning but it's all been paperwork stuff. I think I would feel more successful had I totally cleaned the house from top to bottom. Oh well, I am grateful to have some very important paperwork done!!! Now I'm off to send some emails home to OZ (Australia). My Dad is not doing well at all. Apparently, within the last couple months he has been having more strokes and his Brain is degenerating quickly. It makes me sad that he is going down hill so quickly as he hasn't even been back in Australia for a year yet.

I did have a really great visit with my Uncle Max and Aunt Bev. It was terribly short but sweet none the less. I haven't seen my Uncle Max in 27 years and it was great to meet Bev for the first time. My kiddo's loved them and all 4 of us were crying as we said goodbye at the airport. I forgot to give them my letter with new pics in it for Dad so I ended up getting a security pass and seeing them again to pass on the letter. They arrived safe and sound and we look forward to seeing them possibly next year. Well, I hope you all have a productive Monday like I am. :) Cheers!

ANTICIPATION...

2009-04-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Max and Aunt Bev are flying in tomorrow around lunch time. I haven't seen my Uncle Max in 27 years. They flew into Utah for a quick trip as they are returning in April of 2010. I am so excited to see them. I am anxious to catch up on my Dad's situation since he broke his hip and has been moved into a nursing home. Can't wait to see them, I just can't wait!!! Did I mention that my Uncle has the smoothest most velvety Australian accent you have ever heard?

Confessions of a Shopaholic!

2009-02-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

Can you relate to Rebecca Bloomwood? I sure can~My Mom gave me a book when I was 16 titled "when spending takes the place of feeling." Some people drink, some smoke ~ I have always chosen to shop or eat. Obvisously, since I have a family I can't shop like I used to nor would I really want to go back to that lifestyle. But, I can still relate to Rebecca Bloomwood! I loved this movie.
My favorite line in the movie was at the end when she said, "the best part about having a boyfriend is that he never declines her." Too cute!!!

GO SEE THIS MOVIE~IT IS SO FUNNY AND CUTE!

The Biggest Looser

2009-01-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

I love this show and am addicted to it. If only they'd choose me! :)

Above are my two favorite girls~Tara and Kristin

Swollen Glands~Enough already~Well, Move Forward Anyway!

2009-01-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

Woke up with Swollen Glands and a really sore throat this morning. Seriously I am getting tired of this. Doug is really feeling sick to. It's winter around here and all my daycare kiddo's have been sick so really, why am I surprised? Oh well,I must push forward-no downtime for Mom's right. :)

Dinner out...

2009-01-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight Kristina and I stepped away from our kiddo's to have dinner and have a good chat. We went to the Original Roadhouse which is not in the best part of town but it is so yummy. It's one of those Steakhouses where you shell your peanuts and throw em on the floor. They have great steak and fabulous sauted mushrooms. So many of you know that if I am eating steak then I am eating mushrooms. I think I will have to dedicate a blog post just to mushrooms (who doesn't love them~ok tons of people~I know people they are fungi~I know this). Anyway, we had a really nice time and stopped in at Craft Warehouse to grab Valentines supplies. Then a quick trip to Target~can you believe I made a quick trip to Target? I could wander around in that place for hours. My friend Jen always says that Target is her Disneyland and let me tell you, I think it could be mine too. It was a really nice low key night~thanks Kris I love ya sista!

Experiencing Technical Difficulties

2009-01-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to catch up on some posts today but I have misplaced my cord to download my pics off of my camera. So hopefully some searching tonight will lead me to my missing cord. I really like to include pics with my posts. I have lots of posts to publish including my scrapbooking weekend. Cross your fingers and wish me luck. :) lol

Gone Scrappin!

2009-01-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

I am checking out to go to a Scrapbook Fever crop that starts tonight at 6pm and goes until Sunday at 4:00pm. I am hoping to get a lot done but mostly have fun and enjoy being with friends.

Chow!

Welcome to the family little miss Ava...Happy Birthday to you Daddy too!

2009-01-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Well after so many long years of waiting and praying my Brother and Sister in-law Rich and Lisa have been blessed to be chosen by a birth Mom to adopt a beautiful new baby girl. So it's my pleasure as her Auntie to introduce all of my friends and family to my beautiful new niece miss Ava. She is so sweet and I am so happy for all three of them. What a little angel girl!

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 15, 2009
TIME: 12:25 AM
WEIGHT: 6 LBS. 4 OZ.
HEIGHT: 17 IN.

One Word: ME

2009-01-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

Here's what you are supposed to do...and please don't spoil the Fun!
Type in the FIRST word (only one) that comes to your mind.

1. Where is your cell phone? Car

2. Your significant other? Work

3. Your hair? Pony

4. Your mother? Cranky

5. Your father? Australia

6. Your favorite thing? Doug

7. Your dream last night? None

8. Your favorite drink? D.Coke

9 . Your dream/goal? Forever

10. What Room are you in? Dining

11. Your hobby? Scrapbooking

12. Your fear? Heights

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Thriving

14. Where were you last night? Home

15. Something that you aren't? Timely

16. Muffins? Poppyseed

17. Wish list item? Couch

18. Where you grew up? W.Salem

19. Last thing you did? Dishes

20. What are you wearing? Velour

22. Your pets? Sweet

23. Friends? Lucky

24. Your life? Blessed

25. Your mood? Tired

26. Missing someone? Yes

27. Your car? Dirty

28. Something you're not wearing? Socks

29. Your favorite store? Target

32. Your favorite color? Green

33. When is the last time you laughed? Today

34. Last time you cried? Wednesday

35. Who will read this? Someone

36. ONE place that I go to over and over again? School

37. ONE person who emails me regularly: Advertisers

39. ONE place I would like to go right now : Cruise

So that is ME today!
Play the game of ONE Word~Why Not???

Back to the Grind~Calgon Take me away!

2009-01-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday I was sleeping in till 9:30am waking up, rolling over to look at the waves crashing against the rocks just outside our bedroom window. It was such a nice weekend. It was drizzly when we left but the whole weekend it didn't rain at all and the temperature was great. I wish everyday could be like this past weekend. Maybe I'll win the Lottery! Of course you have to play to be able to win and I don't play. Go figure!

Tis the Flu Season

2009-01-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Why is it no matter what I do to prevent sickness it always ends up happening anyway? Well, I know the answer-I have 14 kids running around half of them with green noses and the other half are coughing up a storm. Ah...such is the life of a Daycare provider!

Make your own fun

2009-01-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

Marlee and Ian were so cute when they woke up in Depoe Bay Friday morning. Doug and I were so tired so we were laying in bed. The master bedroom we were in had a door leading to our bathroom and then a door from the bathroom out into the hallway close to their bedroom. So they put on their swimsuits and wetted down their hair. They put blankets around their shoulders as capes and flew through the house. They were so cute plus they put on their goggles too. I was pretty upset that my camera had been left at home even though it was in the pile to be packed in the car. Then when they were being all too quiet I spyed on them and found that they were jumping on their beds. The minute they saw me they stopped and plopped down and had the "Oh no look" on their faces, but it was pretty cute. They continued to dance and sing the morning away before Doug took them swimming in the pool. They had a blast making their own fun.

Back to School~I missed you Marlee & Ian!

2009-01-05T23:36:00.000-08:00

After 3 weeks off for "Winter Vacation" I was really sad today. I missed having my sweet kiddo's around. They are such helpers and so fun to be with. I know how important school is and I would never be a good in- home schooler but sometimes I wish I was so I could have them with me all the time. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful kids that love me as much as I love them. I thank my lucky stars.

Ahh...Finally Church at 10:30 am

2009-01-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

Last year was so hard going to church at 12:30pm. I really dislike this time frame. I am so happy that we now will be meeting at 10:30am. YEAH!!!

No kids their still at sleepovers-the house is very quiet

2009-01-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

It's strange when the kids are gone. The house is so still and quiet. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy it being that way but yet when they are at sleepovers Doug and I always open their bedroom doors and it's weird to see empty beds. It's especially this way when both of them are gone at the same time. So it's time to get a few things accomplished before we have to go pick them up. :)

A New Year~A Fresh Start~A New Word for the Year

2009-01-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

BALANCE

Do It ~ Done It

2008-11-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

Put the items you've done in bold. I've italicized things I want to do.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France-so the Louvre was closed the day I was in Paris!
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb-watched it being born on New Years Day at the Pinkertons House
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice-did everything in Venice but ride a gondola(the water stinks way to bad)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise-two and I loved them
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language-well, I learned Tagalog at the MTC but I'm counting it!
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied~at times
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke~I cheered Doug on while he sang "The Heart of Rockin Roll"-by Huey Lewis ~ while we were on a Cruise for his Birthday 5 years ago.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant-well, I bought McDonalds for homeless gentlemen
44. Visited Africa-I want to so bad
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris~ok, so it was stage 2-one down from the top
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies ~ It was Campfire Girls' mints and peanuts
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar~Sick, I hated it
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been Fired from a Job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating~Watched then kill and prepare a dog and pig for eating in the Philippines-stood and took pics the whole time.
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Report from the Neurologist~Good News

2008-10-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

So happy to report that Dr. Loganbill gave Doug great news today. His MS hasn't changed at all~no new lesions at all. That means that his Rebiff shots are working and doing their job. We don't want his MS to progress at all so that is simply fabulous news. YEAH DOUGIE!!!

My only Pics

2008-09-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

All of us ladies went to Kylo's for dinner Saturday night and we had a blast. It was so funny because half of the ladies had drinks and us Mormons of course did not. However, from the outside looking in lots of people were thinking we were all drinking. Who needs drinks to loosen you up so you can have a good time? Us Mormon girls don't ~ we have good clean fun and laugh our heads off. It was a fun evening and something my heart needed to not feel so sad. Thanks ladies can't wait for our spring trip.

Off to the beach with a heavy heart ~ Bella Beach Cottages

2008-09-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I was going to head over to Bella Beach for the bi-annual girls trip last night. However, today was Great Grandma Helen's Funeral so I am heading over later this afternoon. It is with a heavy heart that I will be going. Even though I haven't been diligent in visiting Grandma I am going to miss her. She was such a great lady and had such a wonderful outlook on life. I will never forget her.

Back to School ~ Third Grade

2008-09-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that my baby is starting third grade. Eight years old and next month she will be Nine. I say it all the time but really, where does time go. I love my girl so much. She is so compassionate to others and is kind and thoughtful. She really goes out of her way to make others happy. I am so proud of the girl that is slowly starting to turn into a young lady. Before I know it she'll be 16~yikes!

Marlee and Ian in front of the house~tradition!
As always~the sweet big sister and protector~walking being her little brother.
Another tradition~The School Reader Board.
Dropping Ian off first of course!
Marlee's teacher Senorita Naomi Kulog (soon to become Senora Dail in December).

The Three Musketeers that can't seem to all get along when their together-they have been together since they were 3 1/2 years old.

Marlee and her friend Meije (Mya) - they are in girl scouts together.

Marlee and her best Boy "Friend" not boyfriend! Sid-he's such a great kid! Desk mates too.

Marlee getting to work on her star project. She is my little star.

First Day Day of First Grade...Ian

2008-09-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

The traditional yearly pose by the tree in front of our home.

Ian with his fabulous big sister Marlee.
Ian with his buddy Myra.
Walking down the road~my big little man.
Another traditional pose by the school sign~School year 2008-2009 (first and third grade)

Wow, I can hardly believe that Ian is entering first grade. It was hard to send him off to kindergarten everyday last school year but at least he came home at 11:30 everyday. Now he will be at school all day and I am really going to misss him. He is such a wonderful little man. So caring and thoughtful, so loving and giving. He really cares about others and their feelings. He is such a wonderful boy.

Ian at his desk in Senora Martha Ochoa's Class.
Checking out the world with one of his classmates.
Ian's best friend Patrick~YEAH they are in the same class.
Sitting down for cirlce time~I could hardly pull myself away from his class.

Some memories of my Dad this Summer

2008-08-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Dad out with the rose bushes~he has always loved to garden.

Relaxing inside in the chair~where he would sit for hours watching TV.

Outside where he would enjoy fresh air and looking at the view.

Standing in the kitchen with his gazillion bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide. How many bottles does one man need?

Sitting at the table where I would often find him reading the paper.

My Plates Came...

2008-08-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have ever gotten custom plates for my vehicle. I had to renew back in April and I really wanted "NO WORYS"~the lady at the DMV that was helping me searched and searched for all the different ways we could spell No Worries. Nothing was open. But then she said, "you know if you wait till June 4th "NO WRYZ" will expire and they have 30 days from that. If you call back on July 5th and they haven't renewed it, then it's yours." Well, I'm sure you can see from the pictures-it's mine. I know many of you probably think it's silly but I think it's fun. No Worries Mate is commonly used in Australia. No Worries...Enjoy This Life is my Blog Title~It just felt fitting for this to be my new license plate.

It's tough to let go sometimes...

2008-08-20T15:53:00.001-07:00

Knowing that Dad is moving back home to Australia is a good thing. It's also tough to know that I might not see him again. Having taken care of him for the last couple months and seeing him on a daily basis has been well, not so easy but yet we've had some great conversations about many different things. He even gave me the ultimate gift in acknowleding that he has made a lot of mistakes in his life. I think both my sisters would agree with me that that could be considered and understatement. :) Anyway, no need to dwell on the past. Long story short I think I will miss my Dad and more than anything miss the chance for a relationship that we never really had. This is life though right? I have to let go and move forward.

A Bittersweet Day

2008-08-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Today many things have happened. My Dad's Mobile home that they foreclosed on sold. Most importantly though~his VISA came through. Doug was at work doing "Power Camp" so I called him and had him stop at Dad's to tell him the news and have him come up to the house. By the time he got there I was fully balling. I am still a little surprised at how upset I felt. I told my Mom and Doug that I felt like I was planning a funeral before my Dad's even dead. Part of me is sad for the relationship that was never fully developed because of multiple divorces between my parents. Part of me is sad because I may not see him again in this life. It's crazy how many emotions are coming to play with all of this.

Ian started Soccer Camp

2008-08-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ian had fun attending soccer camp with his best buddy Patrick. Keizer Soccer League holds lots of different training events for all different ages. Most of the Coaches are College students that play College Soccer. They have been really great working witht he kids and teaching them new skills in a fun way. Ian was a bit hesitant at first but as with most things by the end of the week he was really enjoying it.

So much driving~it's nice to be home again.

2008-08-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

We drove home via the Columbia Gorge this time. Doug has never been that way ~ we always go through Bend and cut over through Burns and Vale. I used to cringe "Deadman's Pass" when I was little, but it's not as bad as I remember it.

We also stopped in the Dalles for late lunch at Cousins. It's my Mom and my Aunt's favorite place to eat. It's pretty cute, but the air conditioning was broken and it was hotter than hot. None the less we ate and stretched our legs while the kids posed for silly pics and then got back on the road.

Jimmy made us some homemade smoothies~YUMO

2008-08-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Jimmy made us some great fresh smoothies before we headed out. We really didn't want to go, but such is life. Vacation always comes to an end.

The beautiful Tetons off in the distance. I used to have to most amazing view of them every week when I was at Ricks College. Leah and I were skiing every friday at Grand Targhee. We would take the ski lift to the summit and as we would ski down around to the back of Targhee the Tetons would be smack in our face. It was amazing.

We didn't want to come home yet~stopped in Rexburg my old stopping grounds my first year of College

2008-08-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

We took pictures in Rexburg of the newer Temple there-it was beautiful and just up the street from my old dorm #6.
We weren't ready to be on our way home. But we had to work on Monday and we decided to stop in Boise to make the trip a bit easier on the kids.

We stayed in Boise and the kids had a blast swimming with Dad.

Rafting & Tubing down the Snake River in Idaho

2008-08-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

I have only been tube rafting once down the Metolious River in Eastern Oregon. So I was a bit nervous to go rafting down the Snake River with our kids. However, I trusted the Crabtree's and I am so glad I did. It was seriously the most fun I had the whole trip. Don't get me wrong-the whole trip was great and as always we love traveling and spending time with the Crabtree's. But for me rafting down the Snake was the best. Enjoy the pic's.
Marlee & Ashleigh in their tubes ready to go-we tied them together.
Rhonda, Katie, James, Ian and me~can you tell Ian is crying? He stopped after about 5 mins.
So beautiful~so quiet~so scenic~SO FUN!!!
Me & Ian-the rapids scared him so I held him half the time-then he realized he was safe & loved it. Ian and I really wanted to go again but it was getting to late. Next time~ :)
Rhonda, Katie and James-Rhonda was our Captain~steered us down the middle of the river.
Doesn't she look great! Here is Rhonda, a mother of 3 and pregnant with her 4th-she amazes me
Ashleigh and Marlee~they got way behind us so we ended up tieing them to our raft for safety.
Doug floating down behind us on his tube.
All the kiddo's at the Bill's Island Cabin-it was beautiful. L to R= James, Ashleigh, Marlee, Katie, Owen and Ian.
Jimmy and Caroline with Rhonda and Chris~Thanks guys, we had a blast!

Doug's Birthday~Happy 35!

2008-08-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

Doug is 35 today! Once again he has caught up to me for just a couple of months. :) I always remind him of that. (lol) He loves being married to an "older woman". We had a fun filled day and Doug got to see the fountain pots, the mud volcano and so much more which definitely made him happy.

We even got to see a female Moose behind our cabin when we came home from Yellowstone.

Swimming at Firehole~Stuck in a heard of Bison~Hunting for Bears

2008-08-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun swimming at Firehole on Doug's birthday. We went hunting for Grizzlies but didn't find any and we were stuck in a huge heard of Buffalo for 2 hours. Crazy, fun times.

First Smores made

2008-08-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Does it make me a bad mom that my kids have never experienced smores before? I am just not a camper and when I do go camping it's to girls camp where of course we eat smores every night. I love smores and it was sad to realize that my kids had never had any. So I showed them how to do it. They had a good time doing it.
Recipe for a perfect smore:

Take 2 graham crackers

Place 3 piece of Hershey's chocolate squares on the g.crackers

Stab two Kraft (no generic please) Marshmallows on a roasting stick

***Now here is the most important part~you must roast them until they are golden brown-if you catch them on fire you might as well just throw them away-why people like to torch theirs is beyond me and I think people are just to lazy to wait for perfection.***

Now place your perfectly roasted golden brown mallows in between your graham crackers.

Carefully take your first bite-you don't want to lose any pieces. Mmmmmmmm ~that's good!!!

Into Yellowstone We Go

2008-08-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Our first day in Yellowstone was a blast! We had so much fun. There is so much to see and do there. We definitely were not able to see all that we wanted to. One day we'll go back.
Fountain Pots
Marlee & Ian at the Fountain Pots
The Boys
Marlee, Ian, Katie and Ashleigh ~ James was asleep in his stroller
Marlee checkin out the beautiful pots
Doug~loving everything about Yellowstone~My Science Guy!!!
Ian~very tired and not wanting to walk anyfarther
Nothing like a piggy back ride.
Super great friends for their entire life

Marlee & Ian caught their first fish at the Crabtree Cabin Pond

2008-08-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Marlee caught her first fish~you go girl!
She did not want to touch it let alone hold it~but, she did it and we were proud!
Ian fishing away.

Oh...Oh...Oh...FISH ON!!! First fish Ian has ever caught.

Yeah Ian-he wouldn't hold it even though his big sister did. LOL

Ian was pretty tired and wanting the comforts of the nice Cabin we were staying in. Funny kid.
Doug doing what he loves most.

We spent time at the Crabtree Cabin-it's beautiful there. There is a little pond with lil' spotted frogs by the hundreds. They stock the pond with trout as well and there is a little creek on the other side. All the kids had fun fishing, kayaking, hunting for frogs, exploring down by the creek and canoeing. It is so beautiful there-quiet and peaceful. It feels like you left the world behind.

Leopard frogs by the hundreds.
Ian holding a little froggy.
Marlee, Katie and Ashleigh were finding them everywhere.
The Frog Catcher Clan.
Marlee and Ian had fun and loved the Crabtree's sharing their family cabin experiences with us.

Visiting Old Family Friends

2008-08-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

On our way to Yellowstone Natl. Park we stopped in Ashton, ID to visit my Parents best friends Gene and Sharon Berger. They used to live behind us once upon a time when we lived on Westwind. Sharon was my piano teacher and they were in our Ward as well. I can't remember I think I was 10 when they moved back to Burley. My Mom and I used to go visit them every summer. Gene loves horses and so it was fun to always be able to ride. Over the summers I remember many great summer visits that always included helping calfs be born and horse back riding. Gene and Sharon served a mission in Nauvoo and so we looked at all their fun momento's they brought back. So we stopped and visited for 2 hours before heading on up to Island Park where we met up with the Crabtree's & Jimmy.

A trip to Dr. Tiboldt

2008-08-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Last year before Kindergarten started for Ian I had an apt. for him to go to the eye Dr.'s. He has never shown any signs of not seeing well so when they cancelled our apt. twice we just never made it in. Well, Marlee had to go in to have her eye's checked up on and so I made an apt. for both of the kids. Turns out Marlee's eyes are better-her stifmatism isn't as bad as it was. Ian is severly farsighted. Doug and I find it strange that both of our children have glasses and both of us have perfect vision. However, on the bright side~their vision isn't terrible by any means and they both look dang cute in glasses. Marlee and Ian both really only need to wear them for reading. Ian was pretty upset at first but he has grown to like his glasses.
Waiting for their exam!
They thought this was the best part-looking at the bugs in trippy glasses.
Gotta love this look.
Marlee always feels like this is a little claustriphobic.
Ian with our eye Dr.

Dr. Tiboldt is such a nice man. Poor little man~pretty exhausted after this apt.
This is Marlee's third trip so it's old hat for her.
Not liking this idea of glasses.
Oh-wait these aren't too bad~these are the one's he picked.
Marlee fell in love with these-they are brown with aqua on the sides and the interior.
A little bit of red!

Missing Hawaii Already...

2008-07-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Something happens to me when I visit Hawaii~my soul is rejuvenated completely. In my dreams Doug and I will retire there. Who knows, but it's my dream. :)

Last night in Lahina

2008-07-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

We loved Hawaii and everything about this magical place. Such beauty~peace and tranquility.

Marlee
Lindzee
Helga & George
Kris & Lindz
Charmayne and Marlee
My Beautiful Girl
Maui Sunset's
Hang Loose!
Kristina~sitting pretty
Amber, Ty & Jack

2008-07-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Marlee met some friends at the pool-Rachel is from Maryland and they really hit it off instantly. Marlee loved playing with Lindzee but it was super fun for her to have someone her own age. Rachel is a couple months older than Marlee. They are going to be Pen Pals.