find joy in the journey

heard round the house today

A:  Payton, here's a picture of Dora & Boots I draw for you.

P:  Awww.  I love you Anna.

A:  I love you too.  You going to be invited to my birthday party.

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P:  I don't even need to go to school anymore.  I know all my letters.

P:  If you lived in London you wouldn't even need a clock because they have a big tower there.

1:24pm, P:  Mom, could I please put my pajamas on right now?

P:  Smell my hands.

C:  It's just hard being 8.

spring break project

 

55 sixty-pound bags of concrete . . . 240 feet of hardiplank siding . . . . a rented electric cement mixer . . . . 1 1/2 days of labor . . . . 4 extra (and very much appreciated) helping, guiding hands . . .  and we now have cement mow strips to polish off our planting beds.

It may take them a week (or longer) to completely dry and set in our cold, wet weather.  But they are in!!

My parents and Mason arrived on Wednesday afternoon and just left this afternoon.  They were here for 3 days to help us with this project (and to see the grand-kids).  Actually, we were the "help" as we've never done anything like this and my dad has thousands of feet of mow strip constructing under his belt.  I am so so appreciative of him being more than happy & willing to come do this for us.  Thanks dad!

Thursday morning the boys got to work bright and early setting the forms while the girls (and Payton) headed into town for some shopping.  IKEA, Beehive clothing {where we ran into Rochelle & Jenn -- they saw mom first (I was somewhere else with the kids) & recognized her from her blog & said hi & she thought that was just so much fun}, lunch at Applebee's, and the mall.  Ohhhh, I've got some really fun stuff from IKEA to show & tell later.  Eek!  Just as soon as I get the room re-do all together. :)

We came home to 3/4 of the project finished!  Way to go guys!  Friday morning they spent about 2 hours on it and it was done.  We were really really fortunate to have completely dry weather on Thursday, and mostly dry (just drizzly) weather on Friday.  Considering that every day leading up to their visit was wet and it's currently raining cats & dogs, somehow we threaded the needle on that one.

 

Conner was the water boy.

 

Mason doing the finishing work.

One of my favorite things about this project (other than allowing us to acquire new skills), was the fact that it gave the boys an opportunity to really work.  Payton . . . not so much, he's still little.  But Conner was a dang good worker.  Shortly after they arrived Mason went outside to begin digging the trenches.  Conner was right on his tail with another shovel in hand and followed him across the whole yard, smoothing out Mason's work.  He got to one spot that was really difficult and muddy and he yelled towards the house for help.  We told him to just go around that part and keep moving.  He did not like that idea; he said, "but I don't want to disappoint papa!"  He worked really hard and spent the entire day on Thursday alongside the men. 

 

Apparently they went to lunch at Burgerville where Conner stuffed himself.  Then on the way to pick up concrete Conner noticed a wrapped pastry on the floor of the truck.  He asked if he could have it but they said no because he couldn't even finish his lunch.  Then papa made him a deal.  If Conner could load one bag of concrete into the back of the truck, then he could have it.  Oh, that got Conner going.  He tried with all his might and strength to lift that bag into the truck.  But his little 50 pound frame was no match for a 60 pound bag of concrete.  That boy will do just about anything for food!  His ravenous nature drives us crazy (and gets him into trouble).  But that's a whole other post . . . .

And where were Payton & Anna during all of this?  Running around, watching Bolt, playing with Grammer, and planning a party (hopefully grammer will post pictures about this - it was so cute).

 

We also ate PW's chocolate sheet cake, Anna & Papa went Easter dress shopping, mom & I assembled IKEA furniture, the boys played Guitar Hero with Uncle Mason, we received the official announcement of Denver's engagement (!), and dad built me a raised garden box.  A great visit.

Once again, thanks dad & mason for all your hard work!  We could not have done it without you.  Really, it would've been impossible.  Someone would have ended up with a foot buried in concrete for sure. ;)

let there be trees!

We picked up 5 trees today for our backyard (with more to come) and I couldn't be more excited!  For me, it takes trees to make a home. 

 

1. Red Sunset Maple  2. Golden Corkscrew Willow  3. blossoms from a Newport Cherry Plum  4. Pink Flowering Dogwood  5. Newport Cherry Plum 

seeing green

the girls in our green

I got to wear my Wicked shirt today.  And did I mention that Anna got her hair cut?  It's a really cute bob.

But what do you do about boys who wear uniforms to school?  I wasn't sure what fit within the rules, so some last minute brainstorming and a Crayola marker led to this . . .

shamrock socks.  Payton also came home with several teeny-tiny clovers he picked at recess.  One for me and one for Anna. 

St. Patty's Day play . . . .

 

Flubber!  In one bowl mix 1 1/2 cups warm water, 2 cups white glue, and food coloring.  In a second bowl combine 1 1/3 cups warm water with 3 tsp. Borax (you can find it by the laundry detergents).  Mix each container thoroughly.  Pour contents of smaller container into the larger bowl.  Gently lift and turn the mixture until approximately a tablespoon of liquid is left.  Flubber will be sticky at first.  Let excess liquid drip off.  And your flubber is ready to go!  Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.  Stretch it, bounce it, roll it.

St. Patty's Day food . . .

 

White chocolate popcorn:  Pop 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels.  Melt 1 bag of Wilton melting chocolates & add food coloring.  Pour over popcorn, stir, lay out on wax paper to set.

Lucky Charms is hands down my favorite sugary, kid's cereal.  And how cool is this retro 70's packaging?  I convinced the kids that green macaroni cheese for lunch would be fun.  Payton was pretty skeptical.  

St. Patty's Day project . . . .

time to paint the kids' pinewood derby cars.  Payton's is going to have a nifty flip top roof.

 

Still not seeing any green on the trees, but with any luck we'll have some spring blossoms soon!

oh, i've always wanted to see the emerald city

 

{poor Conner - it was cold outside so he is all scrunched up.}

Wicked!  It was fabulous!  I have to say I was a little nervous after seeing it in L.A. last year and had lowered my expectations a bit.  (In my experience so far, traveling Broadway goups have not been up to par with the established productions, like LA, San Francisco, NYC).  But I have to say I was very impressed.  Elphaba was phenomenal!  And Defying Gravity (my favorite song) . . . . I think I squeezed Scott's hand a little tighter than usual, and found myself taking in big deep breaths totally subconsciously.  So strange, but the music is just so powerful and electrying, you can't help but be sucked in.

And Scott, who is typically very critical of music, happily gave a standing ovation (usually I have to pull him up) and went on & on about how great it was.

Yes, Conner joined us for the big event.  He was so handsome in his suit and new green tie.  He loved it.  Part-way through the first act Scott had to lean over and tell him not to laugh so loud.  He was very into it.  We've asked him several times what his favorite part was, or who his favorite character is, but he says he can't pick, it's too hard!

Great show.  Anyone who has seen Wicked knows what I'm talking about, and is nodding their head.  Anyone who has not seen it . . . add it to your life to-do list today!

lucky

I don't know what it is, but I've been on sort of a winning streak this week.

First, I added the Peachy Cheap button to my blog last Thursday and became one of the winners in their giveaway.  Something is on it's way, I don't know what it is, but I'm very excited!

Then I was a winner on Michelle's blog in a fun little trivia game.  Oh my goodness, the bag of tropical flavored jelly beans are just awesome.  Totally takes me back to Hawaii.  I just want to gobble them up.

Tonight we had a Relief Society pinewood derby for Enrichment and guess who's car was the fastest?  Mine!

 

I have to think the glitter was a major contributing factor in my success. 

As I've considered my luck this past week, I couldn't help but remember one of the lessons from the "a year to remember" class I took awhile back.  During that March she talked a bit about luck.  Contemplating your "luckiness" is similar to counting your blessings . . . . and counting your blessings develops gratitude which inevitably leads to happiness . . . .

 . . . I feel lucky (blessed) to have the situation, home, and job that we do.  This week Scott's work group faced some lay-offs and it was sad to see this affect people.  Makes us all the more grateful.

. . . we're lucky (blessed) to have great parents who are more than happy to come watch our kids so we can just getaway from it all!

. . . I'm lucky (blessed) to have loving parents who have done it right.  My youngest brother is heading off for his mission next month - their 4th missionary. 

. . . I'm lucky (blessed) to get to spend my days watching ballerina twirls & imaginary Star Wars battles, listening to piano practice time, and saying "no video games today" for the umpteenth time.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

. . . I'm lucky (blessed) and did I mention really really lucky? to have my dad (& mom & Mason) coming out in a few weeks to help us with some backyard projects.  The fact that he'll come out to visit and end up working the whole time (and that he's looking forward to doing it) is just amazing to me.

I am a lucky girl.  I have a lot to be thankful (happy) for this month and always.

everyday

found this while uploading pictures tonight . . . .

 

Anna has become my family photography apprentice.  She's got that photo-journalist style that is so "in" these days.  She just has a knack for capturing everyday moments and from angles that I would never consider.

Looks like we're just home from Fred Meyer - groceries still on the counter to the right.  Me, making a phone call -- apparently something that was more important than putting away the groceries.  Pinewood derby supplies & scale on the counter behind me.

An everyday snapshot.

oh shoot!

I started an online photography class this week to teach me the technical basics of how to use my camera.  I think it's going to be perfect for me.  We had a creative assignment this week to take a stroll around your town and keep your eyes out for the things you pass everyday . . . maybe some of them are photo-worthy and you didn't even know it.

here are some bits & pieces of my town

 

  

  

  

and my lovely photography assistant

  

we had a great afternoon strolling through olde town, stopping in "cute" shops here and there, and enjoying a girls' lunch.  Anna was really really good, so we may have to do this more often.

seattle

This was my first visit to Seattle.  Unless you count the hours I spent in the airport there last spring or the time we drove through on our way to Victoria, B.C.  It was a great spot for an easy anniversary getaway -- not too far away and our hotel points gave us a great place to stay in the middle of downtown.  We didn't have a whole lot of expectations, just excited at the chance to getaway and be together!  I put together a list of places & things we "could" see & do, but the plan was to be low-key and just enjoy the time.

Wednesday

We got the kids off to school and got on the road almost without a hitch.  10 miles out of town we realized we had forgotten to leave a medical release.  Turn around and try again. :)  It's one of those things that probably wouldn't be needed, but the one time you don't do it someone's going to end up hurt.

Anyways, back to the trip . . . . Our hotel was just, wonderful.  Right in the middle of downtown so we could walk to just about anything.  Loved that. 

We walk into our room to find this giant entryway/hallway with a huge 5x7 foot mirror on the wall.  (That became the stage for a daily photo of the two of us.)  And when we turned the corner we instantly fell in love with this chaise.

22nd floor, corner room, with floor to ceiling windows, and a chaise so comfortable I could live in it all day.  Ahhh . . . . It's hair flippin' good.

 

The weather treated us well in Seattle.  But not Wednesday.  It was pouring down rain when we arrived.  So what did we decide to do first?  Walk to Pike Place Market!  Oh my goodness.  We pulled out our umbrellas and walked the 5 blocks in a moderate sprinkling of rain, but the wind . . . it killed my umbrella.  It was pretty funny actually.

We wandered around Pike Place  . . . so much to see:  the fresh fruit & vegetables on display were amazing, lots of fish to see and smell, local artisans trying to sell their stuff, etc.  At a cute toy shop we found Mill Bournes (a favorite card game of Scott's) and found a sitting area to play cards until dinner.

For dinner we went to The Crab Pot which came highly recommended.  But right after ordering I started to not feel so great, so the meal was kinda lost on me.  But I definitely enjoyed the atmosphere and the idea of eating right off the table, wood mallet in hand.

Thursday

Specialty's Cafe & Bakery is the place to go for breakfast.  Oh my, their croissants were so so so good.  And Scott fell in love with their cinnamon rolls too.

We woke up to snow on the ground - very surprising.  But by the time we were out and about it was melting and the sun was shining with a vengeance!  Gorgeous day.  Just perfect for a visit to the Space Needle.  The views were amazing, the elevator ride up was exciting, and I managed to get a couple photos before the battery on my little camera died.

 

Also at the Seattle Center was the Science Fiction Museum / Experience Music Project.  We practically had the place to ourselves.  Scott enjoyed the memorabilia on display from Star Trek, Star Wars, and other favorite movies.  The EMP was okay (lots more music memorabilia displays).  But the jam rooms -  that's where the fun was at.  They had real music recording rooms filled with drums, a keyboard, 3 different guitars, and a microphone.  Once the doors closed you had 5 minutes to practice and then it records your jam session for 10 minutes. (Later you can purchase the CD if you want).  It was pretty fun to just mess around.  This was definitely Scott's favorite part of the day. 

We took the monorail back to the Westlake Mall and took advantage of all the shopping in the vicinity.  Stores like Anthropolgie (found a cool new "B"), H&M (a cute shirt), and Lush (more face stuff and lotion) were a treat to visit.

For dinner we got dressed up and went to the nice restaurant in our hotel.  The food was great and they treated us so well.  When our waitress heard that we were in town celebrating our anniversary she came out with two champagne glasses and a bottle of sparkling cider (she correctly noticed that we do not drink).  And then when our dessert orders come out they had written a pretty "Happy Anniversary" on the plate in chocolate.  Like I said, they treated us very well.

Friday

The sun is shining, more Specialty's goodness, and we're off for an adventure!  On my to-do list while in Seattle was to ride a ferry.  So on Nicole's recommendation to visit Poulsbo, we boarded the 10:40am ferry to Bainbridge Island.  We drove our truck right on, walked up to the passenger decks, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the view.

 

 {taken on the return trip}

Poulsbo was a quaint little town, showing off it's Norwegian heritage everywhere you look (architecture, flags, and I loved the street signs).  We walked up and down Front Street, found an adorable children's store, purchased all kinds of goodies at the bakery, and enjoyed lunch at Sheila's Bay Cafe.  Scott claims that the clam chowder was the best he's ever had.

And don't you love these cookies?  We got these to bring back to the kids.  It didn't take very long for Anna to show us matching face.

 

Saturday 

One more trip to Pike's Place Market -- I was on the hunt for some hand made jewelry and found some really pretty sterling silver dangly earrings. 

And the flower shoppe had new gerbera daisies out.  Just stunning!  The colors were nearly blinding!

 

In the afternoon we headed over to Lake Union for . . . . a flight-seeing tour on a seaplane!  They were having a special for couples during the month of February so I booked it.  Now we're just like The Bachelor!

 

After a little drive to see the templein Bellevue we returned to the hotel for an afternoon/evening of nothin'.  It was perfect.

Sunday

our last morning, and our last mirror photo

 

We woke up, packed, and headed out for a late breakfast . . . one last trip to Specialty's.  And Scott couldn't help but mess around with the lobby pillows one more time.  See, they have these pillows on the couches that spell "WISH".  It became a game to move around the pillows, make new words, and sit back in the corner and wait until someone from the hotel staff noticed and returned everything to its original position.  Our favorite words were "HISS" and "SWIM".

Scott returning from his dirty work.  Notice the couch . . . .

After that mischief we spent the next few hours just chillin' in our hotel room, reading, napping . . .  until we absolutely had to go.  Oh, it was such a nice afternoon.  I could definitely repeat that day a few more times.  If only . . . .

The trip was great.  I have so many photos and memories jotted down . . . . I'm thinking of making a small Blurb book just for this vacation.  Maybe I'll include all of our 10 year celebration stuff as well. 

{A photo album with more pictures from the trip}

Here's to many more years and memories and opportunities to get away from it all.  Just you and me babe.

  

improve beautify extend smile cultivate develop create

this . . . is pretty much amazing.

520 foot view

we're back from our trip.

 

Seattle was great.  We only had to pull out our umbrellas on one day.  We saw some sights, ate great food, walked the city streets,  people watched through our sky-rise hotel windows, and really, just enjoyed the quiet.  Ahhh . . . .

But back to real life.  And we can't thank Grammer Valerie enough for coming out and taking care of our 3 turkeys for the week.  She introduced them to perler beads and I know that Payton's life will never be the same again.

 

{I've only downloaded the pictures from my little camera so far, so there is much more to come.}