Celebrating Life

We've had a very interesting and rather emotional holiday season. To say the least, I'm ready for the new year to begin and life to return to some form of normalcy (yeah, right Melissa!)

On Monday, I had an experience I've never had before. I got to celebrate life in 2 very different forms. My grandmother, Louella Rich, passed away on December 18th and her service was on Monday. It was a sad, joyous celebration of who she was and how she lived her life. It made me sad, sitting in the church that she had been a member of for 50 years, knowing that we'd never get to worship there together - but at the same time, I was happy that she wasn't suffering, she was in Heaven and that she was reconnected with all those the preceded her in death - her husband, parents, close friends and family.

After a beautiful memorial and time to visit with family, Nathan, the girls and I headed to Olympia to meet the newest addition to our family, Lainey Jean Moore. Nathan's brother and his wife celebrated the birth of their second child Monday morning and it was great to come full circle, celebrating new life.

Tagged

Thanks to Darah, I've been tagged and get to share 7 totally random things about myself. This should be interesting...

1. I jumped off a really high cliff, into super cold water, just to impress a guy. I was terrified and totally didn't even check for rocks and other dangerous things.

2. I get sick to my stomach during American Idol try-outs. I can't stand watching all the people, good or bad, trying to earn a spot on the show. I feel like throwing up and have to go in the other room. It's like I get so nervous for the really bad singers, wondering who's been lying to them their whole lives that they actually thought they were good and had a chance.

3. I want to go to culinary school. Not to get a job in the food industry, just to have the mad skills in the kitchen.

4. I sometimes miss my old job. I miss working with students and being in the academic world. I don't miss all the stress, rules

5. I love moving. Some people hate it but I like the thought of a new adventure, something different. I'm glad that I'm married to someone who isn't the "This is where I'm going to live forever" type.

6. I hate being cold. I am cold from September to June and though I love the seasons and the weather, I hate that my fingers and toes are always cold. I go to work and wear my coat the entire time. I hate that I have to wear layers to stay warm. I love it when it's +90 degrees - I don't want that everyday, but I love that I feel warm all the time!

7. My biggest pet-peeve is: people who wear socks with their sandals (Birkenstock's being the only exception and only with select styles!) It drives me totally crazy to see people with socks and Teva's/Keen's/whatever! It makes no sense to me - if you are cold enough to need socks, why wear shoes that don't cover your entire foot????? The ONLY person that I let slide is my brother-in-law, Herb!

Parenting

WARNING: There is a moment of extreme parenting in the following post - please be advised!

Last night, Zoe and I were sitting on the floor playing memory (that child will kick your butt - so you have to pay attention!). Teagan was sitting with us, playing with a toy cell phone and Nathan was laying on the couch and there is a nice, cozy fire in the wood stove. I'm getting all the pieces arranged when I look up and Zoe has the toy phone in her mouth.

"Zoe, that's gross. Get the phone out of your mouth. If I see it in your mouth again, I'm throwing it in the fire."

That was the first thing that popped into my head! She tosses the phone back to Teagan and the game begins. Less than a minute later, Teagan has the phone in her mouth. Being a reasonable mom, I issue the same warning to Teagan, just modified slightly.

"Teagan, what did I just tell Zoe? Get the phone out of your mouth! If I see it in your mouth again, I'll throw it in the garbage!"

Just as drastic but the phone wouldn't be totally destroyed and I could just put it away for awhile. Only problem, Nathan didn't hear me say that, so in his mind it was still going in the fire!

Not more than a minute goes by and as soon as I turn away, Teagan puts the phone right back in her mouth - just to see what we'd do! Nathan gets up, takes the phone from her and throws it into the woodstove! Zoe starts crying and freaking out (why, we still aren't sure, since it wasn't her phone and she wasn't the one who got in trouble. She's bit dramatic that way!). Teagan just sits there with a startled look on her face, realizing that her parents will really do what they say they will.

After things settle down and Zoe isn't sobbing anymore, I ask Teagan, "Are you sad about your phone? You weren't listening and now it is gone."

I kid you not, this is her exact response, "No, I have other phones!"

I look at Nathan, who rolls his eyes as we both realize, Teagan really doesn't seem to care and our big moment of drastic parenting had little effect on our child!

Teagan

I'm at work today when the phone rings - caller ID says it's my mom as John P chimes in "It's for you, Melissa!"

"Yeah?" (my typical response for my mom while I'm at work - it totally bugs her!)
"You're daughter has a question for you - talk to her" as she hands the phone over to Teagan.
"How babies made?"
Geez, thanks Mom! She actually told me she was tired and didn't feel like talking about it! Ummmm, yeah, it's not to hard to tell a 2 year old something about where babies come from!

New Layout, New Month, New Holiday

I have finally taken the time to update my blog layout. I think it looks rather festive! We are off to get our Christmas tree tomorrow - making a day of it up in the mountains and hopefully some snow. We are getting things all decorated and ready for the next round of festivities. If I don't have your current mailing address - send me an email so I can add you to the list!

By the way, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and lots of food to eat. Duffy's parents were here and it was a lot of fun just hanging out and visiting. Hope that everyone's holiday was full of happy memories and time with those you love!

Class Feast

Today was Zoe's pre-school Feast - every kid got to bring their favorite food and it was a feeding frenzy. There is this little boy that I just love. He is one of those kids that you know when he grows up will be the one you don't like. These are just 2 of the things I heard him say today:

• Zoe, I just love your sparkly jeans - they are beautiful.
• Um, Zoe's mommy, I love your beautiful earrings and necklace - they are really pretty.

Ok, on to my food prep for tomorrow - I have dips to make, salads to prep and a turkey to brine. We are smoking a turkey this year - I CAN'T wait! Yumm-O as Teagan would say!

If I don't get a chance, have a wonderful Thanksgiving - we all have so much to be thankful for!

Pregnancy

Ok, just a quick note - I feel so different this pregnancy than I did with the other 2! I have days where I feel great all day and then days like today where I feel like curling up and sleeping all day and nothing sounds good to eat. Oh, how I love this part of pregnancy!

Lists

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it before, but I LOVE lists - my life revolves around my to-do lists. Do I ever get to cross everything off - NEVER! I create another, updated, more current list to take it's place. But I love the feeling of accomplishment when I can cross something off. I have been known to actually write things on the list that I am just going to cross of 10min. later, but it's something crossed off, progress made, I'm on a roll!

Lately, I've been having a hard time with my lists - I don't know if it the never-ending list of things to do or that I just don't have the energy to do the stuff on the lists! I have added several sewing projects that I HAVE to have done by Christmas, so I figure I'm getting a great head-start just thinking about them now! For once, I'm almost finished with my Christmas shopping - I love Internet shopping!

Ok, enough; I should get to the things on my list - tutu's - here I come!

Changes

We've been adjusting to some changes around our house. My work schedule got cut back, from 20hrs to 15hrs, so I am home on Thursdays. It's been nice getting some one-on-one time with Teagan while Zoe is in school. I get more time to work on some of my craft projects too - I just finished a baby quilt for my friend Kristi and have a few projects to get done before Christmas.

I am working one afternoon a week at my mom's store - it's fun during the holidays and a little hectic and I always get the customers asking a zillion questions that I don't have answers too. I may start watching our friends little boy, Payton, on Thursdays too. He is so cute and the girls like having him around. Teagan keeps saying, "Hi, little baby" whenever he is around!

Oh yeah, the other BIG change at our house is that we are going to have another BABY! My due date in July 4th (just for you, Carol!!!) and we are all pretty excited. I've wanted to post about it but was waiting until after I saw Kristi this weekend - that is a hard secret to keep! It happened a little sooner than we expected since I had a hard time getting pregnant with Zoe and it took forever with Teagan - so it was a nice surprise this time around.

Ok, off to the park before it gets dark! Have a great night!

To-Do List for Today

• Take a shower
• Go visit Harmony - 36 weeks preg. and has been on bed-rest the last 9 weeks! Come on Baby Spivey, we welcome you to the world any day!!!
• Go to Costco - fun times!
• Put girls down for naps - maybe I'll take one too...
• Work on girls dresses - I have 4 cut out and ready for sewing.
• Figure out rest of gift for Baby Gregory and Kristi- I have one week until the Girls hang out in Bainbridge - I CAN'T WAIT!
• Start gift for Baby Rich - I want to have it done by Christmas but I'll be lucky to have it finished before she is born in March!
• Call/email Stephanie
• Work on Christmas cards - only 54 days!
• Paperwork/Bills/Filing - FUN!
• Figure out the rest of my Christmas shopping - what to get and for whom

Ok, I think that is enough for one day!

Fall Day

Today was one of those fall days I love. Most people would think a cold, rainy day in Washington is gloomy and sad, but it's been a good day! I put a roast in the crockpot this morning, a fire in the woodstove, took Zoe to school, did a bunch of laundry, listened to children play and am now making bread. When we picked up Zoe, she asked Teagan what we did while she was in school - Teagan told her she cleaned the bathroom! Not really, but I thought it was funny she needed to share that with her big sister. They are now taking late naps and will hopefully be in cheerful, happy moods the rest of the day!

Halloween

Isn't she the CUTEST knome you have ever seen???

My Happy Ghost (with crooked eyes!!)

Zoe got this freaky mask at school - Teagan is terrified of it!

Proud of her little pumpkin!

Yes, I know I am a few days late but I didn't have a computer! Hope that everyone had a great Halloween! I've hidden half the candy in the freezer and the rest is going bye-bye by the end of the week!

Baby's Got Talent

For your viewing pleasure!

When life throws you lemons.....

Freaking throw them back!

Fall Has Arrived

Fall has arrived in the Pacific Northwest. Though I hate being cold and having to wear layer upon layer of clothes, I do love all that comes with fall: falling leaves, brisk walks outside, apples, yummy fall comfort food, pumpkins, and Zoe's favorite, Halloween. We have been busy around our house these last few weeks. We've painted in our bathroom and bedroom; Nathan created extra storage in our laundry room and our closet and I've been doing fall projects with the kids.

Last Saturday we went on the Farm Tour - several local farms are open and have all sorts of things to do from hay rides, hay mazes, food, animals and it's a great time for the kids to see what happens on a farm. We visited a dairy farm, sheep farm and the local Christmas tree farm (they grow tons of apples too!)

Do you ever have a plan for the day and from the instant you gain consciousness in the morning, know that it just isn't going to happen the way you imagined? That is how today is - and it isn't even 8am! I woke up with a raging headache and no meds; when I went to call in the prescription, the lovely automated voice told me it had expired. I had to leave a really nice message asking them to check their records and please fill it as soon as possible otherwise, I seriously may hurt someone. So, now I'm loaded up on Excedrin Migraine, coffee and Solanpas-like Icy Hot in a patch (causing my heart to race, my hands to shake and my next to tingle like crazy) and feeling a slight bit of relief if only my children would quit screaming. They are pretending they are having babies and having to ride in the ambulance (the ambulance is the a bunch of pillows and blankets piled under the table in the craft room - pretty creative if you ask me!) I'm only blogging because I think I'll pull my hair out otherwise!

Wow

It's October first already - where did September go??? I feel very busy these days and that's alright! I am off the rest of the week and we have all sorts of things planned. Halloween is a favorite at our house - Zoe says it is her most favorite holiday (as well as Christmas and Easter!) and she had us get our decorations out this week. We have figured out costumes (just wait!) and are going to work on a fall craft tomorrow - thanks Auntie Darah for the great idea! We will post pictures of our finished product.

We have a lot of things going on this month starting with our Annual Girls Get-Away weekend next week. I'm sure I've written about it before, but is a 3 days of girl time with grandma's aunts and cousins. It is relaxing and so much fun to visit, reconnect and watch the little one's play, play, play. On the 17th, my best friend/sanity-keeper/person-who-always-makes-me-feel-like-I-am-really-a-good-mother-no-matter-what is coming to visit. Even though Darah and Guthrie are only coming for the day, I can't hardly wait. I haven't seen her since July 2007 and we are so excited for Zoe, Teagan and Guthrie to play together - It is long overdue! The next day we have a OctoberFest/Harvest Party at Dennis and Becky's, so we will have a busy weekend!

Ok, I will post more tomorrow - I'm going to watch The Hills online because I've missed the last 2 episodes!

Sad

I heard some news today that made me sad - I knew it was coming, someday, but I never thought I would feel as sad as I do. I feel saddened by the actions of one person and the affect it has had on so many. I feel sad that a 3 year old is involved; I feel sad that a love was lost and hearts were broken and will take a long time to heal. It's one fo those situations where I don't really know what to say other than, "I'm sorry. I love you and support you."

Us

My mom took this picture in Kingston and I love it, except for the lady hanging out on my shoulder. Duffy and I hardly ever get pictures with both of us in them - we have kids, they are so much funner to snap pictures of!

We are still alive

Ok, so I've been a bit busy and haven't posted in a while. I do feel sort of bad, but I have no clue who actually reads this blog or cares what's going on, so I shouldn't feel too bad, right???


First off, everyone is healthy again. Just in time for Zoe to go back to school and get all those other kids' germs!! Last Thursday was her first day of school and it was quite a morning. Duffy was home, we had breakfast, showers and were on time, until we couldn't find the camera. We looked everywhere - diaper bags, purses, cars. No camera. We were late so we rushed to school. Lucky for us, our friend Tracy was leaving as we were arriving and took some First Day of School pictures of Zoe (I'll post when I get them!). She seems to really like her new classroom and teachers and there are 4 girls this year (last year was 2). So far, so good. Teagan is a little bummed that she isn't going to school yet.


I've got the crafting bug, big time. I've finally got my room organized and am starting some sewing projects for the girls. I've got a bunch of bags to sew for our Girls Getaway Weekend (another post), painting projects and making cards, etc. I have a very strong urge to rip up all the carpet in the living and dining rooms and may just do it one of these days - we'll just have to live with the sub-floor until I make up my mind as to what I want to do next!

Ok, I'm going back to being crafty!

Whatever - to tired to think of a title

I find it amazing how, when people around you are sick, you start to feel sick yourself. I have had a sick kid or husband since last Thursday and I've slept the majority of those nights somewhere other than my bed. Last night was with Zoe in the spare bed because she was throwing up all night! Every time she was sick, my stomach started doing somersaults and I would lay there thinking, "I am not going to get sick; I'm not really sick, it's sympathy nausea; I don't have time right now to get sick - I have WAY too much going on!" Thankfully, I have yet to get sick and Zoe seems to be feeling a tiny bit better - no throwing up since 7:15am!

Sick-o's

On the way to dropping off the girls yesterday morning, Teagan threw up all over herself, her car seat and the back seat (hmmmm, not good for suede!). We spent a rather quiet day at home taking baths and doing laundry - lots of it! Duffy came home at 3:00 and pretty much went to bed for the night because he wasn't feeling too hot either. So, no book club for me last night! Zoe and I make Chicken Noodle soup and banana bread - yummy! I slept in the other room because I do NOT have time to get sick right now and Duffy is home today; for him to not go to work means he is REALLY not feeling well!

It will be a oh-so-fun day trying to keep the kid-o's quiet and occupied so Duffy can sleep and I can get ready for our garage sale tomorrow. Crap, that means I have to move the camper to move the boat to move the camper again! This should be fun!

Stuff

It feels like forever since my last post! Life has been busy, busy, busy and I don't see it slowing down. No problem - I love having lots to do as long as I get some down-time at home. And blogging hasn't been high on the priority list!

Zoe goes back to school in 2 weeks and I can't believe we have one more year until kindergarten - I look at her sometimes and she looks so grown up. She has been quite the helper lately and is getting excited for school.

Teagan is pretty much potty-trained. She caught on so much faster than Zoe; I think it was because Zoe is such a cheerleader for her. Any time Teagan goes potty, Zoe is right there, "Good Job Teagan!", "Way to go!" "Yippee!" It's really fun to watch them both get so excited; except Zoe thinks she deserves a treat every time Teagan has success!

I've been getting stuff together for a garage sale this Saturday - I can't believe how much stuff I can get rid of in a year ! I am also working on a couple of craft projects (paintings for my spare room/office, finally finishing my "Black" painting and some photo stuff). I am also narrowing down my decorating decisions for my living room and dining room (it involves ripping out the carpet, doing some decorative painting, putting in new floors and doing some molding work!). All of this while trying to get my day to day stuff done, work, getting in a few trail runs (don't ask - I think I walk about as much as I run at this point!) Nevermind my dinner to some friends today (just had a baby), book club tomorrow, BBQ Sunday, craft group next Tuesday (at my house this time!) and pre-school open house next Wednesday! AAAAAHHHHHH. I did say I liked things busy!

Ok, better go finish my book for book club! I doubt I'll finish it since I want to do some painting too!

Bummed

There have been a bunch of little things going on that have me a bit bummed out lately. My friend Harmony, who is pregnant with her 2nd baby, just found out she has to be on bed rest. Korah, her daughter is 16 months, and when Harmony was pregnant with her, she had to do the same thing and Korah was born 2 month premature. Harmony is a trooper but I know she is bummed and was so hoping for a "normal" pregnancy. She has a long way to go until her Dec. 2nd due date; thank goodness her mom is able to be here to help out and we'll be making lots of ice cream visits!

My girlfriend, Kristi, who is also pregnant, was supposed to have some time off this week and was planning to over for a visit. I was sooooo excited because since our moving to Sequim and her moving to Renton - we NEVER see each other! She ended up not being able to get away from work, thus isn't coming! Hopefully, she can get some time off next month and we are trying to plan to meet for dinner - we'll see, life seems to get in the way sometimes!

My bestest friend, who isn't pregnant (you aren't are you?????), had planned on coming to the NW in September but with buying a new house, getting settled in a new community, and her hubby's vacation schedule, had to put her travel plans on hold too! I'm half tempted to buy myself a plane ticket to go visit her! It is so hard not having your closest girlfriends acutally, physically close sometimes!

Positive things are:

• There has been decent weather and sometimes it's actually warm!
• I'm having a garage sale on the 23rd and will be getting rid of a bunch of stuff (if it doesn't sell, it's being donated - it is not coming back!)
• our pictures from Jessie should be here soon - I'm so excited and can't wait to see them all.
• My brother and sister-in-law, who is also pregnant, are coming home this weekend for a wedding we are all going to on Sunday. I can't wait for the day they tell us they are moving back!

Garage Sale Find

I love a good garage sale. I love finding something that someone else is casting off that I can give a good home. We have found some GREAT deals living in Sequim: our tent trailer for $150 (we did have to put a $900 new tent top on it but still, it was a find!), tools for Duffy (all the old men up here get rid of nice stuff for super cheap); and all sorts of treasures for the girls (they usually go straight to our garage sale boxes!)

Here is my fab find of the week, AND it was free! I love finding great retro things and the colors totally go in my house! Right now, it is at home on a wall in my bedroom but it may be making it's home in the office!

One of those days

I'm feeling stressed out this morning and it's only 8:30am!! I have a few too many things going on today and am starting to feel a bit anxious. Or maybe that's the coffee...

Sometimes managing a family, a house and a yard, a part-time job and everyday life makes me crazy! I just want a day to get my craft stuff organized so I can actually do something! Maybe tonight...Oh wait, Last Comic Standing is on!

Something different

I don't feel like blogging about camping (it was fun but I'm glad I get to sleep in my own bed tonight!) or uploading pics off my camera, so thanks to Jessie and her little "About Me" type survey - I'm totally wussing out and coping her!

1.What is in the back seat of your car right now? Two car seats, a diaper and a magazine. My hubby is sort of anal about keeping the cars clean.

2. When was the last time you threw up? When I was pregnant with Teagan I got the flu really bad for like 3 days.

3. What's your favorite curse word? hmmmm, ask my hubby.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? Teagan, Zoe, and Duffy

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Taking Zoe to the bathroom (we were camping)

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Looking at my neighbors new Jeep.

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now? Sleeping

8. Have you ever been to a strip club? Nope.

9. What is the last thing you said aloud? Told Duffy I loved being married to him.

10. What is the best ice cream flavor? Java Chip

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water.

12. Do you look like your Mom or your Dad? People tell me I look more like my mom.

13. What was the last thing you ate? Chocolate Chip Cookie

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Yum, yeah - new Prana cargo capri's - Duffy told me I had to get them.

15. When was the last time you ran? Tuesday

16. What's the last sporting event you watched? The Tour de France and the Olympic Trials for swimming and track before that.

17. What is your pet peeve? People who make lame excuses for their bad/rude behavior.

18. Who is the last person you emailed? Troy

19. Ever go camping? Yes, just got home today from 3 days out at Lake Crescent.

20. Do you have a tan? Yup - I feel naked without it during the summer.

21. What is your favorite indulgence? Things for my house; PURSES (I just got this cool one the other day that I totally love - it has all sorts of cool pockets inside. But my all time fav is the one from my hubby.) Oh and shoes.

22. Would you rather take a week off at home or travel? Travel!!!

23. What do you sleep in? ummm, a tank top and undies.

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw? Once is awhile.

25. What did your last IM say? It was with Darah, so the possibilities are endless!!

26. Are you someones best friend? Yes.

27. What are you doing tomorrow? Taking kids to Grandma's, going to work, picking up kids, hanging out at home, going to dinner and Mamma Mia with Mom and Karen.

28. Where is your mom right now? At home 1.5 miles away.

29. Look to your left, what do you see? A chair and a TV.

30. What color is your watch?Stainless and Black Leather (mine broke so I stole one of Duffy's)

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Kangaroos

32. Would you consider plastic surgery? After 2 kids, I can see why some people do it.

33. What is your birthstone? Garnet

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Drive Thru

35.How many kids do you want? 3 or 4. Have 2 and have Duffy ready for the third. Don't think I can convince him on 4 unless that next is twins.

36. Do you have a dog? Our Italian Greyhound, Luci.

37. Last person you talked to on the phone? My neighbor, Rich.

38. Have you met anyone famous? No, not really.

39. Any plans today? Bed

40. How many states have you lived in? WA and California

41. Ever go to college? Yes.

42. Where are you right now? Computer/Craft/Spare Room

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Feeling stressed about work stuff and being a good mom and wife.

44. Last song listened to? Comin' Home by City and Colour

45. What is your favorite store? Target, The Gap, Macy's, drugstore.com (they have killer deals!)

46. Are you allergic to anything? Grass

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? I have several favorites: my Danskos (I'm getting a new pair this fall - Yippee!), my mary-jane Crocs, my J-41's (super comfy!), my strappy Chaco sandles....

48. Are you jealous of anyone? No.

49. Is anyone jealous of you? Highly doubt it.

50. What is your dream job? Getting paid to play - doing crafts, sewing, etc. But being with my kid-o's too!

51. What time is it? 10:15pm

52. Do any of your friends have children? Yes - most of them.

53. Do you eat healthy? Try to

54. What do you usually do during the day? Go to work, mommy stuff, cook, clean up at home, laundry...

55. Do you hate anyone right now? Come on - life is way too short.

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.

57. Do you think you have good manners? Yes, I try.

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 32.

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes - LOVE IT!

60. How did you get one of your scars? I have a 3.5 inch scar on the inside of my left foot from when I walked into the metal rain gutter my dad was installing on our house. I was in 6th grade and it was the first day of Spring Break. 11 stitches later, I spent all of Spring Break on crutches and sitting with my foot up - FUN!

Family Pictures

I met my friend Jessie when I was in college. She was a friend of a friend (or something like that!) whom I've stayed in touch with over the years. We have kids almost the same age and I always loved getting emails with pictures because she tooks great shots of her kids. After she started blogging and posting more and more pictures, I asked her if she'd be interested in taking pictures of us - I'm so happy she said "Yes!" - she is WONDERFUL and was so fun to work with and if anyone wants to contact her - let me know!!!

This past Sunday, we went over to Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend and the weather was great - warm and sunny; the kids were agreeable and somewhat cooperative (other than the fact that they both pose for the camera!) - I was so nervous that my kids wouldn't cooperate but the day went great. Here is a link to her blog where she has posted a some pictures already.

Jessie - thank you so much! We had a great time and you made everyone feel so relaxed and comfortable. I can't wait to see everything! One of these days, we'll have to get together with the kids too!

Babies, Babies Everywhere

I swear, everyone I know is pregnant! My brother called this last week to tell us Bethany, his wife is pregnant! Yippee - we are so excited for them and the adventure ahead! My other sister-in-law, Becky, is pregnant too - we are going to have new cousins all over the place. One of my best friends, Kristi is pregnant with her first baby (I think she is terrified after calling and hearing my girls having an all out brawl in the background!) and our good friend Harmony is pregnant with baby #2. The really funny thing is that Harmony is due Dec. 2nd, Becky is due Dec. 26th and Kristi is due Dec. 30th! Nevermind that fact that a handful of friends have also HAD babies recently too! Kind of makes me have baby fever...

Finally

I've been trying to get some time to sit down and actually post something for the last two weeks. Things have been crazy since we got home from our vaction. So, here is a re-cap post of all sorts of things!

• Our vacation was great. We didn't go far but had a lot of fun. We spent a couple of days at my in-laws and the weather was great. We played outside, I got some good time in the sun (one of my most favorite activities!), visited and enjoyed playing with Zach, who is growing up really fast. My sister-in-law, Becky, is pregnant again and due a month before Zach turns 2 so life will get really fun for them!



Grandma June reading to Zoe and Zach

• Next was Portland. We had a great time visiting my brother and my sister-in-law Bethany. They had to work, but we found lots to do with a day at the zoo, a trip on MAX, the inner-city commuter train, had a fun birthday party for Aunt Bethany (ate at Typhoon - super yummy Thai food and the girls rocked the chopsticks!) and got a little shopping in too! On Friday, the 4th, everyone headed to my grandmother's for an impormptu lunch with extended family then home to Sequim for great fireworks that night. Enjoyed a nice weekend at home then back to reality.




• I worked for a few days then headed back down south to visit with family from San Diego. I got to see my aunt and uncle and some of my cousins, whom I haven't seen in years. It was so much fun visiting and watching our children play together. It made me wish we all lived closer but I was thankful for the chance to all be together.

Zoe, Cousin Savannah, Teagan

Teagan, Cousin Kallie, Cousin Taylor, Zoe & Cousin Cole

• Now it is another weekend ahead and we have a full agenda as usual. On Saturday, we are heading to Edmonds to attend my Uncle Ben's memorial service. He was a wonderful man who loved life, his family and always a good joke. He is greatly missed and I have so many fond memories from time spent with him. His service will be a time of sharing wonderful memories but also of sadness and tears.

So that is the abbreviated version of what's been going on the past few weeks. My goal is to be better about posting and get at least one post in a week - maybe more!!!

Vacation

So, I am officially on vacation until July 7th! We are heading out of town tomorrow to visit Grandma June and Grandpa Doug for a couple of days then heading to Portland! My brother and sister-in-law bought a house recently, so we are going to visit and get in a mini-vacation. Zoe is excited to go to the zoo and ride MAX. Mommy is excited for some big city shopping and warm weather! We'll post pictures when we get home!

New Jeans

I wrote awhile back about the custom jeans my hubby got me for Mother's Day. Well, they have arrived and I LOVE THEM! They fit perfectly and it's so weird knowing they were made just for me and nobody else! The great thing was I got to pick out everything from the color, cut, wearing, etc. I am definately a fan of my indi jeans!

I Wanna Know...

whose bright idea it was to put Zoe and Teagan in bunk beds, in the same room! If Teagan isn't asleep when Zoe goes to bed, they lay in there goofing around. Sometimes it's really cute to listen to them, but mostly they start being naughty, then get in trouble. Oh yeah, and they get up at the first crack of daylight! I swear, I'm going to get black out shades for their room so they sleep in until at least 7:30am! And they want to eat the second the wake up; whose children are these??? Don't they know that Mommy can't even think about food until at least 9am!

Potty Training

So, Teagan is 25 months old and we are working on potty training. Nothing hard-core yet (the weather has cooperated enough to be outside for the majority of a day!) but she is getting the idea. She is definately more patient than Zoe was and will sit and read or sing. And Zoe is quite the cheerleader, encouraging Teagan and praising her for trying. We'll keep you posted!!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Duffy!

This is Duffy's Father's Day present to himself! Supposedly, it's to save us money with the rising gas prices; I think it's just because he's a big kid!

Stress

Do you ever stress out about something that is not worth stressing out about? I am seeing this pattern in my life lately and realize it is something I need to work on.

Example: I have clients that live in Arizona. Not a big deal really, but they are building a house in Port Townsend, WA!! So, they are only here once every 6 months. We communicate via email on a regular basis and decision making has gone rather smoothly (I coordinated all her lighting, cabinets, countertops and now hardware; designed her kitchen, baths, and laundry, and coordinated installation with our installer and the plumbers and electricians). They are super laid back people and the best clients to have, yet, Monday morning, I wake up all stressed out because they are in town. I kept feeling like something was going to be wrong and they were going to be unhappy about something. It's not like things couldn't be fixed - we have until next June before they move permenently! Yet, I still get all worried about stuff - for NO REASON!!! We met yesterday and everything is great - they love their cabinets, there countertops and our installer is helping them do all sorts of other projects.

I am really trying to evaluate the things in my life that I feel stressed about - how much control do I really have? Is it worth thinking/stressing about? Am I the only one affected by my stress or is it affecting my kids, husband, co-workers, etc.? Is the situation going to change because of my stress or will it stay the same??

Happy Birthday

Ok, so here is a video from Duffy's birthday - mind you he worked from 3am - 6pm that day, so everyone was in PJ's and ready for bed! Notice the princess waving in the beginning too. But my favorite part is the singer at the end!

Monday, Monday Monday

Today was one of those Monday's I dread. It was gray and damp; the weekend is over; I woke up kind of cranky (for, like, the 5th day in a row!) and I was stressing about something at work (I stress about things that I don't need to stress about - I just want my clients to be happy all the time!). All day I just felt edgy and annoyed.

But there was light at the end - I was going to a little gathering at my bosses house and Duffy was taking the girls on a date. I got some time away, not worrying about home or work, where a couple of glasses of wine cured my crummy day and dad and the girls had good bonding time over hot dogs and ice cream (Zoe wanted to go to Costco for a hot dog!)

My day ended much better than it started.

Happy Birthday Duffy

Happy 34th Birthday Duffy!

Princess Cruise

This was the only smile we could get out of her the entire time!


Awhile back, our friend Katie (she does a fabulous job making my hair look good!) gave Zoe tickets for a Princess Cruise. It was one of those Seattle harbor theme cruieses and let me tell you - it was overwhelming for everyone! Zoe got to wear one of her princess dresses and of course, it was one of the hottest days of spring. She refused to walk on the dock, the ramp or the stairs on the boat and every "princess" under 5 should have been napping; there were meltdowns all over the place on top of the ice cream sundaes they fed them! Zoe was scared of the princesses that were part of the cruise until the very end then she cried because she wanted them to come home with us! I've never seen so many grown-up women dressed as princesses in my life! Zoe still talks about it and tells everyone about going on her princess cruise and wants to know when we are going to see them all again. If only she would quit telling people her dad is going to sleep with Cindarella when we go to visit the princesses (in Disneyland)!

Phone Calls

Why is it that every time I am on the phone, my children start acting like wild animals? I swear, the last few phone calls I've had, my children have totally lost it! The other day, when I was talking to Kristi (who called to tell me she was pregnant and is now hoping to not have kids like mine) the girls got into an all-out brawl. They were trying to push the other one out of the glider/rocker in my room. They were screaming, pushing and when Zoe started using her feet to try and push Teagan out, I had to intervene. Then today, they started fighting over a baby stroller (one that Zoe only wants because Teagan likes playing with it). I think this is why I have all my phone conversations while in the car or while at work!

Change

I kind of like change - it keeps things fresh and new. It makes me excited and gets my brain thinking about all sorts of new possibilities.

About every 2-3 years, I get this urge to move and not just into a new house. Over the winter, I seriously thought I wanted to move to Alaska -Duffy was convinced I needed serious help and that it was only because of Men in Trees. Now, I have seriously considered trying to convince Duffy to move to Iowa (I miss my Darah, John and Guthrie and the houses are so super cute and CHEAP! I'm not sure what we would do to support ourselves though!) I think he would have me committed!

Don't get me wrong, I love Sequim. I am glad we choose to move here, but I know this isn't where we will live forever. When we moved from Olympia, it was a time in our life that we needed the change and we moved for all of the right reasons. Yet, I miss the friendships with people I have history with - people that have known me longer than 3 years! A little history about Sequim culture - it is made of up people who were born and raised here (typical of any small town) but the vast majority of people are from other places. I find it really hard to forge friendships with those that are from here - they are friendly and inviting but they already have their circle of friends, are content with their lives and starting new friendships seems to take FOREVER and not a real priority!! Most of our friends are transplants, like us. And anyone that knows me well knows that I just don't jump into friendships - it takes me awhile and it seems a lot harder when you have kids - you sort of become friends with who your kids know. We thought getting plugged into a church would help, and it has to some extent, but that has come with it's own set of issues for another post!

So yes, I like change but I think I sometimes like it for the wrong reasons. When I'm unhappy about something, change seems like a good idea. But it's really just a way to escape what I don't like. And in reality, I'm really happy here - my parents are close and I love being able to spend time with them; I have the funnest, most relaxing job any mom could ask for with employers that are more like family than bosses and we have friendships with really great people. I'll have to save my urge to move somewhere drastic for another time!

Jeans

I have a love/hate relationship with jeans. I love them, I wear them all the time. They are my pant of choice - you can dress them up, down, wear them long or short. They are my favorite article of clothing. Yet, I hate them at the same time. I'm 5'9" so my legs are long but my torso is average, thus long jeans are too long and average jeans are too short! And heaven forbid if I accidently dry a pair in the dryer for a minute too long (I have to get wrinkles out somehow!)

So, after 12 years of listening to me whine and complain and buy jeans that I wear only a handful of time, my husband got me the greatest gift for Mother's day, Indi Jeans. So, now, I will have no excuse; I will have jeans made just for me! I'll let you know how it goes!

Realization

Do you have someone in your life that just makes you crazy? I do - I literally feel like banging my head against the wall sometimes when dealing with them. I get all annoyed and irritated at the things they sometimes do and say. Then I had this realization and decided I have to ask myself every time I start to feel annoyed by anyone: Why do I care? Why do I let it bother me? Why do I let it irritate me like a bad sun burn - one that stings at first then itches like crazy? I am letting someone else's bad behavior ruin MY time and it isn't worth it anymore. I'm still not sure how I'll deal with some of my feelings but all I can do is pattern good relationship behavior and hope it rubs off - someday.

Birthday

So, Teagan's birthday is in 3 days and I have no idea what to get a 2 year old who has a ton of stuff already! Clothes are a no since my children have so many clothes, the are out-growing their huge dresser and closet already (hmmm, they take after their mom maybe???) I just found out that the one thing we did get her, my mom bought her too! So, I'm back to not having anything for her. Any ideas?? We already have a fully stocked kitchen, train and train table, princesses, dress-up, doll house, babies, bikes and trikes, wagon, and who knows what else!! I never thought this would be hard!!

Spring Cleaning

So, awhile back, my bestest friend posted about Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products (see http://littleguthrie.blogspot.com/) and I decided to check them out. I'd seem them before and ended up getting a bunch of stuff from drugstore.com for super cheap. I am IN LOVE with the Basil scent and love that my hands smell like it all day after cleaning with the All Purpose cleaner or dish soap. I love how it makes my house smell and I keep wanting to clean things. Maybe it's the time of year, maybe it's the smell of spring outside and in, I don't know but I have become a cleaning freak!!

Solitude

Ahhh, there is nothing like a few quiet moments in the morning, before the girls get up, with my coffee. I should try this more often! That would involve getting up earlier than I do already!

I spent half the night up with Zoe and her itchy tummy rash - she was miserable! She finally passed out in our bed after Duffy got up for work. My alarm went off at 6:30am, I snoozed once until the coffee was finished then got up. She's still asleep but we have to get moving soon - we all have to be dressed and ready since it's a school day. It's amazing how quickly you can get showered, dressed and ready when you have too!

Ozette

On Saturday, we headed out to Lake Ozette. There is great hiking and we wanted to see what our camping options were. It was a loooonnnnngggg drive but the girls slept most of the way out. It rained the entire time, but it was still beautiful. Zoe was quite the hiker and kept telling us how she really liked hiking. Teagan walked part of the way (no stollers allowed and we left the backpack at home!) but I carried her the vast majority.

Jealousy or is it Admiration?

Ok, so the other night, before falling asleep, I started thinking about things to write on my blog. You see, I'm not a "natural" blogger; I read my friends blogs and think "I can do that" but I'm not so confident. Everyone else I know is more eloquent and witty and I feel like my stuff is just, well, plain.

So, while thinking of things, I realized I'm insainly jealous of some of my friends. I don't think of myself as a jealous person, there is no real point in it really and maybe it's more that I admire the skills and talents of my friends. Take Jessie - she is an amazing photographer and her blog makes me laugh out loud and wish I lived closer so we could hang out. My bestest friend, Darah, is a great writer, mother, daughter and crafter (how she finds the time, I don't know!) Katie does magic with my hair and makes me feel good about myself, even when she's having a bad day. Even when stressed and at the end of her rope, she is hopeful and obedient. Danika is a wonderful mother who is full of energy and life and I sooooo wish I could look as good as she does - that would involve taking up running and I don't see that in my near future unless she becomes my personal trainer!!!

So, instead of being jealous, I decided to share what I admire about women in my life. I plan to do this on occasion because it makes me feel good to see how talented the people around me are!

Back to reality

Since we have been married, and especially after the girls were born, Duffy and I have made it a priority to get away, just the two of us. It is so nice to have a conversation that isn't interrupted by kids, isn't over the phone or as he is falling asleep. For those that may not know, Duffy goes to work at 3:30am, so it's not like we get to hang out in the evenings after the girls are in bed. So, for us to get some time away is great. We had a great weekend and I enjoyed not having to someone breakfast or turn on the Disney channel!

The only problem was that we came home to 2 girls with colds - yippee for me. And Teagan has officially entered the terrible 2's! Yesterday marked her first "official" time out and I so wish I would have taken a picture! She was screaming about something and basically have a bit of a melt-down and Duffy picked her up and put her in her room. I thought he put her in her bed, but no, she was sitting on the floor, just inside the door crying but not moving from where he had set her. After a few minutes I heard her calm down and that was the end of time out. Isn't reality fun?

Weekend Away

Duffy and I are getting a much needed weekend away and I can't wait! With the whirlwind of activity we have had the last 2 weeks - it is going to be so nice to sleep in, have some quiet time, relax and basically do whatever we want to do! Grandpa and Grandma Moore are coming to hang out with the girls. We are celebrating Zoe's birthday with them tonight too.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Zoe!

Happy Birthday Princess Rainbow Feather!!! (This is her princess name of the week!) She picked our dinner menu (tacos) and our evening activity: bowling at the REAL bowling alley. Should be a crazy day!

Shy Pose - yeah, like she is ever shy!

I think she likes it!

What a goof-ball! Thanks Aunt Nancy and Uncle Tim for my new "Skaters"!!

Riding our new bike!

Mac and Caddle

Ok, 2 years ago, Zoe got into watching Mac and Caddle (American Idol) and since I was out-numbered, I started watching also. Two years ago, I even had a boyfriend (sorry baby!). He's just so cute to look at and he always reminded me of Duffy!

So this year, Zoe has a favorite. I expected it to be a blonde, princess girl (we are into princesses at our house - lucky!) or a cute boy. Boy was I wrong. Zoe's favorite American Idol contestant is........ are you ready........

Duffy and I can't stand her! I think she looks like Cruella DeVille and her singing is horrible! I'm so ready for her to go home! But Zoe is a die-hard fan. She loves her hair and her clothes! Maybe she'll grow up to be a punk/rocker/biker chic instead of a princess (Zoe actually thinks we are going to go to another country and visit a princess one day!)

Sick

I'm so tired of my family being sick. Duffy has been sick off and on since late October. Zoe has had at least 3 colds and the flu once. Teagan has had a runny nose off and on, is teething (molars - FUN!) and has been sick the last 2 days. I've had a cold for the last few days and feel crummy! I'm ready for spring and everyone to feel better!

Love

My husband has a new love. She stands over eight feet tall and six feet wide and weights a ton (or more). She's younger than me (DOB: sometime in 1984) and needs a little more love and affection than me somedays. I think he spent more money on her for Valentine's day but what can I do - it's not everyday your husband falls for another! He definately has been spending more time with her lately and she is getting WAY more attention; he's says that won't be the case forever - we'll see. When he's not with her, he's online looking at things for her - gifts to make her more comfortable and feel younger.

He has lovingly named her Elsie (or LC for Land Cruieser) - welcome to our family, I guess....

Book Club

When we moved to Sequim 3 years ago (holy cow, has it been that long?), I started going to a book club where I was the youngest member. And I'm not the youngest member by a year or two, it's more like 25 years! There have been, on occasion, other younger women, but I have been the consistant "young" one. I have come to truely love my bookclub ladies - it is one of my monthly highlights.

We spend some time discussing the books we read but it was been more of a chance to learn and grow from each other. It is amazing the story each person has to tell, since we have all lived out different experiences and challenges. Thank you for making my world bigger!!!

Children Playing

My Friday's consist of being home, doing laundry, cleaning bathrooms and children playing. For awhile now, I've been watching Theo, almost 3, on Fridays while his mom works. Theo is an only child and I think, sometimes overwhelmed by Zoe and Teagan. Yet, they all have the greatest time. Right now, they are into playing house - poor Teagan is everything from the little sister/brother to the dog and Theo is either cooking or sleeping. Zoe is the definately the mother, leading the "family" and telling everyone what to do next - hmmmm, wonder where she learned that????

So far today we've played house, built a tent, took it down (Zoe had some time in time-out over this part) and now they are filling back-packs with play food and toys and heading out on an adventure to my bedroom! Sounds like loads of fun!

Motivation

I need motivation. I read the blogs of my friends (you all are way better bloggers than I, by the way!) and realize that I have to get my butt in gear and do some blogging; you, know, since I like to write and all!

I've always thought of myself as being somewhat organized and tidy, that is, until I look at my spare/computer/craft room! How can anything get done in this mess?

The bed was Christmas wrapping central over the holidays and has now become the catch-all for all sorts of crap (the box of clothes to send to Guthrie, old baby toys, the Coach box from my purse, etc.). The thing is, everything on the bed is organized in their appropriate piles, etc. I just have to do something with it! I'm so embarressed!

It has become this neverending task to clean my craft desk. Just ask Darah - we talk about it almost every Friday over coffee. It's embarresing. I'm stifuling my creativity because I can't seem to clean my desk!! I have all sorts of ideas but they are all in my head at this point in time!

So, Darah was telling me about her friends cleaning routines, etc. and mentioned doing 15 minutes of decluttering everyday - I think I will start that, today, after I finish my coffee. Maybe after my shower and getting the girls dressed. Does thinking about it count? See, I'm back to my motivation issue!

Birthdays

I love birthdays - not just mine, but anyone's! It is that one day of the year that is your day. I've tried in the last few years to really remember to acknowledge birthdays for family and friends (if have have been forgotten, I apologize! Send me your birth date so I can be on track this year!).

We started the year out with a month of birthdays! First is my brother-in-law, Herb (Jan.7th), then my sister-in-law, Becky (Jan. 13th). My birthday was Jan. 20th - very low-key but nice; my brother was in town and we had a nice day with family and friends. To finish out the month, my nephew is turning one on the 29th!

I made an observation several years ago about my husbands family - all of them - Duffy, his parents, and siblings - all have birthdays within a 4-week period of time (Late May-Mid June) and all of the new kids (myself, Herb and Becky) all have our birthdays in January, in a 2-week period of time. I'm not sure what it's supposed to mean, but I thought it was interesting.

Life

We've had some interesting things happen in our family these past weeks and it has made me realize that there are so many "unexpected's" in our life. Kid's get sick, people make poor decisions, grandparents age and family members are dying, new jobs open up - Life happens. No matter what you do to plan and prepare, things will happen that you just were not ready for. Makes me rethink how I handle situations and the unexpected...

House

So, my sister-in-law (Kari, Duffy's older, wiser sister) and brother-in-law, Herb - got the girls the coolest Christmas gift: a cardboard house!

They love it and it is so much fun to listen to them playing house and interacting, until the screaming starts, at least.

Thank you Auntie Kari and Uncle Herb!

Routine

Wow - it has been awhile since my last post. We have survived Christmas - 4 versions of it - and are getting back into our routine. We thrive on routine. Zoe askes everyday what we are doing, where she is going, etc. I find it very interesting - she is definately my child!

My mother-in-law sent me the greatest calendar where there is a space for each person and what they are doing on a daily basis. Duffy has finally learned to use it - to actually look at it and see what we have going on instead of asking me all the time or saying he didn't know. I'm sure some people find it annoying that I'm always planning ahead, but when you have large extended families, friends, kids, work, and just plain old life, how can you not? And I know, as my kids get older, it will get busier and busier!

So, thank you to all who put up with my need to have things on my calendar - you are making my life more organized and helping my routine!