Happy Cinco De Mayo Homies.

Yep its 12:45 am and yes I'm blogging. I have been sick this last week and my sick turned into my once yearly visit from my friend bronchitis. So I picked up my beloved little seven day pack of prednisone yesterday and started them this morning. I never sleep when I am on the stuff even with nyquill on board....so here I sit.

Luckily my lame morning spent in bed watching Breakfast at Tiffanys while my awesome MIL spent time with the kiddles, turned into an afternoon where I pulled myself out of my hermit shell, threw my body in the shower, pulled on some halfway decent clothes, brushed my teeth and attempted to throw an out this world amazing Cinco De Mayo party with my two little cherubs. Elliot came home from school weeks ago and asked we could celebrate Cinco De Mayo this year, and well this Mama doesn't turn down a party that is surrounded around food ever.....so we made decorations invited Uncle Jordan over and celebrated like the rockstars that we are. I was sick but I did my best to not let it show to much. And yes it was all about the party not so much the meaning behind the holiday, we did listen to fiesta music and have a mini dance party so I would say we hit some cultural high points.?


May I introduce you to the party planners?

The amazingly talented Jager Sibs.
If you have a boy then you feel my pain in the photo dept. Not sure I will ever get him to give me a real smile again its all about keepin it real these days. And I would like to say Grace is going through a posing stage, but lets face it she's done that her whole life, some days more than others.


I saw a cute idea for mini pinatas on pinterest(yep I'm hooked), and so we but our own flare on them. Even Elliot helped and he is so not arts and crafts, he finished one in the time Grace did 4, and it all roles down with his Type A personality. Everything has to be perfect. We were trying to follow a color pattern and Grace told me I think it would look more natural if we just mixed all the colors up (Yep she's 6 folks, I'm in trouble).



I think they turned out really cute. From this point Grace switched to full time decorator and Elliot helped me int he kitchen. I believe in letting them be as hands on as they want at this point. If I may go off on a little tangent I have learned the more involved I let them be in their food the more they will be willing to try. So far its worked for me...just saying. Elliot moved up to stove work tonight....yes I was standing right next to him at the cutting board the whole time and as you can see fromt he pictures he decided to wear both oven mitts just in case...It is also my intention to make sure he can make more than mac and cheese and noodles before he moves out of this house.




The decorator ate a blue dum dum while working. And yes there are giant boxes in my living room...we are not moving...teacher appreciation week is blowing up in my living room. Also there are shoes everywhere, I would blame it on the sickies...but really we live here and so this is reality sometimes.
In other news Grace made a game up of pin the flowers on the cactus that is what is ont he door. She also made us flowers for our hair and taped them to barrettes. She's pretty creative, That Grace.


I mean really am I not so incredibly blessed....


And the final product. Tacos(pork or beef), guac, pico, homemade beans, yummy mexi rice, and all the rest. Yummers.

And in case you didn't see it the moon was real "super" tonight.


And last but not least...I finished reading the book of Job today. Brian found it odd that I chose that book to read. But let me tell you it was real good, I chose to read it in the Message but I think I will go back and read it in my study Bible as well. More to come on this later.

Welp, I'm going to try and sleep again. If I can't I will try and count the number of times Beejer exhales until sunrise. He falls asleep in about 10.3 seconds after his head hits the pillow, happy for him, but oh does it make me jealous:)

TaTa for now.

And one last P.S. I turned the word verification off on my blog comments so comment away. I had heard this was making things difficult so I'm giving it a whirl.

Fourth of July 2011

I love the Fourth of July. We are so blessed to live in this country.

We spend the Fourth of July at my parents every year. It is so nice to be up there away from all the hubbub. The kids can run, and my Dad, Brian and my Brother in law usually put on a spectacular firework show at dark(this was the best year yet by the way). Its relaxing and I can't say that about many holidays.


My sister got to celebrate her first fourth of July as a mom. I think poor little smalls was just a wee bit overstimulated by all the going ons and this made laying him down just a wee bit difficult. So porr Emily missed the whole show. She didn't seem to mind...I wouldn't either if it meant holding this little guy!


The kids and their Gran.


My two little fire crackers....they were just a little bit excited about the firework show.


Normally my sister and I snuggle on a hammock and watch the show together, but shes a mommy now and her baby needed her.:) BJ didn't mind standing in for her though...


Sleep whats sleep:) Love Love Love this little one!!!! And yes he pretty much smiles constantly and hardly ever cries at all. Emily is incredibly blessed!

No firework pictures...I was way to relaxed and chill this weekend, just soaking up my family and loving the freedom to do so!!

Let There Be Light

We have finally arrived at cabinet install day. In a mater of hours the process of installation and rebuild will begin and I couldn't be more excited. I haven't had a stove in over a week and I haven't had a sink since Friday. And although I am not complaining about what is about to happen here, the last few days were rough.

Wanted to share a few more before pics and hopefully tomorrow I will be able to show you some pics of the next stage.

I must add that we couldn't have made it through the last week without the help of a lot of others. Once again our friends and family have been generous with their time and talents to get us ready for the next step. We are overwhelmed with blessings.

My husband has had an interesting day, after a meeting with Bob we found out we had a lot of stuff still to be done and changed today. So Bill came before work, my Dad worked a half day and spent the rest of his day and night helping. I know that Brian is more that thankful. It takes a village most times and after a straight year of remodel I can say we have a large and loving village:)

Before


After


I married a very talented and handy man. He works so hard!!!

Well I promised him I wouldn't blog much tonight so I am off to bed:)

But before I go I leave you with a picture of one of our tribe members. He is responsible for using that big piece of equipment to make the holes for my 11 can lights. Thanks Luke you are the best dude!! I know you know! You still might want to consider Tim the Toolman for Halloween next year;)

Welcome 2011

So last year was great, crazy but great. We experienced a lot of new things some good some bad some a little of both. Me working full time this past summer was a little of both. Our Jager camping trip was good. And learning to live without loved ones that were fixtures was bad. But in all these things we grow and with growth comes knowledge, realization, renewed strength and lots of love and with saying that I feel warm and ready to face a new year.

So for 2011 and I am pledging to find time for more leisure and less work (hmmmm who knows), less stress and more enjoyment, and a promise to look at all things with fresh perspective and less expectation. Sounds complicated and a bit confusing...but I think it can be done.

Christmas break was fabulous. I think we could all say it was one of the best Chrsitmas' in the history of our little family. I tried on my new resolution for size and I think even though some things were different-different isn't always bad-it was relaxing and enjoyable and I never once felt like I needed to lock my children up for bad behavior or exhaustion....SUCCESS:) We were able to focus a lot more on the reason for the season, spend a lot more time listening to Elliot give Grace theology lessons that were wrapped in the hope of Jesus' birth and topped with of course you want to go to heaven Grace.

To finish that story Grace and Elliot recently had a conversation about heaven in which Grace told Elliot she didn't want to go because God seems scary.( I think the massiveness of God is a bit overwhelming for her right now) She went on to ask Elliot if they had food in heaven because she hungry all of the time. He went on in reply that she need not worry we wouldn't have our earthly bodies....and I am pretty sure that got lost and translation making her desire to stay put here even more severe. All in our own time I suppose it sure is cute to hear their conversations though:) It is such a gift to witness faith from a childs perspective, I think they are still teaching me more than I teach them at this point.

Back to 2011 and the new year though....we will be celebrating a lot of milestones and looking forward to more in the following year. Our grandparents all turn 80 this year and Brian turns 30, my sister will have her first baby. Brian has been working for Verizon for 5 years this month and we have many conversations about how thankful we are for his job and the stability it provides for our family. The day before Christmas Eve 5 years ago we got word that he would be laid off from AT&T with one more day of work remaining to close down the store, it was a depressing Christmas, we had a lot on our plate with plans to buy a house and two little kids to provide for. But with much prayer and lots of support we made it. 3 weeks later Brian had a job with better pay and amazing benefits and a lot more opportunities. God always provides, He always prevails, and He is always in control, we just have trust.

So this year I am expecting to be full and great and wonderful and I can't wait to unwrap all of the blessings and changes that I am sure God has planned for us. I hope this new year finds you well too!

Sometimes Having Christmas Cheer Is A Choice

Today was the day I was going to finish most everything I had left to finish before the joyful weekend to come, and I did finish most everything. But today was probably one of the worst days in the universe to try and shop anywhere.

However, when I left this morning I told myself I was going to approach the day with Christmas Cheer and attempt to bless those around me with a smile and great attitude. And that is what I did. It took a lot of effort i am not going to lie and I will give you a brief synopsis of the things I encountered.

So when I nearly got nailed driving through the round about I refrained from tossing out mean words or obscene gestures, instead I waved and mouthed Merry Christmas. When the lady rushing to get green beans for 1.98 a pound barged in front me back and forth from the beans to the scale, I waited patiently for my brussel sprouts and when she was finished I said enjoy your beans Merry Christmas. When another woman rammed her cart into mine while rushing to get a pound of butter I pulled my cart back and said with a giggle they have some really good deals today don't they. And when I finished my shopping at Target and realized I missed paying for something in my cart I took it back and waited patiently making small talk with others that were obviously more crazed than I was:) And last but not least when I saw another woman push an older lady (someones grandmother mind you) out of the way, physically nudge her and tell her to go to the back of the line I held back from giving the offender a stern talking to on how to treat the elderly.

You see Brian would tell you that I have extreme intolerance for others impatience and lack of manners and this is probably true. So I am trying not to be a walking contradiction, while at the same time enjoying this Christmas Season.

So may this be an encouragement to you if I can do it so can you. Don't barge in front of little old ladies.... thats rude, say Merry Christmas to the checkers at the stores they don't want to deal with anyone of these crazy people anymore than you do, say please and thank you and take your time to enjoy the season. And remember to be kind, kindness goes a long way.

Once again I am not perfect....just a girl trying to make it in the world without being mean herself:)

Merry Christmas to all!!

Tuesdays and Sundays.....

Starting last and continuing for the next 2 weeks Tuesdays and Sundays are my only days off. It has been exhausting thus far. I love my job, but even more so I love my life.

At work i daydream whenever I can which isn't much. I daydream about my kids and have dreams of a perma vacation to a super warm place that only has sand for surfaces. Where we could make sandcastles and eat sandy potato chips all day. And then I find myself jolted back into reality with the sensation of super hot cranberry compote springing forth from the blender all over my hands and body and realize that these days will come but not in the month of December during holiday party season. I secretly call all Holiday Parties, Christmas Parties..But don't tell anyone I am pretty sure our Jewish clients would not approve. But every time I hear the word holiday I want to puke:) As my boy Elliot says to everyone who has ears, Jesus is the reason for the season you know. Back to my daydreaming though...I am not sure if you other moms have experienced this but lately I can not get enough of my little peoples faces. I find myself clicking away on the camera as if I am putting out a wildfire, or staring at them as they sit next to me on the couch. I so badly don't want to forget what there little faces looked like at this very moment in time. I so can not get enough time to look at them, its weird and its a bit intoxicating.

Well its been crazy, as I know it has been for a lot of you so far this Christmas season. I have been working, formulating a Children's Christmas Service, A Blacklight Puppet show, and again working incredibly to much, tying up all loose ends for a wreath and bake sale for school and trying to rest whenever possible which is really only Sunday afternoons if I can hide from the world and not answer my phone (this proved to be successful this Sunday). I love this life no matter how crazy it may be, it is mine and every thing I am involved in seems necessary and I feel like God is really in each piece. Although my husband has threatened to duct tape my arms to the sides of my body if I volunteer or agree to be a part of anything else right not and rightfully so I might add. So I will comply and not take anything else on for the rest of the month..I have agreed to add nothing more to the calendar at this point, if I am able to comply my sanity and my husbands may hold on, by a thread but holding on is holding on at this point.

However, from the looks of my house a housekeeper may be in my future? One can daydream right?

Well here's to daydreaming, cleaning, Beautiful little faces and a truly yummy Christmas Season.

I am thankful beyond belief......maybe not the exact post you were expecting?

I love Thanksgiving(not as much as my mother but I love it just the same). So much so that we have three every year.

First we celebrate Friendsgiving, all the usual blokes and lovlies around my table enjoying each others company and me being incredibly thankful that we have these people in our lives....you know I hope you all have friends like these and if you don't you need to go out quick and find some because at times they are what God gives me to make my world go 'round. I can't explain my love for them but they are the type of people that are always there right when you need a pick me up, they call you out when you are being a jerk, and make you feel like a million bucks over any little accomplishment....they are not anything short of Fabulous. They are Family really.

Next up is The Units Thanksgiving...the unit being Beej's parents. This was a great day around the table. Much yummy food to be had. Little boy voices gathered behind us around the bar giggling about what not and shenanigans....little lovely ladies giggling simply because they are girls and they are growing up in a family that not only supports that but is so chalk full of strong women it bursts at the seems leaving them no choice but to feel entitled just for the simple reason that they are girls. I am so thankful for this it is beyond. This year was special because Bill and Savannah were celebrating birthdays so our Thanksgiving also included a birthday cake. I bet you are jealous now;) I must say my favorite part of that Thanksgiving this year is just the opportunity to be an Auntie.....this is one of the greatest gifts and one of the jobs or roles that I am most thankful for. I love them like my own, yet I have no need to discipline them, I just get to love and mildly spoil. Its Fabulous!

Next up is today Thanksgiving Day. My mom is over the moon in love with Thanksgiving. She loves every bit of it! If there is a stronger word than love feel free to insert it you would probably be reaching a closer replication of her emotion for this day. She always has the kids stay the night the night before so they can help with all of the preparations. She has been doing this since Elliot was the size of a Thanksgiving turkey himself. It is fun to watch them take ownership over parts of the meal. This year has been a rough one for our family but I think we have pulled through stronger than before. And I am thankful that we will be gathering around the table with an extra little baby girl and another baby growing within my sister's womb. Our family is still growing, much like some of yours and it is exciting to watch.

With all the excitement comes a bit of sadness for me but Thankfulness as well. My Grandpa died a year ago this month and it has been rough for me, I won't lie. I have thought a lot about him the last month in reflection to this day and the fact that he will be missing from the table once again. I miss him like crazy and their was no one in this world that appreciated and enjoyed holiday shenanigans around the kids as much as he did, he would always appeal for lighter discipline and always always slip them more sugar if they were told no from a parental. Something I noticed but let slip with him, because once you are a great grandpa I think you get to do what you want...no questions asked. Plus he helped raise me and I turned out ok so I figure he must be enlightened to some parenting techniques that I haven't figured out yet.? So he won't be their this year and I know you all are probably missing someone as well that holds their own piece of your heart. But the part about this that I am thankful for is that I had him at all, we all have had someone who loves you unconditionally, that holds close always and looks at you as if you set the moon in the sky...that was my Grandpa. So I miss him but I know that no matter how long I am on this earth no one can take that love from me. And this I am thankful for!

So this year as you gather with your own friends and family I encourage you to look at each person and be thankful for each of them for who they are to you. Friends and family are a beautiful thing!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Pumpkin time....

The kids had a blast at McPhails getting pumpkins. We took a hay ride out to the field fed the animals and played on the toys. Fun day but cold and wet. I guess we do live in WA.

Getting the Tree

This is the annual Christmas tree adventure. It was so cold this year but we still managed to tough out a snowball fight and snow angels.

Dad Putting Lights on the Ponds Christmas Tree

Mom insists that Dad put lights on a tree by their pond. Quite the job.....but well worth it. (I am not the one that has to do it though:))

Holiday Tees

Aren't we all festive in our tees....

Lights of Christmas

The lights were beautiful this year with some new additions which is always fun. It also amazes me that we can tell if something is new or not because there are so many lights!! The kids had a great time this year Elliot definetly enjoyed it to the max and Grace seemed to follow suit. They enjoyed the normal things such as Bruce the Spruce and Ppny but new excitement was added with bell ringing along with the band in the dinner hall. Fun times had by all!