“Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you.” - T.A. Barron

Happy New Year from our house to yours! We celebrated with Archer's annual New Years Eve party with all the usual suspects in attendance. (here's a look at last year...)
We are savoring the last few days of winter break...moving slow and enjoying doing a bit of nothing.
Getting ready for the new year...I'm choosing a word, getting organized and ready. Here we go...

Happy New Year!

“Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

Hans Christian Anderson

We didn't have any sun this Labor Day but we did have a LOT of fun! This year was the museum sponsored the 8th annual Lynde 500 and it rained. For the first time in eight years it rained and rained hard. 

My brother, Alex,  ran in the first Lynde and this year as he was helping set up the track he was recruited again...He was not happy about it. But he is a good great sport and joined a team with all the enthusiasm he could muster. :)

Our sister was working an administration booth, I was watching the races, Troy was announcing and Archer was in the pits with a team of his friends and this happens. Alex is the guy on the bottom...

 Ok. If you've read this blog at all you may realize that when ^^^ this ^^^ happens our first thoughts jump to an emergency room (me) and living with an injured brother (other sister). 

Our minds immediately think - OH CRAP (or a word close to crap).

Luckily it was just a nasty scrape and his little sister was able to grab a first aid kit and fix him up (she's got lots of practice). Archer of course had to come over and make sure that his broken uncle wasn't really broken this time. Thank goodness!

Oh and after all that...this happened to his team car. He was actually the first pusher who caused this mess...

Oh. And did I mention his team took 2nd place? 2nd! That's right! A little car malfunction and crash didn't stop the team!

WooHoo!!!

“Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” —Scott Adams

HAPPY MAIL! I love opening the mailbox and getting a super fantastic treat (as opposed to bills and junk!). Our lovely friend from the south, Katrina and her family, sent us cookies! Snickerdoodles. They are so good. So. Good. Really.

And to my great surprise and delight there was kid art in the box from sweet little M & E. I love kid art and as we don't have a little one anymore the art is far more rare! Our fridge and cupboards and Archer's door are all decorated with art from these two amazing kids!

So, a HUGE thanks to Katrina and the fam for the happy mail. We are blessed to call you friend!

birthday fun, cool cousins, and Easter shoes...OH MY!

“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” —Audrey Hepburn

“You will discover that you have two hands. One is for helping yourself and the other is for helping others.” -Audrey Hepburn

April is off to a roaring start.

Birthday fun. I would expand on the fun but it is probably better that I don't. Haha.

Easter with family. The ten-year gap cousins. Love these boys. (By the way Nick totally kicked at the egg hunt!)

New shoes for some sisters. I call them our Easter shoes, but really they're not. My flip flops were from Troy for my birthday and De just buys shoes whenever she possibly can.

So, April is off to a good start. It is Spring break and I'm taking a few days to slow down before picking back up again.

In other (birthday) news: I follow a blog, hula seventy, have you heard of it? Do you read? I love it. Every year she makes a list of things to do before her next birthday. Last year I contemplated this, however never made a list. Right around the end of February I decided that I was going to do it. So, early March I started my list. It took me a few weeks. But now I have a list of 36 things to do before I turn 37. I haven't decided yet if I'll publish the whole list or not. I might. I might not. We'll see. I will, most likely, share as I complete or work on items. Some things are silly, some abstract, some concrete, however all are meaningful, to me.

So, hears to another year. I'm ready. So far 36 has been pretty nice to me.

Celebrate: Teenage Life

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” —Kahlil Gibran

“I believe that friends are quiet angels who sit on our shoulders and lift our wings when we forget how to fly.”—Unknown

Tonight is Tolo. Archer was invited by his friend, Jayna (who he went to homecoming with) to her Tolo. Fun times for sure. What is fun about going to this *other* school's dances is that his best friend Kelby goes to that school as well which means that they get to experience some of high school together. I am so thankful for that. These two have been friends since first grade...remember this post?
It was fun to have the boys at our house to get ready. I love these boys. Kelby is probably the closest thing that Archer has to having a brother (well, Kelby and his brother/twin Trevin)...

The white board says, "we look hot." Fun times for sure. Love these boys so much!

Archer and his date, Jayna. I love that he has a friend like Jayna. I think it is so great that he has a girl who he can hang out with, talk to, and experience these teenage "things" without the pressure of having a girl friend. She is seriously adorable - in both looks and personality. I love getting texts from her...she is thoughtful, yet never ceases to entertain.

and YUP, they are wearing matching shirts...how cute is that?
Seriously, how fun is she?

Kelby and his date, Salli Jo. Salli is fun and hilarious. I adore her and I love our Kelbs!

So, with the boy at Tolo I'm taking this night to organize some scrappin' stuff and to enjoy the martini(s) that my husband so thoughtfully created. Life is good.

Celebrate: Connections

“A good friend is a connection to life, a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” - Lois Wyse

This week I've really been celebrating connections. Friends. Family. Since I've been sick for the first part of this year and really stuck at home I've spent quite a bit of time on facebook. I don't know about you but I love facebook. I love the updates from friends, reading people's statuses is so much fun. I love the quick look into people's lives - people I see daily and people I haven't seen for over 20 years. I like being able to quickly comment, let people know that I'm thinking of them.

And I love, LOVE reconnecting with old friends. Especially old friends I thought I may never hear from again.

Be it over a cup of coffee or over the internet I love the connection to other people. I celebrate them and who they are and what they are to me at this point and what they were to me in the past. It's an awesome thing.

This week I've made plans to see a friend who lives in the next town over, but who I haven't seen in over five years. We've kept up via facebook, but face-to-face? Not so much. We plan on changing that.

This week I reconnected with an old Beau (yes, Troy knows...I tell him I'm collecting boyfriends). We hadn't talked in 16 years. It was good to catch up and hear about his life in North Carolina and remind him why the Pacific Northwest is so wonderful!

This week I had some great conversations with my sister over coffee and a few lunches.

This week I've run into friends at the grocery store.

This week I've had coffee with one of my best friends and my cousin.

This week I've laughed with my guys. Troy and I went out for an impromptu dinner - just us. I watched a movie with Archer, we made grilled cheese side-by-side, I danced as he rolled his eyes.

I celebrate each one of these connections! I am so blessed.

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” - Dr. Seuss

I had every intention of writing a really meaningful New Year's post, but this stupid cold that invaded me had other plans.

So, I shall simply say from this gang to you -

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May 2010 be filled with peace, love, happiness, and a whole lot of fun with friends!

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” - Willie Nelson

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the crafting that so naturally fits in amongst the season. Katrina made one of these magazine trees the other day. When I saw it on her blog I smiled as I remember making these with my Grandma's old Reader's Digest magazines. Of course I had to copy her and make one myself. I'm thinking I need a few more. Archer even got in the crafty mood and made one himself as we watched Dexter (I know that Dexter and Christmas crafts may not seem like a likely pairing but with him being a full-fledged teenager I'll take what I can get).
Every year I say I'm going to do a Christmas card sabbatical like my friend Tami does sometimes and every year my dear, sweet cousin Lorinda insists that a sabbatical will NOT take place and we spend a few days ensconced in the creative process of making cards.
This year was an every-card-is-different year. We used all our different Christmas papers, stickers, and embellishments in a variety of different ways. Some cards far more successful than others. :) In the past I've made the same card over and over, but sometimes I just like the process of something new each time. Everyone will get their own unique card. Fun fun.

December is in full-swing. Loving it!

then & now

“Friends are helpful not only because they will listen to us, but because they will laugh at us; Through them we learn a little objectivity, a little modesty, a little courtesy; We learn the rules of life and become better players of the game.” - Will Durant

first grade.

I shared a picture of these two in the last post. These pictures make my heart sing. In my mind I see their graduations and weddings...

9th grade.

Loving the journey.

Homecoming.

As I type this my little boy, my baby, is at his first high school dance. His first official date including dressing up, buying a corsage, paying for dinner...the whole shabang. And to be honest I feel pretty good about it. It was fun to be part of the excitement before hand and it was so wonderful to see kids that I have known "forever" go on this journey with Archer as well. The homecoming was for a different school than his own which evidently didn't faze him one bit. This homecoming was about firsts, friends, and fun...

*Archer & his adorable date, Jayna*

*looking good*
I could not think of a better girl for Archer to go on his first real "date" (he doesn't like calling it that) with. Jayna is funny, down to earth, and an all around great girl.

*the whole gang*

*and of course a little bit of fun*

*you can never pose for enough pictures*

*and again*

*the boys*
this is one of my favorite pictures. Archer & Kelby. They have been friends since first grade. I think of Kelby as my own...Love these boys.

*sealing the deal?*
dang! I can't believe how big these boys are...Trevin and Archer met through Kelby (above)...they became fast friends and brothers.

*New Horizon boys, friends, family*
Archer, James, Trevin, Kelby
These boys, while not all related, are family. I love each and every one of them. I am so blessed to know them and be a part of their lives. (fyi...New Horizon is our church where most of the kids in all these group shots go to youth group...fun times).

*mom Teresa*
We share our boys. I trust her completely with Archer and I think of her boys as my own. We often call Archer the triplet and he thinks of Teresa as his other mom. We are blessed.

*my boys*
Archer's best friends. He is lucky that when he met Kelby (left) that he also got another best friend in Trevin. I love that every time I see them I get a hug still and that they call me mom (or old lady sometimes).

And we're off...on the adventure that is high school. I am thankful for good friends (that are practically family), good role models, good decisions. I am thankful for fun and freedom and the knowledge that Archer has a great head on his shoulders.

“To dream anything that you want to dream. That's the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.” —Bernard Edmonds

Tuesday. After a full day of work at school on Monday, I am ready for a little home time on Tuesday. I've been working dutifully to "spring clean" the house and today I shall continue.

I'm also meeting with my friend Crystal today to help plan a 20-hour crop. First of all, let me say, I am not really one to go to crops. Me and Lorinda in my kitchen are about my speed, however Crystal asked and I said yes. I am pretty excited for her. She had lap-band a year ago and is training for the Seattle Rock & Roll marathon...How could I NOT say yes.
*We're meeting for coffee which makes me very happy too!

Hopefully I will find a little free time to read (I will) and watch FlashPoint (which has been on my DVR since Friday).

Have a glorious Tuesday friends.

"Everything you can imagine is real." - Pablo Picasso

I was thrilled when I received a card in the mail from my friend Katrina. It was quite thick, so I was curious as to what was in there. Imagine my delight when I pulled out these beautiful paintings from the kids. I love art made by children. One of the things I miss most about Archer growing up is I don't have the fridge and the laundry room door covered in his work...I love it when Katrina shares Madeline & Erik's masterpieces. What treasures.

I love that M & E told Katrina which picture was for each of us. The top middle was titled, "a rainbow spider web for Jerrie's birthday," the blue one had a note saying "this one is just for Troy," (both by Miss M) and the orange and blue one said, "this pitcher's for Archer" (by E). So much fun. The card on the upper right has been on the fridge for a few months now (made by M) and I have another one from her in my room...Such creativity in them. Love it. Thanks for sharing their art Katrina.

I was also thrilled to find a few coupons for thai food and free cupcakes (YAY)! My friends know me well!

“Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.” -Abraham Lincoln

I was on facebook earlier and my friend Shanan had listed 10 reasons why she loves today. It was just the thing I needed to read as I was just taking a little break from cleaning the bathroom and hating every moment...

I have so much to be thankful for every day. Usually I am pretty good at this, the thankful thing. I try to incorporate a feeling of gratitude into my heart everyday. Some days, some moments, I forget or it just is harder. So, I took a moment and looked around...Today and everyday are filled with blessings.

I spent this morning with my friends Tracey and Pete. They are a great couple...I so enjoy them and their family. I told them I was moving in...they didn't offer up a room so I came home (and cleaned the bathroom - blah!). By the way, if you haven't visited Pete's site, Liberty Bands, you should. I wrote about it here.

On Friday (my 35th birthday!), my friend Tami, aka the lady in the stone house, brought me a few goodies...including this bicycle basket (says, "life is good, enjoy the little things") and the darling Eiffel Tower plate filled with cookies. She knows just what I'll love. So much thanks to her!

Friday night I found myself at NY Pizza enjoying a few martinis with the husband. Love that place. Love that guy.

blueberry drop! like a lemon drop, but blueberry! lovely.
I had one of each!

A few of the blessings in my life. Fun, thoughtful friends. Family. Martinis. I've got it all...I'm a lucky girl at 35!

blessed.

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This weekend was the weekend of friends. On Friday, Troy started out having drinks with Tami (aka the lady in the stone house) and her fabulous hubby. Such fun.

Then Saturday night was "girls night out" with a few of my best girls (and my brother and a few of his friends for awhile and an old friend who was in the band we saw...but we still call it girls night).

We started the night at the Chuckanut Brewery to listen to the last performance of my friend Raphael's group The Diamondbacks. I enjoyed the crab cakes, the strong bock, and of course the company of my friends (and brother and band...).

After the band finished we headed up to Poppe's for a few drinks. I hadn't been there in years, however anyone who knows me knows I love a martini...What fun!
Here are my girls - Cheryl, Lisa, Lorinda. Lemon Drops and a Naughty Schoolgirl (our drinks), fun times.
So, now it is Monday and the fun continues. I am off to Seattle with Cheryl and Lorinda for cupcakes, shopping, and seeing Jodi Picoult speak. I'll take it, as tomorrow will be back to "normal" life.

"The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of sugarplums
danced in their heads;
And Mama in her kerchief
and I in my cap
Had just settled our brains
for a long winter's nap -"

White Christmas!

The hazards of the snow plow...

My own slaves...ooops I mean shovelers!

"Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!"

"Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart." - Henry Clay

I hope your Monday was good my friends. Mine was good as Mondays go. 

I am thankful for a job that is flexible, where I can make my own hours as long as I get my work completed. As you may have guessed I worked today. I tested a few kids, wrote a report. It was good. I love the teacher that I work for, the school is fantastic, the staff and students are great. I am a lucky girl indeed. 

I am thankful for opening my mail box and receiving a homemade thank you card from the divine Miss M and her mama. I love that Katrina copied a piece of Madeline's art and the card was so obviously from a sweet three year old written by her fantastic mom. Love that kind of mail.

I am thankful, once again, for our fab vet, Dr. Berry. He continues to help us and, most importantly, Horton through this tough time. 

I am thankful for my local Starbucks, my two-pump non-fat gingersnap  latte with extra candied ginger lovingly made by the fantastic manager, Jeremy, and all the fun, kind baristas who are almost like family. It's like a home away from home.

Have a terrific week.

Halloween(s) Past...

Looking through my iPhoto I came across a few pics from Halloweens past. Enjoy.

My mom made this skunk costume. This is one of my favorites - I was a sassy skunk. I still have the pumpkin. It is sitting in the kitchen.

Archer was SpongeBob for YEARS. He loaned it to a friend this year - best $10 costume ever. This was when he accompanied Calob (super ninja) and Callie (beautiful princess) to their church carnival. (pic from Cheryl - thanks!)

Is this not the sweetest devil you ever did see? Oh he was adorable that year (2000 - age 5)!

Okay. This might be my favorite ever. Archer the little emperor and DeAnne the sweet kitty. (1996)

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween everyone!

blessings.

I have a fabulous friend named Aimee. She is actually my cousin Lorinda's best friend since Kindergarten, so I have known Aimee forever. She is funny and sweet. She always (well almost always) has a smile on her face and a kind word for anyone she sees. She has the best laugh and is so kind. She is the type of person you want to be around.

Almost three years ago Aimee and her husband Keith were blessed with triplets. They brought home three absolutely adorable babies, Lauren, Lindee, and Luke. Those sweet babies are now three months shy of three years old. AND let me tell you they are pros at being toddlers. They probably deserve an award, like best toddler(s) or outstanding performance in a toddler life. Especially after a day after today.

The first few pictures were taken by Aimee's friend over the summer (I stole the pics off Aimee's facebook - I am sure she doesn't mind. right Aim?).Aimee and sweet Lind.

the trips. Lauren, Luke, Lindee

The next few pics were taken today. I will let the pictures and captions speak for themselves. Just know that a lot can happen with three almost three year olds in a very short amount of time. All I have to say is God Bless Aimee...(these pics were all taken on cell phones which would explain the quality/size...sorry).

Luke not sure what is going on. (FYI they did have clothes on at some point, next thing you know babies in diapers...)

Lindee after her first (and hopefully only) self-haircut with a little whiteout and green marker for effect.

Lauren. Yes, that is marker. Lots and lots of marker.

Another look at Lindee's haircut. I think it is important to note that Lindee is almost three and this hair is all she has grown in her whole life. Needless to say her hair grows very slowly...and Aimee was a bit sad to see this.

Love you Aimee!