Pickles and Pancakes

Jack O'Lanterns

2011-11-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

After carving pumpkins the kids put on a skit with their pumpkins which Aaron recorded.

A Happy Sunday

2011-11-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

This morning Aaron and I did a brief devotion together from Daily Texts
from Mt. Carmel Ministries. This was a great start to the day as we were reminded of God's great riches which Christ freely gives us. We made a yummy breakfast for the kids of Monkey Bread, egg burritos, and fruit. Afterwards we all worked together to clean the house. We're just coming to the end of the soccer season. Gabriel's last game was last weekend and Eve still has one more week. Mara's season ended last week too. I've been co-coaching both Eve's and Gabe's team. While it has been a rewarding season for all of us, it's also taken its toal on our house. Aaron and I are looking forward to some down time this next couple of months.

Today we went to the local nursery and bought pumpkins to carve. Fall has definately arrived; the leaves have changed, but are still clinging to the trees. We picked up a friend of Eve's and headed back home to carve pumpkins.

Mara, Isabel, and Aaron watching Gabe and Eve playing a game of chess.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

Two Ninjas, One Kitty, and Hermoine. For Halloween this year we all went trick-or-treating in our little town by the ocean. The town is reminiscent of a 1950's suburban neighborhood with white picket fences. At night the streets become very dark allowing the stars to be seen. This year was our fourth Halloween in Washington. The streets were packed with kids. Ever year Washington feels more like home. This year was especially fun because we knew so many more people and the neigborhood has become familiar. One family has handed out apples for the past 20+ years. Our kids refer to it as the apple house. The houses are spaced farther apart than track housing so we walked for long time with little to show for it (candy wise). The focus for us was more on dressing up, seeing friends, and enoying the community we've come to care about.

When we got home we allowed the kids to do the traditional candy trade. This year Isabel was old enough trade too.

A Sunday Hike

2011-07-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday everybody. Today we did a bit of everything, we slowly woke up and enjoyed some time together lounging around the living room. After getting ready Aaron read from Genesis and we talked about creation. The kids had a lot of questions. Later we all did a bit of work, and played a bit. Eve and I took a van full of recycling to our local recycling center. Before dinner we went for a hike. It was a trail we haven't taken before. Along the hike the kids found a centipede, a caterpillar, slugs, a bird feather, and lots of salmon berries. They love to run along the trails and climb fallen logs.

Isabel eating salmon berries, she was still just long enough for me to take a quick photo.

Eve was standing on this log and the girls wanted to get up there too. Eve was kind enough to help them.

Salmon berries

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today Eve, Gabe, and I went to the 4th of July parade at the beach.

Inked? Gangsta'?

2011-07-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

The girls went a bit crazy with temporary tattoos. I was busy cleaning and missed the fact that they were working on "sleeves" or going "gangsta" on us. Oh girls...

3rd of July

2011-07-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Independence day a day early. Our friends the Malinson's came over with a bag of fireworks that would have brought 5 policemen + in Orange County. It was the 80's street fireworks show all over again. I realized that this was the first time that the kids have seen fireworks (not in an official show). The kids all lined up on a bench and cheered and boo'd and chanted. It was a blast. They also jumped on the trampoline, ate hot dogs, and played with sparklers. Happy 4th everyone!

Beach

2011-06-26T16:48:00.001-07:00

Moving logs

Summer

2011-06-26T16:33:00.001-07:00

Feels like summer today...finally. The kids are super excited to be at the beach.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Finally we've had a weekend with nothing scheduled. Soccer season is done, and the school year is coming to an end. Yay! This weekend Aaron took Eve and Gabe to see the movie Thor, and then out for pizza. While they were at the movies Isabel, Mara, and I went to work cleaning and planning in preparation for Father's Day. Oh yeah, that's right, that was just me (the girls just played).

As part of Aaron's Father's Day gift I took the girls with me to the store in the morning so that he could sleep in. The girls each got a mini-shopping cart which doubled the time of our shopping trip. Aaron requested a Mexican breakfast and we were happy to oblige. We piled the carts with corn tortillas, cotija cheese, beans, chorizo, and cinnamon rolls for the kids (ok and for me too). The kids helped me get the table ready and food prepared. We had a wonderful feast happy and thankful for good fathers.

After Mara and Isabel's nap we took the kids to Castle Park where they played until they were plenty tired. All in all it was a great Father's Day.

Aaron's a good dad

2011-02-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Aaron is a good dad. Enjoy these photos before Aaron makes me take 'em down. :)

Aaron's workshop

2011-02-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

Most evenings Aaron can be found here in the workshop/garage. He's been honing his woodworking skills over the last few months and has made some very cool things. Last weekend it was a cedar picnic table and bench, which he made with his sister Maren. A couple of weeks before that it was a small cabinet made soley with the use of hand tools.

Snowy day

2011-02-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

Mmm...coffee...Thanks Isabel!

Mara

2011-02-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

Chillin' on the chair after school with a snack. What a cutie.

Unexpected snow

2011-02-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

Today we had another unexpected snow. It was very cool to see. Looking through my windows, I watched big puffy dark clouds drifting by, while patches of blue sky peeked out from behind. Meanwhile large snow clusters drifted down. The unpredictable weather is just one of the things I love about living here.

Eve and Gabe started building an igloo. It got too dark before they got too far. Tonight we might receive 3-5 inches of snow, which would probably mean another snow day. They just might get to finish their igloo after all.

2011-02-23T18:52:00.001-08:00

Finally I'm posting again. I know it's been a busy past few months. We've also had some camera issues, but as you can see we've got that resolved. Enjoy!

Ha Ha got ya sick!

2010-12-12T21:58:00.000-08:00

For the last few days Isabel has been uncharacteristically asking to give kisses to everyone in our family. If she asks, don't be fooled! She will use her big doe eyes, and cute pleading little voice, and ever so gently give you a kiss. Then she will shout loudly in your face, "Ha ha! Got ya sick!"

2010-12-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

Random...I didn't ask for an explanation. Your guess is as good as mine.

Gabe's Birthday

2010-12-05T13:50:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Gabe! Yesterday we celebrated Gabe's birthday by going off island to buy a present for Gabe. He really wanted a Tech Deck for his birthday. Yeah, I asked the same question, "A Tech what?" It's a tiny skateboard for fingers, a fingerboard...mmhmm. So we piled the whole family into the car in search of a Tech Deck. Our first stop was Costco where we bought food for the month, and lo and behold found a Tech Deck set. Try saying that 10 times fast. Just kidding, Isabel does; it's really annoying.

After completing our first mission to Costco which was no small feat with 2 full carts, 4 kids, in Costco at Christmas time, we were off to find a car battery. I assumed that we could pick one up at Target...wrong, very wrong. I had to be, needed to be, longed to be at the soccer field at 2 pm. This mission was now endangering my soccer time. Not good, but we had to get a battery for Aaron's car. So turning out of the Target parking lot we spotted an auto shop/store. Aaron went in to ask about the battery where learned that the German batteries are not as easy to come by. After a couple of minutes of talking, he found out that the guy helping us was from our island, and he's Lutheran. He proceeded to call 6 other stores, found the battery, gave us his cost, which was half the price, and called ahead for us to tell the store that he will drive over an old batter this week so that we don't have to pay the $12 fee for not bringing ours. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Heading back to the ferry, we made a wrong turn and I started to throw a fit because I would be really late for soccer. Aaron had been more than apologetic about me missing soccer, when he really had no reason to be, but finally he had enough. Aaron finally turns to me and says, "Kristen, enough already, you're upset about something we have no control over! You have everyone on pins and needle over this!" Upset, over the whole situation, I put my head down. After a brief pause Isabel said, "Well I don't care about it. (Pause) I think it's stupid." Aaron and I burst out laughing. It's sad when your 4 year-old shows more maturity than you. It all worked out well anyhow. I had my soccer shoes in the car, so Aaron just dropped me off at the field and I played in my jeans. I was also ready to admit to myself that I have a problem. I am a soccer addict. At least I know that I'm not alone, and I'm thankful for that.

First Snow/Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

On Monday we got a lot of snow. It was perfect timing too. The kids were out of school this week for parent conferences so they've had days to enjoy it. They've had plenty of snow ball fights and done lots of sledding. Eve went to our local park with a friend and sledded down some big hills.

Tomorrow we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving at home. It will be our second Thanksgiving feast. Last week Maren visited us and we celebrated then. The night before our Thanksgiving we lost power during a windstorm. Aaron and I went to the grocery store at 9:30 and came home to flashlight beams in the house. We made the best of it and it became a good memory. Eve and Gabe woke up with the power outage so we let them stay up. Aaron read to us from "The Silver Chair" with a flashlight while we listened bundled in blankets enjoying the warmth of the fire.

The next day the power came on at 10:30 am which was just enough time to get our turkey and side dishes cooked. All in all it was a wonderful time. This year I am especially thankful for family this year. I think every year that I get older I realize just how blessed we are to have such an incredible family. I'm also thankful for electricity.

Isabel's 4th Birthday

2010-09-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Isabel's 4th birthday was a fun one. It started early Saturday morning with the usualy Saturday morning cartoons. Eve put on a movie for Isabel and Mara in her room and we decorated the house. Gabe made a "Happy Birthday" sign and Eve and I decorated the living room with streamers. The box of gifts from Grammy & Grampy arrived the day before containing gifts for Isabel and all the kids (even athletic socks for me)! Thanks Mom!

Isabel got some Zhu Zhu Pets which are motorized hamsters that make cute little sounds and zoom around on the floor. The kids had a blast with them, mostly racing them accross the floor. Gabe wanted have them battle. (The poor outnumbered boy). I let Eve find and choose the recipe for a cake. She chose an ice cream cake. She and I went to the store and got all the ingredients plus stuff for the bab-b-que we would later attend.

Eve, Mara, and I made a cake while Gabe and Isabel played with the new toys. I played pick up (soccer) at the park while the girls napped then picked up the kids and all the bar-b-que goodies. After the bar-b-que the kids were ready for birthday cake, party hats and all, and finally bed! Phew! Happy Birthday Isabel!

2010-09-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

"No snakes in the house! No, not even baby snakes!" Another one of the hundreds of things I never imagined myself saying. The kids caught 4 baby snakes today. Mara brought one in to show me. Here it is...outside. We're enjoying the last bit of summer. Tuesday we had a rainy day which served as a preview of the coming season. Wooo was it chilly. Yesterday and today have been beautiful.

On Sunday, Aaron and the kids picked 8 cups of blackberries. Last night I turned them into a 9x13 blackberry cobler. I think it is one of the yummiest things I've ever eaten. The kids are pretty excited about it. I'm convinced that I need to can some jam this year. The richness of the blackberry color while cooking is truly beautiful and the taste is out of th is world.

Eve has started the fall soccer season. She's playing in an older division than where she would normally play and fits in nicely. We'll be traveling off the island. So far it's been a blast. Next week Mara and Gabe will begin their soccer season. They can hardly wait.

Mara and I went to Kindergarden orientation Wednesday and met her new teacher to whom Mara gave an enthusiastic hug. She got to see her desk and explore the room. She'll be starting next week and can't wait. Well, that's all for now I'll try and post some pictures of Isabel's birthday soon.

Minnesota recap

2010-08-04T18:53:00.001-07:00

We've been in Minnesota for almost a month now. The time has flown by. We've been at camp for 3 weeks and in the twin cities for one. Carol and Gary were kind enough to host us for one full week, which is no small thing. While in the Twin Cities Aaron worked during the day while the kids enjoyed some of the beautiful parks and attractions of Minneapolis. We visited Como Park Zoo, swam and played at French park, bar-b-qued with our good friends the Enstadsand Aaron's cousin Jill and Ryan, spent the day at Gabriel's place (Big Gabe that is), and enjoyed a couple of very nice meals with Gary and Carol. All in all it was a fun time.

Aaron has been doing a bit of work for the camp this week, but has found plenty of time for fishing and conversation. It has been a very relaxing time at camp. I tell Aaron that I imagine that this is probably what heaven will be like, friends, yummy meals, and swimming, and soccer in the afternoon. I'll post some more photos of camp soon. I'm sorry for not posting sooner. Thanks for keeping up with us.

Kristen

Finger Painting

2010-03-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mara and Isabel really enjoy finger painting. This morning I needed to keep them busy while I caught up on the dishes and moping the kitchen floor. I figured out that the best way to distribute the finger paint is to fill the ice cube tray with paint.

What else is new? Soccer season has started. Eve and Mara have soccer Monday and Wednesday. Gabe has soccer practice on Tuesday with games on Thursday. I'm coaching Eve's team, but will probably coach Gabe's and Mara's next season (Fall). In a couple of weeks my outdoor league will begin again so I'll play on Tuesday night and indoor on Monday night. Whew!

Last week Gabe missed the first week of practice because he was sick. So Tuesday was officially his first day. He was so cute on the field, but he didn't quite seem to know the rules. Today will be his first game. I took Isabel, Mara, and Gabe to the park and set up 2 little pop up goals. We played a game Isabel and I versus Gabe and Mara. Now I think Gabe has a better concept of the game. He is enjoying it and I think that's what is most important. I also ran a couple of passing and shooting drills with them and they liked that too.

Mini despot or maybe just a 3-year-old girl

2010-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

As most of you who know me well you know that I may stop mid-sentence and stare blankly trying to remember what I was saying (a symptom of having ADD or having 4 kids in too short a time period- choose one). Well yesterday I was sick and tired from waking up with sick kids in the night. I was curled up in ball with my face nuzzled into the couch, too tired to even watch TV. Isabel who was up early from nap tired, sick, and cranky stood over me (ok, at my level) demanding an explanation for not being aloud to wake Mara. "Why can't her be awake, Mom?!" she demanded. Weakly I turned my head, "Because it's not time for her to be awake." Obviously it wasn't a good enough answer for her, "Why?". "Why?" Isabel demanded again. "Hmmm...(pause) Well she just needs to ...(now I'm staring blankly off...)" With a growl and unexpected tiny fist to my head, Isabel shouted, "Just say the woooord!" Needless to say that response certainly gave me a surge of energy needed to deal with a tiny despot.

2010-03-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

On Monday Gabe, Mara, Isabel, and I went to the skateboard park and then to the beach. It's so exciting to see all the signs of Spring. However, Monday it was a bit chilly.

The kids love to look for little creatures under the rocks.

Hair cuts

2010-03-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

The girls got their hair cut last week. I was planning on getting just Mara's cut, but Isabel insisted that hers needed to cut just like Mara's. Thankfully the stylist had time to do hers too. It is so much easier to brush! Mara keeps a comb under her pillow and combs her hair every night. The photo of them by the tree was the best I could get considering it was around 45 degrees. "Smile! So that I can take a photo! And then you can go back inside" I said through clenched teeth; And this is what I got.

Skooter bikes

2010-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

testing...

Raccoons and telephones

2010-02-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, Aaron has been out of town on business the past week. Of course the morning that he left I discovered a half eaten chicken carcass in the yard. This in turn launched a week long battle with a raccoon much like the battle between Bill Murray's character and the ground hog in the movie Caddyshack.

That first morning I thought it was just a one time attack and couldn't quite figure out which kind of animal had gotten in. We have deer fencing and chicken wire around the chicken area, so I assumed it had been an owl who had swooped in and gotten a chicken...WRONG! So very wrong.

The following night around 9pm the chickens began screaming and fluttering around the coup. Clearly they were terrorized. Wanting to scare the creature away before he could harm the chickens, I threw some shoes and grabbed a broom and ran out in the pitch black night yelling and banging the broom. I felt so ridiculously impotent shaking my broom at who-knows-what, and with no light to see by. I ran back inside to get a flashlight.

Now I had hoped to come back with a big tough Mag light to accompany the scariest roar that I could muster, but all I could find was a wimpy double A battery kind of light. Not the kind to help drum up a big surge of testosterone.

In the most menacing voice, I began my first monologue with the unidentified creature. As I did this I slowly ran my wimpy light over and under the coup. The hens continued to flutter and "bock", but no response from the creature. I thought maybe the animal had fled out of fear. Then, in the far corner of the yard nickle sized silver reflections shone back at me. There he sat on his haunches, a chicken carcass before him. "Hey!" I yelled expecting some movement. "Hey!" I yelled louder. He looked at me. We held each others gaze for what felt like a solid 7 seconds. Then, as if issuing a challenge he looked at me then lowered his head and continued his meal.

Frustrated and wanting for the first time to know how to shoot a gun, I began beating my broom against trees and pieces wood. He was unmoved. Not sure what I should do next, I ran inside and called Aaron, who told me not to approach the raccoon (which was what I had planned on doing next) and to phone a neighbor. My neighbor's 18 year-old son came over with a Mag light, went into the coup and scared the raccoon away. He also helped me by taking the dead chicken out and throwing him into the woods, putting the terrified chickens back into the coupe and retrieving a couple of pieces of ply wood from the old barn . After he left I also put a dolly and some plastic chairs to help keep out the raccoon. I was so grateful for his help, especially at 10 o'clock at night.

The next day when Eve got home from school we set off to Seabo's to get some staples for our staple gun. A smiling older man helped me figure out what size staples I needed. I told him about my fight with the raccoon. He shared his story about his koi fish which he had been raising for 2 years being eaten by a raccoon. It was nice to have some encouragement. At home I closed up the place where the raccoon got in and every other possible entry site I could find. When the night fell I boarded up the coup door with plywood and "secured" it with plastic chairs and a dolly. The chickens would be safe...or so I thought.

In the morning I could hear some unsettled "bocking." It wasn't the usual morning chatter, but tired, strained "bocking." I knew something was up. I set out with their feed pellets and when I got to yard, there again was a hollowed out chicken carcass. The dolly and chairs were knocked over and the plywood had been pushed over, exposing a 5 inch gap where there was a missing board on the door of the coup. This is where he entered and dragged a chicken out with him. I felt foolish to think that the plastic doors and dolly would deter the raccoon. I had underestimated the determination of this raccoon. The chickens became very upset as I removed the bird.

That night I propped the ply wood up completely flush against the door and wedged two 2x4's against the door. The ply wood was fixed. After getting the kids to bed I tried using Aaron's drill to fasten a board across a small opening above the coup door. I couldn't imagine that he could climb in from the awkward angle of the opening, but I would try and close it up anyhow. I accidentally broke the drill bit trying to fasten the board. (Sorry Aaron if you're reading this). After several tries I gave up. I resigned myself to sleep on the couch so that I could hear any raucous. I figured they would be ok since he wouldn't be able to knock down the plywood.

It seems that he was able to climb through the small opening after all. The next morning I found one more chicken gone. With 4 fairly young children in the house needing my attention, I would have to figure out a new plan later in the day.

When Eve got home from school, I enlisted her help along with Grace (our 12 year old neighbor). We found some less obvious holes in the fencing where the deer wire and chicken wire overlap and closed the gaps with zip ties. The girls were a big help. They found more gaps and did a great job securing them and placing objects around the fencing. This time I forewent the power tools singing the Indgo Girl's song "Hammer and a Nail" in my head, "I gotta get out of bed Get a hammer and a nail Learn how to use my hands...the sweetest part is acting after making a decision" I proceeded to board up the gaps with the simple tools. Hammering I felt so capable. While I was sad to have lost some chickens I was thankful for the experience. As I was hammering in the last nail the last of the daylight dissipated and the chickens, who were still outside the coup, suddenly became frantic. I thought it was probably the clanging of the hammer, but then Grace (who has owned chickens for years) pointed out that they were panicking because they probably wanted to get inside the coup. I went to pull the coup door open and realized I had accidentally nailed it shut! Argh!

By the time I pried the door open 7 of the 18 remaining chickens had flown onto the top of the roof (well out of my reach) and refused to get into the coup. I think maybe after the trauma of the previous nights they didn't want to be boarded in with no chance of escape. From the roof they would be able fly off the top and would have a good chance of survival. Sure enough the new repairs worked. The next morning all 18 chickens were happy and whole.

Yesterday as night fell all 18 chickens filled the coup. Even with the newly fixed door, I put the ply wood over it for added security. After I put the kids down I watched tv on the couch keeping an ear cocked for my chickens. Sure enough as I was dozing off while watching "Burn Notice" I heard the screams of my chickens. I ran out side armed this time with my wimpy flash light and rocks set out on the porch by Gabe and Eve. "Hey!" pause, "Get away from my chickens you little *&I#!" Yep, I said it. Sorry for the language. I was mad. I ran out to the coup and shined my flashlight into his mirror like eyes. He was crouching in front of the coup. "That's right you can't get in can you?" I said with a smile and a nod. He ran out of the chicken yard that time. I threw a baseball size rock at him and he ran away. My fear lessening I tried to drag our retired chicken tractor to block the new hole he made. As I did the plastic tarp on the tractor rustled. He hadn't run away, he was there! At that we both ran; I to the brick pile and he towards the woods. He sat on his hind legs about 20 feet from the coup and waited to see what I would do. I threw the first brick and it bounced by him. He had the nerve to go sniff it and then remain. I threw another and then ran for a glass bottle (out of the recycling). He sniffed the beer bottle too! He then starting coming towards me. I yelled at him and then he went away. Three more times I hear my chickens scream. Each time I came out and scared him away. After a call to Aaron (at around 2:30 am his time) to confirm that the chicken wire and boards on the bottom of the coup were secure I resolved to go to sleep. I fell asleep on the couch with my phone next to me on the floor. At some point Mara woke up crying (she's got a cold) and I took put her to bed on Aaron's side of the bed.

Mara woke up at 5:45 am with a severely stuffy nose begging me to put cartoons on. I obliged, wanting mainly to get some sleep. 30 minutes later a tried and cranky Isabel woke me up complaining that Mara wasn't letting her talk to Grammy. I had heard the the girls bickering with an occasional scream or two for 10 minutes before that, but I was too tire to care. So tired and confused I walked out to the living room to see Mara holding my cell phone and talking. I grabbed the phone and sure enough my mom was on the line. "Mom?" I asked still dazed and confused. She laughed, "Hi Kris. The girls have called me 3 times this morning." "OH my goodness." I laughed too as I took my phone with me back to bed. I talked to my mom under my covers, laughing as she told me the conversation she was having with the girls. Later in the day when I was more awake I asked Mara how she knew to how to call Grammy. She said I just opened the phone and pushed the arrows to the circle (the my faves icon) that said M-O-M.

Well back to the chickens. This morning I put my big black mud boots on and searched the yard, confident that I wouldn't find any more "expired" chickens. Victoriously I removed the plywood and let all 18 healthy chickens out of the coup. I walked out of the coup singing "We are the champions my friend..." All that said, I can't wait for Aaron to come home.

Changing rooms

2010-02-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

Today was a very long day for all of us. Isabel and Mara have been waking up before 6 for the past week. Two days ago Isabel woke up at 5:15 am and then woke Mara up. Argh! Once the kids get overly tired it makes it harder for them to fall asleep at their regular nap/bed times. I just sat down at 10pm for my first real break today.

Eve didn't have school today which is always fun. We decided to take advantage of the time off and move her into her own room. We've been talking about moving Isabel into Mara's room for the last couple of months and today we did it! We started somewhere around 10:30 am and worked (well I worked until 8:30pm). It was actually a lot of fun. I was mostly concerned about how Isabel would feel about giving up her room, but she was very excited to move in with Mara. Mara is also happy to have the top bunk. We moved Isabel's dresser into Eve's room and all her toys. Then we cleaned the room and decorated the room with a type of rub-on sticker (meant for wall decor) that were primary colored circles of different sizes. It really makes the room look cheery. Then we moved Eve's dresser, mattress (no bed frame yet), small brown couch from the living room, tv and XBOX. Unfortunately Isabel's crib is still partially assembled in a corner of the room. All the screws are out but one, which is totally stripped. I'll try and fix it tomorrow. Anyway, Eve loves her new space. Our neighbor, Grace was over tonight helping her put the rest of the circle decorations on her walls. They had my laptop on playing Eve's favorite songs on Sharkgroove. Which reminds me, last night we had our first dance party in a long long time. We used to have them all the time, but for the last couple of years they've been very infrequent.

The girls room is also shaping up. I will be making some hand-stamped art and framing it for their rooms. They are both excited to have decorations. Every time I would hang something on their wall Isabel would ask excitedly, "Is that a decoration?" At one point today I had to kick them outside to play. They were getting to rowdy inside. They had both found bathing suits during "the move" and were running around the house in them. I made them get some warm clothes on to go jump on the trampoline. A little while later they came in freezing cold in their bathing suits (which of course they kept on under their clothes).

Of course we couldn't leave Gabe feeling left out. He was actually pretty bummed that the girls got new rooms, but his was the same; one giant bed in the middle with little room to play along the side. So we got to work re-organizing and cleaning. We shoved his bed against the wall and turned his dresser and now there's much more room for him to play. He's very into building with Legos and some kind of connector set these days. And he says that he likes his bed against the wall because it gives him less to worry about. He says he'll sleep next to the wall so that nothing can get him (monsters and stuff). While getting ready for bed tonight, he said, "I'm sooo excited!" "Why?" I asked. "Because Mom, I get to sleep in my new room!" He's so cute. They all are, really. I can't help but really like 'em.

For dinner we had German pancakes. Aaron and I used to go to a restaurant in Minnesota called Panakuken (I'm sure that I butchered the spelling). Anyhow it was a Dutch restaurant and they made these same pancakes. You bake them in pie tins and they puff up about 4 inches about the rim and fall after a few minutes out of the oven. It was a fun dinner. The kids loved them. I can't wait to make them for Aaron when he gets home.

Happy Sunday

2010-01-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday! I'm missing Aaron today. He's been gone for 4 days and will be gone for 6 more days. Today I took the kids on a hike, a very long hike. My intention was to wear them out, which is no small thing. My kids seem to have almost endless endurance. So today we tried some new trails out.

Eve was at a sleep over last night. They stayed up until 3 am so she was pretty tired. I let her go back to the car and rest after about 25 min of hiking. Gabe, Mara, and Isabel however enjoyed a muddy hike. As soon as I gave them the ok the girls (Mara and Isabel) took off like horses out of a gate and ran down the path. I can usually hear them and the trails are very safe. We took several different trails for a total of an hour and a half.

I was carefully trying to go around the mud puddles. About 3/4 of the way through the hike I realized that Mara was running through the mud spots full speed ahead. Of course Isabel, was close behind her following by example. By the way if I haven't mentioned it before I've dubbed them the "Adrenaline Junkie Sisters". At one point while Isabel and Mara were up ahead and out of sight, I heard Isabel say, "I think I need to take a shower." She had fallen into a puddle of black mud. Luckily she caught herself and only her hands were covered. Actually I had expected something like that to have happened much earlier than the last part of the hike. I really am amazed at the physical coordination of each of our kids. Gabe was playing a game with her where they would jump root to root to avoid some of the deeper puddles.

Now I wish that I had take before and after photos. By the time we made it back to the car both Mara and Isabel filthy. Even the tops of their shoes were covered in muck. They had to ride home in their t-shirts and underwear. Certainly not a first for either of them. I'm glad I thought to bring water bottles. Too bad the kids didn't get any to drink ;).

When we got home Eve and I made roll ups (Norweigan pancakes) for the kids. Yum! Nothing says comfort food more to me than roll ups on a chilly winter day.

Fort Casey

2009-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we spent the morning at Fort Casey. We found a letterbox, flew kites, and enjoyed the beautiful view. The kids really enjoy chasing the dragon kite. They take turns flying it and making in drop so that the other kids can try and catch it.

Meerkerk Gardens

2009-12-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

On Monday we went to the Meerkerk Gardens with Maren and Big Gabe. There were some interesting plants to see. The kids found some giant leaves.

Last Day with Big Gabe

2009-12-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

This past week had Aaron's cousin Big Gabe come for a visit. It was a last minute decision made a couple of days before Thanksgiving. Maren was already here and actually talked Gabe into booking a flight. Gabe flew into WA on Thanksgiving so we celebrated on Friday. I'll be posting lots of photos from his visit. I'm going to work my way backwards from most recent on.

The last day that he was here we took the kids to the beach. It was a crisp and beautifully clear day.

Farm Tour 2009 Forget Me Not Farms

2009-10-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a fun visit with Janelle (Grandma). The kids got lots of grandma love (the kind lathered on only like grandmas can). On one of the Saturdays she took Eve, Gabe, and Mara to see "The Wind and the Willows" at the local children's theater.
Another day we took the kids to Forget Me Not Farms, one of the farms on the Farm Tour this year. Being close to nap time and on the brink of sickness, the kids weren't as chipper as normal. I wish I had gotten a photo of Janelle with the kids. It was still fun to see the farm. Enjoy the pics!

Park play

2009-09-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Last week at the park.

Children's Day

2009-09-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a busy day for us. It started with Eve's soccer game, then off to the park for "Children's Day. " After children's day Eve, Gabe and I went to another park for my pick-up soccer game. I had to play in jeans since I forgot to bring shorts, but it was fun all the same. The kids played at the park while I played soccer (just like I did when my dad would bring me with him to his soccer games). All in all it was a really fun day.

State Beach continued

2009-07-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hiking with Isabel, well, with any of our children, reminds of advice of the "Dog Whisperer", Ceasar Romero. He says that you have to match the dog type with the appropriate owner type. For instance if you own a greyhound, you better be ready to run. Well, we have an Isabel, and well...this puppy needs to run. When we started on the trail the kids all disappeared in a flash. I think hiking with them is good for everyone. The trails that we take are well maintained and I feel safe with them running ahead. I think it also gives them a sense of freedom and independence within safe boundaries.

At the beach we played a game balancing on log, seeing who could get the highest without falling off. Isabel and Mara mostly dug in the sand. My messy tactile learners!

State Beach

2009-07-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the State Beach camp grounds to do some letter boxing. I was super excited to see that finally the trails to the beach are open. Since we moved here, I've come 3 times with the kids only to find that due to storms the beach trails were closed.
It was well worth the wait. We had a little snack at the picnic tables before we started down the trail. I couldn't get Eve to smile with a mouth full of food, so I took what I could get.

Spider Princess, Spider Princess...

2009-07-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Isabel came into my stamping area for me too see her pretty princess getup. When she found the spider man mask on the floor she had to put it on. I told her to go show Aaron. Aaron said, "Oh you look pretty!" to which she responded, "No I not pretty! I scarry!"

Beef Palace and Ice Cream

2009-07-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Every summer at some point the kids have eaten Thrifty's (now Rite Aid) ice cream on the giant cows in front of the Beef Palace. This is a tradition passed down by Aaron to the kids, since he grew up in Huntington Beach, where the beautiful bovines are located. Mara and Isabel were with Grammy and Grampy that day.

Letter Boxing

2009-07-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

In June, during Eve's last week of school, Gabe, Eve, and I went on our first letter boxing adventure together. This was a first for me and Gabe. Our adventure began at a trail by the beach where we hiked about 1.5 miles up a windy, lush trail. I was relieved when we finally found the spot, since it was getting late. The kids were troopers and the trail was beautiful. We'll be doing more of this when we return from our trip to Minnesota this summer.

French braids

2009-07-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

I french braided Isabel's hair tonight. It took a lot of patience to braid a wiggly almost 3-year-old's hair. Now remember, Isabel likes fru-fru things, pink, fancy, you get the picture. Usually when she has her hair done, or wears a dress, she'll sing about being pretty. I thought that surely she would exclaim this when I showed her her braids. After all the braiding was done, I took her to the mirror and she happily exclaimed, "I wook wike a boy!" At least she wasn't disappointed. I think we'll try a different style tomorrow.

Voodoo Donuts, Portland, OR

2009-07-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

Yummy! On our drive from WA to CA we stoped at a donut store in Portland called Voodoo Donuts. They have a variety of donuts with just about any type of topping you can think of, bacon, cereal. They also do "specialty donuts." You name it they'll make it. There's a funny story about the kids picking out donuts, you can ask me about it sometime, but I won't type it. We'll just say I was blushing and frantically urging my unknowing kids through clenched teeth to "Pick another one!"

Typical...

2009-07-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

Please notice Miss Isabel's fashion layers, jammies topped by an inside-out princess dress. Lovely, Miss Isabel, lovely. It was too much energy to make her change and really, who cares, you can only pull this look off for so long.

Two Strange Chickies!

2009-07-22T14:11:00.001-07:00

This summer we moved our baby Rhode Island Reds to the chicken tractor. We let Isabel and Mara go in for a bit.

hi

2009-06-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi we're in Neveda right now visiting some friends! Will update with more info manana!

Yellow

2009-06-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Fly fishing lessons

2009-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, just before bed time, Aaron gave Eve and Gabe their second fly fishing lesson. Mara and Isabel were already asleep so it was a good time for the older kids to share with Aaron.

Chickens

2009-06-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Here are all our chickens or "shickens" as Isabel would say. This past Sunday we slaughtered the chickens with some help from our friends from across the water. All in all it was a lot less gruesome than I had envisioned. It was all surprisingly very normal. Aaron borrowed a kit from a local guy nearby. The kit had 4 metal funel cones that were fastened to a saw horse. Aaron put the chickens in upside-down and slit their throats and let them bleed out. Then we put them in the scalder, a small bath tub like square, for 45 seconds. As you can see from the photo, the water was pretty dingy after 25 chickens were bathed. This enabled the feathers to be easily removed. Next we (when I say we I strictly mean anybody but me) put them into the chicken plucker and whir them around for 10 seconds. Then we place their bald carcasses on the black table, cut their feet and heads off, and take out their insides. Mmmm. From there they waited in the ice chest for me to give 'em a good rinse in the sink and prep them for the freezer. That was the majority of my part, that and 'um keeping Isabel and Mara away from getting involved, and believe me it was no easy task. Both Isabel and Mara really wanted to help. This is also why there are so few photos. In the end I think I was mostly struck by the normalcy of it all. None of the kids cried or got upset. Eve degutted one, Gabe was off catching snakes, and like I said Isabel and Mara just wanted to get thier hands dirty. Tonight I roasted 2 of the chickens, one for dinner and one for casseroles. I was surprised how much they looked like grocery store chickens. Chicken anyone?

Port Townsend

2009-05-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we went to Port Townsend via ferry for the Rhody Run. We left at 7:45 to catch the ferry and then took the shuttle to Fort Warden where the race started and ended.

Fancy Girl

2009-05-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here is Miss Isabel just after nap. She, like Mara likes to change her clothes multiple times a day, according to her mood. However, she is not too keen on having her hair done. But let me tell ya, this girl is all about "fancy" right now. She picked out this outfit all by herself, and don't dare try and tell her that it doesn't "work" because you will not be heard. Please notice her choice of shoes.

Baby chicks

2009-05-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

Breakfast

2009-05-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

OK these photos were taken back in March, early march to be exact. Early one Saturday morning we took the kids to Coupeville for breakfast and walked around the farmers market. I love spring!

Chickens

2009-05-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we moved the chickens from their playpen home in the garage to their new chicken tractor outside. Aaron used extra wood scraps from the property and some pvc pipe to build the chicken tractor. When Eve and Gabe got home from school, Aaron was in the process of transporting the chickens (3 at a time in a box). They were so excited to see the chickens outside. The chicks are now about 4 1/2 weeks old and in 2-3 weeks will soon be yummy dinners for us.

Today we'll pick up our laying chickies. Beep! Beep! Beep!

A funny conversation with Gabe

2009-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Mondays and Wednesdays Eve and Gabe walk in the door around 4 o'clock. Usually I feed them a snack and then I pack up the team and we drive Eve to soccer. After we dropped Eve off I had the following conversation with Gabe (keep in mind that, while it takes a minute to read in actuality it took about 10):

Me: So Gabe, how was school today?

Gabe: Good.

Me: Did you do anything special? (I asked this because I know in fact that today they had a big fire drill).

Gabe: No. Pause...

Me: Did you go to the library today?

Gabe: pause, looking out of window staring off into who knows where...No...after another pause...Oh I got a reward!

Me: A reward! Gabe that's great! What did you do to get a reward?

Gabe: Um, I don't remember.

Me: paused, thinking... Well who gave it to you?

Gabe: I don't remember.

Me: puzzled, but undaunted...Did your teacher give it to you?

Gabe: No.

Me: Did the librarian give it to you for good behavior in the library?

Gabe: No, I don't remember. Oh, the principal gave it to me at the dissembly.

Me: Oh wow, you got an award at an assembly?

Gabe: Yeah.

Me: patiently fishing for more info...Well what was the award for? For good behavior?

Gabe: very certain... No.

Me: Did they say anything when they gave it to you?

Gabe: I don't remember.

Me: Do you remember if they said why you were getting an award?

Gabe: Because for being the smartest in my class. Jazzy doesn't draw good. (Jazzy, by the way is the girl who adores Gabe, and who he can't stand.)

From our conversation I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe Gabe's primary "love language" (click the link to learn what is a love language) isn't "words of affirmation". Just a guess. Another funny thing about this is the assembly was on Monday, not that day and as it turned out, his award was for "Courage." Don't ask me what a an award for Courage is; that's sure to be another funny conversation for another day.

Building Update

2009-05-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

More building prep is getting underway as they continue to finish the house. Recently we've had more grating and logging done as preparation, for umm more wood and I think a drain field. (I'm not sure exactly, Aaron should be writing this post.) I do know that we had 2 gigantic fires (planned fires- permits and all) to burn the extra debris. I've asked Aaron (a couple of times) the order of things to be completed and every time, I forget. I'm going to try and list them, so here goes...we need to get a drain field done (I think for the septic), and a septic pit dug, electrical trench dug, electrical connecting, They'll push the extra soil from the grating up to the concrete...and well...I'll get back to you all on the rest.

2009-04-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Chickies!

2009-04-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here are our baby chicks, it's been a couple of weeks so they're much bigger now. This photo was taken on their first day home. Ahhh, you say, aren't they cute? Couldn't you just eat 'em up? Well don't get too attached, because that's exactly what we plan to do! Hee hee...I'll post more pics later today so you can see how yummy, I mean how much they've grown. Ahhh....

Last weekend

2009-03-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

These photos are from last weekend. A little late, but you know how the saying goes...

2009-03-21T14:40:00.001-07:00

Silly gewls!!

2009-03-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

As of late, Isabel can be spotted more often than not, in this "get up" which is roller skates, and any one of her vast pairs of training pants (which are almost always too big). As for Mara, she sports a swim suit just about daily. They're new favorite thing to do is play in the bubble bath. I gave in and bought some Mickey Mouse bubble bath at the store. I'm so glad I did. I can sit outside the bathroom and happily fold laundry as they play in the tub. Silly guwels! (As either of them would say).

2009-03-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Building photos

2009-03-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Yay! A new park!

2009-03-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the grand opening of the little park at the community soccer fields. Before dinner we stopped by to check it out. It was so cold that we didn't stay long.

Another day at the park

2009-03-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken on the Friday (2/27) before Aaron came home from his second trip to CA. It was just another fun day at the park. I was trying to wear them out a bit before naps, but I think it worked out to be the other way around.

Juicing and Easter dresses

2009-03-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Friday while Gabe and Eve were at school the girls and I made some apple juice with our juicer. I cored the apples and sliced them, Mara made the juice and Isabel ran around.

Notice the cute dress Mara is wearing? It's her Easter dress. I know, I know, I should save it for Easter, but I couldn't say no. The night before, Thursday night, Aaron and I made a Costco run. We left the kids with our friends from across the water and off we went to Trader Joe's and Costco. While at Costco I picked up this dress for Mara. Earlier in the week I changed out some the clothes in her closet that she'd outgrown and she was terribly sad that I was putting away her Easter dress from last year. Grammy bought it for her and apparently this dress was extra special to her. This kind of surprised me because in the last couple months I've been ridding her wardrobe of lots of clothes and she was fine with it. I told her that I would buy her a new dress. So Friday morning when she came out of her room wearing her new Easter dress I didn't object. But now it's now safely hanging in my closet.

A peaceful scene...

2009-03-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by Mara

2009-03-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I'll give into Mara's begging and hand over the camera. She loves to take pictures and is getting much better. Here are some of her self portraits and stuff.

The Foundation

2009-02-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

More of Mara...

2009-02-25T17:33:00.001-08:00

Here are some more photos of Mara helping make the laundry soap.

Making Laundry Soap

2009-02-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

So Mara and I followed this recipe posted by Crystal Miller. This is actually my second batch.

My second successful batch I should say. I made a batch at my friend Jennifer's house using Ivory soap in place of FelsNaptha and it wasn't pretty. Sorry Jenny!

I make a double batch in a 5 gallon bucket which my husband got from our local deli. Often times bakers or delis will get ingredients in these large buckets and will be happy to set one aside if asked. Note, I suggest you not use a bucket that has been used to store pickles. (Been there, still doing that. But again, with 4 children I have lower standards than most).

I need a hand

2009-02-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Aaron, Isabel, and Mara are home. It feels good to have our whole family together again.

This morning I picked them up from the airport.When I arrived to the airport refreshed and happy, I found that Aaron was not. Poor Aaron was frowning and clutching Isabel to him to keep her from bolting (for the 100th time). Their plane arrived 20 minutes early and the flight wasn't an easy one, for Aaron, I mean. The 2 t.v. channels that weren't working on Jet Blue today just happened to be the Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Oooo not good. Apparently Isabel decided to add some excitement by testing the effects of pouring orange juice onto Aaron, who after a rough night of sleep (due to a sick, coughing Mara), and early flight, was not amused. He and the girls did have very nice naps and and have since recovered.

After naps the we picked up Gabe from the bus stop and Eve from choir practice at school, then headed over to the property to see the progress.

They are now ready to pour the foundation. As you can see they have all the forms in place. In the photo on the left Isabel is saying repeatedly "I need a hand. I've fallen in a whole!" She is such a cutie, and such a lot of work. She just never runs out of energy or curiosity.

Tomorrow our friends Jacob and Amy are coming to visit for a few days!

Melting Crayons

2009-02-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today after cleaning Gabe's room we thought we'd reward ourselves by doing a fun art project. We followed these instructions and had a great time. I left it up to Gabe on whether or not we would do mixture of colors making several swirly crayons or sort by color. As you can see he chose the latter.

Concrete!

2009-02-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

More pics of the property

2009-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking

2009-02-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

I made this this morning. The photo is one of Eve & Gabe from 2002! I used Valerie Salmon's sketch #67.

All supplies with the exception of the green and blue buttons are from Stampin'Up!

Recipe:
Stamps: Label Classics, Happy Everything, and Scandinavian Season
Ink: Creamy Caramel (sponged for depth), Versamark, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Paper: Ski Slope (designer paper by Stampin' Up!), Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Linen thread, buttons, mat pack/paper piercer, dimensionals, White detail embossing powder, glue dots (to adhere buttons)

More on the "Vacation"

2009-02-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Tuesday

Gabe and I played some games to help him learn his sight words, went over to the property, and ran some other errands. Nothing too exciting, which is just fine by me.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, I was so tired from staying up late stamping that I took a nap after the kids went to school. Later I helped out in Eve's classroom. They were making Gingerbread Valentine's Houses. It was the first time that I've been able to help in Eve's class. It was so fun to meet the other kids at her table, and put faces to the names which I hear routinely.

Foundation

2009-02-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

That's Daisy, the dog, she's a bit skittish. Jeff, the builder, says that if we bring her a treat she'll eventually warm up to us.
As you can see the guys are getting ready to pour the foundation! This photo was taken on Thursday, so it's probably much farther along. I'll go see how it's progressed tomorrow.

Excavation

2009-02-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

I've been asked to post some pics of "the property." Here are some of the photos that I took during the excavation. Where the yellow bulldozer thingy is is hopefully where my parents will build a little bungalow. The last photo is up on the hill looking down onto our home site. We are using a lot of wood from the property to build the house. The logs that you see at the bottom will soon be milled.

Vacation Day 2

2009-02-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

Sunday

I woke up around 7:30 with the feeling of luxuriant freedom. I leisurely got out of bed, made coffee and lounged around a while. The night before I bought ceral so that I wouldn't have to make breakfast for the kids. I walked around the house in disbelief that some people get to experience this on a regular basis. I'm not trying to be funny, this is the truth. Sometime after breakfast my leisure atttitude turned panicky. I needed to figure out what I should do with this free time. It was a bit stressful, because it will be along while before I have a chance like this again. So I thought to myself what is something I would never be able to do with Isabel here...imediately I ran for my stamps, ink, and prized designer paper. First I started to create by helping Eve with her Valentine's cards for her teachers. We made little corner bookmarks, not shown here, along with some other cards, which we've since mailed. The cards shown here were all created by Eve. We used a template we found on Lynda's Quiet Time .

It was so freeing to have ink sitting out on the coffee table, and scissors!!! The more supplies I got out the more liberated I felt. There was really no need to be creating in the living room, I actually have a whole room dedicated to stamping and scrapbooking, just the fact that we could made me almost giddy. It had been so long since I'd made cards that it was like a damn had broken. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I stamped for about 5 hours straight, probably more. That day I made the little gable box, and then a series of cards with the same colors. For dinner I think that we got frozen pizzas again. (Usually I make 90% of our dinners from scratch). With all this crafting I did almost zero cleanning.

recipe:
All supplies used were from Stampin' Up! with the the exception of the RSVP pen
Stamps: Priceless
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Berry Bliss (designer paper), Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Ribbon Chocolate Chip, Dimensionals, Scallop punch, Slit punch

"Vacation" Day 1

2009-02-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

For the last week, Aaron has been in California helping with the remodel of his parents home. He's taken the Isabel and Mara along with him to make things a bit easier on me while he's gone. A bit is an understatement! This is the most time that I've had alone in 8 years. It is amazing! I haven't blogged about it, because in all I haven't really done much. I've just been enjoying time to reflect, and relax for a change. So now I'll try and recount my "vacation" so far.

Saturday
Before Aaron and the girls left I was so busy getting them ready for the trip I didn't even have time to think about what I'd like to do with my free time. One thing I did know was that I wanted to take the kids to the city. My feeling is that the more you get to know a place, the more it becomes your own. The last time I spent any time in downtown Seattle, I think, was after driving my friend Mel home after college. So, I was very exited to do some exploring.

The plan was that we would all pile into the car, get on the 7:30 ferry, and off we'd go to the airport. I was so nervous for Aaron. Isabel is at an age where she is asserting her independence anyway that she can, and doesn't care who's around to witness her "assertions." So off they went I circled around again to make sure that everything was OK. It took me a good hour before I could even begin to relax.

We headed into downtown with no specific plan, other than to visit Pike Place Market. Gabe loves fish, so I thought he'd enjoy that. I gave them a choice between the Science Center or the Aquarium and they both wanted to see the Aquarium. Unfortunately the night before they stayed up late with Aaron watching "Raiders of the Lost Arc."They were so tired they were constantly bickering, and as you can see from the photos Eve was not too energetic. Gabe gets hyper when he gets tired and looses the ability to listen and tends to jump a lot. After the aquarium they wanted to go home, but I was dying to see Pike Place so...I just dragged them along. They did however have fun sword fighting with their balloon swords. When we got home we stopped by the grocery store and rented a movie and got a frozen pizza.

Vacation Day 3; Embracing the Theology of the Cross

2009-02-11T21:34:00.001-08:00

I was doing the dishes on Monday morning after the kids left for school and it was heavenly. One of those things that I've been wanting for myself is to get a better grasp on what Luther calls the Theology of the Cross. It's so natural for us to take what Luther calls the Theology of Glory, and unnatural to embrace the gospel. I'm all too often very hard on myself and worry that I'm failing in countless ways. It's really overwhelming. So anyway, on Monday I was doing dishes and going around and around in my mind wondering, what am I doing with my life. I'm thinking about all the things that I need to improve and things that I want to do with the kids, with Aaron, and I'm so full of ideas it just about makes me insane, because I can't even keep the house picked up. Then I happened to pop in this CD of hymns, by Red Mountain Church, that Aaron bought for me a couple of years ago. Yep, I'm just getting around to listening to it. (Usually if I play music, it's kid stuff). While doing the dishes I could actually hear it, since the kids weren't fighting or asking me for food or whatnot. And this song comes on called "Wedding Dress" which addresses our marriage to Christ, our complete inadequacy and the fact that He is enough:

If you could love me as wife
and for my wedding gift, your life.
Should that be all I'd ever need,
or is there more I'm looking for?

and should I read between the lines,
and look for blessings in disguise?
To make me handsome, rich, or wise
Is that really what you want?

I am a whore I do confess.
I put you on just like a wedding dress
and I run down the aisle,
and I run down the aisle.
I'm a prodigal with no way home.
I put you on just like a ring of gold
and I run down the aisle to you.

So could you love this bastard child?
Though I don't trust you to provide.
With one hand in a pot of gold
and with the other in your side.

I am so easily satisfied
by the call of lovers so less wild
that I would take a little cash
Over your very flesh and blood

Chorus

Because money can not buy a husband's jealous eye,
When you have knowingly
deceived his wife.

After hearing this song I was soothed for now, knowing that I am His, dressed in His righteousness.

Low tide

2009-02-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

This is another photo I took while driving home.

Driving home

2009-02-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

This photo doesn't do justice to the actual scene. I was driving home and had to pull over and take this picture.

Spring Cleanning and Band-dahs

2009-02-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

The girls and I are proud to say that we had a very productive morning. This morning we officially started Spring Cleaning. Ok so it's not exactly Spring yet, or Fall for that matter (notice Mara's favorite) t-shirt. We are tackling some much needed de-cluttering around the house. Today we emptied Mara's drawers of all clothing too small leaving them tidy and uncluttered. Now she can happily put away her own clothes! Woohoo! We also took boxed up the remaining Christmas decorations.

Now for Band-dahs...Isabel has formed an attachment to these 2 Band-Aids that I've put on her cheeks. She actually could have used one on her chin, but insisted that I put 2 symmetrically on each side of her face. I pulled one off yesterday and the fit she through was almost heartbreaking. I figured that for a day it wouldn't hurt to let her keep them, but tonight, the "Band-dahs" come off! As I was dropping her off in the MOPs nursery yesterday there was a boy that had a serious face boo-boo and his mother pointed out Isabel's band-aids to him. I just smiled and nodded. Maybe it made the mom feel better about her child's big rasberry across the forehead. See, no harm done.

Scrapbook page

2009-01-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is the page I made yesterday! I used Valerie Salmon's sketch #74. Click photo to enlarge.

All products used were from Stampin' Up! :

ink: Sage Shadow, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Appricot Appeal (all craft), StayzOn black
paper: Stampin'Up! designer paper
stamps: Headline Alphabet, Time Well Spent
accessories/tools: dimensionals, mat pack (for paper piercing, corner rounder (for scallops), SU markers in colors mentioned above

A winter morning

2009-01-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

This is what we woke up to this morning, a light blanket of snow. While I was enjoying the view from inside...I noticed Mara OUTSIDE! To her credit she did have shoes, and a windbreaker, but notice her outfit. Oh, well...at least she had on clothes.

A Saturday Hike

2009-01-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

This weekend we're taking care of our friends' 2 boys. Last night the bigger kids watched Indiana Jones. Today we woke up and made Grandma Pederson's Buttermilk Pancakes, yum then were off on a hike. Here are a few fun photos.

The hikers.

Park day

2009-01-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

Mara, Gabe, Isabel, and I went to "Castle Park" today. The kids had a blast running around, playing with other kids. Isabel gave another little 2 year-old a hug after introducing herself. Her lip is quickly healing by the way. Mara spent most of the time playing with other kids. She seems to find friends wherever we go.

Happy Birthday Eve!

2009-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Eve's birthday. She chose salmon for her birthday meal and got a new game for her DS. I cannot believe that she is now 8 years-old. On Saturday she's having a slumber party, and we'll celebrate again with a couple of friends hopefully on Sunday night. She really is an amazing kid. She's generous, intuitive, considerate, and all around fun to be around. Happy birthday Eve!

Goldie Locks and Red Riding Hood on a Walk in the Woods

2009-01-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

The girls and I took a little hike this morning. They've recently cut some new trails that I've been excited to try. While on our hike, Mara was hoping that we would find a lake and a canoe we could use, oh and life jackets. We hiked at least a mile before the girls were ready to turn around. Here are some photos of what we saw. Mara was a bit disappointed that we didn't find water. Maybe next time.

A typical day

2009-01-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

Today I took the girls to the park this morning. We have a funny tradition of me dropping them off at the bottom of the hill. They run up the hill and try and beat me (in the car). If you look for the tiny white speck in the first photo, you'll see little Isabel.

Here she is at the top saying, "I made it!"

Eve and Gabe had fun at school today. They walked up the hill together, which is a good sign. They both shared Gabe's gingerbread house and had frosting all over their faces.

Jennifer K. Here is a photo of my hamburger buns as promised! I started them late and we had to eat the Bar-b-Que pork sans buns. Oh, well we have plenty of left-overs for lunch tomorrow.

Aaron, nobody likes sad face pancakes.

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

I walked in the kitchen to discover Aaron making pancakes with chocolate chips! Yeah! Then, much to my dismay, I see the two sad faced pancakes in the corner. Usually Aaron makes little happy faces with the chocolate chips, but somedays when the kids are grumpy he will playfully give them sad faces. Let me tell ya' the sad faces do not improve their moods. So when I saw the sad faces I said, "Aaron do not make sad face pancakes for them!" to which he replies with a smile, "They're for you." I let him know that "Nobody likes sad face pancakes." He laughed as he handed me my plate filled with two sad face pancakes and one Picaso. Ya' gotta love him.

Spaghetti and Scissors

2009-01-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Mara wanted to do some gluing today so we broke out the pasta and glue and away we went. Isabel was more interested in cutting the spaghetti with scissors and laughing as they shot across the kitchen when she clipped pieces off.

We've been home now for a day and a half and we are getting back into the swing of things. Yesterday I spent the majority of the day unpacking and finding new homes for Christmas toys. I still have a ways to go.

The kids have really been enjoying their gifts. Yesterday Gabe spent a good amount of time painting with his new easel and playing Legos. Eve came inside twice yesterday, once to eat breakfast and later for lunch. She was out the door before 8am playing with neighbors. And Isabel well what can I say, she's still like a mini tornado whirling here and there leaving a wake of toys and whatnot.

Home again

2009-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

We arrived home late Saturday night after a 3 week visit to California. We had a wonderful visit with family and friends. The trip for our family was an edifying one. Cliff,Janelle, and Maren definitely have a gift for hospitality. When I walk through the doors of our room I feel like a kid playing hide and go seek yelling, "Safe!" as they run to the "safe spot." Maren and Janelle always go above and beyond thinking out all the details of our needs, things I wouldn't have even thought of. They had a full house with two of Janelle's siblings and their families visiting. I think I laughed more in the nights playing games around the table than I have in months.
I also got to see my Tio Armando and Tia Maria along with 2 of my cousins (their daughters), one of which was visiting from Mexico. This was such a blessing to me. When we get together I feel such a sense of connection. Laughing with my cousin Xochitl, and Sagrario, I can see where I get my sense of humor. Soon after I arrived to my parents all of our kids were running around and my cousin looks at me straight faced and says, "You know what I found that really works with kids?" Now I'm expecting some advice from some parenting book, and to my delight she says, "Tying them up!" Oh, I love our family. Really both my cousins have very well behaved respectful children, but like me they see the humorous side of parenting.
One of the highligts of our trip was seeing Aaron's cousins, Jesse and Gabe, interact with our kids. They have a wonderful way with them. When Eve was a baby, Jesse would visit us while at Biola and Eve was infactuted with him. Gabe had the same effect on Isabel was just 5 months old, and now again at age 2. I think it's some gene passed down through the Eikum or Stime line where they are given this amazing gift with children. Some day Jesse and Gabe will be extrodinary fathers, just like their own.

Apprehended!

2008-12-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Apprehended! On Wednesday morning Isabel decided to help herself to some Ovaltine that was on the counter. Eve and Gabe swooped in and held her while I grabbed a rag.

Bubbles

2008-12-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Isabel has been very into bubbles lately.

A homemade Thanksgiving

2008-12-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

The kitchen was so steamy from all the food that my lens got fogged up. Here's Aaron carving the turkey with the kids. They were so excited for him to get to the wish bone. We made everything except for the rolls from scratch. Green bean casserole, sweet potatoe casserole, sage sausage stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, and pumpking pie!

We gave Eve and Gabe their own tukey legs. They thought that was pretty cool!

My fisrt hot dog buns!

2008-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

I just had to share. A couple of weeks ago we made our first homemade hot dog buns. They were so yummy!