~10 days of Bliss~

10 days

 

We just got home from our first vacation of the summer. We had the best time enjoying family and friends. The only thing I'm bummed about is I forgot my camera, so the only pictures I got are on Adams Ipod. And he didn't get very many. Here are some high lights of our trip...



 

1. Flat tire right outside Boise, at around midnight their time....stopped at every hotel we saw, no rooms until Ontario! Thankfully there was a Les Schawb right across the street, got tire fixed the next morning, and headed out.

 

2. Stopped in Pendleton to swim at the little water park there. I was convinced it wasn't warm enough to swim, turns out I was wrong! Adam and the boys swam for a couple hours while I worked on my tan. Towards the end of the afternoon Adam was doing his signature cannon ball and ended up bursting his eardrum...OUCH!!

 

3. Spent Saturday and Sunday with Adams parents and family. Had fun visiting while the kids played.

 

4. Monday we spent with my parents and Rene. Went to Sky High, shopped at WA Square, then had a yummy dinner at mom and dads.

 

5. Tuesday we headed up to Chehalis to spend the rest of the week at Rene's...Ethan and Kyler got to go to soccer practice with their team. I think its safe to say they were missed by the team as much as they miss being part of it! I'm so glad they are able to see their team and still be part of it when we go home!!

 

6. Wednesday evening Rene, Darrell, Adam and I went to our favorite restaurant in Olympia, Falls Terrace. All I can say is YUM!!! Potato crusted halibut is to die for!! We really miss our date nights and all the fun times we have with R and D so it was really nice to go out just the 4 of us.

 

7. Thursday was my day! Clarissa has a gig at a little restaurant on Thursdays so Rene and I got to go listen to her play....I knew she would be amazing, but I was literally BLOWN AWAY!! She just started playing guitar in January and she is awesome!! After lunch Rene and I did a little shopping...again so great to hang with my sister! That night a few friends got together for Clarissa's birthday. We went to an open mic night at a coffee house. Clarissa wasn't sure if she would sing but with a little encouragement from us she did, again BLOWN AWAY!! I'm convinced she will be a big star someday :) We couldn't end the night without Applebees, so we headed over there for some girl talk and laughs. I just have to say MAN I MISS THOSE LADIES!!!!! It was so much fun and I wish it could have lasted longer!!

 

8. Friday morning we headed out to Black Butte for Adams family reunion. What a great weekend!!  We rented a huge house with Lenny Kristi Shannon and their families. It was so nice! Right by the pool and a perfect place for the huge family meals we had all weekend. I'm not sure who had more fun, Adam or the kids. Friday we just pretty much spent unloading and getting settled. We had a big taco dinner with everyone at Adams moms house. It was so fun to see everyone! Its been way to long! Saturday morning Kristi, Shannon and I put on breakfast for everyone it went really well once I got the waffle makers figured out! Then Adam took off golfing with the guys. He had the best time! Memories I'm sure he will hold onto forever. He kept telling me how great it was to hang with his brothers and do something they all enjoy. While he was gone the kids and I hung at the pool. It was so great seeing my kids reconnect with their cousins! Again so bummed I didn't have my camera!!!!!

That night we had the most awesome dinner!! Lenny shared his catch from Alaska with all of us! I ate more that night than I did the whole weekend! the best fish Iv had in a long time!

Sunday we spent the day at the pool with all the cousins. Probably my favorite day of the whole weekend. Visiting in the pool while the kids swam, lots of laughs and making plans for seeing each other again. We ended the day back at Adams moms for dinner and family pictures. Sadly Jared and Beth had already left but we got some good pictures. After pictures a few of us adults and all the kids played around on the golf course, running races and then a big baseball game. SO MUCH FUN!! I know my kids will remember it forever!! All in all there were alot of laughs and stories told. The drive home was just about silent from the back seat the kids were so worn out.

It was a GREAT 10 days, but I am so glad to be home.....Just to turn around and do it again 2 weeks later :) Gotta love family reunions!

Spring Break 2013

~Spring Break 2013~

 

 

 

Where to start?? I guess the beginning is a good place.

My sisters have been going to Palm Springs for spring break for a while now. When Adam was paving spring vacations just wernt an option for us. So I would sit home freezing every year, while my sisters were enjoying the warm, sunny, beautiful California weather. That is until last year. Adam had gotten the job at Newmont, and was starting right after spring break so we decided to join them for a couple days. We were hooked!! I started looking for a condo I think in December. (It was a LONG COLD winter here!!)

After a really long wait our vacation finally came!!

Adam has always wanted to see the Hoover Dam, so we drove to Vegas and stayed a couple nights there. There is alot of things advertised for families to do in Vegas, so we figured we would check some of it out. Saturday evening was a lot of fun. We ate at Rain Forest Cafe, and watched the fountains at the Bellagio...twice. We were all having a really good time, walking around, seeing all the fancy cars and just enjoying the big city. Sunday we went to the Hoover Dam. I have to say I wasn't really excited to go, but it was something Adam really wanted to see. It was AWESOME!! We didn't do a tour or anything, I think that would have been boring, we just walked around and looked at it. I'm so glad we did. It was pretty dang amazing walking across it, and looking down was crazy scary! Kyler kept pushing himself up to look over the concrete walls and even made Adam nervous! After we were done we decided to go back down to the strip to Circus Circus....We should have just gone back to the hotel! That side of the strip is just nasty! Porn everywhere, and just plain dirty! We walked back to the tram as fast as we could, and got out of there! Ethan was not impressed with Vegas AT ALL...but they did all really love the roller coaster at NYNY :) And that evening we found a Fox outlet store....We all loved it, I'm glad its the only one or I would be in trouble!! 

Bright and early Monday morning I got a wake up call from Rene. She is lucky I was already awake!! We loaded up the car, and kids and headed for La Quinta. The heavenly part of our trip begins!!

We got there a little before we could actually check into our house so we went to Renes and changed into swimsuits and headed to the pool. And really that is where we were everyday, all day. Except for Thursday when we went to the water park. It was the best vacation! We relaxed, we swam, lazed by the pool, and just enjoyed being with our family! I have the 2 best sisters I could have ever asked for, our husbands are friends, our kids all love each other and get along great, our nieces and nephews are fun, happy, good kids that we just really love being around. Friday was our last day, so we all went to Michelles house. They had their own private pool, We got a few more hours of family, fun, and sun before we had to hit the road. It was sad to have to leave, especially since everyone else was staying until Sunday, but we had a long drive ahead of us and Adam had to get back to work. All in all this trip was one of the best we have ever had!!

2 posts in 2 days....I am on a roll :) yesterday I was pretty bored, and feeling a little yucky....Thanks for sharing your cold AJ!! So I spent a while surfing blogs. One that I read was by one of my sisters friends who moved to Canada probably about a year ago. Iv read it a few times since she moved and can relate to alot of her feelings about being in a new place so far from home, and trying to find where you fit. I readily admit most of my facebook posts and blogs since we have moved here are pretty negative. I haven't found my place here, and spend most of my days alone bored out of my mind. Mostly because I'm pretty shy, and cant seem to step out of my comfort zone to make friends. Iv been here going on 8 months now. In that time I could have just about grown another human, but cant seem to get over my feelings of not fitting. Sure I have met a lot of people, but that's about as far as it goes. Anyway I kind of got off  track....Back to that blog I read yesterday! It was something along the lines of focusing on the donut, not the hole. Or in other words don't dwell on the negative, but on the positive instead! I don't know what it was about that wording, but a light bulb went off! I have, as much as I try not to, been way to focused on the hole!! So in this post I am going to list my favorite things about being here, so when I have a bad day I can read them and do a little more focusing on that donut :)

1. Stability.....this one is HUGE for us! Adam has always had good jobs, that have supported us pretty well for the most part, but there was always feast and famine. I had to do some serious creative budgeting for most of our marriage. Old habits die hard, but I am so relieved to have financial stability!!!
2. Medical benefits....Another huge one! We had not had them for over 3 years. Thankfully our family is really healthy and we didn't have any major catastrophes in those years! The day Adam started his job, our benefits started and they are CHEAP compared to today's standards!
3. Retirement plan.....I wont have to be a greeter at Wal Mart when we are old!! YIPPEE :)
4. Addison is so happy here!! He has made a couple good friends and just seems more in his element:)
5. We bought our first home....There are definitely perks to renting that I miss, but its kind of cool to be a homeowner!
6. My sister Michelle....I guess you could say we follow my sisters, and this move has put us close to Michelle and her family! I cant imagine being here without her!
7. All the fun the boys are having in this snowy place!
8. All the time Adam and I get to spend together. He really is my best friend, he spoils me rotten, loves me unconditionally, and I couldn't do this life thing without him!
9. Ethan has started piano lessons and amazes me how good he is at it! Jessica is teaching him and I hope he continues with it for a long long time! The best part of being at both my sisters houses is when Arianne or Jessica or Austin sit down and starts playing! BEAUTIFUL!!!

That's all I can think of for now, but its a good start!

 

 

Focus on the donut!!

Bills and Things

Ever think about how much money you would have if you didn't have to pay your bills? Well I think about that ALOT!! Especially when I sit down to pay bills! I cringe every time I open the mailbox and see my water bill....And for good reason! We have come to the conclusion that we must have a water leak somewhere, but cant do anything about it until the ground thaws....yet another reason why I am praying for this snow to melt! Since November we have paid a whopping 660$ in water alone! When I think what I could do with 600 dollars I want to cry:( That is like 4 plane tickets home to see my family....I'm sure I could buy a whole new wardrobe or at least get a good start on one! Or it would totally pay for a nice weekend away with Adam.....But nope it payed for  WATER!!! I have become the water nazi. 4 minute showers for the boys, and I swear I say a hundred times a day "TURN THE WATER OFF, do you want to pay my water bill???" Its totally frustrating. I got my bill again yesterday and guess what another 225$ bill. My sister, who lives about 10 miles away and has a family of 6 and is on the same water we are is paying roughly 65$ a month....yep 65$!!!!! When I called the water co 2 months ago I was told our usage was pretty normal....REALLY???? on what planet??? I could see if it was summer and we were watering our whole yard, had a small farm, and 15 kids....But its winter, we have 3 kids, and no farm!! I'm calling them again today to see if they can work with me. But I'm not holding my breath! On another note....I pay my bills, on time, EVERY month so why is it I have to get collection calls for someone who doesn't?? Just because I have the same last name as said person doesn't mean I am in contact with him or could make him pay his bills just because I am!! Its so irritating to me that I get bothered DAILY when it isn't me that owes the money. Ok rant over :)

~WINTER~

~WINTER~

 

 

Winter has never been my favorite time of year. I am more of a Spring and Summer kind of girl. I really enjoy Fall as well. I mean who doesn't? The kids are finally back in school after a long lazy summer, and the weather is starting to turn cool and crisp. PERFECT! That's what I am used to anyway! I remember back in October starting to feel a little irritated. It was still pretty hot here and I was ready to pull out my hoodies and warmer clothes...{I LOVE me some hoodies!!} I remember saying to my sister at the time that I wished it would cool down so I could enjoy my Fall, and her laughing and saying be careful what you wish for!! Well lesson learned! It has been a beyond Frigid winter!! I am tired of being cold, the snow is no longer pretty and school was cancelled today for ice. I cant say I miss the rain (I DON'T!!!) but I do miss the mild winter temps of Washington. I cant even describe how cold its been. I guess the best way is to say 28 feels like a heat wave, sort of! Over winter break it was in the negatives, to cold to even go outside! We tried to sit in our hot tub one night, but it was so cold our faces froze so I haven't attempted it again in about 3 weeks :(  I am trying to deal with it the best way I can and not complain to much, but dang I am DONE with it!!

Adam and the kids have definitely enjoyed all the snow, and have a new love....snowmobiling! I never imagined being able to do such a thing in our own yard but that's exactly what they have been doing! That and snowboarding. We have a couple really good hills close to home so they have gotten to do alot of it!  Addison has even decided to learn how so he can be part of all the fun his dad and brothers have! He is trying really hard and I am so happy that he is! He tends to take after me and doesn't much enjoy being outside in the cold :)

I am reading alot, and just trying to stay positive. This move has been incredibly hard on me, and I let myself forget how blessed we are to be here and  have the stability we have so needed all these years. I am totally fine when Adam is home, but the days he works I just sit and dwell on all the things I am missing at home. Yes I still consider Chehalis to be my home, maybe one day I wont, but for now I do!

Adam still LOVES his job, and is always saying he cant believe they pay him to do it. He has advanced really fast and is a trainer now too. Most of the time he likes it, but he does get guys who just don't get it and drive him crazy.

We have some exciting things coming up, and we plan on spending alot of this summer in Washington with friends and family. And 2 fun weddings in August and September that I am so excited for! We may not make it to both since they are only a month apart and in Oregon, but we are going to try our hardest! Adams boss makes fun of him because he always has so much notice when he needs days off...I cant help it, I have a lot of time on my hands to plan our trips :) First up Palm Springs for spring break!! I cant wait!! Family, Friends, Sun, and FUN!!

{that is an ice cicle!!!)



~14 years and going strong!!~

The last few days I have been thinking alot about next week.....Wednesday to be exact. December 19th we will celebrate our 14th anniversary! WOW!! I know in the big picture we are just getting started, but I still think 14 years is something to be proud of! I have to admit I'm just really excited!! Every year I think about how far we have come, as a couple, as parents, as people. Most people probably do this on their birthdays but for some reason our anniversary is when I reflect. I guess because my birthday means a whole lot of nothing to me, ya its nice if people remember and send me a wish, but when that number goes up I don't do a whole lot of celebrating:) When the number of years we have been married goes up, I get all giddy and want to shout it from the rooftops!!
In 14 years we have had alot of ups and downs, but I am happy to say the good DEFINITELY outweighs the bad! There is still no one I would rather spend my time with, which is especially good when you move to the middle of nowhere:) I look forward to spending the next 14 years together, and the many many more after that. Life just keeps getting better and I couldn't be happier{unless of course we could move back to Chehalis....that would make me happier!!}

~30 days of Thankful~

 

 

As most of you know I am kind of a Facebook addict. Its only gotten worse since we moved to Spring Creek. I have A LOT of time on my hands, so I find myself constantly checking in on my peeps. Adam works really long hours, and the boys are in school all day, so whats a girl to do? Well since November started I have been seeing the posts everyday of what people are thankful for. I decided to go a different way and write this blog. Here is my list of Thankfulness:)

 

 

1. Adam~ he gets the number 1 spot for MANY reasons! He works harder than any person I have ever known, he took a huge risk in April starting over in a new career and is rocking it!! I was worried he would regret leaving the paving industry that he loved so much, but so far so good! He seems to love mining and really loves the stability it brings our family! He spoils the kids and I rotten, he is my very best friend and the sole reason I am surviving here. He makes me laugh, reminds me daily not to sweat the small stuff, loves our kids with everything he has, Loves my family as much as I do, listens to all my fears and loves even my worst qualities, loves my friends, helps with the house work, can fix anything(except a broken heart as he would say) isn't afraid to talk to our boys about the uncomfortable stuff, teaches them by example how to be  good men, he cooks....really well!! but most of all, he loves ME, the good, the bad, and the down right UGLY!! he showers me with compliments, and has really made me see the good in myself since day one. I am one LUCKY girl!!
2. My awesome kids~ They are each so different from each other, but amazing in their own ways! Addison is definitely the comedian, Ethan is the kind hearted sweet one, and Kyler is the baby in every sense of the word...SPOILED ROTTEN:) It is so hard for me to see them growing up so fast! In my eyes they will always be babies!But I am so proud of the young men they are becoming. They all do well in school, they hardly ever fight with each other, and lately I am seeing more and more all 3 of them getting along and being nice to each other. Fingers crossed that it lasts:) I have to add that though Ethan gets the title of kind hearted  ALL 3 of them really have that quality...Ethan is just over and above!
3. Adams job~ In this crazy economy we have been so blessed! Adam has had to change jobs quite a few times, but we are doing well! Hopefully this job will take us into retirement:)
4. My sisters~ Michelle, Rene, and Tiffany~ What can I say, without these amazing women in my life I don't know where I would be. Each one of them has helped me through some difficult times in my life. They are all amazing moms!! But most of all they are my friends. We have so much fun together and just love being together. Living so far apart is not easy for me. If this were a perfect world we would all be in the same town or at least the same state. But since this is my Thankfulness post I will just be Thankful we will all be together at Thanksgiving!
5. My parents~ They are the best parents and grandparents I could ask for! I really took a lot for granted when we lived close, if I could go back I would change so much! I am so grateful for the time they spend and the love they show my kids. They just really are the BEST!!
6. My brothers~ Scott, has been my hero as far back as I can remember. He is my big brother and I love him so much! Darrell and Mike~They love my sisters, and I love them! Ryan, Erich, Seth,and Jared~ my brothers weather they like it or not, haha! these seven men have a special place in my heart. I don't admit it very often, I guess because they are manly men who I'm afraid would just laugh at me if I were to tell them I love them, but I do. Maybe one day I will tell them....
7. My nieces and nephews~ I never knew I could love like I love these kids! I only thought I could love my own so much, but turns out my heart can hold a lotta love! This post will get really long if I mention each one so Ill spare you all that, but they are all amazing people I am so proud of!!
8. The best friends a girl could ask for!!!~One of the hardest things about leaving home was leaving the best friends I have ever had! I miss them all every day, and am so blessed to have them in my life, we may be separated by what feels like a million miles, but they will always be close to me in my heart!
9. Cousins~ my kids have the best cousins:)
10. Our home~ its nice and fits our family perfectly (for now)
11. Our car~ it takes us where we need to go and allows us to go home whenever we can!!
12. Blessings~ I am so blessed everyday...far beyond what I deserve I'm sure!!

There is so much more I am Thankful for, but this is a pretty good list and its getting really long so Ill stop here. Thanksgiving is BY FAR my favorite holiday and I cant wait to spend it with the people I love most!! 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

 
 


 
 
 



Politics

• I am sick to death of politics!!!
•  
• I have already voted!!
•  
• Please stop the endless poll calls!! I don't think any of your dang polls are accurate anyway....considering I heard Adam say he was a black male over 65 voting for Romney and I'm sure he isn't the only person who does that:)

 

 

GO OUT AND VOTE...It may be the most important thing you do this year:)

 

That is all, have a fantastic day friends

 

Oh and for those of you who love it

 

 

Happy Halloween:)

•  



St. George

 

My mom LOVES Volleyball. Actually she more than loves it, she lives for it! As long as I can remember, and even before I was born she has played twice a week. Growing up I couldn't wait to play with her but there was a rule, you have to be 18 to play. Every once in a while when they were short players I would get to step in and I remember feeling so happy to get to play a little. Everything in moms life revolves around her Monday and Friday mornings at the church gym, with my aunt playing volleyball. Well this summer mom told us she and our aunt Myrna were going to play in the senior olympics. I didn't even know there was such a thing but I was so excited for her!! Sounds pretty dang cool if you ask me!! SO beings the games were being held in St. George, a mere 6.5 hours away from here my sister Michelle and I decided it would be so much fun to go and watch them play. I am SOOOOO glad we did! What an amazing trip! I will never forget how proud I felt of my mom watching her do the thing that she loves most, playing volleyball:) But more than that, I had so much fun just hanging with my mom, aunt and sister. We talked, laughed, ate great food, laughed, shopped, played cards late into the night, laughed some more, visited with dear friends, met some new friends, laughed some more, and I have to say we turned quite a few old mens heads;)but most of all made memories that I will always hold very close. I haven't always been the best daughter, but this last few days I was reminded once again how lucky I am to have my mom. She inspires me to be a better me and I am so grateful I was able to spend this great time with her!! Love you MOM!!!!

 

 

 

 

 



~Fun in Boise~

This weekend was so much fun!! We had a sort of sisters family reunion in Boise. We spent the day Friday at the water park. We got to the park a little later than everyone else because Adam worked the night before, so we got there just in time for lunch.  I found a sweet deal online and we were able to have an all you can eat pizza lunch and all day in the park for less than the normal admission price!! Anyway after lunch the kids all took off in groups to play. It was so fun to hang out and play on the rides with my sisters and our husbands!! Sometimes I am sad we don't have any babies in the family anymore, but I have to say it was a ton of fun to just go on all the rides with the big kids:) It was almost like our kids wernt even there! I literally didn't see Addison more than twice the whole day!

After the water park we all went to our hotels for a fast change before we met up for dinner.

Saturday was spent doing some major shopping. I was kinda dreading it, because lets be honest boys aren't the best shopping partners and I have 4 of them! But it went really well!! I guess the older the boys get the more they like picking out their clothes and shoes:) And Adam was happy to entertain whoever wasn't in a store with me at any given time.... I'm not sure exactly what they were doing, but that's just fine with me! Rene and Darrell didn't spend much time at the mall with us because they didn't need to spend such a beautiful day inside, so we made plans to meet up with them for dinner before the rest of us headed home. So after we finished up shopping we all went to Fudruckers. YUM!! It was kinda a sad dinner for me....when we moved I knew I would see Rene in July, then after that trip I knew we would all meet up in August. Well now that trip is over and I'm not sure when we will all be together again:( I would love to go home for Thanksgiving, but I just don't think that will be possible this year, and Christmas is definitely not going to happen.....So its looking like spring break! That is SO FAR away!! As we were pulling away from the restaurant Adam said, start planning your next trip now....call Rene and set a date....Isn't he just the best!! But I know we both have to look at our calendars so I'm calling later today:) I think Vegas in September or early October sounds perfect for a sisters trip!! Anyway it was a great weekend spent with my favorite people. I am so lucky to have such an amazing family!! I cant wait for the next time!!!

Hello from NV!

939 Bronco Drive, Spring Creek NV

Hi everyone!! Sorry this post has taken so long.....I have been thinking about exactly what I want to say, and my words get all jumbled up, and I sound like a complete idiot. So today I decided to do a post of pictures so you can all see where we are and our cute house, so here goes:)

Our front yard...our grass WAS green when we bought the house, but sadly it died before we actually got the keys and the water turned back on:( Trees are a rarity around here, so we are happy to have a few!!

Here is our little eating nook, I just love the light fixture, bay window, and shef...pretty cute huh!

Family Room....The shape of this room made it really hard to make my furniture work! It is long and skinny, so this is the best I could come up with...I will definatly be shopping for something else to go on this HUGE white wall!!

Living Room....Im so glad we brought this furniture with us!! We almost didnt. We left it in the garage for a few days, and the empty space just wasnt working for me so we brought it in. Although its not my favorite, and its seen better days it works for now.

Oops...almost forgot the kitchen...kinda boring but it works. We live so far out of town, I actually have to cook so this room will definatly get some use:) haha!!

And finally the view from our hot tub....Iv never seen such a beautiful night sky as there is here. So many stars and when the sun is setting the mountains have this red tint to them....hence the name Ruby mountains:)
Our bedrooms are a work in progress so no pictures for now...plus its amazing how fast they get messy!
One last thing and then Ill end this....Before I left Chehalis, I had a really hard time thinking I could be happy here. Some days Im still not sure, but thanks to an AMAZING husband and sister and family, I know I can be...They have made this transition alot easier on me than I could ever have imagined. I think about you all daily and  miss you emensly!! If I make friends here half as amazing as all of you I will be truely blessed!! A HUGE hug to my Sister Rene...Missing you has been a daily struggle, and I know that will never get easier!! PLEASE move to NV:) Ill never quit asking!!!! Any how, enough for now....love you all!!

What a Weekend!!

What a Weekend!!!

This picture pretty much sums it up!

Ethan and Kyler had a soccer tournament in Lacey this past weekend, and man was it EXCITING!!

The tournament started with a game Friday night, WOW our team was on FIRE!! They have a very dedicated coach who has taught them the right way to play soccer, and they used every skill they have that night!! It is so impressive to watch them play!! They won this game 6-2! A great way to go into Saturdays games!!

Saturday we were back at the field bright and early for an 8am game! I should have blogged about this earlier....dang it I cant remember much about the Saturday games:( I guess the most important thing is they won both of their Saturday games, the scores were 11-4 and 6-0!! AND the most EXCITING thing for us is Kyler scored his very first goal of the season!!! I wish I could have captured the look of pure JOY on his face when he scored!! He is very rarely in a position to score. He is a great left and right mid, so that's where he spends most of his time. Ethan has much more opportunity to score, he is usually playing forward, with the exception being when we are playing more difficult teams, he gets moved to defender...So Our boys were definitely on a high going into Sunday's game!! Which is a good thing because we played the SHARKS...

I have to do a little back story here....The Sharks are a very good team, and our boys for some reason don't think they can beat them, so each time we have faced them the boys are already beaten...its so sad because I believe we are a much better team!! The Sharks rely alot on pushing and shoving...which is a huge part of soccer, but I also think if you rely on your skills, there isn't as much need for the pushy stuff. Our boys DEFINITELY out play them based on skills alone...but that's just my opinion:) SO anyway....Saturday night I went on line to look at the stats from the tournament....I was BLOWN AWAY!!! Our boys had scored 23 points in 3 games!! The Sharks were no where near us!! They had like 9. I couldn't help it, I had to show my boys..if for no other reason than to prove to them they COULD beat the Sharks!!

Sunday morning we headed back to the field. There was a definite excitement in the air!! For the first time my boys were excited to play the Sharks...and I was excited for them!! I knew it was going to be an AWESOME game and it was!!!! CHEHALIS LEAL beat the SHARKS 6-1!!!!!!! It was just great for all the boys to realize once and for all that they are just as good, or better than the Sharks!! So now it was on to the finals!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!

When we left for lunch we still went completely sure who we would be playing in the final game....we were pretty sure it would be the Sharks, but it depended on the outcome of a game that was still going on. When we got back to the field we found out we would be playing the Sharks again. The final game was a NAIL BITTER to say the least!! I don't know what their coach said to them but the Sharks came back with a vengeance!!! It was a fight to the bitter end!! The score was tied 5-5 so we went into a five minute overtime, still tied. So we went to another 5 minute overtime...STILL TIED...So here comes the dreaded shoot out! I would never want to be a goalie, or a shooter in a game like this!!! SO MUCH  PRESSURE!! Our poor goalie Alex didn't get any kind of break, because our other goalie wasn't able to play Sunday! Anyway...the shootout was intense!! BUT....We ended up making 4 out of 5 attempts and BEATING the Sharks to WIN the MLS CUP!!!!

That's where the picture above comes from, right after the big WIN!! To take the whole tournament is a huge accomplishment!! I am so proud of this team! They play together like pro's and it is so fun to watch!! I think every kid on that team has a genuine love for the game and it show every time they play.

So a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Chehalis Leal!! You boys rock and I am so sad we have to say goodbye to this fantastic group of boys and their parents! Its been a great 3 seasons:) We will miss all of them terribly!!!!

I have to add some things here, I'm not sure which game it happened in but Ethan has been dying to score a goal with a header and he finally did!!! It was AWESOME!!

Also I love when Ethan and Kyler work together and so effortlessly score, and in one game there was a play where Kyler ran up, touched the ball and jumped over it and Ethan ran in, shot and scored!! It was BEAUTIFUL!!! The way they play together is really something amazing to watch! They both just love the game and it really shows in how they play!! I know its because they have such an amazing coach who challenges them to be the best they can be ALL THE TIME!! To him there is no reason to not play your best at all times and he expects the best from them, so they try their hardest to deliver.

Ethan and Kylers next coach has some HUGE shoes to fill, which I'm not sure will even be possible. I can just hear Kyler now..."that's not what Luis told us" or "Luis said do this"  I just hope we can find a team that will keep challenging them to be the best they can be....Because I see both my boys going far in soccer and I would hate to see them go backwards!!

BLAH!!!

Having a sick kid, a husband who is working out of town, and trying to get financing to buy a house, and find said house 800 miles away totally BITES!!!

Rant over, thanks for reading:)

Who needs a baby when you have a 10 year old who wakes up in the middle of the night almost EVERY night?!?!? I'm at my wits end here, I mean he is sweet and all, but this is getting old!! Not to mention not only does HE wake up, he wakes up Kyler and me!! Some nights he does give me a break, but not Ky, nope he wakes him up every time!! I totally understand being scared, I spent the majority of my childhood scared of my own shadow but dang it I slept!! (doesn't matter where;) For a while I thought it was because maybe with it being winter he wasn't getting enough exercise, but soccer has started and he is getting PLENTY of exercise and he is STILL waking up!! I try to be understanding, but my patience is worn out!! He doesn't seem to be having any affects from not getting enough sleep, his grades are stellar and he is a really good kid, but eventually I'm afraid not getting enough sleep will start taking its toll on him...it already has on me! so friends any ideas how to help my boy sleep through the night again?? :)

It has been FABULOUSLY sunny for the last few days...I cant help but notice how it affects my mood. I have decided I am a much happier person when the sun is shining!! I'm nicer to my kids, I have a ton of energy to get things accomplished, and just all around feel better!! I didn't realize I had a bad case of the winter blues until now. SOO hopefully this weather is here to stay!
What will today bring~~~~~~Lots of smiles that's for sure!!:) Enjoy the day my friends!!!

Yesterday started off in a not so good....make that HORRIBLE way. I'm not going to go into details, but Ill just say this. A certain almost teenager who lives in this house acted beyond terribly and said some hurtful things to me, all trying ( I believe) to get me to change my mind and let him skip school for the day. Normally when he does something wrong he admits it and apologizes pretty easily. Not yesterday! I thought for sure by the time I got home last night he would throw his arms around me and Say he was sorry....no such luck!! I was pretty devastated by that. This morning he came in my room before school and told me he was sorry for being a jerk, and that he loves me, and gave me a big hug. I felt so much better, and I'm sure he did too. Then after school my sweet boy redeemed himself by bringing me home my favorite thing, a huge Dr.Pepper! And a card that said....I think that you re the greatest,MOM I wanted you to know. I get so busy being me, It doesn't always show...You have a place inside my heart that no one else can fill. I hope you know i love you- Always have..and always will. YAY!! I am so happy, for a while there I thought the sweet boy I love so much had disappeared and turned into a yucky teenager who doesn't care if he hurts someone. He may have been a little slower to apologize but the important thing is he did!! Love him so much....ALWAYS HAVE....ALWAYS WILL:)

13...

3....of the best kids we could ask for! They are completely different from each other, can drive us completely insane, and put us on top of the world all in the same day.

5....different companies, (all in the same line of work)

3.... Different towns, we came from Vancouver, had a semi- short stay in Pasco, and finally found home in Chehalis.

2.... Family vacations each on a different coast, each magical in its own way.

Countless arguments. More teasing than I can count. Some tears. LOTS of learning and growing!!

We have a sign in our house that says ..."Our family may not have it all together, but together we have it all" and I couldn't agree more!!

13 years ago we got married and it was the BEST decision we EVER made!! We have a long way to go, but 13 years in and there is still no one I would rather spend my time with. Is it easy?? NO! Is it worth every second?? ALWAYS!!

So here's to 13 and many many many more years! I know I speak for both of us when I say .....I wouldn't change a thing:)

Ethan

Ethan is a great creative writer.....having said that here is a sample of his creativity:)

I told him he needed to write his thank you notes to the kids that came to his Birthday party. Here is the note he wrote to Carson. I'm not kidding this is really what he wrote!

Dear....Carson....

Thank you for coming to my party. You are a fantastico! Lazer tagger. Thank you for the moolah. It helped me buy a lego the size of Godzilla! Anyway muchas' grasias senior.

Sincerely......ETHAN!

I cant wait to read the rest:) Gotta love this kid!!

Disney World '11

Earlier this year we started talking about all the different places we wanted to go for our family vacation this year. We hadn't gone anywhere to far from home since we went to Disneyland 3 years ago. We talked about so many different places, but finally came to the conclusion that we wanted to go to Disney World:) So after much searching and figuring and craziness I decided to use a travel agent and let her deal with the headache of finding flights and hotels and all that jazz. She did AMAZING!! Anyway the wait is finally over and we just got back from the most incredible vacation EVER!!

We spent a total of 4 days in the Disney parks and 1 day in Universal Orlando. The first full day we were there we spent in the Magic Kingdom, if I could do one thing differently I would have taken that day to relax at the hotel and maybe look around Orlando a little because looking back we were all so jet lagged and grouchy. The Magic Kingdom part of DW does not come close to the magic kingdom in CA. So it was almost like been there done that....We had fun, but I kept thinking that I had made a huge mistake and no one was going to have any fun on this vacation. Don't get me wrong, we were enjoying being there, but it was just a tiny bit of a let down. And man was it CROWDED!! This is the slow time of year there and Adam and I kept saying how we would hate to see what the busy time of year was like!! We also went to Epcot that night and it was fun but again I think we were just a little to tired to really enjoy it:(

The next day we went to Hollywood studios....Let the fun begin!! Thank goodness!! As we walked in there was a little comedy skit going on...it was so FUNNY! Ethan and Kyler totally loved it and drove us a little crazy the next few days imitating it! There is a few really good rides there. The one the kids liked best was the Aerosmith roller coaster....Addison figured out that if he went in the single rider line it was MUCH faster so that day he and Ethan and Kyler went on it without Adam and I. It scared Kyler to death but E and A LOVED it!! I never did get the courage to go on it, but Adam did go on it when we went back a couple days later and loved it! Apparently you rock out to Aerosmith while you wait and then there is a countdown and your off. That night we went to Fantasia, it was so cool!! Its a water show and its just amazing.

The next day they were expecting a huge storm to go through Orlando...so big they even closed down the 2 water parks! So we decided to just lay low and relax....we waited and waited for this huge storm to come and by afternoon it still hadn't come so we decided to head into downtown Disney and do some shopping. While we were there we had an artist sketch the kids...it turned out PERFECT!! Looking at it just makes me smile because you can really see their personalities coming out!! the funniest thing is he drew each kid separately and then he drew Kylers arms around his brothers...its funny because Ky would NEVER pose like that!! While we were there I kept smelling and seeing all these delicious deserts coming out of the gherideli chocolate store and decided I had to have one so later that night we went back for desert....its the most I have EVER paid for ice cream, but it was totally worth it and I ate every bite!!

The next day was still a little iffy weather wise so we went to Animal Kingdom....you know it always impresses me that my kids love animals so much!! There is one terrifying roller coaster there that my kids and Adam LOVED, but I HATED!! and a really cute bugs life 3d movie show, but other than that its like a big tropical zoo and it was so cool and fun. I thought my kids would be a little disappointed in the lack of exciting rides there but they loved the safari trek and seeing all the animals! I guess 1 scary roller coaster was enough for them to be happy:) Animal kingdom closes a little early so we left there and headed back to Hollywood studios since we loved it there so much and Adam wanted to catch a stunt show we missed when we were there the first time. He and the boys loved it so I'm glad we made it to see it!

The next day the "storm" had past {it never really hit} and we headed to Blizzard Beach! All of us have agreed it was our favorite day of the vacation. For Florida standards it was a little chilly and windy out so we basically had the park to ourselves. No lines, No waits, just rode the slides over and over again. This is also the day I got scared so badly I shook for a good 10 minutes AFTER the ride was over....on a water slide....which I normally LOVE!! I had seen this particular slide online and it looked so fun....once I saw it in person....different story!! Its 120 ft drop straight down FAST!! The guy working the line said they call it the wegginator and with good reason!! I think quite a few people saw more of me than they should have when I got off that slide!! But I'm glad I did it:) My boys would never let me live it down if I hadn't! We rode one slide in particular so many times...it was a racing slide and Adam kept beating us so we kept going trying to beat him, never happened but it was a ton of fun trying!! After the park closed we went and got ready for my bday dinner. We had planned on going to the House of Blues but one look at the menu and the lack of live music inside and we decided it wasn't for us. So we ended up going to a great steak house and it was delish!!

Friday we went to Universal Studios....A ton of fun for the boys....I did alot of waiting and watching. I am not into scary rides!! The boys all LOVED the rockin roller coaster. You get to pick your own music to listen to while you ride, altho I'm not sure how they heard it thru all the screaming! This day was a little disappointing for Kyler because he wasn't tall enough for the Hulk roller coaster that he was so looking forward to going on. I'm kinda relieved that he couldn't go because it was a good excuse for me to sit it out without being razzed for being to scarred:) Universal is also where Harry Potter is....Addison couldn't wait to go on the rides there! It was also the busiest part of our trip....so many people there!! The line was 75 minutes long for the biggest ride. It was really cool because the line wound thru the castle and the ride was pretty intense and fun. I think Aj was pretty impressed with it all!!

Saturday was chill by the pool and relax day and it was much needed by that point!! We al got a good tan and did alot of swimming!!

This post has gotten really long so Ill save the travel home story for another day:) I'm so thankful we got to spend this incredible time together as a family!! Many many many wonderful memories were made and I cant wait till our next one!!

Ps....I tried to put pictures on here but my computer is being stupid and its not working:(

FALL'S TOP 10

The 10 reasons I LOVE Fall

10. School has started, so has the busy schedule

9. trade in flip flops and tank tops for hoodies and fuzzy socks:)

8. Stormy days

7. Cuddling up on the couch with blanket and a good book and reading the whole day away and not feeling bad about it!

6. The smell of pumpkin candles

5. The changing of the leaves

4. The excitement of the holidays being near

3. Wanting to bake again.

2. SOCCER!! And the joy it brings my kids

and the number 1 reason I LOVE Fall..

Adam is home, his schedule has slowed down and we get to spend lots of days together, just the 2 of us while the boys are in school!!