A Date with Daddy

Kristin had a BIG day today! It was her date day with Daddy. He made a date with her yesterday, and all day she was SO excited. She got her school done, chores done, and then came to me and asked if her outfit that she chose looked OK. She had picked out a skirt, nice top and sweater. Into the shower she went, and out came a very pretty girl, anxious for a date with her Daddy.

Bill arrived home, and after some news, said, "I have a date, we'll discuss this later" and they left on their date.

They went to Shari's for supper, and then the treat of all treats...Daddy took her to "Dollar Tree"--her favorite store (aside from Goodwill). Both stores are not Daddy's favorite, so it was with great Love that he took her there, and let her spend an entire $8.00!! They did bring home treats to share (along with a cup that says "Bon Bon's the ultimate chocolate"--the ultimate Joke between Mommy & Daddy--as he thinks I sit & have Bon Bon's all day!), and Kristin was just beaming as she came in the door. She came up to me and whispered "He even took me to the dollar tree!!".

Now, those of you that know Bill are saying "Hmmmmm--Bill?" Those of you that know Kristin are saying "Hmmmmm...how did Bill endure all that talking!". Let me just say, we had the happiest little girl tonight. She cleaned up her stuff after watching a little TV, put on her pajamas, brushed her teeth, told us goodnight, came in and told Daddy how much fun she had and thanked him for their date...and went to bed, all on her own!! WOW. Bill needs to take her to dinner more often!!

We've been working on a devotional by Dobson. Last week focused on a Dad's role. It discussed many things, but most importantly, the relationship between father & daughter. It spoke to Bill so much, that he took this to heart and implemented it. SO, for all you fathers with daughters: From James Dobson's Night Light For Parents:

Fathers & Daugthers:
If you communicate that she's beautiful and feminine, she'll be inclined to see herself that way. If you blend love and discipline in a way that conveys strength, your daughter will be more comfortable with a give-and-take marriage characterized by mutual respect. But if you reject your daughter, she's likely to spend her life trying to find a man who can meet the needs you never fulfilled in her heart.
One wonderful way to build up your daughter is to take her on regular "dates" which can begin even in the preschool years and extend to the teens. Let her help plan these outings. Then, open doors for her, help her with her chair, and listen attentively when she speaks. Treat her with the same consideration and respect that scripture prescribes for your wife (1 Peter 3:7). You'll create a feeling of self worth and begin to establish her standards for a husband if she chooses to marry. We can't imagine a better wedding present for a father to give his precious daughter.

--How would you describe your relationship with your daughter?
--What is your daughters current attitude toward men?
--What can you do better to prepare your daughter for a successful marriage?

Dad's Prayer--Heavenly Father, I want my daughter(s) to know how much I love and value her. Let my every word and deed encourage her today and help shape her into the woman you want her to be. Amen.

Just for Big Papa

Then....




Now.....Kristin & her Big Papa have always shared a love for "swinging". Since she was little--it has been one of their favorite pastimes. This was just a neat picture of them together 9-15-01 that I stumbled on yesterday (thanks Bill!) and one of her a few weeks ago. Thanks for the great picture Sean & Tracey!

Birthday's, Boys & Guns

This week started off Monday, with home school group, however, Shawnna went alone to school. Kristin had gone to bed with a fever, so Ryan agreed to stay home with her, while I went to school. They did great, and Kristin was almost back to her normal self by late afternoon. It was a 3 day bug that has seemed to work itself out.



Tuesday, the 26th, we were at the O'Hara's to celebrate Declan's birthday. He turned 9! I called after school to tell him Happy Birthday--and when he answered the phone, I said "Happy Birthday"--he said "thanks" I then asked him if he woke with a mustache being that he was 9 now, and he said "WHAT?" I asked him again "Did you wake with any facial hair or underarm hair this morning?" Dead silence on the other end of the phone---then it registered, and boy did he giggle. He didn't know what to say. I believe this was the first time I've heard Declan speechless!!
We then gathered later for supper (yummy homemade lasagna, courtesy of Declan & Tracey) and instead of birthday cake...Declan requested cream puffs....which he & Tracey had made that morning. The boys then filled them with vanilla pudding, and drizzled melted chocolate over top. They looked SO good! We sang Happy Birthday to Declan, only to realize that we forgot the candles.....so, we did it again! (By the way....those cream puffs were AWESOME!)

The kids had a great fun watching Declan open his birthday gifts. Kimberly received a gift from the VonRuden's since they missed the impromptu party last Thursday. She laid on the floor and colored for a long time....enjoying her new gift. The kids played Declan's new game "HyperDash"---and is it a lot of fun. We had a great time visiting with everyone, and the headed home to bed.



Thursday started with plans of one type, and then changed to other plans....all good mind you! Ryan was scheduled to take a gun safety course on Thursday night. We thought it was in Albany, close to HP. So, the plan was for us to go pick up Bill from work (he had carpooled, so didn't have his truck at work), for us to have supper out somewhere together, and then take Ryan & Bill to the gun club, and Kristin & I would "shop"! Sounded great to us. We then found out that the club was closer to us than to HP...so we called Tracey, and invited ourselves for pizza at their place, since there wasn't enough time for Bill to get to Sean & Traceys, pick up his truck, head home for Ryan and make class by six. So, we ended up with pizza's at the O'Hara's!! Needless to say...we had a fun supper together, I was able to help Alyona with her math (Wow was that interesting--strategy math was what it was called) homework, Tracey & I got to visit, the girls got to play, and Sean & Declan joined Bill & Ryan for the gun class with Mark (who Sean & Bill carpool with). Ryan did a great job with his target shooting, making almost every hit in the black target area. Bill was very proud of him. Declan did a great job too, and came home with a medal for his shooting. He has earned his guns back!!! I'm sure today will be full of targets, boxes, and questions of "can I shoot my 22 now"? That will wait for another day, when Daddy can be with him...after he gets more practice at the Albany Gun Club. Mark, who instructed the boys, was awesome with the kids....a very positive thing for them. Thanks Mark!

Enjoy the pics....courtesy of Sean & Tracey (forgot my camera on Tuesday, and never thought of it yesterday). Thanks for letting us barge in for supper last night...and for the fun visit!

PS> I added a few pictures to Kim's birthday blog....there were some cute ones I have from Tracey. Check them out!

A Bill & Shawnna Weekend

Depot Bay Sunset

Friday started out like any other "work" day for Bill. What he didn't know is that we (Sean, Tracey & I) concocted a weekend away for Bill & I. After Bill left for work, the busy beavers (Ryan, Kristin & I) got their things packed for the weekend, and then helped me get the rest done. We had the trailer hooked up, the kids clothes packed and were on the road to Tracey & Sean's to drop the kids off. I was then off to HP to pick up Bill, for what he thought was a late lunch. Boy was he surprised when he walked out of the door, and there I was with the trailer!

We headed to South Beach, and intended to hit the Wine & Seafood Festival, but it was PACKED as we drove over the bridge. Knowing how much Bill loves crowds, we opted to head to Depot Bay and have a nice dinner at our favorite place, the Sea Hag. I had a seafood pasta that was more seafood than pasta (Usually not the norm when you order seafood pasta...not so at this place!), and it was wonderful. Bill had Alaska King Crab, and he enjoyed most of it, the rest came home in my seafood pasta leftover box! The clam chowder there is the best, beating Mo's hands down. We enjoyed an adult dinner, Bill a few drinks, and then we enjoyed the bar tenders playing the liquor bottles to "The Chicken Dance"---something everyone should experience at least once.

Bill's King Crab....as you can see, he enjoyed it!

We headed back to the trailer, and enjoyed an evening of puzzle games, and then enjoyed sleeping in on Saturday morning. The day was beautiful, so we took a walk on the cooper ridge trail at South Beach, it was a great trail, and we'll do it again. There were beautiful views of the Newport Bridge, and me with out my camera. Thankfully, the cell phone bailed me out on Friday night, but this walk, we forgot the phone too! Oh well, we'll be back, and I'll be sure to take my camera!

Saturday afternoon, Tracey called, Kristin had a fever of 102.4--so we did the "should we stay or should we go".....I talked to Kristin, who told me that Tracey was taking good care of here, and although she was crying for her Mom, she told me she was fine, I should stay. I told Tracey I'd check back in two hours after the ibuprofen had time to work and make a call then. The 2nd call, Kristin sounded so much better so we decided to stay, and enjoy our last night out, and head home early on Sunday.

Sunday morning, we were up, torn down, and heading out of the park by 8:10. We arrived at Sean & Tracey's in enough time to pick up kids, and let them get out the door for church. We had the trailer cleaned out, laundry in the house, and were all able to get a nap! Kristin was a rag doll all day, and her fever ranged between 99 and 102 all day. We kept her on fluids, and chicken soup, and she was feeling much better until bedtime....back up to 102. I gave her some Ibuprofen, put her to bed, and this morning, after almost 12 hours with no meds, her temp is normal! Yahoo! Ryan is still going to stay home with her while I head into Homeschool Group to teach about the take over of Fts Henry & Donelson and begin a new chemistry unit. I'm thankful that Ryan is old enough and mature enough to stay home with her and take care of her. I'm also thankful for Sean & Tracey, who gave us a wonderful weekend away--and took great care of our "sickie". Love you guys!

Happy Birthday Kimberly!

The last few days have been whirlwind! After getting home on Tuesday and unpacking the trailer, doing lots of laundry (it was time to do ALL the bedding in the trailer--including curtains), working in Eugene yesterday, and handling some paperwork in Corvallis in the afternoon--we're all tired! Bill came home a laid down with a headache...and I rushed to get dinner on the table between the time I dropped Ryan off at swim and the time I had to get him. Kristin missed her swim time due to our trip to Corvallis. However, when I stepped out the front door to go to get Ryan, just coming up over the mountains was a beautiful moon....with an eclipse just starting. I called to Kristin to come & look, and we enjoyed it awhile before I realized I'd better go get Ryan! By the time I got back home, there was only a sliver left before the moon was in full eclipse, and very dark. It was one of the neater sights in life. Thanks Lord for making me look up!

Tracey's Pictures

Today, Thursday our little Kim turned 5!! She baked a cake at home with Tracey, and then came to spend the afternoon with us. She & I whipped up some frosting, and she made her cake beautiful! The only part I helped with was the stacking of layers and the writing...which, by the way, the gel frosting for writing does not work so hot!! We then headed back to Lebanon to drop Ryan, Declan & Kristin off to meet Alexis & Tanya from the bus, while I took Kim into the Doctors as Tracey's appointment at the eye doctor with Alyona ran over. Kim & I were chatting on the way to the DR...she was so funny--on the way we were discussing what she had asked for her birthday. Her response was " A real horse and a light up snowman". Well, I did my part!!! She had asked for the light up snowman of us at Alexis' birthday back in December...and she didn't just ask once, she asked several times. So, I did go snowman hunting-- and was able to find one before Christmas and put it away. I wondered if she'd remember, but when I asked today, she had! I'm so happy we went ahead with it. Now I need to get the O'Hara's stock in batteries, since both girls will probably use them as night lights. Now, for the horse...that's out of my league. However, Kim does have it all figured out how she will take care of it. Tie it to the big deck, and let it eat grass!

Things couldn't have worked out more perfectly--as I was signing Kim in at the DR., Tracey pulled into the lot! I took Alyona and headed to the grocery store and then back to Tracey's and we all met up to cook dinner together. Poor Kim has an ear infection and a slightly full lobe in her one lung.....but with antibiotics she should be back on the mend in no time! She was feeling better as the night wore on. !

Tracey & I had fun in the kitchen putting chicken quesadillas together and then feeding everyone before heading out the door to Alexis' art show at her school. It was fun to see her work that she was so proud of, and to enjoy her being so proud to show us around her school. She explained things to us as she led us down the hall to her class.

We returned to Sean & Tracey's to have cake & sing for Kim. Kim had us all laughing as we were waiting while Sean got her present...and told her to close her eyes. She held out her hands so nicely waiting for a small package to be put in her hand...she had no clue it was a bike. It was great to see the look on her face!

It is such a blessing that our families do so well together....all in all, as busy as today was, you'd think we rehearsed it with all that was accomplished! Dr's, dinners, art shows & birthday celebrations...all in one day! Thanks Lord!

Happy 5th Birthday Kim! We love you!

Carl Washburne Weekend 2-15 through 2-18-2008

WOW is all I can say about the weekend. We had beautiful weather, great family time, and a great time with good friends.

Bill was fortunate enough to work overtime this week and was able to comp the time out on Friday. We left home Friday morning in the sunshine, and ended up on the coast in the sunshine with the whole day in front of us. We set up camp, and then headed out up near Cape Perpetua. We had an appointment to look at a house over there--one I've always dreamed of having--needless to say at $1,200,000 (yep---thats a lot of zeros), it is way out of reach....and the thought we had of turning it into a bed and breakfast would not be profitable enough to live there and not work somewhere else, and the dream of having it be a Christian retreat for youth & marriage retreats just wasn't to be because even though it's over 7K square ft, it's still not big enough. A dream, and a great vision gone...however, we always have our eyes open for that special place that we can someday make our own! Flo came with us, as she has always wanted to see it too. We headed back to camp to drop Flo off, and then headed into Florence to bum around,and of course check on our light house! I forgot the camera....but since it was such a beautiful day, I had to take a picture...so, you got it, the cell phone!! So...even though it is grainy, it was still worth posting! Heceta Head Light House--Florence Oregon

Friday night brought a fun round of scrabble and a movie. Saturday, we woke to gorgeous weather, and bummed around camp in the AM, as it was fuller than it has been all winter. Camp was about half full, compared to 7 (the highest number while we were there over Christmas, including the camp hosts!), so we enjoyed bumming around, and seeing people out. We had lunch, a nice nap, and then had a great walk on the beach, heading South down Washburne beach, instead of North as we do to our favorite spot--China Creek. We had fun visiting Blowout Creek, and the kids had just as much fun, just a different kind! This time, Flo came along, and was going to help Kristin get her "agate eyes" on, as none of us have ever found an agate. Needless to say, we've just not looked in the right places, and I'm sure have walked over thousands in our years on the beach! The first day out, we probably found 15 between the 5 of us and we had a blast looking for them. The beach was SO full, we had to walk a long way before we could let the dogs off leashes. It was so nice, it brought everyone out! Saturday night, we played more scrabble, and Kristin & I played some cribbage. She's getting pretty good!



Sunday we woke to MORE sunshine...God blessed us with a great weekend all the way around, and what's great, is we don't have to go home today....Bill, the kids & I are all off Monday due to Presidents day...yahoo! We enjoy more fun bumming around camp, a trip to the beach, and a trip to town for milk. More scrabble & cribbage fill our night!

Monday, it was beautiful when we woke, but the clouds rolled in by late afternoon.We decided in the early morning as we were all moping about having to pack up....that we should have fun all day, enjoy the sun, and then tear down before bed, and get up early and drop Bill off on the way home. This way we still were able to get out and get a walk on the beach...enjoy a full day, chase the tide out....as low tide wasn't until almost dark. But, chasing the tide reveals a lot on the beach! Kristin's agate total for the weekend (with help from Flo & I) was 61--Ryan's was 26--pretty good for novice agate hunters. We're now in the market for a rock tumbler. Look out E-bay, here we come! We spent time with Flo & Harry after supper, as they will be leaving Washburne at the end of the month, as their host time is up for this year. They like the off season like we do...as it's about time for Spring break, and the crazies to come out!!

Enjoy the pictures...and until next time....Jeremy--this one is for you! I guess this is clarification regarding what is not exercise!

Valentine's Day 2008

Valentine's Day 2008

Bill never ceases to amaze me, or keep me on my toes. We woke for work as usual, and as we sat down to have coffee and do our devotion, out comes this box. Now, those of you who know Bill, know that this is not normal for him. The last "box" I received was for our 15th wedding anniversary, and was the beautiful wedding set and heart diamond I'd longed for. Again, all on his own. So, even though he's not a flowers type of guy....he can surprise me with a box every 5 years, and I'll be happy. Just having him as my best friend for all these years has been gift enough (although, Bill, you don't need to stop!).

In the box this year--was a FROG! This was really a gift of love, because you know my like of frogs and his laughter at how I can like them! Anyway...check it out...it's a great frog--holding a heart shaped lily pad. How appropriate.




Thanks Bill....I Love You!

Catching up from the weekend!

So, I'm guessing by the photo, which I was totally unaware of, that I was pretty tired!! Kristin & I were sitting reading a school supply catalog after dinner tonight, and the next thing I knew I was waking up to the smell of cookies in the oven. Ryan had baked bar cookies, and they smelled wonderful! What I can't believe is that I slept through a cat crawling on me to sleep, the mixer running while Ryan put together the cookies, and the camera flash. I guess between the busy weekend, and a full day at school today--I needed some catch up sleep!! Get your laughs in now....there is never a good picture when I'm awake or looking my best!! However, it is a cute picture of the cat!!

Leaving you with something fun...but so true!!

Quiet Sunday

Boy was it quiet around here this afternoon!

We started the morning with Jason at 4am next to my side of the bed in his not so quiet voice "AUNT SHAWNNA I CAN"T FIND MY GRANDMA BLANKET"!!! Oh no--this is a tragedy, because I know where it has gone, into the depths between the wall and the bed. Not an easy task because it is a captains bed with the drawers below...so not easy to move. But Aunt Shawnna is the hero, climbing around in her night gown on the bed trying to get her arm down the side of the bed to retrieve said blanket. (A sorry sight in itself...thankfully, 3yr olds don't care!) If that had not worked (I couldn't move the bed because Kristin was on the floor next to it) I was prepared to steal his sisters, because I knew she didn't care because she had napped without it the day I had to wash her bedding. Thankfully, it hadn't gone all the way down, and we were both tucked back into bed in a short period of time. We need to teach him how to whisper, or tap you before he yells...but you have to love him!

Jason then slept until 7, and Bill & I got up with him. He wanted so badly for the other kids to get up, and couldn't understand why I wouldn't let him wake them. Ryan finally stirred about 8am, and I had to wake Kristin & Brooklyn at 9am for church. I know that Bill & I have reached another stage of child rearing, since I've forgotten how stressful it is to feed, clothe, wash up & brush hair for two small children under 3 in a short amount of time! It was fun to sit Brooklyn on my bathroom counter to do her hair, since I used to love that time with Kristin. We talked about so many things there at different stages of her growing up. Needless to say, Kristin doesn't fit on the counter anymore! Bill helped pack up the kids stuff, and we were actually out the door and to church on time!!

Jen met us for church, and we enjoyed service together. She & the kids were so glad to be back together, but I felt so loved when Brooklyn shared time going back & forth between us during the song time. They are about as close to being my niece and nephew as they could be without being blood....and such a joy to have around.

After church, Jen & the kids went to her Mom & Dad's and we headed home. Everyone pitched in "de-toddlerizing" the house--and in a few minutes there wasn't a trace of a high chair, porta crib, toybox, or fisher price barn!! I laughed when I opened up my e-mail and had this note from my Grandfather, after he obviously read our blog, and seeing that we had Audrie on Monday & Tuesday, and Brooklyn & Jason Thursday-Sunday! He said this..."Either there is a shortage of child care services in Sweet Home, or your prices are too low. (Ha, Ha) I don't see how you can Home School your two at the same time you are changing Pampers, cutting out paper dolls, changing VCR, giving Taxi Service, etc.". I had a great laugh at this...Thanks Gramps! To be honest, I love having them, and our kids are great to help out. The beauty of home school is "If we don't get it done today, we do it tomorrow!" And yes Gramps...my fees are low...Free to our Oregon Families! The blessings we receive from our chosen families far outweighs any payment I could ever get for taking care of those children that are like our own nieces & nephews.

So in closing, it's been a great week....full of baby fun, fun and fellowship with great friends that God has made our family,and a beautiful day to be in the sunshine. What a gift God has given us. Have a great week!

Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the Rest to God.

Catching Up with the O'Hara's

It's been weeks since we've been together with the O'Hara's unless just in passing at church or home school group, either due to weather, illness or just busy schedules. Tracey & Sean graciously made us a wonderful brunch. We arrived at 10, visited, had a great breakfast (Brooklyn ate 3 pieces of French Toast, PLUS some of mine!) and spent a morning visiting, letting the kids play and catching up. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful sunny day, and the kids enjoyed playing outside for a better part of the day. Brooklyn had a different mentor at different times during the day. Alexis & Tanya both did so well with her, watching her, playing with her, and enjoying her. Tanya said to me she wished she had a little sister like Brooklyn....I told her she needed to talk to her Dad, but that I thought 5 was enough! Of course Ryan & Kristin helped out as well--but they are old hat at caring for Brooklyn & Jason.

Jason exhausted himself today, playing outside, really enjoying Kim. They played so well together. He had so much fun playing on the play set, running in the field and playing with the big kids. Around nap time, I asked him if he wanted to go home with me for a nap with his sister, or if he wanted to stay--of course you know his choice. Brooklyn made things really easy by falling asleep in her car seat before I even started the car or left the driveway....and she was peaceful, warm and happy, so we all enjoyed a nice visit while the kids played and Brooklyn napped.

Sean & Bill did some playing of their own. They've been working on this project for weeks now on & off, changing things, modifying things, and today, they finally got it. The installed a contraption on Bill's truck today that will help with fuel economy. It seems I remember helping a friend install something similar many years ago. It was a can to hold dry ice, and boost nitrous through the system, helping the car run faster...and I'm sure it had nothing to do with fuel economy!! Oh how our times are changing--how our lives have changed. From 1966 Mustang Fastbacks to 2001 Chevy S-10's. From dumping our paychecks into our cars to cruise Telegraph on Saturday nights, living carelessly with no seat belts, to saving gas & car seats....oh boy, who would have ever thought!

Bill drove home tonight, with the "experimental apparatus" in place and did some further testing in the garage...he will drive the test vehicle all next week, and we'll see the the proof...and hopefully, it will be so cost effective, that we'll all have them in our cars!

We ended up staying for dinner the kids were having so much fun (OK, Tracey & I too), the guys were still working in the garage...and it was just a great day. Ryan teased me since I told him we weren't staying all day. He had the last laugh!! We came home a bit before 8, had quick baths, Brooklyn & Jason tucked in, and sleeping by 8:30--the other two by 9:30, and Bill by 10! A busy but fun day.

Thanks O'Hara's for having us, and making it such an enjoyable day!

Jason & Brooklyn Visit

Thursday, Feb 7th Fun

Brooklyn & Jason arrived yesterday just after lunch. Jen & Brady have a gun show this weekend, so we get the pleasure of hanging with the kids. Jason & Brooklyn both had a great time playing in the basement with Ryan & Kristin. Brooklyn has really started talking and its fun to see her point to herself and then what she wants when she can't "explain" it!

Friday Feb 8th Fun

Today, Brooklyn was up at 6:30 and back down for a nap by 7:30---and slept until almost 10!! Jason slept in until almost 8, and Kristin wasn't far behind Jason. We totally spoiled him with Lucky Charms for breakfast (Sorry Jen), and he & Ryan had a blast sharing breakfast time while Kristin still slept. He did understand later that he needed some healthy fruit and snacks. We had a full morning of dinosaurs, fisher price little people, rescue heros, kitchen playset, and plain old having fun being Diego, with his faithful sidekick Alecia (AKA Kristin). There were rescues around here today than I think the Sweet Home Fire Department has seen in 10 years!

After naps, we decorated cookies that Grandma Kathy had given to Jason...there were snowmen and trees...and oh what fun they had. I think Jason was more creative than Ryan (you'll see why in the pictures!) and everyone had a great time. We closed today out with baths and then the movie Happy Feet. Brooklyn & Jason both liked it. Everyone in bed, and ready for our venture tomorrow to the O'Hara's for brunch. It seems like forever since we've seen one another, partially because of sickness, and partially because of the snow we had a few weeks ago. We're all looking forward to it.

More pictures to come after the weekend!

Hangin' with Audrie

Boy, have I been lucky. I certainly have had a great few weeks with babies! We had Audrie a little over a week ago, then Jen brought the kids down, and I had a Brooklyn baby fix. Yesterday & today Audrie has been hanging with us because Daddy had a class to teach in Salem.
Audrie & "Uncle Bill hanging on the couch watching Sing Yourself Silly!
Yesterday (Monday) Audrie went to school with us. She did great, and with help from Tracey, it was a smooth day. (Thanks Tracey!). We came home and played until the kids went to swim. Bill kept Audrie while I ran the kids to swim (he was home with a very bad migraine...we found him in bed at 3 when we got home--poor guy), but he said hangin with Audrie can make anyone smile, so they were on the couch watching Sesame Street, and couch dancing to "Put down the duckie"--which we all know by heart. It was a blast from the past, as this was Bill & Ryan's favorite when he was little.
Uncle Bill, Ashley & Audrie

How can you have a bad day when it starts with this smile?!

Today started with Audrie coming at 7:30--and tough morning for Mom & Baby, since we live 25 minutes one way in the opposite direction of Katie's work. (OK 15 minutes if you drive like Nate with that "fancy cop driving"!) We had a fun morning, and then Audrie was exhausted from playing with Ryan & Kristin. She has discovered there is more than the living room, and wants to explore! She was a busy girl. We had lunch, peas...she certainly likes the sweet potatoes better!You can see that she did some floor mopping for me--and then took a quick Sesame Street break after all that work!

She had another long nap around 2, and I had to wake her at 4:30, since we were afraid she wouldn't sleep tonight, but with as busy as she was around here today, I'm not surprised. It was a great day, and we all had our share of Audrie snuggles and smiles...she's a great baby to take care of. Nothing makes you appreciate life like a baby!A snuggly girl after her nap

Have a great day! We have Brooklyn & Jason this weekend...so stay tuned for more fun!

A Week At Home

Kristin & Zoe--our dogs aren't allowed on the furniture, but Zoe needed some lovin'!
Tickle time on the couch with Ryan & Jason!
Brooklyn & Ashley play with a straw (I missed the kiss she gave Ashley!)

Jen and kids stayed through Tuesday after lunch. The snow had gotten soft enough for Bill to get Jen's truck back up to our house late Monday afternoon. The driveway had a few hours where it was slushy, and you could get traction if you were in 4WD, so Jen took the opportunity after lunch to load the car and kids, and head out while she could! We had a great time, and are very glad she & the kids came to stay while Brady was off fishing. It was some great visit time, and good time with the kids. We've missed them this last month! The weatherman was calling for more snow, which we did get. We had so much melt off on Tuesday though, that the accumulation seemed like nothing, other than keeping our driveway pretty impassable.

The kids & I worked all day in the basement and office. For some reason, these two rooms are the dumping grounds for "things that don't have a home". Needless to say, we were supposed to be having a house appraisal this past Wednesday, and it had to be done! We worked hard, and got both the office, basement and laundry room areas done, just in time to cancel our appointment due to the drive still being too snowy. Bill was only able to get out to work by using the big truck. The kids & I couldn't even get the suburban out due to the highway tires on it. 4WD is great, until you add smooth tires and a hill!! Ryan was able to get out to swim on Wednesday night, and commented how the snow was getting "ucky" looking on the side of the road where the road crud and rocks that they lay have washed up. I explained to him Michigan winters, with piles and piles of that stuff everywhere. He decided that while the snow is great, having it only "pretty" was best....even if it meant it melts away within a few days.

Overnight on Wednesday, the temperature rose and it began to rain. Snow levels are at 2000 ft now, so we have a 1000 ft buffer! We lost almost all of our snow on Thursday, and the only snow we have now is what was drifted along the fence, and the big snowballs that the kids made, which are now just small lumps! While we are in the clear, the Santiam pass is CLOSED--40 semi-trucks were stuck up there due to a snowslide (or avalanche) and were unable to turn around--so until the road department gets it cleared, there they will sit! I guess we will wait until late spring to go over to Sisters!!

We've been in the house over a week now (with the exception of Ryan going to swim practice one night), have had lots of fun in the snow, put together over 12 puzzles in the last 2 weeks, (that's 12,0000 pieces or more!)done some scrap booking calendars (Mine for 08 is finally done!) and enjoyed some good family time with not much TV! Yahoo!!