This is awesome...

Testing out my new voice recognition program. It is totally awesome so far is working out well. This can make blogging so much easier!

still working on a post but alas, life gets in the way... :)

Brendan is a Freshman...and going to Homecoming!!!

Whitlee is in 1st grade and poised to take over the world!

Update...

Working on a big update...we've been busy as usual...big things happening with Brendan and Whitlee.

Another one bites the dust!!!

Whitlee Jane just lost her second tooth!!!!  She is so excited!!!!

Rain...part 2

Dear Rain ,

You SUCK!!! You are killin me!!!!! Another game called!

Baseball...

Rain rain go away you are already the reason the game was called the otherday!!!! Play BALL!!!!

So, Brendan is on the Varsity (8th Grade) baseball team --- GO SPARTANS!!! They played their first game on Tuesday -- I'm not sure what was going on with the boys but the lacked the desire to play. Not all of them but most of them. Today was the second game but the first home game. They played Rainier Middle School (Note: I am not a fan of the coach!) - it was a rough game. It was the bottom of the 7th Rainier was ahead 6-2. Brendan was 0-1. There had been a play in the field the previous inning that he was still pissed about -- It didn't matter that a human wouldn't have been able to make the play all he was concerned was that he didn't! Silly BOY! Anyhow, Brendan was to be 3rd at bat.....3rd at bat...Yikes..all I could hope was that he didn't make the 3rd out... Brendan approached home plate -- I could tell he was MAD. 1st pitch thrown....ball, 2nd pitch strike....HE WAS MAD!! 3rd pitch - it was low - he swung - I cringed - BAM!!! He hit the ball at the tip of his bat.

At 1st Base with Colby (He played against him in Little League)
Running to 2nd

Waiting.....Waiting.....Waiting......(I love the look on his face)

Foul Ball!!!

And this is the last picture I have because a ball was hit and Brendan was RUNNING!!! He scored making it 4-6. His team won...bottom of the 7th the final was 7-6 :) I was a great day for baseball!!!!

Getting ready to get Brendan and go to Nickelback!!!

Test test test!!!

A Week In The Life....

This will be the 3rd year I have participated in this -- a simple creative concept - for one week - 7 days you capture your life - through the lense of a camera, journaling, and any bits and pieces you may have! I find this AWESOME!!! I can usually be found with camera in hand (or in purse) most everyday anyhow - the first year I participated is SLIM...I was unsure of what I should do. I found myself picking and choosing what I would document. Why?? I don't have a clue!!! Maybe, my life is boring....I no longer have a glamourous job...I'm a mom ~ I drive my mini-van, I take my (at that time) kid to school...I run errands...If I am being honest I'd LOVE to redo that year....There are SO many things I'd add!!!

Last year, a bit more involved -- still trying to "find" my way in this process. Included more but I don't think enough.....

This year...I AM KICKING BUTT and taking names!!!! I am roughly 8 hours into it and I have taken 157 pictures (can you say random). AND, I have gotten 2 pieces of journaling completed. According to my "plan" I am doing about 4 12X12 layouts per day -- lots of pictures and "stuff", some journaling and then one detailed section of journaling.....I am also keeping track of the music I hear in my daily "car runs" I am calling it My Soundtrack To My 2010 Week In The Life. While I don't know if I'll post each day my detailed journaling here is my subject for today -- I LOVE IT :)

Hello, My Love...

It seems like we haven’t seen each other for a million years...yet, it has only been 24 hours. Usually you hear me say “Grande” please - Then there are those days that I am lagging and I say with conviction “Upsize my Grande to VENTE, darkish and yummy!!”

My deep and only slightly wavering love for you started about 1982 (for those of you keeping track that is 28 years ago - simply, impossible since I am only 24). Sometimes, for short periods of time and with tears in my eyes I have had to bid you adieu. And while I am oh so very sad at the time - there is always the knowledge that at the first chance, I would go running back to you...and there you would be waiting, welcoming, warm and yummy with open arms (hypothetically speaking of course because I am not crazy I know you don’t actually have arms!).

We have a specific routine you and I and while I like you simply detest you in your purest form - My love for you is unending for you in your many reincarnations. I love you HOT - yet, not hot each morning…I arrive at one of the many places my family lovingly refers to as my dealer. Most days I simply go for the normal - I am a predictable kind of girl!! Also, most times I don’t even have to tell them what I want. Every once in a while there is a newbie - I must remember to tell them ever so gently in that strange and foreign language those of us that love you speak. I say “Grande, Pike Place Roast Drip, Please leave about an inch at the top”…On occasion - when I am not paying attention I can be heard saying “Please leave an inch at the bottom”…Can you picture the looks I get. Oh, how I wish I loved you like that but, alas as much as I love you (and I do) I simply am NOT a fan. I do not like you in a box, and I do not like you with a fox!! I am simply not a fan of your taste…Crrrazy right!! I love you poured over a nice cup of ice - still with space (at the top). Lovingly, you and I start our morning trek…we walk over to what I refer to as the counter of love. As if on auto-pilot the following happens…One napkin laid on the counter, Lid removed as your sweet smelling aroma raises to meet me, insert one stir stick, tear open 3 (if I am feeling wild I make it 4) packages of Splenda. They have yet to carry Stevia and I usually forget to throw it in my purse. I watch the granules’ dissolve my joy begins to bubble we are oh so close to being done. Now, comes the creamer - I am a creature of habit. In high school, I was introduced to half-and-half creamer. Until then I had NO IDEA that it even existed (how is that)…yet, one more thing I have to thank Mima for. With much care I pour in the half and half…I don’t go crazy I don’t know exactly how much I put in…I do however know what I am looking for a sweet luscious color I find hard to describe - oh, but I know you and I love you!!! Sweetly, I whisper “Hello, handsome” you well, you can’t answer can you but in our relationship, we don’t need words! You’ve been waiting for me…I appreciate you so. As we walk, back to the car, I fool myself into thinking you aren’t searing tongue burning hot - I look to you for some kind of confirmation. Today, my hot and yummy have they poured you the perfect temperature so I don’t have to put our reunion off any longer. You tease me… Maaaybe… Each day I think you might be right. I bring the lid to my mouth - the opening beckons… Try me I swear I can hear you say. Each day I believe you - that first sip you hit the tip of my tongue…LIAR! I want to scream. It is a wonder I have any taste buds on the tip of my tongue. I place you lovingly in the drink holder. Yes, it’s your special place. Now, the waiting begins 7-10 minutes to be exact. Like a little bit of yummy goodness you have reached the perfect temperature for this creature of habit. I delight in our meeting again, I enjoy your flavor, I am SO happy to have you. There will always be occasions that I venture to a new taste..Dark (make mine white please) Chocolate Cherry, White Chocolate Zipper doodle (always always iced), White Chocolate Mocha and on occasion…Carrot Cake or S’more (THANKS BENS!!!). Oh, and if I am in Bonney Lake…White Coffee at Ben’s - you simply can’t beat it!!

So, my love it’s time for us to part, be strong, it’s not forever, tomorrow will be here soon and once again you will be waiting…

At the Hard Rock in Seattle with the birthday boy!!! It's been a great weekend!!!

Super fun time tonight learning to metal stamp!!!!

Cleaning house...doing laundry.....AND TAXES!!!!! such fun!!!!

how do I post about this and not sound like a bat-shit crazed mother????

In almost 14 years as a parent I have learned many lessons -- I've learned to determine what a I'm tired cry is vs. an I'm hungry cry vs. an I'm wet cry. I've learned to always carry kleenex and handiwipes in my purse at all times. I've learned that lifesavers can calm a fussy kiddo. I've learned that you simply cannot reason with a 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13 and I suspect 14 year old. I have learned to teach my children to say "Yes, Mam" and "No, Mam" to say "Yes, please" and "No, thank you" -- I've taught them to think of others. I've taught them to be proud of their accomplishments. I've taught them to strive for the best because they are worthy and they deserve the best. I have cheered when they have excelled and hugged and cried with them when things haven't gone their way. I've taught them that if you try your very best then you will succeed - and to be proud of the attempt.

I've taught them other things also -- I've taught them that it's Ok to eat dinner for breakfast, that laughing even when you think you shouldn't is ok, I've taught them to sing at the top of their lungs and enjoy every second of it, I have kissed there boo boo's and given a firm hand where one is needed. I am a PROUD mother -- My children will never wonder or doubt for one single fraction of a second if they are loved, wanted or valued. My children are my most cherished accomplishment -- they are truly the reason I live and breathe -- they are the reason I put one foot in front of the other each and every day. They know that my focus is them and that I will help them be the best people that they can be. I expect great things from them and I know that they will do them. They are amazing beings these two persons Jeff and I brought into this world. They will do amazing things and I look forward to seeing what they are!!!

All this being said I am a FIERCE protector of my children -- a parent that isn't drives me insane! I've been in Mommy Bear mode only a couple of times in 14 years..... Wednesday, March 3rd gave me a lesson in Mommy hood -- It put me in yet another Mommy Bear situation that I'd hoped I'd never be in -- Yet, we have come out of the situation wiser for it.

Before you read any further know this -- while this is my blog and I am free to post ANYTHING I choose - I blog daily - not all blogs are published - well, because frankly it's no ones' business!!! I am actually going to post this blog -- because well I have spoken to Brendan about it and he said he didn't mind if I posted it or not. See, my children understand that as their parent I value their opinion.

Brendan attends 8th grade - his school has a "no hat" policy -- translation -- From the hours of 7:15 to 2:15 YOU DON'T WEAR A HAT AT SCHOOL. This has never been an issue -- Brendan was going to go to a buddy's house -- they were going to work out and then play some baseball. Jeff was picking him up after work -- I was pretty sick (thanks family for sharing) -- I decided to take a nap -- Whitlee was with me -- She was so excited she got to watch extra tv -- I CRASHED....I woke to the phone ringing -- it was the Auburn School District -- why were they calling??? probably nothing -- Brendan had texted me saying he was on his way to his buddy's and Whitlee was next to me...I ignored it.........The phone rang again.......It was the Auburn School District ----- I ignored it -----------then my cell phone rang.............it was the Auburn School District ----- I JOLTED up -- why would they be calling me???? Whitlee was with me and Brendan was on his way to his buddy's house. It was Sydney on the phone -- she is the most amazing nurse!!!! She was the school nurse when Brendan went to Evergreen Heights and had all his migraine issues -- she is AWESOME!!!! She says the words that literally make my heart stop "Stephanie, It's Sydney - I have Brendan in the nurses office - he has been assaulted - I need you to come to the school -- please drive carefully." Well, that's all I vaguely remember her saying -- there was a lot of buzzing happening in my head. Now, here is a new fun fact where our new van is concerned -- if your emergency brake is engaged and you put your van in gear....back up and then put it into drive....all sorts of bells start going off --- and your van doesn't go very fast even if you have the peddle pushed all the way to the floor. I imagine Steven has a better memory of my call -- all I remember is screaming Brendan has been hurt get to the school -- I tried not to run every single freaking red light I encountered -- It seemed to take an eternity to get 2 miles -- Steven I have to say makes good time! I'd hate to come up against him when he is in UNCLE mode -- My phone rang and I remember hearing Steven say Breathe -- don't run any lights getting here -- I'm here and Brendan is OK. I know I called Jeff about a million times -- when in reality it was probably 3 or 4 (I think). When talking to Steven I am wondering where his buddy's are --- they were suppose to be with them -- I'm thinking if someone jumped Brendan and those boys took off I was going to have a serious conversation with their parents!! I am screaming at Steven -- WHERE ARE XXXXXXX AND XXXXXXX?? Steven said there were 2 boys in the nurses office with Brendan -- he asked the nurse who they were she couldn't tell him (privacy rules and all) -- So, Steven looks directly at them and said "You better tell me your names" -- I breathed a sigh of relief as they were Brendan's buds :) They didn't leave his side, they totally have his back. I got to the school and went running into the office - As Steven had determined that Brendan was OK he had gone from YOU DON'T MESS WITH MY NEPHEW mode to "Uncle Steven" -- when I walked into the nurses office I hear Steven say "Don't worry Brendan that eye will uncross eventually" (insert hee hee hee here!). As any parent I gave Brendan the once over - and looked to Sydney for confirmation he was OK -- I called Jeff to let him know Brendan was fine -- called Brendan's Dr. to make sure we could get in and get him checked once we were done with the police.

In addition to Brendan there were 3 other eye witnesses -- his 2 friends and his history teacher. All 3 were totally willing to give statements and testify if necessary. From what I understand this is what happened......The last bell rang -- Brendan went to his locker and got his stuff -- texted me to let me know he was on his way to his friends -- put his hat on and the boys headed out - they had to walk a couple of girls to the bus. From behind a kid (later we find out he is a 10th grader) came up behind him and took his hat right off his head. Now, Brendan didn't know the kid - what he knew was that the kid took his hat. He (Brendan) didn't say anything - but walked up to the kid and took the hat out of the kids hand. The kid (a 10th grader currently suspended from an alternative school) turned and closed fist punched Brendan squarely on his left cheek. (it's here I'd like to note for only the 2nd time since Brendan was born I saw COMPLETELY RED - Like when Auntie Sue says RED DOUBLE). Brendan is assuring me he is ok but his face and head hurt - I stepped outside the nurses office to have a word with his teacher -- I really wanted to know what was going on. Evidently, Brendan took the complete punch -- he didn't go down, he didn't even sway. He waved off his buddies and didn't punch the kid back. Now, Brendan may look like a mild mannered kid...someone who couldn't hurt a fly....if you believe that you couldn't be more wrong -- Brendan is more than capable of defending himself and we have taught him don't go looking for trouble but if it finds you do not hit first...that being said if someone hits you you are fully entitled to defend yourself and hit back BUT, if you do make it count and end it! (later when I asked him why he didn't hit him back he said all he could think of was that he was still on school grounds and if he hit the guy back he would get in trouble). While I am checking over Brendan the principal and vice principal are chasing after the kid and his brother who is a 7th grader at Brendan's school. They had the brothers -- the police had arrived -- it's time to ID the kid......Now, the kids (the brothers) didn't deny the assault occurred -- seriously, they didn't -- the 7th grader was telling the police that he was the one who punched Brendan -- and the reason was because Brendan had been bullying him!!! When the Principal and Vice Principal heard this they both laughed -- LOUDLY!!!! Being a bully and Brendan do not go together!!!! The nice police officer who was a member of the swat team took Brendan and the 3 other witnesses down to ID the kid. The officer asked if I was interested in going down with them -- he assured me that Brendan would be totally safe. I didn't think that it was a good idea for me to get a look at this kid -- in hindsight part of my wants to know what he looks like so that in my Bat-shit crazy mommy moments I have a face to put on the piece of crap I am kicking the shit out of!!! I stayed at the school with the Vice Principal -- while we were waiting for them to come back we talked about Brendan's safety at the school. It was during this time I realized I was sitting in the Vice Principal's office IN MY PAJAMAS!!! with no bra and half of my hair was sticking straight up!!! I looked at the Vice Principal and said "I bet this is a side of me you thought you'd never see huh" -- yeah, cause when I am there every week volunteering I am SO NOT in my PJ'S!!!!! :) To his credit he just smiled and said "I wasn't going to even mention it!!!" What a guy!!! The police officer brought everyone back and informed me that both brothers were being arrested for strong armed robbery and felonious assault - which carries a term of 20 years. In addition to those charges the younger brother was also being arrested for hindering a police investigation (because he tried to take the blame) - the kid that hit Brendan was already suspended from his alternative school -- so there would be other charges and penalties involved for him. I was worried about Brendan being safe -- these boys were arrested because of what happened to Brendan -the police officer said that because of their age the brothers wouldn't have anger towards Brendan - they would be mad at the school and the police (because of the authority). For one split second I wondered out loud "Where the hell were these kids parents????" Not involved was the reply I got -- the 7th grader has had issues at the school.....Brendan gave his statement and I rushed him to the Dr. --- the Dr. checked him over -- said he was good -- said he'd most probably have a migraine and told me that once the adrenaline left his body he was going to be MAD!! I didn't think it would happen but once he ate his pizza and calmed down he was PISSED -- I won't go into the details but I will say that I've learned that I can bear hug a thrashing teen for 45 minutes.

Brendan missed 2 days of school due to his migraine - he posted on facebook that night - he and I have talked a lot about what happened -- why would someone do this??? Sadly, at 13 he learned that some parents don't care what happens to their kids. He learned that he can take a hit like a champ, he learned what a bat-shit crazy mom who protects her kid looks like, he learned that while he lives in a safe environment there are people who don't, he learned how quickly his mom and Uncle Steve can revert to ghetto mode when needed, he learned what friendship is, he learned that doing the right thing is the right thing, he learned that if you get punched in the face your mom will buy you Pizza Hut Pepperoni Stuffed Crust Pizza, he learned that his parents will ALWAYS be there for him, protecting and guiding him, he learned that in the face of a crisis he is able to think with a sound mind, he learned that in the grand scheme of things while getting punched in the face SUCKED it could have been so much worse and he learned that anger is not the way. He learned other things but that is his story -- maybe one day he'll tell it - maybe he won't but that is up to him..............It doesn't matter if he does or if he doesn't I've got his back.....When he was 8, when he is 13, when he is....well, it doesn't matter I will ALWAYS have his back -- I am proud of you son! You are an amazing young man - I am glad and I am grateful that I am a part of your life.......YOU SO TOTALLY ROCK!!!!

My Dearest Whitlee Jane

Well, today is the day -- you woke up SO excited!!! Grinning and singing.

Today you turned 6 ~ you informed me that you have to use 2 hands to make six!!! Six Mommy, and next I'll be 7. I tried so hard to swallow the lump that was in my throat - 6 years old - it seems like just yesterday you entered our lives. You have brought such joy and happiness!! I've never known a child who wakes up with the giggles!!! Brendan was always so happy when he woke up but you have full body giggles :)

I'm not quite sure how you managed to eat your breakfast -- PINK pancakes please with whip cream and sprinkles :)

We were off and running -- so much to do -- after all we were hosting a crafting tea party for 25 kids and 20 or so adults....would we survive? And WHERE THE HELL IS THE TOP TO MY FOOD PROCESSOR!!! I have guac to make for goodness sake!!! :)

You were the cruise director -- you knew exactly where you wanted everything to be -- Presents go here, crafts go here, music here......Daddy, Brendan, Aunt Ginger all helping to get things in place -- Grandpa and Abuela showed up and jumped right in to help -- Your friends started to arrive....oohs and Hi's were all around...there was lots and lots of giggling, laughing and chasing...........crafts all around!!! Make a beautiful hat, Make a scrapbook, Have a makeover.... it is so much fun to see kids having a blast. Many times I was asked "how do I do this?" or "Can I add this?" My response was whatever you want sweetie -- the expression on the kiddos faces when they realized that it was their choice was PRICELESS.

Here is Whitlee Jane -- with her party hat on making her scrapbook!!

Here she is showing her scrapbook

Soon it was time to eat -- Whitlee's menu: Chili cheese dip, Sweet and sour meatballs, Guac, chips and Cherry Limeade Punch. The kids drank their "tea" from real china tea cups. Notice Whitlee's my twin doll next to her -- the dress and bow the doll is wearing was a gift from Grandma and Grandpa -- Whitlee has the exact matching outfit -- she has decided she is going to wear the dress at Easter.

We had Whitlee stand on a chair so we could sing her Happy Birthday --- this smile -- this is the smile she had on her face ALL day!!!

And to top it off -- there was a pinata!!!! The kids hit the crap out of that thing and it WOULDN'T BREAK!!! finally I ripped that sucker open and threw the candy in the air -- THE KIDS LOVED IT :)

When we were driving home -- you said this was the BEST BIRTHDAY you had ever had!!!! and you were still grinning!!!!

Happy Birthday my sweet baby girl!! I hope the happiness you felt today is a feeling you will always always have -

3 sleeps.............

Just when I think she can't get any more excited about her birthday --- today when she opened her eyes she SCREAMED --- 3 MORE SLEEPS UNTIL I AM 6!!!!!!

Today, we will be making more GIANT cupcakes and tutus.............and starting to pack up stuff for the party!!!! YIKES!!!! I may not sleep until Sunday!!!!!

I hope that her party lives up to what she is hoping it will be.............................

I will be posting photos of Steven wearing his tutu!!!! Whitlee is so excited!!!

5 sleeps............

and she will be 6 -- REALLY I'm not kidding 6 years old ~ where has the time gone

she is reading now -- starter words but words none the less

she can count by herself to 175 without making any mistakes

she can count to 15 in Spanish by herself

she LOVES Junie B. Jones books.....

She HATES mushrooms

she loves pink

my baby is going to be 6 years old ~~ I wish Mima was alive ~~ I miss her so much these days ~~ Whitlee would have loved the crap out of her and vice versa ~~ we are gearing up ~~ a birthday party ~~ she has invited her ENTIRE class ~~ 26 5 year olds ~~ I have lost my mind :) We are having a tea party birthday ~~ it is going to be AWESOME!!!! There will be Tutu's all around (including the AWESOME Uncle Steve) She can't wait!!!

Did I mention she is in a "Band" -- I love this girl of mine

You spin me....

right round baby right round!!!!




So, the last post was on Jan. 22 -- Brendan my sweet boy had mono....well actually he still HAS mono....he spent a week at home -- literally all he did was sleep -- I'll have to see if I can find the picture but he was just sitting on the couch with his headphones on ..... they weren't plugged in to ANYTHING!!! He is still tired but went back to school this past week. On Friday he came home and took at 4 hour nap!!

Fun fact: with Mono you can still have it when you test negative for it!!!!...NICE!!!!

Weekend here I come :)

So, much easier this morning -- ah to be young again :)......just thrilled that my creativity is back!!!

working on stuff --- love it!!!!!!

Day 2 DOWN!!!

It was oh so slightly easier getting up this morning ---- 21 days to form a habit my butt!!! When it is a lazy habit I think it takes all of 2 seconds :)

Whitlee is not liking getting up -- she gets up easy enough (so didn't get that from me!!!) it's just once she is up getting her started......

I think my creativity is back ---- getting some sleep does that :)

Back to school Back to school.....

Today was a happy day for one and an early day for the other --- I swear it was darker this morning when I was driving Brendan to school than last night when I went to bed ----- Whitlee couldn't wait to get to school!!!!!

They both had good days :) I'll only admit to a brief nap --- this momma was tired :) Tomorrow is day 2 :)

Old friends are the...........

best friends!!!!

My friend Robin and her family are in town ---- they are currently living in Michigan (moving home soon!!!) -- they came out to be with family for the holidays. We got together with them today -- it was great to see her (she looks AMAZING) and the girls...WOW!! They are so grown up!!!!!

I'll have to post some pictures!!!

It's been a good day!!!

Welcome 2010.......

We had a all day jammie day yesterday --- well, Jeff worked out and took a shower so he got dressed :) But, Ginger, the kiddos and I stayed in our jammies ALL DAY!! We ate a bunch of chips (with cheese and chili dip), Weeeeeennie Dogs, Shrimp etc........We watched lots of hockey (YES, you read that correctly) and football ----it was a fun day :)

Today, while I don't what to do a single thing I'm sure laundry will be done as will dishes -----

Kiddos go back to school on Monday - Whitlee CAN'T wait!!! Brendan not so happy about going :) I am looking forward to it!!!