Pictures and more pictures

This is all pictures with captions.  Most of them are of Isabella because I am taking each of the kids pictures individually and she was the first.  Rye and Drake will be done this week.
So, stay tune!!

This is the snow they brought to the park a few weeks back.  Isabella had a ton of fun, in fact she wants to go again,unfortunately the snow melted very fast.

Along with the snow, they had a train for the kids to ride.  This neighborhood brought out all the stops for their Christmas get together.

I love natural light...I think it captures the innocence of a child.

You have to see her hair in this picture to appreciate it in her Christmas pictures...LOL

She is very proud of the fact that she can touch her tongue to her nose.

The kids early one morning.

SOOOOO Cute!!

I love those dark chocolate eyes!

This was Isabella's idea for a great picture...she is playing possum .  It must be a Christmas possum..LOL

After about an hour of taking pictures we came back upstairs and this is one of my favorites...random snap shot.

This picture is very dramatic.  As a Mom I think it has taken my sweet baby girl and transformed her into a much older child; but as a photographer...these are the images you hope to capture and pray to shoot. The eyes tell a story all on their own...amazing!! 

SOMEONE painted a mustache on Drake while he slept...I wonder who that was?  HE HE HE

Priceless....out of so many pictures this is one of my favorite!!!

BEFORE....

......AFTER...Rye got her hair cut.

awww...my sweet girl, Ryekins!!

Boredom inspires strange thoughts!

I spend a lot of my time through out the day talking to myself.  Now don't get me wrong, this is a good thing.  Primarily because I always agree with myself and, like I have said before, I find myself quite funny.  I just wish that some of these conversations could be recorded for future inspection and analysis. I love how they have a dream book to translate your dreams but do they have a voices in your head translation?..LOL

I find humor in a lot of things.  I think this is a good way to live my life and laughter is a cure.  A cure for what?  I don't always know other than I do find myself feeling much better after I have had a good laugh, heard a funny comment or watched a funny movie.  You could say I have more than one funny bone in my body, and yes it jiggles when I laugh.  I could liken parts of my body to a Jello jiggler.  LOL

I like to laugh at myself and I tend to make a lot of funny comments about myself, life is too short to not find humor in some of life's situations.  I have teenagers and a three old, I am married, I attempt stupid tricks, I like to dress up in weird costumes and the list goes on.  My life is funny and brings lots of smiles to my face, to my memory and hopefully to my future.  I want my family to look back and smile with memories of our life together.

My kids have a hard time with my sense of humor.  Maybe it's because they have lived with me for too long.  But, I honestly think they think I am weird....with good reason, because I AM!  This is just an example of something that I find funny and something they would not even crack a smile at.  The other day we were in the gym downstairs.  Rye and I are going about our business and then it dawns on me that she has nothing to listen to because I have the Shuffle, so like any good mother would do, I decided I would be her music for the time we worked out.  I start singing (and when you are wearing the headset with the music, you actually sound really good) and singing.  Before I know it the TV is louder and louder...I don't think she found that funny.  I couldn't stop laughing.  It's the little things in life that keep me going.


That same afternoon Drake comes down for his turn in the gym and things are going along quite boring.  He is watching Sponge Bob has the treadmill at 2.5, just poking along.  So I decide that I should jump some hurdles on the treadmill.  Again, I am cracking myself up and he wants to crawl under the treadmill.  Shouldn't they be happy that their mom has a sense of humor AND can jump hurdles on a treadmill...I know I would be...LOL

SO, these are funny antics.  Don't even get me started with the Sharpie!!  These are some nf the best moments.  When I went home last month to Oregon we had Shannon convinced that we had drawn a mustache on her face while she took a nap....this was WAY funny...all I did was draw a little smiley face on her elbow.  I am still laughing about that one.

Have you seen the commercial where the people turn into super hero's after giving their family members electronic stuff?  I love it.  I told Cory that I think I am going to HAVE to do that.  I am now in the market for some leotards and a body suit.  I can't wait to see their faces.  You might be asking yourself "why" and I am asking myself "why not".  Have some fun!!!!

Laughing out loud or to yourself has got to be healing to our souls.  I yearn for it daily in my life.  Enjoy your day, I know I am going too.

Thoughts on aging in an over 40 body when my mind still thinks it's 25...LOL

It sucks when I can't come up with a title for this entry.  At times my brain is so quick and witty and then at other times I can't rub two brain cells together to save my life, and of course I am assuming I can find two brain cells on that day. 

The two things that I struggle with the most when it comes to getting older are my lapses in memory and my vision deteriorating.  Do you know how many times a day Isabella shoves something in my face and says look Mom...well, I would love to but my eye's cross, the blurriness sets in and it's all I can do to not hit my head on something behind me because I am pushing the item to the end of my arms reach to finally see "it" clearly. 

I've reached the time in my life when some things matter, some things don't and some things are hard to admit..LOL... My appearance still matters to me, thank goodness.   Although I feel like I am now the black crow that finds the shiny things and must have them.  What is happening to me?.  I love the shirts with glitter and rhinestones.  The latest craze here is the glittery eyeshadow...I HAD to have that. Who I am turning out to be are the women that I used to laugh at.  Who is having the last laugh now?  LOL  If I start to have cravings for the gold lame shoes I seriously might have to find some couch time with a good psychiatrist  Is this normal?  Normal or not, it's the road I am traveling and I have to admit it's been fun.  They say that the 40's are the new 30's....this may be true, but my mind still thinks I am 25 and looking damn hot (I am really good at self deception too).  Yes, the voices in my head are very deceiving..LOL  It's taken me a long time to be okay with what the good Lord has given me.  You might say, but your stomach has a pooch, butt and breast are a little saggy, a few wrinkles around the eyes and a few gray hairs....BUT so what!  I think man.... if I had felt this way 10 years ago, I would be much skinnier, firmer and athletic.  So, this is the reason that I am going to enjoy me and how I am now...because in 10 years gravity will work it's magic even more so and that could be a scary picture. It always helps when you have a hubby that thinks you still look okay after 23 years of marriage too.  Thanks Cory for always making me feel like a princess.

The things that don't matter anymore are usually things that I am lying to myself about...LOL  I like to say it doesn't matter what people think, but it does.  I try to ignore the fact that I think very differently from a lot of people, but that is hard too.  So if I were really honest with myself there is still a lot that matters to me and I hope that as I get older a few things in my fish bowl (brain) will calm down.  Cory and I had this conversation last night that I really think that  things are stacked against me...LOL  I was born in April, which makes me an Aries/Ram...Type A personality....Red color code.....Boy oh boy, I am like a stick of dynamite walking around trying to pretend I am the birthday candle that gets pulled out once a year.  My brain thinks too fast, I talk to fast, I get fired up really easily about all types of things...usually in a good way though!  My family loves to compare me to Chevy Chase's character in Christmas Vacations...they think I set really high expectations and then I am extremely disappointed when things don't go according to plan.  YEP, they are probably right on target.  In my own defense though, I have lightened up as I have aged and this is a good thing.  Aging makes us definitely wiser and I don't think I would trade that for my youth to be back, and maybe that is one of the things that does not matter to me anymore.  Getting older is not a curse, it's well earned and learning to live life is more important than trying to control it.

I am not ready to admit those things in writing that I have a hard time admitting to myself  when I am alone at night but with this said regret is a part of everyone's life.  I don't have many but as I get older I am reminded of the saying that says "It's not the things you did that you will regret, but the things you did not do".  This is true for me. ..Being over 40 and looking back I think I spent way too much time worrying about what others thought of me and this prevented me from doing more, of being more or reaching for the stars.  Sounds silly, I know.  Our minds can easily play tricks on us.  Retraining ourselves to be different and do different things is challenging.  The "me" in myself, is the worst enemy.  I have to work daily at being the person I want to be and seeing those strong women that I have in my life help me to be that person.  My friends and family are excellent examples to me of how to be loving, caring, charitable, merciful, and on and on.....My goals have been set, maybe too high, but I think I am finally figuring out that there are things in my life that will not change unless I make the promise and commitment to change.  I have learned that not all of my faculties agree on the same goal.  My mind and heart say yes....to the marathon goal...my body is saying....OH NO YOU DON'T.  Learning to negotiate the three is going to be my goal over the next year.

The running is just one of my goals that I have set for myself.  It seems a few weeks early to be thinking of New Year resolutions and yet when the FIRE is set to the wick you must run with it......unless of course it's the TNT stick that I mentioned above and then I might need to join a relay team and pass it off.  Okay, we will just light the candlestick and hope that this year finds me NOT in gold lame shoes, but a new pair of running shoes heading to the finish line.

Life in Dallas

Rye Drake and Isabella on Thanksgiving Day

There is not much to say about Dallas...YET!!  We have only been here a few weeks and with the Thanksgiving week behind us we might actually be able to hunker down and find a few things to do.  This Saturday I am hoping that we can venture over to Ft. Worth and see the Stock yards, cattle drive and do the "cowboy" thing.  After all isn't that what Texas is all about? besides the fantastic mall in Frisco, sports crazy fans and every type of BBQ you can imagine!  YEE HAA

We used the timer on my camera and snatched a pic of the family.

Our Thanksgiving Day was wonderful.  I made a traditional dinner with a few extra dishes like pea salad (for Drake), orange delight (for me), chocolate roll (for me), bought egg nog (for me)...OKAY, so I indulged my own wants for the holiday....LOL  Food and I have a strange relationship but oh how I love thee; and there lies the problem.  I bought a fun game called Life's a Pitch.  It is very similar to Apples to Apples, other than when playing a card from your hand you must give a "pitch" as to why you chose your card for the particular situation.  I thought it was pretty fun and a game that works well with a large group and most kids above 10 years old.  The rest of our day was spent reading, hanging out and of course eating left overs.  YUM

Cory and I before taking Isabella to see Tangled.

Our Black Friday adventure was thwarted by our truck needing an overhaul on the radiator.  YEP, again.  This time it cost a meager 1300.00 smackerals!  OUCH I think this was the first time I had not gone out and shopped.  I usually don't buy much on this day because the lines are so long, but I do enjoy being out with all of the other shoppers and feeling the joy, excitement and thrill of the holiday season starting.  Fortunately they were able to get the truck finished that night and we went out on Saturday for Cory's birthday.

This was Cory's card from the kids.  It basically is a sign to hold up on the side of the road if you are lost. I think they were trying to tell him something.  LOL

I absolutely cannot believe that Cory is 44 years old. It's a good thing his wife is 29 (wink, wink) so that he retains some of his youthfulness.  LOL  It seems like yesterday we were in our early 20's.  Drake and Cory went and saw the Harry Potter movie and Rye, Isabella and I went to the mall.  That night Cory and I went out and had a great dinner.  I love that we are still such good friends and love to be in each other's company.  We are almost 23 years into this marriage and it seems like just yesterday we were married and starting our life together.

Isabella eating MY chocolate roll...just kidding, it was for everyone.

Isabella was able to see Santa Claus on Saturday.  It was very short and to the point...she does not mess around with her wish list.  Basically it's all about the Tangled movie (which was wonderful).  SO, this Santa (me) has had to go and get something else to meet the needs of her wish list.  I really thought she would change her mind and the evil parent I am, actually tried to convince her that she should ask for a doll house from Santa...I DON'T THINK SO!!!  Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Rapunzel.....Yeah, I think I got the message SANTA.  Thanks!  

Santa and Isabella

Isabella and Rye before seeing Santa 

Drake Isabella and me putting the tree up.

Rye Isabella and I decorating the tree.

We were able to put the tree up on Monday.  It's so cute!  This Christmas will be different in so many ways, but mostly the set-up and take down time will be nothing compared to years past.  I think my family will appreciate not carrying all of the tubs up and down the stairs like in years past.  I do have to say the neighbors around here are psycho about decorations.  The yards are filled with every toy, light and do dad possible.  I'm just sayin',  that Texans do things off the charts compared to some places we have been.  It's an all or nothing state....hmmmmmm, maybe that is why I like it here...LOL

December is here and it looks like we might have some cooler temperatures over the next few days and then back up to 70....I love 70 in December!  The kids miss the snow, but I am not.  It so nice to be able to wear flip flops all year round.  It's these little things that keep me happy and sane.  Sunshine is a little dose of Heavenly Father it helps us to remember all things bright and beautiful.

We had to put the trailer in a storage facility while we are staying at the Marriott.  This was a sad day for me. I love the trailer and we have had some amazing memories in it.  When we leave Dallas we will stay in the trailer again while we are in between assignments, but I miss staying at the parks,  being outside is an amazing experience.  I also miss riding my bike on the trails.  I guess there is a time and season for doing all things.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day!  I will probably not be sending out Christmas cards this year, but instead, sending an email, and of course updating the blog.  We are wishing everyone a joyous holiday season!

Isabella is so proud that she can now lift the cat.  I don't think he likes it though...LOL

This is our kitchen at the hotel.

This is our living room.

Wake up Drake!

  

Cory got a Nook for his birthday.

Our cute little tree.

Isabella and I before seeing Santa

Rye and I on our shopping day.

Cory and I getting ready to go see Burlesque...great movie too!

Family Ties

I can't think of anything stronger than the bond within a family.    The past few weeks has given me a chance to reconnect with my cousins, sisters and friends.  This experience has been amazing and I love my family more than ever. 

We all lost our grandmother on November 4th due to some complications from surgery.  In the wake of all the sadness we were able to focus on her life, her memory and her love for each of us.  The saddest moment had to have been when we needed to confirm the decision to take her off of the breathing apparatus. I hope that this decision is a once in a life time choice to make.  My Mom was able to let my grandmother pass to the other side in peace and comfort and to be with her two sons and our grandfather.  I believe that she is not alone and is finally able to feel the relief from pain and to feel peace.  The hospital gave my Mom a beautiful yellow and blue quilt to remember Nan by.  It could not have been a better pick with Nan in mind....she would have loved it!

Through this process of grief, my family has been able to reunite and reconnect with each other.  I sometimes cannot believe how fast time flies.  It seemed to me that one day we are kids playing hide and seek and the next we are spouses, parents and adults. I think that Nan would have been so happy with the family coming together.  Her funeral was simple, yet we tried to make sure that the things she felt were important or meaningful to her were honored.  I loved having the bagpiper at the graveside.  Nan was from England and she would often times comment on how much she loved the bagpipes of Scotland.  I am glad that we were able to have them for her. 

Along with the funeral, we were able to have some memorable moments together.  We played bingo on Fridays, danced, played shuffle board, pool and just spent time together.  I am so grateful to Cory and the kids that they were able to function while I was away. They moved to Dallas a day before I returned home and had things pretty much set up and ready to go....thank you!!  I crashed  on Monday and today I feel life returning.  I slept very little, maybe 4-5 hours a night...we just could not waste anytime sleeping!

We will be in Dallas until April.  We are excited to be in a big city again and especially through the holidays.  I am excited to start decorating for Christmas.  We will be living at the Marriott. We have a beautiful suite with a full kitchen and two bathrooms.  The kids are in heaven and I have to be honest that I am not missing the trailer much at the moment...change and having a break will be nice for us. 

Shani, Shannon and I at the casino, Grand Rond.

Loni and her daughter, Madi...so cute!

We spent a lot of time on Tuesday and Wednesday waiting for the doctors to help Nan.  Being in ICU we were not all allowed to go back at first.  This is probably one of the first pictures we have had together in a long time.  Back Row: Shauna, Chuck, Leslie, Jason, Josh, Shannon, Loni. Middle Row: Sherron, Shani and Heidi.  Sitting in front: Madi

Playing bingo together: Shannon, Josh, Sherron, Shani and Shane

After the funeral, we met at a pizza place in Molalla for a small luncheon.  Some of Nan's friends were not able to go to the graveside service and this allowed them closer and a chance to offer condolences to our family. 

Shani, Sherron, shannon and Heidi...Hello Kitty is Isabella's favorite and I thought she would enjoy this picture.

Burler, Shannon, Sherron, Mom and Shani before heading to the hospital on Tuesday.

Nan was carried from the hearse to the service by her son-n-law and grandson's (in laws included).

Nan's favorite color was blue.   The flowers were some of her favorites and the florist added some birds to the arrangement.  Nan loved birds and flowers.

This is the quilt the hospital donated to Mom.  We put together a small memorial of things that were important to Nan.

This is Ogden and he played the bagpipes while Nan was removed  and returned to the hearse.  While the hearse was driving away he followed Nan.  It was so beautiful with the trees, yellow leaves and the sun shining. 

This was on Thursday, the day Nan passed away.  Afterwards we all went to dinner. 

Mom and Hello Kitty.

Sorry Pat, I did not have another picture of the two of you..LOL  Heidi and Pat Ross

Leslie and Jason Land

Josh Land and his fiance Keli.

Loni and Josh Land

Burler and Mom

Shani turned 40 while we were there and that is the night we went to the casino.

Shannon shooting some pool.

Shannon at the casino..we actually one 160.00 on our first machine, spent 26.00.

Shannon and Mike

Cute picture of Shannon and Shani.

Sherron, Shannon and Shani

Shauna and Chuck Wick

This is short, but I have a lot of pictures to post....enjoy and have a great day!