Our last day in WA

Today was our last day here, we get up at 4 a.m. to head to the airport by 5 a.m. for our morning flight back to Tucson.
Today we enjoyed what I'm thinking was my most favorite activity during our trip. We went on a bike ride on the Orting trail. My parents have three electric bikes (Austin used a regular ten speed) so our ride was nice and easy. The bike trail in Orting follows the Carbon River and is surrounded by the most gorgeous trees. It was the most beautiful setting I have seen in a long time. We saw many people fishing, walking, biking, riding horses, just enjoying the sunny weather. Being there makes one want to take up painting or drawing or fishing so they can stop and be still and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. We stopped along the trip to enjoy the wild blackberries and my dad picked some apples from a wild apple tree. I took many (too many!) photographs, I can't wait until I can come again!
Following our bike ride we headed out to Tacoma's Museum of Glass only to discover once there that it is closed on Monday. How disappointing! The museum features many works of Dale Chihuly. We did however get to see many beautiful glass creations that were featured in display cases along the outside of the museum.
We instead enjoyed a drive through Pt. Defiance 5-mile drive, stopped to take some pictures of a raccoon family, drove down by the beach and had lunch at a delicious local greasy spoon called Frisco Freeze.
This evening we enjoyed a small fire outside on the patio in the fire bowl and made s'mores, took a last trip to Wal-Mart for gifts to bring home to the kids, and currently have all the suitcases packed for the early morning trip home.
This vacation has been so wonderful! I have missed being here so much and know that I will need to come back again sooner next time. No more waiting two years to visit!

sunny Sunday in Seattle

Today was a nice Sunday. I didn't go to sleep until almost 1:30 a.m. (this morning) so I slept in until about 8 a.m. We had a fantastic breakfast and then my mom, sister and I watched "You've Got Mail". I bought it last night at the mall - I've been wanting it forever. It is a movie I can watch over and over.

Afterwards Austin and I went to sacrament meeting at our 'old' ward. The ward we belonged to eight years ago - don't know that I can say we still belong. There are only about eight or nine families that I recognized, but oh such wonderful people and dear friends. Austin got to chat with Steven, a boy he was friends with back when we lived here. After sacrament we came home and had a family dinner. Following dinner, it was sad for me to say goodbye to my sister and her family. I don't know when I will see them again.

I drove Austin back to the church that evening for a SED (Sunday evening discussion) for the youth. He got to hang out some more with Steven and he enjoyed the speaker talk about different types of blessings. While Austin was there I visited with my sweet friends Melissa and Herb and their cute family. They are so great about me just dropping by when I'm in town! Melissa's parents were there for Sunday dinner so it was great to be able to visit with them also. I was quite sad to leave. I so appreciate the friends I have made throughout my life. Coming 'home' here to WA is a good remembrance for me as I reflect on so many wonderful people who have had a impact on my life.

Tomorrow is our last full day here. We hope to take a bike ride, show Austin his old elementary school, maybe go to the glass museum in Tacoma... Whatever we do it will be a good day.

Late last night Austin and I decided to go see the movie, Ghost Town. We both liked it. Tonight my mom, sister and I went to see Nights in Rodanthe, but I suppose I should back up with the beginning of our day!
My mom and I went to a few garage sales this morning. I bought two fun novels, one for 25 cents and one for a dime! I also bought a handful of artificial long stemmed red gerber daisies that I'm excited to get home and arrange.
My sister arrived at my parents and we headed out to downtown Seattle to see The Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages theater. From today's experience I am not sure if I will trust a GPS system for awhile. Let's just say we took the long route to the theater, but arrived just before they closed the doors. The show was wonderful - fabulous - terrific!!! I loved it! My mom and my sister saw the show last year when it came to Seattle but this was my first time and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I would love to see it again.
After the theater we went to Claim Jumpers for dinner and then we drove into Federal Way. I had requested to walk through the old mall that we used to frequent while growing up. Talk about a blast from the past. It was so strange to walk through that shopping mall, so much has changed! While there, on the spur of the moment, we decided to go to a movie and that is what brought us to Nights in Rodanthe. It was a great day with my sister and my mom. I'm excited to get home to see some of the photographs that have been taken.
Today Austin and my dad spent most of the day at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Austin enjoyed walking through the Concord jet plane. He bought a Boeing t-shirt and hat.
James, Molly and the three little boys are enjoying their time in Utah. They left yesterday morning, arriving last night. Today James and the little boys went to see the movie Igor and Molly went with Aunt Patty and Aunt Claire to a LDS movie about sister missionaries that Molly really enjoyed. They are all looking forward to celebrating William's birthday tomorrow after church. I'm looking forward to hearing how my mom-in-law, Edna, is doing. James and I, as well as the kids, always cherish our visits with her.
Austin and I will be attending church tomorrow at our old ward. It has been eight years since we moved away however so there are few families left that we know. Regardless it will be nice to attend sacrament meeting.

Yesterday Austin, my mom and I went to Camano Island to visit my sister, Cindy. Before we left however we had a delicious breakfast of fresh peach and/or raspberry crepes with bacon, ham and scrambled eggs with juice and hot chocolate - delicious!
We enjoyed our time with Cindy. It was fun to see all of her home decorating. She has gotten new carpet, linoleum and new paint since I last saw her home so it was fun to see. Austin and I enjoyed going into her beautiful big backyard and picked more blackberries. We took some quick pictures. We enjoyed a couple games of Monopoly. We had a terrific dinner together with my nephews, Brett and Brock. It was a wonderful day. I'm excited to spend more time with Cindy on Saturday when we go to Phantom of the Opera together!

Today I spent the day with my dear friends, Kelly Morrison and Ann Skinner. We first enjoyed breakfast together and then drove to Bellevue and did some shopping at Bellevue Square. I found a wonderful brown light-weight 3/4 length double-breasted overcoat. I also purchased some smoked salmon to bring home to James and visited the Lego store for our little boys. Mostly, it was good to spend time with my sweet friends and to hear about all that is going on in their lives. Both have sons who has recently left for college...that will be happening in our family soon enough. I remember when these young men were little boys, it happens so fast.

Austin spent the day doing homework for one of his AP classes, even though he is on break he still has assignments that are due. We did all enjoy a bike ride together this evening. The weather today turned out to be gorgeous!

Tomorrow we head into Seattle to see The Phantom - can't wait!

Yesterday Austin choose all of our activities for the day. First we visited the Experience Music Project (EMP) a museum created by Paul Allen of Microsoft fame. The museum featured the music of Jimi Hendrix, showcased different bands that all originated in Seattle, had a 'sound and vision: artists tell their stories' area where we could see and hear firsthand accounts about music as well as a sound lab. I even learned how to play Louie Louie on the guitar.
Included in our admission price for EMP we also got admission to the SFM (Science Fiction Museum). I am not a fan of science fiction necessarily (Austin is though)but both Austin and I really enjoyed this museum. It was our favorite thing of the day. There were many exhibits featuring books, t.v. and movies of the science fiction genre. Both museums were done remarkably well.
We then walked over and visited the Pacific Science Center. We especially enjoyed the butterfly house. The warmth inside reminded us of home. We found that Austin has outgrown the science center but it was still fun. We did miss having the little boys with us there however, they would have really enjoyed it.
Following our fun we went to the Seattle waterfront and enjoyed lunch at Ivar's Fish and Chips. Sadly, Arizona has nothing on the fresh fish market. Austin also fed the seagulls the leftover french fries which is always fun.
On our way home from Seattle we stopped at the Almonda Roca factory to buy some almond roca, a candy we can get in Tucson, but it is fun to buy it where they make it. Tacoma is the only place that makes almond roca.
Today we are going to go visit my sister!

Seattle shopping

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Seattle. We are really lucking out with the weather. We had a little bit of rain on Sunday but other than that it has been very nice.
My dad took Austin golfing yesterday for his first time. He did really well and had a great time. They enjoyed lunch together and then took a drive to Mt. Rainier which he really liked but wished he would have had the camera with him (I had it in my purse)
My mom and I went to the Exhibitors craft mall - it is a local craft mall that has exceptional hand made items all in booths. It has been in business for years and does really well. It is a favorite stop of mine and I always find a treasure or two there. This time I found not a handmade item but a fun small childs chair that is painted in turquoise paint with just the right amount chipping off. :) I haven't got it yet but I'm still thinking about it so I think I'm going to need to go back and get it.
We also stopped on our way into town at Starbucks and got their hot caramel apple cider - it was delicious in this cold weather. We enjoyed it with some ginger cookies from Trader Joe's. delicious!
Our next stop was some small shops in downtown Sumner and then a drive towards Orting where we stopped at Spooner Farms and purchased some fresh raspberries. We have been enjoying them plain, over ice cream and with our cereal in the morning.
Mom and I enjoyed a lunch of Oriental Chicken Salad at Applebee's.
Later in the day I drove to Auburn and went to the community college I graduated from - Green River Community College. It was very nice to take time to just walk around campus. It was the second day of class so excitement was in the air. That school holds great memories for me. I stopped at the campus bookstore and bought a t-shirt.
I drove up to Bonney Lake, where James and I bought our first home. The city has grown so much since we lived there. I made a stop at Ben Franklin Crafts and bought some fun scrapbook supplies then I met my friend Janie for dinner. Janie was our wards YW president and I was her 2nd counselor way back when Molly was born. I learned so much from her and she is a dear friend to me. It was so nice to catch up and spend time with her.
Today we are headed into Seattle to see the Experience Music Project and the Pacific Science Center.

Seattle day 2/Mt. St. Helens

We had a great time yesterday visiting Mt. St. Helens. I was in sixth grade back when it blew in 1980. I remember because our school class was scheduled to go there for a field trip and it was cancelled about a week prior to the eruption.
It was a beautiful drive (a few hours) - such gorgeous green!
When we arrived we visited the visitor center where we watched a video and then we listened to a lecture about the mountains recent activity from a ranger. We enjoyed looking at the displays but we were disappointed that the mountain itself was mostly covered in fog. It was so cold - it felt like it could have snowed.
Austin and I both enjoyed the day.
Today Austin is off to play golf (his first time!) and my mom and I are going to do a little shopping at some of my favorite little local stores. Later today I may take Austin to a movie.

We're here in Seattle!

Austin and I are here in Seattle! It is so good to be here! Our flight actually arrived 40 minutes early if you can believe that. I actually put socks and a coat on once we arrived - that feels wonderful.
Yesterday on the way home from the airport we had a picnic lunch and people watched. We got to my parents home and enjoyed a walk around their neighborhood and stopped and picked fresh blackberries - yummy! For dinner my mom made a delicious turkey dinner with cranberries, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and pumpkin bars for dessert and yes- my mom did have Frango chocolates waiting for me by my bed. AH - she spoils me!
I got a call from James this morning - Ryan is missing me. It breaks my heart. Before I left he was in tears saying it won't be any fun with me being gone. He is a sweetie and I miss all my boys and of course I miss my Molly.
Today the sun is shining so we are headed out to see Mt. St. Helens.

9/20/2008

Spending today with family and friends. The morning at breakfast, the afternoon at my card making class and the late afternoon and evening with my sweet husband and kiddos. James is making me a birthday dinner so we can enjoy it as a family. Then the two of us have Gaslight theatre tickets for the 9:30 show, a great way to end a great day. Somewhere in between I hope to pack! Austin and I fly out tomorrow morning for nine days of fun in Seattle. Ready or not we'll be there ready to board the plane.

feeling blessed

I am feeling so very blessed. Yesterday in the mail I received these wonderful gifts from my sweet friend Kelly! Look at how cute she wrapped the packages! I absolutely love the pillow and picture frame. I love that Kelly always knows what I would love - even more than I know what I would love. She has impeccable taste.
Kelly and I have been friends for over ten years. We lived in Washington state at the time we met. There was new home construction down the street from our house and I prayed for members to move in. Heavenly Father blessed me with Kelly and her sweet family. She soon became a RS president and I was called as one of her counselors. She taught me much through the years. Her testimony, strength, example are powerful to me. I remember how she used to load up her car with all sorts of items from her house for each Enrichment meeting. She always did the best decorating! She would bring lamps, area rugs, uplights, linens...she taught me the importance of tiering the food platters so it is more visually appealing to the eye. Kelly is kind, gentle, strong. She helped me learn to say 'thank you' to a compliment rather than shrug it off. She helped me decorate our first home. She was so kind with my lack of decorating skills back then. She helped me through childbirth so many years ago. And she still remembers my birthday. Thank you Kelly. You are extraordinary!

I am feeling blessed because when I came home from Young Womens last night James had these beautiful flowers for me! He is so thoughtful and kind. I love that he thought to buy them a little early so that I could enjoy them since I am leaving for Seattle the day after my birthday.

I am feeling blessed because I received this birthday banner and beautiful beaded necklaces today from some five year old friends! I've mentioned before that there are four neighborhood children (including Ryan) who switch homes for playdates before afternoon kindergarten. One of the moms, my friend Lauren, had the kids make me the birthday banner and necklaces. I had Lauren's son, Carver, take my picture with my necklaces on (and I must say I am still wearing them now!) They are such happy necklaces! I loved having the kids tell me about the different beads and why they chose each one - very precious to me. Thank you Lauren for the fun surprise!

I am feeling blessed because this afternoon we had a Young Women presidency meeting and my sweet friend Julie had birthday cupcakes for me! AND I loved that she had a 30 candle in them! (yes, she knows I passed that milestone long ago) So cute! She knows how to make me feel good. She is a light in my life.

I am feeling blessed because after my meeting I stopped to get the mail and found a precious gift inside (see bottom photo). It is from my dear friend CindyJo. I was so excited to see her return address that I opened the envelope while still at the mailbox. The feelings I had when I saw this remarkable gift are very raw. Let's just say that I cried. I cried sobbing tears, the kind when you can't catch your breath tears. CindyJo made this outstanding book where she wrote thoughts for 16 days about, well, about me, about her, about our friendship. The words are so dear to my heart. She talked about our friendship, acceptance, culture, perservance, having fun, love, being a mother. This gift is priceless to me. She included this statement that she recently had come across:

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you today.

CindyJo- YOU offer ME these things! Thank you, thank you, thank you. How did you know that my heart needed this gift at this time? I so miss you and love you.

I am so blessed.

We had to get out the hot glue gun

Austin, our 16 year old, came to me late at night (so late that all the stores were closed) and said he needed a George Washington wig for the next day. Excuse me -- really? Austin and his friend Matt were going to be recording a rap video at school the next day for their AP History course. I know what you're thinking: George Washington and rap? hmmmm... (In reality it turned out so great - I wish I could post it, but I didn't ask Matt for permission and I really think Austin would never approve) :)
So, first we searched for Molly's old Dora wig that she used for her Halloween costume (I thought we could spray paint it because every good crafter has spray paint on hand) but we discovered it had already been donated to the local Goodwill. It was getting later: no wig, no stores open so as corny as it is I had the idea to take a white dish towel and hot glue cotton balls on it. Yes, it's pretty bad, but it worked great. I took the picture before we tied the bottom of the towel to the back so it looked more like how they wore it then. Ah, the blessings of the hot glue gun. What crazy things have you had to make last minute?

book group

Today, for some reason, has been such a nice day. It has been nothing extraordinary, but very peaceful and well, nice. I volunteered at the school this morning and got the shopping done at the grocery store. Tonight I'm hosting book group at our home. (Isn't that a great reason to pick up some fresh simple flowers?) It isn't really a 'book' group as we are discussing articles from the May Ensign, April's general conference messages. We're gearing up for October conference. I'm really looking forward to good conversation. I made the above cookies to serve tonight as well as some brownies that I promised to make for Ryan. Next I'll cut up some watermelon, cantaloupe and pineapple for a fruit salad to serve as well. I hope you can join us!

Youth temple trip

Saturday was our stake youth temple trip for the youth to perform baptisms for the dead. We met at our home in the morning, had a prayer and everyone took some watermelon (I just had to label the cups with "I Love to See the Temple"), bananas, and Costco muffins to eat during the two hour ride. We had nine girls attend, three leaders and one parent.
When we arrived the temple was ready for us so we got to go in right away. We had two girls in our group who had never been to the temple before so that is always a blessing to others as we watch their excitement and reverence.
After our work was done we took the girls outside to get their pictures taken and I passed out to them these little white bags filled with goodies and shared my testimony of the temple with them.
We all enjoyed lunch together at Arby's before heading home.
It was such a wonderful day! These young ladies are such a light in my life, I love each of them. It was such a blessing to be inside the temple with them.

remembering

I am sure we can all remember exactly where we were seven years ago. September 11, 2001. We were living in Madison, Alabama at the time. James had left for work and Austin and Molly were off to school. Reid was three years and Chase had just turned two years old two weeks prior. I was still laying low as I had my hip replacement the previous June 18...that was a tough time. Three months out of surgery and I was finally feeling like myself.

Reid was playing quietly, Chase sat with me in the new rocking chair James had bought for me following my surgery. I was on the phone with my friend Amy...the t.v. was on...the news interrupting our conversation. A plane had just flown into one of the twin towers. Terrorists had changed our world. We all are aware of the chaos that followed. I remember holding Chase in my lap much tighter that day as we sat glued to the television.

I remember the immediate fear and concern of the victims as well as for my own family. Schools, even in Alabama, began to close, but not our district. I wondered if I should pull my children out or if they were safer there? I remember wanting to call loved ones. I remember talking to the kids about what had happened. I remember crying as I heard and read the stories of the survivors and of those less fortunate. I remember all airplanes were grounded. I remember praying.

It was a day that changed us. May we always remember.

organizing

I've been organizing...These pictures of the little boys room. I labeled their drawers - no sure if it'll work, but it is worth a try. Think about having three boys who all share a bedroom. :) Then think of happy chaos.
We have three dressers even though Reid and Chase are the same size (even though they are 19 months apart in age). It seems they have always worn the same size clothes ( I suppose they have since they were very little).
Ryan cannot read yet, but I taught him what the labels say and so far, so good. He can read his name and well, now he can read the word PJ's, so all is well in my world.
I'm so happy when things are organized and put away and I'm just trying one more thing to make my world happy.

Now if only I could post that I had the time and energy to strip and repaint all three of the dresser drawers. But, I'll save that for another time...

I'm off to organize my own closet now...Can you guess how many shirts I'll get rid of? :)

Thanks

Nana and Papa and Aunt Cindy, Uncle Tom and Brett and Brock for the $ you sent me for my birthday! Mom took me to Toys R Us on Friday after school and I picked out this great Star Wars Lego Set! I worked on it the rest of Friday night and Saturday and am having so much fun playing with it!
Love, Chase!

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blog journal entry:

It had been awhile since I had taken the little boys to the store I realized during our Trip to Toys R Us Friday. Since we have babysitting age teenagers at our home it is so easy just to leave them at home (where they want to be) rather than drag them on errands with us. But Friday I took the three little boys to the toy store so they could spend their own money and they did really great! Not one problem: no whining, not one tear shed - amazing! They are growing up and maturing and I am proud of them for the sweet young men they are becoming.
Friday night we all stayed home except for Molly who had a babysitting job. It was nice to be home as a family and just hang out.
Saturday James and I left in the a.m. for the temple. Molly requested that we go and that we needed to be gone for ten hours so she could babysit the boys for a ten hour young women project - how nice! Often when Austin and Molly 'babysit' their brothers really they are just coexisting in the same home, everyone doing their own thing. Yes, feeding them and making sure they are safe, but they really are all old enough to be engaged in their own activities while we are away, but this time (since it was for a project) she REALLY played with them and took fun pictures to prove it. It looks like they all had a good day together.
James and I enjoyed the drive to the temple, just being able to talk uninterrupted. The session at the temple was such a nice retreat. I'm looking forward to going again next Saturday with the youth from our ward, and hopefully, attend a session while I am in Seattle too. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at Costa Vida, so good. So wish we had that restaurant in Tucson. Afterwards since we still had more hours before we could come home we went to see Mama Mia! It was all that was playing at the time so I lucked out - not sure James would have 'picked' it. I enjoyed it, James survived it. It is definitely a chick flick. It made me reflect on the friends in my life and how much I need girl friends and how much I appreciate them. When we did get home James and Molly headed out to the youth dance and I decided to stay home and spend time with the boys.
I'm looking forward to fast and testimony meeting this afternoon (our ward doesn't meet until 2 o'clock). It is my favorite week of the month.

bean bag fun

This morning we had a blast with bean bags! Ryan stacked the cups up and then got ready for the throw...
and knocked them down!
He did a little dance with his favorite dinosaur...
And dinosaur got his turn to knock the cups down!

A relaxing Labor Day

The scouts from our ward sell flag contracts each year to earn money for their camp and special activities. I love waking up on holidays to see the United States flag posted in our front yard.
We had a very relaxing Labor Day. It was nice to have James home with us. He started his day with a motorcycle ride. I made him stop for a picture when he got home. :)
I spent the day doing pretty much nothing and it was wonderful! I did go through a lot of paperwork, got the laundry put away, cleaned our bedroom, organized my young women binder (that took awhile!), watched a couple movies and then went to a movie with Molly last night. whew!

Also going on lately:
***I made this scrapbook of the YM/YW etiquette dinner for one of our Laurels. I gave it to her on Sunday, I think she liked it. I took these pictures (wasn't planning on posting them so they are not the best photos) so I can make myself one too. It was a wonderful evening and I do want to remember it.

***We bought airline tickets for Austin and I to go to Seattle for a week! We had enough credit card points so the two tickets to fly Alaska Airlines (which I love because it is a straight shot there and back) were only $43!!! I am so excited - it has be almost two years since I've been 'home' and am thrilled for the chance. Molly went with me last time so it is Austin's turn this time. He wants to go to the Seattle Science Center, tour Underground Seattle and go golfing with my dad. I want to see green, leaves changing colors, wear long pants and a jacket and just relax! My mom bought her, my sister and I tickets to see Phantom of the Opera in Seattle while I am there - whoo hoo! That is going to be so wonderful. James plans on taking the other kids to Utah to visit his mom and sisters and all the cousins for a long weekend while we are away.

***I got tickets for James and I to take Austin to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. The show will not be until next year but tickets went on sale recently. He picked out the show which looks pretty fun. It is a collection of music from Warner Brothers and they will show different Bugs Bunny cartoons on the big screen behind the orchestra. I think this is a very inventive way to showcase the orchestra to those that might not be willing to be exposed to it. I also got Tucson Symphony tickets for James and I to attend on Valentines Day. They will be performing with the Broadway Tenors, showcasing some of the best songs from Broadway.

***Molly and I got tickets for November to attend Time Out for Women for Mothers and Daughters in Phoenix. We are excited for that and are looking for others that would like to attend with us. It is on a Sat. from 9-2. (Nov. 8?) The program features musicians Hilary Weeks and Cherie Call - two favorites of ours. It will be an inspiring day with music and spoken word.

It seems like all that is happening around here is the purchase of tickets - LOL! I hope you had a relaxing weekend!