Horseback Riding Lessons.

Emma had her first horseback riding lesson today, the look on her face says it all I think!

Luau

Paul & Ruth invited us over to their house for a Luau!! They put their fire pit out, and we sat around it and visited, ate and roasted marshmallows. It was a very fun time, with great friends. Now Mitch wants a fire pit just like theirs!

Bowling field trip

Today I chaperoned Brett's 4th grade class on their end of year field trip. We went bowling, and then at lunch at the Silverdale Waterfront Park. It was a gorgeous day, was super hot down at the park. Was a great way to wrap up a great 4th grade year!

Graduation

My baby boy Braeden graduated from Kingston High School yesterday. It was a very bittersweet moment. I am so happy for, and proud of, him, but I will also miss having him around. As much as we butt heads - he is a wonderful kid and I am lucky he's mine.

A lot of family members made the trek to Kingston to see him graduate, and we had a great party after the ceremony. Lots of great food, friends and family. Doesn't get any better than that!

I posted quite a few pictures on my Facebook account - Graduation

Music Concert

Brett and his class performed in a Music Concert at school tonight. They played their recorders and, Brett and a couple of friends even got up and sang "Home on the Range" at about 1:23 on the video

Passport Club Ice Cream Party

 
Today was the treat day for all the kids at Gordon who have passed Passport Club the majority of this school year. Paula bought a TON of different flavors of ice cream and toppings. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day - and great volunteers to help serve up the ice cream!

The thinks Kids say!

Me: My brain isn't working so well this morning.

Emma: Oh well, at least you are beautiful!

The kid is delusional - but she's a keeper!

Teacher Gifts

Well, as usual I have left it to the last minute to make or buy teacher gifts. So after an evening of searching on the web for ideas - I came across this. Not too difficult to put together and I really like how they turned out!I think they are cool - lets hope the teachers do too!

Forks or bust

We took a little road trip today, to give the new vehicle a test drive. Decided to head over to Lake Crescent and look around - see if it was someplace we might want to take the boat. On the way there we stopped at the famous Fat Smitty's to try out their burgers. It is a really cool little burger joint, and people sign dollar bills and pin them on the walls and ceiling. The burgers are HUGE and very very good.




After stuffing ourselve, we headed on to Lake Crescent, it is a beautiful lake and the kids really enjoyed playing by it for awhile while Dad looked for a "rattle" that he was hearing on the new car.


After Mitch decided that it was the license plate frames, that had no license plates in them that was making the rattle, he took them off and we headed on towards First Beach


Mitch and the kids had a great time climbing on the drift wood and running around and chasing each other. Mitch & Brett even saw a whale in the cove. While I on the other hand ended up with a piece of driftwood hitting me in the heel and making it bleed. But it was still a fun time and I enjoyed spending it with the kids and Mitch.



Then to Emma's delight and Brett's dismay we headed on into Forks. Emma is into all things Twilight and she was so excited to see all there was to see in Forks.





On the way home - we got pulled over by a Park Ranger - Mitch was speeding. He gave her the spiel about just getting back from Bahrain, being in the Navy - blah blah blah. She took his license and registration to run - and he said - short hair wins everytime - she won't give me a ticket. Sure enough - she just gave him a warning. Then Mitch said "I'm the Security Officer at Naval Station Everett if you are ever caught speeding on the base I'll make sure you get off." She laughed! All in all a great day!

New Car

Anyone that knows Mitch, knows that one of his favorite pastimes is shopping for cars. Once he gets the itch, it only takes a small comment on my part - like the recent - "You know I was parked next to a 4-Runner today - they are nice looking", for him to start researching cars. This time, within 1 day after that comment - we were the proud owners of a 2006 Toyota 4-Runner. Let's hope this one gets to stay in the family longer than the FJ Cruiser that we traded in, which was only with us a little over a year.

Brett's Movie "Date"

We were going to see Night at the Museum 2, with Paula and her kids, and Brett wanted Ava, the girl he likes, to come along too. So they made a "date" and we met her and her Mom up at the theater. Ava & Brett sat a couple of rows above us, and it was really cute! Can't say the same about the movie - what a stinker!

What a day!

We had an absolutely wonderful day yesterday. The weather was gorgeous and we got to get the boat out and spend some time enjoying the beautiful area we live in. Then later we all piled in the car and headed to the drive in movie theater - to see Star Trek. Great weather and it is always fun to go to the drive in - although getting home at 3 in the morning is a killer!

Dance Party

Brett got invited to a Dance party at his friend Dean's house. Of course, being a dance party it is Co-Ed. Brett's first real co-ed party. He said they had a lot of fun, but that he had to be the one to break the ice and get people dancing. It is so cute at this age to see them start to use their social skills.

Geography Challenge

Emma took part in a Geography Challenge at school today. It was part of the Passport Club program . Kids came in and were tested on the knowledge that they had learned over the year.

Family Photo

For Fathers Day this year I decided to give Mitch a photo of me and the kids that he could put on his desk at work. Paula took pictures of us all during Braeden's senior photo shoot. They came out great - thanks P!

Akward Family Photos

Everyone has those family photos that make you go - ugh! Well the ones on this site are even worse - check them out!

Akward Family Photos/

Facebook

I love being able to reconnect with old friends via Facebook. Today I connected with Rich, we went to school together from about 1st grade through 10th. Was really nice to catch up on each others lives. Yeah Facebook!

Malaria No More

I donated a net today to Malaria No More. A very worthwhile organization - consider supporting it!

Malaria No More

Where the heck did the time go?

Sheesh, been forever and a day since I posted. I really just haven't been on the computer much at all lately, and haven't scrapped either.

I will be trying to scrap for NSD and one of my favorite places to hang out on the net is having a crop - they are always fun - and will hopefully help me get my mojo back.

Monsters Vs Aliens 3D

Got the kids up this morning and made them pancakes in the shape of their name. They were a hit! Emma had gone to a birthday party awhile ago for her friend Ava, and Ava's Mom had made pancakes in the shape of their initials, and had been asking for them every since. So of course I had to go one better - and do the whole name!


Then we went with Paula & her kids to see Monsters Vs Aliens 3D at the IMAX theater in Seattle. We spent some time wondering through the Pacific Science Center. Contrary to what it looks like - these are NOT the aliens from the movie!





The kids always love going over there and taking the bus! The movie was great and we had a really good time.

In the Navy

Mitch got to give the Oath of Enlistment to Braeden today, officially inducting him into the Delayed Entry Program of the US Navy! Braeden will be attending bootcamp in November followed by A school in Pensacola FL - to become a CTT (cryptological technician - technical).

I'm so proud of both of my boys! I think it is so cool that Mitch got to enlist Braeden - I think they both think so too!

So now I'm not just a Navy Wife - I'm a Navy Mom too!

Here's a pic of my guys

My little Cowgirl

Mitch took Emma in to town today and bought her a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. She looks so stinkin' cute!

A Bit O' Scrappin!!

I reached my scrappy goal for this month - of 5 layouts. It's nice to not be rushing to finish up on the last day - hope I can keep that up! Here is my 5th layout for the month. It is using a sketch by Anam for a contest over at ScrapAttack Scrapbooking.

Boots

Mitch wanted me to have some high heeled boots to wear with my new dresses. Anyone that knows me - knows that I am a mules/flip flop kinda gal - and because I'm 5'10ish I hardly ever wear heels. Mitch is a tad bit shorter than me - but he loves it when I wear heels - so from time to time I humor him!

Saturday Emma and I went on The Great Boot Hunt. I knew that boots were out of season - but was hopeful to find something on sale. Went to JCPenney - nada, went to Kohls - nada, went to Famous Footwear - 1 pair on clearance $60 - kinda ugly, went to Macy's - they had a ton - but on clearance $80. Went to Sears - a couple pairs $40 - not brown. I talked to Mitch and he said to go back and get the $80 pair at Macy's. So back I went - when they rang them up - they were only $35 - woot woot! So I got a black pair too! Now to learn how to walk in them!! And break them in - as I type this post I have the black pair on - wearing them with my yoga capri pants - not a great look - LOL.

Race To Witch Mountain

Mitch, Brett, Emma, Grandma Ruth and I all went to see this movie last night. The kids give it 9 3/4 out of 10. Us adults all liked it too. Makes me want to go watch the originals. The little girl from the original has a cameo as a waitress in this film - was waiting for a cameo from Kurt Russell too - but didn't see him. The theater was PACKED - and the couple behind us kept a running commentary up about the movie during the movie, and little kids kept having to go to the bathroom - and we were on the aisle row - and they kept stepping on my feet. So overall the theater experience wasn't great - but the movie was.

After the movie we went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. Of course we had the bloomin' onion. Everyone really enjoyed their meals - and it was Grandma Ruth's birthday - so she got a great Chocolate sundae with a candle in it. Fun family night.

Score!

Mitch mentioned recently that he would really like to see me in more dresses. My friend Bobbi had just been here, and she always dresses really cool and has fun and funky jewelry. When I mentioned that I liked her jewelry - Mitch mentioned he liked her dress and boots.

I was in Wal-Mart yesterday, looking for another pair of yoga pants (because Mitch likes the 1st pair so well) and saw some dresses that were similar to the one Bobbi was wearing. So I went for a closer look - and they were on the clearance rack - and were marked down to THREE DOLLARS. That's $3, 3 bucks!!!! Can you believe it?

I brought them home and did a fashion show for DH - and he was way pleased with them. He even took some pictures of me in one of them - he's so cute. I'd also been to get my hair cut and I had her blow it straight - which he also loves. So, it isn't the best picture - but here it is. Now to find some boots.

My Baby - the recruit

Today was a monumental day in our family.  Mitch took Braeden to the Navy recruiting office to start on the process of joining the Navy.  Braeden has swung between many options for after he graduated, but he finally decided to follow family tradition and join the Navy.  Braeden will be 4th generation Navy. His plan is to get training and money for college.  I hope that he does well, and travels and enjoys his time in the military.  It has certainly been a good life for us. I made Mitch promise to get a couple of shots for me, even though Braeden was not thrilled at the prospect.

More Scrapping

Doing some challenges for Fun Month at Scrap Attack and also for Scrappy Day at Scrap Supply. Trying to push myself to finish up my goal of 5 layouts a month prior to the last day of the month - LOL. This puts me at 4 for the month - yeah me!

Some "me" time

With Mitch home taking care of cooking, and alot of the housework and entertaining of the kids - I was able to spend some time at my scrapbook table working on more challenges for Fun Month at Scrap Attack. I squeaked in the last of the layouts that I needed to make my goal of 5 for the month.

A Family Again!

Mitch is home - and we are a complete family again. Now will come the period of adjustment as we all get used to being together again. The kids ran out and jumped into Mitch's arms when we came home - and I was so busy living in the moment - I don't have any pictures :( Brett cried and hugged him and told him that he had missed his smell of copenhagen. Emma cried and just told him how much she loved him and missed him. Braeden just gave him a big hug and said he was glad he was home.

Today's the Day!

Mitch is due to arrive this afternoon from Frankfurt Germany. The kids and I are ready for him to be home and we are all excited for him to finally get here. I'm heading to the airport in a couple hours - and wouldn't it figure that it is raining today - for the first time in ages!!

It's Official

Mitch will be arriving in Seattle on Sunday afternoon. To say that we are all excited would be an understatement. Yesterday one of the boxes he mailed home arrived - and it was so good to open it up and put away his clothes and know that soon he'd be here to wear them!

Sock Hop

Our PTA put on a Sock Hop night at the Elementary School. You were encouraged to dress up 50's style and come and have fun! Brett wasn't too sure about going, I wasn't looking forward to going - but Emma was excited to go, so off we went. We had a fantastic time! The PTA had awesome decorations up, a fun DJ who played some games like Hot Potato and a Hula Hoop contest. Brett danced with a GIRL! It was totally cute - and he told me that he loved the dancing and was having the greatest day of his life. I was the adult winner of Hot Potato and got a glow stick for my efforts LOL. Emma and I looked more early 60's than 50's - but Brett nailed the 50's look. My friend Paula dressed up too - and she teased her hair into a beehive - and I teased her that she looked like a sober Amy Winehouse. Her kids were dressed in 50's cool, with her daughter having the cats eye glasses, saddle shoes and poodle skirt. We took the kids to McDonalds afterwards for milkshakes and food - and then went to Paula's to watch movies and let the kids play. Fun time!

International Night

We have the Passport Club at our Elementary school and I am the volunteer coordinator and also help out on Check Day. My good friend Paula runs the club and she is passionate about the fact that kids should know about the world that they live in. This year she ran a fundraiser for the club - and decided that the kids who participated in the fundraiser would get a great reward. Her first thought was a field trip to the Pacific Science Center in Seattle to see Lucy's Legacy , but due to some transportation and insurance issues - that had to be cancelled. Next she decided to hold an International Night, and have volunteers prepare foods from different countries and she would prepare a recipe book/passport that would tell a bit about each country - give the recipe and have a place where when they went to the "Country" to taste the food they would get a stamp in their passport. All her had work paid off, we had a lot of attendance - there was great food and the kids got to learn about drums and African dance and music from the group Planet Afua . I was the "official" photographer for the night and took tons of photos, I also got to taste lots of food. My favorite by far was this dish

Ethiopian Injera and Doro Wat (bread and chicken stew)
Injera:

Combine 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tbsp. baking powder in a bowl. Whisk in 3 cups club soda or sparkling water. Mix into a smooth thin batter. Heat a large non stick skillet. Dip enough batter from the bowl to cover the bottom of the skillet and pour in quickly, all at once. Lift and rotate the pan to cover the bottom completely with a thin layer, and set it back down on the heat. When the moisture has evaporated and small holes appear in the surface, remove the injera. Stack the injera on top of each other and keep warm in the oven on low.

Doro Wat:

Chop up 4 cups of chicken and cook in 1 stick of butter. Add 5 large cloves of garlic, chopped. Also add 1 small chopped onion and 2-3 carrot stalks- sliced. Season with 1 tsp. chili powder and ½ tsp. pepper and salt, or to taste. Add in one can of tomato sauce (14 oz) and simmer for ½ hour or so, until carrots are tender. Stir in 3-5 hardboiled eggs, chopped and serve with injera.

You take a piece of the injera and wrap it up around the stew- eating with your fingers.

Fun Month Begins

I'm trying really hard to keep up with my goal of 5 layouts per month and with that intent - I'm participating in some challenges for the Fun Month at Scrap Attack . Yesterday was the first day of fun month - and I got one layout done.



For Challenge #4 - Clean Slate
This started as a PageMaps sketch - and then went totally sideways.

Bazzill Cardstock
Moxxie Paper
Misc. Staple
Black Sharpie Pen

Journaling:
Paula & I took the kids bowling. I'd forgotten what a workout bowling can be ~ especially when your shoes stick and the only ball with big enough finger holes is a 14 pounder! Mai Ly bowled better than the rest of us and Brett used his Yabba Dabba Do technique
All Star Lanes
1-19-2009

Two Week Countdown {maybe}

Well as of information we have today - Mitch is due home from his year long deployment in 2 weeks. Of course this is about the 4th date that we have for his arrival - so it is still only a number. I keep telling him that I'll believe it when he gives me his flight info to pick him up from Sea-Tac.

As far as the year of him being gone goes - it has gone by VERY quickly. It seems to have passed in a blink of an eye in some ways and in others it has been the longest year of my life. We will all be so happy to be back together as a family.

I made this layout (it is a scraplift of my friend Jen's layout - even lifted the title!) and journaled a wee bit about how I'm handling the separation.

Some Scrappy Shopping

I had to go to the Dr. the other day, diagnosis - bronchitis. Soo, to make me feel better, I did a bit of scrappy shopping while I was out.

{SAS}SY Fun Month

February 15th and running through March 15th Scrap Attack Scrapbooking will be having a {SAS}sy Fun Month! So if you like challenges, chatting and prizes you won’t want to miss out on all the fun!

Carnivals are always a {fun} place with so much going on. So keeping along those lines, we’ve put together a small “midway” of activities for you to complete during our {SAS}sy Fun Month.

For each activity you complete, you will receive a ticket! The tickets will be entered into a drawing for some fun prizes courtesy of SAS! At the end of the {SAS}sy Fun Month, we’ll total the tickets, enter them into a drawing and pull 7 random winners! The more you play, the better your chances are to win some fun stuff courtesy of Scrap Attack Scrapbooking!

My new favorite snack

I was in Albertsons a couple of days ago and came across this



I love sunflower seeds - but hate the mess of cracking the shells and spitting them out - so I tend toward the already shelled ones. I thought that I'd give these Honey Roasted ones a try - and they are absolutely addicting! As we have already discussed - I have a tendency toward addiction - so it is a good thing that I channel it towards scrapping, game play and now Honey Roasted Sunflower Nuts!

These have such a subtle flavor to them - you still get mainly the taste of the sunflower seed - with a slightly sweet taste to it. Ymmm - perfection!

I scrapped

Amazingly enough - I finally got some scrapping done this year. I have turned into the biggest procrastinator - and I hate that about myself - but it is what it is. Here are the results of my scrappin-fest yesterday - thanks Jen for hanging out with me via IM and cheering me on.

The Search is over

After Mitch spending weeks looking through online sites for the truck that he wanted - I am the one that finally found the truck. I showed the link to Mitch and he was so excited!! So, off the kids and I went to Bellingham to test drive the truck and possibly buy it. It was the first time I've ever bought a vehicle myself - and it was an interesting experience - especially since we were haggling via email with Mitch over price. The salesman was great and I'd recommend Rairdon Dodge in Bellingham if anyone is around that area and looking to buy a vehicle.



So here is Mitch's new baby , it is a stick shift - so Braeden hasn't been able to drive it like he wants to - because he hasn't learned how to drive a stick. I went out with him once in it - and we ended up just parking it - because I was afraid he was gonna drop the tranny ;)

The Dancing Brush

Emma has been wanting to go to the ceramics studio in Poulsbo called Dancing Brush for quite some time, so today Mommy guilt got the best of me - and I took her. I was planning on just watching her create and taking pictures - but she said I needed to create something too. So while she worked on a mug for her Dad, I made up my own species of plant - called a Cactus Tree - LOL.



evidentally my paintbrush didn't dance - it committed hari kari - LOL.

My Favorite Pizza

Just a little random about me fact today - this is my absolute favorite pizza - add some dried red pepper flakes to it and I'm in piggy heaven!!

This is the Cowboy Pizza from Papa Murphy's Take N Bake Pizza.
Premium pepperoni, Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, black olives and herb & cheese blend. Yummmm - now I want this for lunch!!

Bowling

We went bowling with my friend Paula and her two kids. I haven't been bowling in forever - next time I'm home I should go and see if I can find my old bowling ball - although I bet my fat fingers probably wouldn't fit in it anymore.  I had a hard time finding a bowling ball that worked for me - and my shoes weren't sliding well - so my back was pretty sore from all the jerking movements when I tried to bowl.

I love the fancy new gizmos at the bowling alley, the automatic gutter guards if you want them, the automatic score keeping.  Makes it easier for sure.  We had a lot of fun bowling - although none of use will be signing up for leagues soon LOL.

I was Photo Tagged

By Jen

You have been PHOTO TAGGED!!

Go on your hard drive to your “pictures” file.

Open the 4th file.

Pick the 4th photo.

Blog about it.



So here it is, a not so great photo from 2004 - Braeden during the first real snow that we ever had since moving to Kingston. The neighbor had this sled and we all went out and played outside in the snow. And no, I haven't scrapped it yet.