And your final birthday present? Illness.......

After months of discussion, begging, pleading and attempts at bribery, we gave in and finally got Katie a cell phone. After one day of it being in her possession, we realized the reason that we had held off on getting her a phone for so long - And also realized we probably could have waited even longer before placing this God-like technology gift into the hands of an ever so impressionable teenager. And, yes, I said teenager - Katie turned 13 last week, hence the cell phone. When she was presented with this gift, she jumped, screamed with joy and wanted to call everyone she knew to tell them the news; "I GOT A CELL PHONE!!" Corey made sure that she understood that she needed to read her manual before operating the phone. We were mistaken in thinking that this would be a lengthy process, as less than 24 hours later, she had figured out how to set her ringers, how to take pictures AND place them as her main screen picture, and she had (not kidding) NINETY SEVEN text messages back and forth to a couple of friends. Since this is a learning process for her, and for us, we told her to slow down on the texts. Unbeknownst to her, Corey put unlimited texting on our family account for this reason alone. He had a gut feeling to do so, and that paid off well, even after only a day!

The one thing that I discovered in the text messages that we read on her phone - YES, we're reading her texts....for now. We need to make sure she understands what is appropriate, what is not, and what is reasonable in the world of text messaging. - were that the reason that there are so many texts is because these kids are texting one or two words at a time, instead of a sentence. I'm aware that the short responses are fast and easy, but as a parent trying to understand the language that these teens are speaking, I see how easy it is for these kids to rack up hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in cell phone bills each month. It's also safe to say that kids will try anything, and if parents are stupid enough to get their child a cell phone without looking into the trends, covering their butts in costs and helping their children to learn the proper way to operate the phones, then the benefit of a child no longer begging for a phone is overshadowed by fights between child and parent for the outrageous bills, texts and downloads that magically appear on the next cell phone bill. From one parent to all you others out there, be prepared.

The twins turned two last month as well - And for the past 4 or 5 weeks, all little children in this house have been sick. It began with the sniffles a month or so ago. Then, 3 weeks ago I got strep throat. All family members were treated, but it was discovered that Cooper is resistant to Amoxicillin. So, after the strep scare, we had ear infections. We even ended up at the hospital for testing, as the doctor thought Cooper might have pneumonia. We began treatment for the ear infections, and a few days later all children developed fevers. They were so bad, in fact, that we had to cold water bathe them in attempts to bring down fevers that settled above 104 and wouldn't come down. Rayla got the highest, at 104.9 - Scared shitless was I - They were so hot, and so miserable, and their eyes were bloodshot from the heat. That FINALLY passed - and they now all have upper respiratory infections. But, SOMEHOW, amid the azithromycin that Cooper was taking, he still managed to get sores all over the back of his throat and has barely eaten or drank anything in three days. We're off to the doctor again this morning.

I've come close to losing my mind a couple of times. Four children, most of them sick ALL THE TIME, the cleaning, the attempts to get them to eat or drink......it's exhausting. Corey and I have spent nights up with them, and taken shifts in sleeping - Cause' in this household, there is no such thing as a full night's sleep. I've even discovered a "pain free" way to sleep on the chair in the living room, just in case a screaming child (Rayla) needs to be upright and away from other sleeping family members.

For years my friends have sent out little emails that allow you to update your "favorites" and share with your friends. Funny, as we're all in our 30's and 40's and nearly every one of us still do this every year. Some things change, and some don't. I got one just the other day, and was reading it on 3 hours of sleep. Needless to say I couldn't think straight. And when the question came to enter my favorite movie I couldn't think of one movie that I liked. So, I created my own: "My favorite movie is the one where all my children are healthy, happy and smart, and I look like a supermodel."

Now, we all know that last part is so ridiculous, that I was obviously out of my mind a little. But, the healthy kids? I have prayed, I've wished on stars, I've scrubbed, I've cleaned and I've sanitized. Still, they are sick - and each time I wish in the air that they get better, they get sicker. So, either I'm not wishing right, or I can't sanitize well - Both of which I think I do just fine. But, something's gotta give!!

Maybe we can hole up at the doctors office - We've spent enough time there lately. They all know us well, and probably turn the phones on each day wondering what time we're gonna call. I almost feel like I've called the doctor more than Kate has texted...... that's funny.

Oh, the joys of parenthood.

I had a funny thought......

Life throws us curve balls - Some we catch, some we drop and some we just miss altogether.

But the joys of life are found right within the walls of our own homes. I have decided to share with you all some of the thoughts that go through my mind in this house - Many of them are repetitive thoughts, and some of them are actual things, said or done by one or more of our family members. I believe I have a sense of humor, and the thoughts I get sometimes reinforce that belief. Lucky for me, everyone in this house has a sense of humor in one way or another. And, heaven knows, I don't think we'd be where we are today if we hadn't laughed our way through some of our experiences.

1.) It doesn't matter whether you tell your teenage daughter that she looks beautiful. She's always going to change her clothes, re-do her hair and put on more makeup.

2.)When your son grabs his crotch and dances around he HAS to pee. Even if he fusses and says he doesn't have to go, he does. He may fight you until he cries, but the moment he's at the pot, he'll go.

3.) The apron is a part of a mom's wardrobe. All my children will expect to see me in it, as will their friends, their friends mothers, my friends, and maybe even my friends mothers.

4.) Doing the dishes means all of them...not just the few in the sink. The ones on the counter next to the sink are included.

5.) How is it possible to lose a pacifier EVERY SINGLE DAY?

6.) My son says I'm old and fat. My daughter says I'm beautiful and not so fat. My husband says he loves me just the way I am. I think he agrees with both of them.

7.) Sometimes every detail really counts - And when I say to put the clothes that are in the washer in to the dryer, that usually means to turn the dryer on as well.

8.) Wadding up the clothes and throwing them in a basket is NOT the same as folding them.

9.) Super Mario Bros. is not real.......You really don't have to stay up to keep playing the game so that you will save the princess. She'll still be there tomorrow....and however long it takes to finish the game.

10.) It pains me at 11pm to see that though the dishes may have been done, and the counters are nicely cleaned, the stove top is still covered with pots and pans still full of food that never got put away in leftover containers.

11.) Yelling at me only makes me want to scream at you. I'm your mother, not your enemy.... But I can be if you keep it up!

12.) "Cooper, you must hold my hand while we walk through the parking lot - Once we're inside, you can walk alone". "But, mom..you said when we're at Walmart I don't have to hold your hand. We're here....See? The sign says W-A-L-".........."Yes, Cooper, I know. But there aren't any cars to run you over in the store.....just out here in the parking lot so you need to hold my hand". "But, there are carts, mom.....And we always crash the carts in the store...same-same!!"

Why must my three year old analyze EVERYTHING I say??

13.) I'm sorry is not just something you say for the heck of it. So, until you figure out the real meaning of "I'm sorry" you can shove your sorries in a sock, Missy.

14.) The living room is an ever changing work of art. It's quite possible that even the spiders get lost in here, as often as it changes. Maybe one day I'll remember what it's like to sit in one spot for any length of time.

15.) If we're out of dog food, tell me before we're out so that I can pick some up at the store. It's no fun to get informed that "we're out of dog food" at 8pm, when I was at the store this morning.

16.) Your ipod headphones are NOT designed for you to blast the music loud enough to hear it without having the headphones on. That completely defeats the purpose.

17.) When I say it's time for bed, that means get ready for and GO to bed...to sleep. It does not mean it's time to write a story, read your books, listen to your music or sneak a TV show.

18.) My girls are ready for potty training. But it just dawned on me that they think going "potty" means flushing the toilet. It doesn't help that our toilet water is a pretty blue!

19.) If I say my blood pressure is up, don't tell me something bad.

20.) You're right honey - you're always right. And I'll leave it at that. Because if I went on to discuss this any further I may get so frustrated that I'll honestly believe it.

Share your laughter with those you love - See the humor in everyday life. A laugh shared between anyone, even yourself, speaks so much louder than words. So laugh.....cause' you can.

All for the love of children

Oh, boy. I'm about as exhausted as one can be. My Rayla just won't sleep through the night. She did so well for so many months, and then "BAM!" No more sleeping. I tried to let her cry it out, as I did when we "trained" the girls to stay in their beds. But, she just wouldn't give up. And, since I was exhausted already, I just give in after an hour. Ironically, however, after I drag my butt out of bed, get her up, maybe get her a sip of milk or water, I find myself smiling contently as she snuggles into my chest. We usually sit up for a while, and sometimes even "chat". After the frustration of getting up every night passes, and my blood pressure lowers with each calming breath she takes, I am happy that I am here for her. I am happy that I am able to love her, hold her and console her....even if it does take hours. Because for some, that's not an option. Some children aren't blessed with loving homes and loving parents - And some parents don't know what a true blessing really is. So, with droopy eyes, a groggy smile and a dopey slur, I can say without a doubt that every late night I get with my babies is a blessing. Every moment I get to be with them is like a gift to me. And each moment is a constant surprise.

Though I love these moments I get with my children now, I sure look forward to a couple of years from now when they ALL sleep through the night, can be in this house without gates and half doors, and the locks we have installed on the outside of every door in this house can be removed. It's quite funny if you ask me - Our house much resembles a kiddie prison, loaded with toys, balls, locks and gates. Every door has an alarm. Every window is locked kid proof. Every phone is out of reach. We have no coffee tables. Our furniture is kid friendly, and our mini blinds have been removed. Our television is mounted high up on the wall and even some of our light switches are taped down. You may think we're overprotective, maybe even danger phobic. But, we've talked about this many times. And, since our children seem to have no idea how dangerous it is to climb up mini blinds, or how scary it is for mommy and daddy when they go running out the doors at full speed, we know that our protective measures are founded. Even as "empty" as our living areas are of "things" it's amazing how many toys 3 young children can have. We'll be adding to the collection soon: Birthday season is upon us!

The twins turn 2 next month. I commented to Corey on how fast the time has gone by, and how impossible it is that they're going to be 2 already. Corey responded with something along the lines of " Are you kidding?? This has been the longest 2 and a half years of my life. I think I've aged TEN years!!" I see his point. For the last part of my pregnancy with the girls I was on bed rest, in the hospital almost daily, and, with one scare after another, it was emotionally traumatic for all of us. Of course, the chaos continued after they were born with the RSV and the several day stay in the ICU. Then the issue with Kenzie's head. Then the infections. Then the eczema. And this week we top it off with ear infections....In ALL the children, at the same time. Yeah, I see his point. AND HE STILL THINKS HE WANTS MORE?? Good Lord.

It's unfortunate for people like me that there is no manual on how to deal with multiple children. Sure, there are parenting classes. But, the content of most of those classes is on how to discipline your children at different ages and stages. I can discipline just fine (just ask Katie.) But, dealing with 3 children throwing separate temper tantrums for reasons completely unknown can bring on some serious headaches....I mean REAL head ACHES. There are times when I look at my children and smile, and they start to scream. Or I put my arms out to pick up Rayla and she screams "no, no!!" and turns away from me. Naturally, I turn and walk away, only to be subjected to a concert of kicking and screaming, almost like she's mad that I didn't pick her up. Mac is a teaser, and will take every last drop of every second to do something. Even if she knows you're waiting for her, she'll make you keep waiting. Heck, she might even find something else to do along the way, if she feels ornery enough to do so. If she continues this through her teenage and adult years she might have problems keeping a boyfriend.

And I can't go through a single day without being graced with the loose lips of my oh-so-smart little boy. He makes sure that I'm aware of things, when he isn't sure I know. Like, yesterday, he dressed up as Super Mario - Red hat with an "M" daddy made and a taped on mustache. He was getting into the cookies and I scolded him for it, as I had just told him minutes before not to eat anymore before dinner. He made sure to tell me that since he was "Mario" at that moment, what ever I said to "Cooper" didn't count. Cause, obviously, Cooper wasn't here! I mean, "come on, mom.... can't you see that I'm not Cooper right now??" That imagination of his is so beautiful - And even when he questions who does or doesn't have brains - He says that mommy has no brains, but has hair instead - It's impossible not to be so in love with this little dude, and converse with him intently, only hoping to be privy to the next smartass remark he makes so that you may laugh endlessly.

So I leave you today, with a Cute little Cooperism, that's sure not to come true.

"Mommy, I want a baby brother for my birthday"

For shits sake. What's the matter with this family??

Sleep well.......

It's not easy to think when I'm tired. In fact, it's not easy to do anything when I'm tired - Which is how I feel today. The past couple of weeks have been very interesting at night. Most of the time, miss Rayla wakes up for reasons unknown, and the work begins in trying to find a way to console her. Whether it be a cup of milk, her dubbie (pacifier), or her favorite blankie, it's honestly a battle in guesses until that one thing hushes her cries. Ugh. It's like babyhood all over again....But, I think there's a little bit of manipulation going on now. Whatever it is, I sure hope we can resolve it soon. I miss sleeping through the night........

I remember that as a teenager, and even into my early twenties, I couldn't stand the taste of coffee. I knew that people drank it for the caffeine mostly, but, I couldn't figure out why - I mean, it tasted awful!! That was until I met Corey, who was a coffee King if there ever was one. Not long after we started dating did I latch on to coffee, much like a newborn to her mommy. I needed it constantly, wanted it when I couldn't have it, and if I wasn't at home and had a craving, found a coffee shack to make me a flavorful concoction of caffeine and sugar. I've come to the conclusion that it's an adult thing - And since we're all of an addictive nature in general, we can drink coffee all the coffee we want without feeling bad about it. And I do - Drink a lot, I mean. But, with the lack of sleep I've been getting lately, it's no wonder I haven't just taken over the local Starbucks. My poor tummy!

Aside from waking up to a child's bad dream cry, the dreaming dog's "woop, woop", or the middle of the night fever and tummy aches, life is grand. I sat in the living room last night with the littles and watched them play dress up in each others clothes - The girls are fascinated with Cooper's shoes and coats, and I find them attempting to wear them in play quite often. The personalities are shining through like a blinding sun, and some days I wonder how in the world I'm going to manage them all. And still, I babysit another child for a friend of mine three or four days a week. I know, you must all think I'm crazy, and I'm sure it's been a topic of conversation among a friend or two. But, it's really okay! The kids play well together for the most part, and when they don't, the timeout chair is a really FUN place to be. For me, at least!

I still haven't brightened up any since last year when I ranted about my stupidity of taking all my kids grocery shopping. Here's a good one: I took all my kids yesterday AND the kid I babysit! How's that for royal stupidity? Actually, THANK GOD, they were all fantastic, and just honked their little horns on that massive semi truck they call a shopping cart. They had fun - But getting them back in that damn car was something else. I have never had trouble getting them from cart to car, until yesterday. I'm pretty sure that all four children looked much like a bunch of possessed monkeys, screaming, kicking and flailing about like retarded fish! It was some workout getting them all in the car, one.....at......a......time....... lol.

Not all days are like that. Lucky for me, they did that outside, as we were leaving, and not inside, when we had just arrived. That would have sucked for me, and everyone else in that store.

We recently invested in the ultimate parenting tool - A minivan! Yeah, we had to down

grade from the monster Sequoia we drove to a more reasonable minivan for the young years in our children's lives. I think that had we only had 2 children, the Sequoia would have been great. But with 4 children, it was such a task to load and unload! Now, we all walk to the car, they climb in the car, and we sit and buckle. Easy, peasy, Japanesey! hehe. After looking long and hard, we decided on a Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. It's red, and I love it - As do the kids. With the dual DVD screens it's such a nice time when we get in the car! You'd wonder why they freaked out yesterday after shopping! It's quite possible they crapped and I just didn't know it..... The smell of the french fries at the nearby McDonald's can be so overwhelming at times!

A couple of weeks ago my great grandma Alberta passed away. She was 88 years old. For once in a long while, the passing of someone was not accompanied by days and weeks of sadness. She was ready to go, and after so many "last visits" to the hospital, we were ready, too. Sure, it was sad that she passed, but we all know that she's in a better place. Whether you're a Christian, like she was, and believe that she's gone to Heaven to live an eternal life, or whether you're Atheist and believe that she's gone and that's that, I think we can all agree that since she's no longer suffering, it's okay that she's gone. It was so nice to share stories and see smiles in her memory at her funeral. And, the people that came from all over the US to say goodbye was so wonderful - I know she would have loved it. But, man, I'm going to miss those cinnamon rolls!! :)

At Grandma's funeral the congregation sang songs, and recited scripture. It was like I was sitting at her house - But then again, she called her church her home. So, I guess it was fitting. We finished her service by reciting the Lords Prayer with one change she made often:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Rest in peace grandma.....and say hi to Bobbie for me!

No resolution in sight

"Twenty ten can be the year for change. It can be the year we discover great things. It can be the best year of our lives."

The new year always brings out the most optimism in even the most pessimistic of people. Resolutions are set with the full intent that "this will be the year" to fulfill those proclamations of self improvement; People say they're going to quit smoking, the gyms begin to fill with new member enrollment and more people are seen taking evening strolls through their neighborhoods. In reality, what makes January 1st any different from July 1st? In regards to resolving to better oneself, that is....

I resolved not to make a resolution this year. In the past, I have resolved to lose weight, be a better parent, make more friends, be a better wife, find some hobbies and even find my soul in music again. Some years I succeed, and some I don't. What I just realized is that following the years that I don't succeed in my resolutions, I set those same resolutions again for the next year. How boring is that? And, the one most often at the top of the list? You know it.....Lose weight.

The quote that heads this blog was taken directly from my blog post dated 12/31/2009. Now, upon reading that, my first thought was "I used the wrong word. "Will" should have replaced each "can" in those sentences." But, no - I was writing exactly what I was thinking, and with care not to offend anyone who had planned for, but could turn their year around. I never expected for 2010 to have such polar opposite events in it for me. I'm glad it's over.

An "emotional roller coaster" is the only way that I can truly describe my feelings for 2010. The great moments, like my twins turning one, my first weight loss goal reached or celebrating 5 wonderful years of marriage seemed to have been overshadowed by the sadness in the not so great moments we were so unfortunate to have to live through.

My mother unexpectedly lost her husband in early March. Due to a mix of stubbornness, misunderstanding and a pinch of misguided anger, I had not spoken to my sister or mother in a couple of years. But, upon learning that my mother had lost her husband in such a manner as she did, I knew I needed to be there for her, with her. After the funeral, my sister, my mother and I talked, cleared the air, and began to rebuild our damaged relationship. It was slow moving, but I saw the drive, and felt the power of family - It was meant to be. When my sister was murdered in August, by a man she called her best friend, I lost a part of me. I haven't been to counseling, as I wasn't sure that I was going to need it - Maybe, I do. My heart aches and I think of her every day. Whether that's healthy, or not, I'm not sure. So, I may give in to "shrinkage" in the near future.

And, speaking of shrinkage - Good news prevails! In October, Corey and I decided we must get healthier. In the months that have passed since my last blog I've lost nearly 30 pounds! I haven't even set foot in a gym. :) Just paying closer attention to what I eat has made me rethink what I eat, when I eat and how much. Obviously, it has paid off. I intend to continue on my journey this year and lose more weight - Healthily.

I'm thinking that this must be the most difficult time in my child rearing years. A teenager in the house (in March she'll be 13!) makes for some interesting, and, sometimes frustrating, conversations. Corey and I both have cringed at some of the things Katie says, or how she says it. The children in this generation do not have the same respect that we, or our parents, had when we were young. Don't think for a moment that we haven't tried - We have, in many different, conventional and unconventional ways - to make her be the most responsible, respectful person that she can be. I just hope that sooner, rather than later, she wakes up and realizes that it's a good thing to respect your parents. It's a good thing to do what you're told when you're told, and it's a good thing to pay attention. Oh my; The attention span at 12 is ridiculous. And, I feel so sorry for those who I did the same to back when I was that age. My sincere apologies!!!

The twins are certainly not babies anymore. They're talking, climbing, playing, singing and even fighting. It's pretty funny to watch them tackle each other over a balloon, or a baby doll that the other wants. Their personalities are so different, that it makes for a true live comedy show that they put on for me every day! Kenzie is definitely the princess of the two - Loves her purses, her babies, to dress up and shoes - Oh, the shoes. A girl after my own heart! Her orneriness, takes away that princess title sometimes, though. Rayla, who is the love bug of the two, is also the roughest, wildest and meanest of the twins. She has no fear, and will run faster than the rest of the kids, climb higher than the rest and whack a head if she gets angry at a sibling. It's not funny, by any means, and we're working on that. But that rough big brother of theirs kind of makes it a little difficult to instill the no hitting rules - Sometimes, the girls are truly defending themselves!

Cooper is such a big kid now. He's smart, he's fast and he's not afraid to say what he thinks. He loves his preschool, and will be so happy to get back to it tomorrow. I think he misses his friends! Over the Christmas vacation, he made sure to keep us on our toes with his quirky quips and responses to us. Allow me to share some of the conversations we have with him:

Cooper: Daddy, I love you bigger than the moon.

Corey: Cooper, I love you bigger than the universe.

silence, a quick look around........

Cooper: Well daddy, I love you BIGGER than MOMMY!

Really? Bigger than mommy? For shit's sake. I'm not THAT big....But, in a child's eyes, everything's bigger than it seems. Right? RIGHT?? ha.

Or, how's this:

(Cooper got a little plastic monster for Christmas that eats up a littler plastic monster, and was playing with it with daddy. The bigger monster's head flips open to eat the smaller one)

Cooper: Daddy, I don't think this monster has any brains.

Corey: It doesn' t look like it, does it?

Cooper: But, Daddy has brains. And, Cooper has brains. And, Mac and Rayla have brains........

Corey: What about mommy?

Cooper: Nope. Mommy doesn't have any brains. She has hair.

hahahahahaha!! Still laugh out loud at that one.

At least he no longer thinks I look like princess Fiona. Just big and brainless.......... Actually, I'm not sure what's worse

So on to 2011 I go, with some humor in my heart, some relief that 2010 is over, and with love and intention to make this year one to remember.

Happy Halloween

YAY! It's fall, the leaves are turning, the air is cool and the hint of Halloween is in the air - Literally. Our burn ban is over and the valley smells of freshly blown out pumpkin candles for a good part of each morning...... I love it!

This past weekend Corey and I headed to the coast for a much needed getaway. We haven't been anywhere for enjoyment for months. Corey's mom stayed at our house with the kids so we could go. What a Godsend she is!! We decided to change it up a little and went to two locations instead of settling in for the weekend in one spot. Our first night was spent in Lincoln City - Mostly for the mall and the casino. No luck at the casino this time. But, we were only there long enough to get a dry throat from the smoke that swirled around the room. I'm not complaining - But usually there are several hours of play that go on with us. Just, not this time! :)

We did tour the North Oregon Coast in an attempt to find a good place to take our family in the future. We found our gem - Nice, little community, stores, restaurants and tons of beach for the family to play on. I even got to see the attempts at surfing made by a couple of obvious amateurs - I'm no surfer, but I'm thinking that as much as these guys were off their boards more than on made it pretty easy to identify them as "beginners." Our visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory was fast, but worth it. The ice cream we had was better than we'd ever had. I'm sure it was fresher than we ever had, too.

Our last night was spent in Cannon Beach. Corey rented a room that was oceanfront, quiet and we had prime views of the storm that was hitting the Oregon coast. We drank tea, sat in front of the fire and watched the ocean - The waves crashing onto shore and pounding into the rocks was such a beautiful sight. I've loved the ocean since I was young, and I can't imagine life without getting to see it at least once a year. In Cannon Beach there's a hotel called the Stephanie Inn, which is graced with a 4 star, top notch restaurant which requires advance reservations to get in. This night that we got to go is our second trip there. The first time was 9 years ago when Corey and I were still dating. It was nice to go back and relive that part of his "wooing". Teehee. This dinner is 4 course with an Amuse Bouche - Food critics know the term - and each time we've gone the food is the best ever. Praiseworthy on all levels! Worth every penny. The wine we had was fantastic, but, I'm thinking I had more than I realized. On the way back to our room it was dark and rainy, but I could see the shadowed outline of a rock - I looked to Corey and said (slurred, I'm sure), "Look, Honey - It's Stacksock Rock!" Now, for all you well traveled Oregonians, you know there's no such thing as "Stacksock Rock." What I meant to say was "Haystack Rock." That's quite different, isn't it? And, as I exited the car back at our room I noticed that the ground I stepped on to was a little softer than the asphalt I should have been walking in. Apparently, not only does a little excess alcohol affect your speech, it also affects your balance - I found myself walking in the flowers next to where we parked. Oopsy daisies! A trip on my heels, a stumble through the door and we're home! Shoes off, jammies on and we both snuggled on the couch and listened to the storm.

Earlier that evening before dinner we decided to go walking on the beach during low tide to see if we could find any clams. NO, we didn't have gear. But, we were just looking. There was nobody else on the beach. You'd think "how romantic," right? Well, there was a reason there wasn't anybody else there. The wind was blowing at 75 miles an hour, the rain was pouring down AND it was dark. Yes, friends, we were that couple out there in the elements while many people, I'm sure, stared in awe and exclaimed "Those idiots!!" I mean, who in their right mind would venture out in a storm with a high tide and wave warning......IN THE DARK??? Us! And, it was fun! We both got windburned and rain smacked, but I got to experience something that I've never done. As I leaned into the wind with my arms out, the wind was blowing so hard that it held me up! Yeah, big momma here was flying! Such a memory!

I also got to be the epitome of stupid wife on the trip. As we arrived in Seaside Corey began looking for a place to park. I wasn't really paying attention to where we were, but when he parked somewhere I asked him "Why are you parking so far away?" Frustrated, my dear hubby drove around for ten minutes trying to find a closer spot. When I had said that to him, I was unaware that we were only on the next block from the strip. When he finally parked it was a good block and a half from the strip, even further from where we started. Needless to say, he gave me shit for that for a while, well deserved. Oops!

We are now back at home and back in the daily grind. On our trip we did pick up the children's Halloween costumes. It wasn't what we originally planned, but absolutely adorable! Just last week Cooper sat with us at the table and said to us "For Halloween I wanna be a bitch!" We couldn't find that costume, or the "witch" costume that he had meant to say, but his Monkey is much happier than the scarier choices he originally made.

The storm is blowing outside, the leaves are dancing all around and the rain is coming at us sideways today. I'm okay with that - I LOVE storms! In Oregon I can say that, cause' they're never as bad as Kansas! And, as long as it isn't bad on Halloween, I'll be happy.

So, from our family to yours, everyone have a safe and happy Halloween!!

Cool days, cool nights, but not too cool for school!

Last night just before climbing in to bed I opened the bedroom window - Not for the cool, fresh air that circled the room, but for the sounds of the rain falling on the trees outside. There is such a peace found in nature's sounds. No nature sounds that come from a clock radio can compare to the real, pure, perfect sounds that come from an autumn rain shower. Corey and I drifted to sleep with such ease last night and woke to the smell of freshly watered cedar. I love it when my days begin and end like this. But, in this household, times like those are few and far between....

SCHOOL'S IN SESSION - Oh, help us God. We were warned of the SEVENTH year. And, I mean, 7th grade, of course. I remember my 7th grade year in school - It was a like a bunch of hormonal donkeys had joined together in an attempt to learn something. There were drama queens (A LOT of them), there were the "homeboys," there were the music geeks (ME!), there were the yearbook staff (uh, me too), the cool girls, the dance squad and the basketball players. I attended 7th grade in Portland at an inner city middle school where I was the minority. The Trailblazers were Gods to the students, and if anyone was interested in sports it was basketball - Both boys and girls. I never played sports until I moved to Bend. Lucky for Katie, she's been doing sports since she was old enough to. And, lucky for us, she loves it.

This year is the first year that she has been able to play volleyball - 6th graders are not allowed yet to participate in school sports except for track and field. So, after a little bit of ball dropping on my part, Katie finally joined the team. Yesterday was her first game - I wasn't there to see the first, but I'll be there for the next. The only volleyball that I've watched has been on ESPN, and it's most often been guys, in speedos on a beach somewhere. Not that I ENJOY that kind of thing. I'm just saying, it's a little different than watching inexperienced pre-teen hormonal donkeys try to bounce a ball back and forth over a net. This should be funny.

Cooper has also started preschool. It's the best part of his week, and we have had not even a slight hint of separation anxiety. Not surprising, I suppose. Cooper is such an o

utgoing little critt

er, and loves to be surrounded by people (particularly kids) and by toys, which there are a lot of at preschool. He's mastered his alphabet, is learning spanish and is so proud of the sign language they use in school, too. He's got friends galore and I'm sure will be so excited to have a birthday party with friends included now, too. BUT....If he tries to pull what his father did in preschool, I'm not going to be happy. Corey invited his ENTIRE class to a movie and pizza when he was the same age. There were a few car trips back and forth to town, to say th

e least. Funny to think about, dreadful to imagine happening to me!! haha.

I think that I'm finally beginning to heal after the loss of my sister. I have to be honest with myself though - I regret not knowing my sister better than I do. In fact, many people don't know this, but, before March of this year, I had not spoken to my sister in 3 years. It was the result of a misunderstanding of words - The stubbornness in the blood that we share shined through ten-fold.

If anything was learned from the events that have unfolded the past couple of months it's that life is way too short to have sibling rivalry. No, I didn't agree with all the things that she chose to do. But, she didn't agree with me, either. In her eyes things came easy for me - And maybe they did in comparison to what she experienced and how she lived. But, we both shouldn't have been so damn hard headed. After March of this year, however, we had begun to rebuild the time we had lost. We were in the beginning stages of reconstruction of our sisterhood....... so to lose her when I did was tough. To honor her now, my entire family is reuniting and reconnecting. She'd be proud of us. I think she'd be proud of me.

My mother is now caring for Bobbie's boys - Along with her youngest step daughter. You see, in March, my mom suddenly lost her husband after pneumonia took over his body. So, she barely had time to mourn the loss of her husband before she lost my sister. In all my 32 years, I've never seen my mother as emotionally strong as she is right now. I'm so proud of all that she's doing and hope that the strength continues on for the sake of all the children. My step sister Christy, the one that my mother is currently caring for, is 15 years old and pregnant. Yeah, it's happening all over again for my mom 13 years later. She's exhausted, but so determined to do all that she can for everyone she's caring for. I spoke to her yesterday and she had spent the previous day and night in the hospital with Christy as she suffered from uncontrollable morning (noon and night) sickness which resulted in severe dehydration. After returning in the morning with Christy, she got the boys off to school and rested for a while before getting back to work on the mounds of paperwork she's left to do. And still, that afternoon, she went to my nephew Alec's first football game. Just crazy - But pure love for her kids and grandkids.

There is an account that has been set up for my nephews to help with their care. Columbia State Bank under the account name "Donation account for Alec Jones and Jaydon Reader." She'll be needing as much help as she can get.

It's finally fall! And, it's my favorite time of year. Halloween kicks off my annual holiday rampage and this year is going to be fantastic! We have decided that we're going to dress up for Halloween as a family in some sort of theme. When Corey is involved anything is possible - His history of dressing up in notoriously outrageous stuff intends to continue, so watch out for some Yasui craziness this year!

And, speaking of holidays, I need to get going on the cupcakes with the fondant sorting hats for my niece Aunika's birthday - Yeah, cake art! tee hee!

Happy first day of fall my friends and family!!