Life, Laughter, & Love

a little boys love.......

2010-04-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

I read this story somewhere and It made me cry. It's one of those stories you never forget......

"I was walking around in a Target store, when I saw a Cashier hand this little boy some money back.

The boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old.

The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.'

Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' The old lady replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.''

Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look a round. She left quickly.

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to.

'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.'

I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry.

But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.'

His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.''

My heart nearly stopped.

The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.'

Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.'

'I love my mommy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.'

Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.

I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll?''

'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his with out him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.

The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!'

Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give It to my sister. He heard me!''

'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.''

'My mommy loves white roses.'

A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket.

I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started.

I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind.

Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl.

The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma.

Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young woman had passed away.

I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wishes before her burial.

She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.

I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever.. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine.

And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Will you think again before you drink drive?????? "

Sami=AWESOME!!!

2010-03-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of years I have been trying to teach Sami that she is becoming a young lady and that younger girls will start to look up to her. I have told her that they will watch her actions and listen to what she has to say. I stressed the importance of being a good example and today it happened! During Fast and Testamony Meeting she decided she was going to bare her testamony. I can't even remember the last time she did this it was so long ago. Right after she finished a little girl in the ward that just was baptized got up. Later her mom came up to Sami and thanked her for getting up and said her daughter was scared to until she saw Sami up there. How AWESOME is that!!!?!!! I am so proud of her. I love her so much.

Boys boys go away........

2010-03-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Today Sami came home from school and told me 6 different boys hugged her. I don't know that I am ready for this new phase. She has been asked out by 2 boys this year so far.....Seriously, she is 12! My mind can't even fathom what it will be like when she turns 16.....I want my little girl back, you can't have her yet!!!

Misadventures

2010-02-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

I love this......
"They say with every mistake a lesson is learned. We'd like to refer to our "mistakes" as Misadventures. That way we have fun- we grow, we laugh, we cry, we raise our eyebrows in surprise and ask, "Did we just do that?!" You see, there are no mistakes- just amazingly memorable adventures that sometimes miss the mark."

Me and Mr. Bumble Bee

2010-02-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

I have this beautiful friend and fellow blogger named Whimsey! She has an awesome blog that I love to read. She is real and her personality jumps off the screen at you. She hosts contests and book clubs and mystery pictures! This week is a miniolympic contest with a point system. If your comment on a post is her husbands favorite you get points. If someone comments to just cheer for you, you get points. It is a lot of fun. Today Whimsey asked us to tell them an embarrassing story and here is what I posted....

"I couldn't think of an embarrassing story, so I enlisted my family in the fun of "making fun" of me! I was pretty positive they wouldn't let me down and it turns out I was right! So my cousin fondly reminded me of this.....! "I believe I remember the time you sat on a huge bumble bee when we were all camping once and it stung your butt!" I read this on my cell phone in the middle of a grocery store and couldn't stop giggling! It reminded me of a similar bee incident about 7 years ago... My mom and I were haveing a nice picnic on a blanket in a park with Sami and some of her cousins when a huge bumble bee decided it was going to chase me...It did chase me, in circles, around the picnic blanket, in the middle of the park, with on lookers and my mother laughing hysterically at me! Evil bumble bees!!!! I Hate You!!!"

Thank you Shauna for the funny story! Thank you Whimsey for helping me learn to be myself.

Better than a Big Mac!!!

2010-02-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

By request I am FINALLY posting these pictures of the birthday cake I made for Shawn on his last birthday in May of 2009! If you know my husband you know he loves his Big Macs! I found the recipe on this fun website; disneyfamilyfun.com . Personally I think my cake turned out better! What do you think?

MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Theirs...........

I think mine is a bit more realistic.

The Process

The whole process took me hours and hours...I am talking like 5 or more hours but it was alot of fun.

First you bake 2 round cakes and frost them. Then you make up a batch of yummy rice crispy treats

and press them in a round cake pan. This is supposed to be the hamburger patty. I was so proud how realistic it looked I had to take a picture of it!

I used food coloring to color the fondant and rolled it out with a rolling pin. The tomatoes were fun to make but the lettuce was really hard. Your supposed to crinkle it to make it look like real lettuce! Not easy!

After hours and hours of work I got 2 thumbs up from Sami who said it looked awesome but

couldn't be convinced to help me clean up..........

my DESTROYED kitchen so I freaked her out with my super scary (and messy) hands!

In the end I had one extremely happy husband who said it was the best birthday present he had ever recieved, and a cake that never got eaten because nobody wanted to mess it up!

2009-11-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

Something that made me happy today,was my shitzu Molly jumping up on the coach behind me, putting her paw on my shoulder and wagging her tail at me, then nibbling my earlobe just to say hello and I really love you!!

Daddy's little girl.....

2009-08-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

So now that summer is officially over in 2 days, (well according to the school year anyway) I wanted to share 2 of my favorite pictures from this summer. I love these pictures. These two pictures started off our crazy but very fun summer. As I get caught up on my blogging you'll see what i mean! This summer was so full of fun it left no time for anything else! So for those of you who have been hounding me to update; here you go! I know you will enjoy these! I love them.
This is my one of my brothers Geoff. He is a very nice guy and you are never bored when he is around. Always makes me laugh and he loves Sami to death. My favorite memory of him (so far!) and Sami is when he and Sami and my mom and i were in the car. Geoff was driving and Sami was sitting in the backseat behind him. Geoff starting screaming! Sami was probably only 6 or 7 at the time so of course she would imitate him. Which is what I am sure he wanted. They would take turns screaming at the top of their lungs. It was great fun and it bonded them together more that day! Back to the picture...... This is Geoff and his daughter Katie on the day of her baptism in June. She is so cute. She is daddy's little girl. This was the first time Geoff has baptised one of his kids and so it was a very special day for him and for Katie. We all felt like we needed to be there to support them both. It was a great day.

This second picture you can really see Geoffs personality and how much he loves Katie. He is so much fun and when ever I think about him it brings a smile to my face.

Sami

2009-05-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Shawn and I took the girls down the Meadow Dale Beach Trail. We had so much fun! The crows had fun with the girls bags of chocolate! Shawn took Molly for a swim in the water! We played horse shoes. (Which I won!) It was a lovely day and the weather was perfect. I took so many pictures that It will be a couple of days before I can go through all of them. For now I wanted to share one of my favorites. It is of Sami. She is getting so tall and beautiful. She is becoming a young lady and I am proud to call her my daughter. She is beautiful inside and out. I bought a new camera a couple of weeks ago. It was definitely a want and not a need but I have been waiting and waiting for just the right one and I am happy with the one I chose. Especially when pictures turn out this great! Memories are priceless.

2009-05-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

I just had an awesome afternoon. Normally on Thursdays I would be at work but Sami had a Choir field trip to the Harbour Point Retirement Home. Her Music teacher Mrs. Wagner needed some parents to come and help keep track of all the kids. My friend Sharri (Christabellas mom!)and I rode together. We thought the girls would not like us hanging around them and their friends. They didn't seem to mind. The choir sang a bunch of songs in the dinning room of the retirement home. They sounded so nice. One song was about Elvis! Sami's friend Liam is one of only 3 boys in the choir and he wore this really loud shirt with flames. During the song the choir shouts "Play that thing!" over and over and Liam dances around the room pretending to play his guitar. The audience loved this part! After they were finished singing Mrs Wagner wanted to reward them for giving up all their lunch recess time all year for choir so she had the bus driver take them to the new park they just opened up near Paine Field. I'm not sure what it is called. Sami and her group of friends spotted a spaceship and had their picnic under it. Sharri said it was her mother ship come to take her home! The kids thought that was funny and started calling it that! Today was a pretty day to have a picnic. I was sad when it was time to pack up and go home. Here are some pictures I took. I especially like the one of the mother ship!

Sami and Christabella with their music/choir

teacher Mrs. Wagner.

Sami and Christabella. Two peas in a pod! They look so pretty.

Inside the retirement home. This picture doesn't do the room
justice. This room is gorgeous.

We were following the bus to the park and
girls spotted us through the back of the bus!

The Mother Ship! (Jordan, Christabella, Victoria,

Liam, Sami, Alexis, Rosana, and Elise)

They are posing for Sharri. They think they are cool 5th graders!

From left to right:Victoria,Christabella,Jordan,Sami,Alexis,Liam

Elise,Lyssa, & Rosanna.
The park has this cool teeter totter that bends up and down!
I think the kids liked it!

Sami and her friend Rosanna

The Picnic Point Choir May 21, 2009--Harbour Point Retirement Home/Paine Field Park Picnic

Lollypops and Dum Dums!

2009-05-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to the coolest dog in the world Lollypop! AKA "Molly" She loves to ride with us to pick up Shawn from work. Then she hangs out the window and waits for him to come outside! It is pretty funny to watch. She has Shawn wrapped around her tiny finger. Or paw in this case! Shawn swears that he doesn't like dogs but I heard him say just today, "I have never loved any dog more than I do this dog." We were bored waiting for him (cause he never comes out when he says he's going to!) so Sami decided to let Lollypop eat her Dum Dum sucker I picked up for her at the bank. Lolly loves Dum Dum suckers! She kept kissing Sami's nose! She smelt like cotton candy for hours after. A step up from doggie breath I guess!

I love this picture!

Shawn, Lollypops, & Sami

May 14, 2009

Brackett's Landing

2009-05-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday were all a little grumpy so after Sami's volleyball game we decided to go to the beach. I grumbled all the way there. I wanted to go home and get Molly our shit-zu. She loves to be outside. Shawn didn't want to drive all the way home just to pick up Molly and didn't. I was so mad! I knew after we got to the beach I wouldn't care so much but that didn't stop me from grumbling. I wish now I would have listened to myself because we had so much fun. I can't believe my bad attitude almost cost us a great afternoon out together. It makes me sad when I think about the lovely afternoons that have been waisted before now. Note to self: Lighten up a little! If Shawn reads this I think he might faint to see me say this. Hopefully next time I will learn to be happy with being spontaneous. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day...

The first two are of course of Sami! I especially love the first one. She is so cute! She is holding a dead crab and is fascinated by it. She suggested that we should give the crab a proper burial so they burried Mr. Crab and hand made him his own grave marker!

We came across this mermaid sand sculpture! When I first walked up to it it kinda freaked me out. It looked so real I had to take a picture. Sami thought it was "cool but scary!" Doesn't it look like there is a real person underneath? I hope not! If there was they were washed away when the tide came in!

Shawn and Sami are excavating a tunnel. I love this picture because their faces show how much fun the are having together. It was a lot of fun and nice to see them both so happy.

On the way out of the park I told Shawn I wished he would steal the camera from me once in awhile and take a picture of Sami and I. I have all the cute pictures of the two of them and hardly any of me with Sami. No fair!! I was there too.

He took the first one and then told us to make crazy faces! I like to scrapbook (when I have time) and was already composing a layout in my mind and made Sami and Shawn pose for 2 more pictures. I think they turned out nice. Sami was so funny! She makes me laugh all the time! The pose for their crazy picture was her idea. "Deep Thoughts" by Shawn and Sami!

BRACKETT'S LANDING PARK EDMONDS, WA 09 MAY 2009

"George Brackett founded Edmonds in 1876 and established the first sawmill here in 1899. Logging and shingling were at the centerof Edmonds' economy. At one time fourteen mills lined the shoreline from Brackett's Landing to Olympic Beach. The last mill in Edmonds closed in 1951.

This site was purchased in 1963 and named in honor of George Brackett. The jetty was constructed in 1989; in 1993 upland improvements were completed.

In 1970 the city created the adjoining Underwater Park; a 27 acre marine preserve and sanctuary. It was one of the first underwater parks on the West Coast. The site includes tide and bottom lands developed with features and trails for scuba divers. Collecting marine life, fishing, or using motorized boats is prohibited."

Can't wait for next Saturday to come. What fun adventure will it bring?

2009-05-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

Sami has been really sick for the last couple of days. We took her temperature last night and it was 103.5. That was kinda scary. We bought 2 separate thermometers and both of them broke. Next time we buy one it will be me that goes in the store and picks it out! Poor Shawn had to make 3 emergency runs to the store for medication for Sami! The first run Sami asked for a Giant sized Peanut Butter cookie! We said yes to the cookie because she hasn't been eating for the last week. Shawn forgot the cookie so we just went home because Sami was miserable and wanted to sleep. Soon after we arrived home Shawn decided Sami needed some juice. So off to the store to get some juice! He came home with a giant peanut butter cookie but when he opened the new medicine the seal had been broken! So off to the store for the 3rd time! Such a good sport. When he came home he brought these for Sami, So sweet it made her smile!!!!

My digital camera is dead right now so all I had to take this picture was my cell phone. I think it turned out pretty good. I wanted to get a picture for Sami before they die. Can anyone see the hidden object in the picture!!!???? I didn't see it until I downloaded the picture!

Tid Bits of This and That

2009-05-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, this no TV thing is really hard to get used to but we are surviving! Shawn has been good about it. . I haven't heard to much complaining! On the upside my laundry room has been cleaned out. No more Rubbermaid buckets to run into or card tables falling with a big boom every time you shut the door. I can actually open the door and walk in! Maybe now all the laundry will be washed and dried and put away. Maybe but I doubt it!! The best part of not having the t.v. blare constantly is how quiet the house is all the time. I have read 3 books and counting since the change. I wish Sami enjoyed to read.

I was happy to hear for the first time in awhile the sounds of Sami's cello coming from her bedroom. She could be a great cellist someday. She has decided next fall she is going to try the Flute or Clarinet. There has also been talk of the Saxophone. Secretly I hope she picks the Flute! She loves the Cello but I think the decision has come from her being sick of carrying it around!

In July we are going to Utah!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait. Stadium of Fire here we come. I remember going as a kid. My Aunt and Uncle took us. It was so much fun. I have always wanted to take Sami. I am happy this year I get to. I will be sure to take earplugs when they announce "The Jonas Brothers"! We have extra tickets and I asked my brothers if they wanted them and they laughed and said they aren't going anywhere near that place. I wonder why! Party Poopers! Sami's best friend Christabella will be in Utah with us. She is very excited to finally show her all the places she has told her about. The list is long! I can't wait to take a million pictures. Hurry up July and get here; You are coming to slow!!!!!

What's a "Book"?

2009-04-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

In an effort to reconnect as a family we have instated this ban.................

This was easier to instate than I thought it would be! There were no tears, no arguments, no pouty faces until I suggested more time for some of these..................

I am the only one in the house who enjoys reading. It is so relaxing. I tell Sami it's just like watching t.v. only the images you make up in your head.

We have also decided to start having family game night. We all love to play board games. A couple of nights ago Sami's best friend slept over and the 4 of us played Uno. It was so much fun. The 2 girls and I ganged up on Shawn and he never won a single hand! Poor Shawn is always so outnumbered! He is a good sport.

We bought a very inexpensive temporary kitchen table until after summer vacation when we can afford a nicer one. Last night was the first night the 3 of us had sat down at our own dinner table since Sami was born. It was nice to have an actual conversation over dinner with my family instead of with the television.

I am looking forward to spending real quality time with my family. And also of kicking Shawn's but at uno again on game night!

They grow up to fast.........

2009-02-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Exactly one year ago I took this picture of Sami and her best friend Christabella selling Girl Scout cookies.

And today I took this picture of the two girls.........

I can't believe how much of a difference one year makes. They are becoming young ladies and have broken out of that little girl stage. It makes me happy but also a little sad. Sometimes I wish I can put little moments in her life in a bottle and fasten the lid down tight so they can't slip out. Before I know it, it will be time to tell her goodbye. So for now she has to deal with me taking lots of pictures. Keepsakes that I can hold and look at when the time comes for us to let her venture out on her own. Unless she forbids me to take anymore!

Hot dogs arent just for baseball games....

2009-01-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

You know that saying "The 3rd Times The Charm"? It is used for many various situations. I used it while in a Wienersnitzle restaurant while visiting Utah. One of my sisters favorite places to eat! When we lived in Utah there was only one in the area. Every time she'd come to visit there was always a trip scheduled to visit this blessed Hot Dog Heaven!!!! I must confess it is one of my favorite places also. When we first moved to Washington I was sad because there would be no more chili dogs. Imagine my excitement while exploring with my mom one afternoon & we came to the most beautiful red and yellow building you'd ever see! I was like a little kid jumping up and down in my seat! Of course we had to pull over and sample some of the yummy cheesy goodness (but very bad for you and only a once in awhile treat!) stored inside. Back to the reason for this post! While filling ourselves with chilidogs; (You did not want to be in the car with my child afterwards! Oh wait I wasn't! Sorry Uncle Scott!!!! All the way to Temple Square!) I asked the 3 girls to make a silly face while I took a picture this is what happened......

They looked so funny that Shelley and I were laughing I and couldn't hold the camera still. The first picture came out blurry. But then on the 2nd picture......

my 2 nieces Michelle and Donavan were laughing so hard at each others faces that they couldn't stop!

Finally on the 3rd try I managed to hurry and snap a clear picture!

SLEEPY HEADS!!!!!

2009-01-03T13:30:00.001-08:00

Traveling makes you sleepy. Especially if you travel in the worst possible way. Driving. I absolutely hate to drive when we are traveling. I would much rather fly and get there faster but someone is afraid of flying! Not me. I love to fly. My favorite part of flying is the take off. For most people that is the scariest part. Because my other half will not step foot on an airplane I am doomed to a life of endless roads and barren hills seen from the inside of a cramped rental car. (Hey at least it isn't the "Black Bomb"! awhh the "Black Bomb has thankfully gone on to another world apart from ours. But that in itself is another story for another time!) Though I hate to drive to our destinations I love the time I get to spend with my family. It is impossible for me to sleep in the car. I try every time we take a trip. Others passengers don't seem to have the same problem I have..............!

Pretty funny I know. My favorite part of this photo is the person sitting in the middle! This kid can sleep anywhere! She slept pretty much all the way to Utah in December and all the way home. Check out her expression and the hoodie over half of her face! Her cousin Donavan sitting next to her was probably thinking "Well if she is going to sleep the whole way and not talk to me I might as well sleep too!"

Half way to Utah I was really getting bored so I took out a notebook and started writing a story. I wrote a couple of sentences and passed it to Sami. She'd add a little and pass it on to Donavan and then my sister Shelley. Shelley's parts were always funny and it was hard adding to the story after she had her turn! It was a silly story all about the girls and our dog kia. Some day I will type it up and add some drawings of kia and the kids and have it bound for them to keep. It was fun doing this until the girls became bored and found other means of entertainment!

Those are Jolly Ranchers in their mouths! Who knew Jolly Ranchers could be so much fun until................

They get sleepy and fall asleep again! The Hoodie Gangsters aren't so tuff when they are asleep are they!?!

Especially not when you wake up and mom pulls your hoodie strings so hard you loose all but your eyes and half your nose!

Even though I can't sleep in the car and I hate to drive while traveling I wouldn't trade it for flying and miss out on all the fun we have and crazy things we do along the way.

Nail Art

2008-12-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

For Christmas we bought Sami this Nail Art book. She loves it. It's pretty cool and it comes with its own polish. The polish is not high quality and peels off right away. Next time we will have real nail polish to use!

There are so many choices in this book that Sami had a hard time deciding which one she was going to use. She couldn't make up her mind and kept going back and forth. Finally I told her she should do the snowmen like I was. By the time she made up her mind I was almost done!

She had to help me paint my left hand! I don't like painting my nails so I am not very good at it!

The finished product! I think we did a good job. It was really nice spending time with Sami. It seems life gets so busy we forget to take out time to just sit and talk and have some silly fun! If we hadn't this time we would not have realized we have the same fingers! Love ya Sam!

Christmas and the 4 legged Crew

2008-12-29T22:12:00.000-08:00

I know it isn't Christmas any more but the Happy New Year still applies so Happy New Year from the Wendts and their 4 legged crew!

I wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year!

snowball express!!!!

2008-12-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

I know my last post was a while ago and also about my dogs but today it snowed and was to icy to make it to church so I decided to take the dogs for a short walk. Today was Molly's first experience in the snow and she loved it! She kept eating it and acquired a few snowballs on her legs! She was like a kid in a candy store jumping up and down tail wagging! I hope it snows again tomorrow. So does Sami. She is stuck at her friends house and has already been sledding! I think she is hoping there will be no school tomorrow. I wish I could take Molly sledding! Maybe tomorrow!!!!!!!

Poor baby needs a haircut!

Thanksgiving Entertainment...or Pure Boredom?

2008-11-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to be so relaxed during a holiday that you are bored? Normally I would answer no to this question but for Shawn, Sami and I it was possible! It was possible to watch to many movies and read our books to much and play on the computer to much; so much to the dogs disadvantage they became our source of free entertainment! Having pets is so much fun! By the way Sami takes full responsibility for this idea...........I wish I had thought of it!

Sami, Molly, Kia, and Moose!

They are such good sports!

Introducing Granny Goose! Yes this really happened right before I took the picture!

Molly is the coolest dog ever! She's like "eehhh what ever mom..."

Mom I think you'll like this picture!

The M & M twins!

2008-11-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Whimsy at the creamery a little more than a few days ago! I am supposed to list 7 random things about myself. A friend recently told me I needed to take more time for myself and I think this might be her way of getting me to do this! So here it goes.....

1.I can't stand clutter. It drives me insane! I feel like screaming! Especially when the house is messy and I need to clean but my kitchen is a disaster. I don't know why but if my kitchen is a mess I can't make myself clean up the rest of the house until it is clean. I feel overwhelmed and end up just sitting there doing nothing. Eventually I convince myself I am going to do the dishes and I gain momentum for the rest of the house!

2.I am not your typical house wife! My poor husband can attest to this. I hate to cook but enjoy an occasional bake fest. Now instead of seriously asking what's for dinner, my husband will ask what I am going to make for dinner and laugh. I am glad he is so good natured about it! I always said I was going to marry a chef! (He really isn't a chef but he is a dang good cook!)

3.Ok this one is a strange one.......I have naturally curly hair. Most of you know this but what you don't know is that the older I get the curlier my hair gets! Even some white hair that is trying to sneak its way in there is curly.

4.I love to read. I always have. I especially enjoy biographies from the 1500, 1600's. Reading is very relaxing. I have read so many books. When I was little and my brother and I were in trouble and grounded to our rooms we would throw our books back and forth between each others room to read. We weren't allowed to talk and our rooms were directly across from one another. I had more books than he did so he was always asking for another one! He must have read my Little House on The Prairie series 5 or 6 times! He'll probably kill me when he reads this! Sorry Geoff but those were the funnest days even though we were in trouble alot!

5.I love to ski. I was introduced to it in junior high. I haven't been able to ski since then and every year I tell husband I want a pair of ski's but he's not listening! Men what are we going to do with them!?!

6.I love snow. I love the snowball fights we used to get into when we were little. I miss tiny snowballs being stuck to the dogs legs and feet and then laughing at the hysterically funny way they walked into the house! I miss trudging up the street to our elementary school hearing the snow crunch under my feet. And I treasure the memories of us sledding down the hills at Sharon Park.

7.My favorite place to be is in the Canyon. It is very peaceful. I love the sights, smells, and sounds. There is a special place called Little Mill Camp Ground. It is in American Fork Canyon in Utah. As a kid every summer was spent there. I remember it taking forever to get everything ready to go. It has a huge rock we named "The sliding Rock" The surface is bumpy yet smooth!. We used to take our old rugs and climb to the top and slide down. Oh Geoff you went through so many pairs of pants! It hurts your bum so bad but the fun out weighs the pain! We have been able to take our kids there once or twice and I am hoping there will be more to come!

So that's a little about me! Now I am supposed to tag 7 other people! So you 7 don't forget to comment on the blogs of those you tag!

Shelley (I know you are busy!)
Jessica
Jeanne
Shawn
Missy
Gary
Keri

Glass Art

2008-11-08T00:40:00.000-08:00

Recently a very nice friend invited me to go to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. We had not been there before. It was so much fun. Sami missed basketball practice to go with us. Would you believe she told us she'd rather be there at the museum instead of at practice? I nearly fainted! For those of you who know Sami you know basketball is her favorite thing in this world. If you haven't been there I recommend you go. Here are some pictures......Angela I hope you don't mind that I posted a picture of the Wes Man! He enjoyed all the different colors around the gallery.

Angela you are so much fun!

The Wes Man! I love his beautiful blue eyes!

Every few weeks the museum has special artists come and work in the "Hot Shop". On the day we went to the museum the artist Birtil Vallien from Sweden was visiting. Birtil Vallien has been the worlds leading glass art artist since the 1960's and also the first artist to apply sandcasting to glass. He is known for his glass boats that are displayed in many museums in the U.S. Japan and Europe.

We watched as they poured the melted glass into a mold that would later become one of his famous Janus Head Sculptures. I could have sat in there all day and not gotten bored!

This is the inside of the Hot Shop. I love the architecture.

This is the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. It's connected to the museum. It is a 500 ft. long pedestrian bridge that links the museum to downtown Tacoma. The artist Chihuly headed the design and construction of the bridge. It holds many glass sculptures he has created. It was the coolest thing I have ever seen! Sami's eyes got so big when she saw the sculptures! The one she is looking at in this picture was one of her favorite.

I like these sculptures because they look like giant rocks!

The person standing in the middle of them isn't so bad either!

The glass is so beautiful.

Is her name "Sami" or Chatty Cathy"?

2008-11-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

We had a parent teacher conference with Sami's teacher last Friday. She said the kids gravitate toward Sami. Her teacher also told us she was going to move the student’s desks around again. Again is an understatement! I told her Sami keeps coming home and telling us she got moved again. I ask her if she was talking too much. She always tells us not that much! Yeah right! Teacher says she is chatty! She says everywhere she moves Sami there are friends at the new table! I think she is getting frustrated and she doesn't know where to put Sami so no one will talk to her! Sami says sometimes she tries to ignore them but they keep talking to her and she gets in trouble! Where does she get this from!?! I am not a talker. Shawn isn't either! It made me laugh. I was also relieved. I have been worried she was spending time at school with only her best friend and not socializing with others. Boy was I wrong!

That is my funny story for the week! How about you?

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Shawn and I didn't do much for Halloween because Sami wasn't home! I swear when she is a teenager we may never see her! As long as she is having fun I don't mind. Here are some belated Halloween pictures. I didn't get as many as I usually do. A couple of them Sami took herself at her best friends birthday/Halloween party.

We had a good time together picking out her costume. It will serve 2 purposes. For Halloween and later in the year at her schools Soc Hop! Last year at the Soc Hop she didn't dress up so when we found this costume she was really happy.

Having fun at the ward Halloween Party.

After she got home from the ward Halloween party she wanted to show me what she had in her bag. This is her trying to look scary!I love this picture. She is so funny! The spider looks real doesn't it?

Sami took these next pictures of her and her and two best friends being covered in their Halloween loot!

Alexis and Christabella

Alexis

Is it Big Foot? No .....It is Miss's Big Toe.......

2008-10-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

You know when your kids tell you things and they are completely serious while they are talking to you but over the course of the conversation you realize what you thought they were going to say was something totally different? Sami stayed home(well stayed at Grami's) from school today because she has been coughing alot the last couple of days. She called me to say good morning and this was the conversation we had over the phone.

Sami: "Mom there is something going on with my foot."

Mom: "What's wrong with it?"

Sami: "My second toe is bigger than my big toe."

Mom: "hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah"

Sami: "what does it mean?"

Mom: "I don't know what do you think it means?"

Sami: "I don't know... is there something wrong with me?"

Mom: "Maybe you are an alien! Hahahahhah"

Sami: "I am not an alien."

Sami: "Well.....dad did tell me I had a cone head when I was born....."

Mom: "Hahahhahahhahh! Can I call you Miss's Big Toe now?"

Sami: "Hahahhahahhahhh!"

Hidden Treasures

2008-10-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I had a bus trip scheduled to take my seniors to Costco. Normally I am supposed to cancel the trip if less than 5 people show up. This day only 4 came so I was very excited at the prospect of not having to go. I was so tired that day. Sometimes when I get that tired I don't want to drive them but in the end I can't bear to tell them no and always end up taking them anyway! On this day I am glad I did. Who knew a grocery store parking lot was so beautiful! Can you imagine what we miss when we don't slow down enough to see beyond the surface of things? It can be as simple as a kind word or even a smile! All those hidden treasures are out there waiting to be discovered. What hidden treasure have you found this week?

I thought this rock was so beautiful. I like the shape of it

If you walk just past the tree in the picture above you come to this hidden forest! . I was so excited when I found it. A perfect place to sit and read my book.

The only problem was I was reading the end of "New Moon" and it was scary sitting

there by myself! I had to get up after a while and sit out under the trees by my bus!
Next time I won't take a suspenseful book to read and it will be more relaxing

The trail is not very long. It just goes up the side of Costco and it's parking lot.

This part was so pretty and untouched that I did not go past and disturb it.

Working Late, Or Are We?

2008-10-19T09:48:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we had planned to visit a beach but a certain someone fell asleep again! (You know who you are!) So instead we made a late night trip to Shawn's office. We had a good time. I am happy now for the change of plans. Although is was kind of scary being the only ones there in the dark. Shawn wanted to see what I would look like wearing his hard hat so he took ( yes he actually took a picture of me!!!) this picture of Sami and I messing around with his plans! I love this picture! We had so much fun. Who knew a boring office could be so much fun! (I only say it is boring because I don't understand a lot of it!) Check out Sami's expression!!!

Shawn's reflective vest really works!!!

I love how her eyes sparkle in this picture. You can tell she is having a good time.
I took this picture because Sami's hair is all outa whack! She is really happy. Really! She would someday like to become an actess!

Maybe Shawn wants to become an actor too!

Ice Cream Anyone?

2008-10-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO GO IS BASKIN ROBBINS. MAYBE SIMPLY FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS. AS A CHILD DAD WOULD TAKE ME TO BASKIN ROBBINS WHEN EVER I ASKED HIM TO. HE HAD SUCH A SWEET TOOTH! MY BROTHER GEOFF AND I WOULD ORDER BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR SO WE COULD CHEW THE GUM. THEN I DISCOVERED CHOCOLATE CHIP. I MEAN REALLY IS THERE ANY OTHER FLAVOR!?! YESTERDAY I MADE A RUN WITH THE SENIORS TO BASKIN ROBBINS AND AS I WAS SITTING THERE I REALIZED ONCE I MADE THE SWITCH TO CHOCOLATE CHIP I HAVE NEVER TRIED ANYTHING ELSE. EVERYTIME I GO IT IS ALWAYS CHOCOLATE CHIP.MMMMMM YUMMY! AS I WAS ENJOYING MY ICECREAM I WAS SECRETLY SNAPPING PHOTOS OF MY SENIORS! THESE TWO IN PARTICULAR ALWAYS MAKE ME LAUGH. ON THURSDAYS I TAKE THEM TO SAFEWAY AND QFC TO DO THEIR SHOPPING. THE ROUTE WE TAKE HOME DRIVES RIGHT PASSED BASKIN ROBBINS. EVERY TIME WE GET NEAR JEAN ASKS ME WHEN WE WILL GO. WHILE I WAS DRIVING I COULD HEAR THE GROCERY BAGS IN THE BACK OF THE BUS MOVING AROUND. AS I TURNED THE CORNER IN FRONT OF BASKIN ROBBINS JEANS ICE CREAM SHE HAD JUST BOUGHT AT SAFEWAY CAME ROLLING DOWN THE ISLE AND LANDED BY MY FEET. I TOLD HER "IT'S OK JEAN, I'LL GET YOU TO BASKIN ROBBINS AS FAST AS I CAN!" OK SO MOST SENIOR CITIZENS ARE SLOW AND FEEBLE IF THEY REACH THE AGE JEAN IS BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN HOW SHE INHALED HER ICECREAM!!! I THINK SHE SET A NEW WORLD RECORD! I WAS SITTING FOR 2-3 MINUTES BEFORE SHE CAME TO THE TABLE AND SHE FINISHED A GOOD 10 MINUTES BEFORE I DID! ANYWAY I LOVE MY SENIORS!!! HERE ARE A COUPLE OF SECRET PICTURES OF THEM.JEAN AND EDDIE LOOK HOW EXCITED SHE IS TO GET TO THE TABLE!
SERIOUSLY, INHALED IT!!!! SHE IS SO FUNNY....

THEY ARE ALWAYS SO GRATEFUL EVERYTIME I TAKE THEM. THEY OFTEN REMIND ME OF THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THEM AND THE RELATIONSHIPS I HAVE FORMED.

DOWN ON THE FARM

2008-10-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

LAST NIGHT WAS GIRL SCOUT NIGHT AT THE FARM. SHAWN DIDN'T REALLY WANT TO GO BUT I DRUG HIM THERE ANYWAY! LOOKS LIKE HE ENDED UP HAVING FUN TO ME. THIS IS MY FAVORITE PICTURE (EXCEPT FOR THE ONE OF SAMI ON THE BOUNCING BRIDGE FARTHER DOWN) AFTER SEEING SHAWN DO THIS OTHERS THAT WERE VISITING THE FARM STARTED MAKING UP THEIR OWN CRAZY SHOTS! I LOVE IT WHEN SHAWN COMES WITH US. HE ALWAYS MAKES IT FUN FOR THE KIDS. I AM JUST THE PHOTOGRAPHER! WHEN WE ARRIVED WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE LOADED ONTO THE WAGON BUT THERE WERE SO MANY PEOPLE WE HAD TO WAIT FOR AN HOUR. LUCKILY A CADET TROOP WAS ALSO THERE AND THEY KEPT THE YOUNGER GIRLS BUSY WITH DIFFERENT GAMES AND SONGS. EVERY GIRL HAD COOKIES AND HOT CIDAR AND Got A CORN MAZE PATCH FOR THEIR VESTS.

AS ALWAYS THE INSEPARABLE TWO WAITING FOR THE DUCK SHOW! TO BAD WE DIDN'T GET TO SEE IT. IT SOUNDS VERY INTERESTING!

SHAWN SCARED THE GIRLS LOOKING THROUGH THIS WINDOW. HE KEPT SWINGING HIS EYES BACK AND FORTH. IT WAS A LITTLE FREAKY!

AAHHHH SHE'S SO CUUUUTE!!!!!

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PICTURES I TOOK ALL NIGHT! SHE IS HAVING SO MUCH FUN.

THEY AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE ON THIS TRACTOR BUT AS THE TWO DADS SAID WHAT'S THE WORSE THEY ARE GOING TO DO? KICK US OUT! WE ARE DONE ANYWAY. BUT..... WHEN SHAWN GOT THE BIG IDEA TO GET ON FARMER PETES TRACTOR CHRISTABELLA'S DAD SAID "I'M OUTTA HERE!" SUCH A CHICKEN!!! SHAWN IS ONLY HALF A CHICKEN BECAUSE ALTHOUGH HE WASN'T BRAVE ENOUGH TO SIT ALL THE WAY DOWN HE'S AT LEASED STANDING ON IT!

I DESPERATELY TRIED TO GET A CUTE PICTURE OF JUST SAMI AND CHRISTABELLA ALONE IN THE CORN MAZE BUT THERE ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE OTHER CHILDREN. OR A GOOFY HUSBAND! IT WAS VERY FRUSTRATING. I LIKE TO TAKE AT LEAST JUST ONE OF THE TWO OF THEM AT EVERY ACTIVITY SO LATER ON WHEN THEY ARE OLDER THEY CAN LOOK BACK AND REMEMBER WHAT FUN THEY HAD TOGETHER. I FINALLY GAVE UP AND DECIDED THE PICTURES WOULD TURN OUT ANYWAY.

THE GIRLS GOT A MAP BUT HAD A HARD TIME DECIDING WHAT DIRECTION THEY WANTED TO GO. SHAWN TRIED TO HELP THEM BUT THEY WERE ALL RUNNING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. HE FINALY TOOK OVER FOR AWHILE UNTIL THEY COULD AGREE ON WHERE THEY WANTED TO GO. EVENTUALLY THEY MADE IT TO THE SPACE NEEDLE AND SOME FORT. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IT.

WE FOUND THIS DOG WANDERING AROUND THE FARM. WE WERE TOLD IT LIVES

THERE. THE GIRLS WERE NOT CONVINCED . THEY WERE SO WORRIED ABOUT THAT DOG. IT WAS SO EMACIATED YOU COULD SEE EACH RIB ON ITS RIBCAGE. LOOK AT THE SAD FACE. LUCKILY ON OUR WAY BACK TO THE PARKING LOT WE SAW IT EATING.

"STOP IT'S THE LAW!"

2008-10-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

AT SCHOOL SAMI IS INVOLVED WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES IT MAKES MY HEAD SPIN! ONE IN PARTICULAR IS SAFETY PATROL. SHE LOVES TO DO THIS BECAUSE IT MAKES HER FEEL GROWN UP AND RESPONSIBLE. (AND THE PROMISE OF A COOL END OF THE YEAR FIELD TRIP AND HAVING BEST FRIEND CHRISTABELLA BE YOUR PARTNER HELPS!) I HAVE TO ADMIT IT FREAKS ME OUT WHEN I THINK ABOUT ALL THOSE CRAZY DRIVERS NOT PAYING ATTENTION. THIS FIRST PICTURE IS MY FAVORITE. I ONLY HAD MY CELL PHONE WITH ME WHEN I TOOK THESE SO SOME OF THEM ARE HARD TO SEE.

"Who Wants Dinner?"

2008-10-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have a little baby running around my dog Molly often fills this role! I have come to the conclusion that dogs will never cease begging. It is in their nature. They are wild at heart and no matter how hard you try they will never stop. So I have decided to embrace this by having a little fun with it! My babies favourite food is anything that contains cheese! Her favorite question I ask her......."Who wants dinner?" It is very entertaining! I always get a positive response and no matter what I offer it is always licked clean off the plate! (Or in this case the magic blue bowls saved for just this occasion! You should see the excitement when they come out of the cupboard!) Don't worry.....This is not an everyday occasion! I don't want my baby to be sick!

Poor Margaret Tudor

2008-10-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

I just finished my Fourth book about the reign of Henry the VIII. After reading this last book I have decided how fortunate I am to be able to live in this present period of time. I feel sad when I think about the life of Henry the VIII sister, Margaret Tudor. She would later become Queen of Scotland at the age of 13. She'd eventually fall in love with the man and king James IV. But when she is said to have had a vision of her husbands death brought on by her brothers (Henry the VIII) armies her life would never be the same. She begged James to let his army advance without him; but he wouldn't listen and never returned to Scotland. Margaret was now a widow with an infant son. She secrectly married another man who later robbed her of her rents and openly cheated on her with other women using her money to support his illegitimate children. She would also have her children kidnapped. Near the end of her life she did find some happiness in her grandchildren but died a very poor former Queen of Scotland who desperately wanted to return to her home land of England. I am thankful for the gift of agency.

The Cyclops Brigade!!

2008-10-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Our dog Molly is obsessed with ripping off just 1 eye on her toys. At first we thought she is just being a puppy. All puppies chew like this. But then I started noticing a pattern thus giving us the Cyclops Brigade! We have decided this habit is psychological and she really hates those beady eyes staring at her! So to harass her we hold her said toys so the remaining eye sticks out and we say "Hello Molly" in different voices. Oh it drives her crazy! But it is so much fun! Some other unfortunate friends. Poor Scooby!
Todays victim: Duckie!

"To The Beach!!"

2008-10-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places to go is Picnic Point BeachBut sometimes the water is so dang cold!Shawn's favorite activity is to take Molly swimming!I think if Molly could speak Human she'd say "Save me MaMa!""Quick phone the hair dresser!!!!!"
"ahhhhhhhh. That's better! "

"Hey Kia, Is there something stuck to my face?"
"Golly Molly, I don't know. Is there something stuck to my face?"

My florist

2008-09-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

We have a fun jar that Sami picks special activities out of when we extra time on our hands. (Sometimes I hide activities from her girl scout book! shhhhh!) I think she caught on to this activity because she complained and said she would rather do something else but once we got to Stadium Flowers in Lynnwood she discovered a hidden talent! The lady helping us was so nice and patient with Sami. She gave us a discount and told Sami when she was old enough she could come and work for her!

The finished product!!! Sami was so proud of herself.

Harlem Globe Trotters

2008-09-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

In Feb. 2008 Sami introduced her best friend Christabella to Girls Scouts by inviting her to see the Harlem Globe Trotters at the Everett Events Center. They sang karaoke and recieved the most applause! Shawn was really nice and spent a small fortune on a Basketball Sami had autographed by all the players! We all had a great time. And the cotton candy wasn't bad either!!
They are so brave. I could never do something like this! Together they are fearless!

This is Scooter; the girls favorite player! They had a 10 minute time limit for autographs that was up before the girls got to him but he was great and autographed for them anyways.

Is there something on my face!?!

Party Diva!!!

2008-09-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Since I just started my blog I want to share some of our older pictures.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Pot Roast

2008-09-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was one of my many bus runs with the senior citizens. It was Safeway and QFC day. But I could of sworn it was national Pot Roast Day!!! Every thursday I load up my passengers and we go shopping. After about an hour or so I pull around our tin can and I load groceries into the back. If you could see this bus you would understand why I call it a tin can! It is worse than my "Black Bomb" as my brother refers to my car, or as my mom says; "The black hole!" (My car is a great source of family fun!) The first two ladies come and of course I help them and then we sit awhile to wait for the rest to mosy on out. The ladies start comparing what they had purchased. As is allways the order of events!

"I bought a post roast today. I just get so sick of chicken."

"Oh really?, I did to! I haven't had one for so long!" ( This lady mind you lives on t.v. dinners because she claims she would probably burn her apartment down if she tried to cook!)
Here comes the last 2 ladies. I help them load thier groceries and resume my seat as thier driver. As I listen I hear the last two ladies talking about pot roast. I turned around and asked them if they had all bought pot roast. They said yes and we all had a good laugh. It was one of the "you had to be there" moments to find it funny! Pot Roast anyone?

My Brother

2008-09-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

While I am sitting here wondering what I should do next to fill up my time; I am drawn into listening to the Dr.Phil Show. I don't watch this program but today I was to lazy to get up and turn off the t.v. The subject was finding long lost siblings or parents and the effects it has on your life after. It got me thinking about my siblings and parents. One question that has been on my mind: Why was I not told about my brother until my grandfather died? I feel robbed of my time with him and I wonder if he feels the same way. Why do we all waste so much time being idle and not enough time doing the things we are sent here to do? I am definately guilty of this as well. I only recently came in touch with this same brother for the first time in years after no fault on his part and now that I have I intend to keep it this way. How fast life slips by when we aren't paying attention! To my brother, I love you so much and I am sorry it took me so long to get my act together!

2008-09-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Shawn is allways joking

and trying to think up

ways for our dog Kia

to be taken away so I

made this picture just for

him on our cell phone!

I call it "Bye Bye Kia!"

2008-09-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

My Family!Sami, Shawn, and Heidi (Me!)My sister Shelley took us to

Snowqualmie Falls for Memorial Day

Weekend. Thanks Shelley!!!!

Shelley, Darrel,Danavan,&Sami

You can't see it in the picture

but they are getting soaked by

the waterfall!!!!!Sami and her cousin DonavanSami and Donavan are pretending

they are flying

Super woman!!"Me so strong!"I thought this rock was beautifulUncle Shawn and DarrelAfter we went to the Falls

we took the kids to my

favourite ice cream shop

Baskin Robins

Darrels icecream cone must have

been really good because he shared

some of it with his nose!

The Cutest Blog on the Block :: Free Backgrounds

2008-09-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

The Cutest Blog on the Block :: Free Backgrounds