Dear Santa,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Please don't put Thornley and Jack on the BB&G list (any questions - read Auntie Claus). And that's something that you'd probably want to tell your elves about that (Thornley thinks you'll laugh a ho-ho-ho here). Thornley wants a lego house and Jack wants a mega lightsaber and Jabba's Platform.
Enjoy your cookies!
Love,
Jack & Thornley
xoxoxo I love you Santa says Thornley

Jack thinks he can hear you in the distance, so it's time to go to bed!

Feeling a bit Grinch-like

Yep, still here - day who knows how many of snow and nastiness (and I'm not just talking about my mood) here in the Seattle area. I can't find the camera to take a picture, but there is still snow on the ground and still more snow falling from the sky.
I bought a cute dress a few weeks back with the intention of wearing it to the preschool Christmas program; program cancelled because of snow. No problem, I'll wear it to the Christmas Eve service at church, Christmas Eve service cancelled because of snow. I'll take a nap, cancelled because my husband woke me up to tell me there is no Christmas Eve service at church, and then I sat in the chair listening to the not so smart neighbor spinning his wheels (literally) trying to get his car unstuck from the felon's driveway.
HOPEFULLY, we can get out tomorrow to Mama and Papa Pearce's house for Christmas dinner. Otherwise, it's chicken nuggets and tater tots for Christmas dinner.
It's now time to defeat the basilisk in the chamber of secrets again, oh and take some Advil - backache due to shoveling the walk does not make my mood any merrier.
I know I should be happy for the snow, and my warm house, and that we haven't lost power, but I'm craving adult conversation and sights other than the inside of my house!
Bah-humbug (ok, that made me remember when I was in the Christmas play at church as a little girl - happy times)

Still Here

Day three of no school, and we're still here atop our hill. Adam is heading out, but I don't dare. I guess I will always be a California girl at heart and don't like driving in the snow and ice. It's not snowing today, but it's still cold. One bonus of the snow is, it does make our house look a lot prettier, so it photographs well!












So I'll try to finish our Christmas cards and perhaps get some gifts wrapped. We've been invited to a party tonight, I even have a babysitter lined up, but I think it'll be cancelled. And the boys - same stuff, different day!

Now THAT'S What I Call a Snow Day

There was no school yesterday because it had been reported that Blizzard 08 would arrive at any moment. How much snow we actually got yesterday, I have no idea, since it wasn't enough to stick, and it was in the 40's. This morning I looked at the window at 4:00, and again in the 5:00's (why am I having such a hard time sleeping?), to find there was no snow. At 6:30 Adam came in and announced that school had been cancelled again; now I was totally annoyed since the school year will go on forever because of these ridiculous snow days. Then I looked outside...

So I guess it's random dress-up and Wii day at our house.
I have more pictures to add, but I'm having a hard time! So, I'm off to address some more Christmas cards, wrap gifts, and make sure that the only people who get destroyed today are the Lego figures on the Wii.

The Grande Finale

It was with mixed emotions that I watched cute Jack Jack's Christmas program last night.
Part of me was just plain nervous because my class of 3 girls and 13 boys was going on after Jack's class, and who knows what is going to happen when you give 13 4 year old boys handbells!
Part of me was so proud of Jack because he's just so stinking cute I couldn't wait to see him up there on stage.
And the other part of me was sad, because this is it! The last Christmas program for my kids. Granted, I will still have programs with my class, but my cute kids won't be on stage anymore.
Jack did a great job; knew all the words, but didn't do the motions, and rang his bell like a pro.
My class did great too, for the most part, and I was super proud of them.
And this year Mrs Chrissi had a grande finale, where all the kids up on stage at the same time singing a song together. It really was sweet (even though Jack missed it because he was playing in the library, and that's all I'll say about that).
OK, here are some pictures for your viewing enjoyment...
Jack getting ready to walk down the aisle


Jack ringing his bell so fast his hand was a blur


And here is a picture of my class, a bit blurry...

The No Snow Snow Day

A HUGE storm has been forecast for our area, which means, of course there will be no snow. Everyone has been gearing up for this big storm; we've put plan B,C and D in place for preschool since it is Christmas program time. The gifts have gone home for both the kids and their parents, we are READY for this storm.
And yet, there is no snow. It was supposed to start early morning - 4:00 a.m.'ish; I woke up around then and looked, no snow. My alarm went off at 5:30, still no snow. Cori called at 6:30 to say school was cancelled just incase the predicted storm came to fruition. So here I sit at 8:00 a.m., when I would normally be at work getting ready for the day and stable building, and it still isn't snowing!
Adam is pointing out that it's a good thing they cancelled school because WHAT IF it started snowing? How would they get all those kids home? Thornley is THRILLED to have the day off school, not realizing that whatever days he misses now he'll make up this summer; the school year is already extended because of the teacher strike at the beginning of the year. And I'm thinking, will other people think it's weird to have a Christmas program after New Years?
Well, I guess I should appreciate my no snow snow day and get some more Christmas prep work done.

By jov, I think I've got it!

Yes! It came to me the other day - our family Christmas letter!! Just finished penning it, and it will hit the presses soon (ie - I'll go to church and copy it off - sshhhhhhh).
Oh, and we were at the Great Wolf Lodge this past weekend and took a somewhat decent family picture.
Yes, it's all coming together, and none too soon, I can't believe Christmas is here in just a bit over a week!
PS - it's currently snowing, AND sticking. Not a big deal, except Adam's car - you know the one, with 4 wheel drive...it's in the shop. hhhmmmmmmmm...

Do you think anyone would notice?

I am having a hard time with the whole Christmas card thing this year. The card, the letter, the whole bit. We took a picture when my parents were here over Thanksgiving and there was some camera (or perhaps user) error and the picture was deleted. So, we are without a recent family picture. And while I do have a good theme for my letter, it just isn't coming together like usual. What I'm wondering is, since not much has changed in the past year, do you think anyone would notice if I sent out the same picture and letter as last year? I did find some cute photo cards at Target, so that would be new. We have made a few new friends this year, so maybe we should just send cards to them; they'd never know, right?
I'm just feeling so uninspired! Bah humbug, I guess I'll go clean my bathroom (perhaps some inspiration with come then - or maybe not, that's kind of a gross thought).

Website Bio's

Adam likes to check out other church's websites, just to see what they look like, and they have going on. One thing I particularly like to look at is who is on staff and what they say in their bio's. What if you were looking at a church, and this is what the pastor's bio said...

My wife was smoking hot when we got married, but a few years and a few kids later now, not so much. We were so excited to have kids, until we actually did and now, while they are a blessing from God, they sure can drive me crazy! Oh, and I love to drink a beer or two in the evenings while watching mindless t.v.

Would you think, now there is an honest pastor, or I'm staying the heck away from that church!

Have you ever noticed how everyone's spouse is always awesome and their kids are the greatest things in the world?

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I do wonder those things from time to time.

Oops, I Did it Again!

Yes, me and Brittney, so much in common!
It's Christmas luncheon time at church again, and every year I say, I'm not going to do a table next year, but every year I do a table. This is my table this year...



I went for the red/gold action, quite a switch from my usual love of blue/silver mix.
It was fun; good food, fun people at my table, and now I must wash all my dishes and silver.

The Same, but Totally Different

So lately we have had some discussions about the cleanliness (or lack there of) of our house. My big frustration is that, truly, I clean and the next day it's dirty. I really do like a clean house, but sometimes I think it's an exercise in futility. So, I complain that I just vacuumed and the next day the house needs to be vacuumed again, which is frustrating - seriously, why must the dog shed so much? Adam's argument is that he too has to do the same things day in and day out, like studying and writing sermons. My only issue with this argument is that no one comes up to me and thanks me for my fabulous dusting job, and I highly doubt that people stop Adam in the halls and say how my clean toilet really spoke to them, and how he must be proud of the fact that our house always gives of a fresh clean scent.
Speaking of sparkling toilets - must go scrub mine!

The Aftermath

I truly don't think I've ever had so many dishes/stuff on my counters at one time. Holy smokes my kitchen was a mess after Thanksgiving 08.



It was a fun day. I got out of bed at 7:00 to start working with the turkey (meaning dinner, not my husband), got that in the oven, got the kitchen cleaned and ready to go, and our friends arrived at 1:30. It never ceases to amaze me how much time and effort goes into these meals and they're done in 20 minutes tops. But it was fun, and now 3 trash bags and 3 loads of dishes in the dishwasher later it's as if it never happened (except for the left-overs in the fridge).

And now the Christmas madness begins! Not hitting the mall too early tomorrow, but will be shopping since my mom wants to get the boys gifts while she is here, and I want to send some gifts back with her for my nieces & nephews. Oh and I came up with the theme for our Christmas letter this year - start checking your mailbox soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Big Night Tonight, Big Day Tomorrow!

Big stuff going on here at the Anderson house! We lead such exciting lives!

Not only is TONIGHT the Dancing with the Stars finale! But my mom will be here tomorrow night to watch the awarding of the mirror ball trophy with me! Only fitting, since my mom is the one who got me in to the show in the first place. You better believe I'm tuning in tonight AND voting on my phone and online. Go Lance Bass!!

And then, tomorrow, I'm getting my hair cut, and perhaps even a bit of a style. Haircuts are expensive here, so I get my hair cut like twice a year maybe, and frankly I'm a bit sick of it. Still will be long-ish, still curly, still able to pull up in a ponytail, but yes, perhaps a bit different than just hanging down all curly-like. The boys are getting cuts too; Thornley wants his spikey on top - I think he'll look cute that way!

OK - people are yelling, and I must vacuum because YAY my mom and dad arrive tomorrow morning!

My College Game Day

Beavers pulled it out in the final seconds! Dare we dream of the Rose Bowl for my Beavs?! I will be soooo glued in front of the tv next Sat for the Civil War, wearing my orange and black of course!
Cal won, also a good thing.
UW lost the "Crapple" Cup, I don't really care, but am hoping that the Bears don't take them too lightly next week and hand UW their ONLY win of the year.
College hoops will be on tv soon, now that the boys will actually sit and watch and let me explain the game to them, hopefully I can get caught up on a few of my favorite teams!
Now I must clean my kitchen that was neglected while I watched my game.

Busiest Shopping Day of the Year

While some people are anxiously awaiting Black Friday, and have had their shopping plans in place for weeks; this is not the shopping day I'm referring to. I must say, I am excited to see the promo flyers, because I do love a good sale, but I don't love large crowds, so I may forego the deals this year. No, no, I'm referring to hitting the grocery store for the food for Thanksgiving dinner. My parents are coming for the weekend, and I've invited some friends over who don't have family in the area, and as of right now, I have no idea what I'm going to feed them (well, turkey and potatoes will be involved I'm sure). I have been looking thru some magazines for yummy sounding recipes, but I'm not a very good cook, so while they sound delicious in Martha Stewart, they in all likelihood will not turn out delicious on my table.
So today, between going to see Bolt (the boys have been counting down for weeks now), taking Thornley to a birthday party, Thornley's Cub Scout visit to the fire station, and a Pampered Chef party tonight, I will have to find time to sit down, make a menu and generate a shopping list. Maybe if the food is good enough, they won't notice my messy house?

What Jack is Thankful For

Today was Jack's Thanksgiving Feast in class. It worked out great, while my class was at gym I was in Jack's class at his feast. His teacher, Andrea, always does an awesome job with the parent parties. Jack's class has been cooking and working on many Thanksgiving crafts (I may even copy one of them next year:)). True to form, the parents arrive, then the class comes in and sings a few songs - my all time fav the Mr Turkey and Mr Duck song; I look forward to it every year.




Then they go down the line and say what they're thankful for. Jack's list of things he's thankful for...God, and his grammy and papa. Now, I too, am thankful for grammy and papa - they're great, and the boys are so excited to see them this coming week, but HELLO! I didn't even make the list! Here is a picture of Jack and me at his feast (I guess since grammy and papa weren't there he could take a picture with me).

Imitation is the Sincerest form of Flattery

Apparently, I got in trouble the other day, funny thing is, no one actually talked to me about it, they talked to another teacher at the preschool. I guess I copied a craft another teacher uses, which I don't see as a big deal, especially since we don't have the same kids, but apparently I was wrong, and it is a big deal. So, I'm thinking, if you don't want me to do the same crafts as you photocopy your lesson plan book and give it to me at the beginning of the year, so I know what you're doing because when I pick my themes and plan my calendar, I just google my themes and pick and choose my crafts. I copy Andrea's crafts all the time, because they're awesome and she doesn't mind! I've got some sweet Christmas gifts going home this year thanks to Andrea's awesome craft ideas!
I have also copied Matt and given up on the facebook-ness of it all. I would update my facebook far more often than my blog, but one of the problems is my mom doesn't have facebook, but she does check my blog. So hopefully, not spending time on facebook will find me spending more time updating my blog (not necessarily cleaning the house, like some may hope). Today for example, I believe I will have 2 entries! Almost doubled my November posts in one day!
I have to download the pics from Jack's Thanksgiving Feast and start working on that post!

Scout's Honor

I am not a big fan of signing my kids up for this sport, and that class. For one, it costs a stink of a lot of money, and also takes a heck of a lot of time taking them from place to place. This year, however, I did think Thornley would enjoy Cub Scouts and decided to sign him up. He is in a Den with some boys from church, and some boys he went to preschool with. They really are a cute group of boys, and I think the program is right up Thornley's alley. He's already gotten a badge or two; gone to the library for a tour (and got his own card), seen a play, and is going to visit the fire station on Sat. He gets so excited for the meetings and comes home and tells me all about the cool stuff they do. And he gets a uniform, which, if you know Thornley, you know he's ALL about the uniform! Here he is with his Den during their first "official" meeting.

Running Late, but Worth It

Typical Meghan work morning at the Anderson house; running around trying to get everything done (you know, like getting dressed and eating breakfast) and get out the door on time. But we had to pause for this momentous occasion...

Now I have to squeeze in a visit to the bank!

Focus on the Family Would LOVE This One

Happy Halloween one and all! Now, I must say, I don't see what the big deal is about Halloween. Yes, I am a Christian, but no, I don't think Halloween is a big day of the devil celebration. I think it's fun for the kids to dress up, and well, who am I to turn down a candy bar or two. I just truly don't get the big anti-Halloween-ness of some.
I think it's very fitting that this year my boys were Harry Potter and Bibleman. Here is one of my most favorite pictures of them, that those anti-Halloween/anti-Harry Potter, Focus on the Family lovin' people would want to make into a poster. Yes, this is Bibleman crushing Harry Potter...



We hit a few houses in the neighborhood to trick or treat and then headed to the church for their annual Fall Fun Fest. I was on the planning committee this year, so I of course was super sensitive about the event. The boys said they had fun, and overall I heard good feedback. Jack was a bit upset, as he thought Adam should carry him around all evening so he really looked like he was flying on his broom.
Here is a cute pic of the boys trick or treating - don't be surprised if you see it again on a Christmas Card!



Thornley's "Day of the Dead" party turned into a harvest party and he said it was fun. I ended up planning and prepping the craft (cute paperbag scarecrows - if I do say so myself), and the game (harvest bingo - always a hit). Don't know what happened to the mom who was going to plan it all, but I think it turned out better this way!

And now I'm exhausted, but must get ready for the month of November with new calendar numbers and name tags. The joys of preschool!! (really, I love my job, just tired!)

Thorns' New Smile

Yay for Thornley! Thank goodness he's willing to pull his teeth out on his own, because frankly, I think it's kind of gross. This one has been loose for a while, so today he decided that he would eat an apple and told me to, "prepare to be amazed", and low and behold the tooth came out! Now there is a bloody mess on Jack's bed from where he spit the apple out once he realized his tooth had fallen out. Too bad it didn't happen last week, or this is how his school picture would have looked - I think he would have been pretty proud of that.
Must go clean up the apple mess (and the rest of the house for that matter).

Living the Dream

It was always my goal in life to be a room mom. Back before kids; when I had fantasies of being the best mom EVER, with the best kids EVER, who just adored me, hung on every word I said, and would NEVER think of saying no to me or doing ANYTHING to make me angry; I always wanted to be a room mom (well, and be skinny, but one out of two isn't bad).
So, at curriculum night a few weeks back, Thornley's teacher had a sign up for room parents; cha-ching!! I ran back there and put my name down. So today we had a "committee" meeting with the 4 other parents who also signed up; one being THAT MOM, (mentioned a few posts back), but whatever, I'm a room mom now, so I can deal :). I head to school for the meeting, meet the other moms, sign up to be in charge of class shirts (anyone want to design a logo for me?), and then we start talking about the first class party - celebrating the Day of the Dead. All the moms agree that we want it to be more harvest-ish (are you kidding, Thornley would freak out if they decorated coffins like one class did), so we're tossing around fall ideas and one mom will JUST NOT LET IT GO and is insisting on googling Day of the Dead and getting craft ideas. Um, hi, I understand you have 2 older sons and your youngest son just thinks that kind of stuff is so cool, but some of us don't embrace with whole "scary" thing, and didn't we just agree to be more harvesty?
I guess there is a downside to living the dream!!

All Work and no Pumpkins Makes Jack a Mad Boy

Yesterday we went on a field trip to Kelsey Creek Farm/pumpkin patch. My friend, Andrea, who is Jack's teacher, and I decided to take our classes together, so I wouldn't have to take a day off to take Jack (in preschool the parents have to drive their kids to the destination and stay with them during the "trip") when his class went, and well, it just seemed like a good idea. The first tour was fun, met Farmer Jane, saw some animals, saw the barn, helped out in the barn preparing the "beds" for the animals (moving straw into the stalls), and then picking out pumpkins from the "pumpkin patch". Jack had fun, happily help the first time, but didn't get a pumpkin because he was with my class, and I wanted him to wait until he was with his class. The second tour with his class he did a bit of work, and was thrilled to get his pumpkin. By the time the afternoon came around, and we went on our third tour (same tour 3 times), Farmer Jane asked Jack if he wanted a bucket to help move the straw and he told her, "I'm tired, I've done enough work for you today".

What did I ever do to the Bellevue School District?

I, for one, am so glad that Thornley's school starts at 9:05. If it didn't we wouldn't have been able to have the awesome times together as a family in the morning. If school started at say, 8:00 or 8:30, my kids wouldn't have time to ask to watch tv, play the Wii, chase each other around the house (I think I heard an idiot this morning, but I'm not sure), oh and all the time to listen to the whining is just priceless! This morning, Thornley came in while I was doing sit-ups and asked why I do them every morning because my stomach isn't flat yet - just think, if he'd been in school already we couldn't have had that conversation!
Oh, it's going to be a great day!

Not mourning, just missing

This past week Adam preached on the beattitude, Blessed are those who mourn (it was really good, if you want to hear it go to www.nccextol.com, click on media, and click on blessed are those who mourn), and it really made me look at the whole "mourning" process differently. As most of you know, my grandma passed away almost 2 months ago; now I wouldn't say I mourned the death of my grandma, yes, I was sad, but at 93 she'd lived a good life and I didn't (and still don't) feel like something was wrongly taken from me. I DO however miss my grandma, little things happen here and there and I find myself wanting to call her and talk to her.
This morning was one of those times; we signed Thornley up for Cub Scouts and Adam is going to be his "den leader", so this morning Adam had to go to "leader training". My grandma LOVED the whole scouting program. My mom was a brownie and girl scout and my grandma was her troop leader. When I graduated from college and was having a hard time finding a job in the area that interested me, my grandma thought I should look into working for the Girl Scouts, because she thought so highly of the organization and must have loved being my mom's leader. So my initial reaction when we signed Thornley up and Adam decided to be his leader was, I have to call grandma and tell her, she'll be so excited for Thornley, but then I remember that she's not here with us anymore; which makes me sad, but I know that she's in heaven, so she already knows.
On a total side note, but not really, I had to work an event at church today, so when Adam was done with his training he came to pick up the boys and they headed off to the boy scout store to buy HIS "uniform". Didn't have his size, but did get all the badges for both he and Thornley (who already has his shirt) - anyone want to sew them on for me?!

His boots weren't made for walkin, I guess

Every year Thornley's school has their BIG fundraiser, which is a walk-a-thon. The kids participating all get sponsors and then walk around the "track" after school for 3 hours (give or take). Thornley REALLY didn't want to participate this year, but I said it was either that or go door to door with Sally Foster catalogs (really, they have cute paper, if you want some let me know), and the walk-a-thon won. The event is a bit crazy, and they pack a TON of stuff in a small space; t-shirt sales, raffle ticket sales & items, bake sale, beverages (water & coffee, don't get too excited), etc.
Adam got to Thornley's school at 3:30, in time to find Thornley and get him "registered". Jack and I arrived shortly thereafter (yes, this is a whole family event, which adds to some of the craziness), bought some raffle tickets, some water, and something from the bake sale and started walking. Last year I made Thornley walk 20 laps, this year we didn't quite make that many, but he certainly complained as if we'd walked 200.
So, I'd had enough of the whining and complaining (and they didn't serve dinner this year, and I was hungry), so we left early. Only to receive a phone call a short while later saying that we were the lucky winners of the Web-kinz basket. Yippee!
Thanks for everyone who sponsored him - he did make enough to get his free t-shirt.

Settling In

I long to be settled in, to routines, to where we live, to work, whatever, I just like that settled routine feeling of life. I remember shortly after I met Adam he was saying how he just wants to stay in one place so long that he becomes "just Adam", and people know him, accept him, and he doesn't have to defend/explain himself repeatedly; you know, the whole "getting to know you" stage that comes with change.
It did take me a while to feel "settled" into life in Bellevue, but I think both Adam and I feel settled (I must say it took me a bit longer than Adam). There are hiccups here and there, but for the most part, we totally feel like Bellevue is our home and will be for a long time (I know, for some of you these are odd thoughts, but I guess when you're married to a pastor, change somewhere along the way is inevitable, and it's just something you expect).
Now, I had an experience today, and I'm thinking, is this something particular to Bellevue, or would life be like this where ever we lived?
Thornley is a child who likes structure and routine, and doesn't embrace change; so this whole full day, new teacher, new rules, new people in class thing has thrown him for a bit of a loop. Today he said he wanted to take the day off; he'd go back to school tomorrow, so I knew some stuff had gone on and it was just a bit of anxiety that needed to be worked thru. So we have a little chat, I give him a bit of a pep talk and off to school we go. We arrive and he comes undone; again, I think it was his anxieties over the new routine, new class, new rules, but none the less, things weren't going particularly well for Thorns this morning. One of kids in his class is from his preschool. They weren't in the same class, but I recognize this boy's mom and we have chatted on and off over the past few years. So I'm helping/dragging Thornley into class as he's screaming that he hates school and just wants to go home, and the mom says to me as I'm on my way out the door, "That is one of the problems with choosing 1/2 day kindergarten". Excuse me? I hardly know you lady! I have absolutely no regrets over our kindergarten choice last year, and further more how dare you question me and my parenting choices!
Now, I'm not stupid, I know my kid has some quirks, but he's really a sweet sensitive kid who just doesn't adapt to change well, which is what I would have said to the lady if I could have picked my jaw up off the ground.
I just wonder, where do people get off giving parenting advice to people they HARDLY KNOW?!
So while I'm still processing thru that lovely encounter, Jack and I head off to do some errands and go back to school and have lunch with Thornley. We get back to school, get signed in at the office, and I see Thorns' class in the library. Thornley LOVES the library, and he has a smile from ear to ear because he gets his own library card this year, and gets to check books out! We have lunch, go out to the playground, and I'm helping Thornley look for some of his friends that are in other classes this year, when I run into a dad of one of the kids from Thornley class last year. So I go up and try to make small talk with him and ask him how things are going, "great, fabulous", and ask how his son is adjusting to first grade "fabulous, loves it, no problems". Really?
So I'm wondering, am I the only one who has a kid who's having a hard time, or am I the only one brave enough to say it? Is the need to appear problem-less everywhere, or just more pronounced here?
I don't get it, but hope that this new phase will pass quickly and we will feel settled in to the new routine soon!

A Sparkling Celebration

What did you do today, Meghan? Well, thanks for asking, today I had a bridal shower for my friend Jenny. Jenny was Adam's intern for 3 years, and saved the day during the year of "the Rash", and came back to work for Adam when he had to let an intern go. Jenny and Connor are getting married the weekend of Oct. 4th, and Adam is officiating the ceremony (hopefully, unless he gets the stomach flu again).
You people know me well enough to read my blog, so I'm assuming you also know I never "re-party". Re-gift, heck yah, but re-party, NEVER! Each party is thrown with a specific person in mind, and should be unique to them. It's THEIR special day, not just another day for me to throw out decorations and have the same party I had for the last person I threw a party for. Both my boys wanted Toy Story parties when they turned 3, and both boys had Toy Story parties when they turned 3, and both parties were totally different (except of course, the napkins).
So what type of shower should I have for Jenny? There is only so much you can do with a bridal shower, that's at church. I found super cute invitations at Target, and my theme was born...A Sparkling Celebration. Everything was silver with blue accents, and I found CUTE diamond ring confetti at the party store. Jenny didn't want people to buy things off her registry, she wanted help decorating her house, so I decided we were going to, "help add sparkle to Jenny & Connor's house".
For the big game, I went around to many a Goodwill this week and last and bought random trinkets that could be used to decorate. Then bought some banker's boxes from Target, and called my game Design on a $1.99. Everything I bought was $1.99 or less, and each team took a box, took 5 things off the table of trinkets and had to design a room. It was so fun, and everyone was super creative!
Jenny lived with a family for 2 years while she was the youth intern, and the woman that she lived with thought it would be funny to go to Goodwill and buy some super tacky decor and wrap it really pretty and give to Jenny as gag gifts. It was so funny watching her open gifts and try to be polite about them, when they were really hideous!
Janet brought her chocolate fountain and of course the food was AMAZING!!
I wish I had brought my camera so I could have shown the creativity! Truly a fun celebration!!

Oh Happy Day!

You've read it hear first folks (unless you too received the district email before reading my blog), the district and union have reached a settlement! They are voting on Sunday, so what does that mean? School may ACTUALLY start next week?! Jack is speaking on behalf of the Anderson family here...



Aren't you glad I learned how to post videos?!

The Andersons Have Talent

Not only can Jack sing, but apparently he does impressions as well! Here he is, being Chad singing Big House, and Adam (unbeknownst to him) is taking on the part of Ryan. And speaking of talented - hello! I figured out how to add a video to my blog!

I have a dream

Call me Martin Luther King/Rosa Parks for the canines. I have a dream that one day all canines regardless of breed or fur color will be treated as equals. I know, you think the teacher's strike has finally tipped me over the edge (which is possibly true), but it's true! Had you said this yesterday I wouldn't have believed it either, but today, I witnessed with my own eyes and heard with my own ears: canine discrimination, and at the zoo of all places!
Today being day 8 of the teachers strike, and being a Thursday (meaning I didn't have to go to work) Cori and I took the people to the zoo. We didn't see too many animals, but the kids sure had a fun time playing in the little play area by Bug World. But I digress...at lunch time we went to the little "cafe" (and I use the term loosely) area by the birds (that's right, I like to be as close to WE's at all times), when we saw "the act" taking place. Now I must admit, I was in line at the time, and not in earshot, but Cori was and told me all about it (well, the words she could repeat infront of the little people).
So we see a few interesting characters walking by, one of whom has his dog with him. Not to pass judgement, but I'm not sure how these people even got thru the gates, because they looked as if they spent the night on the streets, and had a "liquid breakfast". Shortly after they walked by where we were sitting, security was on their tail. They must have caught up with them and had a few words, because this is what was overheard...
"@#$&*, I mean I don't even have my walking stick with me" (mind you, he MAY have been visually impaired, but since the dog didn't have one of the "working dog" jackets on, or even the special harness, I'm thinking the visual issues may be due to something else)
and then...here is the kicker...
"I mean, if he was a white dog they wouldn't have said anything."
Yes folks, sad but true!

It's all fun at the game, until someone gets some germs

Last night we went to the Mariners game with Mark and Cori. I knew there would be some fun and laughter, but I never thought there would be this much laughter...We get settled in our awesome seats (shout out to Papa Pearce), with our amazing new cell phone holders (courtesy of the freebie on the way into the game) which Adam put to good use right away,



and then what do our eyes behold?????!!!!!!!

The woman with the orange (burnt orange, to be exact) hair and the MASK! What the stink is this mask for you may ask, good question, none of us had the guts to go ask, but it did make for some lively conversation. Especially when the people behind us noticed it. Adam thought it would be funny to go sit behind her and start coughing and talk about awaiting the results of his TB test, and the jokes went on, and of course, he HAD to google breathing apparatuses on his phone, but we still couldn't figure out what the stink she was doing with this contraption on! And if you're so afraid of germs, why wouldn't you wear gloves, and why would you go to a ball game in the first place?
24 hours later and still so many unanswered questions. Thornley is very intrigued, and I think we may have found his Christmas gift!

First Day of School

You may be wondering why I have no first day of school pictures up yet. Well, because there has yet to be a first day of school. Thornley was supposed to start last Tuesday, but there is a teacher strike, that is still continuing on. Jack WILL start on Monday, as will I, since the private preschools don't go on strike. I admit, I'm all about the teacher and supporting them. We all know teacher's don't make much, but it would be nice for them to be able to live on their salary. Could you live in Bellevue on $58,000 a year, if you were married and had a family? Even if you were single, it's tough. Bellevue is a pricey place to live, and it really annoys me when they do salary comparisons and say how well we pay our teachers compared to someplace where you can buy a NICE house for in the $200,000 range.
Anyway, let me step off my soapbox for a moment so I can head to some garage sales to look for some "boy toys" (meaning cars & rescue heroes) for our class of 13 boys and 3 girls that starts on Monday!

I need a good speech writer!

This weekend we were in California for my grandma's service. I said I would speak, never dreaming that I would be the only grandchild that agreed to speak! We all (and by all, I mean all 4 of us, I have a small family) spoke at grandpa's service, but I think the reason we spoke was because grandma asked us to, and since we all love grandma we all "agreed" (meaning, we did it). So here is the problem I was faced with; what do you say about an awesome lady that lived 93 years, when you only have about 5 minutes? And here's the other thing, I think in themes, for whatever reason I do. Planning a party - need a theme and I'm on a roll. Planning the school calendar - give me a theme and off I go filling in the calendar. So what "theme" do you pick for your grandma's memorial service? For my grandpa's I did a very cute (if I do say so myself) "All I need to know in life I learned from grandpa" talk. My mom said she was reading Proverbs 31, so I couldn't use that; instead I created my 1 Corinthians 13 grandma. It went something like this:

Grandma was patient, she not only taught us all how to needlepoint when we were young, she sat thru countless organ recitals and LOVED every one.
Grandma was kind, it's hard to come up with one example of this because it's just how grandma lived her life, always doing something nice for others.
Grandma didn't envy, I don't think I ever heard her say she wanted something someone else had.
Grandma did however boast, about her family, of whom she was very proud.
She was never rude, she always showed respect.
She was not self-seeking, grandma always put others and their needs infront of her own.
She was not easily angered, I don't think I ever saw her angry, or ever heard her yell.
She did not delight in evil, she loved the truth.
Grandma always protected us, always trusted, gave us hope and she always persevered.
Now these three remain, grandma had faith, that gives me hope that I will one day see my loving grandma again.

So that is what I said on Friday, but mostly I cried, because I am sad she's gone, and I will miss her ALOT!

Airport Security

We just got back from our weekend in California. While we were finishing packing on Wed morning, I told the boys they could take a toy or two, so they would have something to play with at my mom's. So Jack gets his new Clone Wars, storm trooper gun, puts it in my suitcase, then yells down the hall, "OK mom, my gun is in your suitcase".

I Pray for Thornley's Future Wife

And I don't mean this in the "Somewhere in the World Today" overused wedding song of the 90's (sorry if I just offended you). No, instead I pray for her because this is the conversation we had today...
"Mommy, how many kids can you get?" (obviously Thornley talking)
"What do you mean, like how many can you have?"
"Yes"
"Well, you can have as many as you want."
"Good, because I want a whole clone army and the whole Skywalker family, so at least 300."

Jon & Kate Plus 8 watch out!

I'm Old Fashioned Like That

Usually our summers are full of Ponte people, but for some reason, this summer our Ponte time has been few and far between. Cori is the most organized person I know, and I guess she's had her summer planned since, well, last summer so when I call to see if we can hang out she's always busy (OK - just kidding Cori, but really, you are organized and you know I'm jealous of those mad skills of yours). The boys and I went out to dinner last night with Cori and her kids, but that is a separate post in and of itself (sorry people sitting by us at Tapatios!), so I knew that she had a playdate scheduled for today all ready. Last night we had been home for about 1/2 hour when Cori called to say Mason had a fever (wonder where that came from?), so I knew that Mason would be visiting the doctor today.
Thornley woke up this morning begging for a playdate with Lauren, and since I knew that Cori would be taking Mason to the doctor and imposing a nap upon him, I figured I'd give Cori a bit of a break. My stipulation was that Thornley and Lauren had to compromise (she would play Star Wars if he would play whatever girly game of pretend she wanted to play) AND do so without fighting because I needed to clean.
Now for those of you that know me, know my house isn't always the epitome of clean - far from it, but really if I wanted it to be clean at all times I'd be cleaning every hour and every moment (hey, isn't that in a song?) of the day, and Lauren had issue with my cleanliness (or lack there of) way back when.
SO.....Lauren arrives, people start playing, and I decide to mop my floor, so I say, "No coming in the kitchen, I'm mopping the floor". Lauren is watching me and the conversation goes as follows:
"Meghan, where does the water come from? How does your floor get wet?"
"Ummm, the sink, Lauren."
"Oh, so you put that in the sink and then it gets wet and cleans the floor?"
"Something like that, yes."
Now, I know Cori has a super clean house, but I also know she uses a Swiffer, so Lauren isn't used to the more "traditional" mop of days gone by.
Cori came to pick Lauren up and Thornley is screaming, "Hide Lauren, hide!"
So it was a win/win situation, my kitchen got cleaned and the boys and Lauren had fun playing.
Mason, on the other hand, has a virus and is now on antibiotics (wonder where he got that, oh wait, did I say that all ready?)
The boys had to provide safe passage for Cori as she was leaving - you know, we do live in the ghetto!

I should be cleaning, but this IS for a good cause

I should be cleaning the house, and then heading off to work to clean our classroom. Yesterday, Andrea, Laurie and I spent the morning pulling everything out of the cupboards and drawers and keeping what we wanted and tossing what we didn't. We had HUGE piles to throw away, and now are left with the task of putting stuff back in an organized way, hoping that we remember what we have! The joys of 2 new teachers inheriting a classroom. Really, I am excited about the upcoming year, but there is so much to do, I get overwhelmed and don't do anything. Very similar to my house being extremely dirty, and I don't know where to start, so I'm sitting in front of my computer, dorking around.
Today I got an email from Eddie Bauer with some stinking cute shoes pictured at the bottom, so of course, I had to look, because I love shoes and I love Eddie Bauer. I clicked on the picture and was taken to their website and saw that you can support breast cancer by purchasing some of their shoes. I'm all about supporting the cause. My grandma survived breast cancer, our neighbor has breast cancer, a friend from church is also a survivor. My friends, Arlene and Darla, started this company where part of their proceeds from their pink ribbon line go to the Susan G Koman foundation http://www.purlstitchdesigns.com/Pink%20Ribbon%20Apparel.htm
Anyway, back to my point, so I found these cute shoes, not totally practical for life in Washington, especially as we're approaching fall, and by the looks of the clouds it may rain today, but hey, it's about supporting the cause.

The shoes cost $50, but I see no mention of how much goes to breast cancer research, and then I spied the fine print - get this, they only donate $2. I'm thinking, really, only $2? Even if they'd given $5, they could have said 10%, which is only $3 more, but sounds much better.
OK, now I think I'm officially rambling and must head to the bathrooms with Lysol and scrub brush in hand!
But they are really cute......

Move over Michael (Phelps, that is)

I love the Olympics. Love, love, love them! Especially the swimming, diving and gymnastics; I've stayed up far later than I should have watching the Olympics lately. One of the best things about Sunriver is there is a tv in the bedroom, so I could lay in bed at watch the Olympics both at night and then in the morning when I was too lazy to get out of bed (I was after all on vacation, a memo my children failed to read, since they woke up at 6:30 every morning). Another thing I loved about our vacation, was watching the boys in the pool. This was the first year that they really got into it. They'd both wear their life jackets and cruise around the pool. Thornley was even brave enough to take off his life jacket and swim in the shallow end. His favorite part was diving for our dive sticks, but the chlorine was bothering his eyes, so we bought him some goggles, and VOILA! happy swimmer, happy mommy on the lounge chair watching!

The Portland Zoo...

I could have named this post, Holy Shit!, but that may have offended some. I digress...
We are on vacation in Sunriver, Oregon. Besides visiting my family in California, this is about the only place we vacation. We enjoy Sunriver. I like walking to the Village and having coffee and purusing the shops. The boys like the tennis courts, swimming, and the big bath tub. Adam likes sleeping on the couch, and taking the boys fishing.
It's our usual tradition to stop in Vancouver and see some of Adam's friends on our way to Sunriver, and then stop at the Portland Zoo on the way home. This year we decided to stop at the zoo on the way. If you will read a few posts back, when we went to Woodland Park Zoo on Monday, it was poop-palooza. So we get to the Portland Zoo and hightail it to the polar bears. We had to wait a few minutes before they came out, but when they did...yep, pooped (and peed, bonus!). We rounded the corner to the sun bear, yep, pooping.
Seriously, what's the deal?! Whatever, it just makes the boys enjoy the zoo that much more!
We'll see what happens when we go to the stables in a few days and look at the horses!

Out of the Mouth of my Babe

Last I heard, grandma is declining, but still with us, see what I mean about being Survivor?! She is a little fighter, that's for sure. While it is sad that she will soon be gone, I am so thankful for sweet Thornley who keeps putting things in perspective for us. We are leaving for vacation tomorrow, to spend a week in Sunriver. While I was packing, the boys asked how long we were staying, and I said hopefully a week, but it depends on Gigi. Thornley asked if she was suffering, because he knows none of us want her to suffer. I said I didn't think so, she had been given some medication this afternoon that would help her feel better if she was. Then he asked, "Will her celebration be in California mommy? You know, when we celebrate her and her life". And I thought, wow!, my 6 year old is one smart kid, and I'm so thankful that he is around to remind me of the other side of grief, the side where, while you're still sad they're not here anymore you can remember and celebrate the time you had together.
How DID he get so smart?
Oh, I did get to "talk" to grandma today. Mom held the phone up to her ear so I could say hi and tell her I love her. That made me happy.

My Grandma

My grandma is awesome! I love my grandma. If my grandma was a reality TV show (which is the upmost praise from me, being compared to a reality TV show) she'd be Survivor. She survived breast cancer, a heart attack, 75 1/2 years of marriage (ok - so technically she didn't survive that, she loved my grandpa and they amazed us all when they reached the 75 year mark), and that has all been within the last 10 years or so. Grandma had a stroke late Sunday night/early Monday morning. Grandma is a woman of routine, so when her neighbor noticed grandma hadn't picked up her paper Monday morning, she was concerned (thank goodness for the neighbor) and rightly so.
I remember praying when my grandpa passed away a year and a half ago, that God would give us a few more good years with grandma, and thinking what in the world will we do when the dreaded day comes and grandma passes away. Unfortunately, it looks like that might be something we have to figure out now, which makes me super sad because I adore my grandma! At 93 1/2 she has lived a fabulous life, and as Thornley reminded me yesterday, "she is old and old people die, but she is happy mommy". While all that is true, and does give comfort that I've enjoyed 38 years with her (well, actually about 34, since I don't really remember the first few years of my life, but I'm sure they were good), and she has gotten the chance to know my boys and Thornley for sure will remember her, which not many people can say, it still makes me sad that the day is fast approaching that we'll say our goodbyes. And then I'll have to speak at her memorial, which as I said at my grandpa's service, makes me so nervous, I could puke, but again I'll do it because my grandma is awesome and I love her!
The picture is of my mom, grandma, and aunt at my grandparent's 75th anniversary party in May of 2006 - isn't she a cutie?!

Zoo Poo

No, it's not just a book, it is reality! Today Cori and I took the troops to the zoo, and what a bonanza it was! We saw the flamingos, the butterflies, the day & night exhibit (which was extremely awesome this time), and then rounded the corner to see the Komodo Dragon, who was out pacing around. Cori and I were noticing it's drool and telling the kids it was going to come eat them, when Thornley starts squealing with delight that it is pooping. Yes, indeed, after it moved on we saw that it indeed pooped. Does it get any better than that?
Well, I know you're thinking, absolutely not, but IT DOES!! We saw a few more animals, ate lunch and went to see the bears and otters. The bear was very active, walking around, acting like it was going to jump in the water, very fun, I LOVE the bears! We were watching the otters swim when the crowd around the bear starts laughing. Upon turning quickly towards the bear we notice it is pooping! Thornley, Lauren, Jack & Mason made a mad dash to the window to watch. The word I would use to describe them is giddy. They were laughing so hard (well, weren't we all, to be honest), it truly made their day.
We stopped by the lions on the way out to see if we'd get some action from them, but they were asleep - bummer!
Never had a better zoo day!
Sorry no pictures, we were laughing so hard, I didn't have time to pull my camera out.

Not so sleepless in Seattle

My children didn't wake up until 8:30 this morning. Almost unheard of coming from the children who, when they wake up at 7:00, it's as if they've slept in. Now before Cori starts to hate me, and posts comments in symbols instead of words, let me say they have NOT been going to bed at their usual 7:30 bedtime. This seems to be the summer when we throw routine to the wind (not like me, especially when it comes to bedtime), and let the kids stay up late. While we were at Creation, I don't think they went to bed before 10:00. The thing is, they've been fine with it. A little whine here or there, a little tantrum perhaps, but for the most part we've been having fun and enjoying whatever it is we're doing.
Don't get me wrong, this is not something that will continue much longer. School starts in about a month, and then the bedtime nazi will return.
Today we have done nothing, unless you count defeating Voldemort on the Harry Potter computer game and listening to all the new free music I picked up at Creation as productive.
Oh, and Jack took a nap (more yelling and symbol words by Cori).
The downside of not leaving the house is I never got my coffee this morning, maybe that's why I'm feeling so unmotivated.

Creation

We got back from Creation yesterday. Creation is a Christian music festival that is held every year at the Gorge, in George. Adam has been going to Creation since we arrived at Newport (truly, I think we'd been here 2 weeks when he went for the 1st time), the boys and I have gone for the past 4 years, each time staying a bit longer.
The funny thing about Creation is, Adam HATES it! OK - so he doesn't hate all of it. He loves the camping part, and hanging out with the kids (both our own, and those from the youth group), and who doesn't love Janet's cooking, but he could care the stink less if he went to any of the concerts, except of course the Newsboys; and he loves going to the river (where everyone swims to get the layers of sweat and dirt off).
I on the other hand, love Creation. I like the camping, the spending time as a family with not a whole lot to do, the concerts, and eating food made by someone other than myself.
The first year the boys and I just went for the day, and I HATED it! It was so hot, and I got lost, and the boys got sunburned and it was just an overall bummer. The following year we spent 2 nights and enjoyed it. We borrowed the Ponten's tent trailer and the boys had so much fun playing in the trailer and in the blow-up pool we set up for them, I don't know if we ever actually went to a concert. Although, I heard all the headliners, as our campsite is close to the entrance and while I couldn't SEE the bands, I could HEAR them.
Last year, we stayed 3 nights in the Wilson's tent trailer (thank goodness for generous friends) and the boys had a fabulous time. Adam and I were thankful that our friend Jerry offered to stay at the campsite with the boys (who were asleep at the time) so we could see the Newsboys, who never disappoint in their shows. Last year they did this awesome drum thing, where the drummer went up on this lift and was spinning around while playing - seriously, very cool! I think the boys may have endured a worship session or two.
This year we stayed the whole time, again in the Wilson's trailer. It wasn't as hot as usual (maybe 90's), and there was a breeze. The boys had a GREAT time swimming in the Columbia, and playing with Chad's squirt gun. We took in a few concerts as a family, and Adam stayed back at the camp with the boys while I saw Skillet (great show, but not my taste in music), Toby Mac ("not bad for a 40 year old", was the comment of the teenager sitting behind me), David Crowder (great show), and the Newsboys LOVE THEM (who "put on a good show, but looked like they just got out of jail" , was the comment from some man who was walking out alongside me). Again, we had a great camping spot and we were able to hear all the headliners. Oh, and in one of the tents they had a clothing line called, "Thorn Clothing". Thornley was soooooo excited. He and I each got a shirt, and a pin that says I heart Thorn. So cute. My WE tattoo that was supposed to last for a week only lasted thru one long shower last night, kind of bummed about that.
So now we're home with loads of dirty laundry, and lots of free downloads of songs from Creation. I bummed I forgot my camera, so I have no pictures to share. The boys are happy to be home where the toilets flush and we can shop in stores and not out of tents.
Sadly, I don't think we'll be back for a few years, as next year Adam will have been at Newport 7 years, and will be able to take a sabbatical (yay!).

Back to school shopping?

Since about May we've seen back to school stuff at Target (ok - so I am exaggerating, but I do think some people started back to school shopping before school was even out). Last week Thornley got a bee in his bonnet to go back to school shopping. Some of it was inspired by a commercial he'd seen for a pair of shoes he wanted (Sketchers z-straps, so cool, so fast, so awesome). He has been BEGGING me to take him shopping. I told him he'd have to wait until after Creation (super fun this year), and he did. This morning he woke up saying he was ready to go shopping. So, I printed the list of what to get (thanks for helping me remember where to find it Cori) and off we went to Target.
Now, this item wasn't on the list of what to buy, but Target has a whole bunch of new Star Wars toys in honor of the new Clone Wars movie coming out August 15th, and I figured since the boys did such a great job while at Creation, I would indulge them.


I must say, if they'd let him, he'd wear it to school, he is sooooo excited.













Then we went to Bell Square to look at the Sketcher store, and purchase a good-bye gift for the Nightingales (be afraid Matt & Luanne, be very afraid). The infamous z-straps are home and have been put to good use today. Jack was a bit disappointed that I said no to the light-up shoes, but we did find him a pretty cool pair of shoes. I decided to stop by Gap Kids to see if my friend Kara was working, and she wasn't, but guess what Gap Kids carries now...The JunkFood brand of t-shirts, and they had new Star Wars shirts - again in honor of the new movie. Pretty much between those 2 purchases I've blown my lot of back to school clothes $$.

A title just won't do it justice

Tonight Jack gave one of his infamous Day Camp concerts. Those of you who heard Saddle Up Your Horses last year, probably still remember it well (or at least now you do). I don't know the title of this catchy tune, but it starts out, "Everybody come with me it's time to sing...", hence his hand motions. The kid cracks me up!
Because I don't know how to attach a video, I have these pictures for your viewing pleasure. Give him a call, maybe he'll sing for you.

Move over Letterman

Tonight Thornley put on his "pastor clothes" and went off to pastor. The funny thing about it was, instead of taking his Bible and "preaching", which he does from time to time, he decided to interview Emily and Zach. Now, as of late, Thornley hasn't wanted to go to bed when it's time to go to bed, so he's come downstairs a few nights now and watched Big Brother with me (yay for the summer reality tv). So Emily gets situated in the "interviewee" seat and Thornley's first question is, "What does it feel like to get evicted from the Big Brother house?" And cute Emily says, "I don't understand your question.", and then goes on to make up an answer.


Zach is next and Thornley asks him, "How would you feel if I said you were fired?" Now where he got that from, I have no idea, because truly, the kid has NEVER watched the Apprentice. Zach wasn't as excited to be interviewed, so Thornley had to take a bit more aggressive stance, as can be seen in the picture.

How We Spent our Summer Vacation

Learning mad ninja skills, wax on wax off, Jack Fu




Taking flying lessons, seeker Thornley looking for the snitch...

The Perfect End to the Perfect Day

Today dawned early for the Andersons - it was garage sale day!!
Cori called a while back saying she was having a garage sale and did I have anything to contribute, which of course I did. I dragged down the bins from garage sales past of stuff that didn't sell and went thru toy chests and closets one last time. I had told the boys that if they would contribute some toys they no longer played with, when the garage sale was over we'd go buy a new toy. They were great and with every bag I packed they were ok with all that was getting sold.
We were off at 7:30, with Starbucks and Krispy Kremes in hand.
All in all it was a good day, I got rid of trash (I mean, my trash, but someone else's treasure), and collected a nice sum of money. The boys went to play at the Patricks, which, what 4 year old boy wouldn't loved being watched by a pretty 17 year old girl WITH A TRAMPOLINE IN HER YARD (I'm sure Thornley was smitten too, but he declared his love for another last night, Matt & Luanne we're looking forward to the wedding). Jack was telling me about the hot tub party he is going to have at her house later this summer; he'll bring his life vest and float.
AND the weather was GORGEOUS! At one point we had to move our chairs to sit in the shade, I mean it was at least 70 degrees (ha-ha-ha, just kidding, we do see the sun every now and then in Seattle).
And since I promised, and you don't want to break a promise, tonight we were off to the mall. Thornley had his heart set on this Star Wars Lego set to the tune of $100, but alas, the store was out. He was good about it, didn't even throw a tantrum and had picked something else out when he spotted IT...yes, the Star Wars Lego game for the Wii. He has been wanting this FOREVER and they had 1 let that was 1/2 off!
Jack wanted some Ben 10 toy that Adam was none too thrilled about, and is super hard to find (which I'm none to thrilled about - endless trips to Target and Toys R Us with a 6 and 4 year old). While we were on our way to Baskin Robins after the Lego store I spotted it, the perfect solution for Jack - Build a Bear. Jack LOVES stuffed animals - his all have names and he takes care of them. It's his dream to have an Alaskan Husky some day. And now he does - albeit a stuffed one. He is sooooooo excited, and it's much cuter than that Ben 10 WildMutt toy he wanted.
I'll leave you with pictures of Thornley conquering the galaxy and Jack and his new Cutie.

Adios Amigos!

I have to say I'm feeling a bit bad for my Thorns lately. Thornley has many wonderful qualities, which I keep needing to remind myself daily/hourly/minute by minute, as he is also a very intense person. One of the things I love about Thornley is how much he loves his friends. Eventhough it doesn't always come across as such, he is a very sensitive soul.
This year he became friends with Emily, a cute little girl from his class. We LOVED Emily, every day there would be an Emily story to tell, and for a few weeks they even got to sit at the same mesa! Emily's family decided to move to Arizona, and I have to say I had to think long and hard about if I should tell Thornley because I knew he would be upset. But the bright side is Adam's parents live in Arizona, so we may be able to visit.
THEN the news came that another of his friends, Kelsey, is moving. This really makes ME sad too, since Thornley and Kelsey have ALWAYS gone to school together. They were in Young 3's, Young 4's and kindergarten together. Kelsey was the girl, that a year ago when Thornley was having his boy only party, he wanted to invite one girl - Kelsey. They are moving to Australia, and while I personally would LOVE to visit them I don't think that will happen any time soon.
THEN I'm told that his teacher from this year, whom I ADORE, retired at the end of the year. She was such a wonderful teacher for Thorns. I think she totally understood his personality and worked really well with him. No matter what he said, I know he loved her. When I told him she wouldn't be there next year, I really thought he might cry. He knew she wouldn't be his teacher, but I think he found comfort in knowing that she would be around, and since she retired, our friend Janet won't be at the school any more either, which made him really sad because I think he was thinking she'd help him get used to the playground routine.
And don't even get me started on the Nightingales moving...I mean come on now!
I hate change, and I really hate it when I have to help my kids, especially super sensitive Thornley, work through changes that make him sad.

Yikes! The fireworks are going off like crazy, so I guess I should end my post and lock up my tranquilized dog before he suffers too much trauma. I will end with a picture of Thornley and his amazing teacher.

Men are from Home Depot, Women are from The Container Store

The boys and I just returned from a 12 day stay in California. It was fun seeing family and friends; the boys attended Day Camp at the church I grew up in, swam at my sisters, saw Wall E, and went to Marine World. While we were gone, Adam did some "home improvement" projects. I think it's funny how Adam and I differ when the other is out of town.

When Adam is gone, the boys and I get take out from the restaurants I like but Adam doesn't, and I try to clean/organize the house, get caught up on laundry, make some runs to Goodwill (usually to drop off, not shop), and of course stay sane. It never ceases to amaze me that my husband can go out of town for 21 days, and usually Cori is the only one to invite the boys and I over for dinner (I won't even go into my summer without a washer while Adam was in Jamaica for 21 days...).

When the boys and I are gone (why is it I'm never gone without the boys...) Adam takes on some project or another, he gets MANY invitations from MANY people to come over for dinner, and when he isn't invited over to someone's house he takes himself OUT to eat. This time was no exception. Adam decided to paint the stairs, which was much needed, as I can't even remember what trip the boys and I were on when he took the carpet out. Painting the stairs turned into, painting the ENTIRE entry way, stairs included, installing a new ceiling fan in the entry and putting in a new/much needed shower head in the boys bathroom. He was going to paint the hall, but ran out of time. It looks great, it really does. He has a better eye for that sort of thing than I do, and definitely is a better painter than I am (Cori and Mark can vouch for my painting "abilities").

I really appreciate all his hard work - I really do, but now I will leave you with a few pictures while I'm off to scrub the toilets and kitchen floor, and ask how one manages to only run the dishwasher once in 12 days...

Lots of Pomp for the Circumstance

From the first day of kindergarten...






To the last...






Thornley did awesome, and I am very proud of our graduate!




It was all too much for Jack to handle!

I Love This Kid

Don't quite know what was going on, I walked in on the tail end of some Kung Fu Panda something or other.

The 6 million dollar dog

Move over Lee Majors...meet George, the 6 million dollar dog. Although, nothing is robotic, or controlled by a computer chip or two. Nope, just a lot of pain medication and IV drips going on here. We've decided we're going to change his name to Europe, or perhaps Summer Vacation, since we could have taken some nice trips with the money we're going to have to give the vet when George comes home. He is still at the vet, and will remain there until at least Sat. They started giving him water yesterday in the late afternoon and he has been able to tolerate that. We stopped by for a visit today after lunch, and he was happy to see us, but as we were in the OR and they were about to start a procedure (which I for one would have loved to watch), we couldn't stay long. They are going to introduce food to him this evening and see how he does with that, and if all goes well he should come home on Sat. Which is a bit of a silver lining for us, since we're going to be gone tomorrow night and would have had to get a dog sitter. The down side is we usually pay $20 a day, not $200. He is in good hands, and I do appreciate the vet being cautious. Adam and I did, however, agree that even though we love George, if this happens again we will miss him.
On the bright side, I vacuumed on Tuesday, and the floors are still clean.