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Big day

So....today is a big day! Miss Elise sleeps in her "big girl" bed! She's been talking about it for awhile, and we finally did it! It took a bit to get her to bed, but she's asleep ;-) Hoping for a good night (fingers crossed!) XOXO

Sunshine Day

Brian and I always laugh that with little kids, you can tell what kind of a day you're all going to have within the first five minutes of the wee ones waking up.  Somedays, the fuss overtakes you immediately - other days, the sass is remenicint of when you yourself were a teenager (and then you secretly feel sorry for your own parents for this type of treatment you dished out).  

But other days, days like today - you all wake up - and each one of you in the household just feels in synch with the other.  There are smiles all around, the coffee is just right, everyone says "please" and "thank You" without being reminded, you can just tell it's going to be a good day! 

I got to wake up this morning to the sound of Elise laughing with Brian - which is one of my favorite sounds! As I turned over towards Brian's side of the bed, it was Owen who was sleeping next to me.  That is always a pleasant surprise, Owen sleeping - because most of the time when he joins us in our bed, he kicks and takes over! How someone 42 inches tall (or thereabouts) can take over a king sized bed I do not know, but it happens! 

Now, we're planning on going to a farm to find apples because Owen is begging me to make him applesauce with cinnamon....sounds like a good day to me! During all of this, Elise is just smiling at her brother and following me around, laughing and making new noises that she hopes I'll repeat to her! "Peep"

Off to the farm! 

Where has the time gone?

Well - there is too much to report for the months I've missed - so we'll just be starting from now - hope that works for you all!

My husband (among other members of our family(Karen!)) have been pretty vocal about how they miss this - so with the arrival of my new toy (June 19th) I figured I'd better get started again with the updates and photos! 

Currently I'm tending to my little sickie, Owen - and watching Elise practice in her squeak squeak shoes - amazing how smart she is at 13 months! I showed her once how to stomp her little feet to make the shoes work - she's been having fun ever since!

Be back soon with more!

Snow Suit, Hannah Anderson.....$16 on clearance

Hat and mittens set....$8.99

Multiple blankets.....$20 approx

The look on our Daughters face the FIRST time she went out in the snow.....Priceless

We're pretty lucky! 

Oh the weather outside is frightful

But as usual, this fire is soooooo delightful! (Thanks Hot Brian - you really have lived up to your name!!!) 

What a day - I think I woke up about 4 times last night like a 16 year old praying there was no school tomorrow - disappointed each time to see bare pavement and dark skies! When I woke up (the final time since I was up a couple of times with cutie) I knew we were in for some fun when it was super bright behind the blinds in our room!!! Love this! Snow storms are very special to Brian and I, in case you didn't know....so anytime the local news goes in to overdrive "storm watch" I feel like I'm 26 again! 

Our day of course included sledding - walking - hot soup - laughing - visiting neighbors - playing with neighbor kids - lots and lots of pictures - snow angels - cold fingers - happy dogs - and a warm fire....just to name a few! =) But the best part is now - kiddos asleep - dogs chewing LOUDLY - and Brian and I, sitting - watching the best Christmas moving ever - Love Actually. I could blog forever about this movie, how beautiful it is - but that would take all night! 

It looks like we get an additional day all together tomorrow! Yippee, we all love when Daddy is home! It seems that the week ahead, when we are of course supposed to be Christmas shopping, should be interesting as well weather wise! 

Can't wait to share stories and pictures...and pretty soon, cookies and fudge and muffins and laughs and movies!!!

Remember, Love Actually is All Around

The beautiful moments in life

This time of year - it's nice to reflect on happy thoughts, fun times and smiles that stick with you. The weather has certainly been favorable (albeit a few days) to daydream out the windows - take a drive, a walk, a run and just enjoy the scenery, the birds and the squirrels in the park.  

It's been nice to open the mailbox every day and be greeted with holiday cards from friends and family - to get the random knock on the door from neighbors who are just stopping by to say hello (note to self, try and keep house cleaner) - get invites to Christmas gatherings and to spend lots of time in front of the fireplace with loved ones and just each other.  It's all even better, with a Santa hat and a smile!

17 days and counting....we're off to mail a letter to the North Pole! 

The best city to live in the world

We are lucky enough to live in quite possibly one of the most family friendly, gorgeous, progressive cities in our state! So many people talk about where they grow up and the great things they remember from childhood - I think that both Owen and Elise will have stories that will make their kids smile and laugh...but that's way in the future! 

The day after Thanksgiving, we of course wanted to go to a tree lighting...seeing that we have a 7 month old, we missed the parade (we were bummed) but will for sure be there next year.  We decided to check out the Lake Oswego tree lighting...we were semi skeptical, but went with it! Not only did we join a very large gathering in a local parking lot to witness the large sequoia tree which has been coined "the cities christmas tree" lit with beautiful snowflake lights, our mayor helped with the countdown, there were high school choir groups singing Christmas music, Starbucks donated free coffee and hot chocolate (yum).....and then, Santa was there - in a fire truck headed down to Millenium  Park...the street was closed off and we were all encouraged to follow him and the truck to ANOTHER tree lighting where the kids would get to see many Christmas characters and of course, get some candy! I mean really - how many cities do you know of that seem to really encourage their main street shut down for hundreds of people to walk down (some with their dogs) multiple times a year....we're pretty lucky! 

We all made our way down to the park - Elise was beside herself with the lights, the sounds, up in Mommy's arms so she could get the full range of holiday offerings....mostly though, to see her brother super excited and laughing! We ran in to old friends, new friends....Owen's teacher - I don't think I've ever seen him so captivated before - his teacher, out in the real world - giving out hugs regardless of not being in a classroom....he was all smiles! He met Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and the Nutcracker - all in costume, none of whom he was afraid (candy canes???)....big change from last year!  We thought our night was made...we were on our way home.  

And then, down the staircase - there it was - the fire truck, with REAL fireman standing outside the truck just waiting for Santa to come back.....we were only going to take Owen's picture next to the truck, until....Fireman (I don't know his name) Nice guy came up to Owen - and offered to not only show him how the levers and computers work...but to let him get IN the truck, try on THE REAL HAT (the one with the lights and everything) and get his picture taken then!!! (See above)...it was like Owen was the only kid in the world....many kids began to line up, but for 5 minutes, he was the only one who was around - See what I mean, the BEST city in the world...especially when you're 4 and those are almost all the things that matter! How many people can say they got to go to their tree lighting (with the same living tree used every year) where their mayor did a countdown, saw Santa in their local fire trucks, saw their teacher in a crowd, met local fireman, tried on a real fire hat....the list goes on! I think we've all got one more thing to add on to our "what we're thankful for" list!

Oh - and did I mention the police stopped traffic in BOTH directions to let us cross the street...WOW! 

(PS, the top photo I meant to add, is of Owen and our shadows as we walked down the driveway at some possible clients of Brian's to pick out a tree!)

My Name's Elise....

I need to chomp and chew....

I've got 2 new teeth....

So you best watch out - 

I may just bite you! 

Finally - they have made their arrival....one is fully in, the other is making it's debut - I'd guess tonight - but we'll see....thanks to the lighting at Whole Foods, we all got a great show! This is the kind of thing I am so happy to have this blog for! Our pretty princess is getting big, way too fast (17 lbs)! Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so, Owen continues to ask me for a baby brother - OY  VEY! 

Alright, time to enjoy the fire my hunk of a man has made me....

December 1st

Today - holds a LOT of meaning - for many people.  Today, 53 years ago Rosa Parks took a stand on a bus and said "NO" to giving up her seat on a bus to a white man and demanded equality.  She began a revolution that has led us to another amazing year in history - I think you all know what I'm talking about - Change has been happening in our country for a long time, and it will continue and we will all benefit and learn - and I hope, be inspired to change ourselves and stand up for what we believe in and have passion for!

Also, today holds a LOT of meaning for me personally.  Five years ago tonight, I went out on a first date with what I pretty much discovered immediately was the Man of my dreams, and it's been an amazing ride ever since! I never thought when I sat down at that table with Brian that night, that within five years we'd have the worlds two most beautiful children, a comfortable, warm loving home that provides our favorite saying, "These 4 walls....they're all that matters" and a life with a future I am so excited to continue to discover.  I am the luckiest woman in the world and count my blessings every day and every night....I love you Brian - as I've told you pretty much from the start, You're Amazing...

Hey, Look what I can do!!!

(In the mind of Elise: "Back feet planted, buns in the air....now Rrrrrrrreeeeach - I've got it! Did you see how far I just went? You're seriously going to get a Christmas tree....hee hee, just you wait!!!")

So, it has happened, our little baby is now mobile! I mean she's been rolling for quite awhile, but she's figured out the forward motion....and every so often how to take it on backwards too! Brian and I have been watching her army crawl to get to everything from her toys, to the electrical outlets to my power cord for the laptop - I think I should introduce her to Daddy's stereo....lots and lots of pretty lights and buttons! I am crossing my fingers that the crawling is why she isn't sleeping, and soon it will become old news - and she'll be tired from all that motion! 

It's fun to see her change so much, be mobile, laugh (especially at her brother and doggies), try new foods (pears are the fave!) and notice the world around her...it will be different from Owen's first Christmas....he was so little still that he didn't really care much, for Elise - the lights and music and sounds of wrapping paper and bells - not to mention the Ho Ho Ho of Santa....and the screaming she'll probably do as we place her on his lap for a photo! Should be an adventure.  

We all went on a post Thanksgiving hike this morning - a small attempt at trimming the fat so to speak after all that food yesterday! I'm still full =) We got to watch a Red-tailed Hawk hunt from about 75 feet from us in a canyon - and swoop on down to pick up an early lunch! (luckily, we didn't see or hear what it was....I can only say awesome to that aspect of nature so much!) It was so beautiful - and the air smelled like early winter - Owen did great - he walked almost all of it by himself....getting his energy out - and now, he's napping! (currently, Brian and I are both singing the hallelujah chorus in our heads!)  

Three more days of the holiday weekend - Ya for us, we get Brian home for more family fun - I wonder what other adventures are waiting! 

Things to be thankful for

There are so many, I can't even count - and for THAT, I say THANK YOU....to everyone in my life, past, present and future - and even to those I've never met or never will - Thank you!

I read a great blog this morning from none other than one of my faves, Jason Mraz - Now this is someone with a "can do", fabulous attitude of love, peace and inspiration - he makes me happy, which makes me smile and laugh, which turns out, makes me feel thankful! So to him - Thanks, even though I've never met you and more likely than not, never will!

Here are just a couple of things I'm thankful for:

And when you can, check out www.freshnessfactorfivethousand.blogspot.com to be inspired yourself!

Peace

It was a GREAT day for bird watching...

So that's what we did...What a GORGEOUS day! The sun was shining beyond belief, it was amazing - from the moment we woke up.  We knew we wanted to get outside, so we got in the car and headed out to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.  Why do yard work two weekends in a row - when there were gorgeous feathered friends to watch and listen to! 

Needless to say, with all this beauty that surrounded us, we drove up to the refuge where there are two buildings that flank the parking lot - and Owen's first words..."Man, this place looks boring!" - Alrighty then, get on the trail and see what there is! On the trail - Owen was in search of a newt - none to be found, but still it was fun to search.  We got about 1/2 of the way out, and his next phrase of choice..."Come on Mom, don't you want to go back to the museum to learn about birds...I'm tired."  

He eventually got over this as we witnessed Red Tail hawks hunting in a large field, Canadian Geese honking and landing in the marsh - and so many different types of ducks on the water we couldn't count.  We watched birds, people watching birds - and just the wind through the trees in the forest area - the streams going down towards the marsh - where we imagined beavers making their homes and fish swimming (also newts would be there too!)

As we were leaving, Brian was putting the gear away, Owen was getting in his car seat - I was with Elise - and I SWEAR....there was an eagle.  I watched the BIGGEST bird take off from a tree and circle over the marsh several times - by the time I got Brian's attention - he looked - also thought it may be an eagle - but as I ran out of the truck with binoculars in hand - it was gone....where could that bird have gone! I did see an Egret as I searched for the eagle though! I figure it left us with enough anticipation of what could have been - that we will for sure be back for more! Our own bird watching sequel.  

What a fabulous day - Brian and I got some great exercise - Owen had some fun shuffling - and Elise got to growl all through the forest to keep the coyotes away! Ahhh...love it!

Feelin' Fine

Another weekend + another gray day - one sister = Fun time at the school with my Daddy! Here's Owen looking pretty dang cute, showing us all what's up! You'd never know he was sick, AGAIN! Oh the immune system of a 4 year old in school - yikes!

So Grandpa Keith (aka Silver Fox) went to Owen's (aka Red Elk) school yesterday to share all of his Native American artifacts and stories with the class - Red Elk was loving it! I can't wait to post pictures - but I'm still waiting for them myself. Apparently Silver Fox made quite the impression on the kids, they felt so comfortable with him in fact they were able to share such personal things as, "I don't know what to get my Mom for Christmas", "Did you know I have 2 hermit crabs?", "I had a fish, but it died"...etc! One of the room Mom's video taped it, should be fun to watch! =) Thanks Dad, Owen was so lucky to get to have you do that.  Red Elk thanks Silver Fox with much appreciation. 

I am having a hard time posting this, Elise is EVERYWHERE she is not supposed to be.  Brian's at a work meeting - Owen and I are trying to play Indians....complete with paper head dress - but Elise just wants to know why she simply can't roll and scoot through the furniture, what's in the heating vent and why her rattle won't talk back to her - she's telling it something VERY important, and I have a feeling that's why she's biting it with such fierce, little miss wants a response! 

Alright, hopefully I'll be back later with some good pics - Owen has now designed a paper bow and arrow...AWESOME!

Ah bb baa bboo ahhhhh

"Aren't I adorable!!!" I think that's what she's saying when she babbles!!! I mean, that's my translation to ah ba ba ba da da laaaaa ahhhh....oh, and also, "I love you mommy!" - 

These are some gorgeous photos taken by a friend of a friend at a birthday party for Owen's friend recently (did you get all that!).  She did such a great job photographing all the kiddos - although there were only Owen's back...he was TOO busy playing to sit still and smile! There are so many more beautiful shots of Elise - I think she liked her!

So hopefully some time this weekend we'll get to post pics and news about the fun and exciting things going on at Owen's school! Tomorrow they have their Native American Potlatch and Grandpa Keith is coming to Owen's class to share Indian artifacts that were given to him from friends and students when he was at Chemawa Indian School - Owen hasn't stopped telling his friends and anyone who will listen that his Grandpa is coming to his school for about all of November - we've had to do a countdown! 

Elise has some teeth trying to poke through her bottom gums, we'll see when they ACTUALLY do though, I remember this with Owen...it seems like they are teething from the time they're delivered! And crawling is coming soon - gosh darnit! Kidding...sort of.  

Be back soon with fun and exciting Holiday messages and news -

What An AMAZING Night

It is with great excitement I post tonight...It is FINALLY over! It is time for our country to heal, to be embraced all over the world again and to rebuild what we all know is greatness! I can imagine that the road ahead for President elect Obama will be extremely difficult, but I know it can be handled with grace.  I watched the news tonight focus so much on the fact that Obama is the first African American president....which he is and it's amazing to be a part of this history, but to me - that never mattered - and my hope is that when Owen and Elise are voting...it WON'T matter then, even to the television commentators...AT ALL! I look forward to January 20th 2009 - not to mention watching and living and being a part in our history! 

Remember....VOTE - it is your right and your privilege - There are many moments in time that will make you smile, some that will make you cry and some that will take your breath away...grab them all - they should all make you PROUD!

It is TIME for Change - thank you America, thank you

VOTE

Today is the day that we Americans MUST use to be heard....regardless of opinion - it is our day to recognize what is important to us, our families and our futures! Although I begin this day with slight anxiety (I am SOOOOO excited!) and I must admit I kept thinking about this evening all last night as I was up with Elise 4 times....it's here....and I am PUMPED to watch our country in action.  I will for sure be pacing around my house and glancing at the TV only when something positive lures me there....or when something I feel strongly about causes me to start talking AT the TV like the commentators can hear me (really - they can be SO annoying!) - but I know that I did all I could - I voted....and it feels great to know that at some point my ballot will go through some set of hands in to some machine - and for that 5 seconds, it will be about what I SAID - and that, it AWESOME!

Happy Halloween!

 So today is the day all little kids love! Dress up, candy - all for free...poor Owen, he missed out on his school parade AND trick or treating tonight! Poor guy has been sick all week! We thought we'd at least get the trick or treating in - but alas, it just wasn't in the cards! We did go to two neighbors houses just to say HI and show off our cute costumes, but then we decided to just stay home and hand out candy....he didn't seem to mind too much! We lit a lot of candles in the front of the house -  had our purple and orange lights going, he put a candle in his jack o lantern, and decided he'd just trick or treat out of our candy bowl! He stayed warm and got the goods! Not bad if you ask me! He also seemed pretty excited to watch basketball on TV with daddy!

We're hoping he starts feeling better soon! He hasn't been sick this long before and it's really waring on him.  We're just thankful that we had the Halloween party last weekend and could all dress up together and have fun...next year we'll have to make up for the lost candy! Sick kids on Halloween is probably a dentists dream! 

Can't believe November is a couple of hours away.  We had such a FUN lesson in the car today talking about the months of the year, what they meant for us (turkey, santa, eggs, flowers etc) and how the planet traveled around the sun! Then, for Elise's benefit - we went through every animal I could think of (including dinosaurs) and sang about the noises they make.  She liked that! Oh, which by the way - her new name is Roller Derby...she is non stop with the rolling...it's like she's programmed! She's even sleeping on her tummy - it's pretty cute! I am already missing my little baby - that went too fast!

Hopefully next week we'll be back with more news of good health!

Happy Halloween (almost!)

It's almost Halloween, and we're getting in the mood! We had so much fun going to the Halloween party that the Saefke's threw for all the kiddos in Owen's class! The costumes were fun and creative - the food was yummy and the pumpkin carving (although Owen chose not to partake) was messy and fun to see! 

To describe our families outfits....Owen was a pirate! (duh!) He had so much fun running around with his dagger and dread locks! Doing his makeup was a hoot...plus he had tatoos and chest hair (I don't think the pictures caught that!).  Brian was a rocker pirate (I think he looked more butt rock - but who am I to judge!) - he was scary! Doing his makeup was....disturbing! When I was done with the eyes and he put the hair on....I really couldn't look at him! It was rough! There is a reason men don't wear makeup (well, most!) - Elise was a beautiful princess - she was so cute and smiley all night! She had a lot of fun, I wish I could've read her mind...all those knights and dragons in the room she was watching.  I was a tavern wench...nice, huh! Rick had fun trying to boss me around at the party telling me to get him a beer! All in fun! It was a great night - Now we just have to get to get trick or treating covered!

Enjoy these fun photos!

Pics of our big girl

Just wanted to add some cute photos of Elise! On the left, we have our first meal of rice cereal! In the middle and below, she's hanging out with Grandma Marilyn at Owen's party...just looking cute! Such a pretty girl who's getting so darn big so fast! Don't you just wanna pinch those cute cheeks!