It's like this...

Yesterday, after our wonderful breakfast up at Snoqualmie Falls, we drove to Seattle. Ashley's DAFO (Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthotic) has been getting small and uncomfortable on her, so it was time to be casted for a new one. Don, from Cascade Orthotics is the man to see for things like this. He's very good, and has done Ashley's braces since she got her first brace when she was not even walking yet. This is Don, his assistant, Ashley and Allison. We were at Meridian Park Elementary, where both of them had had attended early childhood programs back in the day. It was great to see everyone. Each time she gets a new brace she is the one that picks the colors. In her hands she is holding the different colors and styles that Cascade uses in their braces. She has great fun picking out what colors she'll be wearing for the next year or so.

To celebrate Lance's upcoming gainful employment at Boeing, I took him to breakfast at the Salish Lodge up at Snoqualmie Falls. We had a window table to look at the falls while we ate. They served a four course breakfast, and here are some lovely pictures. The first course was a fruit parfait. Fresh fruit, with strawberry yogurt and granola with an orange brioche. Delish! Then came the oatmal with brown sugar. It was to die for, but I forgot to take picture of it. Next came the eggs, bacon, ham, shoestring potatoes and buttermilk biscuits. Hubby loved this round! Then came the last course, a pancake. Lance had already finished my parfait, some of my sausage and other stuff along with his own food. He was stuffed. So was I and I think I had only about a fourth of what he ate. Here's the lodge, perched on the side of the falls. And here is was the view we had. It was fun and we had our own room to ourselves for most of the meal as well. Now we're picking up the gi...

Good advice, seeing as how there was a LOT of spilled milk here. Ashley, my seven year old doesn't have much use of her right hand. She was valiantly attempting to help me put some groceries away and dropped a plastic gallon of milk in the kitchen. She was devastated and ran crying from the room. I told her she wasn't in trouble at all. Accidents happen and I'd never ever be angry with her for trying to use her hand and help. I felt so badly for her. Here's a picture of the cleanup process. Towels and siblings to the rescue! The other kids are great with her and encourage her to stretch and try things. She's a great kid and I admire her for her determination to do things for herself. She's a great example to me. Have I mentioned that I love this littlest angel of mine? Here's a picture of her and the rest of the kids taken with Santa at Christmas.

I should be sleeping, but I can't. Had my back wig out on me this afternoon after I made three pans of enchiladas for dinner tonight. This was after hubby and I ran some errands to Walmart and Costco. We priced trampolines for the kids. I'd really like to get one for our backyard, I know the kids would simply love it. We'll see though. We still haven't gotten that first Boeing paycheck just yet, so we'll hold off for now. Hubby helped me upstairs so I could rest for a bit. He's such a sweetheart. I'm so lucky to have this man in my life. I don't know why he puts up with me. I slept for a bit, then took more meds and I'm feeling a lot better right now. At least my back isn't spasming at this very minute. Yay me! We moved the kittens from their comfy big box in our walk in closet, to the downstairs bathroom so they can have more room, learn to eat cat food, learn to use a litter box and make messes so I have to clean them up. Soon they...

Here are more pictures of the wedding on Saturday. Here is hubby's Dad, Doug. Can you guess what song everyone was dancing to? It was seriously hilarious to watch everyone cutting loose. Here is one of the groom's parents. Does anyone think this woman looks remotely old enough to have a son getting married? Here are the grandparents of the groom. Does anyone think that they look old enough to have a grandson getting married?? No, me either. And no wedding is complete without an enormous buffet. And here's my number one son. Anyone think the boy could use a hair cut? Yes? Well, please tell him that. Here is Kathy, mother of the groom, her aunt Janet, aunt Pat and Janet's daughter Keetah in the wheelchair. Wish I had a picture of them doing the YMCA! It was hilarious!

I had my makeup professionally done, can you tell? My sis in law is a Mary Kay woman, sans the pink caddy as of yet. Hubby took this pic of me on our way to the reception. The wedding and reception were wonderful! Especially as I was on some great muscle relaxants. I never would have made it there without them. Here's a picture of my two youngest dressed in some pink finery for the nuptuals. Here's the bride and groom, the groom is doing his Captain Morgain imitation. I have tons more pictures, but I'm very tired so I will do it tomorrow. Oh, we're having a family brunch HERE tomorrow as well. Wheeeeeeeee! Sleep? Who needs sleep?

I spent three hours at an not so urgent urgent care place this afternoon to be seen for my spine. Three hours. I passed the time by cleaning out my cell phone, removing messages, pixs, whatever that needed to go. That didn't take much time. Three hours of my life.... I got some meds from it all, but still. That's so long to be in such pain and waiting. Generally I'm a patient person. I really am. I was patient today as well and when I say I was patient, I didn't rip anyone's head off or be rude. It's hard to be mean you're hurting. I knew I couldn't cook dinner tonight so I did the ultimate in no-no's and picked up McDonalds for the kids. They love me more than ever now, of course. Naturally I've not done a lick of cleaning around here today because I can hardly move. Poor hubby, it's all on him tonight and he's tired. SIL will be here by midnight. I think that's more than enough time, right? ::evil grin:: Now, back t...

The program went well last night and after I finished singing the pianist asked me if she could have a signed copy of my first CD. That was a sweet thing for her to say. I'm glad it's over. The pain in my back disappeared while I was there, and came back when I was done. I love little miracles. They served Lebanese food for the dinner and it was delicious. I'm not sure I've had Lebanese food before, but I enjoyed it. Today we will be hosting the House Cleaning Olympiad because my SIL is flying in from Texas for a family wedding this weekend. this should be fun ~~ordering the kids around to do this and that. This is hubby's last day of work at his pennies-for-work job. He's taking next week off to do some things around the house that need doing and to go skiing one day of course. How could he not? He deserves to have some fun. He's going to go with our neighbor Dan from across the street. Dan will be heading back to Iraq in June. He's a good ...

Here is one of the pictures I took of the kittens today. Such fun! I've given them the run of the loft and they are loving their freedom.

A friend from our ward stopped by today to say that her father wasn't doing well and they were putting him in Hospice care. She was supposed to sing a solo thursday night, just as I am. She asked if I would learn her song and sing it as well. So today I'm singing, singing, singing trying to get it right. This is the song. It's also from Women at the Well. Foolish Or Wise Ten virgins fair waiting there closed doors left five behind All had been called, but some unprepared Foolish or Wise Two sisters serving the Master's needs One chose to heed her heart She sat at His feet and heard every word The better part Foolish or wise real or disguised every soul free to choose flesh or divine foolish or wise The guilty came judging, accusing her Their sins turned their hearts to stone “Go, sin no more” His love implored the stones fell unthrown Foolish or wise real or disguised every soul free to choose flesh or divine foolish or wise foolish or wise shadows or light every ...

I am now a finalist in the Back Spasm Olympics. I'm favored to win the gold, if only for the amount of time I've spent training for this event. Yesterday alone I competed in the Can She Put The Apples In Her Cart event at our local grocery store. Although it was touch and go, moan and cry, for a bit, I did manage to finally get the bag of red delicious into the cart. Later, it was the Reach Down To Get Bananas relay. I was stuck at a 45 degree angle for a few seconds, but huffing and grunting like a power lifter, I finally managed to grab the bananas and get myself into an upright position once again. As with any sport, the spectators are key. I had a few of them rooting for me during my training yesterday. There was the cashier at The Coach House. While rummaging in my purse for my debit card to pay for my purchases, I was suddenly thrust into the Can She Stand For Two More Minutes semi-finals. The clerk looked at my clenched jaw, listened to my low power-training moa...

Hubby took Steph and Chris and Steph's friend Jason up to Crystal to ski and snowboard yesterday. Here's a picture phone pic of the view from the ski lifts. Lance said they were very fast, six seaters and were lots of fun. This was Stephanie's first time skiing and Lance said she was a natural at it, probably because she inherited his skiing gene. Here she is doing her stuff and on the chair lift. Here's Chris on the chair lift. And one of him standing in front of the Crystal Mountain signage I believe. You may ask what Allison and Ashley and I were doing while the others were having fun in the snow? We had a girls day out! First we had to go to church so I could practice for Women At The Well, then we went to get them haircuts. Here's Allison. And here is Ashley. Then we met my niece Heather (7 months pregnant!) and her son Jared, my sis Julie and her two girls Jessica and Nicole at the mall. We shopped and then had lunch at Red Robin. We were planning on going...

Ok, I don't really. However, it is a catchy lead, eh? Here is the newest picture behind my back fence. It appears that they have mapped out roads now. Wheeee.

Here is an update on our month old kittens. I took this picture just minutes ago. They are more fun each and every day. I'll be sad to have to give them away.

(Had to put 'sex' in the heading for more hits, according to the Hit Guru. I'm such a lemming) I told you I was going to bake some green cookies. I am true to my word. And I didn't eat too many of them any of them! Yay me! Now I have five little plates of them ready to take to some friends and families here in da hood. Ha. Da Hood. I typed 'da hood'. Like I live in da hood. If my kids see that I typed that I will receive the Eye Roll as well as the MOM YOU ARE SO LAME comment. S'ok. I don't mind being lame. It's my job.

Love what Google does for holidays. I didn't remember that it was today, hence the pinching my son gave me. Ouch. Of course he wasn't wearing green either, so we had a pinch fest. I was driving at the time and was at a disadvantage. I lost, of course. He's getting bigger, stronger and taller and I assume I've lost my edge over him in the physical arena. I am going to go downstairs and make some sugar cookies in a minute and color them green for the kids. They love stuff like that. I think we may be staying here and not moving after all. I'm happy, however when I mentioned this to my son, who was previously flying high on just having gotten a new snowboarding coat and eaten an entire tub of rice pudding, his face fell and he was in a funk the remainder of our morning together. I hate making him sad. He kept saying that he hates this place. Hates, hates, hates it. I know he has fun here, and has friends here but he still thinks his life is further to the n...

Yes, it happened. Boeing called us back, just as they said they would. We're in! Hubby starts back with The Lazy B on March 31. As you may expect, we are very happy with this news. We'd also like to say that we think it's a good idea for MJ to go hunting with Mr. Cheney. It certainly couldn't hurt.

I kid you not. They (and when I say 'they' I mean Sunny Meadows) called from Boeing to say that they would call us tomorrow. I'm not sure if the call was intended to ratchet up the suspense, but that's the effect it seems to have had on us here in the Land of Limbo. Wheeeeee! Today I drove up to Seattle in order to pick up hubby's paycheck and carefully deposit it in the bank so as not to bounce our mortgage. We feel it's important not to do that. Bounce the mortgage check, I mean. Bouncing, all on it's on, is just fine. Fun even. Bouncing has it's place. Just not in the financial arena. I visited with my father for a bit and watched as he chased the kids around and then frightened them with stories of Mr. Floo who lives in his basement and is an enormous ogre type person. When they weren't looking he went downstairs and started rattling a gigantic cow bell around in order to scare them just a bit more. It was highly amusing. I came home...

My blog tonight has nothing to do with the title. I was simply informed that those names generated more hits on a collegue's website for his columns. I thought I'd see what happened if I used those names here. Yes, that's me. Baaaaaaaaa! Today was a nice day except for not being able to wake up and stay awake. It could have something to do with my little one not being able to sleep due to a bad tummy ache. It was either a tummy ache or her desire for more attention. She's my DQ (drama queen). If the girl ever goes into acting for money I'll be rich beyond my wildest dreams. Then again, I can't ignore any symptom she presents, due to her situation in life. (i.e. stroke, seizures, CP) So, I'm left with no sleep. Yay me! On the other hand, I was able to take a small nap today because my oldest was home and didn't have to go into school until later. It's nice having her here. The weather was beautiful today and I managed to get Wonder Boy to...

I found my purse! Yay me! And with it, my camera. Here ae some pictures we took this weekend over on the peninsula at hubby's uncle's place in Indianola. The party was for Father in law's 65th birthday. Here is Doug with his kids, Lance and Kathy. The beach is a few steps from their home, down some stairs. Here's Allison finding a sea creature that she's not too sure about. Below, Allison and Ashley are hugging on the beach. The dock behind them is extremely long and was damaged in that big windstorm we had when we lost power. You can no longer walk to the end if the pier due to the damage it sustained. Below is a house that famous glass blower Dale Chihully purchased as a weekend home. Apparently it's in the process of being gutted and remodeled. The house is only two doors down from Bob and Karen's house. Below his house is a trampoline that they have for their daughter. My children thought it would be fun for a bounce or several since the Chi...

Before I go off in search of my purse/camera. Here'a a picture of our dog Cassie in her usual state. She is allowed on the couches in the family room, but not the living room. We do have some standards you know! Wouldn't it be nice to be this relaxed?

I haven't blogged since Thursday? Amazing. I will tell you all about yesterday at a family party on the beach where hubby's uncle lives. Such fun! The weather was great and the company was as well. These are incredibly nice people and they always make us feel so welcome. But first I have to find my purse. Inside my purse is my camera. Inside my camera are pictures of the beach and the party and everything else. I hope my purse didn't get left over there. ::sigh:: So here are some before and after pictures of the cats looking out my bedroom window. Before--with trees. After---not so much. Of course now with the extra light you can see how dirty my windows are! Horrible. Don't the cats look unhappy there? I know I am unhappy about losing the forest.

Here is what I woke up to this morning. Not a lot but it's coming down hard right now. Wheeeeeee!

They've cut down the forest, scooped out the foilage and swept it into large piles. There were five or six large piles. Now they are grinding them into sawdust. Soon the entire area will be bare and ready for them to start the building process. Couldn't they have left some of the trees standing?

Did I mention that these adorable kittens are the result of the coupling between siblings? I think I may have done so. At this time the kittens don't appear to be suffering any ill effects from their unfortunate parentage. They're getting bigger, bolder and are now trying to get out of their box. I need to find a bigger box.

I've been asked to sing a solo for a women's meeting at church this month. The evening will include dinner and the theme is Women At The Well . I'll be singing a song about the woman whose faith was so strong that she knew if she could but touch the hem of the Saviour's clothes she would be healed. Here are the words. CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH words and music by Linda Kinghorn Leavitt and Kenneth Cope Arranged by Randy Kartchner I've suffered much and given all For many healers care but nothing better, only worse an overwhelming load to bear Until I'm ready to lay down and die But from the window I hear this hope filled cry A Man named Jesus He's come to heal us And suddenly, my faith comes alive If I get close enough to touch Close enough to heal Somehow I know, I'll be whole If I'm close enough Close enough to feel His healing power so real now I believe, there's a miracle for me If I'm close enough to touch. I press my way, through the cro...

My two youngest are home again today. Fevers, headaches and tummy problems. Each time the Motrin wears off, the fever comes back. Poor things. Ally's headache is the worst. I worry that Ashley will have fever seizures. That fear is never far from the surface of my mind. Generally I don't think about her disabilities, because she's such a normal , average kid. But when she gets sick, it comes to the surface because she tightens up, she postures more, has trouble with her gait and looks like death warmed over. Hopefully this will pass soon. I got a lovely phone call from an old highschool friend today. Elise, it was wonderful to talk to you. It's been too long. Isn't it amazing how easy it is to lose touch with friends that you used to spend all your time with when you grew up? We had a great group that we hung out with in high school. I talk to most of our gang a few times a year, either online or on the phone. All are married, have kids, some have grand...

Yes, it's a minor miracle. I never (usually) blog twice in the same day. I'm feeling verbose today. This is the week that we find out if Boeing is giving hubby the nod to be rehired. On Friday he was sent to be medically tested to make certain he can withstand the physical rigors of the job. He passed with flying colors of course. Now we wait....and wait....and wait. Hubby and I were talking the other night and he said that he thought he should be ecstatic but he still felt overwhelmed because we have so many decisions to make in the coming weeks. Move, not move. Stay or go. Sell, not sell. I'm with him on the feelings. It looks like all four children are lobbying for the move. Hubby is leaning in that direction as well. I love the boys that I care for during the day. I don't want to leave them. Their dad is shipping out back to Iraq in June and I don't want to leave their mom without someone the children are close to and love. These two little boys are a p...

There is tummy flu making the rounds here today. It began last night with my 9 year old curled into the fetal position on my sister's couch while the rest of us were eating the Vietnamese soup. She didn't feel better on the drive home, and feels worse this morning. Tummy and head. Now my youngest feels the same way and hubby is queasy as well. No church for us today. Instead, a day of lounging and contemplating and having my son say "Mom! I LOVE that house!" This is the house we looked at yesterday with the stairway that would surely kill me. Here's the link to see what it looks like . He hasn't even been inside the place, yet he wants to move to back to Shoreline so badly that he LOVES this house. He WANTS this house. He NEEDS this house. He won't be getting it.

Today we took a drive up to Seattle. Well, ok, mostly today I took a serious nap and then we took a drive up to Seattle. For some reason I could not wake up fully this morning and the mattress sucked me back into bed for two hours. Hubby was fixing Stephanie's truck, the kids were running in and out and bulldozers were doing what bulldozers do, right outside my bedroom window. I can see that it's going to be a very long and loud building time this spring and summer. But I digress. The kids wanted to go for a drive, so we did. Somehow we ended up in Seattle. My sister wanted to show us these really cool houses for sale on a very busy Seattle street. New construction, enormous back yards, and only three bedrooms. And did I mention the ginormous price tags? These houses were half the size of my current home but cost over a hundred grand more. I'd want to move there.... why? . Then we saw a house that was built in 1947. Large yard, but did I mention tiny, tiny house...

Here is the newest pictures of the four kittens. They are such fun now since their eyes are open. Here is Dakota, pretending to be a knick knack on the entertainment center in the loft. I love this cat!

And this is how it looks this afternoon. I will say this about the extra light on this side of the house. It certainly shows where I've missed in my cleaning efforts. I may have to get blackout curtains to hide all the dirt again. I was much more comfortable with it that way. It didn't bother me and I pretended not to notice it. It was a win win.

It's been an eventful week here in my little corner of the world. The picture is now what I see out of my bedroom window now that the trees are gone. The logs have been hauled away by logging trucks and now there are machines pushing all the debris into big piles. I wonder if they are going to burn them? I better make sure I've got marshmallows on hand for the big barbecue! My son injured himself. Again. This time we thought he'd broken his foot skateboaring. After the requisit expensive doctor visit and the even more expensive x-rays of his foot, it was deteremined that he'd merely sprained it. "Oh boy! Now I can go skating this weekend!" "No, you can't. Crutches for at least a week and no snowboarding or skating for three weeks or more" Thank goodness it was the doctor telling him that and not me. As his parent I have no credibility in anything important. Oh, I'm fine for cooking and chauffering around, but anything else isn'...