My Friday Mornings.

This is a picture of what most of my Friday mornings have looked like for the last 3.5 years. "Coffee with the ladies." Today we had reason to celebrate. Sylvia is back! She's the blondie in the back left. Sylvia has been in Portland since December dealing with a nasty infection and a spine that was attacked by this infection. It is a miracle that she is back so soon and walking on her own right up to the counter to order her Mocha! We have missed her so much! The group started over 10 years ago with Teri, Sylvia and their friend Anita. I never had the pleasure of meeting Anita. She passed away from cancer 7 years ago. But for some reason I feel like I know her. There has been other ladies in the group from time to time, but this seems to be the faithful four. Plus the load of children...I think we have added 3 in the time i've been going. I have come to love my Friday mornings...a great time to just sit for an hour and chat while our kids raise the noise level in Starbucks and leave tons of crumbs. I love these women.

Oh, and Nicole is the one behind me. She really is happy, but the camera snapped before she had a chance to smile. Just wanted to announce to all who know her that she started a blog!
Yeah! See the link on my sidebar-------------------------------------->
She may be getting a little embarrassed right now.

I am so mad at COSTCO!

For subjecting me to such temptation. Placing the 5 pound bag of Red Swedish Fish in such a way that they just naturally fell into my cart. Causing me to have them everyday for lunch for the last week ...and therefore packing on 2 pounds straight to my gut. Is this a way to treat an Executive Member. Notice the packaging says Fat Free...whatever!

The Horny Hippie

Thought you all might enjoy a good laugh. We found this relic a couple weekends ago while going through a box of some of mike's old stuff. This was a hat he was "forced" to wear at his bachelor party. Ty found it first, but would not put it on. So Mike and Piper both agreed to model it for a future blog post. Piper's actually looking like a hippie in this picture with her scraggly hair. Enjoy.

Retreat Recap

• Lot's of Fun!
• Great to make new friends.
• Loved my roomies.
• bummed we all didn't get a picture together!

• The hotel was amazing.
• Great food!
• Disposable swimsuits.
• Fun shopping. (although I got dizzy from the altitude and had to go lay down..strange.)
• The horn man played every morning at breakfast.

• I thought this picture of Sue deserved to be posted. I love hearing her play the Conga's. So waiting for a lesson some day ;). This woman is amazing. A mom of 2 teenage/young adult women. I have learned so much from her, and plan on calling on her alot when my girls are teens!

• Of course I have to have some pictures of the "details." Everything was so cute!
  
  
• We laughed a bunch. This was the Squirrel Choir. So had to be there to get it...but it was funny!!!

I did not get a picture of the speaker. Nancie Carmichael. She was great. Here are a couple little tidbits of information that struck me:

• 3 things that shape your message: Your heartwoood (childhood), Your Choices and Your passions.
• The world doesnt want "pretty" they want "real". We have treasures in our earthly vessels if we are cracked than the treasure shows even more" In other words, dont hid behind the image...be honest and real so you can share.

Glad to be home!!

Off Again!

Be back on Sunday. Off to Leavenworth for a Women's Retreat.
Have a good weekend and go Colts! (really i could care less, but Payton Manning cracks me up on all his goofy commercials).
Mike's rooting for the Bears.

Book Report

First of all I want to thank all of you who gave me great suggestions on books to read. I am excited to read them all. And thank you Michelle J. for sending over a couple of books. I have read one of them, but look forward to reading the other one.

So after all those suggestions about books, I ended up taking one we already had here. I had bought this book for Mike for Christmas. He hasn't had a chance to read it yet...but after my raving over it, I think he will be picking it up soon.

THE UNUSUAL SUSPECT by Stephen Baldwin.

Yes, you read that right, a book written by one of the Baldwin brothers. I originally bought it for Mike because I thought he would find it interesting. Stephen being one of the Bad boys of Hollywood now involved in a ministry to reach a generation that the church generally ignores. The young punks or skater generation. See I kind of see Mike as one of those "Bad Boys" that although now living in Faith, still has a "bad boy" side to him that likes to rebel. Not rebel from God, but rebel from the stereotypes of the "Conservative Christian Church". So from that side of the book...it did not disappoint. There were several times I found myself say (probably out loud on the plane) "This is SO Mike". It doesn't hurt that Stephen was the baby of the family, and so was Mike. So much of that part of their personalities match. Also, Mike growing up with older brothers can so relate to some of the stuff Stephen went through with his brothers.

I personally was looking forward to some "Hollywood" scoop. The book didn't disappoint. Pretty sure Stephen isn't too afraid to Name Drop. So this was fun for me. I found out some things about the Playboy Mansion that I never would have known before. Which really isn't that important...but secretly entertaining non-the-less.

But the stuff that fired me up most about this book was how Baldwin pointed out every area of his faith that people question. He just explains thing in such a way that I think it can be so informative, or entertaining to even those that are so turned off by the church. The book is geared towards those people. Those who were not brought up in the church, might not even have any interested in it...but still curious about how Christians think. (or real everyday Christians think...not those fake tan, purple haired folks you see on tv.) So even though I grew up in the church...and knew everything he was talking about...it was just a fresh approach to it. Explained things in a way that is so relevant to today's society. A society who doesn't feel the need for God. Or at least, ignores the inner need we all have.

So I would highly recommend this book to both those who are not Christians, or turned off by those in the Church, or sceptical. Turn off by all the judgement, holier than though folks you see preaching. Because I think it might just explain the whole Jesus thing in a way your not used to hearing. In a way I would love to explain it...just don't always find the right words to explain it.
I also thing it is an awesome read for those who already have a faith in Jesus but still want to get fired up about it! Cause this book sure got me fired up. Helped me refresh what I already knew my purpose was.


I cant say i agreed with everything 100% of the time. Like when he said it is time for old preachers to step aside for younger preachers or those with a fresher view on things. Maybe true in some cases...but there is still a generation out there that they reach as well. But for the most part I enjoyed his view point.

So there you have my book report in a nut shell. I so loved this book...read almost the whole thing on the trip down to California! And easy read, very funny in parts, a bit shocking and very thought provoking. READ IT! Then tell me what you think...good or bad!

Home From Cha!

I'm Home! So tired from traveling, but had so much fun! We laughed alot!! We were on our feet for hours! Met lots of fun people, very genuine sweet ladies and some not so fun people. We enjoyed watching some of the people there who were so catty. Come on ladies, get perspective!! Niceness goes a long way!!!

Here is our Entourage Picture! Melinda and Cassandra were the Stars! Lief the body guard and keeper of the ladies! And Kay and I well...we were the assistants. Kay being the scribe or Moses as we liked to call her! (we were playing off the Entourage that Martha Stewart had with her walking the show.)

Here is Kay taking pictures and selling, which was one of my favorite parts. Sell Sell Sell...that's what we did!!. I didn't get as many picture's as I would have hoped, but Kay did...so I will have to wait til she gets home to show off some other fun stuff.

And the Booth was Adorable. Filled with fun samples. Here are a few of mine as well as Katie A's samples. I just have to brag on my friend here a bit, although I know she will blush when I do so. There were several times when some big names in the biz would walk through the booth (I realized the name comment sounds a bit comical), but anyway...they would come by and graze through some of the samples, and no doubtingly point out Katie's designs and mention how great they were!! Way to go Katie on your debut at CHA!!


And the Princesses!!! Had a blast at Downtown Disney. We didn't go into the park but shopped and ate right outside. Walking through World of Disney made me miss my kiddos. But they all got fun prizes!!

Okay, and the self proclaim "queen" herself. We had the opportunity to see Martha Stewart speak. I will tell you this, on a business or craft industry side I learned nothing informative from her. However, it was pretty interesting on a personal side to see her personality and the way she thinks. I don't think she is as mean as some people portray her to be. At least not anymore. But she does think very highly of herself...but hey she is the millionaire not me. I just left feeling a bit sad that her passion and goal in life is "to make everything she does beautiful". Okay, so great that's fine. I understand the rush and love of making a great page, or card or decoration...that's all fine. But in the scheme of life, I'm so glad I have a purpose that is eternal...cause sister, the cards aren't going to last, the beautiful cake isn't going to last, your millions aren't going to last!! Sorry to rant a bit, I got fired up on this subject after reading a book on the way down that I cant wait to share about. But more on that in another post.

To sum it all up; I fully enjoyed selling one of my best friends' product to people from all over the world! Loved seeing Cassandra and Melinda shine in their element and grow both on a business level as well as a personal level. Loved seeing all the new fun stuff in the scrapbooking world to play with on my pages. But most of all, loved just making memories with my friends and laughing a ton. The whole trip was a great reminder to me of what is really important in life! Not the stuff...but the relationships.

The Story of the Scrunchy Puppy!

I thought I had shared this story on this blog before, but I couldn't find the post. I was looking for it so I could scrapbook some pictures of Ty & Puppy. My luck (or lack of memory) is i have already scrapbooked the story and now have two similar pages. This is my most recent picture of Ty with Pup...I think I might have hundreds of these two together. Anyway...here's the cute story I scrapbooked today:

You have always been attached to your puppy. Every since you were one. Every night we search the house for puppy in order for you to safely go to sleep. all curled up with him. So both daddy and I were surprised when all of a sudden you no longer wanted to sleep with puppy. It seemed you had moved on to another stuffed animal...your kitty. One evening about two weeks after this change daddy came in from tucking you in and said "I'm kind of sad that he's not wanting puppy any longer." So the next day at nap time I decided to talk with you about this. I climbed up in your bed with puppy in my hands and asked you why you no longer wanted to sleep with him. I think I even said something along the lines of "do you think it makes puppy sad?" Instant tears filled your eyes, then turned to sobbing. You were truly heartbroken. And you told mommy between sobs that puppy was "scrunchy" and you couldn't sleep with him. Scrunchy meant he had something stuck to him, perhaps food. I think by then I was crying too over your heartbreak and I told you I would give puppy a bath so he wouldn't be scrunchy anymore. Why you hadn't told me earlier that you couldn't sleep with him because he needed a bath I will never know. But I do know that for two weeks you hid your sadness over not sleeping with puppy. You were trying to act all grown up. Puppy hasn't left your side ever since. Except for the occasional bath to get the scrunch off of him.

Books Please

Okay I know I have several friends out there that are avid book readers. I am leaving on a jet plane (sorry couldn't resist) on Saturday for a long travel day from Pasco to Anaheim, CA. Just me, so I need some entertainment. And since I don't get the time to read much other than children's books I really want a "cant put down" kind of a book to take. So Any suggestions would be great!!

For those of you interested I am going to CHA. Craft and Hobby Trade show. It's the big one folk! And I know I will be all excited when I am there, but it's been a little hard to get excited for it with all the sickies around here. I will be working at the Daisy Bucket Booth. I'll try to post while I am there, since I think I will be helping the Bucket with their blog during the show!

Anyway, lets start the book suggestions coming. Fiction would be preferred!

Sick of Sick!

Emery stayed home again today from school. Both her and Ty have the fever and coughing! I am so tired of this! 24 days straight folks of SICK ! Hopefully the new Antibiotics we got will work and wont taste like poison. That's right, first time she tasted it she screamed "poison!!!" and scrapped at her tongue. It was pretty funny the first time, the second time I nearly lost it (not laughing...frustration). I tasted it, Mike tasted it, and the pharmacist tasted it...Poison would be an accurate description. He ordered a new brand, hopefully that will work. I will be Zithromaxing the heck out of my kids to get the Ick over with!
I'm starting to worry that Emery will be getting behind in her reading...she's just starting to learn how and I don't want that to digress. I'll leave you with a picture of her reading her first sight word book with daddy. So sweet. I remember my first sight word book. See Dick Run or something like that.

A Message from Piper

A poor quality video, but a sweet voice I had to share.

Hey Grandmas! Look what I lost...

I'm Alive...

Okay, I just started to type out this big long post about my sickness and all the drama...but my brain is still foggy. I'm still a little sick and medicated. Yeah Codeine! So here's the short of it:

• 4 full days of flu and bronchitis
• 2 days barely getting out of bed
• 2 kidneys screaming in pain at me to drink more water.
• 4 days solid with a headache.
• countless ups ands downs of my temperature.
• A trip to the pill pusher, oh I mean doctor.
• 4 prescriptions later.
• 3 day's off of work for Mike.
• 1 blog hijacked by my caretaker.
• 3 days of awesome meals made by daddy.
• 3 days of saltines for me.
• 3 less pounds for me.
• 2 or 3 hallucinations (or so mike says)
• 1 daughter who wants nothing to do with mommy anymore.
• 3 little kids who are now sick again!
• 1 missed wsu vs. uw basketball game (mike had to stay home today)
• 1 missed birthday party for a little buddy. Save us some Dilly Bars.
• 20 days straight of someone in this house being sick!
• Lot's and Lot's of prayers! Thank you everyone.

The flu has hit mamma!

Thankfully Mike stayed home yesterday to do the Mommy thing. Actually he went above and beyond the mommy thing with; roasted chicken, teaching Ty to make Mash Potatoes, fresh chocolate chip cookies and then homemade chicken noodle soup. I stayed in bed all day. Which is where I wish I was now, but am feeling bit better so Im on mommy duty today.

This post has worn me out...off to sit and sip tea.

UPDATE FROM DADDY: Mamma now has bronchitis on top of the flu. She went to the doctor today and he told her the wonderful news. He also told her that her husband (yours truly) is a "genious" (his word not mine) and let her know he wants to sit down and watch the Fiesta Bowl with some popcorn and bourbon with me. Not sure why I threw that in, just a funny tidbit from our wacky doctor. Who am I to question the opinion of a professional?

She aches all over and is not feeling good at all, so please keep her in your prayers. Daddy is holding in there...and so are the kids (although they are dying for Mommy time)

A New Stylist In Town

So Yes, I am that kind of girl that will let her, never before cut anyone's hair girlfriend, cut and color my hair. Why you ask? Well, because I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair and I live by the philosophy that Hair Grows Back. And because the girl's got style so I figured she couldn't mess it up too bad. And she didn't. Turned out good if I don't say so myself. I do however have a very stiff neck from standing in front of my kitchen sink and arching over backwards to rinse the color. Oh man...I am not Gumby folks! But it was worth it...we laughed a ton!
Thanks again Angela!


And my try at a self portrait with the new do.

Polka Tights

So wishing I could get away with wearing tights like this. Just some fun ones i got while practicing some focus techniques.



And a funny picture...she was playing with the case of barbie "stuff" and pulled this out, looked at it, and paused and said "Oh, head", then moved on the the next toy. A little revelation it seemed.

The Art of Man Stuff

Ty carefully watches his daddy give instructions on how to properly shave his little face with his "toy" shaving set he got in his stocking. So sweet!




Freshly Shaven!

The Art of Beauty.

So when do they start learning that less is more?

And a totally over exposure, but I loved the funkiness of it.