How SWEET it is...

This past Friday we attended a dinner and auction supporting the Washington State University student-athlete scholarship fund. We had the privilege of hearing the latest updates from Coaches Tony Bennett, who led the Cougars to a historic Sweet 16 finish and from Paul Wulff, the new football coach. It was a fun night that included both silent and live auctions as well as dinner, and of course some COUGAR cocktails-because it would not be a Coug function without them!

Good for the Soul

Ahhh...there is nothing like some time away with your girlfriends! The last weekend of May, five of us friends got together for our annual Girl's Weekend. This particular circle of friends goes back as far as first grade, but gradually adding others in high school and college. We left our husbands and kids behind and ventured over to Chelan, Wa. Of course one of my favorite vacation spots since I was a kid, it holds a special place in my heart. But what a fun town as an adult, especially for a bunch of moms to let loose! We'd like to think we were rock stars...especially when some local guy told us we were all 8's...you know liked ranked us on a scale of 1-10 and said we were all hot and that he gave us all 8's-we'll take it-ha!

But, it wasn't just about the winery tours and local bar hopping, and of course the great food (all very fun!), but sharing in our journey of juggling motherhood, and jobs, hopes and dreams. It was about relishing in the past and planning our future. It was a small moment in time where we did anything we wanted at whatever time we chose, we worried about nothing, laughed until we cried, talked until the sun came up........I will not forget the way I felt that weekend...blessed, loved, and happy to be a part of this extraordinary group of friends! Thank you Kraemer, Koppang, Nic and Sara!

Memorial Day Madness!

We had a full house Memorial Day Weekend. John, Tricia, Grady and Kelsi came to visit us from Pullman, and Jason hopped on Amtrak from Seattle to join us. I think the highlight for the kids was forming their band....meet The Bandeezees, featuring Ms. Kelsi on the guitar, AJ with drumsticks, Grady with the harmonica and Luke on lead vocals.

Happy Birthday...to me!

Last weekend I turned the ripe YOUNG age of 35! I am actually one of those people that has enjoyed getting older. Maybe it is because I feel wiser, smarter, healthier. I feel in control and powerful. Most likely because I am responsible for my children, responsible for keeping them safe, healthy and happy and because now I have to answer questions from my boys about life and God, relationships, space, strangers, germs, disease and death. The list goes on and on. The questions never end. Many times I don't even know the answer so I either look it up (thank God for Google) or I give a bogus answer and then get "but why mom?". "Because I said so, because I am a mom and mom's know alot of stuff." I need to come up with a better line! Anyway, my point is that becoming a mother has challenged me in so many ways. Ways I never imagined, but that I love and thrive off of. Ways that make my mind spin and both my head and heart ache. Ways that make my eyes smile when I look at my kids and look forward to many healthy years ahead. Cheers to 35!

This picture of Guy and I was taken at Who Song & Larry's in Vancouver, WA right on the Columbia River. My sister Joey and her hubby Jake came down for the night. It was so great to spend and evening with them and get out of the house. Thanks for a great b-day everyone! Love you all!

Boys in the Hood

Playing with our new Nikon D60 camera...a few shots of the kids outside trolling the neighborhood. Luke scootin', AJ big wheelin' and little O just hangin'!

Spring Break

We got out of town for spring break this year and headed over to Chelan, WA. Our fun get away spot. Shell's parents have a place there so we love having a nice home to vacation at! Thanks mom and dad! The weather was just ok, but we still managed to hit the beach (while the lake is low) and go bowling...woo hoooo!

70's Disco Pary

Guy and I started off the year with a flashback to the 70's. Yes, the handle bar 'stache' is REAL!

We also got voted best costume. The kids were so proud. Owen cried when he saw my fro! Sorry O!