So Cal friends to the NW...

Okay so one of me FAVORITE things in the world is a visit with our dear friends the Dickinsons! And guess what? They are here in our home... Lucky Me! (which reminds me I bought a discounted pair of Lucky jeans today!) Anyway, just wanted you to know that this weekend will be extra special because it is spent with friends.

Sam is in the kitchen making tortillas... McKenna building a block castle for Uncle Chip, Lisa, reading a People, me on the computer, Jack & Josh asleep... life is good.

Chip went to work with Josh today and had a blast teaching PE to the kids... or playing with them anyway.

While that was going on... Lisa, Syd, Jack, & I went shopping to Ross, TJ Max, Old Navy, Anchor Blue, and Branches Christian Supply. can you say fun? And found some super cute stuff too!

Happy Sabbath to all!

{today}

{today} I... (current time... 1:14pm)

* got up at 8am... beside my bed were the lingering remains (think pillows & blankies) of Samantha & Sydney. Syd who complained of ear pain all night.
* Packed 3 lunches and determined that Syd would stay home with Jack & I.
* Had devotions with the girls and reminded them that it was Kirsten's 11th birthday today!
* drove the girls to school in my pj's.
* came home made coffee, drank two cups while checking my email & facebook, while jack & syd watched the Disney Channel.... and found out that my friend Janeen had her little baby girl!!
* started laundry...
* made my bed...
* jumped in the shower with jack.. syd jumped in her own shower...
* dressed jack & cleaned the floor where he peed!
* cleaned my bathroom counters & mirror... and unclogged the shower drain, nice I know.
* continued laundry... 5 loads and counting at this point.
* finished loading and started both dishwashers which were FULL.
* emptied the leftovers from the fridge.
* did the hand washing...
* gave jack his meds... put him down for a nap.
* called the dr. to schedule and appt. for Syd & Jack in the morning.
* agreed to 3 sub dates in March.
* spent 30 minutes to myself in the worship room & had devotions... book I am using, Esther by Beth Moore.
* Called dr. to change Syd's appt. to today because she is getting a fever, and her ear is starting to hurt again...
* made myself & syd lunch & ate.
* made a grocery list so that I could have food for our company this weekend... THE DICKINSONS!!!!! (I am Very excited about this!)
* cleaned up the mud room...
* started organizing pictures in the scrap room.
* Blog for the day...

I am tired now... I guess that is what happens when for 2 weeks you basically do nothing... the rest of the day looks like this...

* 1:50pm syd dr. appt.
* Winco for groceries.
* back home
* more laundry
* make dinner & clean up after
* get girls to do homework & piano.
* watch American Idol...
* have worship with the family & family meeting
* Call Kirsten to wish her a happy birthday!!!!
* sit on my butt and watch tv with Josh
* read
* go to sleep & dream about the Dickinson's visit!

See... I really do more than just sit on the computer... I will also make some time for more cozying with Syd and the little man...
Until tomorrow... when hopefully people will be feeling better!
Did I mention that my crocus's, daffodils, and tulips are starting to poke out of the ground? This makes me happy!

talent show

Here is a video clip of Sam & McKenna from the talent show Saturday night. You need to mute the music in projectplaylist to hear them. They were so cute! Josh & Emma will do their Tobymac song at the auction... had to cancel because of Jack.. Can't wait for that one either!

Jack at Legacy

Day two... things were starting to look up

finally sleeping with his oxygen level at a steady rate!

after being poked & prodded on Sabbath he was never happy to see a nurse or doctor.

finally feeling well enough to move... looking at the cars in the parking garage...

Thank you all for the prayers. Jack is home and we are happy!
He is on antibiotics for his ears... and on breathing treatments for his RSV. He is eating & drinking again. Things are looking up! Josh was thrilled to get to sleep in his own bed last night.. and we only woke up a few times to the coughing & wheezing of the little man. This morning Jack has been playing ball & doing puzzles with Nona. We are thankful.

jack update

some of you know or have heard via the school talent show that Jack was admitted to the hospital today for RSV & a secondary infection, possibly ear but not sure.

because of my recent surgery I am not able to be with him there because I can not do the lifting etc. This of course breaks my heart... (truly... what mom doesn't want to be there for her kids?) but I am thankful because he has an awesome daddy who is doing an amazing job being a comfort for him. I did go for an hour or so this evening before the talent program. I don't think Josh will get much sleep tonight.

As you remember he had RSV as a 6wk old baby. I guess he can become more prone to this type of infection later.. thus our current situation. They are doing breathing treatments & oxygen with him and I believe were going to start some antibiotics on him to treat the other infection. After josh had been admitted with Jack his fever spiked up to 103. So they are trying to get that down and keep him hydrated without doing and IV. (he is not really eating & threw up as I was leaving) I will keep you posted but would appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Jack, Josh, and of course my healing.

On a lighter note, the talent program at the school was tonight and Sam & McKenna did a piano duet which was beautiful! I was so proud. All the kids were amazing and it was a wonderful event! Emma will be performing with Josh and some staff at the auction in April... as they had to cancel because Josh could not be there tonight.

{caught}

from my lovely position on the couch last week I was able to catch this moment...
Samantha, my 11 yr old, on the couch with her art set & a pad of paper, just enjoying the quiet.
I will tell you this, when you are forced to just {sit} you actually take time to watch what is going on around you.

3 things I was reminded of...

1. My kids are awesome, amazing, & super helpful. They clean up, cook, shower & dress themselves... I wonder sometimes how much they actually need me?... and am reminded how very much I need them! and I wondered... can I slow it down?

2. My parents are here for me no matter what & they really, really, love my kids. I knew this already... but wow... I want to be like them when I grow up. and.. I miss them.

3. My hubby... he loves me... he needs me... we will be together forever. I am blessed by this...

update on recovery.

1. I have been doing things for the last couple of days... dishes, laundry, lunches, caring for sick kids, grocery store, dr. appt. and more...

2. this is probably more than I can handle... but I do it anyway.

3. removed part of the steri strip today... too scared to remove the rest. What I saw looked good.

4. felt sorry for myself a few times, cried, and got over it.

5. have lifted jack a couple times... I know... not supposed to... but it was an emergency and I was VERY careful.

6. Pain levels are good, basically off any meds.

7. Now just wishing that the little man gets better soon... dr. says croup... but we are holding our breath that it is not RSV...

the little man & his buddy {emma}

we have had 3 beautiful days of weather here. That means 50 degrees or more. :)
Spring is just around the corner!
and that means the kids are back outside... so jack drug Emma outside to play when she got home from school. Boy am I looking for more signs of spring!

littlest pet shop...

McKenna's audience...
she disappears into the library after school and reads, writes, or plays with the littlest pet shop.
she is such a sweetie and I {love} that she plays so well by herself. She has always been a huge fan of "little people, princesses, etc"
I love this girl!

this is new...

today during one of Jack's better moments (in between fever & croup)
we started something new...

two pacis...
hmm...

shower time or play time?

yes... this is a flying cow!



so the running debate is does Jack like the shower because he feels cleansed... fresh shampoo & soap? {OR} is it because he can throw balls off the walls.. in the hoop... (thanks Chris & Joni... still getting used a year later) at me... or is the cups he pours with... or the animals that he lines up (randomly throws) and makes me name over and over again...

I don't know... but I know this I never want to forget these days the little man asking to take a "shwr" doesn't matter with whom dad, mom, or sisters... just let him have his shower. Reminds me a little of my brother growing up... he always liked a good shower too.

As for shower or play... no matter... just love to enjoy the moment... and I will tell you this, it sure makes showers more entertaining!

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom...

just thought I'd give you a glimpse of my {daily} life... one that I am incredibly {THANKFUL} for! Jack cracks me up with his obsession of cars...
first let me mention:

1. the girls did not wear character clothing... I swore my kids would not... and shoes that were character were DEFINITELY out! The fact that his shoes & pj's are Cars... well....
2. the girls were definitely NOT using a bottle at 2 years... and for those of you "all-knowing" parents who are saying he is too old... you are probably right... but he is my baby and it is not going to hurt him... he drinks from a cup... I'm just saying, I am picking my battles this time around...
3. the paci... we weaned the girls early... well at least by 2.5 years... they are okay... and that still gives me a few months... right?
4. the frog... I {love} the frog. (there are 4) I mean really it {smells} like sour milk & drool combined! what is not to like? it is a brownish/green color from all the dirt... and I know every time I see one of the ribbons I know that it has either been in jack's ear or up his nose! nice...

now that I have that out of the way...
about the "actual" pictures...
every morning, noon, night this little boy has a brain wrapped up in {cars} the first word out of his mouth is "cars" and it is likely one of the last of every day... so before we even jump in the shower he is already playing cars in his garage... and play the rest of the day he does...

did I mention that I am {thankful} that I am lucky enough to get to experience boy stuff...
FINALLY! :)

Recipe Sharing

Last week Tina posted a yummy soup recipe on her blog...
So now it is my turn.
Potato Corn Chowder (an altered version of my mother's recipe)

saute 1 onion & 1 celery bunch celery (chopped) in 1 Tbsp butter
add 2 cups water (I add more when cooking for my family)
3-5 potatoes, cubed (again I add more)
3 cups frozen corn, more if you like more corn.
2 Tbsp Parsley flakes
1 tsp celery salt
additional seasonings to your liking (I like pepper & garlic seasoning)

simmer until potatoes are cooked through, then add 1 can of evaporated milk.
serve with cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, whatever your liking.
This soup is a family {fav}

Salad:
Romaine lettuce
tomatoes
cucumbers
olives
feta cheese
croutons
*mix with Kraft Italian dressing... yummy!

Are you {Serious}?

I'll admit...
I am struggling with the photo a day challenge...
I don't like {having} to relax... I would much rather "get to" relax
I am thankful for strong men in my life... love you Josh & dad.
I am wanting to scrapbook & get all my photos organized...
I am not much of a {VaLentine} this year...

but... what is REALLY frustrating me at the moment is...
the fact that my sis n law Michelle gave birth on Thursday and I haven't gotten to see Finley yet...and it doesn't look like I will get too until at least Monday... at the earliest...

Sam was diagnosed with Strep throat this morning.. (ARE YOU SERIOUS?) that means 24-48hrs of antibiotics before we can be around people... and with a newborn we must be extra cautious.. sometimes life isn't fair... I believe that I have posted that before... but I still don't like it. Why can't things go the way "plan" them to go? I mean really...

the original plan was I have surgery on Friday the 13th not the 10th... and then I would have been at the hospital cozying my new niece... and of course no sickness would have hit Sam so we could have seen her this weekend... I would already be up running around like crazy... I don't need to recover right? :) I should be one of those "super people" who has it all together...

For the Record... I don't, I don't have it all together.
and sometimes I just wish things would go the way I like.

sore momma, little man, ice pack, & cars...

apparently since I can't get up to play cars with the little man... the cars came to me. Jack decided that it was time to make a race track on my legs and bring the fun to me!


the ice pack...

this is the most adorable face... and this is what it looks like when it says "I miss you mom... but this won't stop me from playing with you!"

I have either been in bed or in the recliner since I got home on Tuesday night... this is my view of the house... I am ready for it to change but not rushing into the pain... I am so thankful for the help of Josh, my Dad, and the girls, they are allowing me to recover at my pace... and I can still smile while watching my little man play!

MaryLynn "Finley" MacLachlan

Here's Finley! She's perfect!
8.9oz 20.5 inches long!
I can't wait to meet this little one!
Congrats to Jon, Michelle, & Lexi!!!

Friendship Tourney... @ WWU

okay... scary thought but minus Amanda on the left... this is what the back of my car always looks like... 5 adorable faces poking over the seats!

Jack & Emma... they are bff's for sure!

So... this is really sad but these are the only pictures from our fabulous weekend in Walla Walla. After skiing on Wed. I got home and we jumped in the car for the 4 hour drive up the gorge to WWU. We arrived around 11:30pm and can you say "exhausted" I was... skied all day... drove 4 hours. Popped some motrin when we got there for the pain in my neck & knee.
Thursday we picked up Amanda and headed to the Iceburg for yummy burgers, shakes, fries, and onion rings... our once a year trip! {yummy} and just plain wrong that I didn't get a picture of my gersh burger! Of course the rest of the days were a blur with game after high school game... the Colmbia boys ended up winning the tournament beating Auburn in the championship... and the girls finished 6th overall.

As usual the time with the Larson's was too short... and I was sad to pack up and leave on Sunday to get back to the real world. The kids always have a blast together... and of course Josh & Gerry spend tons of time in the gym... Lauri & I get to do everything in between... a run to Walmart... a stop at the antique store... purchasing fresh coffee beans and the WW brewery (which I think should be "beanery") looking through magazines, cooking, and lots of eating... and so much more. Little known fact about me and Lauri... we are related 3 different ways by marriage.. but not my blood... we have the same first cousins... and really are more like sisters than anything. I love you girl & miss you tons!

little chefs...

Tina captured these pictures of McKenna & Sydney... all the kids were having a blast cooking in the kitchen. They were wearing little aprons, hats, etc and had the table all decorated for the meal they were preparing. Of course they were trying to serve all of us during the superbowl we tried to oblige but were so stuffed from the yummy food we had to pass! :) anyway, once again you can see the talent my friend has... and of course I am partial to my kiddos... aren't they cute? Did I mention that I purchased some material and a pattern to make my own apron? I have been inspired by blogger Stephanie Nielson, and friend Tina Heinrich, you can read more about them by clicking on their name... I will post pictures when I actually feel up to sewing... hopefully by the end of the week!

Surgery update

For those of you who knew... I had surgery yesterday afternoon to repair a hernia that developed last October. I am blessed with a wonderful family who is taking care of me... my mom couldn't make it up, but dad flew in Sunday night and is taking care of kids, food, etc so that I can rest. Josh took the day off to be with me at the hospital & all that fun stuff... The doctor said that everything went well and I should make a full recovery. I am on drugs right now that minimize the pain (almost don't feel anything...) but I am pretty tired. I was blessed to have one of my friends as my nurse that assisted the dr. in surgery.. you can imagine my surprise to see her there all scrubbed in!!! Thanks Heidi! I am not allowed to lift anything... and no picking up Jack for at least a month which may prove to be very interesting... I already am missing cozying... but I don't want him to kick me on my incision... so I guess i will just watch him play with my dad. They are sure having a great time together. I miss you mom & all my friends! Thanks for your prayers.
And sorry (not really) not posting a picture of my incision... a little to much info I am thinking! :)

{Blankie} a sneak peak...

Here is the {blankie} I made today for my newest niece... she is arriving sometime Thursday, February 12th!!! She is going to be born to Jon (Josh's brother) & Michelle & Big Sister Lexi (3yrs old) I can't wait to meet MaryLynn Finley (she will be called "Finley") this week!

Anyway, just had to share... I just fell in {love} with this bright fabric with the sweet & adorable birdies! Almost makes me want to have another little girl... okay not really, but I am SUPER excited to have a new one to hold! Here is hoping that she likes it! :)

{Scrap} Room

my new jar... makes me SO happy to see that ribbon all tossed up in there! Of course I can't go wrong with those adorable bowls filled with goodies to decorate pages!

the finished product of Grandma's page... I just need to journal now!

the final 2-page spread of Jack this summer at Campmeeting... I just {love} it!

the newly organized scrap room corner... yeah there is more. Seriously people I have been collecting stuff for 14 years! At least I am scrapping!

Tina... oh yeah she's awesome~!

Tina just taking a random shot of Jack while visiting at our home... you know you will see it in a frame around my house.. but do leave a comment because I can't decide!... BLACK or WHITE?

19 years later...

Sam is {lucky} she gets to travel to Mt. Hood Meadows each Wednesday during the winter to ski... this is her first year. I am not sure what happened, but somehow I promised to go with her this winter... and then I remembered a few facts..

1. I have not skied in 19 winters... (I am sure this is important)
2. I have had 2 reconstructive knee surgeries in those 19 years.
3. I have given birth 5 times...
4. I don't exercise.
5. I am having surgery next week.

I believe these things are important... and yet more important than this is the fact that my 11 year old wants me to go with her... so I get a ticket from the teacher in charge... ride up with a friend.. (nervous as can be to ski) get to Mt. Hood... (beg Sam & her girlfriend to not leave me) strap on the skis... struggle to walk in the boots...head out of the lodge...get on the lift... {pray} that I don't hurt myself today... and I tell you what... it was PERFECT... and I didn't fall, I almost did... but I did not and it came back to me like riding a bike!

We enjoy the most {WONDERFUL} day together! The weather was gorgeous... 50+ degrees, sunny, I didn't even have to wear gloves! I could not get enough! I wonder how to thank my little girl for dragging me up there and then giving me the gift of some self confidence... a wonderful memory... and the desire to head to the Mt. again soon!

A special thanks to my dear hubby who took Jack with him to work... and my friends who encouraged me on the slopes... skied with me... laughed with me... and shared in a wonderful day! :)

Can you say {JoY}

okay... so tina comes for the weekend... we go to Craft Warehouse... I get some new stuff... and WOW I am {inspired} to scrap! I can't take credit for either of these two layouts... BUT I am modifying Jack's page and adding a 2nd page for my 2-page spread.. you know I have a weakness for the 2-page layout...! Just had to share these... and oh-yeah later today... the unveiling of the newly cleaned... and organized scrap room! :)

CAN YOU TELL I AM EXCITED?
ps... for those of you actually looking closely... that IS a chocolate chip cookie to the left in the bottom photo... darn those leftovers from the super bowl!