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Episode 11 - City Park

2012-01-30T20:20:00.001-08:00

Etna, California City Park

August 8, 2011

Hands down, my favorite summer activities are family potlucks at the park. Real hamburgers, jello salads & lemon meringue pie, all from the heart of the kitchen. No packaged Chips Ahoy here! Just t-shirts & shorts, paper plates, gluttony, charcoal, grass, my grandmother's aprons, camping chairs, loud laughter, pictures, cowboy hats and deep rooted family tradition.

Memories don't get any sweeter or more relaxed.

Be Mine

2012-01-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

The army I owe much gratitude to deserves a trip to Hawaii but a grateful blog about their gifts of healing will have to suffice. If I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, then they don’t get to go before me thus the reason for the blog post about them instead.

To Camille,

one of the first to know of my current pregnancy, showed up at my door with her you-are-going-through-a-crappy-time-but-I-am-thinking-of-you gifts. When I miscarried in 2008, she did the same thing with a stack of candy and some tulips. This time, a gift with the excuse to indulge even though I was on a Biggest Loser competition…she forced me to eat it even though I knew I shouldn’t.

Camille is extremely thoughtful, aware and compassionate.

To Danielle,

maybe just trying to get rid of her giant batch of homemade caramel corn, I was the happy recipient of one of my true loves. Her thoughtfulness spoke volumes and even if it had been a thousand dollars, I wouldn’t have been more excited to take it off her hands.

Danielle is genuine, selfless and easy to love.

To Janea,

with her hot jar of hot, creamy tomato soup fresh from the kitchen and a loaf of my other true love, bread. Without having to ask, she showed up with the most delicious dinner-to-the-rescue. Although ALL food tastes way better when you aren’t the chef, this was truly a special treat.

Janea is invested, devoted and a good listener.

To my sister-in-law Sarah,

who made the effort to stuff a small package in the mail filled with two tokens of care and concern. A package of “somoa” cookies, my favorite pancake mix and a thought from her heart. Sarah is always very willing to go the extra mile. Hopefully she will slow down so I don’t feel so bad about being a slacker.

Sarah is sensitive, thorough and kind.

To Taryn,

and her expensive-tasting pork loin dinner with all the fixin’s so good that it almost made Rob leave me for her. After a brief email telling my volleyball teammates I was feeling a bit under the weather, she immediately brought over dinner. What if I meant that I was being lazy? Didn’t matter, she wanted to make my day and she did just that.

Taryn is invested, generous and concerned.

To Melain & Jon,

my deepest, dearest friends who have cried, laughed and held my hand through it all, twice. Always a text away, they are family and favored and they heard my cries. Jon in his most honest concern asked how I was and I replied with a need for sunshine, sleep and pizza. Not moments later Melain appeared with pizza, a cinnamon wheel and a gallon of my most favorite milk in the whole world. For once, food was not what hit the spot.

Melain is enjoyable, loyal and deeply caring.

Jon is bighearted, loveable and sincere.

To Debi,

my secret admirer for a day and to her extensive knowledge of people’s favorites. A random box of chocolates and a note that still hangs on my fridge today, she gave me strength to breath another day and a supply for my midnight snacking. A true BFF without really knowing it and much time anticipated to cultivate still.

Debi is honest, doting and eager.

To Lori,

my neighbor by luck and friend by choice, the fresh Focaccia Bread didn’t even last long enough for a proper picture. My recipe and food sharing friend, we have shared many a conversations from the front yards of our homes. A natural fit to my kind of people…you are a gift.

Lori is joyful, willing and an easy comrade.

To Jen, Brigette, Tatiana, Rachel, Elizabeth, Erika, Lynette, Amy and all those who contributed all the comments, encouragement, meals, babysitting, advice, prayers, friendships and love…you have saved me without actual gifts. Your compassionate eyes and open arms are what gave me hope and stability in my turbulent, emotional ride. Thank you for listening to the still, small voice.

You are all mine!

Episode 10 - Walker Girl

2012-01-26T23:44:00.000-08:00

...after a 5-month "to be continued" I am finishing the episodes for our summer vacation in quick-time fashion.

Tatum took her first steps on August 4th just under 13 months old...complete with hip thrusts.

My mom is the spotter.

Ashland Bread from the Puget Sound

2012-01-25T10:43:00.001-08:00

My gorgeous cousin, Sandra has a food blog called Section 89, that I frequent and on it was this recipe for Ashland Bread. Since any kind of bread is the food I would choose if stranded on an island, I decided to whip up a batch and let me tell you....this is now deemed my Lucky Charms bread because to me it is magically delicious!! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Hearty, easy, just plan awesome for you and extremely inexpensive, you will be whipping out loaves for the freezer all afternoon. Truth be told, it really only has one perfect moment in time and that is right out of the oven smothered with salty butter.

This "wonder" bread comes to you from the cookbook, With Love and Butter from Holly B's bakery floating on Lopez Island in the Puget Sound. Buy your wheat bran, germs, and seeds in the bulk sections at Winco and this bread is cheaper than store bought and a whole lot better!

I have included parentheses after some of the ingredients to show you how cheap this recipe is.

Ashland Bread
adapted from With Love and Butter
A yeasted batter bread, Ashland Bread receives only one, brief rising and is extremely easy. Yields 2 medium loaves

6 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds (I used flax seeds from Winco at .49/lb…I bought 3 cups of this and it cost me 42 cents total)
3 cups warm water
3/8 cup honey (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons quick-rise yeast (or 3 packets/1 strip)
4 cups whole wheat flour (I have a wheat grinder so you are welcome to come and grind if you have bulk wheat)
1 cup wheat bran (.38/lb at Winco…I bought about 4 cups of this and it cost me 15 cents total)
1 cup wheat germ (.39/lb at Winco…I bought 3 cups of this and it cost me 30 cents total)
4 tablespoons brown sesame seeds (I used regular sesame seeds…can buy in bulk)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Generously grease two 4 x 8-inch loaf pans and sprinkle one tablespoon sunflower seeds in each.

Place the remaining 4 tablespoons sunflower seeds and the rest of the ingredients in a mixer bowl and blend with the dough hook at medium speed for 8 minutes. Divide the batter between the 2 pans. This dough is very sticky so don’t be alarmed. Just plop it in there, it bakes up all rustic and pretty. Loosely drape with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place just until the batter reaches the top edge of the pans. This will take only 10 to 14 minutes if you're using fine-grained whole wheat flour and 20 to 30 minutes with a coarser grind. When you set the loaves to rise, preheat the oven to 400 degree F with the rack in the center position.

Remove the plastic wrap and bake the bread for 15 minutes, rotate the pans, and bake another 10-15 minutes. The bread will be firm to the touch and molasses-colored, but won't rise much above the rim of the pan (don't look for a rounded top). Remove from the pans and cool on a rack but you must eat half of one all by yourself before it cools. Enjoy with butter or cheese.

Acknowledging the Absence

2012-01-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

A wiser, younger and much thinner friend of mine gave me a piece of advice recently when I brought up the sadness I felt about my blog absence. I adore being able to write to entertain, vent, document, memorialize or inquire but as you may have noticed, over the past 5 months, I have all but disappeared. My wise friend told me not to feel the guilt but to document the space. Acknowledge that it happened and the reason why it happened. I was not lazy, bored or uneventful, but instead a much bigger thing happened. I was recently diagnosed with babyinthebelly syndrome and every tiny luxury went out the window. I felt exhausted, overwhelmed, angry, cheated, emotional, punished, confused, ignored, lost, resentful, scream-at-the-heavens sad. Blogging became number 458^th on the list of things I wanted or had energy to do so here I am…documenting the ~~space~~ chasm.

Since day one of being diagnosed, September 16^th, I KNEW I would not survive mentally. Waiting patiently to one day wake up in a mental hospital due to my panicked husband’s admittance so that I would be able to shout “I told you so” to everyone was my main goal but that day never came. Instead I had my few ~~days~~ weeks of self pity, lackluster living and defiance and then I dropped my pride out of desperation and talked to people. When I was “diagnosed” with Tatum I kept it inside for 4 months and let it fester. This time I knew I needed help and talked to really educated people on this earth and He who is found when I kneel down. I was told I was one of the most capable people, one of the most blessed and one of the most intelligent and that I CAN do this. Weird thing is…I started to believe it and I let those words heal me. I dropped my pride against all mortal odds and He healed me.

All aspects of my life have done a 180 since September; my marriage, my desire, my diet, my goals, my spunk. I was forced to figure out why I was mad. I didn’t want to gain the weight again, be hungry and full at the same time, not be able to walk to the mailbox without collapsing in pain, alien jabbing you in the ribs, tired, cranky, huge, uncomfortable, sweaty, unorganized, sedentary, nauseated, leaking, attached, in pain, worried, overwhelmed, restricted, frustrated….…AGAIN! I felt selfish but didn’t see it that way all at the same time. I have cried buckets and buckets and came close to walking away from my marriage, my kids, this pregnancy. I saw the Bishop and a counselor. I talked to strangers and friends alike. I told myself to keep going even though I wanted to lie on the couch and ignore every single peep from life. I BARELY breathed. Responsibility kept me alive although robotic. Kids had to be fed, angry words had to be said, books had to be read…I never quit even though I feel like I am excused this one time. Dang determination! If there is anything I am gifted at, it’s determination and getting pregnant.

I accept the challenge. Baby girl #4 (but child #5), you just watch out. When I went from 3 children to 4, I was just overwhelmed but having #5 qualifies me as “supermom” and I am officially inducted into the MAMA Hall of Fame! (Most Amazing Mom of All) Having this prestigious award gives you the ability to be called on at any hour by other moms for advice on diaper brands, baby food, fevers, tantrums. It gives you the right to let your kid drink out of a bottle until they are 2 if it keeps the sleepless nights to a minimum and your sanity at a maximum. You get wide eyes of wonder when people find out you have 5 kids in today’s world and disapproving or not, they revere you on a new, higher pedestal of accomplishment and honor. You reserve the right to find old fat-laden French fries under any given seat in your car at anytime, anywhere. If you want, you can carry around stretch marks, baby weight and saggy boobs for the rest of your life without judgment. I am officially qualified, certified, have my degree, whatever you want to call it, I earned every last tear of it! I have learned about growth and my journey on this earth and I am a much wiser, deeper and amazing person than I was before.

After all this is over (baby born and on a schedule) I get to prove (for the third) time, that I can work my literal butt off! I can forgive my husband for his needs and try and figure out once and for all, how this keeps happening without my permission. (Hint: it is not in the water.) We have learned to speak the same language and it has made ALL the difference. I am lucky to have him and vice versa. I can afford to feed, clothe, provide for 7 people on a tight budget and still save money. I can watch my children grow, forget the anger and revel in the joy; quintupled. It will take me a while to rise above the exhaustion, boo-boos and losing count of the kids but one day, I will sit and stare in wonder and be overwhelmed in a different way. Because I did a 180 back in 2009, this recent 180 ironically has put me back on track with my priorities and mental health in such a confusing, dizzying way but I have been taught well by fire.

I am not good at being pregnant mentally and physically and I apologize to those who don’t understand and to you I say…this was MY personal trial. You have yours. My trials are not the same as yours but they are just as real even though they might be the opposite.

I refuse to let the past 5 months disappear so I will have to catch up on the events I was barely coherent for but the space of silence that encompassed all of it had to be addressed first. I choose to leave the events of 2011 behind, document them yes, but leave all the destructive yet educational emotion behind.

2012, put up your dukes because I have plenty of fight left in me and an army to back me up.

Half Way to Sugar & Spice

2012-01-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

Officially 20 weeks and we found out we will be throwing a fourth dose of estrogen into the Atwood pot. Poor Indy!

She gives it a thumbs up!

15 Weeks

2011-12-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

There are a few perks to having a husband with mad ultrasound scanning skills and the ironic thing is...I didn't think I would ever get to take advantage of them. Little did I know, two pregnancies later, I have loved this little perk.

I just stop in on his break and we scan to our hearts delight.

It's been a journey people. Not gunna lie. But...at week 15 (last week) I became a tad emotional (again) when I saw that my magic bean had taken on an entire skeletal system. He/she has eyes, a spine, legs and toes. I am including my favorite shots:

In no particular order:

Sucking the thumb

Side shot with its little leg and the umbilical cord

Saying Hi (see those 5 perfect fingers?)

Chillin' in the bathtub (tibia & fibula well developed)

Infamous alien face

We took some butt shots but because it is still early, we are not guessing the gender yet. That's next month's post since one a month seems to be all I have energy to do anymore.

This Month...Life Got Complicated

2011-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

May 23, 2012

Baby #5

3rd, 2nd & Kindergarten

2011-09-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here it is...proof that I will get my sanity back and my house clean.

I CANNOT believe this day has come for my "youngest."

Home from their first week. All smiles, over-exaggerate whining and hungry tummies from lack of eating at all hours of the day.

I might take a nap with Tatum one of these days!

Episode 9 - Popsicles & Bacon Maple Popcorn

2011-09-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

One night I got it in my head that I wanted to try a popcorn idea. Mom, Janna and I took a root beer popcorn recipe and altered it by adding maple and bacon. We felt that it needed some improvement so we made the necessary alterations and that is how we came up with our Bacon Maple Popcorn recipe. (We had no problem eating the entire experiment batch.)

A very unique and delicious (and naughty) treat. I would definitely make it again! I love salty bacon with sweet maple so this was a home run for me.

Bacon Maple Popcorn

8 oz bacon

1 cup popcorn kernals

½ cup butter

½ cup light corn syrup

2 tsp maple flavoring

Pop the popcorn in a hot air popper, set aside in a large bowl.

Fry up the bacon until brown and crips then chop into small pieces, set aside.

Mix the rest of the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil for 1 minute – no more. Add maple flavoring. Spread on popped popcorn until coated. Mix in chopped bacon until completed incorporated. Enjoy!

Free Roses for Good Neighbor Day - Sept 6 Only!!!

2011-09-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

I have seen this advertisement every year but never taken advantage of it…until today…and it is REALLY cool!!!

Take your donations for the Maple Valley Food Bank to Carol’s Flowers here in Maple Valley for a free dozen roses. All you have to do is sign a sheet that says you pledge to keep only one of those roses and then give the other 11 away to neighbors. A great way to say thank you to those you care about and also to meet new ones.

I haven’t given mine out yet so ssssshhhhhh!

You also get a reusable bag full of coupons and advertisements from the sponsors. Including a $5 gift certificate to CJ’s bakers, a free pass to Thrive, several $5 off $25 coupons and lots more.

Did you know you can take in your old vases to Carol’s anytime and based on their size and quality, they will give you credit or free flowers?

Carol’s Flowers is located by Gloria’s Restaurant and this only goes while supplies last. Get down their today and don't forget your donations. What a great event. Thank you Carol's!!

Episode 8 - Pool Time

2011-09-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm Just Asking...

2011-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

RETRACTION: Eden put it in the dishwasher, not Rob...sorry hun.

Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate it…the whole, husband wants to help and load the dishwasher thing. But…

First thing...never seen this water bottle before in my life. Second…really? Is this a magic dishwasher? Behind that closed door in the pitch black, do hands reach down, pick up the water bottle, stuff a brush down in there and scrub it out then put it back all clean and sanitized? Sometimes I wonder if this so called "dishwasher" is just a closet to hide things in so it looks like they cleaned up. I'm on to you husband...you think I won't ask you to load ever again? Wrong. I am going to nag and nag somemore until you get it right. Because I am patient like that.

This happens a lot at my house. And that is why I am the self-proclaimed dishwasher nazi. I think to myself, if I were a jet of hot water, could I reach those food particles on that bowl that is underneath the other bowl? If I stack all the plates in a row, by size, will it be easier to put them away when they are clean? If a fork is hanging through that whole in the tray, will it cause the spinner thingy to stop and not thoroughly clean everything? Yep, I think about those things. And that is why my dishes are clean. The water bottles however…

Rob, I love you.

Episode 7 & Addictions 5

2011-08-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

This is a new addiction for me.

As many of you know, I am a couponer. I use coupons to get food for cheap. That food includes peanut butter sometimes which means I have Jif, Skippy or Adams on my shelf at all times. I love peanut butter. It is good. It is friggin' awesome actually. I have a serious love/hate relationship with peanut butter. I love to eat it but I hate that I can't eat 3 cups of it in one sitting. Why do peanuts have to settle on my thighs. A tablespoon of PB? Who is the idiot that came up with that portion size?

I digress.

I ate the Jif. It is sugary and delicious. Same with Skippy. Adams always left me wanting for more but you dip a spoon in it and then roll it around in some chocolate chips and the problem is solved. So, they were all just fine for me.

But then...

Then, I was helping mother pack up food for our coast trip and she pulled out a duel pack of Kirkland Signiture Creamy Organic Peanut Butter and I didn't even lift my head to look. Peanut butter always tastes the same.

Wrong!

Dead, dead wrong!

This is definitely a mixer upper. The oil has seperated from the peanuts so you have to scoop out the entire content into a bowl and blend it back together. I was put in charge of getting this done and then I made the life-changing mistake or discovery, whichever you want to call it, of licking the spatula. Mind exploding, eyes popping, skin tingling, FIREWORKS!

The age old claim that peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth is true with this here pb. It coats your whole mouth in a blanket of rich indulgence and you consider never swallowing again and can't even if you try. It is out of this world, knock your socks off rockin' amazing. I just close my eyes, place my chin in my hands and grin while the thick, creaminess dances a jig on my tastebuds. It will take your breath away...literally.

And...the kicker that is no real surprise....roasted peanuts and salt. That is all heaven is made of. Peanuts and salt.

I am not confessing to anything but there may have been a jar of homemade fudge sauce in the fridge. And I may or may not have taken one spoon and dipped it in the fudge and another spoon in the peanut butter. And I may or may not have had two spoons in my mouth at one time at 11:30pm when my babies were snoring away in the adjacent room. I feel dirty.

This peanut butter blows my mind into another stratosphere. Pick up a jar (or two) at your local friendly Costco warehouse today.

($8.75 for the pack and worth every penny...even for me the tight-wad couponer.) Don't you just want to jump in there? Why didn't anyone tell me about this tub of gold? You are fired!

Episode 6 - "I'll just do it myself."

2011-08-30T00:02:00.001-07:00

My mom's sick joke was inlisting my help in weeding at 6am to beat the heat on my summer vacation. For three mornings in a row. As much as I LOATHE weeding, it was very theraputic and enjoyable to weed someone else's flowerbed. I LOVE a good completed project and we didn't just complete the weeding, we rocked it. We moved fences, strung raspberry vines, pulled rhodies and then we got so excited that we went crazy on our neighbors lawn. That lawn is a hopeless mess of an acre so our little 10-foot patch of damage wasn't even noticed by the owner even though we spent hours. No big deal, we had good laughs.

One of which was watching my 15-year old brother do what he calls weedeating but it was actually more like watching him give a cat a haircut with toenail clippers. Sorry Jace but you were ALL OVER the place. My sis, Jannalee and I got a bit controlling, telling him of all his faults and so Jannalee took over.

Now that I think about it, Jace may have been a bit smarter than us afterall as I watched him sip his lemonade while Jannalee tamed the gasoline beast.

1 for the money, 2 for the show

2011-08-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Pie Contest Results:
Eden made the request to enter the pie contest with me this year since they have a 17 & under category and I thought it would be a fun event we could do together. I would assume that these are the moments that instill a love of cooking early on.

She really did do most of it herself.

I chose a peach blackberry combo and hers was quadruple berry. (Rasp, Straw, Blue and Black)

She chose the "criss cross" design also known as lattice top and manipulated that dough to look just right.

Eden's

I chose to top it with individual circles this time. I found that I actually prefer this method. It leaves a lot of room for mistakes and it creates a natural vent inbetween all the circles.

This is what happens when you make pies. Your kitchen implodes.

There were 9 entrants. Three in the 17 & under, four in the 18-49, and two in the 50 & up categories.

As they were announcing the youth category winners, 3rd place was called and then 2nd place and the did not mention Eden's name for either. We knew she had won and so when they said her name, it was a very exciting moment. A cute boy pinned the ribbon on her and handed her an envelope with $25 in market bucks.

Since last year, I won by default since I was the only entrant, I begged some friends and neighbors to try their hand and my neighbor and friend, Lori took home 3rd place. It was so fun to see her win.

I was pleased to be awarded 1st place again for the second year in a row. I found it interesting that the winners this year were Lori in 3rd place with a peach cherry, 3nd place went to my friend Michelle with a peach raspberry and then my peach blackberry pie. All peach based. Good to know!

All the winners.

The mother & daughter blue ribbon winners.

Then, because the kids were wasting away to nothing, I promptly spent $5 of market bucks on these cupcake cones.

I love to enter these things because the odds are really good that I can win when there are so few participants. I keep telling people, you can't win if you don't participate. And you can't become good at something if you don't practice. Validation doesn't hurt though either!

Next year I am going for a 3-peat!

Episode 5 - Creekside

2011-08-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

I got pretty used to the sunny mornings down in Etna. Living in Seattle really drains the life out of you after awhile so waking up to sun and 90 degree weather every morning was a welcome adjustment. We all just put on old shorts and t-shirts and started the day barefoot. To cool off it is either the Etna City Pool or the numerous creeks in the area.

Episode 4 - Little Entrepreneur

2011-08-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

One of my fondest childhood memories is sitting on the side of Hwy 3, behind a square card table, selling homemade cinnamon rolls, pies and cookies at our family bake sale. We had giant sandwich board signs 500 feet before the sale on either side of the hwy to let our neighbors know not to miss my mother's culinary skills. She would be up in the early hours of the morning cranking out fresh cinnamon rolls to be sold for 35 cents each. I loved making money and not having to do anything but when I had Eden, I paid my mom back by giving birth to my own little entrepreneur that asks me on a daily basis if she can sell something. She has tried, rocks, minerals, stuffed animals, leaves, popcorn, books and admission to her own rock concert. For a time, I dreaded the rejection that would enevitable come her way but we have learned a lot and now we are getting the hang of the supply and demand concept. We understand that you will make more money by asking for less and so we are picking seasonal, simple and solid sale items and learning value lessons in saving, supply and satisfaction in the process.

Eden. My child. A business woman at heart.

December 2010 - Candy Canes 5₵

Summer 2011 - Otter Pops 10₵

And so naturally, she talked grandma T into making cookies so that she could sell them around my home town while on our vacation. They sold like hotcakes. We drove around to family and friends and we sold 17 cookies in about 30 minutes. Never mind the fact that it took us about 5 hours to make them in the 95 degree kitchen.

Summer 2011 - Giant Cookies $1.00

Making wonderful memories one cookie, candy cane and otter pop at a time.

Episode 3 - Bedtime Rituals

2011-08-25T21:06:00.001-07:00

This isn't the most exciting of posts but it needed to be recorded.

Olivia was a bit timid about sleeping at my parents' house but surrounded by a fortress of furniture, she felt safe and fell right asleep.

There is a small stuffed animal plaque running rampant through our house right now and EVERY night there must be a tucking-in ceremony. No one left behind. It drives me bonkers.

Actually it's kind of endearing since it is my boy who is the most attached.

From left to right: Pufferoni, Butterscotch, Butterscotch, mini-Butterscotch, Chips & Quackers

There might be a small fetish with the name: Butterscotch, but he loves them all the same and knows if one is missing. There were a few small meltdowns when one crawled away looking for some peace and quiet but we found it and brought it back.

Episode 2 - My Father Becomes a Senior

2011-08-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

Sunday, day two of our vacation, my father turned 55. Now he qualifies for the 10% Tuesday discount at Goodwill and that information was my birthday gift to him not that horrible lemon meringue pie I attempted to make.
(Note to self...a good meringue needs a good stabilizer.)

In all seriousness, he is the most honest, hard-working, devoted, intelligent, spiritual, kind and decent man I know.

Here was the over the top party complete with brown paper packages tied up with masking tape and low quality ice cream that for once my dad didn't rescue from the dumpster. The cheese this time, but not the ice cream.

On a side note...my dear grandfather was also in attendence. I bring that up because of a moment I shared with him while visiting those few days. (Considering its heavy nature, I have yet to blog about the fact that my grandmother passed away April 18th of this year. I was able to attend her funeral and it was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done.) So, I was sitting in his dining room a few days after my father's birthday party having dinner with him and my family when I asked him one of my lame-o conversation starters, "Grandpa, what do you crave? What do you really get a hankerin' for? Pizza, a good steak, ice cream? What is your favorite?" He responded with a dagger to my heart, "I don't want for much these days, just my wife." I about turned into a blob of aching goo right there in my chair.

He misses her more than one can understand and I hope I never have to know what it feels like.

Did you enjoy that joyful story? Too bad. It's my blog and I felt inclined to document.

See you tomorrow.

Episode 1 - Mt Ashland's 4 Miracles

2011-08-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon sports fans,

Rachel here, letting you know that I am about to embark on a one month journey to bloggerland. I made the mistake last year of not documenting my family vacation and it was never recorded in my 2010 blog book so this year it is going to be different. I am always overwhelmed by the task but I figured that if I do one post a day, I can finish the festivities in a little less than a month.

Recap of the whole shebang:

On July 28th, I left with two children to drive down to Etna, California, where I grew up. My other two kids were already down there staying with grandma and grandpa for a few days so I was joining them. We spent 10 days in Etna and then Rob joined us for 6 days on the coast. We were gone almost 3 weeks and did tons of relaxing.

Instead of giving you a day by day diatribe, I thought I would attack it with a play by play vibe.

Let's begin episode one with the story of 4 miracles.

The whole reason for leaving so early for our vacation was to be in attendance at my aunt Carla's memorial. She passed away in February from brain cancer at the age of 50 and since I wasn't there for her passing, I was going to make it a priority to be there for the scattering of her ashes. My grandmother (her mother) had her ashes scattered at the top of Mt Ashland in southern Oregon and so her request was to be scattered there as well.

It takes a wing, a prayer and 2 1/2 hours to make it up that mountain in a vehicle such as my minivan. I had all four kids in my car as well as my sister with my dad, mom and brother in a little civic behind us. We made it to the top but decided to continue on a few miles just to make sure it was the right spot. Just as we were going to turn around, I ran over a large tree branch in the road and that thing jammed itself right up under my car's computer system and all life went dead. That car would not respond. We were very pleased to find that the car had died in the shade of a big tree when the sun was putting out temperatures near 90 degrees. (Miracle #1)

At that point, my father (a legendary fix-it man) had already turned around so we were dead in the water, 7,000 feet above sea level with no food, water or tow truck.

My sister, Jannalee and I crawled under the car to find a lodged stick and liquid dripping from the undercarriage. Oil, gas, radiator fluid, we didn't know and I just couldn't imagine how I was going to get my car down off that mountain. I found an old McDonald's Parfait cup in the car leftover from breakfast that morning (Miracle #2 since we never eat at McDonald’s) and shimmied it under that dripping liquid to be able to get a good look at it. I knew my father would be along some day and I wanted him to have a good sample. That little cup filled up with pure, ice cold water. (Miracle #3) We had driven over a few snow drifts on our way up and the snow was melting. That was very good news. We both spent a few minutes in vain searching for a cell signal but then decided to hoof it.

As soon as we had all strapped on our tennis shoes and pulled out the stroller to start walking, up drove my father at just the right time. (Miracle #3) They were relieved to find us okay since we had not shown up within 20 minutes. My father studied and studied and crawled under and tore carpet back and examined and yanked and pulled and thought and scratched his head. Just as he was figuring out where to get a rope to haul us down, he had a ‘lightbulb’ moment. He checked the fuse box and under the “engine” title, he found a tiny burnt out fuse. He promptly, pulled the headlight fuse, dropped it down into the engine by accident, my brother pulled it back out and then he inserted it into that ‘engine’ slot and after turning the key, that beautiful purr of an engine echoed over the mountain tops. (Miracle #4)

Honestly, we were in the worst possible place on that mountain and that big stick had shorted out a wire against the frame or something and it was just a fuse, nothing more. We were extremely blessed that day and we went on with the activities.

We scattered Carla’s ashes in about the same place as my grandmother’s and then filled helium balloons with notes and let them float up to her in the sky.

A tree and flower was planted up on the hillside with ash filled snow to water it. All her children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews were there. We laughed and enjoyed each others' company and finished the day with our traditional picnic. It was a day of miracles, blessings and remembrance.

Who's With Me....this year?

2011-08-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this post?

Well, it is that time again. The 3rd annual Maple Valley Pie Baking Contest is coming this weekend. I won by default last year and got myself $25 to spend at the market. I suggest that if you know how to throw flour and butter together and fill it with fruit, you join me and try your hand at some easy money.

Here is the registration form complete with all the information you need to know. Come on...what have you got to lose?

Mud Mountain Flashback

2011-08-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

On our one beautiful day last week, Rob insisted that we visit Mud Mountain Dam as it is one of our favorite local spots. We hadn't planned on recreating these pictures but a few of them just slipped in there. July of last year when T was just 10 days old and now she is 1. Notice how she has changed but Rob's facial hair has stayed the same.

Tatum is in the stuff-everything-into-my-mouth-at-once phase. There are three, count em, three pretzels in her mouth.

Tatum loves the 1-2-3 game.

Snoqualmie 5k (#5) & Final Results

2011-08-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

555 Challenge COMPLETE!!!

(754 actually )

I did it! I completed my goal! I crossed that finish line on Saturday and felt very satisfied with my journey. I set out to get through the summer with a continuous goal: run five 5ks in 5 months. (I actually did 7 of them in 4 months due to a late start and a few extra runs I wasn't counting toward my goal.) As long as I was moving toward a 5k every month, I knew I would stay on track with my exercise goals.

I have to tell you...this was so much fun. I loved every minute of those races, the excitement behind each one and now, completing them! I highly recommend this program for the beginner runner. It isn't too much to train for but makes you feel accomplished without the strain on your body physically and mentally as a marathon does. It was fun and I have this t-shirt wardrobe and stash of bibs to show for it. They are my trophies. I am considering a quilt!!

On Thursday, I ran 3 miles to train, then went for a 17 mile bike ride on Friday and then Friday night I got 4 hours of sleep after going to bed at 3am. Needless to say, my legs and body were tired so my last race was sluggish. I felt heavy, overheated and frustrated and I kept my promise of never losing to my previous time by 7 seconds again. Instead I lost by 47! I keep my promises.

I didn't prepare well for this one and it showed.

Snoqualmie 5k

August 20, 2011

Results for Rachel Atwood

bib number: 1009

place: 233 out of 344

gender place: 103 out of 177

time: 33:30

pace: 10:48

You can't win ‘em all but you can stay pretty consistent!! I plan to rest my ankle for a couple months and then do a couple more this fall.

Here was my summer of running:

#1 Sprint Into Spring 5k – May

· Time: 34:31

#2 Trek Around the Trail 5k – June

· Time: 35:08

#3 White River 5k – June

· Time: 32:36

*Warrior Dash – July

· Time: 55:02

#4 Enumclaw Street Fair 5k – July

· Time: 32:43

*Thack 5k Heart Attack – August

· Time: 33:03

#5 Snoqualmie Railroad Days 5k – August

· Time: 33:30

Enumclaw 5k (#4)

2011-07-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

5k #4

Time: 32.43 (7 seconds slower than my previous race, aaarrrgggg)

Enumclaw 5k

July 23, 2011

Number of Finishers 219

Results for Rachel Atwood

bib number: 104

age: 32

location: Maple Valley, WA

place: 113 out of 219

gender place: 20 out of 31

time: 32:43

pace: 10:40

I am disappointed that I did not improve from my last race but if anything....I am consistent.

I have no way of knowing what my pace is as I am running but have since changed that. Now I can be sure to clock my pace and speed up if needed. I refuse to lost to my own record by 7 seconds ever again. I would have to say that I haven't naturally improved in speed due to my lack of practice lately. My ankle has really flared up and I have taken the time to rest it by not running consistently. I hope to change that with lots of stretching and biking again. I miss running longer distances but I have to take care of my health before I set demanding goals.

Stretching my very frustrating ankle.

Since my two oldest children were visiting Grandma, we only had the two youngest for the day. What a world of difference caring for two instead of 4 is. I had totally forgotten.

After the race we enjoyed the Enumclaw Annual Street Fair and Booths. Rob and I both love this town.

Olivia got the royal spoiled child treatment all day.

We have always wanted to try Cafe Panini in Enumclaw so this was our chance. I was not disappointed. Their Muffaletta was amazing!! We will definitely eat there again.

I am running a 5k with my family on our annual coast trip next week but my final 5k of the 555 series will be August 20th in Snoqualmie.

It's like Christmas Day

2011-07-27T22:56:00.000-07:00

Before & After Since my couponing adventures have become a large part of our garage, it told Rob it was high time I had a proper shrine. I was tired of bowing shelves, food falling behind and stacks of cans piled up next to it.

So I found some core wood on craigslist and got 7 of them for $60. They were HUGE and extremely heavy but my buff husband went all the way down to Parkland to pick them up. They were 8 foot by 5 feet and are used in making doors.

We got a killer deal that literally almost killed him!

Last Thursday... Friday...

During...

Over the weekend...

Saturday...

Saturday night we were done and started loading the shelves. Rob gave in to exhaustion at about 10:30 but...

I couldn't stop. Being as giddy as a school girl I finally gave up Sunday morning at 3am.

It's almost like Christmas morning. We measured the shelves to fit cereal boxes, BBQ sauces and vegetables at 2 cans high so that I could use up every inche of space effectively.

It was a lot of work and we worked together brainstorming every last inch and bolt. I am known to be found out in the garage just staring at my baby from time to time.

Bainbridge Island & the Warrior Dash

2011-07-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

With my sister Jannalee in town, Rob and I got to steal away for the day and do something totally different. We had initially intended on going to Wild Waves to ride the roller coasters but the weather did not cooperate so we decided to drive down to Seattle and take our bikes onto the ferry. I had heard about the Big Star Diner on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network so we biked our way over Bainbridge Island and had breakfast at the famous diner.

Turns out, it has quite the history and is now a fully restored 1950's diner.

(This was my best Guy Fieri impression)

On the show, he at the cornmeal pancakes and the chorizo scramble so that is what we ordered. It was really was a very delightful meal. The food was fresh and wholesome as opposed to the wilted, tired food that can be served at old diners. I was very impressed and would recommend it to anyone!!

I had the vegetarian omelet and it was LOADED with spinach and peppers. I could not finish it all. I had to leave room for the cornmeal pancake!!

This is Rob doing is best impression of having fun.

We then stopped by the marina and did some gazing over the boats and water. We found the only boat that we might be able to afford.

But then....the clouds parted to reveal a little chocolate shop call Bon Bon. I did not expect much since it looked like every other small town candy store with it's homemade fudge, nostalgic candies and chocolate covered confections. I settled on trying their coconut caramel and put it in a to go bag. Once back on the ferry, Rob and I sat down to our treats (well, I did because I have no patience) and one bite of that thing and I could not chew. My eyes popped open, a verbal "woah" escaped my lips and I let that coconut caramel just melt over my tongue with a distant sound of angels singing could be heard. I very very rarely stop in my chewing tracks to really savor a bite but this one blew my mind. I have never tasted anything like it and I have had my share of homemade and store bought chocolate covered candies. It was out of this world. It reminded me of the topping on a Somoa Girl Scout Cookie. It was slightly salty with a soft creamy caramel...not grainy at all. It was packed with coconut and the texture was the right balance between chewy, soft and creamy. I immediately set it down and snapped a few pictures to remember this most divine concoction.

I still dream of this thing and it is my goal to replicate it someday. Seriously people, this single gift from God will change your life. Catch the next ferry over to Bainbridge and get yourself a 55-gallon drum full of Coconut Caramels. They are improperly named in my opinion...Island Oasis of Pleasure Gooey Divine Bliss Filled Love Nuggets is more like it. You will be forever in debt to me!!

Our main stop for the day, which we had signed up for months prior was the Warrior Dash.

This was the craziest day, filled with pain, mud, exhaustion, sweat and laughs. You will have to go to their website to even understand the enormity of this event but I will let you know our details.

Our friends Adrian and Jen Buck and the two of us decided to do this "thing" together. We were encouraged to dress up and somehow we landed on white outfits which developed into wedding dresses and veils with Adrian in a suit but Rob did not get ready in time so he was just getting out of the shower when we had to be there. So there we were, about to run 3.55 miles in the mud in wedding dresses, suits, towels and shower caps.

It was not an easy race. There were flames and fanfare to send us off but we quickly realized that rolling your ankle would be a strong possibility. The ground was very uneven and watching your step was all you could do for the first 3/4 mile. There were many obstacles along the way including rope walls, junk yard leaps, mud bogs, wall jumps, tire steps, army crawls, rope climbs and the such. I took off early thinking that my friends and husband were right behind me but quickly lost them in the crowd. Later I learned that Jen's dress had caught on her jump down from a wall and she had twisted her knee pretty bad. She had to bow out of the race and be shipped back to the first aid tent. She didn't even get to get her $17 Goodwill wedding gown muddy.

I got to to the last rope wall and heard Rob yell out my name. Somehow he had caught up to me when I had at one time been way ahead. I was glad to see him so that we could finish our race together. We got to jump of the fire and swim through the mud side by side and he finished 8 seconds before I did.

Yep, you get pretty tired trying to stay upright through all that slippery and glue-like mud.

After the race, you get to stand in a line of other nasty smelly people and a water truck hose sprays you off with 28 degree water. It was the most pain I had experienced the whole race. Getting heat with 200 pounds of ice cold water pressure was enough to make a grown man squeal. The above picture is us "clean."

Needless to say, I can't take my dress back to Goodwill.

Did we have a good time....absolutely! Would I do it again....?????...I am not so sure. There is a lot of room for injury but luckily Rob and narrowly escaped. I had a small cut on my hand from swimming through the rocks and mud. Jen's knee will probably heal but not without time. We loved every second of it and glad to have survived it.

Over 18,000 participants and here are our stats.

We Thought Roller Skating Would Be a GOOD Idea

2011-07-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

"I have a great idea. Let's take Indy to the roller skating rink for his birthday."

This is my sister Jannalee and I holding up three children who were FREAKING out. Olivia had the death grip on my hand like she was being dangled from a cliff. Her arms eventually turned blue from the combonation of fear, grip and anger. Eden fell down more times than I can count and Indy just went along for the ride.
Olivia and I made it around ONCE and it took about 15 minutes. It was AWFUL!

This is Olivia close to suicide by the time we arrived at the bench.

Eden eventually got the hang of it and never sat down. She went around and around about 500 times and fell plenty but she loved it.

Tatum did too.

Indy would take rests but kept it up.

The Les Gove Park in Auburn has this super awesome water spray park.

My beautiful sister Jannalee.

It's attached to a super awesome playground with saucer swings and rubber floors.

My mom and sis playing the pipes.

This was the last picture I took before my camera battery died. I think my mom almost died too. A couple of rotations on that little seat and she wasn't sure she would be able to walk again.
Thankfully, Jannalee was very compassionate and concerned for her well-being and quickly reacted to her plight.

Rasp "Mondo-Hugumongous-Giganasaurous" Berries

2011-07-26T00:25:00.001-07:00

Usually pretty loyal to Harvold Berry Farms but this year they are so skimpy and sold out by 10am that I was forced to gallop in the plump fields of Remlinger Farms. Berries were almost suicidal...jumping off the vines without being coaxed...more on the ground than in my bucket.

Remlinger on the left...Harvold on the right.

This one I made into its own jar of jam.

With the two older kids out of town at G&G's house for 10 days, Olivia became my oldest and responsponsible-ist child. She carried these for at least 2 if not 3 feet. So brave and strong.

Their Very First Shared Birthday

2011-07-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

My only boy and my youngest babe share the same birthday.

On July 10, Indiana turned 7 and Tatum turned 1.

It was a complete surprise but I think there is a reason she came 3 days late on his birthday.

I hope I get to find out!

1 year ago... 1 year later...

Nothing, no nothing is going to get in the way of me and my cake... An ice cream sandwich cake for Indy and a rosey smash cake for Tatum Rose.

Pretty proud of herself...

I bought and painted this high chair for this very day....a great prop.

Grandma Monson

The Miracle of the Shoe

2011-07-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a family that lived in the rain. The rain came so often that if the sun peeked out, even for a minute, it was cause to celebrate...and go for an adventure if the temperature rises above 50 degrees.

One day the sun came out and this family decided to go for a hike to the Denny Creek Trail and the slippery slab. So they got all excited and dressed up in their most uncomfortable swimming suits and set off wearing but flip flops and towels. After what seemed like hours of hunting for the trailhead, the discovery was made and running ensued out of pure excitement. A legend was told that it was but a mile or so up the mountain but it was actually 4,000 miles in snow and mud and that legend is just a cruel, cruel joke. And no one told them that a stroller would be a BAD idea.

So after much climbing and disintegration of spirits, the water/slab/raging river/slab of death was reached and all hope went swiftly downstream with the current. Getting 4 kids across sang of impossibility. The mom sat down in defeat with the wee little one and let the others have their adventure.

The dad took the 5 year old and was about to set her in the raging current and set the mother’s heart into arrest when the current took that 5 year old’s little shoe to a new land many miles away. It was a moment of much tears and trembling.

But then in the distance….

…a beam of light shone down and angels sang as a lone ‘sole’ called out from afar. Another child’s misfortune turned out to be their saving grace. That saving grace even happened to be the correct shoe size and the left one.

Step over step, a timid traverse of the river, windy gusts that rival the Alps and all 3 kids were ready to go home.

Step over step back across they came. 2 children with matching shoes, 1 child without.

Back down the mountain shivering like tiny earthquakes, blue lips wimpering, records were set in speed as the family made it back to the van and basked in the artificiality of the most wonderful sunshine…the car heater.

So full of disappointment for the parents yet those kids remember nothing but the pure awesomeness of the adventure.

And every time that family comes across a body of water, be it a lake, a stream or a waterfall, they swear they can see that little purple shoe. Maybe it too will be someone’s saving grace.

"T&A" July 6, 2011

2011-07-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

With tonsils the size of golf balls, it was time. Suffering from sleep apnia and acid reflux, Eden was overdue for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. She was, believe it or not, super excited and talked for months of eating only ice cream and popsicles. We did not dampen her spirits but instead loaded up on gatorade and sherbet for the big event.

When first admitted in the surgery center, they took our picture so they would be able to associate mom & child (and dog) in the chart. They let you keep it when it's all over.

This is the before...

Now ready in her gown and showing off what would be no more in a few short minutes.

Watching tv with her trusted pal, spot.

Watching the IV being inserted.

Showing off her newest friend, Goochy the jellyfish, given to her by the nurses. She is into the stuffed animal phase right now so she was very excited for that gift.

Getting silly...and sleepy.

She was wheeled off into the sunset and I waited the hour in the waiting room. A pretty quick procedure and then I was called back and warned of a possible angry patient.

As with any patient coming out of anesthetics, she was hilarious. Barely able to follow direction, honory and she guzzled 4 cans of apple juice.

She just wanted the stupid IV out.

Pain started to kick in and she was NOT happy. No one told her is was going to hurt. This was supposed to be a vacation from nutrition. A little Lortab fixed her right up.

Freezing to death, she road the 4 wheeled chair coaster outside to the sunny outdoors. She was really a trooper and has recovered well.

3rd on the 4th

2011-07-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

I took 3rd place in the Maple Valley 4th of July Pie Baking Contest for the 18-49 year olds. I baked a strawberry rhubarb pie with a rosemary infused crust.

I won a $25 gift card to Cutter's Point, a free haircut and gift card to SportsClips, a lunch tote, some candy and ribbon. So excited!!

Do you see the little flecks for fresh rosemary in there?

The first place winner won with a 3 berry pie that looked gorgeous. I find that it is the berry pies that wow them every year...that's my little tip for ya.

Rob and I by the lake.

We celebrated the 4th with a neighborhood BBQ and bike parade...(and you had to wear eskimo boots in the 85 degree weather, it was required)

Rob's brother Tim joined us for the day and Tatum sat happily in his arms with Spot.

Tatum LOVED the firewords. I asked her what she thought and she promptly applauded.

I would have to agree. The day with it's beautiful sunny weather, fun prizes, good food and friends, family and remembering our country's independence needs a round of applause.

Otter Pops 10₵

2011-07-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Desk at a garage sale for otter pop stand = $5

Umbrella on coupons 2 summers ago = $ .46

Homemade signs with construction paper & posterboard = $4

Box of otter pops = $3.50

Ice cream themed tablecloth = $0 (already had)

Cooler full of ice from our freezer = $0

Watching your daughter learn how to run a business, learning the concept of supply and demand and earning enough money to buy the things she desperately "needs" = priceless!

The first day she sold 60 otter pops and made $9. The second day she made another $9. She has learned that she has to pay for the otter pops herself from the money she earns in order to keep up with demand and what it takes to succeed with proper business etiquette. She has a garbage can, scissors to cut the tops off and a board with the flavors listed. A small cooler keeps them nice and frozen. We knocked out a few drawers on the desk for the cooler, reinforced it with wheels and a back and drilled a hole in the top for the umbrella. She can just wheel the thing down and set up shop when she wants to earn a dime.

I can see her from my front lawn and it has been such a wonderful distraction for the kids. They spend hours just hailing cars. We have already had several friends from Belmont Woods drive by and humor her. And even after just 2 days, we have our regulars. Some are even willing to trade siblings for a single otter pop.

I had a moment with Eden yesterday when she came in proudly displaying the $2 popsicles she bought from the ice cream truck with her own money. I pulled that ol' teaching hat out of my pocket and explained the dangers of instant gratification. She spent $4 of her hard earned money on something that had no lasting value. Just like that, a third of her profits were gone on something that she was already selling herself.

I'm Such a Loser

2011-06-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

Recently I participated in a 10-week Biggest Loser challenge locally and my team worked crazy hard to lose our weight and complete our weekly challenges. We worked out daily, counted calories and encouraged each other to earn our maximum daily points. It was touch and go with another team at the end but we pulled through with a win. We got $400 to split between the 3 of us and a total team loss of almost 70 pounds. I had started the week prior so in my 11-week journey, I was able to shed all my residual baby weight and lost 29 pounds.

We contracted our friend Melain to give us makeovers to reward ourselves for all our hard work. She dolled us up and then did a mini photo shoot.

My hard-working, horrible at posing, WINNING WHITE team.

At one point, Melain's dog, Oreo came in and I about lost it. Unfortunately I was posing on the floor in a most unnatural position so I was right in harms way.

I hate dogs.

Our styling star in blue accents...Melain and the three of us up close. (Vicki, Steph and I)

Goofin' around.

Vicki in her sexiest Tom Sawyer outfit. (Her description, not mine.) :)
Not one of us into caring much about our appearance so this shoot was a bit awkward. Really helps us evaluate what we deem a priority.

My body shot.

Close up.

In progress.

Enjoying a healthy spa snack of greek yogurt and fresh raspberries prior to makeup.

Thank you Melain for your generous heart and talented hands. You made us look so good and always make me feel loved and accepted.

Thank you Vicki for being the drill seargent (in a good way) and pushing me to be my best. Your humor and relatability are what make you so enjoyable to be around.

Thank you Steph for being my equal when it comes to "keeping my head above water." We shared a lot of moments and it felt so nice to know you know how I feel.
I could not have picked a more amazing team.

Go white!!

Yesterday I turned 32

2011-06-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I turned 32. Yesterday I got to clean up strawberry puree puke, clean out the car and shop with 4 children. Birthdays just get more and more ~~pointless~~ interesting every year.

I chose to start off the day with a strawberry picking excursion to Harvold Farms. We picked 16 pounds of berries in an hour.

Although it looks as though all the picking has given them headaches, they were just squinting from the giant mystery orb in the sky.

Tatum was a real trooper eating dirt berries while I picked. After all, she was in this very spot last year, hanging between my legs as I squated 10 months pregnant. This was a much more enjoyable experience.

Earlier that morning, in the wee hours before I crawled out of bed, my dumpster-diving-neighbor-friend Jen, dropped off 11 Albertson's doublers and 11 Smart Source inserts. Be still my pounding heart. You know you are sick when coupons make your heart go pitter pat. The day continued with a couple transactions at Albertson's with all four kids in tow for some free milk and yogurt. In the store parking lot is where the aforementioned puking occured by my only son. Cleaned it up with a few coats and diaper wipes and a shopping we went.

Then, at lunch Jen delivered my favorite kind of pizza as a gift of ~~sabotage~~ celebration. She also knows I love Reese's and BBQ rice snacks. Nothing like a fatty pizza and diet food to cancel each other out...especially on your birthday.

Rob decided that cooking dinner was for sissies so we met up at Bahama Breeze after he got off work for a family outing. He walked into the restaurant looking like husband of the year and made sure everyone knew we weren't faking the birthday angle. Little did we know, they don't do a free dessert. Carrying in that big gift was all for not.

Tatum having a go at the squeeky clean, super sanitized table.

Then she had a go at my slushie.

I was going to have my chocolate island, dang it. Pay for it or not, I was getting my candle and HAPPY BIRTHDAY written in hershey's syrup.

We headed home to homemade lemonade cake (a favorite of mine but made by Rob this time) and presents from the kids and my mom. Bike helmet, workout shirt, treats, chocolates, coupon organization, etc.

Tissue paper party. Such dorks.

It was quite the downsize from my 30th birthday marathon and my 31st birthday on the coast but some how, I don't mind. I may or may not have eaten an entire package of Lofthouse Sugar Cookies that I got free via birthday coupon.

After, 36 Facebook messages, 5 phone calls, 5 visitors, a doting husband and 4 amazing kids, one this is for sure, this year I was surrounded by my best friends and I am not sure it gets any better than that.

11th Anni

2011-06-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day marked our 11th Wedding Anniversary this year.

I had just finished my Biggest Loser challenge that day so we postponed our celebration until that weekend so I could weigh in without spoiling it.

Saturday we headed out to indulge on pizza and frozen yogurt.

I adore virgin margaritas and so I ordered the biggest one The Rock had to offer. Every sip was enjoyable.

We had heard rave reviews about their Brown Sugar Mozz Bread and so I HAD to order it.

I may or may not have eaten the entire thing in 1.4 minutes.

The greasy picture totally grosses me out but it was really really really good.

Rob ordered Bad to the Bone and I the Founder's Pie with pineapple and I have to be honest...I was NOT impressed. I have had way better pizza in my life. About half way through my pie, I gave up...it just wasn't worth it. Tasteless even.

Tatum helped herself to equal.

The food highlight was at u-top-it. We filled our cups with frozen yogurt and then topped it with EVERYTHING you can think of. My favorite flavor of fro-yo was the vanilla cupcake topped with fresh raspberries. Very expensive but super fun.

It just happened to be a most beautiful day with sunshine so we drove down to Lake Sawyer and just stood out on the dock for awhile. We watched the ducks, swimmers and fishermen and enjoyed every serene moment.

We are very lucky to have each other. 11 years!!

Happy Anniversary dear Robbio. I love you.

Who's With Me?

2011-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

The more the merrier...

Just wanted to invite you all to bring a pie out to the 4th of July Pie Baking Contest in Maple Valley.

12:55am

2011-06-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

The scene after midnight this morning.....

Sometimes Cheetos make a feverish child feel much better. She was sooooo hot and uncomfortable that we stripped, (well, she did anyway) ate Cheetos and watched a previously recorded Next Food Network Star. Once the ibuprofen kicked in, I was more than happy to have a anti-snuggle child want to fall asleep on my shoulder. It feels so good to be needed like that.

Tatum milked the sad sick child thing and shoved those cheesy snacks into her mouth as fast as possible.

Sunday night she fell asleep in Rob's arms...that NEVER happens.

5k #3

2011-06-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Third 5k....check!

White River 5k

June 18, 2011

Number of Finishers 165

Overall Finisher Average Time: 32:08

Results for Rachel Atwood

bib number: 4

age: 31

location: Maple Valley, WA

place: 99 out of 165

division place: 11 out of 17

gender place: 56 out of 110

time: 32:36 As you can see above, I am almost average. :)

pace: 10:31 I am pretty proud of this…I have improved a lot since last year.

It rained ALL DAY! I was wiping torrents from my face as I ran and was completely soaked but I loved every minute of it.

My cheering squad waited in the car...

Thanks to Alyssa who got up early to come with us so she could babysit while I ran. Rob was gone at a work conference in Chicago.

My souvenir shirt. I might have to make a quilt with all these shirts!!

Next 5k is July 23rd in Enumclaw.

5k #2

2011-06-11T11:54:00.001-07:00

Second 5k...check!

As soon as I announced I was going to do the Trek Around the Trail 5k…Rob piped up, “I want to do it.” Since it was a 10k, we did a relay in order to hand off kids. He ran the first half of the 10k, then met him at the turn around point with the 4 kids and I ran the second leg. We ran it in just over 1 hour 10 minutes. Both coming in at 35 minutes+ each. (I had the uphill leg I want you to know. J)

Elevation graph proving I had the raw end of the deal.

But Rob didn't get to do the finish line hurrah so we are even!

Me and my relay Rob.

And get this...took first place AGAIN. This time?

1st place in couples relay :)

(hey, I didn't make it up, they did!)

Prize: a caramel apple sucker....oh yah!!

Shady Things Goin' On Behind Closed Doors

2011-06-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

I felt a little intrusive when I walked in on this scene yesterday...

" I don't know about this Ken, I don't think we should be here."

"Shhhh, it's okay Barbie, I love you."

Bubbles and all, I promise I did not set up this scene. Olivia was playing "spa" and left it this way. I think my 5-year old and I need to have a "talk."

A Few More Olivia Antics sigh

2011-05-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

This wouldn't be a true Atwood post unless it included an update from Miss Mischief.

This month she had drawn this beautiful family portrait...

on my bed pillow.

Tried to brush her own hair using the twisting method. (it took me a good 10 minutes to get this brush out. She is very good at getting things stuck.)

Took care of her own haircut. She is my first to give herself bangs.

I HATE bangs!!

All over the floor just to create housework for her mother on top of a trip to the haircutter.

This is her I'm-the-victim-here face.

All things considering, she didn't do too bad. Could have been worse.

Had to go in and give her a boy cut.

And then her father let her spray paint a few rocks and in her mind that meant..."feel free to use the spray paint whenever you want when no one is around and paint whatever is in sight."

Bikes

Eden's coat

her Polly Pockets

Tatum's stroller

and my personal favorite and ongoing project: upping the resale value of the van.

I will take silver and pink over lime green anyday!

Precious Olivia, what is your future going to be like?!

Mother of the Year Award

2011-05-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

and here is my trophy.

Took a dive out the car door when I wasn't watching. I just about died when I saw that little bundle folded in half on the asphalt. I felt like a pile of steaming crap. She let me know how disappointed she was in my neglect but forgave me before I forgave myself. Once I knew she was okay, I felt unbelievably lucky to have this little girl.

Amazing what emotions emerge when someone hurts your babies. Especially when that someone is you.

The Raw Truth about Running

2011-05-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

If you are not the person who scrutinizes over someone else’s success in their blog pictures, then you are excused from the following pep talk. (And congratulations to you because I am not that that strong of a person.) Truth be told, I don’t know how many feel the same way I do but if it is just one, then this post is dedicated to YOU!

Something inside me dies just a little when I see someone else accomplish the seemingly impossible, succeed or just do something amazing that I have not. And I die because, well, it wasn’t me and I am a little jealous. I hate being the person watching instead of doing. I have a need to feel accomplished, to feel better than someone else; to be the best. Am I competitive or just human?

The places it hits me the most are:

1. weight loss

2. and missing out on a bargain. (but that is a whole different story full of dorkiness and psychotic traits distinct to my unique personality.)

So…weight loss. I don’t like being overweight. Frankly, I don’t know anyone that does. I see someone lose a bunch of weight and I say to myself she-looks-so-good-but-I-don’t-want-to-compliment-her-on-her-success-because-I secretly-am-jealous-and-I-am-frustrated-that-she-looks-so-good-and-that’s-not-fair-because-I-want-to-look-good-too. As you can see, I have an issue. So, I guess I just decided to take one step forward and stop letting everyone else’s success drive me to the closest pint of Ben & Jerry’s and let it inspire me instead.

For all those who know me, you know I went from this:

My very first 5k in 2006 that I refused to run. Finished in 55 minutes. (I've come a long way in confidence and speed.)

To this: (half marathon 2009)

To this again in 2010 (for the 4th time):

To this again.

Just last saturday. See below.

I have heard comments about what an animal I am but I want you to rest assured that I must put on a good show.

On the outside you might see me “getting skinny” or peg me as a “runner” but in fact I am a good liar. This is what is really going on:

· I can barely run 3 miles without thinking I might actually have to amputate my legs afterward. I am not a runner. Those who think I am hard core…how’s that for hard core?!

o I did finish a half marathon in 2009 but I walked some of it and finished in record time at 3 hours 19 minutes. There you go. I have my excuses but I will leave those out this time and just let you know that I did not run the whole way. It was hard. It is supposed to be hard. But I did it. (By the way, that is super crazy duper slow!)

· I still have some trouble areas in my butt, thighs, hips, tummy, arms and boobs. If you have at any moment thought I didn’t, the right pair of jeans or body shaping undergarments hide a multitude of sins…let me tell you.

· I absolutely drag myself to the gym or to a workout. I have never been excited to workout. I try to mix in strength workouts with weights because I hear it is important for your muscles to be strong so you can burn more when you do the cardio workouts. It’s true.

· I love food. I would eat all day long if I could but I can’t. I love pizza, candy, whole milk and every kind of bread. Pretty much just carbohydrates in general. I am currently engulfed in a Biggest Loser challenge that has worked wonders for me so right now I watch what I eat, count my dang calories and I hate it but it works so I do. Calories in vs. calories out. Period.

· Every time I go for a “run” I get a little stronger and I can go further but my legs burn for the first half mile, my ankle hurts due to some unknown injury and my butt bounces so much that I am almost positive that I have caused a few traffic accidents from rubber-neckers. However, after that first ½ mile, it does get better and my butt becomes numb so I don’t notice it as much. But, and a big BUT…I run an 11-minute mile and I am dang proud that I can do that. I am not fast nor have I ever been but running a mile in 11 minutes is a heck of a lot faster than sitting on the couch for 11 minutes.

· Since March 14^th, I have lost 25 pounds and it is only because I work hard. I exercise 6 days a week, a little or a lot and I eat right but I do cheat. Sometimes I eat a handful of Ritz and sometimes I have a bite of ice cream but for the most part, I stick to it because it feels so good to be on the end that gets the admiration instead of getting depressed because someone is smarter, thinner, more talented, better than I am.

· I set goals and I reach them. I get that little fear in the pit of my stomach every time I think about entering a 5k that tells me not to sign up but when I cross that finish line…oh the growth for my spirit and self esteem!! There is a lot of truth to setting a goal and accomplishing it. I know I must set goals or I will sit idly by and let those stories of success bring me down.

o This summer I set a goal to run five 5k’s in 5 months. 3.1 miles is manageable. I ran 3.1 miles on my own last week in 33 minutes. Then I ran in my first of five 5k’s just this last Saturday and took 1^st place in my age group. Hello? Me. I won. First place. And I run an 11-minute mile. I won a 2-month membership to Work It Out Gym. It was a small race…only about 40 people, mostly teenagers but it doesn’t matter. I can say I took first place. I ran that one in 34:31. It was on gravel so I think that is why I was slower. I just kept telling myself…run now, rest later. Let me tell you, 3 miles is a LONG way but it’s NOT really a long way! I have never had a runner’s high and thought, “that last 15 miles was easy, I will just keep going.” NEVER!!

· I don’t follow a diet. I eat what grows in the ground, on trees and animals as a guideline but I love lots of packaged stuff too. Just eat what you know is going to be good on your body. Trust me, I have eaten a McDonald’s hamburger or two in my life and yes, they taste really good but they aren’t worth it. Just don’t do it. But once in awhile it will happen and don’t hate yourself for it, shake it off and move on.

· I love to go on bike rides and I didn’t used to. I never knew if 3 miles was a lot or if 10 was insane but I want you to know, you can do 10 no problem. It isn’t that hard. It is just a persistence thing and it is great cardio without the pounding on your joints. I now do about 15 miles on my long bike rides.

· I have 4 children and it is important to me to be home as much with them as possible. Stealing away to workout is a sacrifice for sure. But if you make exercising an appointment instead of an optional activity, you will find your family benefitting from your health. There are days that there is no way I am going to get away so I figure out a way and don’t let excuses control my life. When Tatum is asleep, I send the kids outside and I run wind sprints in the cul-de-sac with the baby monitor on high volume. All my neighbors could see the bouncing show if they want to but I have come to the point in my life that I DON’T CARE! My health (and feeling good in my own skin) is far more important than my pride.

Trust me, I am normal. I am not good at running but I am doing something that makes me feel better about myself. So next time you think you can’t, I promise you can. I feel strong every time I run and that is why I do it…not because I am good at it.

Things not to bring me (or to definitely bring me) because this is where I have NO control:

Cinnamon Rolls

Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

Caramel anything

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Pizza

Pie

(notice how all of them are desserts?)

Next time you see me post about an accomplishment, it really is just that. I did something even though it isn’t normal or easy for me. It’s really about stepping outside of your comfort zone and PRETENDING that you know or are comfortable with what you are doing. Everyone had to start somewhere. You will probably fool everybody else, not yourself.

So there you have it. I am absolutely like you. I am scared, tired, slow, pitiful, flabby, strong, embarrassed, prideful and very very normal. Hopefully this post either inspires you to be better or just makes you feel better about yourself because you could totally win against me! J I will take either one.

Now go have a 7^th cookie, throw the rest away and start fresh tomorrow with a new resolve to be the one that other people admire. Admiration tastes better than that cookie does any day.

(unless you make these cookies, then I would choose cookies over admiration)

Love to all those who struggle,

Rachel

5k in Maple Valley

2011-05-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

(click on image to enlarge)
Anyone want to run with me? Well, not really RUN WITH me, just show up at the same event at the same time and run PAST me. I have a goal to run a few of these this year and am excited to see that this one is local. If you register by May 14, you are guaranteed a free t-shirt.

Registration form here.

Cannon (ball) Beach

2011-05-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Rob's mom was very generous to invite us to Cannon Beach for one night over spring break. We were threatened with snow and thunderstorms and we got the optimum opposite...mostly sunshine both days. Cannon Beach, Oregon has tons of charm and activities that I adore...first and foremost...some of the best salt water taffy west of the Mississippi. Sadly, being involved in a weight loss challenge has its downfalls. I ate 3 pieces instead of my usual 56. Bruce's Candy Kitchen has the most mouthwatering homemade candy of which I did not get to sample...including a chocolate covered, caramel covered homemade marshmallow. Be still my soul.

My kids are always first to jump in.

It was a balmy 46 the first evening after the sun went down and the three oldest posed for half a second before giving in to the cold.

Speaking on behalf of my children, they would say the best part of the trip was the indoor pool, hands down. Tatum even got to wear that cute baby swimsuit that never gets used.

Hot tub. Best thing evah!

Catapulting Indy was a favorite activity.

Haystack Rock and the Atwood family.

Funny mirror in one of the shops...fun for ~~hours~~ minutes.

Our last stop on the way out of town was The Pirate's Cove which was lame but the outdoor picture booth had at least one photo op.

Thanks Martha for a wonderful memory. Here's to many more walks on the beach!!

So Much to Post...So Little Time

2011-05-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a small glance to tide you over...

The Great TP Debate

2011-04-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

I, I mean, Eden participated in the Elementary School Science Fair a couple weeks ago and of the hundreds of people there...guess who got her mug in the paper....again.

The Voice of the Valley newspaper finds the Atwoods just too tempting...like here, here and here.

For those who want to know...

Barbies...who knew?

2011-04-03T12:19:00.001-07:00

My mother.

When she gets a request from someone, she will go to the ends of the earth to fill it.

Olivia likes Barbies.

My mom has spent the last 4 months collecting, searching, buying and cleaning Barbie clothes, dolls and furniture. She has gone to the extent of ironing dresses, brushing and braiding hair and individually bagging outfits.

She is comical and amazing at the same time. It's a lot of effort for someone who is incapable of appreciating it as much as she should.

Last weekend, my mom came to visit for Eden's baptism and brought with her a giant bin full of well-loved Barbie madness from my aunt who passed away in February.

As we sat with Olivia and swooned over the magic that is Barbie, I pulled out a certain doll that had me close to passing out. At first I smiled and then it turned into full fledged, doubled-over hysterical laughter. The more I looked at that thing, the more I couldn't breathe. This poor gumby style Barbie had been through years of salon torture and my mother, bless her heart, had attempted to tame the hairy beast. Unfortunately, her hair would not lay down. I was drooling, crying and gasping for air at the same time. (Truth be told, a large portion of my madness was just from sheer exhausting mixed with the 11:00pm hour.)

I had my mother hold it up against the door so I could take a picture lest the "do" be undone before I could capture it. Look at how serious she is about the end product!

Even though it was plenty hilarious, the funniest part turned out to be later when my dad chimed in with a story. He had been laying in bed one night a few days prior, a light was coming from behind the closed bathroom door and he was questioning a loud scraping sound. Brick on concrete if you will, over and over again. As he arose to see what on earth could be making that sound, he opened the door to find my mother lovingly brushing, with all her might, the mane of that gumby Barbie. Hair flying & poofing, tender care exuding.

She did the best she could but I'll tell you, if it looks this bad now, I can only imagine...

That Barbie is now mine forever. She even joined me on my bike ride the next morning as my special passenger.

Commitment

2011-03-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Eden turned 8 two weeks ago so she was given the opportunity to be baptized on Saturday. It was a lovely day with family, speakers, tears and fun. Being the mother, I got to be there with towel in hand as she came out of the font and the first thing she said to me was, "I'm clean!" She was referring to the fact that she was wiped clean of all her mistakes. It was just she and I in the bathroom as she changed. It was very sweet. She was full of hugs and smiles. We quickly changed her into an all white outfit to prepare to receive the Holy Ghost.

She was baptized and also confirmed by her father.

This was the best pic we could get afterward. Don't let the smile on Indy' face fool you, he pitched a major fit because he couldn't play with a necklace Eden got as a gift and only agreed to smile if he got to see it.

Mom & Eden 1987 (my father and I) 2011 (Eden and her father)

My parents were able to be there. Grandpa Mike gave a talk on the Holy Ghost.

One happy girl.

My brother Chad and his wife and kids came just for this special event. L is quite the fan of "mortacycles."

We played Bingo for prizes that afternoon. Gpa Mike was the caller.

She was taken with him. Wouldn't let him out of her sight.

And then Gma was in the background, knitting a scarf.

We only got one day all together but it was priceless.

Congrats Eden girl. We are proud of you.

A Wise Choice = THANK YOU!

2011-03-21T17:52:00.001-07:00

Eden was counting up her money that she received from her birthday and trying to decide what crap she could spend it on when I pushed really hard that she buy herself a new bike.

I won.

So this is a big THANK YOU to all those who contributed to the new bike fund via your birthday "presents". She is really excited about it and it was a worthy investment. It just happened to be on sale for just $5 more than she had so we made up the difference.

Happy Birthday Eden!

8 is a BIG One

2011-03-19T18:57:00.001-07:00

Yep, 8 is great.

Eden has been waiting for her 8th birthday luau forEVER!!

And the day finally dawned...

Cupcakes.
It's a towel on the beach and not until Indy pointed it out did I realize that I had placed the umbrella in the water.

Practicing the hula.

Limbo.

Out of the 7 girls invited, only 3 were able to attend.

Although, they made up for the missing girls in volume. Dogs were barking around the world when these girls started squealing.

The birthday girl with her cupcake birthday cake.

Everyone had to earn their cupcakes on the cake walk. I tend to love the thrill of cake walks and the excitement was high.

Poor Indy.

Couldn't win to save it life.

So naturally we must resort to cheating.

Don't be concerned, that is the expression one makes when one receives cold hard cash as a gift from R.

Eden loves money.

I had to tell Eden to be respectful of her other friends' gifts when she blurted out "the money is my favorite gift."

Friends.

Tangled.

Gettin' ready for the pinata and luckily Indy is ahead of the game. Can't lose many teeth in this game.

Eden is determined to kill it.

Since we made our own pinata, we stepped back to the third grade and used paper mache and 3 layers of newspaper and brown paper bags. It was TOUGH to break.

However, I came in and saved the day.

I released some bundled up aggression and showed that pinata who's boss.

After the candy scramble, all the girls went and played my favorite game...organizing.

The crew.

Not to be forgotten.

What a party. What a relief that it is over.

Eden will be baptized March 26th if anyone wants to come.

10:00am

at the Stake Center

Building

2011-03-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

Building self esteem

Building muscle

Building a sense of accomplishment

Building confidence

Building achievements

Building gratification

Building awareness

Building family

Building enthusiasm

Building memories at...

Snoqualmie's

St. Patty's Day 1k

Ever since Eden ran the Snoqualmie Railroad Days 1k last August, Indy has wanted a medal of his own and this past Saturday, he fulfilled that desire. Indy not only ran that 1k, he blew Eden out of the water.

Rob took the opportunity to run it with the kids this year while I did the cheerleading with the 2 younger girls.

On the road to the ~~place where they hand out shiney medals~~ race.

Eden got new shoes from Grandma T for her birthday just one day before the race.

It was a bit chilly Saturday morning.

Indy in orange coat, Eden in dark blue coat, Rob in royal blue shirt. At the sound of the buzzer, all those kids took off down the hill like they were after the last ice cream truck on a hot summer day. I forget that .6 miles goes by pretty fast, no need to pace themselves.

Just after they started, I walked the stroller back up to the finish line to wait and almost before I could get the camera out of my pocket, there was my little orange lightning coming through. Rob said he took off and never looked back.

That boy was built to run. He has about 2 lbs of body fat on him and A LOT of energy. With the right training and enthusiasm, he could really go places.

Then Eden comes through over a half a minute later.
I found out that she stopped a couple times to walk and I was surprised since she ran the whole time with my last year. I asked her if it was because I talked her through it last year telling her to just keep going but she insisted that it was because she has more fat on her this year.
Are you serious?
Yah, look at her...the little tubo.

Another medal for the books.

Final times:
Indy

(9 1/2 min mile)

Eden
(10 1/2 min mile)

Sadly, both times are faster than my pace on my best day.

Even though I have much longer legs, I am going to go ahead and pull an Edenism and say it is because I am "more fat" than they are.
:)

A Rare Glimpse

2011-03-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

This girl does not laugh easily.

So to get this on camera is quite a treat.

And no one can make her laugh but Indiana.

For Rachel O

2011-03-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

A small reminder:

Just this last Saturday my harddrive crashed and since I had not backed up my computer since Tatum's birth, I lost 8 months of my life. All pictures, RS documents, family projects, emails, contacts, bookmarks and videos. The only thing keeping me from jumping off the nearest bridge is my blog. Thankfully I posted with all the best pictures of the most significant events so I have that. What a blessing.

Don't make the same mistake I did. Buy an external harddrive or make an account on Windows Live to automatically back up your computer.

The following post might seem a bit insignificant to most of you but it was important for me to document and I am realizing this more so than ever.

Last week I hosted a crockpot class at my house. Let's just say the women weren't a fan of my can opener I have had since college. Ol' Rusty has seen better days but being the cheapo that you all know I am, I just kept pluggin' along with my carpal tunnel inducing mechanism.

However, there was one gal who thought I deserved to be treated better.

Sorry dear utensil friend. We have opened many a canned soup together but you have been replaced by something much prettier, younger and easier. So typical these days.

Rachel O...you are my new favorite person. It works like a champ.

New Teammate

2011-03-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

Joining the team...4 years later.

Indy (2), Olivia (1), Eden (3) - March 2007

Tatum (8mo) - March 2011

Grandparents, aunts & uncles: click on the picture for a larger view.

The Latest Escapades by The Destroyer

2011-02-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

She is continually at it. Here are a few more of her recent adventures.

This is a scrapbook piece for a baby's book. It has a little metal hanger that looks pretty tasty apparently.

And so this is what happens when things look tasty.

Wedged between her two front teeth and no wire cutters were going to get through it. Had to finally just wriggle it out. No damage done.

This is Tatum's ball popper.

Also known as a perfect lotion dispenser.

So naturally she must fill it up.

And this month's Pièce de résistance.

I take full responsibility for the dirtiness of the car but the custom engraved handwriting is not my work. I am having trouble figuring out who it could be.

Really ups the resale value!

When asked why she was doing these things, with tears streaming down her face she replied with the first real answer I have heard from her, "I don't know." I believe that.

Rock Band For Dad

2011-02-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

I don't wanna brag but have heard the musical talent in this house?

I mean, check out the girl on drums and the lead vocal has moves you've never seen.

Let me introduce the band:

Lead Vocal: Tatum Verbatum

Electric Guitar: Screamin' Eden Squeeden

Drums: Liv the Destroyer (with her ever present cheer)

Symbols: Mr. Man Indy

Note To Self:

2011-02-25T10:09:00.000-08:00

When rescuing slightly molding zucchini from the trash at Bountiful Baskets in an effort to "waste not, want not," make sure that when said zucchini goes missing for 3 weeks, you look for it no matter what!

Obviously the zucchini could not have jumped out of the car itself, yet I chose to believe that and it proceed to find a cozy and furry home attached to the floorboard carpet.

Even then, it was only discovered after a neighbor needed to borrow my jumper cables and there was a slight goo attached to the cable case.

Tonight's Menu: Speckled Zucchini Soup

The upside? The weather lately has slowed down the decaying process significantly. Could have been a lot worse.

Tooth Fairies UNITE!!!

2011-02-21T07:23:00.001-08:00

Since the tooth fairy has forgotten to pick up the tooth a couple of times at our house, I am sending this out to whom it may concern just so the tooth fairy and I are on the same page.
Dear Tooth Fairy,

In our house, it seems that you forget to pick up teeth about half the time so I wanted to go over the ground rules one more time with you to make sure we understand each other correctly.

1. If a child loses a tooth after 9:00pm, you will not be able to come until the next night because you have already left for your rounds for the evening.

· Is this correct? Because this is what happened with Eden and that was what I told her the next morning.

2. If a child loses a tooth before 9:00pm but it is on the weekend, you will not be able to come until Monday night because you don't work weekends, just like daddy.

· Is this correct? Because that is what happened to Indiana just last night and that is what I told him.

3. The allowance per tooth is exactly $1, no more no less (even if a child begs for more.)

· Is this correct? Due to inflation over the years, I understand that the dime I received when I was a kid just won't cut it anymore but in our house, the price needs to be consistent across the board so $1 is appropriate.

If I understand these rules correctly, allow me to lay down one rule of my own:

Please make sure you don't forget to come when a child loses a tooth before 9:00pm on a weekday... or you will be in BIG trouble.

As a child I can remember being so excited to see if you had come and when I felt that shiny dime in the cloth of my tooth fairy pillow, I would smile from ear to ear. But if I felt the tooth, it told me you forgot and my world came crashing down. Now, as a parent, I understand that there are ~~reasons~~ rules but please know I can only cover for you so many times before I will have to dismiss you from their childhood dreams. And that it always a sad day indeed.

Thanks for all your hard work being discrete.

R. Atwood

Tongue Click Tatum

2011-02-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

More Chores Please

2011-02-20T18:13:00.001-08:00

Teaching the value of work just wasn't working without the rewards system in this house and from that little revelation the Drive In was born.

Saturday morning dawned fresh and full of possibilities but the house was a war zone and the kids were expectant...expecting mom to go on the usual cleaning tirade while they go comatose in front of The Suite Life on Deck.

After the first decent nights sleep in over 218 days, one can muster up quite a bit of energy behind bribery tactics. After explaining that by doing chores, fake money could be earned and then spent on crap at the drive in, there was a whole new excitement in the air.

Yeah for crap!

The sweet sound of begging for chores began and then cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching...

I brought home 3 boxes from Bountiful Baskets and priority one was to make their cars. Complete with gas tanks for fillin' up, key holes and "I Love Kookaburras" bumper stickers.

I ran to the store for some cheap provisions, after coupons of course and then......let the ~~hidden lesson in money management~~ feast of crap begin!

No one bought a banana...weird!

Thanks to Ice Age 2 from Free Movies On Demand, at the end of the day, the house was once again a mess, everyone was poor and the kids...comatose.

Bribery works EVERY TIME!

What's Up Buttercup?

2011-02-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce you to one of my favorite people...Ms. Debi.

Ms. Debi is the creative mind and teacher at BLOOM Preschool.

My precious little snapdragon daughter Olivia is BLOOM's demise 3 days a week. (evil laugh)

Anyway, here's what's up buttercup:

BLOOM is now enrolling for the 2011/2012 school year

School Days: MWF 9:30am - 12pm

Average 11/12 school days per month (Follows the Tahoma School Calendar for holidays and vacations days)

For 4 year olds (must be 4 by January 1)

$50.00 deposit required to hold spots in the 2010 fall class (non refundable)

***But*** If you mention seeing this blog post Miss Debi will take half off the $50.00 deposit.

EMAIL: debisgarden@netscape.com or debisgarden@gmail.com

or call 425-413-0268 or 425-890-6087.

The Academic Calendar:

3 assessments a year (trimester 'tests')
Spring Art Show
The Bloom Garden - planted by and maintained by the children
Academically covering Letters A-Z, upper and lower case, sounds, written, and sequence
Numbers 1-20, Counting by 2's and 5's
Colors & shapes
Weekly show and tell
Proper use of scissors and proper pencil grip
Pattern work
Singing
Music Appreciation – winter trimester
Early Spanish - last trimester

Benefits:

Ms. Debi has 7 years experience/licensed/insured
Cozy kid-sized classroom, chairs & tables
Small class size (6-8 students)
Educational toys
Delightful curriculum
Individual Attention
Social Development
Fewer children per class
Large play structure
Warm and loving environment
Individual progress evaluation as needed
Special graduation event
Holiday celebrations
Letter of the week activities
Weekly treasure box

"MISS DEBI IS THE SINGLE BEST PRESCHOOL TEACHER IN MAPLE VALLEY AND YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE A COMPLETE DOLT NOT TO CHOOSE HER SCHOOL!!!!!!" -Anonymous

My Olivia loves Ms. Debi and I know your little preschooler will too! She is only teaching one class this year and space is limited so don't be a pansy, give Ms. Debi a call today or you'll be sorry!

Worried

2011-02-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday Rob and I noticed that Tatum was starting to twitch a little and a mild concern arose. After watching her closely today, I realized what was going on and we have nothing to worry about.

She has learned that crucial magic word that now puts her in complete control.

A Cliché Kind of Girl

2011-02-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to Valentine's Day.

Treasure hunts, candlelit dinners, surprise trips? Not me.

Just give me quality chocolates in a heart-shaped box and I am S-A-T-I-S-F-I-E-D!

True to tradition in this house, I found these under my pillow mid-day.

And boy was I EXCITED! I dove right in. Losing weight or not, nothing comes between me and my Valentine's Day chocolates.

I was nice enough to share with the man.

Oops. Maybe this is disgusting but it is the only way to eat 'em. One bite of each. How else you gonna know which one is your favorite?

Never had their chocolates before but Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory delivered the goods!!

We (cheesily) topped off that evening with sparkling cider in bed....after we had already brushed our teeth.

We are so naughty.

The BEST Burgers EVAH!!

2011-02-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

Drop what you are doing right now and head to the store to get the ingredients you don't have already for this burger.

Thanks to Rachael Ray, I am in love. Every time I make these I am amazed at how good they are.

EVERY. TIME.

They are especially good when you are really hungry.

They are a little bit spicy, a lot juicy and (you have to say this next part with a ghetto accent) all kinds of flayvah is 'sploding all up in he-uh. Foh real!

If you don't try this burger, you are so dumb. <------click

I LUUUVV THIS BURGER! (singing)

Click on the picture to enlarge.

Sidenotes:

I don't use the blue cheese and never have because I am too cheap so I don't know what it is like with it.
I have used the Orowheat Sandwich Thins that are 100 calories and they hold up excellently.
I choose to grate the vegetables, not finely chop them. Faster and small is key.
For the hot pepper sauce, I recommend Frank's Hot Sauce, hand's down.
I use 2 tsp dried dill because I never have fresh on hand.

You won't be sorry. Actually, feel free to come back and comment on how much you love me when you take your first bite.

Olivia's Beaber

2011-01-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

This is my my ragamuffin named Olivia.

She loves this beaver...or as she calls it...beaber.

His name is Justin. Justin Beaber.

5

2011-01-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

My peach is 5 today!

at 3:18am

I am having a hard time with that.

I can't remember when she was a baby, how can she be 5?

Olivia the Destroyer

Birthday party was last night due to conflicts tonight.

AAA

Episode 11 - City Park

Be Mine

Episode 10 - Walker Girl

Ashland Bread from the Puget Sound

Acknowledging the Absence

Half Way to Sugar & Spice

15 Weeks

This Month...Life Got Complicated

3rd, 2nd & Kindergarten

Episode 9 - Popsicles & Bacon Maple Popcorn

Free Roses for Good Neighbor Day - Sept 6 Only!!!

Episode 8 - Pool Time

I'm Just Asking...

Episode 7 & Addictions 5

Episode 6 - "I'll just do it myself."

1 for the money, 2 for the show

Episode 5 - Creekside

Episode 4 - Little Entrepreneur

Episode 3 - Bedtime Rituals

Episode 2 - My Father Becomes a Senior

Episode 1 - Mt Ashland's 4 Miracles

Who's With Me....this year?

Mud Mountain Flashback

Snoqualmie 5k (#5) & Final Results

Enumclaw 5k (#4)

It's like Christmas Day

Bainbridge Island & the Warrior Dash

We Thought Roller Skating Would Be a GOOD Idea

Rasp "Mondo-Hugumongous-Giganasaurous" Berries

Their Very First Shared Birthday

The Miracle of the Shoe

"T&A" July 6, 2011

3rd on the 4th

Otter Pops 10₵

I'm Such a Loser

Yesterday I turned 32

11th Anni

Who's With Me?

12:55am

5k #3

5k #2

Shady Things Goin' On Behind Closed Doors

A Few More Olivia Antics **sigh**

Mother of the Year Award

The Raw Truth about Running

5k in Maple Valley

Cannon (ball) Beach

So Much to Post...So Little Time

The Great TP Debate

Barbies...who knew?

Commitment

A Wise Choice = THANK YOU!

8 is a BIG One

Building

A Rare Glimpse

For Rachel O

New Teammate

The Latest Escapades by The Destroyer

Rock Band For Dad

Note To Self:

Tooth Fairies UNITE!!!

Tongue Click Tatum

More Chores Please

What's Up Buttercup?

Worried

A Cliché Kind of Girl

The BEST Burgers EVAH!!

Olivia's Beaber

5

A Few More Olivia Antics sigh