2008 Post Christmas Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Vacation. Maybe just complicated.

So by the title I think you can guess the direction this is going. Don't get me wrong it was great to get away for a couple of days but I was glad to be home today. So we had plans long before the huge snow storm came through. We had decided that we were going to drive to Forks, Washington and stay there for one night. We were going to check out Twilight stuff of course. So fun and Michael wanted to go to go see some trees as well. We had gone to the southern end of the Olympic National Forest earlier this year and so we wanted to go see the Hall of Moss this time at the north end of the Olympic National Park. So the plans were made and we were ready for a good time.

Friday:

We were waiting for a part of the morning to see if the toner I had been waiting for would arrive since it hadn't made it overnight like it was supposed to. It didn't make it and we didn't end up leaving until 1pm. We already new that it would be dark by the time we got to the hotel. We had to stop in Everett and so we went to see my friend Shelly for a little bit since we were taking the ferry anyway. It was still snowing on Friday so things were moving slowly but the snow and shoppers were worse in Everett so it was a slow drive. It was snowing so hard in Everett that we finally literally slid into Shelly's all the way from the road to her house there was no control. We had fun seeing her and we always love visiting with her and her family. We didn't leave there until 3pm and we still had over 3hrs to drive. So we headed out and Michael needed some Advil so we stopped at the drugstore and picked up more things things than we needed. Then we thought what if the gas trucks have not been able to get out to the coast and the gas stations are few and somewhat far between. So we picked up a gas can and some gas. Let me tell you not our brightest idea. So we started off towards the ferry, still a little hard to see and I didn't turn in place for the ferry line so I turned around and we pulled up to buy our ticket. I thought wow we made it just in time for the 4:30 ferry. Then the guy informed us that we were too late and that we would have to wait for the 5:15 ferry. Yes you guessed it now even further behind. But we were the first car on the ferry. As we sat there with windows down and wrapped in blankets, gas fumes not so good I'm sure the car next to us thought we were crazzzzyyy. So time seemed to go quickly when we got off the boat and we were on the road again. We had to make a couple of bathroom stops and there were lots of black ice warnings so of course we took it slow. Luckily the roads were mostly clear just some wet spots along the way. The worst part was the drive between Port Angeles and Forks. The road is more narrow and lots of curves along the way, this is why Bella would be so scared of Edward's driving so fast on that road. LOL. We had gotten Becky a navigation for Christmas the day before and then Michael asked if we could borrow the new toy of course. So we typed in the address and it guided us the entire way and led us right into Forks to what looked like a warehouse. Not quite what we were expecting. So we got back on Hwy 101 and it was just down the road. The lady at the hotel said that most of the GPS systems take people to the Police station so we got lucky that we had landed a little closer. So we got in about 9pm. We stayed up watched a little TV and Dane had to jump on the beds. It's a tradition. That one is for you Shelly, we were on the bottom floor this time so no complaints.

Cute picture of Michael and Dane.

Saturday:

We got to sleep in a little thanks to the dark curtain in the hotel room. We got up around 9am and were out around 10pm. We went to a local place for breakfast it was super good food cause it wasn't out of a box. So then we had to go to the Twilight store(Dazzled by Twilight). Wow now there was someone obsessed. She had way too much and new way too much about the books and movie. We got to talking to her and she told us that she was from Vancouver Washington and that she had 6 kids. She opened her store at the beginning of November and brought up 2 of her kids with her and left the rest of her kids there cause she didn't want to pull them out of school and her husband back in Vancouver and that they meet in the middle when they can. Wow now there was someone obsessed. Not sure if she is just dazzled or dazed and confused.

She gave us a map where other Twilight places were located but we hadn't planned on going to those places. Not this time. We did go to the visitors center though because we had to find out about the Ho Rainforest and there at the visitors center was a Bella looking truck so we had to take a picture with the truck.

When we went to the visitor center they told us that the rainforest was closed. Not good so Michael had thought ok we will see if there is less snow where we were earlier this year to see some trees. So before we left town we went to La Push to the beach. It was cold windy and wet. Blahh not so fun.

It was just us for awhile then we decided at that point we should put the gas in the gas tank and put it inside two plastic bags to get rid of some of the fumes. It worked for the most part. Then as we were doing that 3 cars pulled up and I'm sure were wondering what the heck we were doing. So we finally got back on the road. On the way there was a place to stop and look at a "Big Cedar" that is what they called it. So we U-turned and let Michael get out to check it out.

These are just the roots the tree was massive.
We continued on until we got to the Lake Quinalt are of the forest and Michael wanted to go to one particular area that wasn't too far in that we hadn't gotten to see much of last time. Once again as I pulled in the car started to slip and slide and I thought oh no watch were going to get stuck where no one else is and it's limited phone service. Luckily my driving days from driving the 70's van(thank you John) in Iceberg I mean Rexburg paid off and we got situated in a position where we could escape when Michael was done admiring. Once again Dane and I stayed in the car just not as adventurous this time and I like to be warm and be able to feel my toes. I had already slipped and had fallen once in the snow that day. Hello. So once again back on the road this time the destination was Onalaska. We were looking forward to a visit with Ron and Jill Lambert. As we were driving down the two lane highway Michael pointed out that he thought that one of the headlights was out. I said no way, I had taken the car in for an oil change the day before and they even checked the lights. So we had to stop in Chehalis which is close to Onalaska and Lambert's were in town so as we were pulling up to their car I said hey is that you in the Jeep and she said yeah is that you with one headlight? BLAST! I couldn't believe it. So of course the small town that it is Napa was already closed and so we couldn't fix it. As we drove to the Lambert's I couldn't believe how much snow they had gotten almost 2 feet. There were a lot of people that we talked to the next day at church that said they had been snowed in cause they just don't have the plows to get to people. Anyway, we made it finally and had a good evening and a surprise cause Veronica had come home. Dane was excited a little timid at first but then warmed up to her again and they had a good time playing. She is so good with kids. So once again we stayed up late I helped Jill shop online it was fun to see how excited she would get. Finally we called it a night and got a good nights sleep. At least I did cause I had my own bed.

Sunday:
We woke up ready and got ready to go to church. 9am you got to love it. So my stomach was not feeling so great and so I thought that I would eat something that would help. When we got to church I was still a little blah but thought I could make it. Well I made it almost to the end of Sunday school then ran to the bathroom and luckily I was by myself and you guessed it threw up. So then I went to get Michael and we headed home and Veronica brought Dane home. I got back to the house and took some Advil for my stomach cramps and then fell asleep for a few hours. When I woke up everyone was home and eating yummy bean dip (thanks Veronica). I also noticed when I had downloaded the pictures they Dane and Veronica were having a little too much fun. Lot's of fun Dane perspecitve pictures but these two were my favorite.

Veronica and Dane

Dane loves the camera. Till Dad takes it away.

So I had Michael and Ron give me a blessing. I didn't throw up any more and we decided to come home early and end the madness. So we took off around 4pm. We had made it almost to Olympia about 30 miles away Michael and I were talking and Dane was watching a movie then he said Mom when are you going to buckle me in? I looked back and oh my we hadn't buckled him in. Every mothers nightmare. So we pulled off at the next exit and buckled him in and off again. We hit traffic in Tacoma as usual but it wasn't too bad. It was raining pretty hard when we got back to Issaquah but were excited to see the snow had melted. It was ok for a couple of days but then it just got annoying. I'm just glad that we didn't loose power. I would would take more snow if I can just keep power. So we made it home and we had a good time we can look back already and laugh but at the time it was just one thing after another. I am glad to be home and back in my own bed though.

Christmas 2008

Christmas was great this year. We got the tree up, 2 nativity sets (Mom would love that), the lighthouses (of course) and all the snowman decorations. Still not enough room. There is never enough room for everything. One night Dane and I surprised Michael while he was at work and decorated the tree. Dane loved that of course and made sure that he spaced the ornaments out this year.
We also went to the annual Ward Christmas Party and got a picture with Santa. I was glad that we are now past the crying and hating to sit on Santa's lap stage. He knew exactly what he wanted from Santa too.

Ward Christmas Party 2008

Dane on Santa's lap 2005
Dane and I had fun on our shopping adventures I asked him what he wanted to buy dad for Christmas and he said let's buy him a new car. I laughed and said that might be a little too expensive this year. So next he said a new phone laughing again I said what is wrong with dad's phone? He said "He needs a new one." Anyway, I realized I might have to give him some more affordable ideas this time. So we settled on a tool box, which Dane did pick out. We went to our friends house to decorate cookies and write letters to Santa this year. It was a lot of fun and Ali is a great hostess.

Having fun decorating cookies.
Dane had a short list this year for Santa and it was the same 3 thing the entire season, Star Wars Legos 1 (for our Xbox), Hot Wheels race track and Lightning McQueen race track. Luckily 2 out of the 3 had been purchased and so Dane was very pleased on Christmas morning when Santa brought him just what he had asked for.

Dane's big Hot Wheel track. Good job Santa!

Michael and Camille showing off the presents that Dane made. Very creative.

Work, work and wait no more work...for now.

As many of you know I have had some time off as I took a severance package from my employer at the beginning of November, also hoping to get rehired again in the new year. I should say Michael is hoping but I am not so much. It has been great to take a breather though and enjoy more time with Dane. It was also fun to not have the stress of working during the holiday season. This also gave me the opportunity to read the Twilight series. I had read all of Twilight but 50 pgs before I went to see the movie (loved it). I have now seen the movie...well I'm not going to tell. Anyway, it was super good and yes Kamie you were right should have started it a lot sooner. But I did enjoy the entire series (thanks to Morgan's sister Jackie who I borrowed the books from). I'm glad I waited though so I could read late into the night and not worry too much about getting much accomplished the next day. Stephanie Meyer is a great author and for those of you who have read the Twilight series but haven't read Midnight Sun you are missing out. I definitly hope that she continues to write the books from Edward's perspective. It is amazing what you miss out on when it is just going through Bella. Anyway, I did love it and yes I guess I will admit it here for all to see that I am obsessed yep there we go. So here is my favorite picture of the actor Rob Pattison. I had to post a picture and this was the first picture to pop in my head.

Snow much fun but done.

So we got a huge storm this December. It started snowing on a Saturday afternoon and didn't stop until Monday morning about 2am. Anyway, it continued to stay cold through Christmas and snowed off and on the entire week. It was fun for the first couple of hmmm.... days maybe hours, I don't know. It was fun for Dane but we still had to get out and take Michael to work. Costco never sleeps! Luckily it is only 3 miles. However if I wanted the car I had to take him to work. Luckily we have 4-wheel drive but never had to use it. I also found it was a great time to go shopping. No one is out here when it snows. Brenda and I were even daring enough to go up to Talus to Jaime's house for craft night. Not sure if that was brave or stupid but it was a blast. Good times with good friends I'm there. So all in all the snow was fun but glad when we got home from our little post Christmas vacation that it had rained enough in two days to melt it away. The one thing I was most grateful for was that the power did not go out with this storm. I kept thinking bring on the snow just leave the lights on!

This is Dane in what we thought would be the BIG storm that we would get.

This is what we actually got. I had just cleared off the Explorer a few hours ago to take him to work then noticed it had already piled back up.

I tried to convince Dane that it would be fun to go down the slide but he is too smart to fall for Mom's tricks these days.

Thanksgiving 2008 Photo Shoot

This year we went to the Russell's home for Thanksgiving again. We have always felt like they are a part of our family and so we love going to spend time with them. It's always a good time playing games with them as well (I think that is Linda's favorite part). Anyway, we had the regulars turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, rolls, and of course pumpkin pie for dessert. Before we sat down to eat I had Shelly take pictures for us with her awesomely nice camera. They all turned out so cute. She is such a great photographer. This year we have much to be thankful for we have been blessed with so much.

My Opinion November 2008

So I haven't updated my blog for awhile I feel like the last 2 months have flown by and gotten away from me so here is where I want to start. One reason I was holding out is that I had gotten into quite a few discussions about the political issues and especially Prop 8. As I heard things and discussed the issue with others I came across this picture. One I never thought I would ever see.

So I want to share my feelings but as I do so I hope that others reading will understand that this is my blog and therefore my opinion. If you do not like it please stop reading and don't leave me nasty messages for voicing my opinion on my own blog. So I didn't realize how much of an opinion I have on the subject. I do have sympothy for those who have chosen to live an alterative lifestyle. I have family and friends who I care about who are affected by the outcome. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the LDS Church and to have a knowledge of the eternal plan of our Heavenly Father. I have heard others say that the church shouldn't have gotten involed in the political issue however the one thing that we stand for is in defense of the family. We even have a proclamation in the defense of the family that was published years earlier. The backlash that has come against the church is sad to me but Joseph Smith so long ago said: "...armies may assemble, calimy may defame but the church of God will go forth boldly nobley and independent till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done."

The Things Kids Say!

So my friend Brenda and I took Dane to a movie on Saturday, Madagascar 2 it was hilarious. We had gone a few places together that day and during our travels Dane made some very funny comments as usual. So Dane said, "hey mom guess what? I'm getting married." I laughed and then asked "oh really? So who are you going to marry?" "Emma" he said, with no thought about it. "Then I'm going to wish for babies." Brenda and I laughed and then I said ok just make sure you ask her first and maybe wait a few years. The whole day was great. We had a lot of laughs, Brenda kept asking "hey Dane what do I like to do?" "I like to move it move it!" They played the song in the movie it was so funny cause he would start laughing and dancing. Love it! Later that night Brenda sent Dane this link he keeps watching it over and over. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x3W6hutEj8&feature=related

Halloween 2008

This year Dane had a great Halloween. He decided that he wanted to be Spiderman. He is in Preschool now so they had a party at school and got to frost cookies, decorate pumpkins and play of course. That night we went to the church for trunk or treat and Dane was a little nervous at first but then jumped right in and began to collect as much as he could. It was fun the kids just go in circles collecting as much as they can get. Then Dane's friend Kai invited us to go trick or treating with him around his house so we went to another 10 houses or so. He and Kai really got into the excitement of knocking on doors and even got scared by someone at one door. All in all a good night and of course way too much candy. I gave Dane the option of taking it to the dentist tomorrow to turn it into cash, they give the kids a $1/lb. He didn't want to take me up on that even when I told him that it would buy him 3 Hot Wheel cars. Still didn't take the bait. Anyway, here are some pictures of Spiderman and Wolverine. We got the Wolverine (Michael's favorite) on Saturday for half price. We started taking pictures and he all of a sudden started posing for every shot. Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!!!

SPIDERS!!!!

At Dane's preschool they get to share something everday. Sheri tells us what they are learning about and then we bring something do with the letter or subject they are studying. This week they are learning about spiders and the letter S so we were supposed to bring something that started with S or about spiders. Since he wore his spider shirt on Monday and the next best thing was bringing a live spider (which I talked him out of). So I got on my crafty hat and made spider suckers. Wow a double wammy. Anyway, Dane helped me and it was a fun and kid friendly project with a little bit of clean up, my favorite kind. So I took a picture cause they turned out so cute.

Children's Museum

My friend Carrie and I took our kids to the Children's Museum in Bellevue on Friday night. It was so much fun and it's free on Friday nights, can't get better than that. Anyway, Dane and Emma had a blast. They have a treehouse and all different kinds of things to do with water. They even had a big rig in there so the kids could see what it was like. All different types of sounds and experiments. A very good place to be loud. Of course Dane's favorite place was the backyard (I think he would live outside if I would let him) they have a train table so we had to spend some time there. They loved it and it is always fun to get out with friends to have some chit chat time with friends when the kids have lots of space to run. All in all a good night. Thanks Carrie!!!

Salmon Days 2008

Here in Issaquah we have Salmon Days the first weekend in October (which usually falls on conference weekend). It is a really big community event. People come from all over to come see all the stuff for sale, eat and of course see the salmon. This year it was raining pretty hard and it was windy on top of that so we did not go for too long this year. Anyway, Michael likes to see what all the artist have done and I like to see all the cute crafty things. Dane loves all the kid things they had at the park including the train (which I opted out of this year), and the bounce houses, that is a new favorite this year with 4th of July and Salmon Days. When we were waiting in line for the train Dane's friend Rees was behind us so he rode with him and his dad Brian. For me it is one of those things I can only handle for so long and then ok I'm done. I am like my Mom not so big on fairs. Here are some sprinkler made out of copper that this guy was selling. I do love how they have different types of crafts, it's great.

Our Little Guy is Off to Preschool

Time goes so quickly. I can't believe that Dane is already in Preschool and will be in Kindergarten next year. He loves it so much. He goes Mon, Wed and Fri. We ended up signing him up for a preschool that at gal in the Tiger Mt Ward has in her home. He is really excited every time we go and in fact he didn't want to come home today. He said he wanted to live at his preschool house, when I told him I would be sad if he didn't live with us anymore he said no no mom you move there too. So I said where is your preschool teacher going to live. He said she could live there too yeah with her 6 kids that would work. She says he is doing so well with his letters and even better with numbers. I know I couldn't believe it either, he definitely doesn't get that from Michael or myself. She always has good things to say and he is catching on so quickly. He is doing really well at writing his name and he even told me that the other day that he had a silent E in his name. He said he figured it out after learning about how sounds make words. It was too cute. I hope that his love for learning continues and that he will not need too many tutors because mom can't figure out his homework. Good luck Dane, we love you!!!

I Have Been Tagged!!!

20 Years Ago....
1. I was a Beehive
2. I was living in Placerville
3. I was shy, if you can believe it. I really was.
4. I was more into sports. Probably because of only having 3 brothers.

10 Years Ago....
1. I met my husband Michael, but didn't know he would be my husband.
2. I was on a mission. Virginia Richmond Mission rocks!
3. I ate squirrel. Yes it tastes like chicken.
4. I learned that Virginia and West Virginia are one of the most beautiful places filled with the best people ever.

5 Years Ago....
1. I had been married for 2 years.
2. Living in Everett, Washington
3. I learned more about the internet which helped me to land the first of work at home jobs.
4. My husband was in school and we couldn't wait for him to get done.

3 Years Ago....
1. I went to Florida and Disney World.
2. I moved to Issaquah, Washington
3. Dane was 1
4. I was a Relief Society teacher, my favorite calling ever.

1 Year Ago....
1. I told myself that I needed to become more organized. Ok so I am still working on that, it is a lifetime work I think.
2. I was and am still working for Lionbridge.
3. I had been married for 6 years
4. I had a 3 yr old, need I say more.

So far this year....
1. I started teaching in Primary
2. I did a walk for brain cancer research with my friend Heather. Love you and miss you Dad.
3. I got to go to girls camp for the first time in 15 years. They actually camp up here and there is no mile swim. Dang it.
4. I have tried to be a better wife, mother and friend.

Yesterday I.....
1. Worked.
2. Was still watching the Griffiths kids
3. I stayed up way too late, what was I thinking
4. Went to church

Today I.....
1. Woke up at 4:30am (to wake up Kiah), and 7am (to wake up Sofi)
2. Went to the airport (welcome home Stacey)
3. Worked... should be doing that and not this.
4. I finally got to come home (and stay home) after 12 days.

In the next year I'll.....
1. Try to improve my self image (loose weight)
2. Attend the temple a lot more
3. Try to go on vacation somewhere
4. Try to raise money for next years brain cancer walk

I tag Carrie (thanks for keeping up with my blog), Myrna and April (I need to get to know you better)

Bustin' A Move To Thomas

Dane still loves Thomas the Tank engine and often says "Mom, I miss Thomas." He comes to the railroad museum near our house every year and so we have gotten to see him a few times. I love it that he somehow feels this connection to the real Thomas. I never would have thought they could turn a Thomas the Tank engine song into a rap but they did it. The new Thomas movie has a couple of music videos on it and Dane loves dancing and singing to it. So here is a piece of one of the songs, enjoy. Sorry it's so dark not the best lighting but entertaining. I asked Dane where he got his dance moves and he said he made them up. My favorite is when he gets on the floor and he is trying to break dance or something. Too cute.

Missing My Family

So my friend Stacey and her husband Mark went to China for 12 days and so I watched their kids for them. They live here in Issaquah but I still didn't see my family much. They are good kids but it was still hard to go from 1 to 4 kids instantly. I realized with all the craziness how much I like things to be scheduled, I also see now why the Lord usually only gives us one at a time. Anyway, I just thought I would post a picture of Michael and Dane cause I am finally home now. I know that Michael and Dane are both exctied to have me back. I missed them so much, they are everything to me and I love them very much. It will be nice to sleep in my own bed tonight. Ahh

Vance's Baptism in Utah

So the first weekend in September we drove, yep drove out to Utah. It was a long, hot and boring drive, but we would do it all over again for Vance. We are proud of him getting baptized. He is such a good example for Dane. It was so fun to see our family and some friends. While we were there Ken went for a job interview to California and so they will be moving back to Sacramento.

So here are some pictures from that weekend the top picture is Ken, Kamie, Cassady, Hannah, Vance and Samuel. Then My mom and I. A picture of Robert and April (with Robert actually smiling with his teeth showing). Finally Dane and Hannah.

Dane is still cute as ever!!!

Dane keeps getting bigger every day. We are so grateful for him and he is a ray of sunshine. I am so glad that I get to stay home with him. It amazes me each day how fast he is learning. I just really love this picture and wanted to post it for all.

A Great Shot at the Space Needle

So this was when we went to the Science Center. I got this great shot of Dane in front of the Space Needle.

Pacific Science Center

This is a cool water fountain/sprinkler (when it's hot enough) in downtown Seattle


So one of Dane's favorite places in Seattle is the Pacific Science Center. The special exhibit was all about fast cars so we definitely had to go in August. We took a large group and headed downtown and had a lot of fun. It is all hands on fun learning things for kids. Dane even held the cockroach and I thought Maggie was going to take it home as a pet. Morgan would have loved that.

Creative At Heart

So I was letting Dane paint outside on his whiteboard and then noticed that he was covered in paint. What else can you do but laugh, take a picture and then hose them down.