Michael, Amy and Dane

Cats, in the trees and on the ground

2009-08-14T23:58:00.000-07:00

We love our kitty red and he makes us laugh all the time. He is always shooting across the grass or the house.
Well one day we came outside and couldn't find Red but we could here him. Dane happened to look up and that's where we found Red.

Lionel Kenneth Harris Jr. (My Dad)

2009-02-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

We all say that time flies and I have a lot moments where that has happened in my life, but today one has stuck out in my mind. Today marks 18 years since my dad passed away from an inoperable brain tumor. I was 13 when he passed away and so I was very young but I have great memories to last a lifetime. A lot of the next part might be a random mesh of things thrown together but it's how it came out of my head today. I hope that you will take the time to read my thoughts.

Grandpa Lionel, Ken (my dad) and Lorna

My dad was born and raised in Sacramento, California and although he moved quite a bit he never went too far from where he was raised. I remember him teaching me how to play tennis, I still love to play just don't get out there as much as I should. We were always at the park, he would even go down the big twisty slide with me sometimes. He was definitely a people person, a salesman at heart and what he also did for a living. I remember fighting with my brother Robert who would get to ride on the armrest in the front seat on the way to dad's house, (it was easier then and legal) and a game of Herbie aka slug bug (although we didn't hit each other we just counted to see who get get the most) on the ride there as well.

My dad as a teenager. My bro. Ken totally looks like dad here.

My dad was great. He always made it a point to be at as many events that his kids participated in as possible. Soccer, baseball, football, basketball, award banquets, church functions, even coming to the hospital in the middle of the night to be with Robert, you name it he was there. You always knew when my dad was at a game cause he was usually yelling at a referee, taking pictures or video taping. Even when he was very sick he would have my brother John come to the house and get him in the car just so he could go the game. He wouldn't be able to even get out of the car, we got special permission to park on the side of the track by the ambulance just so he could be there. I think of special moments of sitting with my dad and cheering from the car even when John was only in for brief moments and even getting to drive on the track one time, that was fun.

Me and my dad 1977

Of course the memories that I remember the most are from when he was sick. They are the most recent and when I was older. I am so grateful that I never saw my parents fight. They were divorced when I was very young and I'm sure they had disagreements and arguments but how grateful I am for them keeping us out of them, especially since my dad was not with us for much of my life. I am so glad that my mom made it a priority for us to see my dad every chance we had when he got sick. If she was going to Sacramento she made sure we were going too. We would often spend Friday night come home on Saturday and head back down on Sunday after church. I really appreciate the extra time my mom gave to us to strength that bond. My dad had lots of friends and his family was close by in Sacramento so he had quite a few visitors that would come and go.

My dad so handsome even with wild hair.

I remember the times that we would have to visit him in the hospital and how hard that was for me. I was young and I didn't really understand a lot of what was going on around me. Sometimes I would take the chance to just lay down next to my dad and just be there, sometimes that is all I could do. For me the hardest part was seeing my dad go from strong to slowly getting weaker and weaker. He lived in a townhouse the last couple of years of his life and so it went from being able to go up and down the stairs easily to having a hospital room in the living room downstairs. I think now that was the hardest part was seeing someone I used to run and play with not being able to use the right side of his body. I remember Christmas of 1990 my dad gave me a dual cassette stereo that had plugs to hook up a cd player and a 35mm Vivitar camera, I thought I was so cool. I still have those things just as simply a reminder, but of course it is not the things that I cherish but moments, the time, the love that everyone felt from him.

My dad working at Value Giant.

Near the end of his life in January 1991 someone had come for a visit and the Christmas tree was still up and decorated they told my dad's girlfriend that she should take it down cause Christmas was over. She told them no that Ken's favorite holiday was Christmas and so she was leaving it up as long as she could. When the same person came for a visit on February 23rd they told her that the tree was now dying and it was time to take it down. My dad was in a coma by this time and they said, Ken won't notice if the tree is there or not. So she took down the tree on a Saturday and on Monday my dad passed away. We tease now that in his mind he said, "if the tree goes I go." I like that because that is exactly the way he would have said it too. I remember that Monday I stayed home from school cause I wasn't feeling good that morning, that afternoon Robert and I were playing the Nintendo secretly in the back bedroom. My mom came into talk to us and told us that dad had passed, I don't remember how I felt at the moment but I know I ran out of the house and went to my friend Ali's. Maybe I thought if I left then what she was saying wouldn't be true. We had been prepared for the moment for a long time we had more time than we had hoped for with my dad but nothing prepares you for death. Even with the anticipation there was still the stinging hurt that he was now gone. I remember that night getting a few moments in the living room by myself and just touching his head and how cold it was. I was grateful for it though it gave me the closure that I needed. It has definitely been the gospel that has strenghtned me when times have been tough. It's hard when a parent isn't there for key moments and life changing experiences.

December 1990 right before he died.

Life today. As so many years have passed I truly am grateful I was able to build a relationship with my dad in the short time that we were on earth together. I know that he is needed on the other side and that one day I will see him again. What peace that brings to my heart and soul. It amazes me the connection that my son Dane has with my dad. Almost 2 years ago my mom brought me a box of things when she had come for a visit and inside was a bear that somehow I had ended up with, it was given to my dad when he was sick. Dane loves this bear in fact as I write this the bear is in need of repair and Dane is very sad that he can't have the bear with him at night. On my fridge I have a picture of my dad and one day when I was moving things around on the front of the fridge I realized I had never really talked to Dane about my dad. So I brought Dane over and I showed him the picture and said Dane this is my dad Ken and that his nickname was Butch. He promptly told me that he knew that and that it was his grandpa. I was a little shocked but thought maybe someone else had pointed it out to him. Soon after that he couldn't stop talking about his grandpa Butch. He would talk about how he used to play with grandpa and how he taught him golf and that his favorite color was blue and just plain weird things that he would just share randomly, but all things my dad loved. I don't remember the pre-existance but maybe they do golf there. I just know that Dane feels this incredible connection to him, it amazes me and brings me comfort as well. He even told us for awhile that his middle name was Butch. We would remind him that it is Michael but he woul tell us it was not. He wasn't giving it up so he said his name was Dane Michael Butch Hansen. Sometimes now he will just walk up to me and say mom I miss grandpa Butch. So we sit down and talk about it, what he misses the most and then I remind him that he will see him again but that grandpa Butch had to go live with Heavenly Father.

Cranium Crusade 2008

In the last couple of years I have felt the need to do something for brain cancer research and last year my friend Heather, who had a sister who passed away from a brain tumor as well found out they have a a brain cancer walk here in Seattle. Last year we walked but did not get to raise any money this year we want to walk and have others walk with us and raise money. It is the 2nd annual walk and we just found out that it will be on May 30th at Mercer Island HS again, so mark your calenders. We didn't get to raise money last year cause we found out about it too late but this year we want it to be different. This is new for us and so if you have any ideas on raising money or if you want to walk with us we would love it and could use the help, like I said we are new to this.

I am so glad that we have blogs now where we can just ramble on however we want cause it is our own little place in the world to do so. Thank you for all the family and friends who have been there for me now and through the last 18 years and have lended support in my time of need I truly know that you are angels sent my way.

Oh those crazy 5 year olds

2009-01-18T22:11:00.001-08:00

It's interesting the things kids think of. So Dane likes to go in and weigh himself every now and then. He knows it doesn't get very high and tries to think of things that could weigh large amounts to make the bigger numbers show in the window. He collects things from around the house in an attempt to make it go all the way around. So tonight after I had put Dane to bed I went into my bathroom and this is what I found (sorry for the tampons but hey we all have them). Little did he know that he had grabbed probably the lightest things we have in the house, but hey at least he reached 7lbs. Good job Dane. He makes me laugh.

Dane turns 5

2009-01-15T23:45:00.000-08:00

Dane turned 5 on Tuesday the 13th. I can't believe I have a 5 year old. Time goes so fast. It was like Christmas all over again. It took him forever to go to sleep the night before and he woke up early the next morning. He was so excited to turn 5 because now he is "a big boy" and can do so much more (so he thinks). So we had fun opening some of his presents in the morning and then when Michael came home for dinner in the evening we opened the rest of his presents and had cake.

Camille came over to join in the party and Dane got to invite one friend over so he invited Maggie Noble over. He loves her so much (even if he tries to beat her up too often). After he opened his presents Morgan took a picture of them and Dane put his arm around Maggie and said, "oh Maggie my own little present."

Maggie also decorated her present all by herself (ok well mostly).

I also made a Lego cake as well for the occasion. It was a lot of fun. We even made one (the yellow brick) to take to preschool. All in all it was a great birthday and Dane really enjoyed his day.

January Flooding

2009-01-15T23:38:00.001-08:00

So after all of the snow that we got in December we got a bunch of rain in January. We had a lot of flooding in the area roads were closed and parking lots were flooded even here in Issaquah. We are lucky to live so close to Snoqualmie Falls so it was fun to be able to go out the week after the flooding to see all the water coming over the falls. Whenever I would get close to the edge to take a picture the spray from the falls would blind you. It was crazy I've never seen it that full before.

Dane found a stick on our way up to the falls and he said mom look at my umbrella. So funny!

Ford Explorer owners

2009-01-15T23:32:00.001-08:00

So this December we finally did it we paid off the Explorer. Yeah!

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

2008-12-29T00:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-28T23:20:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-12-28T22:50:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-12-28T22:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-02T22:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

2008-10-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-09-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-09-17T15:24:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-17T15:17:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Girls Camp 2008

2008-09-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Do you like the purple padding fabric on our cabin? Our group name was "Waiting for our Starry Knights"

Issaquah 1st Ward Girls!!!

So it was a last minute thing this year, but I got to go to Girls Camp. It was so great. I seriously had the best unit there. We had two unit counslers in each group and the other counsler was awesome too. You are my hero Angela. I had been in Young Women's in my other wards for so long but with working and schedules I had never been able to go to camp with them. Anyway, I am teaching the 8 yr olds in Primary but still got to go. We had a great group of girls who taught me so much. I really learned a lot about myself this year. It's amazing the things we learn about ourselves when the Lord tweeks our view. I really hope they let me go again in the future. I had an opportunity to reflect on camp from when I was in Young Women's. It was such a blessing in my life and really helped me to gain a testimony. I also realized that when I went to camp I wasn't really camping. They really camp in this stake, but it was awesome. It was also nice to get to know the girls better in our ward. They are small in numbers but giant in spirit. They are such great girls and I love how accepting they are of even us goofy leaders. Love ya girls.

Jumping Boy!!!

2008-09-02T00:33:00.000-07:00

Dane loves to jump off of everything. One day he just kept jumping off of this cart behind our house, so I started snapping shots. He was having so much fun. Then he laid down for a little break and jumped right back up for more jumping.

Swim Class (this one is out of order)

2008-08-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

So we signed Dane up for swim lessons in May. He loves the water and is a fish. He learned really fast and loved his teachers a lot. It has been fun to watch him kick and float all over the pool.

Thomas the Tank Engine

2008-07-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. July always brings that cute #1 blue engine THOMAS. This is our 3rd year going to see Thomas at the Snoqualmie Railroad Station. Dane loved it as usual, and had such a great time. We went with two of his friends Miles and Bentley this year. It was all Thomas all morning. I'm glad that this only happens once a year, I don't think I could handle this more often than that. It is great to see the joy on the kids faces though and so I love it for that. I love how the kids wave at Thomas. They love him so much and really think that he is so real. We are lucky to live so close. I am suprised every year when I hear of people who have driven from hundreds of miles to come and see Thomas. I don't think I'm that dedicated. Anyway, we had a great time and we love having the trains close year round.

The most amazing thing I think I have ever done

2008-07-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

There are poignant times in your life that you will never forget, ones that will change your life forever. As many of you know this last February marked 17 years since my father had passed due to a brain tumor. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to go through in my life and over the last couple of years it has touched me more than it has in a long time. I have felt the desire to help with the cause for brain cancer lately and in July this year I had that opportunity. My friend Heather who lost her sister Jenny to brain caner told me about the 1st annual brain cancer walk (Cranium Crusade) here in Seattle. They have built an entire brain cancer center here attached to the hospital with highly dedicated and amazing doctors. When she told me about the walk I knew that I needed to do it. We had to register late because she just happened to hear about it at the last minute on the radio, so we were not able to raise money this year but we have great plans for next year. She has also blogged about the walk and we came up with a team name for next year already. "Lynch the Harris's" (last names of our dear ones who did not win the fight against cancer)we are so excited for next year. We walked 32 laps in honor of her sister combined this year and it was amazing. It was awesome to hear about the large amounts other teams had raised in this being the first year for the fundraiser. So we got these hats when we registered. So of course I had to put it on as fast as I could. They were awesome but we soon discovered they would make a much better decoration due to the bad combination of sweat and plastic. It was so hot that day so they ended things a little early. We will definitely be doing this again next year and would love anyone else who would like to join us.

OK I caved and I started a BLOG

2008-07-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Alright so I have fallen to the blog temptation so hopefully I can keep up on it and we will be able to post some fun things that we have been doing lately. Hope you enjoy.