Finally getting started....

Here it is December 11th and I have just begun my Christmas prepping; well except the tree. For the first time in YEARS I had our tree up just a few days before Thanksgiving so that we could enjoy the holiday weekend stress free with family. But since then, nothing has been done. Shopping is starting to scare me.

So, the first step - our Christmas card. I have been spoiled the last few years with amazing pictures taken by friends of me with my family. This year just went by a little too quickly for me to schedule that let alone contemplate it again this year.

It is important to me to have a picture of the girls on our card each year; they are growing up so quickly...

Without further rambling, here it is, our 2012 Christmas card:

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Hoping that they will arrive in your mailboxes BEFORE Christmas!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Goodbye Hershey...

Picture taken by Jillian Carvo 2008

Yesterday, we said good-bye to our very loving and loyal black lab Hershey.

It wasn't until this morning that I realized I personally have never been around when the family pet has passed. I had a cat, Pepé,  growing up and when I moved out of the house she lived on to be about 20+ years old! I was sad when she passed but not like I am now; I had been away no longer having that everyday connection with her. Brett & I had two other cats after we got married, Snuggles and Oreo, but they went to another home verses passing away so that was a different for me.

 I hold a very special place in my heart for Hershey. Brett & I spoke for him and his sister Mica in early 1999 and found out the next week that we were pregnant with our first child, Alissa. I remember going to pick out the puppies;  they were a beautiful litter! Brett picked out the strongest of the group, which happened to be a female (girl power!) we named Mica and I got to pick out the second dog. The runt of the litter caught my eye from the get go; he was so small and adorable! I picked him up and immediately we had a connection! He nestled into my neck and the rest was history - he was ours!

These two were my first true experience of having a dog. (Side note: There was a dog in my childhood, but he was my dad's hunting dog and in my memory he was only around for a very brief time when I was very little. Brett & I also tried to be dog owners in college and rescued a Dalmatian, Pongo. Way too much energy to be a house dog for a college student. Soon after we got him Pongo found a home with one of Brett's Aunt & Uncle's. So that connection, the family pets weren't until Mica and Hershey.) Hershey was always the snuggler and Mica always the one in charge; both thought they were lap dogs! It didn't take long for Hershey to pass Mica in size! He went from the runt to the largest of the litter; and still thought he could be a lap dog!

A few years later, we chose to separate the two dogs as Mica was being quite the bully to Hershey; food and attention were her issues with him. She might have been shorter than Hershey but she was in charge; its all in attitude. Mica went and lived with Brett's parents; her need to dominate/compete diminished and she lived a great life out on the farm. She passed a couple of years ago; her passing didn't affect me like Hershey's has...

This has been hard. Over the last 6 months or so, we have watched Hershey's quality of life decline due to age ailments. But despite his pain and discomfort, he was always happy to see us and so very loving.This last month his ailments had worsened and the time had come...we had to put him down. Oh..that just sucks. There is no nice way to write it; it hurts your heart. I find comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain; that was hard to see too. As awful as that was, then we had to tell our girls. He has always been here; they have grown up with him in our lives. Last night was a hard night for us all....

I never understood the true heart ache of losing a family pet until now. When I would have friends and family share that they had lost a pet I expected sadness but not truly grief. I get it now. 14 years is a long time to have such a loving and loyal companion...I truly feel like a member of family has been lost.

You may wonder why I chose to write a post about a dog and share it. A few reasons - One, this blog is a part of my history; Hershey is definitely a wonderful part of my history. Two, to share with those who have been there my understanding. Three, to those who have not yet been there to make sure you extend compassion to those who are and have an idea of what someone else is going through.

We will get through this. Time will ease the pain of the loss and memories will always be with us. I'm sure that another pet will be in our future, but there will only be one Hershey. Love ya puppy!

My Birthday Weekend...

Oh what a night! What a weekend! Not only was it my birthday Saturday but it was also the 2013 Mrs. Washington America Pageant weekend in Olympia, Wa.

(A little back story: After the 2012 pageant I was honored to move from being a contestant to become the Executive Assistant to the State Director, Pamela Curnel. This position suits me well! I am able to feed my creative side, help others, and meet some pretty amazing people! I am so very thankful to have been welcomed in not only by Pam and her family/friends, but by her pageant family as well. This is a remarkable group of people that bless me daily!)

What a celebration! I was blessed to share my birthday with not only my husband and two beautiful daughters but with the incredible pageant staff/family/friends, 23 amazing contestants, a celebrity judges panel, 19 former Mrs. Washington America’s, a handful of friends from Moses Lake, and well - EVERYONE that attended the pageant! Yes, you read it correctly - EVERYONE in the theater (more on that in a moment).

My birthday celebration began Friday night after interviews at the contestant gift exchange. I was surprised by the contestants and pageant staff/family/friends singing "Happy Birthday" to me and having not one, but two cakes there to indulge in the night before the pageant!! I thought it was so thoughtful for them to take time out of their weekend to acknowledge my birthday. So, after Friday night, I checked my birthday off my list and focused on the pageant ahead.

What an amazing pageant it was! We celebrated Pam’s 20th Year as the Mrs. Washington America State Director with a breath taking show! 

• the theater, Washington Center for the Performing Arts
• the backdrop
• the celebrity panel of judges:
• Gene Juarez - founder and CEO of Gene Juarez Salons and Spas
• Rita Corwin - Mrs. Alaska America State Director
• Faith Hemmerling - Mrs. Canada 2003
• Mark Nudelman - President & CEO of The Hope Heart Institute, our pageant charity
• April Lufrui - Mrs. America 2011/Mrs. World 2012
• DeShaunda Hudson - COO of Swan Employer Services; Alaska’s largest Human Resources Outsourcing Company. 
• wonderfully talented hosts/emcees for the evening: Mark and Debbie Roeber
• The beautiful Mrs. Washington 2012, Jessica Riggs, a queen who has been a selfless in her reign “Making a Difference” not only in communities but in those lives she has been a part of as well! 

And oh so much more! Truly a first class production by Pam, as always! Nothing but the best will do.

The competition was fierce! The class of 2013 was filled with such wonderful women! I am  very thankful that I was neither a contestant or a judge! Each contestant is so individual and offering something so different than the other. Ladies, you should be so very proud of yourselves and your journeys! You are each AMAZING! Seriously! You guys ROCKED it!! It has been my honor and pleasure to share in this year with you!

During the awards portion of the evening, I was awarded the “Staff Volunteer of the Year Award 2013” and acknowledged on stage. HUGE surprise! I am so honored and so touched to receive such a prestigious award. As, I was walking off stage Mark and Debbie, our emcees, shared that it was also my birthday...so I was called back on stage where I received an overwhelming “Happy Birthday” chorus from everyone in the theater. How often in ones life does that happen?!? WOW! Again, I was humbled.

I’m not sure anyone, other than my husband, realizes how much just a small token of appreciation means to me. Receiving this award, others taking that time to personally acknowledge me...I am overwhelmed. From the bottom of my heart - thank you!

To our new Mrs. Washington America 2013, Amy Clark - congratulations sweetie! I look forward to the amazing year ahead! I am excited to be able to participate in moments of your new journey!

Thank you to not only those at the pageant, but friends and family that sent me birthday love via Facebook, cards, texts, flowers, etc!! This birthday was definitely a once in a lifetime event!

A life lesson in exercise...

Have I shared lately how much I LOVE my life? Yes, it's been CRAZY busy but the truth is, I wouldn't have it any other way - as long as there is still time for ME.

I had gotten to the point in my schedule that I was truly running like a chicken with my head cut off! Those moments happen but they need to be just that, a moment, NOT a daily routine which mine had become. I have FINALLY gotten to a point that my schedule is still nice and full but allows me to have some me time. I have made a promise to myself that I am unable to tackle my "to do" list for the day unless I have taken the time to exercise.

I am not too proud to say that exercise is NOT one of my favorite things to do but I do like how I feel after. Simply walking outside rejuvenates my mind and the fresh air helps me focus on my day ahead. I can also share that in the last couple of months, not getting the simple exercise with my crazy schedule truly affected me mentally and physically. I made excuses for myself that I didn't have time to exercise, which I didn't because I didn't make it enough of a priority. I hit stress overload and crashed! I don't like that kind of reality check; I encourage you to not get to that point.

Many of us think that everything we do couldn't be done by anyone other than us; or is that just me? Take a look and see what REALLY requires your attention and deligate those things that could be tackled by someone else. Even if they don't do it the way you would, bottom line - it's getting done.

So, why all this rambling? I guess to share that happiness depends on you. Take a look at all that is required of you, what you add to the mix, and how you choose to tackle it. Excuses are just ways that we try to justify why we aren't doing the things that we know we should be doing. If you are at the tipping point of meltdown, I encourage you to reassess your daily routine. You and your loved ones will be happy that you found time for you.

Happy Monday!!

http://believe-toachieve.tumblr.com/

Balance....

Life is all about balance; isn't it?

I have always been a scheduled person and at some times in my life that has been a downfall; I miss out on the little things going on around me because I am too focused to get to the next task I miss out on the happenings between Thing 1 & Thing 2! I realize that the schedule mode has gone a bit to the extreme when an alteration in my schedule occurs and I am perturbed....I don't have time for that change. Realizing that change naturally occurs and I am causing myself undo stress I flip into a complete opposite mode, like a seesaw, and try to go with the flow of the day! Let me just share, that creates problems too...

In addition to my husband and our girls busy days, I have many things that I am interested in and that I would like to be a part of; so to be careful not overextend myself, I schedule...Then I get my schedule SO booked that I don't have time for any change and sometimes I miss out on why I was doing it all in the first place because I am no longer enjoying these things. Really?!? Any of you feeling me right now?

I am working on finding lifes balance...what I am learning is that each day requires adjustment. Instead of going from one extreme to the other, like a seesaw, I need to make little adjustments. Currently, I am in the "going with the flow" end of the seesaw and I am in full frustration! 

How do I plan to remedy my current situation? I am going to make lists writing down all that I currently do and what I would like to do. I am going to work on the balance of getting some me time in somewhere! I will make sure that I have time to exercise my body, mind, and spirit. I will not over schedule my days so that there is allowance for life's "changes". I will enjoy the journey that God has given me and do my best to be a bright light in everyone else's life that I come into contact with. I am going to work on delegating the parts of the "to-do" list that I can, and I am going to have an accountability partner that helps me stay on track during this transition.

I know that this is not a one time fix; remember, each day requires adjustments. But I've got to start somewhere and sometime, the time is NOW. Each day will be easier because I have a plan, a course to follow, that I have created based on me.

Look! It's already started!

Happy Monday everyone!

Teleportation...

Teleportation...the more I travel the more I wish it were a reality.

I love my life and I am blessed to be able to travel often. The ONLY downfall is all the packing! It never fails, no matter how prepared I think I am with my lists of what to bring, I forget SOMETHING! LOL! Anyone else feel this same frustration?

If I really sit down and put more thought into it I get a little freaked out about all the logistics of it all and instead of the cool Star Trek vision I have in my head my imagination turns to Willie Wonka and the Chocolate factory; all the tiny particles flying through the air....Then my imagination goes from wouldn't teleportation be so cool to what if I got somewhere missing some of ME! LOL! Isn't it funny how our minds work.

It's good to dream and think of the what could be; it all starts with a "what if..." Some people are scared of the "what if's", I am thankful to those who took a chance on their dreams; they've made so many things in our everyday lives possible.

So, my reminder in this silly little post, is to wake up your dreams! Some can be silly like my teleportation becoming a reality in my lifetime but it brings a wonderful childhood happiness back into your life. Get dreaming again! Don't let your "what ifs" be something that hold you back, allow them to be something that push you to your next step in life. Dream!

Isn't it funny....

Isn’t it funny how the things on our mind and in our thoughts become more apparent in our daily lives? For example, when your are in the market for a new car and have chosen your favorite, you see it EVERYWHERE just making that desire stronger.

On my mind the last little while is a little teacup Yorkie puppy! Not one in particular, just one in general. Now, with my allergies this is not going to happen but I do think that they are VERY cute! I’ve has some friends tell me that they are yappers and that is not a quality I like in any dog ESPECIALLY in a small one! But as having one is only a thought and not a reality I am happy to stick with this adorable dog!

I said all of that to share this, I got online this morning and what is a hot topic running in Yahoo’s video news feed? A video of an adorable little boy with a playful little Yorkie! This video has gone VIRAL!



What makes a simple capture of a cute moment so interesting? Everyone loves babies? Everyone loves puppies? How cute that the two interact so well at such a young age? I don’t know!?! But going viral is a big deal - over 350K views (per Good Morning America)!

I've heard that if your YouTube video receives so many views, you get paid...Not exactly sure how that works - would love to find out! If you know more about that, leave a comment, message me - aka LET ME KNOW! LOL! I find it FASCINATING! I currently don't plan on going crazy posting videos, I truly don't plan on posting any at all but I am always curious on the know how!

Divine Dissatisfaction

Divine dissatisfaction. Have you ever heard the term? Rex Crain defines it as "The real you making a demand on the you that you've become and the you that you've settled for."

I personally believe that you will always have divine dissatisfaction...

It's that inner voice telling you that there is something more somewhere else waiting for you. Pushing you to keep searching.

Without it, you are stuck, no longer growing; no longer learning in this adventure of life. Each adventure that we take shapes us and prepares us for a new adventure in the future. What we will learn will not be determined until they are in use (dang it)! Everything enters in our life for a season and each season has a different timeline.

It is SO easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that before you know it you stop and wonder where has all the time gone? I know from experience! With the Christmas season in full swing and school breaks about to begin, life has gotten CRAZY! I have pushed and pushed and pushed myself for the last few months to sacrifice more of myself- time and energy, and today that divine dissatisfaction is strong!

I am reminded to stop and be still for a bit and listen to the guidance of that inner voice...there is so much more to this thing called life than wake up, get the kids off to school, laundry, chores, pick the kids up, take them to their commitments, dinner, bed, repeat. And that's a quite day! LOL!

Do you have divine dissatisfaction? What is your inner voice telling you? Or have you been squelching - "I don't have time", "I deal with that later", etc.? If you find yourself in a rut or no longer happy doing what your doing; it's time for change. What will that change be? I'm interested to know!

New Adventures on the horizon....

In September, I left a job that I had been at off and on for the last 20 years. There wasn't a particular reason; my season there had just ended. Since then, I have been enjoying a hiatus. Not really pursuing what the "next job" would be.

My husband Brett and I are very active in MonaVie, in addition to the delicious and amazing products we LOVE the personal connections and new relationships that have formed because of this business and I looked forward to spending more of my time in such a positive environment. But, even I know that having just one form of income isn't the best financial plan. With that said, I also say this - having more than one focus requires organization and planning. Good thing I'm a little OCD!

I've had many thoughts of my own along with suggestions by family and friends for "job" ideas but none of them really stirred the excitement within me. Although they were all things that I am interested in (photography, graphic design, computer assistance, and more) each idea had a little spot that I think would hold me back from really making it successful. I didn't like the hesitation I felt so I didn't pursue any of those ideas.

Then, two different opportunities came across my path within days of each other! I was very surprised at how excited I became! Even better - both opportunities can work together! Both ideas are currently in their infant stages but I can not WAIT to share when I have more!

Stay Tuned!

Photography Fun: TriCities

I made a quick trip to the TriCities today to do some birthday and Christmas shopping. On the route to the mall is Columbia Park along the beautiful Columbia River. This park also hosts the Hydroplane Races every year in July. I am not sure that I should admit this but I have NEVER stopped at this park AND I have never seen the races....but I stopped today! (I'm so proud of me!! LOL!)
When I pulled into the park I was surprised by this amazing Regional Veterans Memorial! I say surprised as this park is just off HWY 240, I look at this park EVERY time I pass, and I have not seen that this memorial exists! It's not small people! LOL!
As I was walking from my car to the memorial, I was looking around to see the memorial from different angles to take pictures from. A group of geese nearby definitely caught my attention. I stopped for a minute and watched as they lined up single file to cross the street! Then they took one step up from the grass onto the curbing and then one step carefully down to the street and waddled across. I kind of assumed there would be more of a jump with both feet; it's a tall curb! I also found it interesting that they each have their own unique waddle. One kicked it's feet out in front, another was very careful, almost dainty, with its feet. I found it very interesting!
As I took a closer look through my camera I noticed that many of them were banded on their leg. Ok, not so unusual. But one goose was also banded around its neck! Big 'ol band! I've asked Brett what that band is for and he said he's never seen it! I watched them for a bit longer and then I turned back to the memorial.
This is one spectacular site to see especially with the Columbia River in the background! As I was setting up a shot of the center pillar with the info tablet, a flock of geese flew overhead and landed in the river! I did catch it in my picture but it doesn't truly capture the sensations that went through me at that very moment. I was in awe!
You'll never believe this but it was the very SAME group of geese that I had been so captivated by earlier! How do I know? Why that neck band on the one goose in the group!
I walked out of the memorial and went to the edge of the river to take water pictures of the geese. Two things I found HILARIOUS! First, that one goose was VERY vocal and separated itself from the group as if it were saying "look at me! take pictures of me!" as it circled around. The other funny,  was that they all started to line up as if they were in the air - in V formation! Do geese do that? Line up everywhere? The air, to cross the street, in the water??
I all of a sudden felt a personal connection with this flock! They were a bit OCD like me! hehehe!

I'm back!

(Sing to the tune of "Welcome Back, Kotter") Welcome back! Welcome back! Welcome back!
What a way to return than with a creative moment! Ok, so the creativity is primarily by Shutterfly but the fact that I did a project is noteworthy! LOL!
I have challenged  myself to a 365 project....Wanting to pick up my camera again and get shooting! A little blogging could help make that a reality! Please help keep me accountable! Follow me on Facebook & my Mrs. Moses Lake Blog! This will be FUN!

So, until tomorrow, please enjoy this little preview of our Holiday Card!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Always make sure you are listening....

Sometimes I feel like the movie Transformers; the part where Bumblebee speaks through the radio. I feel that God is talking directly to me.  
Today I'm going through a bunch of mixed emotions, this song comes on and just answers all of my feelings....maybe this will speak to you too! God Bless!

School's Almost Out...

This school year has been quite the journey. On top of the everyday busyness in life we have been searching for more information and ways to help Alissa with Dyslexia. This is something that has been a part of my family for generations, every member affected by it has had different challenges. I know from my personal experience, it was really frustrating to work my bootie off to receive an average grade. I have seen signs in Alissa since the first grade but each year I’d bring it to the teachers attention it was “age appropriate”; well this year it is no longer “age appropriate”.

These past years, the school had no information/suggestions; Google dyslexia and the information can be overwhelming! How do you know what’s good information and what’s not? You want the best for your child, you want this struggle to be overcome; where do you go? Even though this learning disability has been researched for over 30 years, help is hard to find. We live in between major cities, so most suggested locations to go to are about a 3 hour travel time alone (roundtrip) plus however long the appointment is. But you make whatever sacrifices you possibly can (time, financial, etc) if you think it can help your child.

This year a suggestion was given, vision therapy; we jumped on it! We got her tested, signed up for the once a week in office 1 hour therapy sessions, 5 days a week at home therapy (should take about 20 minutes each night but it took Alissa 30-45 minutes each night to complete), and diligently participated in this out-of-town program for 12 weeks. After about 6-8 weeks the struggle started at home of Alissa not wanting to do the therapy homework. At first, we just viewed it as she was challenged and uncomfortable and we pushed through. But then it became a fight to complete the exercises! A major concern that pushed this journey was Alissa’s struggle to get information from her head to her paper and full comprehension from the paper to her head; do this all verbally there is no issue; ask her to write it and she shuts down! At this point in vision therapy, we were expecting that some way to tackle this huge missing link would be in sight, yet it was still a major concern. We weren’t expecting an overnight change but we were hoping to see something!

What do you do when you don’t know where else to look? You talk to EVERYONE you know! Soon, I had more information in my hands then I knew what to do with! Then I had to sort through that; what is good sound information, what is too experimental. It was very overwhelming! But I was thankful that I had it all; I had the answer somewhere in all of this! The strongest piece of information I received from my friend in California.(CALIFORNIA people! Truly, talk to ALL of your friends!) She told me to check out this website and watch a seminar online; I did. Suddenly, I no longer felt like I was crazy; that I wasn’t making a mountain out of a molehill. This really is an issue for my child and here’s an answer to my prayers.

We are still in the entry stages of this journey. For the last 7 weeks we have been in contact with our family physician, school psychologist, certified dyslexic tester, pediatric neurophycologist, the creator of the system we are going to use, and back to the school. There has been a battle of “who’s” issue this is to tackle; is it medical or is it educational? I hope and pray that we have found an out from the educational/medical issue battle! More on that in a later post.

The system that we are about to begin is one recognized by the International Dyslexia Association. This is BIG; there are only a few that have that honor. The only ones that have that honor are Orton Gillingham based programs. Our plan is to begin this summer. The program takes anywhere from 18-36 months; but it is one Brett & I can do with Alissa at home. Again, we are just starting this journey and there is a long road ahead. I expect that more challenges will come but I’ve made it this far and believe me getting here wasn’t easy! All I can say is BRING IT!

Hello there...

I'm BACK! (Yes, I know that it's been awhile and I'm so sorry that I've kept you waiting for so long! ) New banner, no profile pic as of yet, and as always, lots to share!

Let's see, can I summarize 5 months in a post? Without making it pages long? Let me try...

April: we stayed home for Spring Break, but staying home doesn't mean it didn't stay crazy busy! I took pictures of the girls at the park, completed some house projects, the girls had a sleepover, Jeff & Jennifer welcomed their new addition to the family Kai Joesph....

Alissa took a Hunter's Education class; GREAT experience for Brett to share with his daughter.

I was inaugurated into Facebook (FB) and was completely sucked in! Blame FB for my absence! LOL!! Seriously, it's been fun! I've reconnected with so many people! I've been able to keep in better touch with all sorts of friends and family! Quick posts here and there; it's been great!

May: BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!! Jillian had a dance performance at Kid's Festival while Alissa and Brett attended range day for Hunter's Ed., I cut off my hair (from mid back to above my shoulders).

We went camping at Tunk Mtn. above Riverside, WA where we pasture the cows for the spring /summer. It was a working "vacation" for Brett - fixing fence. It was really a lot of fun I have to admit. Josh, Jeff, Chelesy, and Levi joined us!

The girls had a Jog-A-Thon for school, dance performance at the Spring Festival, BBQ & Boating season officially began, we had a great visit with Nana and Aunt Almyra, and Brett had first cutting.

June: I started my summer vacation from the office to be home with the girls, the girls and I made a quick trip to Portland and visited with Nana, the girls had Spirit Week the final week of school, a Father's Day Mariner's Game for Brett, Jeff, Larry, and Ken,

Dance Recital, the start of many playdates to come,

Camping at Liberty,

Vacation Bible School, and the start of swimming lessons.

July: finished up swimming lessons, 2nd cutting for Brett, gymnastics camp, dance camps begin, rollerskating, Nana here for a visit, celebrated Ken's 80th BDay and the 4th of July along with taking some family pics (thank you Nena!),

Montana with the Chapmans, Jonni's Wedding (in MT, Charli's sister),

August: attended the Festival of Homes in ML (great way to get ideas for home projects), start work on new playhouse, more dance camps, and Grant Co. Fair & Rodeo time!

Brett & I took the girls to Seattle for their first Mariners game; before the game we enjoyed dinner at the Crab Pot.

And, on August 27th Brett & I celebrate 15 years of marriage...love you babe!

So, there you have the last 5 months; not a short post but now we're all caught up! My goal is to blog at least once a month but I would like to make it weekly. Let's see how I do. :)

Bye for now!

Our Family Getaway...

Our anxiously awaited trip to Sunriver, Or has finally arrived!

As posted earlier, no snowmobiles came with us for this trip...we'll come back to this little fact in a later post.

We had a pretty nice drive considering that it is still winter and there could have been bad roads, but there weren't - thank goodness! The girls were setup with their movies and I played DJ with my iPhone.

When we finally arrived, I had a rush of memories from my childhood...

The Sunriver Logo that used to greet you as you entered Sunriver, now located at the Police dept.

A drive by picture of the Lodge. There's something about that entry that I love...(architecturally)

The Gathering House. It's next to the pool (summer activity) and it has a lot of textures. LOVE IT!

I used to come here as a kid with my parents. Brett and I have been here twice in our 18 years of togetherness; our Honeymoon and a trip when Alissa was about 2 years old. There's just something about this place; is it the nature all around and the security of the trees or am I just a granola girl through and through? (Rhetorical question people; the granola girl part anyway.)

I'm looking forward to creating memories with my little family...I'll keep you posted! :)

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss...

As I've stated before, I LOVE SEUSS!

Today, Theodor Seuss Geisel would have been 105 years old.

I hope that you each find your own favorite Seuss book and join Read Across America today!

Man, I miss my Mac...

So, I brought my HP laptop along on our trip because a gadget girl like me can not be without the necessities! :)



The pro's of my laptop; well, it's a laptop therefore it is easily portable. It connects me to the internet, it plays DVD's, and it is fun.



The con's; it's not my Mac. My stuff isn't on it, and it operates a little different. Key things I am missing; my iTunes library, how I switch through the different windows, my iPhoto program, and my Quickbooks. It takes longer to accomplish the same tasks; I'm not exactly sure why but this PC can not multitask! Overall, it's just frustrating! But I will go through the frustration in order to have my gadgets. (LOL!!)




A prime example of a frustration; I plugged my iPhone into the laptop in order to charge it and it sync'd my iPhone - erasing ALL my music from my phone! No worries though, my music is on my Mac at home but it's a little frustrating for now....I miss you Mac, I'll see you soon!!

How ironic...

I find it pretty ironic that the day before we plan on leaving for a trip that could involve snowmobiling (upcoming Sunriver trip) or that we've planned on snowmobiling (Roslyn Ridge after Christmas) Brett has a wreck...

Now, I am VERY thankful that Brett has not had any personal injury with these wrecks (other than pride) and to be truthful, I'm not heartbroken that snowmobiling hasn't panned out. It's not that easy or enjoyable to ride when you are hitting helmets with the kids or trying to turn not only your body weight and the sled but factor the kids in too. I'm not that good of a rider and it truly makes it more stress for me than it's worth. In December, we rented a cruiser snomobile in addition to our M7, Alissa sat behind me; that was better, but I just sat there and we stayed on the trail...that get's old...

The latest wreck totalled the 900 on Friday. There was apparently a run in with some trees which Brett "successfully rode out of with one ski for approximatly two miles" until walking it downhill he was side swiped by Julie...that did it in! Julie apparently lost control and jumped off her sled right before hitting the 900 which then slammed it into three large trees...finishing off the 900. Oh, and no damage to Julie's sled...The 900 though is no longer ridable and was towed approximatley 15 miles to the trailer...

The shocks, struts, A arms, steering rod, etc. of the left side are COMPLETLY gone! The right side is damaged, but no parts are missing like the left.

So, no sleds for our trip to Sunriver...poor 900.

There's nothing like a Dove Milk Chocolate Promise...

If you have never had one, get one! I was introduced to them a little over a year ago by my friend Charli, and they bring me such happiness! Truly, it always seems that the little message inside is just what I needed; to pick me up , to make me laugh, or to give me a reality check. Serious!

For example, I have found two wrappers today left behind from Brett. One says, "Think without limits", and the other "Bring your life to life: stop planning, start doing." How appropriate and cool is that !

It's been a busy two weeks...

There has been something EVERY night for the last two weeks! That's just CRAZY! LOL! It's been a whirlwind on top of the everyday stuff but it's been an exciting and fun kinda crazy!

Some of the craziness includes: birthdays, MonaVie tasting parties, going to Chuck E. Cheese (I'm officially on protest! Not to return anytime soon! Because of the patrons not the restaurant), and making time with friends. 

This weeks craziness (sister off to sunny vacation - I'm jealous, brother having surgery - not jealous, MonaVie special event, etc.) will conclude with a nice family vacation! We are ALL looking forward to it! 

More to come later...off to tend to the house for now! :) Have a great weekend!