End of a year...thank God!

I can only say it was a total bust...most of it at least.

From surgery in January to my complete failure at having Pop in our home in December, I think I have tanked on most of the things I wanted to do well. I can chalk up the H2C, kitchen and loving the boys desperately; however it has been an awful struggle to gain any ground on my health (both physical and mental) or much else really. It was a year full of one step forward, three steps back. Aggghhh.

Here is to rallying next year and getting it together. May you enjoy the last few days of the year, and know that I am going to spend them in a complete stupor w/ fermented beverages...all our love and hugs. Peace out!

My Glengarry

Here is the link to the wonderful book that mum (Nancy) made for Pop. My Glengarry is written by Dr. F. James Marshall. It is a chronicle of he and his cap through WWII. All our love this holiday season. May you enjoy a peaceful new year.

RJ Xmas Pagent

Here is RJ at his xmas pagent at school...he loved every minute. As you can see he is a drama king:)

Church Xmas

Here are the boys at the church xmas performance. It was great! RJ sang again this year but didn't have to be an angel so he was thrilled! Jack wore the lamb ears for the picture and took them off promptly. He didn't sing but checked out all the kids that did sing:) Ahhh my boys!

Growing Family

Hey everyone...I will hopefully be more diligent about posting as some of y'all will be using this as a life line for the family.

My grandfather, Pop, will be moving in w/ us this week. He has been struggling w/ a knee replacement and has been in the hospital for the second time w/ it. After very little consideration Phillip and I invited him into our home. Really we wouldn't have it any other way. It amazes me that it takes the two of us 6mo to a year to buy a car but the bigger things in life are a no brainer and really don't require much discussion.

The goal is to see how much improvement can be made in the next two months. We are however in the process of evaluating him for other causes for his complications. The joys of medicine are that it really is a game of elimination and as our buddy Dave says, "...it's called a practice for a reason, they are just practicing medicine on you..."; we'll see!

So for all our great support systems out there...thank you! Because of how much everyone has done for us this year we are now in a place where we can do something like this. I remind everyone that says this is "noble" work or that we are really going to be overwhelmed, we have it easy. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are the ones who are the hero's out there for care. I am in a constant state of awe over what they accomplish w/ only each other to rely upon. We are getting up to 12 hours of home care a day to help me with what he needs...all the fun stuff like getting him showered and dressed and ready for the day. It will free me up to take care of the things that are more enjoyable like appointments, meals and just hanging out w/ him and the kiddos.

Boys are looking forward to it. RJ said this morning, "I like it when you take care of me when I'm not feeling well, he will like it too!" Jack is just going to love having an extra lap for reading books!

All our love and prayers. We will be forgetful in the upcoming months but please just poke me from time to time as I want to avoid becoming myopic...

Kitchen!!!!!

From the family room

Prep area...close up of back splash

Sink area...close up of counter

Baking area...baking station...Hammie's area (intended for dog bed; surprise! he won't use it)

It's finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here are the photos. I was going to go to all the effort to clean it all, but then I realized that it wouldn't matter because why have a false pretense. You know we are real people and we live in our kitchen. So here it is!

Happy Halloween!

Here are my cuties on Halloween! There were about 10 rowdy boys that went in a mini gang all around the neighborhood. We were diligent about the "Thank you's" but there was still quite a bit of shoving and tears as they all tried to get to the door first or to the next house first.

RJ was a Storm Trooper (yes his mama is proud!) and Jack was Tigger. Jack is such a candy maniac that he didn't want to stop and wouldn't give up his bag even though it was so heavy he was dragging it from house to house. First piece out was a Hershey bar. He takes after his Nana:)

Mama's Babies

Here is a pic of my blond babies...Aren't they to die for!?! Just loungin' around. Jack was trying to be just like RJ...

Pop

Hey, hope everyone is well. I have spent the week w/ my grandfather (Pop) at a recovery center. He had knee replacement last week and ran into some problems w/ recovery after leaving the hospital. For being 82 he is doing better then I thought he would but not as well as he thought it would be. A combination of heavy drugs, lots of PT and feeling rather overwhelmed and anxious got to him Monday. He had spent the day alone and was not really tracking very well when I got there Monday night. He was really out of it and slurring his speech so it was time for the family to regroup and spend time with him during the day. That and my Aunt B was taking all the fun for herself by being with him the week before at the hospital when he had a drug reaction. I have spent the last two days with him, just hanging out and getting the straight poop from the staff. Everyone is doing much better today. He is less grumpy and more himself today especially. He was even flirting with the staff:) It was nice to see him transform from a grumpy old man to a dirty old man! I will be there in the morning for PT again and be handing the bat ton to my mum; well more like passing the whip... gotta get her in the groove with the staff and Pop's room-mate situation. George is a dear, once you butter him up and that makes for a much quieter day for both boys. It is so hard being elderly and losing the Independence you so desperately need. I just hope that I am helping in the way he needs. I started to think so when I got back from a longer lunch w/ my sister Kate and the kids (she has the more difficult task of watching the kiddo's while I am at Pop's beck and call). He looked at me and said, "Oh there you are, what took so long?" Must be doing something right. Kate brought the little ones by in their costumes to trick-or-treat and spread some smiles. They were all covered in chocolate and had more in their hands by the time we got to lunch. I think Kate and I were the only ones hungry and were wearing all the candy that wasn't in their bellies. I will post pictures when I get the camera from Kate. They are precious!
Have a happy Halloween! Wow, it is already November!!!!!!!!!

Halloween Fun

Here are photos of the boys doing the pumpkin thing. As you can tell from the photo Jack found one of my headbands...

Here is a small sample of what I wore to the party last night...yes I was sober when getting dressed. Phillip was only comfortable taking a picture of my top half for everyone to view...did seal the deal on a couple of little boy crushes;)

Kitchen Work

Here are a few funny photos of Phillip and his buddy Dave working on the electric in the kitchen. Needless to say they are quite the silly pair when together...

Pirate Festival

I forgot to mention and post photos on the pirate festival. RJ and I went and had a blast! Literally. Here are photos of him watching his favorite band play- Capt. Bogg and Saltys. The ship was involved in a cannon fire event. It was way to loud for RJ as they were firing real cannons but fun for me. Then there are pics of him and Conner doing a few competitions- Barrel Roll, Swab the Deck and the one where RJ got the bean bag in the hole for most points on the first try. Yeah! It was fun and I broke down in a moment of weakness and got the boys wooden swards. They stay in the garage.

Busy Week

It is shaping up to be a busy week for the Erwin's. Pewe is at home with Jack who is feeling punie. Work is slammed for me and I can hardly keep up. Sweet Potato Fries are back at Burgerville so I am trying to resist the temptation of those paired w/ a pumpkin milkshake. It is the last week for soccer-last practice is tonight and last game is Saturday. That afternoon we are having the herd over for hotdogs and trophies. Then I am going to go to my first Halloween party. Yes I know I am lame but what can I say...ever see an Erwin in a costume after they turn 10? Thought so. I was going to go as the devil but the costume I found lends itself more to the Red Bull Girl...I'll take pictures and if I am daring enough I will post them. Have a happy week and enjoy the weekend!

Blue Rockets!

Okay, now I get to brag as a coach! The Blue Rockets came together and played like a team that I have never seen before in my life! They were passing, they were defending and they were going after the ball! There were some beautiful plays and the kids were all smiling! Mind you it was about 42 out, raining in sheets and the kids were down right water logged...but they won! I am on cloud nine right now! The taste of victory after a long struggle is much sweeter then winning all on its own. They were amazing out there. They were executing everything they have been taught and I was crying with joy as I watched them beaming with pride and cheering for themselves. You couldn't see the tears for all the rain dripping off the bill of my hat but I was a proud Mama! What a long hard road, with the most amazing reward of seeing them play hard. Next year, I will invest in better rain gear;)

Perwin's News

So I know that there are a lot of questions, hang on. Let me fill everyone in first then answer the ones I know....

Phillip's company got sold on Monday. Tektronix now belongs to a holding company. Deal will finalize sometime next spring.

What does this mean for us?
Well considering he was worried that he would get laid off before the holidays this is good news. He was supposed to start a new position last month but that got bumped out and last week they were talking more lay-offs which meant no one was safe.

There will probably be no changes until Feb/March I am assuming. Plus w/ a purchase like this there are severance packages and stock buy-outs. Either way, we will be fine! Phillip is taking the news like a champ and has rallied. When my company got bought out it was actually good for my career and I was able to make some upward progress. He is laying low for a couple of weeks but will readdress his ambitions later.

Until we know more, you know what we do. It was a good thing for the stock holders and the company realized that they couldn't squeeze any more work or time out of the employees. No more fat to trim. So being lean and mean is a good thing for those still working, fingers crossed!

Bragging Rights!

RJ's team won on Saturday! The first half of the game RJ's group won 3-2. RJ scored two of the goals! The other goal was a great pass to a player infront of the goal where it sailed in. A beautiful play....if I do say so myself.

I am so proud of RJ. He is a natural:) Which is quite a lot considering Phillip nor I played. I was so excited for the kids...they have worked so hard and come so far. My boy, close to a hat trick!

Just needed to brag on him a bit. What can I say, coach or not, I am a mama first.

RJ's Birthday

OMG! I have an 8-year-old! His b-day party was at the bowling alley because I finally needed a break from hosting at my house. Honestly I enjoy doing the parties and have a hard time not going over-the-top but with the remodel it was impractical.

He got the coolest toys! Phillip and I keep telling him that we would have loved to get the stuff he got this year. He got more LEGO's then you can shake a stick at. Most of them were Star Wars! Phillip and I were fighting over who got to help him put them together. Jack's favorite was the whoopee cushion, go figure, I have a boy that likes farting sounds...

RJ's favorite was the Dragon for his Playmobile and the art supplies, which were given in abundance by my sister, parents and friends that know him well.

Here are the photos! Enjoy...

PS I know I haven't updated it in awhile so I changed the background to let you know there was new material;)

Soccer Mom

We are halfway through the season and the kids are taking off! Today's game they played hard and it was one of the best games they have played. I am so proud of all of them! It has been a tough season, don't get me wrong. We are a really young team, half I would say have not played before. But the kids are putting up with my drills and making huge strides each practice. The most joy I have is watching them play and having a great time.

Coaching is a great way to spend time with RJ. Not sure that I am really born for coaching in this era but I do what I can. I have found that my natural talent is as a yeller...go figure. I just make sure that I am only yelling good clear instructions...you know, "run, face the ball, run". Usually I am just yelling RUN. Phillip keeps telling me I need to stop yelling since the kids don't listen. Someday one of us will learn, either I will stop or the kids will start listening;) Place your bets now...

Here are photos of RJ playing with his friends. There is a team photo and one of me in my prime:) Needless to say, practice two nights a week and games on Saturdays makes for busy times at the Erwin house, I will update soon on RJ's birthday and other events in our lives...promise!

Tag!

All right, so I tagged my brother-in-law Sam, but he had no one to tag...so back at me and onto cousin Michael! His will be great to read, he and his fiance are in India right now...

I'm It!

Thanks a lot Jess, I really am just sittin' around today, waiting for a reason to update my blog;) So I was tagged. Enjoy!

4 Places I've Lived...

1. Vancouver, BC, Canada: I am a Canuck, eh!

2. Lake Oswego, OR: I was not raised on the Shi Shi side of town...

3. Moscow, ID: It was college, I don't really remember all the places there...

4. Portland, OR: 2 places I am willing to discuss the third was all Phillip's fault.

4 Favorite Foods...

1. Rama Thai

2. Pizza Schmizza

3. Pastini

4. Chocolates

4 Jobs Held...

1. Wendy's drive thru (let me clarify I did not flip the burgers...it was obvious then I couldn't cook)

2. College Pro- exterior house painter

3. Manager of a childcare center (included dressing as a kangaroo)

4. ADA Compliance Specialist- corporate manager (ugh)

4 Places I would rather be...

1. Walking the Beach on Oregon Coast

2. Anywhere with the boys

3. The cabin in Canada that my great-grandfather built; it was on the coast on an island off Vancouver, the beaches were made of large smooth rocks, there was a great dock to swim off, there were blackberries and s'mores and bunk beds and a claw foot tub, I remember hanging out w/ my cousins in the summer and I long to return. I also wish to give those memories to my kids, laughing, swimming and playing carelessly with family that is closer then best friends.

4. Powell's Bookstore

I tag Sam. You're it!

Following are pictures of the places I have lived...just so you know.

Vancouver, BC, Cananda

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC- I remember playing in a water area like this...pretty sure they have updated it:)

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC- I remember walking through these trees when the blossoms would fall.

Portland, OR

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

Rolling hills of the Palouse

Race for the Cure

Joined the Race for the Cure today so I will be with Phillip, the boys, my sister and her kiddos, my mum, aunt and cousin on Sept 23rd at 7:30am! It is a 5k walk, sounds more like a stroll though.

In my family I have had three aunts and my grandmother survive Breast Cancer. In Phillip's family his cousin (who is his age w/ a young daughter) is a survivor just in the last year. My Aunt Connie is still fighting in Ohio. We are rooting for her, she is quite the strong, stubborn type so she should come out fine! Quite a group of women to honour this year.

If you are interested please click the link on the left side of my page and make a donation. I set up one page for all the Erwin clan so feel free to remember the boys.

We will post photos and details of the fun after the 23rd. All our love!

Honour your Mother, Support your Sister and Love Yourself!

Soccer Mama

Okay, so I am officially a soccer mom. I am coaching RJ and his second grade group of crazy boys! What a busy bunch. I will have pictures soon, promise...They are so silly! Most of the time it is really hard to get them to focus. I am working on it;) First game was Saturday and they were great! The game started at 9am so it was a little early for most of the team. They handn't gotten their dose of cartoons in so they were slow for the first half. Things picked up and they really played well the second half. I am glad this year because the boys are not crying, begging me to let them rest on the sidelines! Big improvement when they actually play! One of the asst coaches compairs it to hearding cats, pretty accurate...
See you all soon!

Scout Camp

I am catching up I know. First part of August R.J. did scout camp w/ his buddies. He had a blast! One week of spending the day at Camp Ireland in Hillsboro. He got to shoot air riffles/bb-guns, bow and arrows as well as run around and scream his head off. Couldn't be a better time for the boys for summer! Here are a few photos. Oh and they played checkers and marbles too. They didn't like the rules so they made up their own. Go figure! This was a daddy event so Phillip took the crew one day and had a blast! RJ is the second one in w/ a riffle, and in the second picture he is the one in full regalia. Go figure, my dramatic one!

Gramma's Visit

Phillip's mom came for 5-days and had a great time! The boys ate up every minute of being doted on.

On the first day in town I took her to IKEA. It opened a month ago and is on the way home from the airport. Second floor is a mad house where the kids stuff is and the restaurant. I compare the whole experience to Costco on steroids. I think she enjoyed the first floor...we did find the cups and bowls I was looking for and the meatballs for Uncle Arthur (I do keep forgetting to bring them, oops!)

On Friday Phillip took her to the beach- Seaside- with the boys since I had to work. Here are the photos. They had a great time! I was sorry I missed the rides and arcade.

Saturday we took her to Sauvie's Island and got the cukes for pickles. We also did Dim Sum which is always a nice lunch for the fam so everyone gets something they like, fast.

Sunday we enjoyed church and dinner at my Aunt B's. We made pickles there and I found out that after all of these years the recipe I have been using thinking it was hers and her mother's was not. She has no idea whose recipe it is and was suprised that Phillip didn't like the Apple Cider vinegar ones I made years ago, since that is all she does. It is now officially my recipe since I have changed it so much and no longer do I feel bad for messing up hers since it never was...what an uplifting moment;)

Monday was a lazy day for me but great for her and boys since we just hung out and played. I was glad that we could have her for so long and it was a blast. I think by the end she was actually sleeping through the night and sleeping in too. No better vacation then that! Can't wait till we see her again and neither can the boys! Loves Gramma XOXOXO

H2C

Okay, so a couple of days later and I have the oddest sensation, my second toe hurts like an SOB. It is purple on both feet and on my right foot I think the nail will fall off. The two women on my van loose their toe nails every year and another lady told me it happened to her last year. I swear my shoes fit, what gives? If you want here is a photo...purple and painful. Needless to say that soccer tonight bit the big one. Socks are painful so imagine cleats ontop of that... What a mama won't do for her boys!



No running for me for a week at least. I am eating all the crap I cut out of my diet for the last month; Burgerville on Monday, McD's today. Gained every pound I lost over the weekend. C'est la vie!

Other then that I am a little sore now and then but not too bad. I have had more imobilizing days w/ my trainer at the gym. I was a lot more ready then I thought. I would like to think that I could be faster next time but the thought of doing it again gives me goose bumps. I think I will stick to short races that are over before the kids have lunch.

P.S. Phillip is appauled that I put the photo up but really this is such an odd thing for me...sorry to those that are opposed.