U.S. Citizen

Well, leave it to the Federal Government to generally mess things up and make life complicated. In applying for my passport (since you need one now to renew your driver license and do everything but sneeze) I learned that I was not a legal citizen of the U.S. And due to the luck of all things that are Heather, I was neither one of Canada where I was born. Mercy! In all the law changes, rule changes, form changes; my changes (birth that is) were misplaced. And since 9/11 I now had to go through Homeland Security and prove why I deserved such an honor.

Needless to say, it has taken time, money and a sense of humor. I must say that it was easier then I imagined; there was only one form to complete and only 10 pieces of "authorized, notarized copies". It took less time then expected; only 6 months, not the 18 months I was told. It was not free.

I was given the privilege of being sworn in as a Citizen of the U.S.A. on Monday, August 31st at 8am. I was a very excited girl. I am still giggly about it really. I know, ask anyone else it was rather silly- I had to promise to bare arms if required by law and all, but I enjoyed the moment. Waiting an hour and a half to raise my hand for five was less then thrilling for the boys but how often do you get to experience something like this.

I was the only Caucasian. They mispronounced my name twice, in two different ways. I was the only one who spoke only one language. I had the largest cheering section and I DID NOT nod off like the teen at the end of the line;)

Here are the photos!

"I Swear"

Boys killin' time

Signing my name on EVERYTHING

Happy Girl

Me and my Certificate

It's Summmerrrr!

Oh my gosh it is July!!!!!



We are getting RJ ready to head off to scout camp. This is the first year he does an overnight. He will be gone for three days and two nights. I am so excited! I think everything is packed and most of the patches are sewn to the shirt. He is really excited too. We'll see if he sleeps tonight at all. I am sure that by Wednesday he will be wiped out. It is amazing how quick they grow. I love to cheer them on as they gain independence. No longer my baby, but my little man.



Phillip has spent two weeks at home with the kids this summer so far. He is making the most of all the furlough and plant closures at work. The first week he had off was the first week of summer and my first week at work. He was very ambitious and set the bar high for the rest of the summer. They went to the Zoo, Omsi and a movie too. He had last week off too and there were more activities. He is doing quite well getting all the free events on the calendar and scheduling fun trips around town. It has been very nice for me.



I went back to work this summer and am a Preschool Director for the program that Jack was at last year. It is with a local congregation and is only part-time. It has been a nice way to shake the cobwebs off the brain. Slow to start but I'm getting there.



Here are a few photos...

check me out

follow my journey on my other blog http://www.mamaephotos.blogspot.com/

Grauer Back-to-School

It is January and I am off to my first meeting for Grauer. I am on a board that holds a back-to-school readiness program. We distribute school supplies, back packs, coats, shoes and socks/underwear to get children ready for the first day of school. It is an amazing thing on distribution day. We give away to 700 children in August. This is the 8th year! I of course started just by writing grants. Last year though I was a co-captain for distribution day and helped with the set up weeks. Can you believe there are 250 people that volunteer every year to help get the items to the kids? We already have people buying coats and shoes. I can't wait! It becomes infectious, this thing that we do...well that or addictive;) You should see the smiles and the excitement of the kids. It is amazing what a small group of people can do when they put their heads together and follow their hearts.

Running

So to motivate myself this year I did it again, I signed up to do the Hood 2 Coast. I thought for sure I would be running by now. Nope, not even close. I just got my e-mail notification that my team captain wants me to register my info and I just stared at it. I want to do this, don't get me wrong. I am actually looking forward to the weekend of running with a great group of people. It was nice taking a year off and getting some perspective, for all the anguish it was invigorating...but I'm not with it yet. I've set up a training program even, to start in February. I have hit the gym hard the last couple of weeks and the soreness has been surprisingly welcome. A clear indicator that I am getting warmed-up to be motivated...maybe. But I have yet to hit the pavement. Maybe tomorrow?

I'll huff...

... and I'll puff and I'll blow your fence down!

We had some raging wind last night that took out the fence. What a great way to wake up, I'll tell you what. I went to let the dogs out (we are sitting Hercules) and much to my surprise two panels were laying on the neighbors tree! It would appear that fixing the fence moved to the top of the "To Do" list. You will note of course that the posts were not in concrete...not so good.

Let's play catch up!

Happy Thanksgiving!

So the holidays are off with a bang and I am of a mixed bag at this juncture. I cannot wait for Christmas! Melancholy from time to time about last year. But excited about this year.

RJ has found a new love and Phillip is enjoying the hobby as well. I set up an outing for the boy scout group RJ is in to a Baseball card shop. They all had a great time there and got a starter kit. A book, cards and patch! The owner talked to the boys about collecting and things to look for and things to steer clear of. Now RJ is on a mission! He loves rookie cards and Phillip has an easy indulgence. Now the packs of cards are coming home faster then he can put them in his book and now they are planning an outing to get a new, bigger one! How did it go from action figures to baseball cards? I missed something I think. Soon he will be driving and dating!

We are having a quiet Thanksgiving and then the Xmas season begins! We will be getting a tree this weekend and going to the zoo for the holiday light event. I can't wait!!!!!!! I love Christmas! Already thinking of all the fun things we are going to do! Decorations will be pulled out Friday and the season is official! I don't do the crazy shopping thing though so no worries. It is all about having fun with the kids for us. My list is ever growing for activities with them. Ugh, I can't help myself!

A moments respit

So I cleaned the kitchen and even swept the floor so I am taking a moment to upload (or is it download) some new tunes to my ipod.

When the mind has a moment it is amazing where it wanders...

Why is the perfect apron so elusive? When did it become an desire? I have one that I love the color and it has pockets but doesn't cover the girls. The other one I just got covers, is great color and yet, has no pockets.

I need to get a Brita and stop the water bottle madness. I realized this point when I drank three half bottles out of the fridge while rearranging and putting things in their place. Yes I have a labeled fridge...I have three boys...they know where the mustard is because it has a spot and I never get asked.

I recylce and try to buy local (organic is out of the budget of a single income family most of the time) but am I green enough? I like the idea of a garden but can't keep a simple African violet alive w/out Phillips help. I love the recycling bin- one big one and I now have a half full garbage can each week and overflowing recycling bin. I lament though what I do toss.

My blog is green right? No wasted trees for paper for letters. Or is something lost by not having the personal touch of a letter. That I believe is another issue all together.

It really sucks that Avatar is over!

Well, time to get back at the mess...ipod is now synced up.

The summer blahs

there are dishes clean but still in the sink, going on a week I think.
There is laundry in the dryer and wash, not moving themselves. Clothes to iron piling up.
Half the house is prepped for painting, furniture is in no mans land, pictures are down.
The beds are not made, the bathrooms need cleaned, and there is more clutter then even I can handle.
Yet, here I am sitting in front of this computer, putting it all off.
Not sure if it is the summer blah, a slump or just really not motivated. God I hope I stay the path and finish something.

Maybe if I list the things I have finished?
-Grauer back to school is done and was a huge success! Yes I was the lady in charge, but only for the day. 663 kids this year were served! I am so thrilled! It has been something I have been working on as a board member all year.
-The last big grant went out yesterday, I have been working on this one for about a month. Yeah!
-Uh, my calendar is full.
-I have made it to the gym this week.
-Vet apts, dr apts, summer camps, getting Phillip ready to head out of town, dog sitting, painting.

Okay, I feel a little better, but not much.

I will finish something today, that will not be undone by the time the kids wake up from a rest...that means the bathrooms will wait!

Oh my...

It is shaping up to be a difficult year.

Ken was in the hospital for a very hard couple of weeks. He had pneumonia and they finally found a kidney stone (size of a golf ball!). He spent a couple of days in the ICU w/ a number of tubes trying to get him stable and feeling better. It was very hard on the family. He is home and recovering, they will remove the stone once he is strong enough to handle the tx.

My dad's sister- Aunt Connie- passed away this week. She has been battling breast cancer for 4 years. She has been fighting hard. We are so proud. She is no longer in pain, but was taken too early and has left an awful hole. My heart aches for my Uncle, my grandfather and deeply for my dad. So sad, so scary and f'n sucks.

I have been spending my days lamenting the missed moments and crying over the quilt I didn't finish. Yes, the bugger I have been working on hand quilting for what a year now, nope, didn't finish it in time. Yeah, I suck. But I am really having a hard time shaking all this off. My faith is strong, I am feeling God's love, but really are you serious? Don't get me wrong, I don't feel the why me's because it isn't happening to me; and I am not suffering as those around me are, but seriously, can it let up just a bit? So I am just kick'n around, not getting anything accomplished and not even able to distract myself.

May you hold yours closer and hug them tighter; may you call those you think of, mend fences, kiss faces, smile and say I Love You. May you feel peace and love in your heart. May you be blessed by those you love.

I Love You!

Belt Promotion

So it is not the children that are over scheduled...it is me. Second week of summer and I am ready to just fall on my face. As a result I am forgetting to mention the biggest accomplishments thus far. I know.

RJ got promoted from his yellow belt to his green belt!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are soooooo proud of him. He has been working on his tae kwon do belt for almost a year. He has been amazing to watch. He has quite the similar temperament that I have- sensitive, stubborn, emotionally responsive to most if not all situations. However we are different creatures when it comes to competition. I can't remember if I have blogged on it before but, I am very pushy with my children to try harder, do better and I can get down right bossy about it. I know. So it has been a very difficult year for me because there wasn't the type of progress I wanted from him. So of course in my way, I bribed, cajoled and overall made a muck of things trying to motivate him to do better/ try harder. Well I'll be damned. The one who did the most growing this last year with tae kwon do, was me. What I have come to see in RJ are all these wonderful traits that I don't have, that amaze me, and I have sometimes missed. Mainly because as a parent I am always helping, teaching, and generally being in his face. I was forced to take a step back-much pushing from his teacher- and see RJ for all the wonderful things he has to offer. Such as being very much like his mother and doing things his way on his schedule.

My amazing child enjoys life, every moment of it. When he sets his mind on something he can do it- easily. He loves to make friends, and he is good at it. He is very thoughtful of others, very polite, kind hearted and tender. Most of the things in life that cause stress at this age- loosing your teeth in a way that makes you look like a beaver- he finds hilarious! He can make just about anything funny...he is not afraid to laugh, out loud, at himself- or at whatever strikes his fancy. He is not easily embarrassed (always a great trait in my family). When he has to get up in front of a crowd- church pageant, school pageant, 20 people for the belt promotion ceremony- he performs!
With tae kwon do, he was never stressed about his progress. He just enjoyed the process. He never saw it as a chore, or as work. He just had fun.
Whenever I say his name or think of him I see him smiling, laughing, and just being a goof. God I am blessed. He is so much fun to have around.

Oh and I forgot the camera, so Phillip had to run to the corner store and get a disposable one...should have them developed soon and will post them then. I know. Phillip said it already, "like we do this everyday, why would you bring the camera?" RJ thinks Phillip is very funny. Must be where he gets it from;)

Never do this...

Okay, so I never really rant about home projects like I should but this time I couldn't resist!
We just got a tankless water heater. Yes mind you, it was the week we were trying to get out of town and I had no water, let alone hot water, for the day that they were converting but that aside...
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What an amazing little thing! Not only do we not use gas when we aren't using water (always pissed me off that you were heating water you weren't using at the time), but it takes so much less water getting it up to heat! It only takes as long as it takes to travel the pipe from the tank to the faucet. We are now water misers! The added bonus is that we run the water heater at a lower temp because you realize how not hot it needs to be. No waiting for it to get too hot and then mixing the cold w/ the hot to get it warm enough.
But when I was canning last night I needed to have the lids soaking in hot water while waiting to fill the jars (sorry if you are not interested in the small details of home canning) and I just had Phillip turn up the heater to 130 and then when the sink was filled I had him turn it back down to the 115! What a great way to save water, heat and time! I didn't need to boil the water to fill the sink (we don't have insta hot I know we suck) or run it forever to get it sorta hot!
Love it! Plus there are a thousand little features of the Rinnai (the brand we got) that make it such a good investment. (P.S. after all the research we did- don't get the brand at Home Depot off the shelf.)
Sorry to torment you with small items, but I really love the thing. Makes me want to SING!

Techno-Phobe

I am seriously technologically delayed. I am finally mastering the basic blog and still learning my text shorthand. I am trying out my space and facebook and not having much luck. Then I see on Jess's site and in the Oregonian even, this new feature of twitter. Are you serious! I still don't have dvr or hd. Can I manage another media? I am one of those dolts that needs a class or tutoring...any takers?

Hogle Zoo

RJ w/ an elephant skull
Kiddo's enjoying a tiger statue
RJ as big as an orangutan!?!
Mama E and Natalie

Aunt Kim sent these great pics of the boys at the zoo (she is much better organized then I, she remembered her camera;) It was a great day admiring the albino alligator, checking out the elephants eating and the elephant statue that made noise when you sat on the trunk and watching the red panda. RJ spoke ceaselessly about it in his journal for school and when he got to talk in front of the class. My favorite was the huge turtle that we didn't notice at first because, as RJ was quick to point out, he looked like a rock as camouflage. Jack just ran everywhere and was under a spell w/ the monkeys and alligator. It was great to hangout with Kim and Shaun and Natalie...it was a perfect outside day, one of the few that was cool and overcast so the animals were out and active. It was great to see another zoo that was well done, a fierce competition for best zoo we have been to now, Hogle way before the San Diego, not even a competition actually. Definitely a must see if you make it to Salt Lake.

Icky

Well, it just is kinda the way things are going around here. My sister and her Sam are having a hard go of it. His dad passed away today after a difficult fight when he had complications from a hip replacement. We are so sad. I'm not sure how much more Kate can manage. It has been a very devastating year. She lost a good friend from school the day that Pop died too. My heart breaks for them. We are playing pass the kids and I will be staying with them Friday and Saturday after my parents bring them home today. They have been enjoying the beach for the last few days and are coming home to see their dad before he has to go down to take care of the estate. We are all to young for this, rather unfair for Sam I think.

Of course the only pictures I have from this last Easter when Phillip, the kids and I finally met him are of the kids and his feet. So here are the littlest miracles that brought him joy and made him laugh.

Catch up

Ken's surgery went well. He is wrapping up a week in the hospital before he transfers to the care facility. We leave on the 10th and will be in UT some time after Monday the 12th. It is getting pretty busy here getting geared up to go. Will pull the whole drive to Bruneau in one day this time. I think I have gotten enough stuff for the kids to do. We'll see what the power of seperate DVD players hold. Have a happy Mother's day to all you out there. Especially the ones that do it all.

Catching up...

I find it very therapudic to blog when I am feeling overwhelmed. It helps me to focus sometimes. Other times it is a distraction from those things I like to ignore, like ironing.

It is gearing up to be a busy spring, well really summer. Phillip's mom just had sinus surgery and it went well. We are relieved by that, never pleasent from what I hear. His brother Ken is scheduled to have surgery in Salt Lake, UT April 25th. We will be taking an extended vacation to Bruneau and then into UT for about 10 days. We will be driving w/ the boys...yeah! Ken will be in UT for a month after surgery so we are going to go hang w/ him for a while and visit our friends. Phillip has only been to UT for the layover when going to DC so we are planning on seeing the sites and getting to know the valley when it is not under a mountian of snow.

RJ is in the process of being evaluated for school. We all know that he is supper bright (like his father) but he is having a hard time. For awhile we thought it was his sensory disorder but it would appear he has a learning hic-up. Quite the trouper, really. As far as he is concerned we are the ones w/ a problem beacause we don't know how to teach well. Go w/ your victories I say. Better to be a little cocky vs. defeated.

Hmm, other then that there are lots of loads of laundry, dog baths and apointments. Still trying to get my health in check after my surgery last year and as ever, balance is w/in reach and I do something stupid, like the Shamrock run and we start over. Gotta love being human w/ limits. I have never been very accepting of that though so I will be better and I will do the things I want, there must be a way. A quick catch up I guess is in order, I had to have a total hystorectomy last January for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is PCOS, which wreaks havoc on your hormone balance including insulin. It is now a constant battle to lead the life I want and stay out of menopause. Because the insulin problem caused the PCOS I will forever be on the high risk side of diabetes and yet, the exercise that will keep it at bay, causes my other hormones to fluctuate in a rather radical way. Hot flashes and night sweats aside, the mood swings are a b**ch. You can guess how much fun Phillip's life is. God love him, I know I do.

Cheers!

First Communion

RJ and Pastor Knapp
Post Communion smiles!
Trying to behave in the pew (w/ buddy James), waiting for communion...

RJ was ready this year to take his first communion. Being Lutheran it is important but not overwhelming for the kiddos to participate. There were a couple of classes and they made the bread that was eaten at the communion held on Maunday Thursday. As his entourage, we converged on the church and had a Sader dinner and then proceeded to have a wonderful service. There were all of us, his friend James, Aunt Kate, cousin Connor, Nana, Papa, Oma and the four other boys that went with him. Quite the trend for RJ to be in a group of all boys. Quite the handful, and funny group;) He got his own cross to wear and now can go to the communion rail w/ Phillip and I. It has been a great year watching RJ grow into an amazing person. I love being blessed by being his mama.

Fun Weeked

RJ and Phillip had an absolute blast at the PBR (professional bull riding) event that the scouts all went to. Here are pictures of RJ with Buckshot...apparently very intimidating at a glance but he licked Phillips hand so was quite the old softy...or he knew to be very afraid of my Men!

I did manage to squeeze in the Shamrock Run. I did the 5K because Phillip and I were teaching Sunday school and I had to run, take the max home and be showered, dressed and ready to go starting at 8:05 and out the door to church at 9:30. I did it! That and I had a hell of a run...9.25 minute mile! Better then last year at a 10 minute mile. I was motivated:) Nothing like running alongside everyone saying, "gotta get to church, gotta get to church". I placed in the top 1/3 for runners in my grouping (whatever that means); top half for women. Yeah! Will tackle better training for the 8K next year and plan not to be teaching;)

All in all a great weekend full of busy busy Erwin boys. We went out for breakfast, shopping, biking, running, writing letters, book store and movie night all in a whopping three days. Ah. Gearing up for the rest of the week!

RJ has his first communion on Thursday and today we made bread w/ the rest of his group to be eaten that night. We are very excited for him. He is enjoying making friends and we are loving to watch him grow into a wonderful guy that is great to be around. Bragging rights aside, he is an absolute delight!

Lots of love!

ps: photo from last week...boys hanging out in the teepee being "indians"

Breathe

I must remember to breathe....

You think you are busy w/ little kids because you are chasing them all over and seem to be really wiped out at the end of the day. As they get older you just trade the busy for activities outside of the house...

Last weekend RJ had the Pinewood derby on Friday night. He made a great car, he and Phillip worked really hard cutting and sanding it to the right shape. Then RJ and I spent time painting, placing the stickers just right and sealing it. So glad about the last step, since Jack thought he should paint too when I wasn't looking! We were able to remove the silver glob w/out incident. He and Phillip went to the race and had a great time! Well until his weights fell out of the bottom and his car jumped the track, crashing and breaking into many pieces. Needless to say that was the end for RJ, he was crushed. I would have liked to see the whole thing, it was amazing from what I heard, flying over the track. Learning moments you know.

Then on Saturday he had his first Lacrosse practice. He is loving it! Such a surprise, it is a very fast moving sport that is very demanding physically. Not something I ever thought he would like... he is having a great time though.

Then on the Sunday was a scouting event to the mountain. RJ and I went to this one w/ a group of his buddies and we tried out snowshoeing. It was a blast! I think RJ and I have found our winter sport...like we have time for more;) He had great fun sledding and w/ the snowball fight. We made it back in time for dinner and I was spent. RJ fell asleep early and we let him sleep in on Monday. Nothing better then a mental health day. He made it to school eventually and it was a good day.

This last weekend was just Lacrosse and then a weekend w/ Nana and Papa at the beach. He kept busy w/ his brother playing on the playground, digging in the sand and baking. I was glad to have a weekend w/ Phillip and getting caught up on rest. We are now gearing up for RJ again this weekend so we are all needing rest. RJ and Phillip are going to a bull riding show, more Lacrosse and then a Communion class. I am hoping to squeeze in the Shamrock run but we will see.

Will get some photos up from the last week as soon as I can find the camera.