Halloween w/ Pop

Too cute for words...here are the pics to go along w/ the blog about visiting Pop in the rehab facility, I'm sure you will remember all the chocolate:)

Pictures of the Breast Cancer Walk

Finally got my hands on my sisters camera where all the photos I did and some I didn't take were hiding...so hold on tight, many posts to follow!

Snuggle Buddies

We are watching my uncle's dog while he is having surgery. Jack has a new dog, they are over the moon for each other...

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!

Spring Break

So I finally am taking pictures. Must be spring!

We went to the beach for the weekend the last couple days of spring break. Honestly I ran out of things to do in Portland that I had coupons for...shhhh.

It was a wild weather weekend. We left Friday morning and hit a ton of snow on the pass. When Phillip drove over that afternoon it was clear as a bell. Hmmm, I had the kids, dog and snow and he had a quiet clear drive. Bitter but not sure who at, him for working and being blessed or me for not being patient and leaving w/out him.

Here are photos of how it really is to live in the pacific northwest. If it is cold, wet and raining, just wear boots. Hammie dog loves swimming in the ocean, especially when chasing other dogs. We also hit the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Yes that is Phillip at the top of an anchor. He was showing RJ that you could climb the chain. I tried not to freak out and just take a picture but I admit, I have a weak constitution...when it comes to my boys.

Enjoy the walk through the pics. I know there are a few.

Easter

Okay, so I have been a little busy w/ the holidays. We'll all get over it some day.

Spent Easter as a family, I know we skipped church, we didn't want to go with everyone we only see twice a year...heathens that we are;)

After eating our fill of healthy foods we headed to Ama's (Connor and Lexi's grandmother) for Easter dinner. After the year we have had I just didn't have it in me to host another family meal. Again, we'll all get over it someday.

Here they are hunting eggs at Ama's house. It was great fun for the four of them. RJ and Connor then took turns hiding the empty eggs for another hour or so until dinner was ready. What a surprise they found one that I had hid. I always forget one.

Aren't they amazing!

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.