The Wonder Spot

Guess who has a new room?

2011-09-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

The boys have started sharing a room and they are over the moon about their hip, “almost like a teenager'” skater boy bedroom.

So far they have been great roommates. And there has even been a few mornings where Christian has managed to sneak out of the room for school without waking Beckett.

(notice the empty Target picture frames? I promise to have those filled before Christmas)

And don’t be fooled by these pictures…. this room only looked this clean for about 30 seconds. Seriously.

Fastelavnboller

2011-03-07T08:47:00.001-08:00

I’m happy to comply with the Scandinavian custom of eating these buns on the last Sunday before the Lenten season….. or really on any day for that matter.

Liv shared an excellent recipe with me – but it’s in Norwegian and metric and I’ve already had to translate it once in my head – two times in 2 days would be too much for my brain. So my suggestion if you want to try some – find a good dependable sweet bun recipe. Add a hint of cardamom and anise. Make up the recipe and once done, stuff with whipped cream. You don’t have to wait all year to give them a try. I think it’s also common to eat these on Tuesday – or Fat Tuesday.

Book 5: Cutting for Stone by Abrham Verghese

2011-03-06T07:13:00.001-08:00

Synopsis:

The story is a riveting saga of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born of a tragic union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Orphaned by their mother's death in childbirth and their father's disappearance, and bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution.But it's love, not politics -- their passion for the same woman -- that will tear them apart and force Marion to flee his homeland and make his way to America, finding refuge in his work at an underfunded, overcrowded New York City hospital. When the past catches up to him, wreaking havoc and destruction, Marion has to entrust his life to the two men he has trusted least in the world: the surgeon father who abandoned him and the brother who betrayed him.

I loved this book. LOVED it! One of the best books I’ve read in some time. It is an epic novel about family, community, betrayal, parental love and estrangement, sibling bonding and rivalry, personal bravery, not-so-uncommon acts of kindness, the heroic practice of medicine, suffering and compassion and irony. And I loved it. Did I say that already? The characters were so well developed that for days afterwards I’d catch myself thinking about them. I actually cried at the tragic times and felt so inspired by some of the exchanges. A powerful book that you should put on your ‘Must Read’ list right now.

5 of 5 stars

Book 4: The Zoo Keeper’s Wife: A War Story

2011-03-06T06:52:00.001-08:00

Synopsis:

When Germany invaded Poland, Stuka bombers devastated Warsaw—and the city's zoo along with it. With most of their animals dead, zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski began smuggling Jews into empty cages. Another dozen "guests" hid inside the Zabinskis' villa, emerging after dark for dinner, socializing, and, during rare moments of calm, piano concerts. Jan, active in the Polish resistance, kept ammunition buried in the elephant enclosure and stashed explosives in the animal hospital. Meanwhile, Antonina kept her unusual household afloat, caring for both its human and its animal inhabitants—otters, a badger, hyena pups, lynxes.

A fascinating true story of strength and courage. And the story itself is amazing to read and know that amidst the craziness and fear that must have enveloped all of Warsaw that good, true people existed and did what they felt was right – no matter what the consequences might be. The author used Antonia’s diaries to piece together their story and interviewed a few remaining Jews that had stayed in the zoo. But to be honest, I became bored of all the animal references. Antonia was in fact a zoologist, so her diary entries must have reflected those interests of hers – but I felt like it was brought to attention in the book a bit too much. The animals sleeping habits, feeding, sounds, etc…. a bit over-written in those areas. Ackerman her self comes from a scientific background and has previously written several books about nature, science and animals.

3 of 5 stars

Campbelle’s Fairy Tale Ball

2011-02-27T21:59:00.001-08:00

Campbelle’s class had been doing a unit on writing and fairy tales for the past week and at the end of the unit they had a fairy tale ball with Reader’s Theater and invited families to attend. Her group performed a spin-off of Cinderella. She read the part of Cinderella, who was not going to get married so young, but wanted to study and have a career first (gotta love that Cinderella).

Then they could share their own ‘fractured fairy tale’ that they wrote.

Take a look at that sweet dedication on the front cover. “Just like a real book.”

Back to the Future

2011-02-22T19:55:00.001-08:00

I stumbled upon this photographer’s Back to the Future project and had a good laugh. I’ve got a few good pictures of my own I’d like to reenact – but convincing Tammy and Gina might be a challenge!

Like Father like Son

2011-02-21T09:52:00.001-08:00

Leif, circa 1978:

Christian, in full video, 2011:

I guess he was sticking the landings on all the jumps before Leif got out the camera. Figures.

Book #3: Little Bee by Chris Cleave

2011-02-18T17:56:00.001-08:00

Finding a good book description is a bit difficult with this book. It is being marketed in a very unusual, highly secretive way. Most summaries say things about ‘not wanting to Spoil’ the story line and swearing readers to codes of silence, ect … all leading you to believe this story is going to be something fun, or a bit of a crazy, riot adventure.

That could not be more wrong.

My book club read this book for February, and I think we all came to a bit of a consensus that although the book was intriguing and interesting in its own right, it was being marketed terribly inappropriately.

Little Bee is a story about a 16 year old Nigerian orphan and a well to do British couple that are trying to repair their failing marriage. Something terribly brutal happens on a beach in Nigeria (I wouldn’t give that part away) and it forever intertwines the characters. Its really a story about sadness and living in a world that symbiotically shows its vast extremes. It makes you ask yourself, (given our safety in the world which we assume is our birthright) “Would I do that??” “Could I do that??”

So overall I would recommend this as a very compelling read, do buy into all the strange, mysterious hype you may read when looking at the publishers summary. It’s a far more serious affair than it makes it out to be.

Key Issues that are touched upon in the booK:

Oil exploration in the Niger Delta (area which Little Bee is fictionally from).

The slide show was made by Friends of the Earth to highlight the environmental and human cost of Western oil companies’ exploitation of the region.

Plight of Refugees

And, if you would like to help refugees and asylum seekers, looks liks this is a good site to get involved (link found on authors website) The Asylum & Refugee Protection program at Human Rights First.

Decorating with Christian

2011-02-08T08:31:00.001-08:00

…because decorations in this house are never totally complete unless Legos are involved:

Father Daughter Dance

2011-02-06T16:18:00.001-08:00

I love this tradition here on the ridge. Such a special time for my two sweeties.

A look back at all their dances the past few years.

Book #2–Faithful Place by Tana French

2011-02-06T13:00:00.001-08:00

Synopsis:

Back in 1985, Frank Mackey was nineteen, growing up poor in Dublin's inner city, and living crammed into a small flat with his family on Faithful Place. But he had his sights set on a lot more. He and Rosie Daly were all ready to run away to London together, get married, get good jobs, break away from factory work and poverty and their old lives.

But on the winter night when they were supposed to leave, Rosie didn't show. Frank took it for granted that she'd dumped him-probably because of his alcoholic father, nutcase mother, and generally dysfunctional family. He never went home again.

Neither did Rosie. Everyone thought she had gone to England on her own and was over there living a shiny new life. Then, twenty-two years later, Rosie's suitcase shows up behind a fireplace in a derelict house on Faithful Place, and Frank is going home whether he likes it or not.

Getting sucked in is a lot easier than getting out again. Frank finds himself straight back in the dark tangle of relationships he left behind. The cops working the case want him out of the way, in case loyalty to his family and community makes him a liability. Faithful Place wants him out because he's a detective now, and the Place has never liked cops. Frank just wants to find out what happened to Rosie Daly-and he's willing to do whatever it takes, to himself or anyone else, to get the job done.

Overall I really liked this book. It’s been some time since I’ve read a mystery and it was kinda nice to do (although I have to admit I thought I figured out the mystery about 3 chapters in, and turns out I was right ). Even though I had a good idea ‘who did it’ I was still propelled to read on and I did it quickly. The characters are rich and I loved the dialogue and the Irish accent. Funny how I can really sound Irish in my head when reading along. :)

This is the author, Tana French’s third book, all surrounding the Dublin Murder Squad. I was intrigued enough to check into her other books, but found out that Into the Woods is about children disappearing in the woods and murder …. and I just can’t read that kind of stuff since having my own kids. Oh well. I’ll move on.

Overall rating, 4 of 5 stars.

We had a “Heart Attack”

2011-02-04T15:40:00.001-08:00

The kids woke this morning to see there was a heart attack in the kitchen. Leif and I plastered the cupboards with ‘I love you because…’ sentiments for each of the kids before they woke up. They loved going around the kitchen reading all the hearts, and then added some of their own.

I love those kiddos and their very big hearts!

the best pizza I’ve ever made

2011-01-29T17:03:00.001-08:00

I’m getting used to seeing lots of greens in our farm box every week during these winter months. I’ve done tons of recipes with swiss chard and kale. Some good. Some not so good. But I enjoy the creative challenge of figuring out how to use them

This week, we had collard greens. The biggest most beautiful looking leaf I have ever seen. As big as a palm branch. I could have fanned myself if it weren’t a freezing 66 degrees in our house.

So I went to my trusty website www.epicurious.com to find out what I could do with these gorgeous greens and came across the pizza recipe that will undoubtedly go down as the best pizza I’ve made so far. Friday night is usually make your own pizza night, so I decided to try it . The kids, of course turned up their noses at the green stuff and added none of it to their pizzas. But followed the recipe online and made a few of my own changes and Leif and I devoured it. I think I might have to actually seek out collard greens in the grocery store to make this pizza again.

Pizza Bianca with Goat Cheese and Greens

(Not my photo, my pizza looked even better, with a little red pepper and red onions!! YUMMY)

Pizza Dough (this is the easiest, best homemade pizza dough recipe I’ve used – comes from America’s Test Kitchen – I love those people)

4-4 1/4 cups bread flour
2 1/2 tsp (or 1 envelope) instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tsp sugar
2 tbls olive oil
1 1/2 cups warm water

Seasoned oil

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

Topping

1 bunch greens (about 10 ounces), of any kind - ribs cut away
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
8 ounces whole-milk mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated
4 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
red pepper, sliced
red onion, sliced
Yellow cornmeal

For dough:
Pulse 4 cups of flour, yeast, 2 tbls sugar and salt together in a food processor fitted with dough blade. With .processor running, pour the oiled, then water through the feed tube and process until a dough ball forms. 30-4o seconds. Let the dough rest for 2 minutes and then process for another 30. if after 30 seconds, the dough is sticky and clings to the blade, add the remaining 1/4 cup flour 1 tablespoon at a time as needed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and form into a smooth ball. Place the dough in a large lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm place until double in size 1 1/2 – 2 hours.

Turn the dough onto floured counter and divide in 2 equal pieces (or more if you have kiddos who like to each make their own). Cover in GREASED (don’t forget that part) plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Working with one dough ball at a time, press and roll out into circle and transfer to baking sheet or stone.

Meanwhile, prepare seasoned oil:
Mix oil, garlic, and red pepper in small bowl. Let stand 1 hour.

For topping:
Cook greens in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water; drain. Squeeze dry, then coarsely chop. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add greens and stir 1 minute. Season to taste with salt.

Preheat oven to 500°F.

Sprinkle rimless baking sheet with cornmeal. Roll out dough on floured surface to 13-inch round. Transfer to baking sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella over dough, leaving 1-inch border. Scatter greens over mozzarella. Top with red pepper, red onions and goat cheese. Brush crust edge with some of seasoned oil. Set aside 2 teaspoons seasoned oil; drizzle remaining oil over pizza.

Bake pizza until crust is brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; brush edge with seasoned oil and serve.

Book 1: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

2011-01-26T20:28:00.001-08:00

To keep me honest on my bucket list, I will blog about the 30+ books I am hoping to read this year. The finished the first last week. And to start the year off right, it was a non-fiction. If you remember, I am hoping to read at least 3 within the year. I’m not a huge non-fiction reader… so will be a good challenge for me.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is a true story that begins in 1951, when a poor black woman named Henrietta Lacks dies of cervical cancer, but pieces of the tumor that killed her were taken without her knowledge or consent and have lived on, first in one lab, then in hundreds, then thousands, then in giant factories churning out polio vaccines, then aboard rocket ships launched into space. The cells from this one tumor would spawn a multi-billion dollar industry and become a foundation of modern science--leading to breakthroughs in gene mapping, cloning and fertility and helping to discover how viruses work and how cancer develops (among a million other things). Meanwhile, Henrietta's family continued to live in poverty and frequently poor health, and their discovery decades later of her unknowing contribution--and her cells' strange survival--left them full of pride, anger, and suspicion. For a decade, Skloot doggedly but compassionately gathered the threads of these stories, slowly gaining the trust of the family while helping them learn the truth about Henrietta, and with their aid she tells a rich and haunting story that asks the questions, Who owns our bodies? And who carries our memories?

(excerpt taken from Amazon review)

I thought the book was very well written, with an incredibly engaging story line. It read like a piece of fiction. I enjoyed the ethical debates brought about by the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in family history, science and bioethics.

4.0 out of 5 stars

Greek Fish Florentine

2011-01-25T09:00:00.001-08:00

We eat a lot of tilapia in this house. One of only a few fish we eat – that an salmon. I should have added ‘try a new fish’ to my 38 Bucket list – but I’m a bit scared.

Tilapia however, is mild and easy fish. And I have a few go to recipes that I always seem to make with tilapia. Now I’ve got one more.

From Clean Eating magazine. (I didn’t include measurements – as I just guessed and used what I had on hand)

tilapia fillets

grape tomatoes

1 clove garlic

1 tbls Italian parsley

lemon juice

2 shallots, diced

olive oil

baby spinach

feta cheese (how ever much you feel – for a bag of spinach 12 oz, I used about 1/2 cup)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place fillets and tomatoes in glass baking dish. Sprinkle garlic, parsley, and lemon juice over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes (until fish is opaque and flakes easily).

In medium skillet , sauté shallots in oil for 1 minute. Add spinach, cooking until wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in feta and heat until melted and event distributed.

Serve tilapia on top of spinach mixture, finishing with baked tomatoes.

(Nutrients: 1 fillet and 1 cup spinach mixture: Calories 311 . Fat 11 ,Carbs 20. Fiber 2; Protein 36g)

So yummy, so easy and so good for you!!

I too have a problem…

2011-01-21T14:42:00.001-08:00

This could seriously be me. Only I have an additional problem. I can’t get rid of books. Even truly awful books. For some reason, I can’t part with them. I have no intention of ever reading them again (or finishing them for that matter) and would never lend them out to even my worst enemy to read. Yet I continue to hang on to them. And it seems they are gathering together …. see all these books in the photo? Couldn’t finish any of them (excpet the Gladwell ones – those are Leifs)

But why can’t I toss them in my Goodwill pile? Or donate them to the library sale? It’s not that I have ample space to keep all these books. Shelves, drawers, and tables are nearly over flowing in every room in our house. Perhaps, when every inch of this book shelf is full. After Leif’s nerdy books have found their own home. And the comic books have gone elsewhere. And all the photos and extra stuff have been squeezed out. Perhaps then I will be forced to weed out those less then recommended books.

Or maybe we’ll just go to IKEA and buy more shelves….

By the way, to find the above poster and tons more really funny stuff, head here: http://thoughtballoonhelium.blogspot.com/

My list of 38

2011-01-17T12:15:00.001-08:00

On my 38th birthday, I read my horoscope and it said “Invite an exciting future that delights you.” So I sat down to make a list of 38 things I want to do this year – my 38th year – that will delight me.

I hope to get back to my blog this year (see #22) and plan to keep track of my progress of my list here.

1. Read 30 books (at least 3 of them non-fiction)

2. Travel to Ireland, France and Norway

3. Lose 30 more pounds

4. sew something wearable

5. Knit a hat

6. Plant a vegetable garden

7. Hike Rattlesnake lake with the kids

8. Pickle something (beans, cucumbers, beets, eggs…)

9. Purchase a big, comfy, colorful reading chair

10. Participate in a new fundraising event

11. Beat Lynn at 1 game of Words with Friends (at least once)

12. Join a new organization that I care deeply about

13. Take a yoga class

14. Discover a new Washington town

15. Donate blood

16. Refinish new/old chairs

17. Take a cake decorating class

18. Go to three art exhibits

19. Attend a seminar of some kind

20. Use fondant icing

21. Participate in bible study class

22. Blog more (at least once a week)

23. Plant clematis and figure out support system

24. visit Cannon Beach

25. find a poet I like and read their works

26. make handmade gifts for family

27. read my daily meditation book regularly and do the exercises

28. fill up my current journal

29. make cheese

30. Attend ballet, symphony or opera (or all three)

31. potty train Beckett

32. kayak

33. go to one music concert

34. visit/hike around mt. Rainier

35. be better about sending cards and writing letters

36. make lefse

37. volunteer some place new

38. Tell my family how much I love them – everyday

There. I said it and it is now in print. Feel free to hold me accountable.

Thanks again for all the birthday wishes…. it’s going to be the best year yet!!

Turkey Trot

2010-11-13T17:11:00.001-08:00

The kids ran in the annual Snoqualmie Ridge Turkey trot this past weekend. I love that they love to run – Christian in particular loves to run – I question where it comes from, but wherever, we’ll run with it!

Their running buddies:

One of those groups giggled and chatted the whole course. The other group was in a full out race to the end. Guess which was which.

Happy Birthday Farmor

2010-09-26T21:06:00.001-07:00

Gratulerer med dagen, Farmor! We whish we could have been there to celebrate with you, but it is a little far a away for a day visit.

Hope you are having a great day !!

Community Crusaders

2010-09-22T16:49:00.001-07:00

In August, Campbelle was part of a week long summer camp at our beloved organization ENCOMPASS that was entitled Community Crusaders. And if I had been a great blogger in recent months, I would have filled you in about this great camp while she was doing it… but if you follow this blog – you’ll know that the time between May and now have been pretty slim in the entry sections. Anyway. The camp was this great place where each day the kids volunteered for a different cause and had a project that coincided with is. One day they planted trees at a community park. They picked up trash another day. They made treats and took them to a retirement home; and made cat toys and then volunteered some time at a animal rescue shelter. The last day of camp a war veteran come and spoke to the campers and told the kids how much they appreciate hearing from people back home. They then made goodie bags and mailed them to soldiers in Afghanistan.

Yesterday I received this photo from the camp director.

The first solider is holding Campbelle’s packet – with her picture and her thank you note. I am so proud of her and her little 7 year old unselfishness. And so thankful for places like Encompass and this great little camp they offer for presenting such an opportunity for our youth.

Check out this great MSN Video: Optical illusion used as high-tech speed bump

2010-09-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this great MSN Video: Optical illusion used as high-tech speed bump

We totally need this for our street.... especially with that crabby lady in the fast red prius living at the other end !

Happy Birthday Leif

2010-09-08T07:40:00.001-07:00

Today is Leif’s birthday and the kids and I have been secretly planning for this day for some time. We are so anxious to celebrate with him tonight when he gets home from work.

Leif moved to the US just before his 30th birthday. I remember that birthday so clearly. Paradiso Mexican restaurant in Fargo. Margaritas. And something with pepper as gifts if you weren’t married by 30. ??

Our life has grown in the past ten years. And I’m so thankful to be his partner in all of it.

We love you Leif. Have a great day!

Kindergarten Makeover

2010-08-31T20:06:00.001-07:00

Since seeing the Gallaghers this summer, Christian has been begging for a ‘faux-hawk’ like his super cool cousin Will. And with Campbelle’s big new haircut (and all the attention that she received) he really wanted a ‘BIG BIG CHANGE!” I think he got it.

Before:

After:

When Leif got home from work tonight, Christian went outside and rang the doorbell for Leif to answer it. It took Leif a few seconds to connect that it was his son. He thought it was one of Petter Bakken’s kids! :-)

Ready for 2nd Grade

2010-08-31T09:20:00.001-07:00

Campbelle started school today. To say that kid was excited is nothing but a complete understatement. I found her this morning lying in the bed smiling from ear to ear at 6:45 this morning…. waiting patiently for her alarm to go off. When it did, she popped out of bed, giggled throughout her shower and sang loudly to Sheryl Crow as she blow dried her hair. She was pleasant, happy and unbelievably helpful at breakfast. She was organized with all her things seating neatly by the door and sat and read a few minutes before I told her it was time to go to the bus stop. It was such a joy for everyone in the house this morning. A true joy. One that I know probably won’t last. (Not the loving school part, pretty sure that will last – I just refer to the pleasant-ness of the morning routine).

My little fashion girl and the outfit that she finally decided upon. And she went with the JEGGINGS! “You know mom, a cross between jeans and leggings. Don’t you know that Mom??”

Oye!

Her buddies at the bus stop. Christian doesn’t actually start school until Friday. He desperately wanted to get on the bus too this morning.

2nd grade… her she comes!

Holiday – Part 1

2010-07-22T17:11:00.001-07:00

The first of a few parts post of our holiday to the midwest. We packed up the van and loaded the kids and were off, early Saturday morning and arrived in Eureka, SD, my hometown Sunday late afternoon. The kids were great in the car – exceptional really. Thank goodness for DVD player, GameBoy, a little girl who reads and reads and reads.

Even Beckett was pretty good – however he did have a few hours of what appeared to be his sheer sanity breaking down. He always recovered though – thank goodness.

We had so much fun in Eureka – the kids really love it there. No where else can then wander with such freedom. They climbed trees, got lawn mower rides, played at the school playground where I grew up playing (they think that’s so cool) and even got to climb around all the Eureka fire Department vehicles (with permission from the chief). Funny how in a small town, all those vehicles were not only left open – but keys in the ignition.

We got to spend a lot of time with my grandparents (my mom’s parents). They are so sweet and lovely. A real treasure.

And Campbelle got to try on about a million fancy dresses. You can figure with three daughters and loads of proms, bridesmaid weddings for each of them…. and that adds up to a WHOLE lotta dresses that are now stored in a box in the garage. Perfect for a little girl who loves dress up. I, however, was a bit worried that something might have made a home inside that box of dresses. Fortunately not the case.

Here’s Campbelle’s favorite dress. And a photo of her beautiful Aunt Gina.

She hopes that Gina will let her borrow it for her prom someday - “What ever this PROM thing is anyway.”

Next stop: DeSmet SD (Laura Ingalls Wilder home) SDSU (my alma mater) and Sioux Falls, SD for reunion with dear friends.

Fairy and Sparrow Men gardens

2010-07-22T16:45:00.001-07:00

Before we left on summer holiday, the kids and I made the coolest little craft project. I stole the idea from this blog here. (Tons of other great projects from that blog planned for later.)

Christian wasn’t all that keen to invite fairies, but when Campbelle told him that boy fairies all called ‘Sparrow Men’ it was all good.

Mushrooms were made from polymer clay and idea came from the Family Fun magazine.

I’m not very crafty on my own accord, but I can sure steal a good idea when I see it.

Summer…. I think you’ve finally arrived!

2010-06-23T21:29:00.001-07:00

We had a little picnic at Rattlesnake Lake today with friends. What a great day – and I do believe we deserve all this incredible weather that’s finally coming our way the past few days.

Trust me, Beckett was with us too. In fact, Mr. Beckett decided to go running into the water and I had to chase after him. Little did I know that the mucky, gunky slim at the entrance to the lake would be so slick. I ended up on my butt in the water. The kids and Amy thought it was mighty funny. Oh, and so did a few kayakers that witnessed the whole thing. What can you do but laugh. At least the beautiful weather is what got is out there in the first place.

The best gift I ever gave…

2010-06-23T07:49:00.001-07:00

For father’s day we gave Leif a new bike with a child seat for Beckett.

And I have to admit (with no sense of guilt at all) that when the four of them rode off into the sunset Monday evening for an hour…. while I walked back into a quiet, calm house – it kinda felt a bit like another mother’s day gift as well.

Summer Solstice Parade

2010-06-22T09:06:00.001-07:00

Well even if it doesn’t necessarily feel like summer around Seattle this month (what is it they are calling it June-uary??) we can still pretend it is. This past weekend we celebrated the summer solstice in Fremont with the wackiest, craziest parade I’ve ever seen. Nothing says 'SUMMER’ like naked bikers. Naked biker Smurfs. Naked Biker King Tuts. Naked Biker Hulks.

The kids were pretty oblivious to most of it. Although Campbelle told me that she might, someday when she’s a grown up – ride naked in the parade. Christian, on the other hand, just got really embarrassed and red faced and said ‘NO WAY’. Some how, I wouldn’t be too surprised by either. Even Leif said ‘Maybe.’ Does anyone else care to make a bet with him for next year? I think he needs just a bit of coaxing. He could Naked Biker Mr. Clean.

Aside from all the naked art, there was some other cool stuff. Like a whole bunch of cars.

The Toy Car was the kids’ favorite. I’m pretty sure that artist has been collecting freebie McDonald toys for a lifetime. Should have gotten their name so I could have donated a few more.

A fun, colorful, artful, albeit a bit un-summery kind of day.

World Cup

2010-06-07T14:40:00.001-07:00

It’s a big deal in this house. At least with one of us. Leif’s like a kid the night before Christmas. And I have to say I’m a bit excited about it too.

And with players like Ronaldo – hard not to be excited.

The Nike commercial is awesome.

Beckett’s first minutes in the sand

2010-06-06T17:17:00.001-07:00

You can just about hear what’s going on in his head. He eventually got used to the feeling of sad – EVERYWHERE, but can’t say he ever started liking it.

Happy Anniversary

2010-06-02T10:07:00.001-07:00

9 years ago Leif and I were married in Eureka, SD. With all our family an friends around us. It was beautiful. Magical really. There wasn’t a nervous bone in my body – every fiber of my being new it was right, good and true. My face and soul smiled that entire day. I knew he was my soul mate. Flower mix ups and funny cakes couldn’t put any type of damper on that day. All that matter was Leif and I.

Our pastor surprised us with a beautiful letter that she shared during our wedding service. Every year on our anniversary (amoung other times throughout the year) I reread it… and come to understand and appreciate it a little more each time.

Here it is:

Marriage

It takes years to marry completely two hearts, even of the most loving and well motivated. A happy wedlock is a long falling in love. Young persons think love belongs only to the brown-haired and crimson-cheecked. So it does for its beginning. But the golden marriage is a part of love which the Bridal day knows nothing of.

A perfect and complete marriage, where wedlock is everything you could ask and the ideal of marriage becomes actual, is not common. Perhaps it is as rare as perfect personal beauty. Men and women are married fractionally, now a small fraction, then a large fraction. Very few are married totally, and then only after some forty or fifty years of gradual approach and experiment.

Such a large and sweet fruit is a complete marriage that it needs a long summer to ripen in, and then a long winter to mellow and season it. But a really, happy marriage of love and respect between a noble man and a wise woman is one of the things so very handsome that if the sun were, as the Greek poets fabled, a God, he might, now and then stop the world and hold it still, in order to feast his eyes on such a wonderful spectacle.

Theodore Parker (1810-60)

US clergyman and reformer

Thank you Leif, for working towards this Golden Marriage with me – I’m enjoying every step of this journey with you.

We don’t have alot of digital pictures from that day. It was ancient times ago you know. But here’s a little stroll down memory lane of that weekend.

Reception BBQ at my parent’s house the night before the wedding.

Leif and his buddies from Norway.

Those Norwegian boys got a little out of hand and law enforcement had to step in. :-) But it all worked out in the end.

Wedding day. Surrounded be so much love from our family and friends.

And look at these stinkin’ cute kiddos! Their birthday is the day after our wedding. They were nearly 3 years old here!

“I do I do I do”

Aside from marrying this incredible guy, the best part of this wedding weekend was seeing our families come together. Such a fun and fantastic union all around. Times to be treasured!

Need a little Christmas in May?

2010-05-29T20:11:00.001-07:00

Campbelle started lessons a few weeks ago and loves loves loves it. I tell you, she is one determined girl – in just about everything she does!! I am so impressed with her diligence and eagerness to practice. I don’t recall ever being so happy to practice piano at her age. Let’s hope it continues.

Her teacher is an amazing pianist and lives just around the block from us. Her daughter and Campbelle are best buddies in school and it’s so nice to have Campbelle walk to her lessons.

Swagger Wagon

2010-05-06T06:30:00.001-07:00

I received this video from my sister Gina, with the subject line - “I Can’t Stop Laughing.” As someone who happens to drive and love a type of Swagger Wagon, I take offense.

:-)

Happy birthday from Norway

2010-04-27T06:41:00.001-07:00

Campbelle’s special birthday greeting from Norway! She has such great family – all over!!

Campbelle’s 7th Birthday

2010-04-26T21:27:00.001-07:00

View Full Album

Our little girl is 7! Wow – hard to believe it was that many years ago that Leif and I drove to Merit Care hospital during the middle of the night. Feels so fresh in my mind – as we drove down those quiet Fargo streets – the feeling of our lives about to be changed forever. Only I had no clue then, about how absolutely amazingly wonderful it would be.

She is, as she always has been for the past 7 years, our precious, sweet, goofy, a bit dramatic, ok a lot dramatic, caring, soft hearted little girl. Only major differences now is, she listens to music a bit too loud, discovered eye rolling, and has a fierce sense of fashion. And we love it all madly.

Happy Birthday little girl. Don’t grow up and move to Paris too soon. (Unless of course you have a guest bedroom for your mother).

8 years

2010-04-20T09:33:00.001-07:00

I reprinted this on my blog last year on this same awful anniversary. I have no idea from where it came. I did not write it. My sisters did not write it. But it feels as if we could have.

I close my eyes and feel her still.

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth.

The sun shone on them and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this." Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come." And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary.

But at all times she said to the children, A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all....unconditional love. And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children." And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers.

One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them." And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."

Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion.......happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow..... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...............not even death.

Birthday Room Makeover

2010-04-18T20:16:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we had a secret room make over for our soon to be 7 year old. Gina whisked her away for the weekend and Leif and I painted, decorated, and detailed her new room. Not only is everything pretty much new, but we also switched her and Christian’s rooms (better set up in the other room for boys and bunk beds, which will be coming in the not too far off future). So she even has a new ROOM.

It was so much fun to do for her. And the room is soooo Campbelle. How this kid has gotten into all things Parisian, I’m not entirely sure (Fancy Nancy books maybe??) But she now has her own little Paris Apartment! Complete with chandelier!

Oh la la….

This little sweet little chair I found on Craiglist for just a few bucks and my clever, Martha sister was able to recover it beautifully. And she sewed all the cute pillows too.

Isn’t she amazing??

She has only left her room for a quick dinner. And even then she asked if she could eat in her room. I think going to school tomorrow might be hard for her.

Now we’ll get ready for her friends birthday party this weekend… and wouldn’t you know it, it’s a French Cooking party!

And just so you know, Christian totally digs his new room too. Complete with his own reading nook. But he is anxiously awaiting bunk beds and Beckett and his ‘Come Together Makeover’ scheduled for Winter 2011! :-)

I am a Girl

2010-04-14T09:47:00.001-07:00

Campbelle and I have watched this video about 8 zillion times. Love it!

I Am A Girl - The Girls With Glasses Theme Song from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-10T09:52:00.001-07:00

Laughed out loud at this cartoon this morning…. pretty sure the same conversation transpired in our house a few days ago. Can you guess which one of us took on each of these characters???

I thought you could probably guess.

Everyone loves a Fool

2010-04-08T07:48:00.001-07:00

Could I get more clever with my titles? I don’t think so. I’m talking about the dessert called a Fool. Rhubarb Fool. I could go on and on about the geeky research I did on the naming behind the dessert – blame it on the Brits – and tell you all sorts of interesting facts I learned about the dessert Fool but I’m afraid you’d change your opinion of me. So just trust me that it’s good, and in-deed called Fool.

And as you can see, Christian loved him some Fool. (Typically not drunk, I think he was just trying to lick out what was left)

Rhubarb Fool

2 1/4 lbs rhubarb (trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch slices

1/3 cup orange juice

1 cup sugar

2 cups heavy cream

1. Bring OJ and 3/4 cup sugar to boil. Add rhubarb and return to boil and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring only a few times so rhubarb doesn’t get too mushy. Continue until tender – about 10 minutes. Refrigerate until cold.

2. Beat cream with remaining sugar until stiff.

3. Gently fold cream in rhubarb mixture and serve in the fanciest of glasses.

I happen to have some strawberries that I needed to use, so I did half of each. Strawberry-Rhubarb Fool - turned out great! The sweetness balanced the tartness of the rhubarb nicely. Another combination I’ll try when we pick fresh blueberries is Blueberry-Rhubarb Fool with fresh Ginger. Yummmm But get your rhubarb now and freeze some (especially if you don’t live in the Midwest) because it gets really hard to find in a few months from now.

My little Picasso

2010-03-31T13:40:00.001-07:00

I seriously love watching that little finger work.

Easter brunch anyone….

2010-03-31T13:37:00.001-07:00

I tried the Breakfast Pizza recipe from my favorite food blogger Smitten Kitchen the other day. It was good, and really so lovely to look at. Too bad we jumped right in and started eating before I remembered to take a photo. So you only get a look at one slice.

You’ll have to give it a try for brunch on Sunday. Or heck, it tasted great at dinner time in our house.

http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/03/breakfast-pizza/#more-5827

Breakfast Pizza
Use recipe for your favorite pizza dough. You can make it for dinner, or let it proof over night in the fridge and take it out and let it rise for an hour in the morning.

6 strips bacon
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cups grated mozzarella
6 large eggs
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons minced chives
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 shallot, minced

Fry the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until crisp. Cool on a paper-towel-lined plate; roughly chop.

Dip your hands and a ball of dough into the flour. On a lightly floured countertop, pat the dough into a disc with your fingertips, then drape the dough over your fists and carefully stretch it from beneath to form a 12-inch circle.

Generously dust the surface of a pizza peel or large inverted sheet pan with flour and place the stretched dough on it. Sprinkle the dough with half of the Parmesan, mozzarella and bacon. Crack 3 eggs over the top and season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes on a baking stone, rotating after 5 minutes. When the crust is golden, the cheese is melted and the egg yolks are cooked, transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Sprinkle the parsley, chives, scallions and shallot on top. Let cool for 2 minutes, slice and serve immediately. Prepare the second pizza in the same way.

What has become of us… or US

2010-03-25T17:09:00.001-07:00

This post has been brewing for several weeks now – and I’ve tried to remain silent as long as I can. But the vote on the health care bill this past Sunday has just been too much for my mind to grapple with. I do believe there are some very sane, intelligent people who may have lost their minds a bit.

The crazy fear mongering that has swept across some people in our nation is absurd! Poisonous in fact. I watched Glenn Beck the other day and would have wished to say that at most I found him laughable – except that it was too scary to even laugh at. I get that there are a great many people who oppose Obama and the things he’s fighting for. Fine. I can respect that on some level. The ability to voice our opinions in opposition is what democracy is all about. But I’m so tired of all the blatant lies and false accusations and all the fear inducing sh*t that comes from certain people and groups. Can we not, just have honest discussions about these ideas without trying to scare the living daylights out of people.

And now all the death threats and hate mail coming to the Reps who voted YES to the bill….. please, please people opposed to the bill… please tell me that actions like that are not condoned by yourselves. Please.

I am amazed at the newspapers, facebooks, and other social media outlets where people are saying things like “We should be fearful” and ‘I’m very afraid about our future”….. to you I would say, it’s time to turn FOX NEWS off and get back your grip on reality. Don’t you get that these people are making money off of your fears and the sensational drama they create?? We are going to be fine. The sun will come up tomorrow. The day will go own. And we’ll be fine. And we will continue to have ridiculously MORE than other people in this WORLD!

In fact, I personally believe we’ll be better than fine. This is a great country of Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists, gays, straights, rich and poor. And for far too long, I think we’ve looked past our neighbors and cared not to know too much about the people different from us. We turn a blind side to these difference. Not my problem. Not my responsibility.

My family has medical insurance. We have amazing medical insurance. Yet when I hear of tragic stories of health and people without coverage, how can I not be moved by the injustice of it. I take Beckett in to have a nurse check his ears for a possible infection without a blink of an eye…. yet for others, and far more major issues, have to make a decision to supply food or go to the dr. And thankfully Leif works for a company that values their employees enough to provide outstanding coverage…. shouldn’t everyone be valued? Smart companies – no matter how big or small – know the cost of valuing their employees.

I feel as if we’ve lost sight of what it means to be humanitarians to our own people. Devastating earthquakes and tragedies hit around the world and billions of dollars are donated. It’s amazing to see that outpouring. Amazing! Yet, if we could also take a look around and see that we have devastation right here we turned a blind eye. I saw a Facebook group the other day that was something about “Cutting off Welfare if they don’t pass a Drug Test.” Seriously?!? Like that would solve all their problems.

The seriously big kicker for me about the fear of Big Government and controlling our daily lives (which I hear from my own midwestern farmer father), need I remind you of a little program called CRP. ?? Is that not government telling you when to plant your own crops? Yet I hear no one fearing that program!

___________________________________________________________

Anyway, stepping off my soap box now and I have to tell you I feel like I’ve unloaded a ton off my chest. I’m going back to my amazing, blessed life. One where I am grateful to my God for all that I have and feel compelled by Him to do what feels right. And I am not afraid of these changes to come, because I know it is for great good of humanity.

THis entire rant was spurred by not only Glenn Beck, but also one of my favorite bloggers. She’s usually hilariously funny, but her personal story of how the health care reform will change their lives is one from just an ordinary, middle class person whose live will be greatly affected by this reform. http://www.dooce.com/2010/03/22/mommyblogging

There are millions of Americans who strongly support this reform… so next time you hear some say ‘The American people don’t want this…..’, know they aren’t talking about me and many others. Then ask yourselves if perhaps there are any other grossly misrepresented generalization sweeping the airwaves these days.

My Camellia

2010-03-18T09:17:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite plants in our garden – the Camellia - is finally blooming (one downside of having the most mild winter weather – not enough frost to make these beauties bloom earlier). So although there are hundreds of buds on the three bushes I have – not sure how many more will be forced open. But I’ll savor the few I have.

Field Trip

2010-03-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

I went along with Christian’s preschool class to the Seattle Aquarium last week. The kids had a lot of fun. I came home and needed a nap.

Christian is usually very timid about touching anything living. But I was proud of him and he touched a few things.

The interesting fact of the day: Sea Cucumbers eat all the gunk left behind in the water and poop out nice clean sand. So we have the sea cucumbers to thank for all the beautiful sandy beaches. I didn’t know that. Christian said he might think twice about rolling in the sand this summer.

Christian and his buddy Indi. So cute!

Happy belated St Patrick’s Day

2010-03-18T08:39:00.001-07:00

You have to make this cake with your left over Guinness beer. Seriously good. And once again from the goddess of sweet Nigella Lawson.

Here is her recipe:

This cake is magnificent in its damp blackness. I can't say that you can absolutely taste the stout in it, but there is certainly a resonant, ferrous tang which I happen to love. The best way of describing it is to say that it's like gingerbread without the spices. There is enough sugar — a certain understatement here — to counter any potential bitterness of the Guinness, and although I've eaten versions of this made up like a chocolate layer cake, stuffed and slathered in a rich chocolate frosting, I think that can take away from its dark majesty. Besides, I wanted to make a cream cheese frosting to echo the pale head that sits on top of a glass of stout. It's unconventional to add cream but it makes it frothier and lighter which I regard as aesthetically and gastronomically desirable. But it is perfectly acceptable to leave the cake un-iced: in fact, it tastes gorgeous plain.

Ingredients for the cake:

1 cup Guinness
1 stick plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups superfine sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Ingredients for the topping:

8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream

Nigella's Suggestions:

For a simpler dessert, replace the frosting with a light dusting of powered sugar.

Preheat the over to 350 F, and butter and line a 9 inch springform pan.

Pour the Guinness into a large wide saucepan, add the butter — in spoons or slices — and heat until the butter's melted, at which time you should whisk in the cocoa and sugar. Beat the sour cream with the eggs and vanilla and then pour into the brown, buttery, beery pan and finally whisk in the flour and baking soda.

Pour the cake batter into the greased and lined pan and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Leave to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack, as it is quite a damp cake.

When the cake's cold, sit it on a flat platter or cake stand and get on with the frosting. Lightly whip the cream cheese until smooth, sift over the confectioner's sugar and then beat them both together. Or do this in a processor, putting the unsifted confectioners' sugar in first and blitz to remove lumps before adding the cheese.

Add the cream and beat again until it makes a spreadable consistency. Ice the top of the black cake so that it resembles the frothy top of the famous pint.

What a weekend

2010-03-14T20:15:00.001-07:00

Ever have one of those weekends that seems like it was really good and long? Yeah, doesn’t happen as often as we’d like either. But this was one of those fun, action packed weekends that as I sit down to write about it on Sunday night, the things we did on Friday night seem so long ago.

I won’t bore you with too many details… but I’ll just say that it was filled with swimming, reptiles, fancy designer shoes, playgrounds, art projects, snow, tubing and Darth Vader. All and all, not a bad weekend!

(A few snapshots of the weekend when we remembered to bring the camera.)

“Hmmmm, so many choices. Which color should I pick".”

“Guess it doesn’t matter which color. I hate it anyway.”

Becks was not at all keen on the idea of sliding ridiculously fast down the hill no matter what color his tube. He much preferred to just walk around and avoid touching the snow at all costs. Hopefully he grows into those Norwegian genes of his.

Everyone else however, was pretty crazy about it.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day at the close of the season.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I do believe two of my boys were in Comic Book HEAVEN this weekend at the Emerald City Comic Con. I’m thankful that they decided not to have their picture taken with Leonard Nimoy for $60. (Yes, I said $60! And then for an additional $20 you could have him autograph.) Geeks indeed!

But they did get their photos taken for free with a bunch of other crazy Star Wars fans.

And luckily, as he told me later, Darth Vader didn’t cut off his arm.

Or his tongue. Luckily

Crazy fun weekend. Hope yours was too.

Oh Spring, I love you….

2010-02-28T19:55:00.001-08:00

- I say that as if I’m coming from a cold, snowy Midwest or Norwegian climate; when the truth of the matter is that we have probably just had the most mild winter I’ve ever known. No matter though, all these signs of spring is still like music to my soul.

We had a fantastic walk through the Washington Arboretum this afternoon. Refreshing to see these early signs of life.

And Camilla…. I think you just might be my favorite.

We hope it is feeling like spring time where you are!

Norwegian visitors

2010-02-22T20:38:00.001-08:00

We had some Norwegian visitors with us over the weekend. Leif’s cousin Geir and two of his buddies. Fantastic friendly people! They’ve been in Vancouver for the Olympics and cheering on the Norwegian hockey team (may need to be a bit more cheering, but that’s another story.) They had a break between games and decided to come down to Seattle for a few days to take in the sights. None have been to the USA before – so it was fun to help introduce them to my country. This is the first time we’ve had people visit us from Norway with the exception of Leif’s parents. (so for all you Norwegian friends reading this: Yes, Leif has been here 10 years and we’ve now had 1 non-parental/brother visitor….1!! And since he was a cousin it doesn’t even count as a ‘non-family’ visitor. Get the hint friends ;-)

With their visit however, there was a bit of unexpected stressfulness on my part. You want to make a good impression…. not just my cleanliness, hospitality, and cooking skills – of course I want to impress there (and no doubt I shined :-) ha… but when this is someone’s first visit to the US, you act a bit as an ambassador. I felt as if everything they saw, heard, experienced, ect…. in the presence of ME would virtually be their impression on the country (especially since they were here only a short 24 hours). So America I am. The good, bad, an ugly I’m afraid.

In my years of marriage to a foreigner and traveling to Norway often over the years, I am keenly aware of the stereotypes and ideals that people have on Americans and our lifestyle. And in recent past years, it hasn’t always been easy to be an American abroad when the conversations turn to politics and social issues. And even though I tend to agree with my foreign friends on many issues, the US is still my country and one I can’t help but want to defend.

So I tried my best to dispel them of their negative preconceived notions of Americans …. as I served them gigantic sized portions of dinner, and drove them around in our huge, gas guzzling mini-van, and they took rest in our hugely, over sized house.

Hopefully their quick 24 hour impression of America was one of courtesy, kindness and relief that we’re not all GOP nuts.

….and thankfully no one was mugged and no law suits were brought about while here.

…. oh yeah, and thankfully none of them needed medical attention.

This is February 20, 2010

2010-02-20T16:33:00.001-08:00

Don’t you love it when you have perfect weather during the weekends. And even more, when you have perfect weather for an entire week while kids are on break.

This was one of the nicest weeks I have ever had during the month of all my Februarys. The kids were on mid-winter break and home all week with nothing but play and relax on our agenda. The weather was also gorgeous all week so we spent as much time as possible outside, soaking in the vitamin D.

This Saturday morning we headed to a lovely area practically in our back yard for a little hike to see some waterfalls.

This was such a cool moss covered tree behind Leif in the below photo. You could scarcely see any bark it was so thickly covered. (And shots like this that I realize that I should have a better camera and lense to really capture it)

After our hike, we found a nice, sandy beach to have a picnic lunch, read our books, throw a gazillion rocks and build sand castles.

What a magnificent day and week. I don’t believe that I would have traded this week at home for any vacation to any warmer climate in the world. (check back with me during our spring break in April and I may have changed my tune.) :-)

Keeping it real…

2010-02-17T07:40:00.001-08:00

Just when I thought I was getting pretty skilled at making my own bread, this happens…..

This was suppose to be 12 nice, little round, yummy Fastelavens Bollers…. or Lent Buns. Obviously that did not happen. Yeast… sometimes it just doesn’t rise!

And, to top it off. Instead of the also delicious vanilla cream that was to be used inside these buns…. well, let’s just say I made some delicious vanilla sauce instead.

In the spirit of all our Grandmothers though, I did try to turn this unrisen lump of dough into something else (wildly unsuccessful as it was – I did try).

Olympic Games

2010-02-13T11:14:00.001-08:00

We’re back! It was a quick trip but so unbelievable worth it. What an amazing experience to be at the Olympic Games. The energy, the camaraderie, the skill – truly an amazing time.

We went to Vancouver Thursday night and spent the night at some good friends of ours the Battistels. We had to make an early night of it though, because to get up to Whistler mountain the next morning, we took a bus at crazy ridiculous time. The kids were in great spirits and didn’t mind being woken up at all at 3:50am at all!! Yikes!

After a few hours bus ride, we took a nice 1/2 mile stroll to the venue. The kids have been longing for some snow (sorry all you readers from snowy climates – but it’s true), so we made several stops to play along the way.

Whistler Olympic Park!

Let me tell you, seeing ski jumping on TV looks scary enough, right? Well seeing it in person is utterly unbelievable. That jump is soooo high and they are flying through the air sooo fast. It makes you wonder how any mothers around this globe every let their kids get into this sport…. boy, and the same could be said for so many of the other really, dangerous, fast winter sports.

I caught myself holding my breath while the jumpers were in the air, and only exhaled when they landed safely.

You can’t hardly make us out at all, but we’re standing to the far left of this photo…. above the big green part of the sign. A fantastic spot.

We cheered our hearts out for all the competitors…. but especially Norway!

Go Norway!! (Anders Jacobson is doing fantastic and in medal contention)

And even though I was very fearful, (can you see the fear on my face)…

we let Campbelle try it too. She did great! :-)

We had a fantastic time and so glad to take part in the Olympic Games. Truly a dream of mine. Now we look forward to watching the rest of the games, cheering on our countries and holding our breath, perhaps a little bit more, as we watch these amazing athletes compete their dream.

Father & Daughter Dance

2010-02-07T09:33:00.001-08:00

Last night was our Homeowner Association annual Father Daughter Dance. It was not a sock hop this year, but instead a Fancy Princess Ball. Leif surprised Campbelle with a wrist corsage and she nearly fainted. :-)

From the sounds of it, they had a fantastic night of dancing and games and sweets.

1st Grade Concert

2010-02-03T14:41:00.001-08:00

Campbelle’s first grade concert was last night at her school. They did such a great job and what a fun little musical ‘The Share Bears’. Good songs and actions.

Campbelle was a narrator and did such a fantastic job. She spoke loudly and clearly and with such confidence. I could not be more proud of her.

And of course, her amazing height was once again showcased as I’m sure she stood next to the smallest 1st grader in the room. (Can you see her there behind Campbelle … look below Campbelle’s shoulders.) :-)

As our whole family left the school that night, I heard two different whisperings from groups saying things like ‘Oh, no wonder she’s so tall.’ and ‘That explains it, look at her parents.’

I love the confidence in my sweet, tender-hearted Campbelle and I hope that through the years, that confidence continues as she continues to stand beautifully tall.

It was bound to happen….

2010-01-23T20:53:00.001-08:00

Still you never can feel quite prepared for it. Today, Leif finally won the argument and I agreed to have Beckett’s first haircut. Having been through it two times before, I know how altering it is on a little baby. One minute, you have a cute, chubby cheeks, rolly-polly little guy, and the next – like magic - you have a near full blown big guy on your hands. And this time was no different. How a few little snips of that baby fine corn silk type hair can change their entire look is beyond me.

After photo – looking very serious and old!

But the hairdresser gave me hope as I nearly wept when she cut off his cute little curls in the back…. she thinks that’s not the last we see of curls on his head. Is it possible? Oh how I hope!

Made it!

2010-01-23T20:52:00.001-08:00

Christian’s room is like the promised land to this little guy. You set him on the ground upstairs and he will make a beeline to that room. When the door is open – there are squeals of delight. When the door is shut – near melt down. And once he’s in, he plays so quietly as if he hopes to go unnoticed and undisturbed.

37 years

2010-01-13T19:08:00.001-08:00

Who could have guessed that at 37 I’d have all of this……

I am wealthy beyond measure. Happy birthday to me! :-)

Most used words from my Blog

2010-01-13T09:15:00.001-08:00

Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett Leif Beckett

Sadly I don’t see Leif or Beckett’s name on this list of most used words on my blog. But Luke is there…. We don’t even know a Luke. But I think I’ll try rerunning it again.

Books on CD

2010-01-08T23:15:00.001-08:00

The kids have been listening to books on CD lately. Usually in the car, or during quiet time. But tonight we let them listen during bedtime and since Christian has the only CD player in the house, and since it was not a school night, we let them listen to The Fantastic Mr. Fox curled up together in Christian’s bed.

This is how I found them at 11:00.

I’d done everything I could to stop myself from loving and smothering them with kisses just then. Too sweet they are! I think this might just become a new Friday night routine!

Meet Phoebe

2010-01-08T23:10:00.001-08:00

Campbelle’s newest infatuation.

Cultural Fair

2010-01-05T13:17:00.001-08:00

All 1st graders at Campbelle’s elementary school had an assignment over Christmas break to create a poster about their cultural heritage. They had to research their families origin and include interesting facts and photos on the board. Campbelle (and Leif) worked really hard on the poster, talking about what main points they wanted to write about, typing, labeling, cutting, gluing, etc… She took it to school today and will be presenting on Friday. And in a few weeks she has the opportunity to submit it to her schools cultural fair open to the public. She is soooo excited to wear her bunad and talk about Norway.

In one section of her poster she talked about why she likes Norway, and I guess, according to her, the night life is really great there. ! ? !

She said she hopes to have to do another one next year so she can choose to research Eureka. Ha!

5 year appointment

2009-12-31T08:52:00.001-08:00

What is it with my kids and shots? Yikes! Yesterday was Christian’s 5 year well check. It had been rescheduled from a few weeks ago because he had some nasty stomach bug. I actually think Christian was glad to be vomiting instead of going to his doctor appointment. Well yesterday it finally caught up with him. And for anyone that’s had 5 year olds, this is the well check that has tons of shots -- 5 to be exact. You get all your remaining vaccinations before school starts. And its a big, looming deal. So big, that our clinic has a special “5 year old only” drawer for surprises afterwards (a measly sticker just doesn’t cut it when your talking multiple shots).

A few days before he had already started his weeping about the thought of shots. The whole flu shot ordeal was still too fresh in his memory. So at the time we talked about different ways to handle it. We told him he could pretend to be Luke Skywalker and have the force with him. We told him he could laugh and giggle about it and get the nurse all confused. We told him any ridiculous story to get his mind off this appointment so he could relax for a few more days.

Shot Day came and after a few tears, he was ready to face up to it. After the first one, this strange little noise came from him… a slight cry, or maybe a little laugh. My sweet little guy was trying to giggle about it through his tears. Shot #1 got an “ouch ouch ouch.” Between shot #2 and #3 – he asked the nurse, “could I please have another one?” Shot #4 brought a whimper and a “that didn’t hurt at all” Shot #5 got a laugh/cry and a “this is sooo funny to me.” But through it all he really was crying – kind of - but I knew he was trying so hard to be brave.

To hear him tell the story now is even funnier. He omits the whimpering/crying part and only tells us how he laughed in the face of these shots! How he was this tough dude asking for another.

His retelling sure has left Campbelle in awe.

Seriously, you wouldn’t want to mess with this big 5 year old brute would you??

Santa was good, yet again….

2009-12-25T20:39:00.001-08:00

The piano came a few days early – and it’s for the whole family. I think we’ll start Campbelle with lessons pretty soon… and Christian in a few years. Yeah! I’m so thrilled about it – but it’s amazing how I’ve quickly forgotten all my skills in playing. Hopefully they’ll come back with some practice.

With love from all of us….

2009-12-24T14:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays

Gingerbread 09

2009-12-24T14:38:00.001-08:00

We do it every year. And to be honest, as much I like having it done – I so wish it would just magically happen. Here’s our Gingerbread house for 2009. And a look back at all our other ones over the years. (You’d think we’d be getting better at it by now).

2001:

2002:

2003:

2005:

2006:

2008:

who’s your maid??

2009-12-16T21:09:00.001-08:00

My kids make me laugh every day. Every single day. Sometimes they mean to make me laugh and other times they don’t – yet I still laugh.

Today, Christian got a huge, belly, laugh until I nearly cried, laugh. A laugh that had tears running down my face. It was however, not the reaction he was looking for. After being asked to clean up this huge mess he made (he made it alone mind you) about 5 times, he got all sad and weepy looking. He nearly was crying when he began to tell me that I’ve hurt his feelings. And it made him feel really bad when I asked him to clean up his mess.

What?!?! Why did that hurt your feelings? I probed.

“Because when you ask me to clean, it makes me feel like I’m your maid. And it hurts my feelings to feel like your maid.”

Seriously. I think the unit in his preschool about expressing their feelings should be over about now.

He’s my maid. Yeah right.

Christmas Program

2009-12-14T08:50:00.001-08:00

The kids had their Christmas program at church last night. It was so sweet and they did a great job. Each of them were baby animals…. wondering what the new baby was going to be. Too cute.

Adorable little goat and duck.

Dear Santa,

2009-12-13T20:00:00.001-08:00

Please don’t take it personally and never mind the fact that he always LOVES everyone he meets…. perhaps our dear Beckett was just having an ‘off’ kind of day. I’m sure next year he’ll leap willing into your lap and talk your ear off. And besides…. it really won’t be like the Brenne family to NOT have a photo where a child this age isn’t screaming and trying to escape your grasp. At least I don’t think we’ve caused any permanent damage. :-)

Remember:

St. Lucia Day

2009-12-12T09:35:00.001-08:00

December 13th is St Lucia Day. It is a holiday in Scandinavia that celebrates light during dark, winter days. Girls are dressed in white gowns with red sashes and crown wreaths with candles on their head. Boys are ‘star boy’s with cone hats. They typically form a procession and walk the hallways of schools singing carols and handing out sweets.

Last week Leif and his parents went to Campbelle’s classroom and took part in her Holidays Around the World unit. They taught the kids about St. Lucia and helped them with their crown crafts.

Liv made the traditional Lussekatt buns (saffron buns) for the kids to enjoy. Later on the kids passed out sweets to their fellow first graders.

They all had a wonderful time and in return each of the 1st graders wrote the most adorable thank you notes to Liv and August. Such a special treat for everyone!

Campbelle’s class:

Photo booths are back

2009-12-10T16:14:00.001-08:00

Not that they really ‘went’ any where…. but what are the chances that in the past week, Leif and I have been to two celebrations: 1. a MS Christmas party, and 2. a wedding (probably the most beautiful, amazing, romantic wedding I’ve ever been to – aside from Leif and mine of course); and at both of these events was a photo booth. What a great way to capture all your guests. At each party we got two photo strips, One went into an album where you could write a little note to the recipients and the other our keepsake. So sweet.

(The wedding one went with a wish for ‘magnetic lips’ forever.)

Our big guy is 5!

2009-12-08T15:30:00.001-08:00

On Friday we celebrated Christian’s birthday. He first woke to the customary streamers from his doorway, but also found a new surprise on the front lawn. Thanks to the idea from Family Circle and some sneaking around late at night during election season…shhhhh)

Then later that afternoon, he got to play Legos with 15 of his favorite buddies. They all seemed to have a blast. Even the girls. Even the one little girl who told me she didn’t like Legos and was just coming for the cake. :-)

<-- This smile doesn’t just look like it’s all about the cake, does it??

;-)

We played relay games and had building contests. I love Legos and I love these kids’ awesome imaginations!

The birthday boy had a blast and has enough Lego kits to last him quite some time. We all feel so fortunate to have such a great friends to help celebrate these big moments.

Need a good laugh?

2009-12-01T20:10:00.001-08:00

We are getting ready….

2009-11-29T21:29:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T23:31:00.001-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving yesterday and I am once again reminded of how much I have to be thankful for in my life. For starters….

I am so lucky to be married to a wonderful husband who gets the turkey ‘dressed’ like this:

And inspired to have fabulously creative kids who make name placards for the table that look like this:

I am very fortunate for a table filled like this:

And especially blessed to be surrounded (physically and otherwise) by amazing people like this:

Thank you God for all the gifts you have given to me.

Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and counted all your many blessings as well.

Turkey Trot

2009-11-27T22:39:00.001-08:00

Last weekend the kids ran the annual Turkey Trot 1K at Snoqualmie. Campbelle had joined the running club at her school a few weeks prior to the event. Christian thought it was silly to have to be in running club ‘I already know how to run!!’ Duh.

They had a great time on the crisp, clear autumn morning.

There were 750 runners total. 300 from Campbelle’s school and 300 from the other elementary school in the area. The remaining were adults taking part in the 5k.

Christian finishing the race. He was so excited about the medals…. and can’t wait to be ‘a champion again.’

Yes, that’s Leif behind him. I swore up and down that I wouldn’t crack any jokes about how he complained of sore calf muscles for a week afterwards. (really, who am I to make fun anyway)

And cutie pie Beckett – all bundled up for the crisp morning.

The makings of a family photo…..

2009-11-22T22:58:00.001-08:00

Why is this so hard? Oh yes I know – 5 people (3 of whom think its some funny game to torture their mother with) are nearly impossible to get looking in the same direction and smiling normally all in the same photo. I guess that’s why Photoshop was invented. Just too bad I don’t know how to use it.

Last weekend we attempted family pictures for our annual Christmas cards.

There were no clear winners.

But there were some clear losers.

Um… 5 year old boy on ladder to train… not a good idea. 61/2 year old girl who wants to be on ladder to train … also not a good idea.

And poor Beckett - this got a little too ‘Michael Jackson-ish’ for me….

It appears that Leif thinks he can do a better job at getting Beckett to look into the camera….

Yep, not as easy as he thought it would be. Oh well. The car got in the way too.

Thanks to our dear friend Amy who put up with us.

And we did get this precious one.

Nothing says Thanksgiving like celebrating God and Corn Bread!

2009-11-20T20:33:00.001-08:00

At least we think that’s corn bread.

Shots

2009-11-20T15:04:00.001-08:00

I have a story from a few weeks ago, I haven’t blogged about it before – perhaps because I’ve tried to erase the whole ordeal from my memory, but having just retold the story today without needing a strong drink afterwards, made me realize that I can now write about it.

Here it goes:

Two weeks ago I took Beckett into our pediatrician for his 15 month well check appointment. I had phoned the clinic a day prior to ask about their availability of the flu shot and the H1N1 shot. They had them, so I decided to bring the other two along with me and get everything taken care of at once.

I spoke to the kids about getting two shots and they expressed a little concern over the poke of the shot. But nothing that seemed like alarming anxiety of it. So I thought nothing more of it.

The next day at the appointment, all three kids and I go marching into the office and into a little exam room. I love all the staff at our ped’s office and have been coming there since Campbelle was 6 months old. Such nice sweet people and either they know how to stroke a mother’s ego or they really do think my kids are amazing…. because as we were walking into this particular appointment, two different nurses commented on how lovely and well behaved all the kids are. “Jill, your kids are so great. What really nice well behaved kids you always have when you come in here.” And that is a direct quote. (And of course it goes straight to this proud mama’s head. Big mistake).

Anyway, Beckett gets checked over and all is well with that big buddha belly and the time came for shots. Shots all around. Beckett was getting 4 and the kids were each getting 2.

As the nurse stepped out to prepare, Campbelle and Christian got in a heated debate as to who was going to get their shots first. Both wanted to prove they were the bravest. Christian somehow won the battle and when the nurse came back in he was jumping up and down with excitement that he got to go first.

He pulled his arm from his sleeve and was so proud to be brave… and then the nurse spun around on her stool with a tray FULL of shots and I could literally see the blood drain from that kids face. Immediately he tried to get his arm back in his sleeve, begging and pleading that he decided to let Campbelle go first. “I changed my mind. I changed my mind.” He cried as I tried to hold him still (all the while holding Beckett on my knee.) He put up a quite a fuss and cried for a bit – but eventually the two shots were in him and he was done. Wheww…. I sighed.

Campbelle’s turn.

But where is she. Oh yes, there. Crouched in the corner and she appears to be trying to molt herself into the wall. As soon as we look at her she immediately starts screaming. No, I mean SCREAMING at the nurse that she will not get a shot. NO I WILL NOT. YOU CAN”T MAKE ME. GET AWAY FROM ME. NO – LEAVE ME ALONE. (and then just a bunch more, scream at the top of your lungs cries escape her mouth.) I literally didn’t know what to do. She had clearly transformed into something else entirely. The nurse went to get her in the corner of the room and Campbelle starts kicking and swatting at her. Yes – I said KICKING AND SWATTING at her. I am completely dumbfounded. She is scaring the living daylights out of Beckett (whom is still in my arms) and is quite frankly scaring me. This goes one for what felt like an E.T.E.R.N.I.T.Y!

I don’t know how to respond to this behaviour. Should I get angry and demand her to shape up and get her shots. Do I try to coddle her and comfort her telling her it will be ok. She is SWINGING at anything that gets near here. I am completely dumbfounded and shocked by what I was seeing and hearing from my own flesh and blood.

Finally, another nurse comes in and between the 3 of us (I’m still holding Beckett remember) – we hold her down and as quick as possible give her the two shots. All the while blood curdling screams are spewing from this little devil that has obviously possessed my daughter’s body. My 6 1/2 year old daughter.

There is no way that anyone in that entire office didn’t hear all that had transpired in that room. And I’m sure people wondered what type of stitches, or compound fracture, or severed limb of a patient was in that room.

We gather our coats and things. There was utter silence among everyone. We leave and the nurse whispers to me ‘we both could probably use a glass a wine later on tonight after that’ and I quietly apologize for the kicks she received to her shins. And thought to myself how I wouldn’t mind a shot of a different kind right about then.

We get into the van and drive home.

All night I try to process what went on in that room.

Not a word was spoken about the incident until the following morning when Campbelle says at flippantly at breakfast, “I kinda overreacted to those shots, don’t you think.”

I blink long and take a drink of coffee.

“Yes. I think you might have.” I muster to speak in my calmest tone of voice.

(Oh, and you wonder how Beckett did with his 4 shots. He grimaced and whimpered a second. And then quickly found the band aids very interesting.)

Sheryl and Campbelle

2009-11-09T10:41:00.001-08:00

This is what our family awoke to early on Sunday morning.

The girl loves to sing.

Tearing down walls

2009-11-05T09:00:00.001-08:00

I’ve given up on trying to keep this house clean. I’m at the brink and just don’t care anymore. In fact, I’ve decided to let the kids write on the walls.

Ok – not really. But ever since we built the house two years ago, I’ve hated this half wall in between our formal living room and dining room. I even asked the builders to omit the wall, but there were unable to break from the specific floor plan that we selected. (Dumb – believe me I know!) I was never able to expand my table all the way and it felt too cramped whenever there were more than just the 5 of us eating in there. So finally, after all my complaining about it, we hired a friend to get rid of it for us. He did a great job and I’m amazed at how much it has/yet hasn’t changed that area. (Does that make sense?!?)

Here’s a before photo:

And after:

I can hardly wait to throw the biggest dinner party and just expand our table all the way open and have all this comfortable space. Thanksgiving …. anyone want to join us? We’ll have plenty of room!!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-01T22:41:00.001-08:00

Um…. I think I’d slam the door if I saw these two monsters coming up the walk.

We should have used thses masks as ‘Crowd Control’ … if a group of kids came to the house looking a bit too old to be trick or treating – these two should have answered the door. We had some questionable trick or treaters this year…. and i hope those teenage boys were happy with my choice of goodies – stickers with googly eyes, pencils or bookmarks. (That’ll teach them to trick or treat past their time.) Leif was worried the house would get egged – but it didn’t.

Thank goodness our night was mostly filled with cute little trick and treaters like these guys:

And of course sweet Marie:

At the end of the night, the kids had about 22lbs of candy but we found tons of fun things to do with it besides consuming it all. The kids sorted, by kind and color and made scientific predictions on which category would be the winner. They dissolved some in water to watch them break down. They made patterns out of the different ones and saw who could build the highest tower. There was candy wagon racing and all sorts of fun – without eating more than just a few.

The kids gladly turned in their loot at the end of the night to the famous Candy Fairy who visits these parts. They left their bag of candy on the front porch and in return they each got a magazine, a flute and a puzzle. And in hind site, the Candy Fairy really should use her head and think before buying two flutes for this household ever again. Damn Candy Fairy!

;-)

And I’ve heard that she in turn delivers the candy as payment to Microsoft. I think they basically own the rights to her.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T23:37:00.001-07:00

Watch DOGS

2009-10-27T19:24:00.001-07:00

Leif is one of the Watch DOGs…. Dad of Great Student. And today he volunteered at Campbelle’s school. He spent time in her classroom as well as three other classrooms ranging from pre-school to 5th grade. He was a recess and lunchroom monitor. I don’t think he’s ready to change careers – but I think he had a great day. And Campbelle was sooooo proud to have him there.

The back of Campbelle’s shirt says ‘My HERO is a Watch DOG.’ Love it!

Getting ready….

2009-10-25T22:24:00.001-07:00

Seems Halloween week is here ….. we kicked off the fun with an afternoon at the Mt Si Community Center Halloween party on Saturday.

But prior to getting there was a bit of drama at our house.

1st. Christian was going to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle. At least that was my understanding when I bid on a costume on eBay for him (with him standing right beside you cheering my winning bid). I thought he was excited about it. At least that was my understanding. But come Saturday afternoon and time to get dressed, I realized there had been a miscommunication. Tears ensued – and after a bit of uncharacteristic drama from child #2 – he thankfully agreed to don his karate costume from last year. Anyone need a last minute turtle costume? Cheap. Send email inquiries to me.

2nd. Campbelle asked me a few weeks ago if it’d be ok if she was a chef again this year. “ABSOLUTELY” I shouted – pleased with the thought of not having to buy another costume for her this year. (Had I known about the turtle issue – it’d really had been a cheap year for us). She decided that this year she was going to be a French Soup Chef – not to be confused with her character of last year – the French Baker. Duh people! I drew on a pencil thin French moustache on her face – and upon inspecting it in the mirror she came to near hysterics over it. The make-up came off quickly and the idea of a boy French Soup Chef was scrapped.

3rd. Beckett was extremely bothered by the flour that had been sprinkled on Campbelle’s face. (ah, flour for a girl French Soup Chef is not all that baffling – and please don’t confuse her with a French Baker!!) Anyway, Beckett cried in horror at it. Truly, would shriek in terror every time he looked at her. You’d swear it had been blood. Or maybe it had something to do with his Elvis shirt. (onsie courtesy of his father and his business trip to Vegas)

We eventually made it to the party with our good buddies Rory and Riley. The kids had a blast and anxiously await more Halloween fun this week.

Christian’s Make-Over

2009-10-22T13:34:00.001-07:00

We’ve talked for awhile about cutting Christian’s hair. Leif has always wanted to, but I usually hold back. Perhaps because I’m a bit envious of his thick, coarse, wavy, naturally highlighted hair. But today we (and by we I mean ‘I’) worked up the courage to try something different.

Here’s a before:

Here’s what he looks like now:

And I really like it, reminds me of someone else I sorta fancy (in an entirely different sort of way)!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-22T13:19:00.001-07:00

I went along with Christian’s preschool class to the farm on Tuesday. The kids had tons of fun seeing all the animals, walking through the fields, and picking out the best pumpkin.

Indi – one of his best buddies and car pool pal. Such a cutie pie.

His pumpkin snowman.

A bit late

2009-10-22T13:13:00.001-07:00

I just today pulled pictures from our small point-n- shoot camera and realized that we had one photo from our trip to Norway on it. These are our great little travelers on our flight there. If I recall – they each slept about 5 hours like this. Thank goodness we didn’t encounter any turbulence (would have had to wake them and buckle them in) and thank goodness they didn’t mind smelly feet down there!

Not too long ago

2009-10-18T17:18:00.001-07:00

Doesn’t seem long ago that both Campbelle and Christian were wondering “When is Beckett going to be able to DO stuff, mom?” And the scene looked something probably a lot like this:

Seems they are finally getting their wish, because this is what our weekend was filled with:

Tons of fun “Big Kid” playing around. Beckett’s good nature suits their play just fine – all though he did balk when they wanted to pry his mouth open and look at his tonsils.

Soccer Season

2009-10-14T15:45:00.001-07:00

Last week was the final game of Campbelle’s first soccer season. The kids had a great first year – a good, character building year (get my drift?!?!). Campbelle, who doesn’t have a competitive or aggressive bone in her body, had a great time and loved all her teammates and she adored her coach ;-) – I think she could have done without all the soccer stuff that came with it. Ha!

Some action shots:

I had a few parents remark to me throughout the season – that no matter what the score was ‘Campbelle always has a smile on her face.’ I’d take that characteristic over aggressive any day! :-)

The best part of the season was the party at coach’s house afterwards.

(and can I add a side note – the pentagon, soccer ball shapes are NOT easy to do with frosting!! Don’t let the photo fool you - they looked much better if you squinted your eyes and stood some distance away.)

Love

2009-10-06T20:21:00.001-07:00

love :: warm autumn days

love :: sunlight in our hair

love :: tender embraces

love :: life

Saturday Night Live: Norwegian Actors’ Playhouse

2009-10-05T13:37:00.001-07:00

The funniest part of this Saturday Night Live skit isn’t the skit so much, as that this is exactly how Leif sounds when he tries to do an American accent.

And if any of you have been privy to hear his rendition of ‘American speak’…. you’ll find this as funny as I do.

Pretty Great Aunt

2009-10-02T11:11:00.001-07:00

My Dad, Marva and my Aunt Judy and Uncle Jerry are headed west on weeks long driving adventure and they have a planned weekend stop over with us. The kids are really anxious to see everyone and we’ve talk alot about it over the past few days. Yesterday, Campbelle was interested in how she is related to Judy and Jerry… I explained that they are my aunt and uncle and therefore your great-aunt and great-uncle. She looked slightly put out by the fact that I said it… and finally said with a huff “Well Gina’s a pretty GREAT aunt too!”

Yes she is. (These are just a few of my favorite pictures of the kids with their GREAT aunt Gina over the years.)

Sorry Tammy and Bill…. I’m sure you guys are honorable mention.

Full Circle Farms

2009-09-26T21:01:00.001-07:00

Today was Harvest Celebration Farm Tours throughout King county and we took advantage of the unbelievably nice weather and spent the afternoon at Full Circle Farms. We just recently signed up to be part of their CSA program (Community Supported Agriculture) and each week a box of delicious, homegrown, organic fruits and veggies are delivered to our door. Its such a fun way to learn to cook with fresh new foods and maybe stuff that I wouldn’t typically add to our daily menu (Swiss chard, for instance). So today we decided to tour the farm where we’ve been reaping the benefits of their hard work.

We enjoyed a stroll through their vast fields of veggies and flowers.

We went on a hay ride… a few times. The kids loved it and got to go by themselves as well .

The day and the farm were gorgeous – full of color and goodness. And there’s something about seeing where things come from and how they grow that make my kids even better eaters. Tomorrow’s dinner – roasted beets and goat cheese on mixed baby greens…

Gratulerer med dagen Farmor !

2009-09-26T10:43:00.001-07:00

Hope you have a great party today. We know the birthday is tomorrow, but just wanted to give your gift today.

birds on a wire

2009-09-16T20:51:00.001-07:00

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

This video blew me away... This is his story:
"Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). I knew it wasn't the most original idea in the universe. I was just curious to hear what melody the birds were creating."

Christian Last First Day of preschool

2009-09-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

(I have no idea what’s going on with the camera or why that burned looking sun is in the middle – it was in all my photos this morning…. hopefully not something major!)

Christian’s been pretty bummed the past week – seems like a lot of his buddies in the neighborhood started school… making it pretty quiet on this street. He came to me the other day and exclaimed “It’s just not fair – not fair that I was born too late!” Preschool three mornings a week should help alleviate his pain a bit.

It just seems so obvious to me

2009-09-07T20:03:00.001-07:00

Attention!! First Grader in the House!!

2009-09-01T09:40:00.001-07:00

Campbelle started school today – and she was very ready. Beside herself with excitement actually. Really, giddy to the point of uncontrollable limbs and bursts of giggles.

Doesn’t she look like a 1st grader?

(Actually, since she’s so tall, she probably looks more like a 3rd grader… but you get my point.)

Unfortunately, we started off the year already being late for the bus. Luckily she’s not shy about the first day, because she had to run down the street to catch it while all the other moms on the sidewalk and kids in the bus cheered her on.

It will be a bit lonesome all day without her. Not sure who will miss her more, me or Christian. We’ll all be anxiously awaiting the bus at 4:00 and to hear all her stories.

Last days of summer

2009-09-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

The past few weeks we’ve had some ‘down time’ after a crazy fun summer. We tried to savor every bit of the lazy, schedule free, summery days.

Campbelle and I had a girls day out. We dressed fancy, did coffee, and shopped for high fashion things and lunched at a grown-up restaurant :-). We had a great day. I sometimes can not believe how grown-up that little girl is… where does the time go!!

While we were out for the day, the boys had their own fun. They went exploring on Rattlesnake Lake. There they have a great kids program where you can check out a nature back pack filled with all sorts of useful things to explore nature, along with a check list of things to look for on your hike. Christian really dug it.

We also spent a day at the zoo. Sadly, it was our first time to the zoo in a long long time. Beckett thought it was pretty great and really was interested to see some of the animals.

On a particularly warm evening last week, we let the kids sleep in the tent in our back yard over night. They had fun – that is Christian had fun until about 11:00pm and then decided that his bed was more cozy. Campbelle braved it alone, but only made it until 3:30am. Next summer we’ll try it again.

We also went on a field trip into the Asian market in Seattle with good friends of ours. We shopped and looked at all the unusual stuff. And then went home and cooked up a delicious dinner consisting of Pho soup, crab wantons, sticky rice and mangos and a few other yummy treats.

Oh summer, now that school is starting, you seem all but over. And even though there’s a part of me that is ready for the consistency and routine of fall – I will indeed miss you summer! It’s been a great one.