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I made it with some fun digital scrapbook elements I got online, mixed with some that I designed myself :)

I also updated the look of my blog... I was ready for something different after 2 years! Tell me what you think...

First day of school

Monday marked the start of a new school year - Violet in 2nd grade and Riley in preschool!


This boy makes me giggle :)

I can't wait to see how Violet's looks change over the year with her new teeth growing in... :)

My favorite part about the first day is that Rick always takes the morning off so he can be there when the kids start school. I love that about him. :)

Oh yeah - and my apron came in! I love love love love love it :)

As of Monday...

...I will be prancing around my house in this happy little apron. I adore it!

...both kids will be starting school. Violet in 2nd grade in my friend Joelle's class (yay!) and Riley at Violet's school in their Early Childhood Ed program. Riley is going to be what's called a "typical peer" in a special ed classroom. He will get the chance to learn about kids who are different (and how they are not so different after all), to model appropriate classroom behaviors, and to go to school 4 mornings a week with his sister. I am really excited about this for Riley. He is thrilled too... because the other two typical peers (in this class of 8 total students!) are his friends. Nothing like stacking the deck in your favor!! Joelle's son and Erin's daughter will be in there with Riley. It will be fantastic. :)

...I will be attempting to stick to a "work" schedule that coincides with Riley's school schedule. So from 9-11:45 every morning I will be doing stuff for my photo business. Hopefully this will start eliminating my late-night editing that always seems to happen. Of course I will be wearing my apron, which I am sure will motivate me even more!! LOL

Well, that's it for now. I have to get back to some late-night photo editing. My day shift doesn't start for a couple more days ;)

On the beach

These two had so much fun! Riley and Violet played all day. Violet spent about 90% of the time boogie boarding (by the end she was catching waves, then getting up on her knees with no hands!). Riley spent his time digging in the sand, making sand castles, and smashing them with his Uncle Luke. Good times :)

I didn't get to surf this time but I did boogie board with Violet a lot - we caught a ton of "family waves," which were awesome! Violet and Riley wore life jackets the whole time they were in the water and it was a great idea for us - I had the peace of mind knowing that if Violet was accidentally caught in a rip she would still be okay, and Violet had the confidence knowing that she could be out with the bigger people and catching the superfun waves. I don't know if she will need the jacket next summer... she was already doing really well. Riley definitely will, though. He was still pretty timid about the waves in general (though he did do a little boogie boarding one day... it was hysterical!).

Rick got to surf, and found himself his very own longboard for quite a steal at the local surf shop. He needs to practice some more, of course, so I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of summers in the years to come at the beach so he can "hone his skills." ;)

The TV stayed off the entire week. I LOVED that. When we weren't at the beach, we were reading, playing cards, or napping. The perfect way to spend a vacation. And of course the house we stayed at was phenomenal! The woman who owned it was definitely an interior designer - all the furnishings, paint, fixtures, hardware, even appliances - were completely fabulous. The house looked like it was taken straight out of Cottage Living Magazine or the Pottery Barn catalog. It was a little nerve-wracking staying there with all the white furniture (the couches and chairs were all white slipcovered, and the beds in the room we stayed in were pure white - from the sheets to the pillows to the comforters), but it sure looked classy! And we didn't even manage to spill any wine!

Of course a trip to California isn't complete without a stop at IKEA, and I finally got to use my $100 gift card that I have had since Christmas! Rick and I got some cool barstools to use as seating around our pool table-pingpong-top-slash-dining-area, under-cabinet lighting for the kitchen, wall shelves for Rick's office, more shelves for our stairway "art gallery," a desk lamp for my office and a couple more lamps for our living room, a cute little table for next to our couch, and some fun hanging organizer things for the kids' rooms. Of course that totalled a bit more than $100, but it was still a great deal! :)

I ended up coming back with an ear infection, which kind of stunk, but otherwise the vacation was relaxing and beautiful and wonderful.

We spent the week after getting back preparing for Grandma's memorial service, which was lovely. We had no doubt she was loved by many, but it was wonderful seeing all the people whose lives she touched over the years join us in saying goodbye to her. Melinda played her flute (and did an incredible job, especially considering that she was crying while playing), Liane and Dad spoke, and I did a reading from Psalm 139. Heather did a New Testament reading, and my aunt Tish spoke too. Afterward there was a lovely luncheon reception at the church, followed by a family gathering at my parents' house. I had created a guestbook/scrapbook that was signed by all the guests and it was great looking through all the old photos and thinking of Grandma as a younger woman. I am so glad she is no longer hurting and is with God right now, no doubt looking as beautiful as her photos from so long ago.

Now we come to the task known as "Clean and Purge"... when Rick and I bring large black trash bags into our children's rooms and GET RID OF STUFF. It is a happy time for me, because my children accumulate far too much stuff. Especially Violet. Her room is an ever-expanding swampland of paper scraps, Polly Pockets, and Beanie Babies. No more. Tonight she will sleep in a clean room, with hopefully 2/3 less STUFF than is in her room. Of course I am procrastinating by writing my blog... but now I will go and work in her room. Hopefully I will come out in one piece!

In the Tube

An image from our California vacation... Uncle Luke, Riley's idol :)

more later...

Remembering Grandma

you can click on the image to see it bigger...

My Grandma Jane passed away on Friday while we were still in California. We knew she wasn't doing well but we thought she could hopefully hang on until we returned on Saturday. Alas, she had other plans - as an independent woman she always has had her own agenda - and she decided Friday would be a good day to go home to be with the Lord. She was with my aunt Tish when she died, so she was not alone. And because it's still summer, Melinda will be able to be a part of her memorial service. Anyone in town is welcome to attend - we will be saying goodbye to her on Saturday, August 11, at noon at Christ Church Episcopal.

Vac-tion

Oh yeah!
A week in San Clemente. In a beach house. With the fam. Should be freaking AWESOME.
I am gonna surf (YESSSSSS) and boogie board (OHHHH YEAH) and just generally enjoy the fact that I am not working at VBS doing crafts anymore, or proofing a million photos anymore.

I am even bringing more books to read. I can't wait!
See you in a week or so... hopefully with pictures of a superfun family trip!

13 hours

including lunch, dinner, snack and potty breaks...

And the final chapter of the final book in the Harry Potter Series is done.
I already miss it.

Harry Potter Day

If you are looking for me, I am hunkered down at Liane's house reading a certain Book 7 while my children run about willy-nilly at home with Rick in charge.

Harry Potter Day.
I got the book just about an hour ago and it sits next to me as I type. I haven't dared crack the cover (oh God maybe I should just in case I ended up with a copy that, due to an unforseen printing error, had all blank pages... okay, no. I will trust that it is fine. Must resist...), mainly because I know that as soon as I do I won't be able to stop reading it.

But also because I kind of don't want to start reading it... cause it's the last one. Harry Potter has been a part of my life for the past 10 years and at the end of each book there was a certain bit of speculation... anticipation... and wondering what would happen next. But with this one, there won't be that when it's over. It will just be over. And I am not sure I am ready for that.

Okay.
I am.

Cause it is sitting next to me right now... taunting me.
I will not give in. In the morning I will go to Liane's house for Harry Potter Day. She and I will read, chapter by chapter, and have a discussion after each. Speculation... dissection... making the most of this, the last book.
Cause while I don't want it to end, I also must know the end.

I think when it's done, I will start on Book 1 again. On vacation in a couple weeks, I will read the entire series... looking for all those clues that have been planted all along throughout the books. I CAN'T WAIT.

Happy Harry Potter Day! :)

New workout!

Thanks to my awesome friend Erin who sent this to me.
I am gonna be SO in shape!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYFuQXkXErg

Portland Pics :)

Portland was wonderful. I totally want to move there! Here are a few memories of my trip there...


Awesome beer at McMenamin's Kennedy School!



Miss Valerie had this berry lemonade grown up drink that was too good. We could have easily had several!


We walked to the bridge over the Willamette River to watch the fireworks...


And they were gorgeous!


The next day we went to a berry farm and picked all sorts of goodies... blueberries, currant, black cap raspberries, and tayberries. Jim looked just like a migrant worker out there with his big blue tub :)


The fruits of our labor! HAHA


Then we took a drive to the Rose Garden and had lunch there. On the left is my new friend Kelly. There is a house next to hers for sale so I decided when I move to Portland we will be neighbors ;)


Sorting the berries for freezing, canning...


and of course MAKING PIES! yummmmm



Then we visited Jeanine and Jared at their BEAUTIFUL home...


and their daughter Simone showed us just how bouncy her bed is :)


On Saturday we went to Saturday Market. One of the first (and my favorite!) booths we saw was this glass artist who creates Calder-inspired mobiles. I got one to add to our art collection. I love it!! As soon as it's hung up in our house I will take pictures of it :)


In some of the older parts of town, there are these little rings attached to the curb where you would tie up your horses. They aren't used anymore... or so we thought...

HAHAHAHA


And finally, Madison House... the maternity home where Jim and Val live as house parents. Built in 1905, it has so much charm and beauty... they are working on getting the funds to renovate and restore it once again. It has so much potential! I can't wait to see what it looks like after all the work on it is done. :)

5 days is not enough!

Back from spending 5 nonstop days with Val. And still it was not enough time to do and say and see all we wanted. We had a lovely time together, though... picking berries, making jam, making pies, walking everywhere, discussing the history of her 102 year old house, shopping, visiting art shows, seeing Irish movies, meeting new friends, having coffee in real cafes (not Starbucks!), seeing my wonderful cousins... the list goes on...

I have loads of photos to share but too much catching up on all the house-stuff I missed out on while I was gone. I will post them soon!! :)

I am off!

Heading to Portland to visit Miss Valerie :) :) :) :) :)

I will be back Sunday night, and I am sure there will be plenty of stories to tell!
Have a safe & happy 4th of July!!

Updated my website again!

Added the Seniors section - finally! Check it out and tell me what you think! (click on the picture above to go to my new & improved homepage!) The blog link isn't active yet - I am working on a business blog that will be separate from my personal one. There are a couple little things here and there I need to add, but otherwise it's all up and running!

OH... and coming soon to an Etsy Shop near you... Good Art By Riley :)

Violet's been doing chores and working around the house to earn an iPod... she jus made her goal last week but decided to get a sassy cool digital video camera instead. Riley said he wanted to make money too so he could get a Wii. LOL. So we are making him a Wii Chart just like Violet had, and for every big chore he does he will earn a mark. He thought making art was better than doing chores, so we decided we will create a collection of paper constructions and see how it does on Etsy. All the proceeds will go to the Wii fund. Our goal is to open up shop by the end of the month! :)

Paper Construction by Riley

We did a little "craft time" last night.

I pencil drew a basic dinosaur outline on a blank piece of white cardstock. Then Riley cut out pieces of green patterned paper and glued them over the outline. He also drew the facial features and signed it, then I went over everything with a Sharpie. I think he did a great job! We matted them and framed them and the dinosaurs are hung up in our hallway right now. I love them :)

Seven.

So, she's seven now!
No High School Musical 2 on TV, though... I think we got our dates mixed up for that. Papa and Mamalali came over and we had pizza (Violet's choice) for dinner, followed by cake, ice cream, and puzzles and games.So much better than TV... and a perfectly fun and happy day!

From Riley... to Violet

Happy birthday to my favorite friend who makes me laugh and laugh all the time :)

Violet's birthday party

Violet had a pool party again this year for her 7th birthday (which technically isn't till Tuesday, but that's okay!)

My cousin Leslie came over to be in charge of games and entertaining the kids. Let me just say that was a completely fantastic idea. She kept them entertained, they were all happy, and I could focus on other things. Perfect!

First there was a water balloon fight...


And Rick was showing off ;)


Then more water games - Riley was totally into them!


The birthday girl getting completely soaked by Leslie!!


The Aunties greeting me in Korean ;)


And the cake - she requested cupcakes this year. :)


Of course guess which one was hers!


After cake and presents, one last dip in the pool!


She got a Target giftcard, a Justice giftcard, some cute clothes, Polly Pockets, skate shoes, Barbies, and a new watch! Woohoo!! :) She can't wait for her actual birthday on Tuesday cause I guess it's the premiere of High School Musical 2! YEEEE HAAAAA!

Fine, Shontell.

Here is my update.

I got Rick a ping pong top for the pool table for his birthday, and proceeded to beat him constantly. Cause I am that good.

We need to get rid of the chandelier hanging above the table otherwise Rick will be constantly using it as "interference" instead of just losing fair & square ;)

Then Mel came over yesterday to try her hand at it.
I beat her too.

OH YEAH THAT IS RIGHT!!!!!!

So... update on the kids....

Violet had Field Day at school...

This meant LOTS of running,

hula-hooping,

popsicle-eating,

and getting WET!

Riley has started mastering the monkey bars! Check out his mad skills...


Ohhhhh yeah!

Here's a pic of Violet from Drill team tryouts - her friend didn't make it onto the team with her. Must've been the number.

I enrolled Violet into a day camp for the next 3 weeks, and it's awesome. All performing arts stuff. Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop dancing, musical theatre, gymnastics, and cheerleading. She goes from 9am-3pm every day. It's over by Rick's office so he takes her and picks her up. Every day she is completely exhausted and sweaty, but oh so happy! And every day she falls asleep ("rests her eyes") on the way home. It is seriously the perfect camp for her!

Also... since Violet has a summer birthday, she got to celebrate it with her class on the last week of school. We brought cupcakes and ice cream in those little plastic cups with the wooden spoons. Her request. I totally remember loving those things as a kid. Let me tell you that the lovin' isn't there as an adult. lol

Violet with Mrs. Kaiser :)

OH.
And the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
So.
Riley and I got there about 20 minutes early to say goodbye, hug everyone, and thank Mrs. Kaiser for a great year. Riley was sitting next to Violet while I was standing nearby talking to Mrs. Kaiser. And I heard him say, "Violet - DON'T TELL MOM." So I looked over... and he was pulling something out of his pocket.

AN EGG.
A raw egg.
FROM HIS POCKET.
I cannot believe it somehow made it from fridge to car to classroom without getting broken.
So I asked that precious son of mine... "Why, honey, do you have an EGG at SCHOOL???"

And his response?
"I wanted you to hot boil it for me, Mommy!"

Isn't he precious?

So last night, in the car, on our way to Home Depot, Riley pipes up from the back seat...
"Dad, can you make me a hot-boiled egg tonight?"

To which I responded...
"DO YOU HAVE AN EGG IN YOUR POCKET???"

Time for an update...

Neighbors are installing a new heavy duty door... they are doing much better now. Still haven't caught the thieves though.

School is out TOMORROW. What on earth am I going to do all summer? I have Violet in performing arts day camp for the rest of June and Riley starts gymnastics and tumbling in mid-June. Otherwise it will be a lot of seeking out ways to cool off!

Melinda and Luke come back the 15th!!!! YAY!!!!! They will only be here for the weekend and then they start their big surf trip up the California coast. We will see them again at the end of July when we go on our vacation (vaction) in San Clemente.

Violet is very proud to report that she made THE DRILL TEAM at her school! The parent meeting is this afternoon so I will find out all it entails for next year. There were a LOT of girls trying out for only 4 spots and I was pretty sure she would not make it - but she proved me wrong and I am pretty glad about that!

I beat Melissa at ping pong, not once, but TWICE, the other night.

Rick gave me the best birthday present ever (don't worry folks, my birthday is in July)...July 4-8 I get to fly to Portland to visit Miss Valerie for 5 whole days!!!! YAY!!!

I am proud to report that I am completely on top of my laundry situation. Since Saturday. This is a new record for me!

I am not, however, on top of my weight situation. Still trying to figure out the best diet/exercise for me that also lets me eat cookies when I want ;)

I have a photo shoot, cousin Michael's birthday party, and Violet's birthday party scheduled on Rick's birthday. That should be interesting!

Did I tell you guys that I got a new computer?? It's freaking RAD. It is sooo fast and finally I can edit photos without sitting around waiting for each little action to process. YAY for technology!!!

Ok - gotta go start my Day of A Million Committments! :) Have a great one!