Multiple Hats

Blogging Restitution

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

OK. Here it is. My admission of guilt.

I realize that I SUCKED at blogging last year.

Guilty as charged (Matt!).

So, I will do my best to make it up. A bit of Restitution, if you will. And, just like criminal restitution, blog restitution comes nowhere close to paying the actual debt. It's really more of a "thought that counts" kind of a thing.

Please take a look at the overly long Facebook Year in Review post. (Now is the time where I admit that post is completely for the scrapbook and admittedly not very engaging reading).

Anyway, take a look, and let me know which 2 status updates you would have appreciated more information on - like, it would have made a good blog post if I was actually blogging at the time.

I'll take the Top 5, and do an "expansion post" each day next week on them.

Choose your own adventure . . .

2011 - A year in Review - Facebook edition

2012-01-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

• Snow Day! Or, more accurately, the roads are a hockey rink day. Thank goodness for an understanding boss, guys willing to pick up the slack, and the ability to work from home when I need to!
January 13, 2011 at 8:39am via mobile

• Excellent Jr. High Basketball banquet with Mr. Bickel last night. He had great things to say about each athlete. Chance's word for the night - RESPECTFUL. Toward coach, toward refs, toward teachers, toward other players. I could not have been more proud. He will get many athletic accolades in his lifetime - and I would gladly trade them all to know he is a young man on the right path.
January 14, 2011 at 10:46am

• Trying to listen attentively, but all I can think about is my Ikea wish-list. Couches are at the top of it. Fixins for the new bathroom not far behind. Maybe WE will just direct deposit my paycheck to Ikea for awhile.
January 20, 2011 at 10:40am via mobile

• Heading out with the team and the fam to the Gonzaga game. Should be fun - for the girls and us. Look out Spokane!
January 22, 2011 at 9:31am via mobile

• So, we spend a bit of money at Ikea on furniture, and fill the drive home with Dave Ramsey podcasts. Yes, we are weird. Livin like no one else.
January 23, 2011 at 10:02pm via mobile

• Chance - "So, Dad is 39, and his mom still remembers the exact minute he was born. I'm only 11, and you can't even remember what time of day it was? What kind of mom are you?????"
January 31, 2011 at 8:42am

• I can't watch The Proposal without wanting to move to Alaska.
February 6, 2011 at 1:09pm via mobile

• If memory serves me correctly, the last time I cut down a district championship net was 20 years ago - just about to the day! So proud of the girls and all the sweat and tears that went into tonights win. Way to go Lady Lions!!!
February 18, 2011 at 3:38pm via mobile

• Apparently, the stars are aligned: the laundry is caught up, even folded, and the taxes are done. Whew!!!
February 20, 2011 at 6:18pm

• "When God moves us out of our comfort zone —- into places that are way bigger than us, places that are difficult, hard, painful —- even hurt — this is a gift. We are being given a gift. These hard places give us the gift of intimately knowing God in ways that would never be possible in our comfort zones."

Trying to appreciate the gift . . .
February 28, 2011 at 9:18am

• ‎7 boys. 6 pizzas. 3 liters of soda. 12+ nerf guns. HELP!!!!
March 4, 2011 at 3:00pm via mobile

• Chance's latest at the dinner table - it IS considered good manners to rest your elbows, if you do it like this.

Yeah, right.

No, I'm serious! I saw it on Larry the Cable Guy.

Really? We're getting our table manner instruction from Larry the Cable Guy now? We're doomed . . . .
March 8, 2011 at 8:26am

• No Facebook for Lent. See y'all in 40 . . .
March 9, 2011 at 11:58am

• Phew! What a great 40 days! Ups and downs, for sure - missed seeing what everyone was doing, but it was great to be "really present" when I was needed, instead of phoning it in while in front of the computer. I tend to get a bit OCD.
April 25, 2011 at 9:12pm

• Baseball, more baseball, workin out of town, month-end closing, more baseball, piles of dishes and laundry, floorboard looks like a sunflower seed factory, oil change well overdue, snow tires still not switched back - and did I mention there's a bit of baseball in the mix? Livin the life.
April 27, 2011 at 8:34pm via mobile

• Never form your entire opinion around half the story - there's always another side.

May 1, 2011 at 5:42pm via mobile

• He's pretty sure it's the worst day of his life. Two more stitches puts him well ahead in the competition. God was with him for sure. Probably won't be upside down on those makeshift monkey bars for awhile ...
May 5, 2011 at 6:20pm via mobile

• Today, I'm happy to be right where I'm at. Glad to call many in the MLCA family my friends. Thanks for the love, prayers, and help - and a big thanks for the resident Doc in the stands! Colton is on the couch recovering with a McDonalds shake and some Hogs Gone Wild on t.v. PTL.
May 5, 2011 at 7:23pm via mobile

• Wow. 3 games today. Getting better each one. Finally got our first win in tonight's 8:00 game under the lights. 1 home run. 3 hits by pitch (1 bad one that had mom breathless). A few strike outs (can't win em all). Countless memories. Who needs Mothers Day Brunch?? Instead, we'll be back at it at 10:00 tomorrow. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
May 7, 2011 at 10:39pm via mobile

• Dodging the rain in Spokane, trying to get rid of a truck full of metal. Ugh.
May 14, 2011 at 10:53am via mobile

• MLCA Graduation. There's nothing like it. Personal. Inspiring. Heartfelt. Renews my faith in the goal. Thanks, 2011 Lions!!
June 4, 2011 at 5:33pm via mobile

• Baseball, sleep in, buttermilk pancakes, baseball, lunch and relaxing with Grandma D and Papa, baseball, birthday BBQ with the team, sleep in, church, baseball, lunch under a shade tree, then, you guessed it - more baseball. Life is pretty good.
June 12, 2011 at 4:52pm via mobile

• ‎1 classroom, 7 air mattresses, 1 cot, 10 basketball players, 1 ball girl, 2 chaperones, and I'm assuming 0 sleep. What was I thinking?????
June 16, 2011 at 5:36pm via mobile

• By my current estimation, the proverbial straw is but one or two away from breaking the back. Not sure how much more this camel can handle. Crappy thing is, it's going to be something seemingly stupid or embarrassing that puts me over the edge. Ugh.
June 22, 2011 at 9:59am

• Great weekend of baseball. I needed that. Friends. Cousins. Victories. Life Lessons. Hits. Strikes. Web gems. Errors. F. U. N. It's all good.
June 26, 2011 at 8:42pm via mobile

• Oh summer, where art thou? Down the road at 5:45 for basketball camp. Still waiting for the lazy days ...
July 9, 2011 at 6:23am via mobile

• My little boy off to camp all by himself this afternoon. By Matt's report, he headed to the meadow and never looked back. I guess it's true - it's a lot harder on mom than it is on the kid! Have fun, Colt!
July 10, 2011 at 7:32pm

• ‎4 days to go. I can survive anything for 4 days, right? Light at the end of the tunnel is really starting to shine.
July 11, 2011 at 5:03pm via mobile

• Colt comes home tomorrow. They didn't have to call me because of debilitating homesickness even once. Guess my little boy is growing up! Can't wait for all the camp stories!
July 12, 2011 at 10:57pm

• Purposely flying under the radar this weekend for some much needed home time. Matt is home 'til Sunday, and we are all enjoying some unscripted, unscheduled, non-expectation family time. Whew...
August 6, 2011 at 2:47pm via mobile

• Week 6 of 9. Ugh.
August 21, 2011 at 9:56pm

• Now there's the mark of a good birthday party. Pound cake, strawberries, bananas, cookies, gummi worms, cheetos, and even pepperoni pizza into the chocolate fountain. I don't think they'll sleep 'til Monday!
August 27, 2011 at 10:29pm

• This is going to be a heck of a week - I could use 2 or 3 of me, but I'll have to make do with 1, I guess. Here we go . . .
September 11, 2011 at 9:06pm

• Quote of the day - "Unless life also gives you water and sugar, your lemonade is gonna suck!" Glad I've got some sweet friends with enough sugar to go around!
September 13, 2011 at 2:12pm

• Made the boys' favorite - chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and green salad. Lovin' this family dinner time.
September 28, 2011 at 7:29pm via mobile

• Issaquah. Rain. Salmon Days. Cold. Baseball via text. Tired. Ugh.
October 1, 2011 at 9:46am via mobile

• Undefeated regular season. Triple date night with good friends. Kids having a ball hanging out together. Relaxing lunch at "The Cottage". Grandparents supporting. Co-champs of final tourney. Fall Ball - life is good.
October 9, 2011 at 7:49pm via mobile

• Sometimes, it’s so not about how you feel. Not supposed to be. Sometimes, you just have to make a decision. A decision to do/act/respond in a way you know is right, regardless of how you “feel”. Today, I’m deciding, not feeling. Because I’m feeling cranky. Surly. Insecure. Tired. AGAIN. And I’m done with it – so I’m choosing something different for this day. I’m choosing what I know is right. My feelings better choose to follow. The train’s leavin’ . . .
October 11, 2011 at 11:06am

• Cooking, cooking, and more cooking. Trying to get the freezer ready for basketball season. Whew! 11 meals in the freezer. About 9 to go.
October 16, 2011 at 4:08pm via mobile

• Last campout of the season, here we come . . .
October 21, 2011 at 8:35am

• Not chasing your potential, but pursuing your calling . . . Hmmmmm
November 1, 2011 at 6:54am

• Hangin' with Colt today while the big boys go hunting. He says he's taking me on a date tonight - his plan: Michael's for dinner, Theater for a movie about fighting robots, and Dairy Queen for dessert - a dream date if I do say so myself!
November 5, 2011 at 10:24am near Moses Lake

• Stuffed! Apparently, even though we're "older and our stomachs are bigger " (per Colton), we can still only handle about 1/2 mile of a Mile High Mud Pie. Great date night with my young man. Blessed.
November 5, 2011 at 8:28pm via mobile

• Ups & downs today. Great first practice for the girls / hated missing Chances game. Good to still be needed when my boy doesn't feel well / hard to watch him struggle as he makes a good decision to still get homework done in spite of it. Worked through the laundry pile and a made the boys a dozen breakfast burritos / 4:00 is gonna come WAY too soon. Ups & downs.
November 14, 2011 at 9:36pm via mobile

• Two hour delay. Papa Chuck's buttermilk pancakes on the griddle. Cup of coffee with my boys. Oh, this has gotta be the good life.
November 17, 2011 at 8:52am via mobile

• Phenomenal church service. Stew in the stove. Salmon in the smoker. Many pounds of jerky smokin below the salmon. Football on the screen. $200 saved on the coupon trip. That's the makings of a fantastic day right there!
November 20, 2011 at 5:12pm via mobile

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra!!!!
November 25, 2011 at 3:53pm via mobile

• Chance's character word for Jr. High B-ball banquet = "Fun-Loving". Working hard and doing what has to be done, both on the court and in the classroom, with a smile on his face. Love it. Anyone who has been around me for the past 6 months knows he did not inherit that trait from me. Oh well, glad he's able to see the positive!
December 2, 2011 at 6:50am

• Tough practice tonight. I still remember my playing days enough to know which side I would've fallen with tonight - and some days I would have been running and sucking wind right beside them. Most days, though, I would have jumped at any challenge. I have a few practices that I'll always remember from when I played - I'm guessing this will be one of those for lots of us. Hang tough, ladies. Go Lions!
December 5, 2011 at 9:01pm via mobile

• ‎18 years ago this week, my persistent husband ignored my declaration of "don't call me until March, I'm concentrating on basketball and don't need any drama". Instead, he took me out to look at Christmas lights. So, so thankful for his persistence! Love you, babe!
December 7, 2011 at 7:22am

• ‎15 years ago today, in the biggest snow-storm Moses Lake has seen in the years before or since, I married my very best friend. What a day! I could not have imagined then how much I love him now. Happy Anniversary, honey!
December 7, 2011 at 7:24am

• ‎5 years ago today, we were celebrating 10 years with a horse-drawn carriage ride to see Christmas lights and decorations in Seattle. What a guy! Wonderful memories of a fantastic and nostalgic evening.
December 7, 2011 at 7:26am

• Here we are today, 15 years of marriage, and I'm back to saying "can we think about celebrating in March, after the state tourney . . . I'm sort of concentrating on basketball right now." What a patient man I've married. How about we just have dinner at Michael's and go look at some Christmas lights, Matt Messer?? ♥ you!
December 7, 2011 at 7:28am

• Trying to keep it all in perspective, as we enter the busy, busy week before Christmas. It's not about me. It's not about now. It's not about presents or lists or lights. It's all about God. His son. His glory. Striving for a week filled with family, peace, humility, and joy. Merry Christmas!
December 16, 2011 at 10:57am

• Friday night basketball, team breakfast and film time, Christmas baking, church, Bronco football, tree trimming, soup simmering on the stove, "crack bread" in the oven, presents to wrap, crafts to craft. Family time. I'm lovin' it!!
December 18, 2011 at 5:49pm near Moses Lake

• Came home today to a clean house, dishes done, laundry caught up, and folded, with dinner in the works. Wow! I know I haven't been that good this year :). I just have the best husband. Thanks, babe! — with Matt Messer.
December 23, 2011 at 9:36pm via mobile

The lighter side of the fine line

2012-01-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

Of course, in the path between fact or fiction, when dealing with Colton, there are always some quotable quips.

As we sat down on the couch, and it began to become clear to Colton that we somehow knew about his playground antics (keep in mind that no one had told a teacher [hindsight - because there really wasn't anything to tell], and there were only 4 students present), he had a few questions of his own . . .

Colton, through tears, after being asked AGAIN to tell his side of the story - "I just have one question for you guys, and I hope you don't get mad at me. But how do you guys even find out about this stuff??"

Then, as we are a bit further into the "interrogation", I ask Colton if he could think of any reason why this girl wouldn't be telling the truth.

Colton - "I don't know! Based on my experience from being in their class last year, they are generally very honest people."

And then, when attempting to extract what "very mean" name he had called them . . .

Colton - "I don't want to tell you! I know I'm going to get in a lot of trouble. Like you might send me to my room for a week and not let me out or ground me for months or something!"

So, so hard to keep a straight face when disciplining Colton. Thankful for the ability to get through the situation and look back with some humor. This kid's gonna keep us guessing, that's for sure!

It's a fine line

2012-01-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

I love the times when I'm able to look at current areas of my life with enough perspective to see and appreciate the lessons that God is putting in front of us.

As is usually the case, our lessons this week are coming via one of our boys. Surprise, surprise!

I was approached at church on Wednesday by a mom very concerned with a playground incident involving Colton and her daughter. At first, as she was describing the incident, I had no trouble imagining Colton at the scene of the crime in the manner indicated. Though I didn't condone his actions, they didn't surprise me, either.

When she went on to talk about him pushing her daughter, though, my mommy radar went up a bit.

We have, since the boys were very young, instilled in them at every opportunity that "Messer boys don't hit girls". Not when provoked verbally. Not when provoked physically. Messer boys do not hit girls.

So, my mommy radar went up, and I found myself thinking - "This just doesn't sound like Colton."

Here's where the lesson part comes in.

I squelched it. I pushed my mommy radar down until I could feel the anger of the other mommy, and I had summoned my own anger at my son for doing something he knew was very wrong. For the whole 20 minute ride home from church, I talked very little to the boys, and allowed that anger to bubble and boil.

And when we got home, I quickly called both Matt and Colton into the living room to address the situation.

I ask Colton what happened on the playground. I ask if he did anything wrong.

He says he doesn't want to talk about it.

"Ha!" I thought, "further proof of his apparent guilt."

It took some pretty serious interrogation techniques on Matt's part (and approximately 20 minutes) to start to reveal Colton's side of the story.

He was crying. He felt guilty. He knew he was in trouble.

But, at the end of the tears, the questions, the hugging, the sobbing, I finally started to realize something. My son felt terrible - but not for the reasons indicated by the other side of the story.

He felt terrible for calling a little girl what he thought was a very mean name (a fool), and for kicking her soccer ball away so she would get out of the way of him and his friend trying to play Star Wars.

And the mommy radar that I had squelched rose back up.

I called a teacher at the school, who is the mommy of one of the other students present at the incident, to verify Colton's story.

He was telling the truth.

Because of my staunch determination to not be "That Mom" who thinks her kid does no wrong, I missed a perfect opportunity to advocate for my child.

I realize that Colton doesn't know the difference at this point. Because he knows he did something wrong, and he doesn't know that my anger was directed more at something he didn't do at all.

But I know the difference.

I know that God has given me these two boys only for a short while. I am charged, along with a wonderful and loving husband, with raising them to be Godly young men. I am their advocate. Sometimes, we will be their only advocates.

There will be days ahead when they will attempt (and sometimes succeed) to deceive us regarding their less-than-desirable actions. It will be our job to search out the truth. To squelch the automatic desire to believe that our children can do no wrong.

And, there will be times when the other side of the story goes so against what we know of our sons' character, that we will be called to step up and advocate for our boys.

It's a fine line.

I pray the Lord helps me find the right balance, each and every time. And, I am thankful for this fairly innocuous example to teach me that I need to be aware of my role as my son's advocate.

Family Pics 2011

2012-01-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

My boys with their little cousin, Angus
Man, I love this guy

A couple handsome little punks

Our family

My siblings

2011 - Year in Review

2012-01-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day at Triple Play * High School Girls' Basketball * Seattle Meetings * Matt Turns 39 * Wilbur Ellis Grower Meeting * School Board Retreat * Basketball Playoffs * Baseball Work Day * New Baseball Field at MLCA! * Tourney Team Tryouts for Chance * MLCA Crab Feed * Heather working in Odessa * Matt and Heather to Las Vegas! * Spring Break * WSU Craft Fair * Cal Ripken Baseball for Chance & Colton * JDE Training * School Board Meeting * Easter * Achievement Testing for Chance & Colton * MLCA Baseball * Messer Boys Spring Fling to Seattle * Spokane Garden Festival * Baseball Tournament * Boys' Fishing Trip * Heather Turns 37 * Colton turns 8! * Outdoor School at Camp Ghormley for Chance & Matt * MLCA Spring Concert * Sun Lakes Camping Trip * Minute to Win It! * Baseball Tournament * MLCA Graduation * Basketball Camp - Chance * Baseball Tournament * Basketball Camp - Colton * BNB Basketball Camp, Kellogg - Heather * Baseball Tournament * Spotter School in California - Matt * Baseball Tournament * Cal Ripken State Tourney * Baseball Camp - Colton * BNB Camp Soap Lake - Heather * Baseball Hitting Clinic - Chance * Cape Disappointment Vacation * Hiking * Tidepooling * Exploring * Feasting! * ERAD * Grandma D comes to help for the week * Baseball Tourney * Richland Allied Arts Show * ERAD * ERAD * Wilbur Ellis Summer BBQ * Baseball Tourney * ERAD * Chance Turns 12 * Olympic National Park Camping Trip * ERAD * Fall Ball Tryout * ERAD * Back to School * Chance - 7th * Colton - 3rd * Cabin Camping * ERAD * Fall Baseball * ERAD * Grid Kid Football * ERAD * MLCA Auction * Warden Homecoming Food Drive * Issaquah Salmon Days * Seahawk Football for Chance with Uncle Mike * Dinner Out on the Town in Bellevue * Y'All Got Hoodies? * School Board Retreat * Fall Ball Playoffs * Family Picutres * Wilbur Ellis Pumpkin Patch * Cabin Camping * MLCA Middle School Basketball * MLCA Harvest Party * HS Girls' Basketball * Thanksgiving at the Ark * Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Spokane * 15th Wedding Anniversary * MLCA Christmas Program * Colton solo as The Scientist * Wilbur Ellis Christmas Party * Chance's first "Finals Week" * Christmas Break * Christmas Eve at Grandma D & Papa Chuck's * Our First Christmas Dinner at Home * Christmas Celebration with the Hulls * MLCA Christmas Tourney * New Year's Eve with Johnston's, Cooper's, and Redmonds

Whew!

What a year!

Dinner Question - Up a Notch

2011-03-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

So, how do you create more interesting dinner conversation?

Ask dinner questions.

How do you take it up a notch from that?

Add more kids. Their answers are always the most fun anyway!

On Friday, when our house was all but overrun by boys, we paused between bites of pizza and asked a dinner question.

What is one thing you want to try, but haven't yet?

Braden - Ice Skating

Grant - Fly a fighter jet

Chance - Skydiving

Ross - Throw a boomerang. In Australia.

Brad - Kiss a girl

You mean you haven't?
What were you doing behind the school the other day, then?
How do you know what goes on behind the school, Chance???

Jace - Fly an airplane

Eric - Jump off the Eiffel Tower

Like bungee jump?
Nope, just jump.
You gonna have a parachute?
Nope.
Just gonna splat?
Well, maybe I'll try and land on a trampoline or something.

Colton - Join the army

We had a fun group of kids, and a fun time! They were all good sports, not minding indulging us in our dinner tradition. Gotta admit "kiss a girl" from Chance's best friend has this mama a little worried. I'm not ready for this!!!

Freschetta House Party

2011-03-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

We got picked to host a Freschetta House Party.

Free pizza.

Door prizes.

Coupons.

Even plates and napkins.

All we had to provide was the people and the fun!

No brainer, right?

We invited a few families from each boys class, and combined it with a Nerf Gun extravaganza for the kids.

When we finally got all the guns and ammo unloaded, we were a little unsure as to what we had gotten ourselves into!!

No fear.

The kids all kept each other busy and entertained.

The pizza rotation was primo - two at a time cooking in the oven while we all sampled the fresh baked goodness.

Pepperoni, three cheese, and canadian bacon/pineapple were the favorites.

Thanks, Freschetta! It was a fantastic success!

District Champs!

2011-02-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

This fantastic group of girls is part of the reason I've had such trouble finding time to blog lately!

The season has gone really well. The girls are 20-3 at the end of this title game.

As I did a quick memory search, I believe the last time I cut down a District Championship net was almost exactly 20 years ago. Within a week or so, anyway!

What great memories these girls are making.

They have worked hard, fought hard, and played hard. It has been a pleasure being one of their coaches.

Chance was also involved in basketball fever, as one of the managers of the boys' team.

Colton was a good sport, and found other interesting ways to pass the time!

While it was a great season, I'm glad to have a couple weeks "off" before baseball starts. Getting home right after work seems like a lifetime in the evenings, compared to the last three months.

It's a MAJOR award!

2011-02-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

So, my parents gave us an early Valentine's present . . .

They came to watch our basketball game on Friday, then took the boys home with them. Matt and I were able to sleep in, drink a leisurely cup (or two) of coffee, and lounge around sans cartoons or video games for most of the morning. We both needed a lazy, relaxing morning.

Thanks, mom & dad!

Then, last night, there was an awards banquet for Matt's work. I skipped the basketball game, since Matt was up for some high honors, voted on by his peers.

And he won!

It is a MAJOR AWARD!

Nope, not a leg lamp. We already have one of those ;)

I'm so proud of you, sweetie! You are such a hard worker, and to be recognized by those you work alongside every day is a special honor.

Way to go!

Decorators Extraordinaire

2011-02-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

Or, decorators anonymous.

Or, we love Hobby Lobby.

And trips to Tri-cities.

At any rate - remember this chaos?

It turned into this!

Despite the nay-sayers (why do those always seem to just come out of the 'woodwork'?), we love it. And, I think we'll be MUCH more productive. And MUCH less cranky. Right, Darla? ;)

Happy Birthday, Matt!

2011-01-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

We had a fun day today, celebrating with Matt.

We started celebrating in Yakima last night, after the basketball games, with dinner at Outback with Verna and Dennis. Matt left there with two of his very favorite pies, and a very full tummy!

In the morning, Matt's first present awaited him on the kitchen counter - a Keurig coffee maker. Yuppie coffee. YUMMY coffee!

That got us headed off to church on the right foot.

Chance spent the afternoon creating Matt's favorite pie for his "birthday cake". Pecan. Matt says Grandma D better look out - Chance made a good one! Even kicked it up a notch with some chocolate chips!

Yes, that is a Popsicle stick instead of a birthday candle. We are hillbillies.

Here's the boys, testing out Matt's spotting scope.

Quote of the day, from Chance, as he overheard Verna's phone call to tell Matt 'Happy Birthday' - "So, dad is 39 and his mom still remembers the exact minute he was born. I'm only 11, and you can barely remember what time of day it was? What kind of mom are you????"
.

Happy birthday, honey!

We're at it again

2011-01-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

The fantastic adventures of D & H.

This time it's the office.

At the start of the week, it looked something like this.

Then, we decided some change was in order. We wanted to rearrange the furniture.

Unfortunately (for some) the furniture moving revealed some huge discrepancies in paint color - apparently the guys decided it would be too much work to move the file cabinets last time they painted in here . . .

So, a trip to Lowe's ensued. This was the cruddy iPhone photo which Magical Kelly had to use to figure out a paint color, chair rail, and base molding. She's a genius.

The next day, the guys kicked us out to go find the "girly, decoration stuff" that would go on the walls, and they commenced to painting.

We headed to the big town for Hobby Lobby, Bed/Bath/Beyond, and some lunch at Olive Garden.

We're getting closer!

Stay tuned Monday for the finished product.

I'm certain we'll get a lot more work done in this most pleasing new environment :)

Wordless Wednesday - A Survey

2011-01-26T08:20:00.001-08:00

Couch Pillows

A) Decorative Necessity

B) Incessant Irritation

We're tied 1-1 at our house.

Despite that, I love my new couches!

Featuring Chance as Eragon

2011-01-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

Carefully cut up some of this . . .

Paint it with some of this . . .

Tie the pieces together with several of these . . .

And you have Eragon - dragon rider extraordinaire!

Or Chance, ready for his "in character" book report on Wednesday.

I'd give him an 'A+', how about you??

In review

2011-01-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

Dentist appointments. I am officially the winner of the gum checkup - so Matt owes me dinner! The dental hygienists at our dentist's office usually enjoy Matt and my checkups. We are pretty competitive, and like to give each other a hard time about x-rays, gum checks, cavities, etc. At one point during my checkup, with Matt in the room right beside, we both get really quiet so we can hear what they are saying in the other room. We thought we might have heard a couple 4's in the gum checkup, and we were positive we heard something like "some areas that need a little more attention". Of course, Jen helped me jump Matt on the way out the door, and assured me that Matt's "Plus 1's" were not a good thing! Thanks, Jen - I got a good dinner out of him!
Middle School Basketball Awards. Mr. Bickel did an excellent job of recapping the season, and of giving each young man some encouragement as they got their participation medals. Here's what I wrote on Facebook, and can't think of a better way to say it here - "Excellent Jr. High Basketball banquet with Mr. Bickel last night. He had great things to say about each athlete. Chance's word for the night - RESPECTFUL. Toward coach, toward refs, toward teachers, toward other players. I could not have been more proud. He will get many athletic accolades in his lifetime - and I would gladly trade them all to know he is a young man on the right path."
Our girls' basketball team wins, advancing to 10-2 on the season. They are playing so well - it has been a great experience so far. Each practice I am reminded of two things - how much I love the game of basketball, and exactly how long it's been since I played it well. It's all good, though!
We are toying with remodeling the bathroom. It's possible you think I'm crazy. I'm thinking, our marriage survived building a house in the first year, moving to a century-old house that would need constant repair in the third year, numerous concrete pours, floor heat in one of them, painting which included an extension ladder (twice), self-installation of a laminate floor, and more painting projects than I can count - I don't think a simple, little bathroom remodel is too much for it. Right?
Matt and I had a much-needed date night on Saturday. Dinner out at Michael's (my fav), and a movie - True Grit. Pretty good, for a Western! I think the people in the audience who had seen the first one enjoyed it more than I did. It was also likely that the guy in the seat next to me who ADORES movie line trivia (that would be Matt) enjoyed it a bit more than I did as well. We've been enjoying line after line (after line) all weekend. The boys love it. They've joined in as well, even though they weren't at the movie.
Mom & Dad surprised us with a visit on Sunday. Unfortunately, they didn't find what they were looking for at Lowe's. Fortunately, we had a good visit to make up for it. They swiped the boys for the night, since they don't have school tomorrow, so Matt and I are enjoying a quiet evening at home. Very large laundry pile, here I come!
All-in-all, a good week! I'll keep you posted on the bathroom - shoot me some ideas if you've got the perfect layout/storage/decorating idea. I could sure use them!

This is the year, I'm sure of it

2011-01-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

The Mariners will win, I will have time to blog, and all will be right with the world.

It's just gotta be.

Because yesterday, we got to attend the Mariners Caravan. And, based on what the guys said, we should expect big things this year.

The boys with Shawn Kelley & Luke French

And I figure, if the Mariners can do it, so can I!

Here's to a long and prosperous 2011!

Starbucks Wisdom

2011-01-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

Colton - you know, they're right - good food IS like a good story.

Year In Review

2010-12-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

Disneyland Huntington Beach Hollywood Drive back from Cali A sad goodbye to a fallen hero Meetings Reserve Academy Instruction School Board Retreat Matt turns 38 Girl’s Dinner Scrapbook Convention in Portland Super Bowl Party School Board Meeting Winter Break Baseball Tryouts MLCA Crab Feed Baseball practices School Board Meeting NCAA Tourney in Spokane Deputy of the Year Dinner Spring Break WSU Mom’s Weekend Baseball Games galore Reserve Academy Mock Scenes School Board Meeting Anacortes Garden Art SAT Testing at school Even More Baseball Games Board/Staff Retreat Spokane Garden Fair Heather Turns 36 Gingkho Field Trip Colton turns 7 Boys’ Church Fishing Trip Spring Musical Yard Sale Outdoor School Chance is Baptized All-Star Tryouts – HE MADE IT! Last Day of School Sun Lakes Olympics, including “Minute to Win It” Basketball Camp Spotter Class Instruction Baseball Tourneys Sorticulture Garden Show Board Meeting Edmonds Art Festival Father’s Day ERAD 4th of July Campout Vacation Bible School Chataquah ERAD Board Meeting State All-Star Tournament Week at Grandma’s Richland Allied Arts Week in Yakima – deemed “Cousin Camp” ERAD Computer Testing Wilbur Ellis Picnic Hull BBQ ERAD Board Meeting VACATION Mt. St. Helens Grayland Beach Chance turns 11 Crabbing Seafood Chowder Doughnuts Kites Hikes Go Carts Jr. Ranger Beach Bonfire FUN First day of School ERAD Fantasy Football Draft Cabin Camping Grid Kids Karate School Pictures Football Games Campaign MLCA Auction School Preview Night Homecoming Food Drive Kansas City Investigation School Pullman Fall Show Board Meeting Cabin Camping Spokane Getaway Middle School Basketball Girls’ Weekend Thanksgiving at our house Girls’ Basketball 14th Anniversary Retirement Parties Office Christmas Parties Gingerbread House Decorating Messer Christmas Christmas Eve at Mom & Dad's Christmas Day at Home Christmas at Granny's on 26th MLCA Christmas Tourney Champions New Year's Eve at Triple Play

Santa, I've been so good this year . . .

2010-12-20T15:23:00.001-08:00

Wiped Out!

2010-11-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

When you get to spend an hour straight doing this:

Then once you get home, you'll look like this:

Apparently, it even made the dog tired!

Thanks, Kangaroo Bounce House! Check them out for your next birthday party or family gathering - especially if you appreciate a quiet house when you get home.

Not to mention mile-high (Colton's estimation) bouncy slides, a huge variety of bouncy houses, a clown, concessions, and an indoor facility to host your off-season party.

Rice - a recap

2010-11-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

One pound of rice cooked.
5 spice choices on the Lazy Susan at the center of the table.
Initial attitude check: Chance, angry. Colton, excited. Mom & dad, a bit weary.
First scoop - straight up. Small scoop. No seasonings allowed. As "authentic" as possible.
Most of us fly through the original scoop. It's still a novel concept. We are busy talking about Cambodia and the lifestyle there. It's better when it's warm. And we all want to get on to a scoop with at least something for seasoning!
Except Chance. He hasn't taken a bite bigger than a Basking Robins sample scoop yet - and we all know how minuscule those are!
Many variations tried - seasoned salt, ranch popcorn seasoning, cinnamon/sugar.
Except Chance. He's still working on the first, very small scoop.
Dinner Question - If you could give the Cambodians one thing, what would it be?
Chance - Something better than this! After much prodding and pushing, he conceded that he would somehow give them better food, and it would include lots of fresh fruit like one of those big Safeway fruit trays.
Colton - Some toys, probably toy swords, and some gift baskets full of pineapples, apples, oranges, and some candy bars. Probably Crunch bars. And nothing with nuts, in case any of the Cambodians have allergies.
Matt - assurance that they wouldn't have to worry where their next meal is coming from.
Heather - technology available to us that would allow them to grow better crops, and get more yield from the rice acreage that is available to them.
Just like any good Christian revival, next came the pitch for funds. How many bags of rice did we think we could commit to providing?
Chance immediately offers up either his savings or chores for two bags. $20. He's feeding 2 families for at least a month.
Colton decides, after much cajoling (he started out giving a big ZERO), that he could commit to 1.5 bags. $15 worth of offering money or chores. He's feeding 1.5 families for at least a month.
Overall - a pretty good evening.
I was reminded, by my stubborn boy who barely ate one small scoop of rice, cried at the table because he wanted to eat something else, wondered why we had to go through this when WE weren't the ones in Cambodia, and went to bed directly after dinner by his own choice - that I can't force someone's heart to break for the things that my heart breaks for. Even my own kids. God will break his heart for other things. And that's okay.
I was impressed with Colton's immediately embracing the concept. He ate 5 bowls of rice, and had 1,000 or so questions. It took him a bit of a push to let it affect his pocketbook, but he's come a long way from our first year, when he thought they all should just trek on down to Wal-Mart and buy some chicken nuggets for themselves.

Thank you, Lord, for the abundance that we live in. We are blessed beyond measure. Please, Lord, don't let it harden our hearts. Don't let it become expected or taken for granted. For whom much is given, much is expected. You expect a lot of us, Lord. May we make you proud to call us your own.

It's Rice Night

2010-11-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

So, last time I wrote about this, we had Rice Night in response to what I thought was an ungracious attitude on my boys' part during the Rice for Cambodia campaign.

Since that night, our entire family has become accustomed and in-tune to the plight of the Cambodian people and this small way that we can make a difference.

So, this morning, on our way out the door, when I mentioned it was "Rice Night", no one even batted an eye.

Tonight, we will have rice for dinner. As with the post before, there will be only seasonings on the table. And, we'll cheat a bit and offer milk and cinnamon/sugar.

We will eat rice to our hearts and bellies' content, and nothing more, in honor of the Cambodian people.

We will eat rice to experience just a sliver of what they experience.

We will eat rice to open our hearts to their struggle.

We will eat rice to loosen our hands on our wallets.

And we will prayerfully consider what each of us will pledge to the campaign.

One bag of rice is $10. It will feed a family for 4 - 6 weeks.

One ton of rice is $400. It will feed 40 families for 4 - 6 weeks.

Will you prayerfully consider joining us?

Tomorrow, I'll let you know how it went. I'm sure there will be both funny and heartwarming outtakes from our evening. Stay tuned . . .

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Roots

2010-11-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

My quilt is done, my quilt is done!

It is the most fantastic heritage scrapbook I've ever seen. And it's not even a scrapbook! It fits on the wall perfectly, right at the landing of my stairs, so you can see it from wherever you are sitting in the living room.

Old homesteads.

Mule teams harvesting.

Marriage certificates.

Vintage pictures.

Excerpts from my mom.

It's priceless.

Some of my favorite portions of the quilt -it was hard to pick just a few!

This one of my mom, and the corresponding story of her playing in the mud and not acting like a "Little Lady" is hilarious! Love it!
My mom and her older brothers.

Grandpa/Grandma Grant's certificate of marriage and a pic of his train - he was an engineer.

As mom tells it, the Grants were so proud of their legs. This one is a great comparison shot of "Grant Legs" versus "Mires Legs". Too funny!

I had it quilted at The Fabric Patch in Ephrata. Great ladies. Experts. Handled my priceless treasure with such care. Added gold edging to the border to create a look of a matted picture. Sewed around 7,000 (ish) buttons and pics without a complaint. I would recommend them 100 times over, if you need any quilting done!
.
I am so thankful to my mom for the hours and hours she put into this quilt! Not to mention the history and personal excerpts. I am excited for the boys to have a piece of their family history in front of them every trip up the stairs.

Thanks, mom! You are the best - I love you!!!

PS - (I think they got a princess, whether they (or you) knew it or not!)

Wordless Wednesday - Trick or Treat!

2010-11-03T00:34:00.000-07:00

We do things a little different at the cabin!

My Happy Place

2010-11-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Trees changing colors and losing leaves

Listening to the creek babble

Comforting smoke out the cook stove and fireplace

A new, bigger, better fire pit to gather 'round in the back meadow

A fresh coat of oil on the barn logs

A full wood pile for year's (or more) worth of cold evenings and memories

I love the cabin . . .

Daylight Savings Ending Quickly

2010-11-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

And I'm gonna need that extra hour!

We've been running to and fro, and everywhere in between. And some fun stuff has been going on, that I don't want to miss capturing!

October 17 - Matt heads to Kansas City to a big-name national conference for his work.

October 18 - First annual Wilbur Ellis Pumpkin Patch and Chili Feed. Thanks, Darla!

October 19 - Chance' first orthodontist appointment, and another 12-month stay of execution for my budget!

October 21 - Grandmother comes to stay with Colton while . . .

October 22 - Chance and I head to Pullman for our final Art Show of the year

October 25 - Middle School basketball begins

A BUSY week with month-end close, board meetings, and field trips. Topped off by . . .

A much welcome final camping trip at the Cabin.

This week is a bit more laid back, but I will sure make good use of my extra hour this weekend!

Election Blues

2010-10-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Oh, I cannot wait for November 2nd.

I have said it before, and think it becomes more true with each election. Our election process, and therefore our country, has become one that USUALLY the most qualified candidates are too intelligent to put their families through an election. So, we primarily get the glory seeking, money-backed, less qualified individuals at every level.

And it gets ugly.

Our local paper's letters to the editor today made me sick.

We have one race in which some feel health is an issue. With every letter to the editor I've ever written, especially if against someone else, I wonder how their kids will feel if they ever read it. Clearly, there are many out there who care not.

There are a couple races in which, if you believe popular opinion, religious affiliation matters more than qualification. Few are "brave" enough to broach the subject in the letters to the editor, but some have, and I wince. My opinion of popular opinion isn't very high.

I guess I place more faith in America than this. Intelligent voters deserve an honest and respectful discourse. They do not get it.

Intelligent voters deserve facts without spin. Unfortunately, few are thorough enough to dig around and find out the facts for themselves. So they believe the spin.

I have, too, on occasion. And I am disappointed to look back and recall my stewardship of the great freedom we are granted here.

Come quickly, November 2nd. I'm losing faith.

VOTE.
With intelligence, please.
VOTE.
Not the way I would.
The way YOU would.
Just.
VOTE.

Wordless Wednesday - First Grade

2010-10-13T10:40:00.001-07:00

Colton was so concerned that the flowers were almost as tall as the White House!

I can't believe I ever got poor handwriting grades - this is fantastic! Way better than what it is today :)

I should have pulled this book out in college - I think my first Physics test covered most of this stuff!

Thank you, Mrs. Kendrick!

What a week!

2010-10-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Football is done.
Basketball (Jr. High) is on the horizon.
Karate continues.
I am coaching basketball this year. Woo Hoo!! YIKES!!!!
I went through a box of stuff and memories, looking for my old basketball playbooks and motivational stuff. WOW! Found both of my high school playbooks. No luck on the College one. Also found a "volume" of poems I wrote in college. Your early twenties are such an emotional time. And very dramatic. And apparently also pretty cheesy.
I also found my first grade notebook. I thought I was much more advanced than what Colton's class did last year - Matt thought it was way behind. I guess we'll settle in the middle and assume he's getting an education worth paying for.
Dinner at home most nights the past couple weeks = NICE.
The dishes involved in that? Not so nice.
On the bright side? I'm caught up on the folding. Miraculous, indeed :)
Wilbur Ellis/Warden High homecoming night kickoff to our food drive - FANTASTIC! 600 pounds of food to start us off. Food drive runs until first week of December. Last year = 15,000 pounds in the Upper Basin. Hope we beat that . . .
Trying hard to retain the difference between a Shuv-It and a Pop-Shuv-It. Not to mention an Ollie, 50/50 Grind, Ollie 180, and various others that have his toes peaking through his new shoes already. It all looks like skateboard trick mumbo jumbo to me, but Chance and Colton are getting tired of explaining.
Both of my boys asked for haircuts this week. I think we've reached a new level in personal hygiene.
Hosting Thanksgiving for my family - trying to decide how much is a reasonable budget to spend on a cleaning service the week before. The number increases daily. I can't even keep up with the dishes.
Ready to be done with Election 2010. I'm not a politician. Friends with one side and supporters AND friends with the other side is so uncomfortable! Without saying a word, just sitting in a certain section of the audience during a debate says - "although you are my friend, I really don't think you are qualified to do this job." Hard to do. Ugh. Politics have become so divisive at all levels, there is very little respectful discourse anymore. You must love the guy you're voting for and hate the other. It's just not me.
Chance is becoming a pretty frugal money manager. Finally spent his gift cards from his birthday (in August). Decided against a new cell phone (doesn't use it enough [yet]), and an iPod (content to borrow mom's), and has a decent amount of minutes left on the old cell phone (for now). So, a new skateboard got the nod. Internet research, and more internet research, and more internet research, finding out more than I ever knew was possible about decks, trucks, bearings, wheels, grip tape, etc., etc., etc. I'm proud of him!
On the other hand, all of my free time is spent reading books on handling "TWEEN" attitudes. I've actually come across some very helpful suggestions, but I'm leaning toward Darla's method for our next battle - take away everything but bed and clothing. Everything else is privileges to be earned.
Colton continues to amaze me. He is doing so well in school - the vocabulary that surfaces occasionally is well beyond his years. But, really, he could care less - about homework, school work, reading, etc. Hoping something peaks his interest enough to capture his focus. Look out world when it does!
We had a field trip of Chance and Colton's classes to our house to see the bee hives and extract honey. I gotta say - based on the incessant questions alone - we don't pay 1st and 2nd grade teachers enough. In addition, based upon the tween attitude mentioned above, we also don't pay 6th grade teachers near enough. Thank the Lord for the heart of a teacher. Truly an amazing gift.
Random Napoleon Dynamite quotes are starting to hit me at unsuspecting times. The boys are certainly rubbing off on me. "I don't understand a word that just came out of your mouth!"
The boys are working on the old Dodge. It'll be a pretty sweet ole truck when it's all said and done. Both boys have lots of "credit hours" on the books - 1 hour working on the truck = 1 hour driving the truck. We'll see how the books look once they turn 16 . . .

That's about it for me. What's on your list lately?

10 . . .9 . . .8 . . .7 . . .6

2010-10-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Circle Journal Spoiler Alert!

Sandy's Top 10!

This is totally off the cuff. I think I've answered these differently before, but this is where I was at this week.

My house is on FIRE! What do you grab?
1. Matt & Kids
2. Jake
3. Scrapbooks
4. Ancestor Quilt
5. Laptop
6. Purse
7. Recipes
8. Framed pictures
9. Photos
10. Books

How ‘bout dinner & conversation (past, present, or future)?
1. My husband – I never get enough of this!
2. Esther – I’m dying to know more about “such a time as this”.
3. Jesus – It would be the most challenging conversation of my life, but the best!
4. CS Lewis – To just pick that brain for an hour . . .
5. The Circle Journal Crew – ‘nuff said
6. Martha and Mary – gonna have to be together – I’ve got questions for them both!
7. Darla, minus kids, plus drinks – neither one of us is able to accomplish that very easily.
8. The Mayflower passengers
9. My boys – when they’re adults

Yikes! I’m packing, but I don’t know where I’m going!
1. Jeans & boots
2. Short-sleeve shirt
3. Sweatshirt
4. Undergarments
5. Swimsuit
6. Camera
7. Cash
8. Shades

All the colors of the Rainbow - My favorite of each

Where in the US would you like to travel?
1. Glacier
2. Yellowstone
3. San Antonio
4. Zion Nat’l Park
5. Alaska
6. Boston in the fall

5 Senses - My favorite of each

Scrapbook much? - most used tools
1. Clip-o-Matic
2. Laptop
3. Silhouette
4. Organized(ish) Room

I am . . .
1. Loyal
2. Determined
3. Saved

Pics! Two of my favorite in the last two months.

Never leave home without it
1. Cell Phone

Colton's Dinner Question

2010-10-04T20:58:00.001-07:00

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Matt - Make it so no kids can get hurt.

Chance - Get rid of all the bullies.

Mommy - Homes for all the orphans.

Colton - Create quicker transportation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was proud of my boys! No wishes for more candy or tons of money. Both had well-thought answers. Maybe the Messer boys will change the world for the better someday . . .

School Days

2010-09-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

Placemats

2010-09-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Except Matt won't let us eat off them.

Would you?

Thanks, mom! Once again, a priceless treasure to decorate our home. You are the best!!!

Sound Bites

2010-09-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

It seems like when we get busy, our life becomes a series of sound bites. Often little thought goes into what comes out of our mouths, which can be both good and bad, and it's the small sound bites while running to-and-fro that stick.

My prayer life takes on a sound bite type frequency, as well. It's the same - both good and bad. The good thing is that I am probably more in tune with God all day, little by little. The bad thing is that I know my day/week/month will suffer when I don't allow God a good chunk of my morning before my busy day gets started.

We've had lots of memorable sound bites around here lately. They stick in my head. Repeat themselves when I need a pick me up. Some of them repeat themselves just to annoy me.

Chance - Dad, you just sound like a dork when you say that! "dank" is NOT the same things as "jank". You don't even know what "jank" means! (He's right, we don't! We just finally caught on to the fact that "sic" is NOT a bad thing - it's a good thing! Go figure.)

A messenger from the Lord - Your ox has been stuck in the mud for weeks now! If you ask me, it's God's opinion that He gave you enough intelligence to figure it out and buy a smarter ox. (We RESTED the next Sunday :) Mostly, anyway.)

Colton - to the Dr. who is putting 3 stitches in the back of his head - At least now I know what the worst day of my life is! (She stopped stitching for a moment and giggled. Actually, she had to muffle giggles throughout the entire process, as Colton was spouting off left and right, but was hurting and being VERY serious - not trying to be funny!)

Chance - I don't want to go to your (Matt's) barber - it smells like old people there!

Jillian - I know it's hard. I know you want to quit. Waaa, waaaa, waaaa. Do you want to be skinny, or not?

Colton - molten rock underneath the center of the earth is magma. (He's been listening in while we study for Chance's science tests, apparently!)

Viktor Frankl (Nazi Concentration Camp Survivor, via Focus on the Family) - The man who has a "why" can live through almost any "how".

Beth Moore - Has God placed you in a position that seems to stir up every insecurity you have? Take it personally! He's stirring it up to scoop it out. He was crucified in weakness, but he lives by God's power. For we also are weak in Him, yet toward you we will live with Him by God's power. 2 Cor 13:4

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Playing both sides of the ball.
This was sack #3 for the game!

You've Got A Friend In Me

2010-09-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we had a fun, fun time having Adrian and Elijah over for a couple nights. Darla was on a LONG overdue mommy vacation day, and we were set to allow the boys free reign of our 3 acres in hopes of tired boys and restful nights for all involved.

We succeeded on all fronts! The kids had a blast. Nerf gun wars, Legos, K-Nex, Pool, Ping Pong, Skateboarding, Scootering, etc, etc, etc. Whatever games their little minds made up, they were off and running.

We are so fortunate that our kids get along so well - you can really count on them to keep each other busy. It makes it nice to trade babysitting and sleepovers, and gives both families some much needed adult time every once in awhile.

That kind of friendship - between both the kids and the adults - doesn't happen very often. I'm so thankful that we have that with Darla's family!

Anyway, Saturday, Chance had a football game, so we all loaded up to go watch. Adrian kept Colton entertained, as Colton is never too fond of paying attention to the actual game. They had 55 gallon blue drums that they used to construct forts, battle grounds, and whatever else their imaginations came up with.

Elijah, on the other hand, was watching intently to every down. And, he knew that while Chance was doing a bunch of this:

he was probably getting thirsty!

So, every time-out or break, he was there, helping out his friend.

With either water or an encouraging word. Below, I'm positive that he's patting Chance on the shoulder pads and saying, "Good Job, Buddy!" Because that's what he said EVERY time Chance came out of the game. What a kid!

After the game, when Chance had to run back to the field for his forgotten helmet, his little buddy was right beside him. Sorry Darla - he had it on his head before I could get a word out, so I figured I might as well take a picture! At least I didn't let them share toothbrushes :)

Thanks for a fun weekend, boys!

And, thanks for being such great friends! Adrian, Colton had more fun at that game than any of the others combined. And Elijah, friends like you are hard to come by. You're the best!

Ki-ai!

2010-09-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Sensei - We're going to work on escape moves - 1, 2, and 3.

Colton - (nods)

Sensei - Can you do all of those by yourself?

Colton - I forgot them.

Sensei - Where did you forget them?

Colton - (shakes head) No, I forgot them.

Sensei - Right. Where did you leave them? At home?

Colton - (in a stage whisper) Not that kind of forgot - I mean I forgot to practice!

A boy's best friend

2010-09-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

A great find!

2010-09-03T14:43:00.001-07:00

Clicking around the blogworld today found me at the Hake's blog.

Dr. Hake saw both of our boys at various times during his tenure at our clinic in town.

As well, his daughter-in-law watched the boys for 2 years just after Colton was born, so we have a connection and great interest in their family.

They are on a long-term medical mission to the St. Martin de Porres Hospital in Cameroon.

It was great to browse through and catch up, and will be even better to keep up with their challenges and successes in the mission field.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T09:28:00.001-07:00

School Days . . .

Crabs and Go-Karts and Kites - Oh My!

2010-08-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

AKA - The Beach Leg

Surfer boy
Callie flying her finger kite

The crew at the beach on the last night

Christmas shot???

Kite festival

Westport fishing docks

Pelican Point

Mom & Dad by the fire

Dutch & Helen

Crab Pot night!

Go-Kart racing

Sandy Cliffs Resort - as named by the kids
Chance & Makenna, general managers

Ali & Callie - Artists

Colton - Chance's assistant (until he got fired)

Dutch learning to fly the trick kite

Matt fishing

Jump Shot!

Olykoeks

2010-08-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Washington Irving - "balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat"

Some call them doughnuts.

I call them breakfast heaven.

Not like the case of dried out, crusty, run-of-the-mill things at Safeway.

Hand-made.

Imaginative fillings. The fritters, during our stay, ranged from traditional apple to raspberry, blueberry, raspberry/cream cheese, apple/raspberry, and raspberry white chocolate.

Fluffy.

Melt in your mouth.

Exquisite.

The only thing that came close was Seafood Chowder for lunch at the One Eyed Crab. But even its excellence was a distant 2nd place.

Life is good on vacation.

Vacation via Facebook

2010-08-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Heather Messer Day 1 vacation accomplishments: made it to our first destination, and Matt uses 5 hours in the truck and dictator-like control of the iPod to convince the boys that the Beastie Boys are still the pinnacle of good music.
August 13 at 5:29pm

Heather Messer Day 2 vacation accomplishment - Colton - "Daddy, if Bigfoot really lives in the Ape Caves like you said, I'm gonna need to buy something sharp like a sword at Wal Mart so I can chop off some if his fur to prove that I saw him."
August 14 at 10:52am

Heather Messer Ape Caves - check. Lava Canyon suspension bridge - check (barely). Daily trip to Wal Mart - check. Life is good. So is vacation.
August 15 at 9:03am

Heather Messer Johnston Ridge - fantastic. Coldwater Lake - beautiful. Helicopter ride - too expensive. 3/4 mile hike downhill to "Valley Overlook" to look for elk - doable. 3/4 mile back uphill after finding a dead end and no such overlook - CRANKY! Night at the Museum in the theater room of the 5 - perfect end to a great day.
August 16 at 9:36am

Heather Messer Crab pots - successful. Donut shop - exquisite breakfast. Kites, sand castles, and shell hunting - oh, my! Limited cell coverage - welcome. Life on vacation - still good.
August 18 at 10:42am

Heather Messer My view today.

August 19 at 1:37pm

Heather Messer Back to reality . . .
Sunday at 10:00pm

30 years ago in May

2010-08-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

The first leg of our journey took us to Mt. St. Helens.

Hiking the Ape Caves, Lava Canyon, Johnston Ridge, and Coldwater Lake.

Earning Jr. Ranger badges.

Learning at the Johnston Observatory and Wildlife Learning Center.

Life is good on vacation.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Let's call it Cousin Camp.

...

The boys are having a great week!

...

Slime

Pinatas

Triatas
(with 3 balloons. Get it?)

Orange slime

Lego Wars

Thanks, Jessie!

How do you spell adventure?

2010-08-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend, for us, it was R-O-A-D T-R-I-P!

Matt had been out of town for a couple weeks, and had to pick up some equipment for work in Seattle sometime during the weekend. I decided we weren't going to let him go by himself, so the roadtrip plan was hatched!

We hit the Science Center:

The Market:

In addition to the Waterfront, a hotel with a pool, and multiple Jamba Juice and Starbucks stops.

...

Topped off by a tornado-style, kid friendly whirl through the U-District shopping center. Is there such a thing? I think not. Not with boys, anyway. However, they do have the coolest Apple store I've ever been to, which to their credit kept the boys entertained a LONG time.

...

Memories in the making . . .

A to Z of me

2010-07-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

Circle journal spoiler!

Read on at your own risk . . .

We sell our metal products at Art shows
My Boys (all three of them) are the highlight of my life
Chocolate is always a weakness
I like Daisies
I once memorized the Periodic Table of Elements
Not Finishing college is one of my biggest regrets
Currently, Glacier is the camping trip of my dreams
Never had to do Homework in school
I have a VIVID Imagination – especially when home alone!
My maiden name was Jones
I have a love/hate relationship with Kettle corn
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior
Dave Ramsey has forever changed my view of Money
Camping is my favorite way to stay in touch with Nature
I try to go Outside the box
My favorite sport to Play is basketball
I am a great fan of great Quotes
Reading a good book is one of my favorite things
I cannot believe I’m this far behind in Scrapbooking
Thunder storms are my favorite
Colton’s first word was Umbrella
My Vitamix blender is my favorite new purchase
Love Watching my kids’ activities
I’ve had many X-rays in my sports career
Yellow is my least favorite wardrobe color, but one of my very favorite scrapbook colors
Giraffes are my favorite at the Zoo

I've had my toes in the water . . .

2010-07-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Because Facebook is so much quicker to update, and doesn't require much thought, my friends over there have had a bit more info about our goings-on the last month or so.

That doesn't help my blog-stalkers, though, does it? It also doesn't help with the end of the year journal - as missing a month isn't really ideal for cataloging our everyday life.

But, because Facebook is so easy, I'm going to cheat and use it to catch you up.

Here's what's been going on:

Heather Messer Missin' my guy on Father's Day - thanks for being a father and husband beyond anything I could have hoped for! Love you, babe :)
June 20 at 4:23pm

Matt and I were split up for the second weekend in a row - one of us at a baseball tournament, one of us at an art show.
The one who was lucky enough to be watching baseball was constantly trying to keep the other one up to speed via text message. What a frustrating way to "watch" a baseball game!

Heather Messer ‎"Two percent of our population provides the rest of us with all the food we need, and we behave as though it’s our birthright." -Mike Rowe http://www.mikeroweworks.com/

June 23 at 11:

Heather Messer Gearing up for another baseball tourney this weekend - and somehow trying to fit in some time to work on the deck - we've got lots of bare foot kiddos coming for the 4th.
June 23 at 10:01pm

Heather Messer One 20-pound box of Klicker Straweberries later, and the weekend just got busier! Anyone have a great recipe for freezer jam/pie filling/etc?
June 24 at 2:51pm

We opted for freezing about 1/3, and strawberry jam and strawberry/rhubarb jam out of the rest. Yum!

Heather Messer Thinking of my friend Tom, and praying for him and his family. Hang in there, Tom. We love you, and are fighting right along side you!
July 2 at 8:35am

Heather Messer What a fantastic weekend - thanks, friends!
July 5 at 3:26pm

Heather Messer The faint echoes of the Kelly Hughes band drift our way, as we bask in the radiant heat stored by the asphalt on which our RV sits, under the glow of the carnival's Gravitron. I am living in a romance novel. Good thing Prince Charming is right here beside me. July 10

Ahhhh, the joys of parking lot camping at the art shows. The carnie circuit is like no other . . .
At least Matt and I were in the same town for this one!

Heather Messer Oh my goodness, she's hot and she can wail! Mom, come check this out (as he rewinds Americas Got Talent). A blonde babe in a tight outfit? Nope. A 13-year-old cutie with braces and a headband. Am I really at this phase? Really?
July 12 at 8:58pm via Facebook for iPhone

Heather Messer Fun, fun weekend watching the 11 year old all stars. They are playing GREAT! So proud of all of them. Now, having some family adventure in Ephrata. Ballfield camping, movie, pizza, and festivities. Life is good.
Friday at 9:04pm via Facebook for iPhone

Heather Messer Day 3, here we go. Boys are playing some good baseball. Lots of ESPN Web Gems goin on. Good luck, Moses Lake!
Yesterday at 10:26am via Facebook for iPhone

Heather Messer A bit sad that it's all done . . . What a fun all-star season. Good friendships made. Lessons learned. Character built. Fun created. Lifetime memories. Thanks to all who made it happen!
23 hours ago
Life is good today.

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

2010-06-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

-Clarence Budington Kelland

Our dad is the best because . . .

He takes us to school
He takes us to the range
He likes to go to Starbucks with us
He wrestles with us
He prays with me at night time
He knows lots of lines in Napoleon Dynamite
He listens to music with us on his iPod
He plays catch with us
He goes to my games
He lets us shoot his guns
He feeds us nachos and stuff
He brings us prizes
He scammed mom into a flat screen tv
In some categories, he listens to pretty decent music
He never makes me eat bananas, 'cause he hates them, too

We love you, Dad!

Happy Father's Day

Chance & Colton

Love is patient . . .

2010-06-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

The past couple weeks have probably not been what Colton would have chosen.

He did not choose to be an All Star.

He did not choose 2 hours at the ball park each night.

He did not choose watching multiple baseball games every weekend.

But he (and a few of his buddies who are in the same predicament) is making the best of it.

While still doing a lot of watching and wishing.

Your turn is coming, buddy. Thanks for being patient.

Life is good today

2010-06-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

I cringed as I awaited the report from Chance's dentist.

But, luck was on my side.

He told me that these teeth

were coming in very straight (surprisingly straight, he said).

And they weren't too crowded yet.

And we could wait on these

for another 6 months or so.

Life is good.

These are the moments

2010-06-06T21:59:00.001-07:00

Judd, Dad, Heather

My Grandma Grace was in the area this week from Arizona, so we headed to my parent's house on Saturday to visit.

Angus

Holden

The kids all got along great, and had fun entertaining the little ones.

Chance loves hangin' out with Angus

Emma is always ready to help with the baby!

It was a fantastic day.

A couple 4-generation photos with Dad & Grandma

My Uncle Bill was feeling well enough to come and visit for awhile - an unexpected surprise.

Grandma, Uncle Bill, and the cousins: Katie, Judd, Heather, Heidi, Theresa

Grandma Grace and her kids: Bill, Marcia, Dale, Chuck (missing Cheryl)

My Grandma looked great, and spent her time surrounded by one of her many great-grand kids.

Grandma Grace and 1/3 of her Great Grand kids:

Emma, Holden, Gracie, Angus, Chance, Laura, Colton

Thanks, mom! As always, your house was a welcome haven for many great memories.

Judd & Angus - exhausted

In the books

2010-06-04T16:20:00.001-07:00

The Pirates last game of the season was last night.

Colt had a great game. One hit, some good plays in the infield, and an entertaining game in the outfield.

So, pretty much par for the course!

As you can tell, some of the kids were more than ready to be done :)

"Sun" Lakes

2010-06-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it wasn't extra sunny.

We never made it to the lake.

We battled schedules, call-outs, and wind.

And still managed to have a great time, full of:

Friends

Family

Hikes

Contests

Swimming

Games

Visiting

and plain old FUN.

Only shooting stars break the mold

2010-05-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

So, apparently, if you want to see us this summer, you'll have to meet us at the ball park.

As of 7:30 this evening, our boy is officially an "All Star". Nothing we didn't already know, but now there's a schedule to go with it!

Tuesday starts 5-day-a-week practices, with four weekend tournaments looming in our future.

Anyone want to volunteer to take over the metal business for a couple months??

He confessed

2010-05-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

For if you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Teachable Moments

2010-05-18T10:27:00.001-07:00

A short conversation between Colt and his daddy this morning:

Colton - It will take me like 100 years to finish this picture.

Daddy - If you do it a little bit at a time - some this morning, some tonight, some tomorrow - you'll have it done before school gets out. Just do what you can.

Colton - Yep, just do what you can.

Daddy - It's a good life-lesson, huh buddy?

Colton - Do what you can every day, and only eat 'til you're full.

Words we could all live by.

This week we've been

2010-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Cleaning

(Don't judge the "before" pics, they are simply there to make the "after" pics look that much better!)

Yard Selling

(Yep, that's duct tape)

Turning 7

Turning a little more than 7

Mother's Day dinnering at Michael's

Boys' Camping

Field Tripping (Colt's class to the wind farm)

Summer clothes switching

Church nursery watching

Outdoor school packing

Flower melting

Money earning

iPhone art making

(Nice pic, Chance. Now put the camera down and cheer for your brother!)

Family togethering

Praising

That's one way to do it

2010-05-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

This cracked me up.

They've been repairing the canal near my work.

This is how they make sure no one steals their stuff at night.

Happy Birthday To You - Cha, Cha, Cha!

2010-05-13T11:16:00.001-07:00

What a great way to spend your birthday. . .

Happy Birthday, Colt! I love you!

I'm a spoiled brat

2010-05-10T16:20:00.001-07:00

My Mother's Day:

My boys

Gifts

Breakfast
(On paper plates, so as not to appear too snobby!)

45 days of love.

Does it get any better? I think not ;) Thanks, boys!

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

I count my mom among my greatest blessings.

Happy Mother's Day - I love you!

I don't care if I never get back

2010-05-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

I've been root, root, rooting for the home team.

Spinning, thrashing, and praying for calm

2010-05-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

I've been doing accounting work long enough to know that you can make numbers say pretty much anything you want them to say. You'd think 2 + 2 = 4, but that's rarely what anyone wants to see. So, you change the timeline. Narrow the focus. Broaden the focus. Add in more variables. Select only a few variables. All the calculations are accurate and true. But the numbers will say what you want them to say.

I've voted in and helped in enough political elections by now to know you can make the candidate be almost anything you want them to be. You'd think a track record, a platform, and some pointed questions should get you pretty close to the real person, but again that's rarely what the majority of people want to see. So, you polish the platform. Tweak the track record - leave out what you don't need, and over-emphasize what may have never been important until now. You calculate each answer, and spin yourself into what everyone wants you to be.

Recently, I'm realizing that I've been a Christian long enough to know that we Christians can make the bible say just about anything we want it to say. You'd think "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself" would be pretty much infallible, but for many it's not that simple, and rarely what we are willing to commit to. So instead, we pull scripture that meets our current need, paying little attention to the context, and no attention to scripture that may disprove our theory, effectively fitting our God into the box that works for us at the time.

I know that there ARE many infallible truths in the bible. The "no questions asked", this is how it's go to be, nothing contradictory here, kind of statements. I believe in them with all of my heart.

But, this great God of ours gave us a wonderfully dangerous gift - called choice. Primarily, so we could choose to love Him - knowing that chosen love is infinitely more precious than compulsory love.

And so, even within the bible, we are given the ability, even the responsibility, to choose.

Extend grace? Luke 6:37

Or turn over the tables? Luke 19:45-46

Forgive 7 x 70? Matthew 18:22

Curse the fig tree? Mark 11:20

Or dig around it, fertilize it, and wait one more year for fruit? Luke 13:8-9

Or recognize the fruit, and the overflow of the heart, for what it is? Luke 6:43-45

Be a guest in the house of a 'sinner'? Luke 18:7

Or wipe the dust of your feet and move on? Luke 10:11

Ask Him to calm the storm? Luke 8:24

Or simply request wisdom to see it through? 1 Kings 3:9

Love those who curse you? Luke 6:35

Or cut off the hand that sins? Mark 9:42

Throw the first stone? John 8:7

Or rejoice that whoever is not against us is for us? Mark 9:40

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.

No spin.

It's not always easy. But it needs to be that simple.

He has appointed me a leadership position.

With decisions to make.

Scripture is thrown at me from every side of the argument.

And the waves are high.

My boat is thrashing.

I wish the storm would miraculously subside.

Instead, I ask for wisdom.

Show me the way, Lord. A lamp unto my feet. My next step is yours.

Wind delay

2010-05-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Our baseball game tonight has been cancelled.

Mostly because the majority of the roads in the county look like this:

Or worse. Believe me, I never even wanted to know what a "brown out" was. I do now.

And the forecast isn't so promising:

I think I'll have to continue the spring cleaning. Yuck.

Safe!

2010-04-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Fine dining at its funnest

2010-04-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

We headed over to the "West Side" this weekend for a fun-filled weekend of garden art, cousins, quilts, carnivals, tie-dye, trampolines, grandparents, and birthday celebrating.

It was totally a hit or miss weekend.

Missing the tulip part of the Tulip Festival - obvious MISS :(

Cousins, quilts, carnival, tie-dye, trampoline - HIT!

Garden art show - MISS :(

Grandparents and celebrating Papa Chuck's birthday - HIT!

$44 lunch (for two) at a snooty burger joint - MISS :(

Dinner at Sakura on our way home - HIT OUT OF THE BALLPARK!

Things we loved about Sakura:

Chance and Colton both found out they like Japanese soup

I think mostly because they found the acceptable custom of slurping the funnest thing ever.

The sushi was yummy

We had our own personal chef

He was talented - magic tricks, egg tossing, utensil spinning, and really good food

There was a bit of an incident with a cracked egg on top of his chef's hat, but he handled it so gracefully!

He was especially adept at running the 'Japanese Fire Hydrant'

Chance and Colton both liked the fried rice.

The teriyaki chicken was a hit - but not immediately . . .

Colt could have cried when he watched the chef put teriyaki sauce on every one's chicken - he isn't a sauce kind of kid - no ketchup, mustard, bbq, etc. - he is a hot dog on a dry bun kind of kid

Once he tried it, he ate a whole plate of it

Everyone ate some vegetables

We all left STUFFED, with enough leftovers to feed us today.

I'm about to get kicked out of Christmas

2010-04-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hello. My name is Heather.

I do not like Grandmother Hull's Sour Cream cookies that Matt thinks are the same thing as a Snickerdoodle.

They're not.

And that's probably why I don't like them.

But tonight, during one of our frequent "dinner in the car" nights on the way to baseball, that suddenly didn't matter.

Because Chance likes my Snickerdoodles. A lot.

Take a listen:

Chance (after wolfing down a taco) - I'm ready for some Snickerdoodles! Brad, you gotta try these cookies. They are SO GOOD. They're like the best.

Brad - My mom has her own Snickerdoodle recipe.

Chance - Yeah, but this one has been handed down in my dad's family clear from like his grandmother or something.

Side Note - I'm cracking up at this point - more later

Chance - Here, try it.

Brad - I have taco in my mouth. Hang on. Ohhhhhh. Those ARE good.

A couple minutes pass in blissful, full-mouthed silence.

Chance - Mom, Brad finished his taco, but he's too shy to ask for the Snickerdoodles, but he really likes them, so could you pass some back here, please?

Here's the deal. I made those Snickerdoodles from a cake mix. Not from a recipe handed down several generations. I've tried that. Not from the recipe that came from the flirtatious 50-year old at Matt's old job. I've tried that one too. This one was an easy cake mix, CREAM OF TARTAR, butter, egg thing. It's all I have the time, inclination, or effort to accomplish anymore. I admit, they're better than refrigerated, tastier than mediocre, but not spectacular by any means.

Matt must also admit that fact as well, or he wouldn't have eaten part of Colton's share at last night's baseball dinner. But, I digress.

So, this has been a point of contention for our entire relationship. Even back when I had time for a real recipe and a desire to impress, I remember my cookies being compared to the "Famous Grandmother Hull Snickerdoodles".

In fact, at one point, I did try to make the real things, but figured I must have done something wrong. They just didn't taste right. And, maybe that's not the right wording - they tasted nothing like I expected a Snickerdoodle to taste.

It has been only recently that I realized he wasn't comparing apples to apples.

Fairly recently, he requested them for the Christmas cookie plate at his mom's house. He was thrilled. He LOVED them. "That's what I'm talking about!" he exclaimed. After 13 years of marriage, he is finally again served the cookie he adores so much. I sampled one for myself.

That bland puffy cookie without enough cinnamon in the cinnamon/sugar mixture could be compared to a snickerdoodle, but it would be like cooking up 100 different flavors of cheez-its when he was really thinking of a plain pretzel.

In my opinion (this is my blog, I can do that), the Snickerdoodle should be chewy, tart (cream of tartar tart), and coated so much in the cinnamon mixture that it's crackled after baked.

That's a Snickerdoodle.

I'm sure the Sour Cream cookie has a rightful place in society. Its place just isn't in my kitchen. I'll leave that up to his mom at Christmas-time.

I'll have to, cause like I said, I think I just got kicked out.

I'll be home with Chance, eating cake-mix Snickerdoodles. YUMMY!!

Then & Now

2010-04-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

Chance & Hunter - 2005

Chance & Hunter tonight

Chance & Brad - 2005

Brad tonight

Chance tonight

Apparently, time flies.

Dinner Question

2010-04-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Laughter is the best medicine. Tell us about something that recently made you laugh . . .

Colton - We were playing kickball for PE, and Travis was running to 1st base, and I thought he was going to slide, but instead he did a belly flop on the base. It just cracked me up.

Mama - Last night, when Colton tied the beanbag around his waist, and wanted to know what it was like to walk around with "junk in the trunk".

Chance - We played baseball at Ross's birthday party, and I was the pitcher, and James swung, and it bounced off the bat and hit him right on the forehead. It was just a tennis ball, so it didn't hurt him, it just made us all laugh.

Matt - Chance's college comment in the car the other day. We were driving home, and Chance was trying to trick us with a riddle - Pete and Re-pete were sitting on a wall. Pete fell off. Who was left? - As you say "Re-Pete", he repeats the riddle. Ha ha. So, we started saying - "Pete's friend", "the other guy", "not Pete", etc. Chance, exasperated, says "Come on, you guys! This isn't that hard! (pointing at me) You've got a college education! (now to Matt) And you kind of do!" He isn't quite buying the Pottery and Astronomy track . . .

Weekend Recap

2010-04-18T16:20:00.001-07:00

It's been a great weekend. We've accomplished both a lot and a little. Some areas needed a big push - other areas needed significant rest.

Chance went to a birthday party.

I got the present to him in the nick of time at school on Friday afternoon.

He stayed up until 2:30 watching movies and gabbing - I thought only girls did that?

Colt and I coupon shopped.

3 stores.

Over $100 saved.

More than $100 spent, but I'm blaming that primarily on toothbrush heads for the Sonicare. I'm pretty sure they are both diamond-encrusted and gold-plated.

Colton clothes change-out. New size. Summer stuff. Outgrown shoes. Worn out shoes that served as a scooter break one too many times. Overflowing dresser.

Now, organized dresser. Drawers close. Everything fits. Not everything has been worn by Chance (a rarity in this kid's life), and 3 pairs of shoes that fit right now. Bonus.

Forced reduction of Chance t-shirts.

A concerted effort not to re-sort because he didn't pick the ones I would have.

3 bags of clothes labelled and downstairs to wait for Colt to grow.

2 bags of giveaways. We are definitely to the point where our giveaways might as well be the costume trunk for a troupe of vagabond kids - by the time they get through these two boys, they are WELL used.

A trip to Spokane for bees, lunch, and some Gonzaga baseball.

Re-do the business web-site and Paypal site.

Movie night.

Sleep in - late church.

Church in the gym again - sanctuary being remodeled.

Fantastic message - this series has been a blessing each and every week.

Visit to the ballpark to test out a pitching machine on loan from some friends.

Late lunch at home and a lazy afternoon.

Batteries officially recharged and ready for another busy week.

Open House

2010-04-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

We had open house at the boys' school last night. It was tons of fun to wander through the classrooms, see the kid's projects and art, and hear all the good things going on in the school.

I'm so glad we are able to put our kids in this school. It doesn't come without sacrifice - both time and $$ - but I see the benefits of it almost daily.

Colton's "fossil".

He fossilized toy soldiers. Jane, I'm gonna need the number to the Air Force Academy.

Blogger thinks it's smarter than me regarding the orientation of this picture. I know it's upside down. I can't fix it. The point is, I raced Chance in division tables, and he beat me by 2 seconds. He'd also like to point out that he reduced his fractions and I did not, so really he beat me by a lot more than that. Bragger.

Poster highlighting the Potato Gleaning that the kids did for the food bank. There's a really cute kid on the bottom left . . .

Our award winning choir sang. I LOVE hearing them perform - it's a blessing every time.

At the door leaving Chance's classroom.

Chance immediately showed us which circle was his (these are made of embroidery thread) because of the knot that was in it where he made a small mistake. I don't know where his perfectionist tendencies come from??

Chance and Ross created this masterpiece after their study of Candyland and Willy Wonka.

An overview of what's been happening in the 5th grade classroom.

A unique approach to homework, assignments, and rewards.

Chance and Ross's camo creation

Colton's class displaying different forms of art

Colt's "almost butterfly"

My favorite part of this display are the "extra" caterpillars stashed behind, so as to ensure no emotionally precarious 1st grader comes in one morning to find his butterfly experiment dead and gone. That's one smart teacher, right there :)

Colton's springtime story

Thanks, MLCA teachers and staff. What a fantastic evening. You are doing such a great job with my boys!

The One

2010-04-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Two posts made me cry already this morning.

This one, about The One who needs an advocate.

And this one, about The One whom we follow, and trust to ultimately advocate for all who cannot advocate for themselves.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:20-21.

Season Opener

2010-04-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

First hit, a double! So much for first-game jitters.

Between the two boys, 25 Games in the next 7 weeks.

Here we go . . .

The Few, The Proud . . .

2010-04-13T10:14:00.001-07:00

I think my kids have the best Sunday School teachers ever.

The sword of truth, like you've never seen it before!

For what I do is not the good I want to do

2010-04-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

I want to go hear an author that is in town to promote her book and give a lecture . . .

. . .I brave the wind of baseball practice instead.

I want to attend a book club of a friend who has offered "girl, books, & wine" time . . .

. . .I attend a basketball game instead.

I want to plan a summer full of fun, camping adventures for our family . . .

. . .I gaze desperately at the quick-filling schedule of art shows and other commitments and hope to squeeze in a few

I want to do one of those "girl's shopping weekends", with money I don't have, with no worry of consequences later . . .

. . .I open the budget spreadsheet and remind myself to "live like no one else now"

I want to spend a weekend full of only lattes, slippers, snuggies, and books . . .

. . .I walk past the heaps of laundry and dishes and know they must be dealt with

I want to exercise everyday at lunch - knowing that when I walk it has so many benefits beyond just the exercise . . .

. . .I watch the 50 m.p.h. wind outside and know another small window of opportunity has passed

I want to read a chapter of a fun, fun book each night to my kids . . .

. . .I look at the clock at 9:30, after school, work, practice, and dinner, and know the time has passed once again

I want to cook fantastic, nutritious, and somehow still really good meals for dinner . . .

. . .I throw another 30-minute casserole in the oven

I want to complete my bible study and spend time in the Word every day . . .

. . .I hit snooze one to many times and have to rush through only a portion

Full days turn into full weeks that turn into full months, and pretty soon, I'm staring down another year of just like before, hoping I've made some memories and an impact along the way.

It won't always be like this.

I know that.

I know that I know that I KNOW that. I cuddled my nephew last weekend and longed again for a time I wished away too quickly.

I know I'll miss this.

I know "It won't be like this for long". (Thanks, Darius)

But, in spite of that, I want more. Or maybe less. Not a fast forward. But, maybe a slow motion.

Some time to write my blog. Or maybe a book. Or not, but know that I could have.

Time in the day to do my job, and do it well, and not feel guilty about taking a break, or a lunch, or even a walk.

Somehow, to not view the windy practice as a burden. To not wish it away. To not MISS it because I'm throwing a fit.

There will be a time, and it will come all too soon, that it's ALL about me. And I will wish it wasn't.

So, how do I do the good that I want to do? And not do the evil that I do not want to do? And still do the mundane that I have to do? And somehow find the good in the mundane?

I need all you Titus Women, who are usually lurkers, to come out of hiding and give this young woman some guidance. Let's hear your wisdom . . .

Step 1 of 4

2010-04-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

AKA - The Spring Break Project

We've been toying with the idea of remodeling the upstairs for quite some time. Recently, we had some success with re-doing the living room, but still by the end of it vowed never to paint again - EVER.

Then, spring break came upon us. The boys went to Grandma's, and Matt & I enjoyed a week of remembering what adult conversation was like. We ate adult food - nary a chicken nugget to be found. We watched adult TV shows - no Disney Channel allowed. We went out to dinner - and it wasn't a drive through.

Then, Wednesday night came.

Matt got called out.

And, I was home all by myself, by 5:15 (unheard of), with NOTHING to do.

I'm not very good at having nothing to do.

So, forgetting our painting vow, I begin work on the boys' bedroom.

By the end of the week, it looks something like this:

Step two will be a re-do of the den - turning it into a big combo room that will include the scraproom, guest room, and Matt's reloading station. This will include a large yard-sale/eBay effort - there is lots and Lots and LOTS of junk accumulated in there!

Step three - turn the scrap room into Colton's room - the above bedroom will be Chance's.

Step four - update the small bathroom into one that the boys can use exclusively.

We intend to keep up the momentum and keep moving along - feel free to ask if you don't see a post on Step 2 in the next couple months :) Maybe the pressure will keep me honest.

Is there anything sweeter?

2010-03-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

Via Colton's teacher, Mrs. Munoz:

We were spelling a word at math table and the word had a 'ur' in it, and I said it was the 'ur' in nurse spelling. Alexis said, "My mom is a nurse." About three or four minutes later Colton popped up and said, "Speaking of moms....I just love my mom!" What a sweetheart! Hope that made your day. Enjoy spring break and Happy Easter!

Dinner Question Snippets

2010-03-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

Dinner question on Tuesday - tell us about your first date? Chance decided it was obviously only for the adults, but I decided to let them speculate on what their first date will be . . .

. . . Chance - you mean my second?

. . . Colton - I'll probably just take her to the movies. Maybe some ice cream. Mostly, I have NO CLUE!

Dinner question Monday - if you could teleport anywhere in the world for 90 seconds, where would you go?

. . . Chance - On the world's tallest roller coaster

. . . Colton - to California Screamin'

. . . Matt - 90 seconds straight up in a rocket

. . . Me - to see our Compassion Kids

Dinner Question Sunday - Would you want to own your own company? If so, what would it be?

. . . Chance - Yes! Create-A-Candy - you could make your own kind of candy flavors, and buy them in stores or order them on the internet (if your town wasn't large enough to support a store). You choose colors, flavors, etc.

. . . Colton - Yes! Create-A-??? - it would be really like creating anything you want. Each room would be different. Just a creating kind of company. Like one room is food. One room is robots, etc, etc, etc.

. . . Mommy - Maybe? - I know what this sort of thing really looks like. Lots of work, few benefits. But, I'll play along. Mine would be - DWOC - "D-walk" - Donuts With Out Calories. I'm pretty sure I'd be a billionaire. At least.

. . . Matt - Yes! Create-A-Sweet - you could make your own kind of candy flavors, and buy them in stores or order them on the internet. How much would yours cost, Chance? ($5/#) - okay, so mine would be $4 / #. It only took about 2 minutes for the light bulb to pop on in Chance's head - you want to be my COMPETITION??? What are you thinking?????

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T00:46:00.000-07:00

Think they need any help with their advertising campaign?

Mr. Beekeeper

2010-03-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned last week that Matt did a presentation at the boys' school for the Kindergarten on bees and honey.

It turns out the 3rd graders were free for that time-frame, so they joined in the fun.

On Friday, he got a Thank-You card from the K's and letters from the 3's.

The bees are thumbprints and fingerprints.

My favorite part? "....your 'buzzy' day."!

Things I've learned that I don't know this week

2010-03-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

While I know I want my children to be as safe as possible

.....I admit I know NOTHING about this new "cup check" deal in Chance's baseball league.

I know that the top floor always has the best view

.....but I have no idea what the view is from that (my perception) rickety treehouse.

I know that I can do a decent job speaking in public when I have to

.....but I have no idea how to stop my knees from visibly shaking when in front of 400 people

I know my husband's job is to protect "the least of these" in our society

.....but I don't know how to make myself believe they deserve his protection when family time is sacrificed again

I know it is a blessing that Chance has been gifted with great intelligence

.....but I don't know how to stop worrying that he doesn't know how to study or do homework and that someday he will REALLY need to know how to do those things

I know, without a doubt, that Colton was sent by God into my orderly world to teach me that my plans, ideas, and schedules are not always the best thing

.....but I have no idea how to fully express my gratitude and love for the ways that little pinball has caused me to stretch and grow

I know, with all of my heart, that I have married my better half

.....I will spend the rest of my life learning ways to show him that I know that

I know that I believe in my country. I love America. I am blessed to live here. It is the greatest nation on the earth.

.....I do not know where the strength is coming from, which holds my friend Jane tall and mighty as she sends her son off to Iraq this week.

.....wait, I do know. That's the Lord holding her up. Praise Him.

I am praying for you, friend. Today, and in the days to come. You have raised two noble young men. I think God is proud. I love you, Neighbor Jane!

Wordless Wednesday - On Thursday - Guest Post

2010-03-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

AKA - Unapologetic self-promotion. I guess it's not exactly self-promotion, since I didn't write it, but it kind of is, since I'm still posting it.

Here's a glimpse into the other side of the blog world - our readers. Blog on, my friends, you are changing someone's world one post at a time!

Why Blog?
Verna Wisner

The first time I heard the word BLOG was a news story when a writer of one was referred to as a BLOGGER.

I went about my business, not questioning what a Blog is or why/how someone would write one. Is that a job I hadn’t heard about up until then? I can’t say why, other than the fact that I spend all day on a computer and when I get home I prefer to stay away from the source of most of my daily tribulations.

Add that to the fact that what I know about computers is just enough to get my job done,
send and receive emails, and look for always more neat scrapbook articles on my noon hours. Pretty much a love/hate relationship with emphasis on the hate part.

Then Heather announced she was going to join the world of blogging.

“Hmmm,” I thought to myself, “I’d better learn what this about so I don’t sound completely ignorant when I talk to her next time.”

Who signed her up to join?

Does she have to leave home to do it?

How is she going to find the time to do it?

Did she have to take a class?

Does it cost anything?

What is she going to Blog about?

What? When? Did? Will? How’s that again?

All these questions…. “Just wait and see,” my mind said, “maybe it will be self-explanatory and you won’t have to ask her any dumb questions.”

She didn’t let me down! And the last three or so years of her blogs have been an almost daily source of joy, laughter, a few tears, envy (on my part), love, concern, pride and amazement that I never dreamed possible.

I’ve always regretted that Matt and his family don’t live in Yakima (or I in Moses Lake). I grew up with one set of grandparents just across the road from us, and the other set 8 miles away in town. We saw them on an almost daily basis and they were an integral part of our lives. I couldn’t imagine life without them and felt so bad for schoolmates who only saw theirs once a year or so. I promised myself that wherever they lived, I would find a way to make sure that my grandchildren would never have to spend a day getting to re-know me each time one of us made a from-out-of-town visit. Of course, I never thought that would really happen – it just couldn’t.

But it did. While I’m not fond of it, I’m OK with it. God has them right where He wants them and that’s all I need to know. And I love that. They have jobs He provided for them, a beautiful home to which He led them, a fantastic church, an amazing school for my grandsons. Ah, my grandsons – the loves of my life – thank You Lord for Chance and Colton.
Which brings me back to Heather’s Blog. If I had my way, I would be on the phone every evening with my Moses Lake family to talk about what they did during the day, the things every mother/grandmother likes to know. But that’s not practical, to say nothing about being intrusive and a pest. Now I don’t have to because I have THE BLOG!!

Every day I can read about what’s going on, how God is working in their lives, their ups and downs, adventures and daily grinds. I even get recipes and PICTURES!! It’s a wonderful way to be kept in touch – and if I want details, I can call later. And what’s better, is that it’s not laundry lists of activities, but wonderfully woven stories with her gentle and sometimes hilarious humor that makes me actually laugh out loud.

I print these stories off and keep them in a three-ring binder at my desk. And when it’s full, I take it home, and start another. I print off special pictures and pin them to the wall by my desk and they have become great conversation starters with strangers, and “What are they up to now?” updates with co-workers who are always entertained by selected anecdotes I share. More than one of them has suggested that Heather could write a best-seller - and they would be first in line at the book-signing.

So now I know what a Blog is, and I’ll be the first to say that when a day goes by there isn’t one, the disappointment is of Richter Scale proportion. How gutsy is that? With all Heather has to do every day, who am I to feel let down when now and then it just doesn’t work for her to at least write a few words? It didn’t take long to spoil me! I hope she never stops. How blessed I am to be able to have a regular glimpse of the lives of the most important four people in the world to me. To be like a mouse in the corner watching the goings on in one very active family! It’s like a daily vitamin for my soul, a fix, if you will! I read and re-read the stories and when I start from the beginning, I read the progression in the lives of those who are so precious to me in a way that 20 years ago would not have been possible! How blessed I am!

And someday, when they have to tuck me away someplace where I can’t lose things, and my memory fades, I’ll have these notebooks to read and enjoy watching my family move through their days and I’ll know I’m so very blessed.

Thank you, Heather, I love you, Verna

This, That, & The Other

2010-03-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

So, my mom's a quilter. I'm a scrapbooker. I used to think our hobbies were on opposite ends of the spectrum. Not anymore.

Check out her latest project, that will soon hang in my home.

This beautiful montage of my ancestors is the neatest "scrapbook" I've ever seen. Can't wait to show you the final masterpiece!

Colton is about to grow. Like seriously grow. He's cranky every night. Exhausted. And I don't think I've EVER seen him eat this much. Tina agrees, so we are both watching in anticipation.

I get to go to Round 2 of the NCAA playoffs. How cool is that?

Chance is starting to watch "tween" movies on Disney channel, and no longer getting grossed out when the boy kisses the girl. I'm so not ready for this.

The boys are competing to each get straight A's on their report cards this quarter. Hope Papa is more ready for their prizes than he was when I was in high school and he offered me a car. Not that I'm still bitter or anything :) Who knew I had such potential?

Baseball practice starts tonight. I love both boys' coaches. I love the schedule so far. I love that baseball means spring weather is coming soon. Lots to love, lots to love.

I'm quite liking my Skechers walking shoes.

My calves, however, are not in agreement.

Matt gave a presentation at school about bees, hives, and honey. He said he left enough honey with the teacher to surely move every "behavior marker" in the class. That's the mark of a good presentation, right there!

Matt cooked again last night. Seriously, I don't know why I even try. Crab - Sauteed prawns - these breaded, baked oyster cocktail things - Asiago cheese bread. Yum.

He keeps serving these masterpieces on paper plates - so as not to seem too "snooty" ;)

Our 2010 camping vacation is completely booked and paid for. What a great feeling. Now, if I can just get myself to wait patiently until August.

I am reading "Loving Frank" and still working on the "Tired Supergirl's Search for Grace". All the while falling behind in my bible study. Priorities, priorities.

Wordless Wednesday tomorrow, unless I get a great guest post between now and then - put your thinking caps on, Wordless Wednesday Detractors. Let me see whatcha got!

Do you stockpile, or eat as you go?

2010-03-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

So, we spent the weekend putting on a crab feed for the boys' school. It's a fundraiser for the athletic program, and with Matt on the Athletic Committee, we had a pretty busy weekend.

Matt drove to Westport on Friday to pick up 1000# of fresh crab.

Add that to a complete spread by Michael's on the Lake, and what resulted was a feast fit for a king.

All-you-could-eat crab.

Prime Rib.

Salads.

Rolls.

Cake.

It was a great success. We were absolutely exhausted by the end of the evening!

So, my question to you is this. When you get the opportunity to eat fresh crab, do you eat as you go, or crack it open and stockpile, eating it all at the end?

Will you be my neighbor?

2010-03-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

My Neighbor Jane had a fantastic little questionnaire in her e-mail newsletter today, which she filled out and invited us all to do so as well. A "Get to know your neighbor/audience" kind of thing.

Because I love my Neighbor Jane Payne, I will gladly oblige!

1. What do you usually have for breakfast?

Egg sandwich - whole wheat toast, 1 egg, 2% cheese slice. Hungry Girl coffee drink.

2. What are three characteristics in others that you appreciate?
Work ethic, honesty, willingness to give

3. What are three characteristics in yourself that you appreciate?
Hat changing/juggling ability, honesty, willingness to follow Christ

4. If you could visit any period of history for one month, which one would you definitely NOT choose.
Old Testament - Queen Esther and the whole 12-month beauty treatment before you can go before the king? Yeah, sooooo not my style.

5. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Younger days - Tonka Trucks. Later - my bike.

6. What is one of your little talents that has given you big rewards?
Athleticism - as the mother of boys, it has served me so much better than abilities in fashion ever would have.

7. What fruit describes you best and why?
Coconut. Pretty tough to crack through, but once you're in, there's some kind of good stuff in there!

8. What do you think would improve your country?
Initiative, self-sufficiency, family values, and a complete intolerance for corruption of any sort.

9. When you’re shopping are you most like a skunk, whale, bear, or eagle? Why?
An eagle. I plan, prepare, and circle, circle, circle until the best deal is found.

10. When you’re working are you most like a mountain, river, ocean, or meadow? Why?
A river. Usually fairly steady, but there are some slow and/or stagnant spots. Then, along comes a waterfall to mix everything up, get a lot of stuff moved in a short amount of time, and keep everything on course.

11. What do you most appreciate about your family?
That we like to be together. Given the opportunity, we will literally spend hours in the same room - not necessarily doing the same thing, but together none-the-less.

12. If a movie were being made of your life, what actor/actress would you like to play you?

I don't think anyone would LIKE to play me. But, if given enough money, the actresses from either "Mad About You" or "Everybody Loves Raymond" have been living significant portions of my life their whole television careers - it would probably be an easy transition.

They call it "Spring Training"

2010-03-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

It's really a bunch of nervous kids.

Proud papas.

Calculating coaches.

And excited mamas.

So, although it's too cold to be spring, and many younger brothers and sisters were decked out in full winter gear to keep warm, baseball season is upon us.

Last night, Chance participated in the "Major League" try-outs. This mostly just means that he'll be playing with 11 & 12 year olds, not that he'll be expecting a large salary or a signing bonus. Yet.

Each kid was checked-in and given a number to wear on their back, so the coaches could easily make notes about kids they intended to choose in the "draft". Again, no sports cars or large signing bonuses on draft day. Yet.

Outfield practice went well, and Matt's chest puffed out just a bit as a group of clipboard toting coaches asked Chance to verify his number after he put on a pretty decent display.

By infield practice, he wasn't so nervous, and enjoyed seeing old friends from daycare and catching up with players from last season.

Then, it was time to hit. Each kid gets 4 pitches, and runs on the last one - apparently to show them all how fast they can actually scoot to 1st base when given the opportunity.

Pitch 1 - whiff.

Pitch 2 - whiff. Great swing, but whiff.

Pitch 3 - whiff. Another great swing. Another miss. His shoulders slump just a bit. Nervous mama wants to shout some encouragement, but doesn't want to add to the stress level. This is TRY OUTS. We only have one more pitch to show them you know how to hit the ball. Ahhhhhhhhhhh. What to do? I put my camera down and bite my tongue. Determined, he steps back up to the plate. "Run on this one," the coach says, signifying this was his last pitch.

Pitch 4 - WHACK! Almost to the center-field fence.

"Way to go buddy!" I've loosed my tongue and found my voice. My very loud voice.

Coach #1 glances at me, and then turns to Coach #2 - "That's the reason you swing hard every time. Right there."

Oh yes, it is baseball season. Ready or not, here we come!

Anytime the angels and the devils get together . . .

2010-03-09T19:59:00.001-08:00

. . . it's either gonna be really good, or really bad. I'll let you decide.

We came upon this very dangerous recipe, and it's been wreaking some havoc on my whole iPhone Lose It! plan I've got going on.

Combine the following (just the dry mixes - don't make them according to the package):

1 Angel Food Cake Mix (must be "Just add water" kind)

1 Devil's Food Cake Mix

1 pkg Chocolate Chips

Store in an airtight container.

When in need of a chocolate fix:

Put 1/3 cup of the mix into a mug. Add 3T water. Stir well. Microwave for 1 minute.

Invert onto a plate or bowl, and enjoy the gooey, warm treat!

If you're feeling especially rich, you can add a dollop (ish) of Jane's Hot Fudge sauce to the top of the warm, gooey cake. Yum. Yum. And Super-Yum!

Now, I must admit, I haven't had one of these ALL week. And neither has the stupid iPhone app. But, as I was pondering what I would blog, I got to sit here and watch Chance eat his 3rd one in as many days and salivate. Oh, to have the metabolism of a youngster again.

Give it a shot, if you dare. But, either don't tell your iPhone, or be prepared to shoot off the charts on your calorie graph. It may just be worth it either way. . .

Feat or Flop

2010-03-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

So, I had this whole post planned about the best and worst things that happened this week. You know, things that were feats, and things that ended up being flops.

Things like using a new iPhone app (Lose It!) to track weight loss and exercise (feat)- and then going 380 calories over budget on the 3rd day (flop).

I thought I would have lots of funny little anecdotes and things to report, and it would all tie together into a funny little post with a great kicker at the end.

Really, all I've got is the kicker.

FLOP - when frantically cleaning the house before company comes over, don't forget that your bras are hanging in the bathroom. You will never be able to look their teenage son in the eye again. Just sayin'.

Happy Birthday, Mom

2010-03-07T22:42:00.001-08:00

I love you!

Guest Post - Mrs. Eagle Eye, by Matt

2010-03-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!
I ran into one of your teachers, Mrs. (Eagle Eye*), and she was so enthusiastic to talk about you, I thought she was going to hug me or something. Wanted to know how you are doing and every other sentence was (and I'm NOT kidding) "I just love Matt". I told her you were still making metal yard art and she said she has bought your WSU signs for her kids and her sorority sisters and that she just loves you so much. You obviously did something right......
Mom (Verna)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Super. The chick is a witch! She is the teacher/hall Nazi that dropped the dime on me to Mr. (Principal*) when she caught me passing my answers to Justin Vetch so he had a snowballs chance of passing his history final. It's not like my answers were gonna get him an A. Truth is, he was taking a chance with my work, but he trusted me, and I considered him my friend. Her eagle eye caught my slight of hand and lead me to the principles office. Once there, Mr. (Principal) found it in his heart to kick me out of school for only three days instead of the standard 9 the guy had a habit of handing down every time the wind blew a teenage indiscretion across his desk. I'm not much for him either come to think of it! It was all I could do to keep quiet when he and his obviously desperate wife moved into Papa's house while I was still going to the high school he obviously didn't want me to attend.

The fact that our metal work finds a place in her cold heart does nothing for me. The only redeeming value is that the cold steel probably raised the temperature in that cave by a few degrees.

I said it then and I'll say it now. I'd do it again given the opportunity. Suspension be damned! I actually got good at explaining the situation during my many background checks for the career she tried so hard to derail. Although she and her principal cohort didn't see the courage Justin displayed or the heart I had for the guy, the background detectives did see the humor of the situation.

I want my three days back!

*Names changed to protect the innocent. Names of the guilty blatantly left for any keen eye to see.

So tell me, any old high school grudges you're still hanging on to? Can you reveal, or must you change names to protect the innocent?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T16:49:00.001-08:00

I love it when it's Matt's turn to cook.

Costco Chickenbake x 1000. Delicious.

Tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, spice, natural flavoring

2010-03-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

In other words - catchup. Or, ketchup. Whichever you prefer.

I've been invisible a long time, huh?

Not really though. Lots going on around the Messer hacienda.

We've been Super Bowlin'.

We had a great time hosting some friends and family for another Super Bowl gathering, complete with some time at the shooting range before-hand for anyone who was interested. I believe the bar was set high, as Earl had hit the 1,000 yard target on the first try earlier in the week. Not sure anyone lived up to the challenge, but they all had a lot of fun trying!

Shootin'.

Chance on the range before the Super Bowl. The boys have been splitting their time between the basketball court, getting ready for baseball try-outs, and shooting at targets. It's always so refreshing to finally get to Spring and get outside!

Makin' new targets.

Matt and the boys have been in the shop inventing again. Lately, the focus has been new targets for the range. I think the last two are called "Frank" - short for Frankenstein, and Baby Ben - a pendulum style target. They're getting pretty darn good at hitting them, too!

Sick.

I'm not Super Woman. Time to admit it.

Recovering.

Wait, maybe I am . . .

Working.

Early spring means early busy-season. It also, hopefully, means that March and April will be that much easier, with a little bit of the work already out of the way.

Learning.

These little munchkins are getting smarter every day. Taller, too.

Cooking.

Lasagna in my new pan I got for Christmas.

We adopted a new cooking routine. Each person picks one night per week. They have to plan the meal and cook it (with help, if needed). Since Wednesdays are Simple Supper at church, this only leaves a couple days a week that I have to dole out my mediocre fare I try to pawn off as "nutrition".

Skiing.

Ready to hit the slopes. Colt's first time on the hill. Chance's first time with a snowboard.

Colton's doing great!

Here's Chance, back on two planks. He gave it a good try, but spending the morning on his backside and one really huge crash was enough to send us to the rental shack to finish out the day on something we knew he could control. We all had a great day - and we all felt it the next day :)

Boarding. (Kind of)

See above.

Dinner questioning.

What Olympic sport would you choose? Curling, Ski Jumping, Biathlon, Speed Skating, Moguls, Snowboard Half-Pipe.

What character in a book describes you and why? Third little pig (Number 3 said nix on tricks, I'm'a build my house with bricks. He had no time to sing and dance, 'cause work and play don't mix. [thanks, B5]), David, any of the 7 Dwarfs (depending on the mood), Adam (something about led astray by a beautiful woman...), Babe Ruth

Scheduling.

Getting ready for the 2010 art show circuit. Didn't we just finish this? It seems to come around quicker each year...

State Basketballin'.

Watched the Lions take 6th place at the State Tourney. They made our community proud - this was supposed to be a "rebuilding" year. The team we played against had a couple fantastic athletes on it. One, I considered a ball hog, and was feeling somewhat negative toward. He was impressive, though - could do pretty much anything with the ball once he got a hold of it. Then, Matt tells me a bit of his story, which he heard at half-time - he's basically homeless - lost his dad, and his mother is unable to take care of him. His teammates take turns hosting him in their homes. Now, my mind is reeling - basketball is possibly the only thing keeping the kid from following in his mother's footsteps. Suddenly, I didn't care that he was a ball hog. Show 'em what you can do, kid. Use this to make something of yourself. It may be your springboard to greatness. (Melodramatic, I know - I should write romance novels).

Costco-ing.

As if you didn't already know. Don't go to Costco hungry. The bill is much larger The resistence much tougher. The food court more tempting. Just sayin'. On the flip side, have you tried the Coastal - Rugged, Mature English Cheddar? To die for. Yum. The Costco gal tells me the Dubliner is just as good. Tillamook, you've been replaced.

Reading.
Leif Enger - Peace Like a River; Sara Evans - The Sweet By and By; Jodi Picoult - 19 Minutes; currently working on Susanna Aughtmon - All I Need is Jesus & a Good Pair of Jeans (the tired supergirl's search for grace)

Chance has finished books 1 - 4 in the Lightning Thief series in 3 weeks. The kid's PLOWING through them. He's cranky because I won't buy book 5, but it's still only hardback. And I'm cheap. And I want them all to match. Poor kid - I'm sure this will get me to Dr. Phil someday.

Laundering.

I can't imagine if I had girls. I can't keep up with a couple boys . . .

Computing.

Had to re-do our laptop. Somehow, I have inherited a computing gift from somewhere. Unfortunately, it's kind of like the cobbler's kid's shoes - you fix everyone else's but your own. It was finally time to fix our own. One weekend shot, but at least I can blog again.

Joking.

The kids have been a barrel of laughs.

Colton - Woah, that is HOT! And, I mean the steaming hot, not like when I think a girl is pretty!

Matt - "I went to the pawn shop today." Colton (not missing a beat) - "Did you see Big Hoss?" Anyone for Pawn Stars??

Chance has really picked up on Matt's penchant for movie line trivia - he comes up with the best lines - most of them from Napoleon Dynamite. I'm continually cracking up.

Enjoying.

Ahhhhhh.

Invisibility

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

Dinner Question:

What would you do if you were invisible?

Chance - after many attempts that included unlawful or immoral things - I would start the best game of hide-and-seek ever! (Daddy - I would so throw a glass of chocolate milk on you right before you got invisible)

Mommy - I would go scuba diving, knowing I didn't need to be afraid of the sharks, and not worry about scaring the pretty fish, I would be able to float through the sea unnoticed and take it all in. (Daddy - the shark could still smell you and would eat you just the same, and feel strangely full and satisfied, just not knowing why)

Colton - I would sneak on a space shuttle and go on the next mission to outer space. (Daddy - thankfully had nothing at this point and didn't kill Colton's dream ;)

Daddy - I would use my invisibility to sneak up on bad guys, get the info I needed, and solve a really big crime.

What would you do if you were invisible?

Just what I needed

2010-02-05T17:00:00.001-08:00

Good friends.

Good pasttimes.

Good food.

Girl weekend, here I come.

Oh, he's a gem, I tell ya. An absolute gem!

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

Mama - Well, we don't live in a perfect world, now, do we?

Colton - Mama, the only way this world is gonna be perfect is if the bad guys start being nice to people and you stop forgetting so much stuff.

These are a few of my favorite things . . .

2010-02-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

What a busy time of year. And a stressful one. I was explaining to Matt last night that I needed to be in bed by 10:00 all week, because it was going to be a doozy, and I would greatly benefit from the rest. Then, we came to the conclusion that it might be a doozy of a year, and we might as well just give in, be old people, and go to bed early for good. Okay, scratch that. I'm the only one who's conceded the point - he's still a youngster!

Anyway, amidst the doozy of a weekend, I'm thinking of a few of my favorite things, so then I won't feel so (stressed?):

Chance singing music from "The Sound of Music" randomly throughout the house. He knows most of the words, and has been breaking into song quite a bit lately - said he watches it in school once a year, and it's been on his mind for some reason.
Chance switching gears and singing Big & Rich "Freak Parade" at a moment's notice. I've yet to witness (thankfully) my boys doing the Freak Parade march through Wal-Mart, but I'm sure my time is coming.
I'm reading Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. LOVE IT! It's late back to the library (sorry, NCRL), so I've got to get it finished. It's fantastic.
Thinking of Loving Frank, Kite Runner, and Still Alice as next prospects.
Listening to JJ Heller and Alli Rogers right now - two completely new artists for me, with a totally different sound than I usually listen to. Good music, though. It's been fun to change it up a bit.
Colton's explanation of the difference between a Wedgie and a Brownie. I'll let your imagination take you there.
My new favorite restaurant of the week - The Melting Pot. Yum. Pricey, but yum.
Old Navy's 50% off clearance price sale. Makes me not feel so bad about the bill at the Melting Pot!
Our new dinner menu plan - everyone picks a night. You have to decide what we're having (that you can make with on-hand ingredients), and help (12 & under) or cook the meal that you chose. I'm down to two nights a week that dinner is my sole responsibility. Yay.
Chance's budget - I do love an empty dishwasher, and when there's a boy in the house that needs to earn money, it stays pretty darn empty.
Spring. It's almost here. I can feel it. I can't wait.
My husband - we had a fun weekend in Spokane (thanks, Darla), in which we went to dinner and a show, strolled with coffee along Riverfront Park, shopped, talked, and looked for a gun. Successful on all fronts!
Bible Study - Beth Moore - Breaking Free - she's all sorts of in my business, but in a good way. It's been an eye opening study, that's for sure. Eye opening, heart healing, and feet moving. Yay, God.
Colton's Looney Tunes belly laugh. There's no better sound this side of heaven.

That's it for me. What are your favorite things this week? Any suggestions on what should be my next book?

Flashback

2010-01-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that this:

turned into this:

in just a few short years?

How about this guy?

He used to look something like this:

Just yesterday, I swear.