Snow Days & Sick Days

So, Gavin is coughing, has a fever, runny nose...the works...so I had to call in for work. Kevin is at work, and I called our sitter, who also sounded awful, to cancel. I always feel so guilty calling in, but like my close friend Karlene said, "guilt will age you. it is ok to be a mom and stay home with a sick child. that is you God given duty. Not your "other" job being a nurse. Being a nurse is your God given talent." It is just what I needed to hear. Thanks Karlene! Love you! I left my buddy Candi without our usual Sunday team, but I hope they aren't busy..(there's that GUILT again!)

Ian is asking about the SNOW that he hears is hitting the mountain, and "when are we going skiing?" He's our little ski dude, and he's got his stuff already, including a new coat...he out grew the other one. Gavin looked in our garage the other day, and asked which ski's were his. When I told them that Daddy has 3 pairs, Mommy has 1, and Ian has 1...he started to cry. So I guess he's getting ski's this year (guilt again...I feel a theme!)

ANGI WOLFF: You left me a comment...but tell me how to get ahold of you!!!I miss you!

Another Generation...

As pretty much everyone knows, my brother is/was a "soccer stud." He was so good, that at 5 years old, he was looked at as an Olympic hopeful. Throughout my life, I danced, played music, sang, and was a "girly girl." I attempted softball and basketball, and was never really that good, nor did it really interest me....and it doesn't help that I have NEVER been able to jump! I can leap...which is what we do in dance, and could do it fairly well, but even mentioning my name and jumping in the same sentence is enough to make my entire family ROAR with laughter. I spent many Saturdays (probably most all until I was in High School...and even then alot too!) watching my allstar brother perform something he was so amazingly skilled at..soccer. It became not only his love, but the love of our entire family...mostly because he kicked a** at it! When I found out I was having boys (not the girls I thought I'd have!) all I could hope for was more soccer days for me! We had our first indoor game for both the boys last night. Alot of running, kicking and pushing...and ofcourse clumping around the black and white ball. I've never really expressed to my brother that his love for soccer, became our family love, and ofcourse it started out with the foundation of love for each other in our family. And now, we are passing it on.

Little Brothers

As little brothers go, I know a bit about them. I have 2, am married to 1, and have 1 myself. I am the perpetual "big sister" even my sister in law Heather refers to me as the big sister. I guess when I was young, I might not have liked what it meant. But as you age, you become wiser, and I love mothering, helping, and protecting. It is what God gave me as a gift...which is what also makes me a nurse. I do however, fall short in putting myself in the "little brother" shoes. I am posting Gavin's first day of school picture 2 weeks late....he'll never know, but I am reminded by Kevin of how a "little brother" get's lost in the big picture...which is why they go out of their way to be noticed...(e.g. the faux hawk Gavin is sporting). I am so proud of Gavin, he is growing in so many ways. He is doing well in school, everyday he is holding a new little girls hand (between these 2, we are really in trouble!) and waves good-bye like it's no big deal. He started soccer 2 weeks ago, and has his first game this Wed...he's a bit aggressive, and by being 4 years old and 50 lbs. there is alot of body flying around toward that soccer ball! I love you Gav....I'll try harder to put myself in your "little brother" shoes!:)

Happy Ending, New Beginning

And just like that, it's over....the wedding that is. It was an all day event, starting at 9:15am at the Vancouver Hilton, with hair and makeup...that is to say a whole lot of both! I had no expectations as to what I'd end up looking like...and was pleasantly surprised. She curled my hair and left it down, and I had darker makeup that usual. I did not recognize myself, but I was happy with their work. The curls lasted! We rode in the limo to the Rose Gardens in North Portland, took some candid photos...and then headed to the church on the campus of U of P. We were dressed and 3 of us went to the campus cafe for lunch! We were starving by 3! We got a lot of looks! We were slightly overdressed for college life! The pictures went great, and the ceremony was short and beautiful. The reception was a blast, and in the beginning Shan said that we were going to shut the place down...and we did not disappoint! All the guys had fun, the food was great, wine..champagne...and beer were great too...but the company was the best. The sun was shining, and in several photos of Shan alone, there was a ray of sunshine laying on her. Donna (her mom) loved the sun, and Shan said if the sun was shining, she knew she was with her. It was awesome. We missed her...but felt her presence. Catching up with old friends, was great, and looking nice ...especially when the guy who dumped me for Senior Prom was there..to witness it all! Sweet Revenge...15 years later! It was a blast, though I know Kyle had no idea what he gets to inherit when he asked her to marry him. Here's a pic of Traci, Shan, & me!

Wedding Craziness!

Well, the craziness for Shan's wedding has started! Last night Dona's (Shan's mom) friends threw the bridal party a manicure/pedicure party with dinner, drinks, etc. It was really fun, visiting being pampered, etc. The big day is Friday, but rehersal tonight, gotta get my dress pressed, all those last minute details. It was great visiting with Traci and Shan, we talked about dance team days, college days, and all the fun and crazy things we did together. We had a lot of fun....and with Traci waiting for her baby, and Shan getting married, we are going to have some major milestones in our relationship in the recent future...I can't wait! You guys are awesome!

Growing up!

ATTENTION: THOSE IN A CAR....IN A BIKE OR PEDESTRIANS.....

GAVIN WILSON IS NOW OUT, RIDING ON 2 WHEELS. PLEASE BEWARE, AND PREPARED.

Popcorn Balls

As you all know, I really enjoy cooking...in fact, I enjoy being domestic...I'd love to be Martha Stewart...without all the drama! Making a living cooking, baking, making cards and scrapbooking, and working in a beautiful garden...that's the life! I tried something new today. We got a Popcorn Factory Catalog, and in it Ian found popcorn balls. He has had a few before, his Great Grandma K makes them for us on special occasions, but we set out on a mission to make them. And we did it! Ian and I made 2 batches, the first one wasn't satisfactory....I throw alot of "not right" food and baked goods away, the second was awesome! We took 15 of them to the firehouse, Kevin was on a call, but I even got a call from one of the guys saying "thanks...I've already had 2", Darrin is a friend of ours and earlier was asking for an ice cream cake....so they got M & M Popcorn balls....they were a hit! Thanks for the idea Ian!

Thankful....................

To me, this day is a day that I dread as a firefighters wife. Today, I am lucky. On his way to his 9/11 honor ceremony, Kevin was hit on his motorcycle by a car around 5:45am today. He called to tell me, he is selling his motorcycle. He is fine, he laid his bike down, pulled some muscles, but he walked away. He was coming out from a blind corner, and an elderly lady hit him. It was dark and they saw each other too late. She hit his saddlebag and knocked him and his bike to the ground. He doesn't exactly know what happened, just that he was alright. The police and firetrucks came, but left. He was happy no one recognized him. I am happy, I didn't have to go to the hospital or morgue to identify him. It is a posted 50 mph speed limit, and obviously she wasn't going that speed, or I would not be writing this blog tonight. I would be devastated...my life as I know it over. I have loved and lived with this man for 14 years, for me hearing he was okay was amazing, but all the "what ifs" came flooding through my mind. My worst nightmare almost came true...losing the love of my life.

And yet this day reminds me of being a firefighters wife, and the sacrifices that these men and women make everyday for the love of their country, their countrymen, and their families. It is what makes them all so special, and honorable. I thank them all for their service, and desire to help others. We are a close knit group. I am PROUD to be a firefighters wife.

Six years ago, I was pregnant, searching for our friends back East, Kevin and I will never forget where we were, we were so thankful all our friends were safe in NY, NJ, Maryland, and Virginia. The 343 men and women of the FDNY that died that day are near and dear to all firefighters and their families. We all know that the siren could call our loved ones just as it did on September 11, 2001. God Bless America. Please...don't ever forget.

Sunshine Saturday!

Oh...I love the sun! I missed it so much this summer...but the glimpses I got yesterday, are getting close to making up for the RAIN I had on my birthday! The boys and I got to spend time with Boston, Nana and Poppa yesterday. Riding bikes, sliding on the waterslide, and scooters with the jump were lots of fun! Boston even got in on the action. He gave me lots of kisses, and we made a "hit" with Pringles and cheese hot dogs. It was awesome! Kevin is working OT again today, so it'll be me and the boys all day.

Ian cried this morning when I told him there was no preschool.

Cruisin' into Kindergarten!

We officially made it through our first week, and Ian is asking...Do I get to go to Kindergarten...tomorrow? He loves it. He has even taken to riding in the back of the bus with the "big" kids! Yikes! He has already been to Music class and PE. He doesn't say too much, just that he really likes it...and wants more of it! We do miss him.

Gav wakes up late everyday, and starts yelling "Ian where are you?" at the top of the stairs. We went to "Meet the Teacher Day" today for his preschool, and he can't wait to get started. He is so ready for school, but is Mrs. Lattanzi ready for him? Only time will tell. She does know him, but he's a tough one!

I drove to Lake Oswego today, to have my fitting for my dress for Shan's wedding. It was HUGE! That is always an AWESOME feeling! So....in honor I skipped the gym today! But I'll be back tomorrow!

Kevin tore up the hall bathroom floor, and is back to laying slate...which we all know he loves so much! I painted yesterday...wow, it is so easy to paint with no floor, no toilet, no sink, and no lights! Just "get it on the wall". It turned out nicely. We are looking for a new vanity, so that will be a pretty big purchase. I'll post some pictures when he's done.

We all survived this week, and my little boy is growing up!

First Day!

WE MADE IT! Ian's first comment: "You are so proud of me Mom, aren't you?"

It made me so happy! He loves school...he has a friend he said, "but I can't remember his name, and I get to go to the playground tomorrrow."

He rode the bus, behind the driver he sat...and I cried watching it drive away. What a sap! I guess losing control, watching him grow up, afraid that the world might gobble up my sensitive little Ian....it all caught up with me at that moment. I rushed to the car, got to school. Man, everyone and their parents were there....:) no parking, and then I found the bus...in the back of the school. We never practiced this route, I thought to myself...how is he going to find room 3!!!!! Then I found his 5th grade bus friend (our neighbor boy...I am thinking of paying him to help protect my little Ian!!!!) and he said Ian met with one of the school officers, and she walked him to class. Off I ran, to his classroom...but I didn't see him! Do I open the door...don't I ? I could not decide....we had made it this far...but what do I do. I could not leave without knowing he was IN the classroom. SO I decided to walk up to the window slowly...and look for blonde hair! I found it...unloading his Transformer back pack with Mrs. Philpot! What a save! He was ALL smiles for the bus unloading at our house!

"I love school Mom!" Music to my ears.

Labor Day Family Fun

Well, Kevin and I worked Sunday...and we were looking forward to seeing my Aunt Shirley (my Dad's Aunt) and Uncle Norm (my Dad's Uncle) who came into town for a high school reunion from Ohio/or Florida. There home depends on the season! I can't wait for that day...the Washington rain will be fun to escape! Anyway, we went to my cousin Carly's house (Robbie's her boyfriends house too!)...who has the ONLY girl I am related to in it...little Brooklynn. She's too cute! Had a great time with all my aunt's and uncle's, cousins, kids, dogs, my Grandpa and his girlfriend Leta were there too. Everyone was there except my cousin Shane...who now is on the family #@%& list. It was great catching up and just relaxing with the family. Kevin's parents came and Heather's Dad Bill was there. It was SO awesome to see everyone...at 1house! Hopefully there will be more blended family get togethers. The boys ran around with Carly and Robbie's dogs, had lots of sugar and chips and loved every minute! I am including pictures of my brother Ben, and sister in law Heather, Aunt Shirley...and little B! (Boston) Gavin too! Hope you all had as much fun as I did!!!!!

Kindergarten Open House

On Thursday (we missed the infamous spaghetti night) in order to go to Ian's Open House. We met his teacher Mrs. Philpot, which makes him laugh everytime he says it, and saw his classroom and met some of his classmates. We took in the supplies, played a game with Dad & I, and Ian wanted to stay. We were shocked!! He likes his teacher and his classroom (#3) and could not understand why we left his paints, crayons, and play-dough. He wanted to stay and "use" his stuff! I guess community property is something we learn as we grow, and at 5, he just doesn't get it! He even told me he's riding the bus the first day, Kevin says I can follow behind in our car! Yes, it appears, I am going to be "one of those" Moms. We'll see what happens Wednesday. He has 19 in his class, which I fould exciting, and he has a Kevin in his class, which he finds odd. I can't believe MY BABY'S GOING TO KINDERGARTEN!!!! Here's his picture infront of his school. I never thought of him as "the class clown" but lately the surprises around here are neverending! Enjoy the weekend!

Ian's Speech Therapy Graduation!! With Lisa!!!