13

Today was the anniversary of one of the most blissful days of my life.  I welcomed Alex and Sofia into the world, into my life and into the hearts of many.

We celebrated with family last night.  But tonight, it was just us.

13 years.  I'm the mom of TWO teenagers, just like that.  I think it's a "major" birthday, in line with "golden" birthdays, sweet 16 and your 21st birthday.  So we celebrated, we celebrated BIG.

Sofia wished for a new jacket and Alex wanted the cold hard cash.  We ate, we sang, we laughed and celebrated.

We visited the space needle, we fine dined and circled the observation deck.  For Alex and Sofia, it was their first visit to the top of the needle.  I hope it is as memorable to them as it was for me.  Sometimes it's the everyday stuff that makes the best memories.  And then there are times like this.  Special times. Times that will warm their hearts and bring a smile to their face, when they remember, 13.

Life is good.

After a bit of baseball this morning, I was able to come home and do my most favorite thing.  I putzed.

Made the kids breakfast.
Cleaned the kitchen.
Read the mail.
Planted some seeds.
Played in the yard.
Pulled some weeds.

A couple loads of laundry.

Took a short nap on the couch.

Putzed.  A lot of putzing.

I love days like this, but feel a bit guilty for not doing something major.  Like.....cleaning my closet, which is on my to do list and has been on it for a long time.  I just close the door and fugghet.about.it.

The sun was out, the wind blew the cherry blossoms, Pet Shop Boys was on Pandora.  It felt good.

I took some pictures of my lovelies.  Well, one lovely, the only one that will let me take pictures of her. The boys won't sit still, annoyed by the camera, they run, and surprisingly, I can't catch up ;)

It's May

We've had a few sunny days.  Sunny enough to wear the high heels that were a gift from Easter Bunny.  And nice enough to run around outside, without leggings and to fall and skin your knee.

The cherry trees in bloom, covering the ground like snow.  Hanging out with your friends on the sidewalk, wearing flip flops.

I see a shift.  It's coming.  The constant cell phone in hand.  The journal.  The drama at times.  The teen is on the horizon.  I'm excited and scared.  And for today I'm happy.  There is still obvious affection.  She loves me.  And we are okay.

Hello Sun

Today was a beautiful day!  It actually felt like spring with weather in the mid 60's.  I was up and running errands early.

We found some time to visit Jan's Plants down the road, love their plants, love the ladies, a bit more expensive, but a family run local business.

The kids each picked up a new plant, flower.

{she dressed herself}

The weather was perfect for sitting field side for JH's baseball game.

He batted 1000....3 for 3.  And made some great saves.  I love that he gets baseball even more this year. We had the Afeworks cheering him on as well, good people, they are really good people.

It was a full day.  We didn't get dinner until nearly 8pm and dyed eggs at 9pm.  Next year, better planning and remembering to buy the vinegar.

Happy Easter to all.

Nada

My brain is running full speed as I type.  So much I want to do and so much needs to be done.  I feel like the nocturnal Pinky Lee (JH's class hamster) who spins the never-ending wheel each night, in the dark as the moon shines through the window.

My head is spinning.

Easter is coming.  I'm hosting my family, about 30 people on Sunday.  We are having a BBQ, the first of the year and a nice welcome to spring.  It will be later in the day, which will better allow for church visits in the morning and preparing for the guests.

I'm praying for nice weather.

Back to spinning....

Spring Break 2011

Spring break has nearly come to an end.  As quick as I snap my fingers.  It's done.

This year was the first year I've taken time off with the kids.  I have always felt guilty as family and friends travel to grand places during the break -- Hawaii, Disneyland, Florida -- as my kids sit at home and do spring cleaning.

Then a coworker invited us to spend some time at her family home in Long Beach with her and her two kids (who are the same age as mine, 12 and 9),  I thought hey, it's not Disneyland, but it's also not Federal Way.  We agreed and packed up the van and headed out.

We arrived late Sunday night and had assistance from two soon-to-be friends, unpacking the van in the dark and pouring rain.  As we settled in for the night, I thought about what might be the best ice breaker for the house of strangers....a game of Monopoly.  We played until nearly midnight. And everyone was toasty warm by then, bonding occurred.

Throughout the weekend there were many games of Monopoly, Dominos, Sequence and Speed (I was the house champ, hmph!).

Each morning started with fresh fruit and cocoa.  We sipped the hot cocoa, as we cozied up on the couch, stoked the fire and listened to the rain beat against the windows.

And it rained, rained and rained.  There were five-minute breaks of sun here and there that would fill the living area with a warm glow, but then darkness would follow and the rain returned.

Regardless of the weather, there were walks on the beach, jumping waves and playing in the sand.  I was bundled up as if it was a snow storm, but the kids frolicked as if it was summer.

We'd return for hot showers and more hot cocoa.

Each day we ventured into town for one activity.

We saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid at the Neptune Theater, there was a total of ten people (including eight of us) in the theater.

We visited an amazing bakery and had fresh baked goods, beyond delicious.

and there were bumper cars,

and go-karts,

and the merry go-round,

Thank you Davidsons, we had a great Spring Break!!

Heading to the Beach

Day one of spring break went well.  A bit of sleeping in, a birthday party and shopping.  Tomorrow we're heading to the ocean, post soccer game for a few days.  The kids are so excited.  I hope its all they are hoping for.....