Hickory Dickory Dock...

Emile can scream better than I thought he could. It was so cute yesterday when he was diligently cleaning the shed and came running in white as a ghost, screaming, and bouncing up and down. He couldn't even get the words out at what happened. I usually fear the worst, but I really lacked imagination at this moment, and just thought he was being dramatic to catch my attention (I wasn't amused).
As he was moving a box and checking it's contents, he discovered THIS.....


A Mouse!

He said it just poked its little head out and that is what sent him flying!
I went out, gloves on and all, and caught not one... but 3! They were huddled together in a blanket they had destroyed. So, it wasn't too hard.

I have to say that after giving them some cheese, water, bread, some hay, sticks, and a little home, I think they are kinda cute. :D Trenton is quite a fan of our new friends.
Not to be replaced by our other pet though, so they will be set free into the wild shortly.

2008 in Review

Here is a video I threw together of our 2008.  Each picture has a story, and each glimpse is just that... a glimpse into some of the fun we've had.  

I must say, this video is mostly for us, as you can't possibly understand or appreciate it all.  But, if you are looking to enjoy this video, you will hang on until the end.  You will love the dance video during about the last minute.  This too is a glimpse into why I totally LOVE hanging out with my boys.

Our 2008 in review from Raina on Vimeo.

We had an Arctic Blast

Then, we came home to THIS!!! I have NEVER seen such a sight! This was a LOT of snow. We went from making castles to snowmen, and we feel pretty fortunate we missed the first Arctic Blast of ice and freezing temperatures.

We were without power for 2 days, until Christmas eve when we were able to celebrate our family tradition of having a birthday cake in celebration of our saviors birth. We love this season, and this reason to celebrate. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.



All the fun in the snow didn't stop, and Emile thought it was so funny to jump over everyone. Thanks for not landing on any of us!

Mexico 2008

We got back from Cabo just before Christmas. We were one of the very last flights in during a major storm! We were glad to be somewhere warm and sunny for a week enjoying all that Mexico has... sand, sun, waves, great food, and shopping. But really, we most enjoyed the company we were with. Emile's parents shared their vacation with us, and are so thankful and grateful for them!!!

(yes... this is Trenton sitting in the cockpit of the airplane. I can't believe the pilots were that cool!! Thanks Alaska Air)

Thanks for a WONDERFUL trip!!!

Loving 4-day weekends

It's not as warm as it used to be. So we are getting more creative indoors. This was a fun afternoon where PJ's stayed on for most of the day, but the fun lasted until late. We even went out on a limb and let Trenton sleep in one of the tents at night.



Then for some added fun on the long Thanksgiving weekend, we enjoyed the Zoo Lights. I think the highlights were the classy belly dancers, especially the male belly dancer with the flabby six pack all decked out in purple silk. We didn't get any pictures that I would feel comfortable posting, but it was a night of adventure.

Baking...

I have not always been a fan of crafts and baking. I used to look at it as silly and somehow old fashioned. Like those 50's ads for Sears marketing the latest and greatest kitchen appliance. The women are usually in dresses, with their make-up on, hair up, aprons on... and basically not anything like me. Now, as I have come to love and value my role and job at home, I have come to find a inner satisfaction from a project accomplished. For example, sewing takes a bit of thought, precision, course of action, and eventually accomplishment. The outcome is usually what brings me the most happiness. To show off, even to myself, or this blog something that I did. Something that made me feel like I am of some value beyond my physical two hands and presence. Baking can also bring me this same sense of accomplishment. I love tasting something that has real flavor, something not really expected, but delicious. Most of all, I love knowing that I did it. That I found the time, the energy, and the ability to create some new masterpiece to be shared with someone, anyone really.

So, today, during a moment when I needed some savory compensation, I found Barefoot Contessa whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Out came my favorite kitchen toy ever.


All with the hope that this Pumpkin Roulade would turn out as divine as she is describing, and maybe give Pumpkin Pie a bit of competition. I can't wait for tonight, and for Thanksgiving. I have only barely tasted this, and plan on drizzling the top with caramel and a few toffee bits that I decided to add to the filling. The bad thing is, I don't want this in the house for long. I don't need it, but it sure does feel good to feel completely adequate for a few moments. I just hope that the boys (all 3 of mine) light up when this comes out after the main course of dried ol leftovers.

With all the joy this brought me today, really...these two make MY life have value and purpose beyond any cake, cookie, dinner, or craft ever created.

A little jealous

The only yellow helicopter around! Few things excite our son as much as flying objects. I leave "objects" open ended on purpose. This ranges from airplanes, to helicopters, to balls, to small dinosaurs, to even toys. Really, anything flying through the air is cool. This though, may have been heaven on earth to a 3 year old boy.

(thank goodness for camera phones)

Halloween

It almost didn't happen this year. VERY sick boys make for a less than spooky halloween. They are feeling a little better, and at least we didn't miss a year with no costumes.
The funniest thing is, the treats inside his pumpkin basket are such treasures to Trenton that all he wants to do is count them and stare. I'm sure he'll figure out they are edible soon enough.

Our little LEGO, skeleton, and Dad is some unknown wacky cowboy?

Hard decisions...

Some choices are hard, and some are not so difficult. Here is one of many for Simon.
French fry or Cheerio? Cheerio or French fry?

Enough said....

Although watching him was almost as much fun as taking the pictures. Enjoy this short video of him eating this delicious golden fried potato, sent straight from heaven to be devoured for the first time! (Notice him touching and caressing it... he really was begging for more. :D)

Pumpkin patches

October doesn't feel real until you've made it to the pumpkin patch. So, we made it a priority early this season, thanks to some friends who suggested Sauvie's Island. It was beautiful, not muddy and totally crowded. I think we weren't the only ones taking advantage of the great weather. Too bad their pumpkins won't be as cool as ours. :D

This made it all better...

A rough day. Really rough. I know that they happen... I'm sure there will be many more. But, today was a personal challenge meant to either break me, or make me a stronger person. Trenton couldn't have been any more difficult. Everything was dramatic (that might be an understatement). Simon couldn't have been more fussy, needy, and more determined to be RIGHT next to big brother.
The funny thing was... on top of all this, every car was moving slower, every light turned red just as I got there. Costco was so full the parking lot looked like Saturday before Christmas. There was a minor fire at my sisters house after we had pictures taken... and the only really fantastic thing to come out of the day were these. The most wonderful birthday photos of Trenton. I wanted Birthday pictures, and this great photographer that I know delivered again.

If only you could have been there to see just how difficult he was being, and how hard it was to make him even look, or smile, or cooperate. Despite the trouble, I love him. I love his smile, his sweet moments, and I love that he makes me rise to every occasion.

Thank you Shonda! These are the images I'll keep in my head the next time I'm about to melt down!