Playing Catch Up, Part I

All about Mason. Age 11 (CRAZY to think he is getting so OLD!). Serious sports fanatic. He played flag football, soccer (travel), basketball, baseball and is playing tackle football right now. His baseball team found serious success- OREGON STATE 9/10 DIVISION LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPS! This was the most amazing moment to watch. Mason was playing catcher and his buddy Sam went to the pitchers mound to close the game out during the last inning. The two have been playing baseball in our backyard for the last four years. Throwing so many balls, it paid off.  Big time.  We played for the title game on Wednesday 7/28/15. His baseball season started in January with hitting, so the team certainly worked hard and came a long ways! 

Mason is finding success at Toledo Middle School right now, too. His teachers are old friends. Or siblings of old friends. He likes school and is finding friendships with some quality kids. He is loving the farm life and the freedom of a gator or four wheeler. 

Mason with his coaches Left to Right- Doug Schow, Mitch Williams and Rich McIlmoil

Most of the team during pre-game Left to Right- Jarrett Armstrong, Our AWESOME Catcher, Aiden Stanton, Kai Carson, Cole Shaffer, Justin Randolph, Sam Tsiatsos, Jace Schow, and Mitch Williams. Not pictured here are Derek Begin, Noah McIlMoil, Griff McIlMoil, and Brady Hutchins.

MaK Dance!

Melt. My. Heart. The performance was to die for, too!

Hello Summa, 2012

It's here, weather  whether, we like it or not. Don't get me wrong. We like the warm weather, trail runs, camping trips, mountain biking, evening walks, trips to the park, jaunts over to the Pendleton water park, we just like it more when Daddy's home to enjoy it with us. Here's to the first dispatch. The day prior I ran 8.7 miles on the XTerra bike course. It was one of the most exhilarating runs to date and I can't wait to go again. Only, him being gone seriously cramps my style.

Enough of my selfishness! The man of the house turns EIGHT next week! More on that next time.

Five. 4. Three. 2. One!

MaKenna is FIVE! Celebration JJ style this year. After a her choice dinner at McDonalds with the Miller family, we headed out at five a on her actual birthday. She felt special and celebrated. It's all that matters!

4. The number of OUTS Mason had in his last baseball game, go BUDDY!

The little three year old is a straight-up dog lover! A wanna- be dancer. Has her first year of pre-school under her belt. She only cried two out of three days per week, for the entire year. Heart-wrenching.

2. Michelle and I finished her first, my second, half marathon. Together, well I left her somewhere on mile one, but watched her finish! Minus her telling me to "kiss her ass" we enjoyed our sister time to the M.A.X! And we plan to Rock a City next year, too. 

ONE dog left today! JJ, Grandpa Dan and Grandpa Bob left this morning, after a quick visit here to watch one baseball game of Mason's and MaKenna's first dance recital. Where she shook her groove thang to Sugar Pie Honey Bunch and trumpeted her left elephant arm! Rightthissecond she is playing dance recital and bossing Morgann. Girls will be girls.

Avalanche!

Look at Mason! He skiedtumbledlaughedcriedgiggledand went really fast at the bottom, down Rock Garden at Anthony Lakes. That would be his first Diamond. Ever. I just so happened to be on the lift with some gals and caught him in action. Then I hurried off to catch up. Nearly creating an avalanche.

For reals, nearly creating an avalanche. Or at least, given the conditions, it really felt that way.

HAPPY SPRING BREAK! The kids are with JJ and Grandpa Dan. Whoa. Time to get busy!

8th Year

I cannot believe we've been going to Mt. Hood and staying in the same cozy cabin for eight years in a row now. Wearesopredictable. That, is what I love most about my family. And you know, the fact that they are oh so fun. Someone, get this man to the free run. Like, now.

Anyone else up for a late stroll through Govy Camp? 8 kids, snow, friends, all while sugared on homemade brownie sundaes! To those heading to Charlies or the Rat, watch out!

Here's to peace.

Love. Family. Special Memories. Friends.

New nephews. Who are totally sweet, cute and lovable!

And big girl days. Because, I am not going to lie. My fave day was Sunday afternoon. Happily talking and sipping some good brew.

What girl doesn't love a good talk?

And last but not least. Here's to new fur hats. Because the hubby is searching for just the right one. As I type.

I think, I'm back!

• We had Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Our first family meal since the damage with our glass plates!
• My Christmas cards are ordered.
• The shopping is nearly 95% done!
• Cookie Exchange invites are out.
• Our halls are decked and the tree is trimmed.

My friends, life is good! I'm back! We're back! Hello again, normal.

The world just changed. Big Love Ahead!

After a long overdue arrival. Carson William entered into the world on 11/6/11. And I was lucky enough to be right there with my sister, for those hurting hours. And there were lots of hours. Lots of screams. A few laughs. But  most of all, love. Pouring out of everyone. The entire day. I love my family. Sisters are the best.

It hurt to see her in so much pain.And gave me a whole new appreciation for the Daddy's who make it through labors, too. Bill was amazing. Knowing exactly what to do and when. And I am so thankful he let me crowd my way in there to squeeze her hands, rub her back and breathe with her.

The baby was big! 8 pounds 11 ounces and came out at 9:51 PM. Michelle and I reversed roles. When I had Mason, she cried while I was in so much awe I didn't know what else to do. My tears were flowing. Life is amazing. This baby, he's a gift. Wonderful. Happiness all swaddled up into a perfect package.

I wish I was still in Kirkland, listening to his sounds. Cuddling him and helping my sister. I'm home. And the kids are so jealous. They want to meet their baby cousin Carson, so bad. They looked through all the pictures, watched the video and said let's go. Now. I've held them off until the weekend, hopefully.

This picture created rolling laughter. They asked if these were the doctors. After a much closer look, couldn't stop giggling. Why were you wearing that? We'll save that part for Michelle.

Fall Field Tripping

Today, MaKenna took a field trip with her class to Mrs. Stonebreaker's Pumpkin Patch (the same one Morgann hit up yesterday). And although I wasn't there (I wasn't there yesterday either), I can see that the girl, front and center, in bright pink had a blast. Surely, that is what the wide open grin is saying! It's screaming it for heaven's sake.

There is no worrying about MaKenna and school right now. She counts the days over the weekend until she sees Mrs. Onjukka again. By the end of the year, she will be counting the minutes seconds. MaKenna is loving every single minute, of every single hour, of every single day spent at Heidi Ho. We love her being there. Growing there. Learning there. And making friends for life there. I've made a few friends for life there myself, right there in the Heidi Ho hallway.

Me. Me. Me. Me. I want on the gurney and I want to try to lift the air tank. Which by the way, Mason could not. Those are heavy! After four trips to the fire station, the second grade interactive tour is by far the best. I can't believe how much I learned today with Mason and his class! We walked the mile to the La Grande Fire Station and then took a bus ride back to Central this morning. I felt this is where I needed to be. To be eyeing the teacher and students, ensuring my decisions have been OK, so far.

So, what do you know? That a city fireman's gear is 45 pounds. And that a little discipline goes a long way. The more I am around Mason's class the warmer my heart feels. It certainly isn't Mrs. Onjukka. But nobody else is her. Mason's second grade teacher is unlike any other teacher he's had. (For me, she may be a little Mrs. Pauls-ish.) At first that felt bad, given all the other circumstances. After spending ample time in the classroom this year (weekly reading groups and Art lessons) my mind is...swaying. Swayed.

Mason brought home his first weekly progress report! Last year he earned E's (excellent) nearly everyday. It was almost a given, I began to wonder if he deserved them. After seeing the box next to excellent checked and reading her comments- Mason is very capable, hardworking and responsible. He is a thoughtful student. I. Like. Her. Mason likes her. The truth is, I started to like her last week. And what I like is that he truly deserved those marks. He's that good and I know she doesn't just give those E's away! This is working!

1+1=2

One nervous, jittery but somehow still smiling beneath those fingers girl. Added to one excited, ecstatic and barely containing her happiness inside girl.

 Equals two beautiful, smart and important girls who had their first school day at Heidi Ho in 2011, together.

Love that place. Love these girls. Love this life!

Better Together

There's nothing better than being married to your best friend. And I know these two are, best. friends. forever.

During the father of the bride's toast to the couple. He warned her friends that they would be taking the back seat. They would now be second to Alex. That those friends are still important, still loved, appreciated and needed. Alex is number one. Her dad said he loved that anything he does with any of his friends is better with his wife, because she's his best friend, that they laugh and love.

When we came home at 11:30 Sunday night to a flood in our new house, I couldn't help but be so thankful that my husband was my best friend, too. And even in the hard times, those husbands are still your best friends. The ones you want to weather anything with, good or bad. Thick, thin, funny, whatever.

We Like to Ride our Bikes. STP 2011

WHOOP!

Daddy's First Race!

Saturday was race day! The kids and E participated in the annual Solstice Triathlon/Duathlon at Morgan Lake. Earl rode his mountain bike (in my place) for a team. I think, underneath the mud, you would see a little bit of a smile. Minus the small bike issues, he kind of  really liked it.

 Mason LOVED the mountain biking, too. The run, not. so. much.

Pictured below the Duathlon's youngest competitor! And number 80, because that and her medal were all that mattered to this doll.



Here's to more races! More family! And more fun! Because that is what these days are all about!