So, just as I get ready to start my post tonight, I discover that my dear friend had the same

kind of day I did. We share so much already (including Em's) ... it's nice to share this too!

~~

Today was a wonderful day. First, the kids did not wake up at 6:30, but rather let me sleep in until 8:00. We had two wonderful meetings, with a short 20 minute nap for me squeezed in between while they did this...

(these photos by Ryan)

It snowed today...my favorite kind of snow. The kind that sticks to the grass and melts off of the roads. The kind that the kids can enjoy, yet I can still drive! :)

I TRIED to get a nice photo of the two monkeys before Gospel Meeting this afternoon,

but they were in such a mood! (And then Ryan knocked over my plant for the second time today). So, this is it...all I got!

~~

After meeting this afternoon, Bob, the kids and I ran home. We changed our clothes, picked our crockpot off of the counter, grabbed a bag of rice and went to Max and Amanda's.

They are in the process of putting in a fireplace, so the kids got to help with the light holding and some of the hammering. They had a great time! We enjoyed a fabulous new recipe that we all decided was a keeper. Then, while Max and Emma continued working, me, Bob, Ryan, Amanda played Sequence....a new game for us and one we'll be looking to buy!

We played it while we ate delicious popped-in-a-very old-popper-with-oil-and-everything popcorn!!

What a wonderful way to start the week.

~~~

Here's the recipe from "Crockpot: Weekend Favorites"

I doubled everything but the meat.

Chinese Pork Tenderloins

2 pork tenderloins (about 2 pounds total)

1 each red and green bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

1 jar (15 oz) sweet and sour sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1/2 tsp red pepper sauce

Hot cooked rice

Chopped fresh cilatro or parsley (optional)

1. Cut pork into 1-inch cubes and place in slow cooker.

2. Add diced peppers, onion, carrots, sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper sauce. Stir just to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours. Serve over hot rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired.

~~

Delicious!

Nope...no new photos.

And, yes, I should be unpacking.

Or napping to help get rid of my cold while Emma's

napping to help combat her double ear infection.

But I missed my blog, so I'm taking a minute.

~~

I've been thinking this week about time. It really does seem to fly. I'm sure you've all heard that. And it's true! I think that, finally, this past week, I've come to the conclusion that

we're are done having kids (at least, as far as OUR plans go). Bob's been on this page for awhile, but it took me a while to get there. However, after five pregnancies (one major surgery and one less f. tube) and two kids, I think it's time. There are those reading this, like Mom and Dad, who will breathe a sigh of relief. And I thought it would make me sad, but it doesn't. Because I have TWO kids...two wonderfulo kids. What makes me sad, is that fact that their childhoods are melting away.

~~

These past couple of weeks while moving have been hard on Ryan. He was a great help when we were in the process of packing and moving, which meant a little less sleep and less time to squeeze in homework. Now, he'd rather spend his time out exploring or sitting in his favorite spot (more on that on same later date....after boxes!) than doing his homework or cleaning his room. It seems like I've spend the past two weeks either raising my voice at him (yes, I admit it) or asking him to do something for the thirteenth time. And I hate it.

~~

It's made me think back over the past nine years. NINE years! I can remember so many moments from the time he was just born into the world until now, but it all seems to have gone so quickly. And Emma, our last, is five. And I ask myself, what will they remember from this particular time in their lives? Both kids remember so much from their lives, starting very early on. Will they remember that Mom spent it irritated with them? Or will they remember the story reading, craft creating, quiet moments that we share. And are there enough of those? Those times where their eyes are bright with excitement as he describes the plot in their latest book, or his science experiment in GATE class, or her description of "what if?"

That's what I want them to look back and remember.

~~

And it all starts with a change in attitude...mine.

Snapshots

The view from our front window...it's easy for me to look past

the rooftops and see the beauty. At night, we can see the lights

from Bogus.

Uncle Jon got the kids each a gift card from Amazon. Emma picked out a new

Melissa and Doug Easel. Not only are they of great quality, but the younglest kids can literally help put them together. Photos of what Ryan bought to come soon...

When we went to pick up our new dresser just down the street, my friend had

this beauty (the one on the right) free to a good home. I'm told that it'll just keep

growing until it reaches the ceiling, at which time you cut it off and it starts all over.

This spot needed a large plant, and I think that this one will do just nicely.

On our most recent trip to Goodwill, I came across this magazine holder for a whopping $2.99. I love it as a new home for Emma's library books. Thrifting rocks!

Snapshots - Our New Home

Our new home!

Just kidding!

Adding something familiar right away

Front view

Front view from the other direction.

Notice the little munchkin under the Blue Spruce?

Did I ever mention that I love older homes because of

their established trees? We've got a few of them now...

Without the little munchkin

The garage is 25'x25.' We currently have a ton of boxes, book cases, etc inside...

and both cars!

I was so excited to discover this. Can't wait to see it in the summer.

Welcome!

The last owners put in a patio in the back...

a reminder of the great state we live in!

What I like to call the Craft Cottage.

What Bob likes to call the shop.

What Ryan and Hop like to call the Man Cave.

What Mom likes to call the Mother-in-law's Quarters.

Hmmmmm....

This is the deck that comes off of the kitchen.

The kids were very excited to see that the prior owners left

the dog run!

Emma planted her first

"Muddy Stick Forest."

I used to do this in the sandbox. Growing up

with apple orchards, I planted apple trees.

This is RV parking.

Next year, it will be my garden.

Part of the back yard.

We're hoping that hunders of daffodils and tulips pop

up here in a few months. If they don't...they will eventually once I

get the interior finished.

Emma's rock

You only get to see one room right now, because it's

the only one that's presentable. :)

This is the living room.

I love the light we get from the large windows...

and from the sun (for those of you in Portland and Seattle...that's the large yellow ball in the sky you see a few times a year!)

Bob hard at work (with his helpers) replacing door nobs and lock.

Ryan got to help.

Here, Emma is playing with Bob's Star Wars Monoply game, while

shaking her bum to Taylor Swift.

This is my Goodwill purchase of the day. I wanted a larger

end table to go between the two couches. My Grandma used to have these

in her home, and I love them. It was always fun to open the door to discover what was hidden inside. When we got it home, there was a penny. So, I only paid $14.98!

Taking a break with Emma, coloring crayons and a cup of tea.

Moving Day

Hop, his dog and the kids

Thanks for all of the help moving.

Mom, Dad, Max, Amanda and Ryan B helped with all of the heavy lifting.

Amy S did us a great service by watching Emma...she was getting a bit too helpful!

Sold!

Her "John Hancock"

...the last time we moved in Aug of 2008

(discovered on the bottom of a moving box)

...and now.

It's 12:22 p.m. ...

...and I'm taking a break from boxes. Taking a break to write thank you notes with

my candy cane pen (with ink that smells like peppermint!), sipping my tall, non-fat, no-whip, two-pump mocha while glancing up occasionally to appreciate the progress we've made in turning this home back into house.

New Year's Eve 2009

We had a pretty quiet New Year's Eve. Jon, who is moving to Seattle,

came over for dinner and to bring the kids birthday presents.

He brought Emma a huge drawing pad and a big package of pastels.

I think he'll be missed!

Jon got Ryan a new bow target. He can't wait to try this out!

Me and Em's first collaboration.

Birthdays 2009

We started our festivities trying for a family photos. The kids were so impressed with my idea to try it without coats. :)

The kids with Hop, Nana, and Buddy

Aaahhhhh...

Emma and her Buddy

We were so glad that Violet could join us.

Max and Amanda made us homemade clam chowder, served in bread bowls. Yum!

Presents!

Emma wasn't getting the presents opened quite fast enough.

Max gave her a few tips.

Violet gave the kids a great gift. She took a plastic utensil box, taped together dollar bills equal to their ages. The package was wrapped with one end slit so a dollar stuck out. Once they pulled on the first dollar, they all came out.

Mom got Emma a new friend....Bella. She made her some clothes and a sleeping bag.

So cute!

Me and Dad.

(I get my smile from him!)

Nine!

Five!

(Photo taken on her actual birth date)