Remodeling?

A couple weeks ago, our neighbors stopped in at our house. As I opened the door she kindly asked, "Are you remodeling?" It took me a minute to figure out what she was saying, then I took a look at myself. She's very kind, but yes- new to the neighborhood. Since we've now lived here for more than a year, any other neighbor wouldn't even have blinked an eye to see me covered in paint, sawdust and anything else I picked up while working in the garage- I'm a mess! Oh how, I'd love to be the put- together wife and mom with my make up just right, cute clothes and hair done everyday to meet and greet my family and anyone else who would happen to stop by! Fact of the matter is- 99% of the time I probably look like I am remodeling.

Our latest project, along with our business, little guys, football and 12-hour work days for Jim just about every day- we started on our basement trim work. First, I owe my brother-in-law a huge apology. I need to build up the courage to call him before they come for another visit and he sees what we've done. We bought oak trim and doors for our basement last year. I assumed we would stain them, and on a visit in January Mac spent HOURS getting us started. I was so excited to see the work in progress. He really did a great job- and got the first coat on ALL of it- so much work!

As soon as they left, my mother-in-law came for a visit and immediately said we needed to do light trim to brighten the basement. You know- dark stain is so "out." This put the thought in to my head and until this last week- we didn't know what to do. In the end, stuck with this expensive (and now stained) trim, we sanded it all down, primed it and painted it. Mac, I'm so sorry! Of course, Jim had to go Amish on me and insisted that we had to hand sand it ALL... the palm sander would have blasted through the grooves. I was willing to take the chance, but opted to work together on the whole thing. I'll post soon on what we've been working on!

What a Soccer Clinic

In our house, it's tough being one of the little guys. With ten years between the big boys and little boys. Coleman and Caden are constantly trying to be just like their older brothers. They have practice, and play coach. They catch the bus and go to school as well- all in their creative minds and daily imaginary play. Seeing a soccer clinic for ages 3-6 I was able to sign the up for their own "practice." Of course, they each had to have their own Gatorade- just like the big boys. Yesterday was the first of four Saturday mornings and while it was mostly chasing a ball around, they had fun!

We're working with Caden that you can't touch it with your hands... only kick it!

Maybe, he'll be a goalie.

Chimps and Penguins

With clear skies and 80 degree temperatures, it was the perfect combination for a September afternoon at the zoo. The little guys and I couldn't resist! It was just beautiful. After a quick tram ride around the whole zoo, we spent most of our time watching the chimps then on to the penguin cove.

The best part of having a membership is not having that urgency to hurry through to see every single animal. It was a nice, relaxed afternoon. This zoo is organized by continents. As we strolled past Australia we thought of our family down there!

We miss you guys!!!

Fall Blooms

I just love bulbs. It's no secret that tulips are one of my favorite things in life. There's the excitement when planting them, then they magically appear months later. This last two weeks, we've been down with a horrible flu. It started with Ty and Justin, then slowly knocked the rest of us out one at a time. It was a terrible reminder to me that I really don't have time to be sick.

The other day, I walked outside only to notice that the dahlias that I planted this Spring have started to bloom. What a fun surprise! My rose bush is still blooming as well. Simple joys for an Alaskan girl who would normally be bundling up about right now!

One Win- One Loss

After the first week of games, Tyler's team is 1-0 while Justin's team started with a loss and a the record is 0-1. It's tough to lose. Maybe even harder to watch your kids lose. Of my four boys, I'd say Justin is the most competitive and HATES anything but first place in pretty much anything- especially sports.

After a quiet ride home from the game and a quiet dinner... I finally told Justin I was so sorry that they lost- especially being their first game. His response, "Mom- they weren't good." That makes it even worse- knowing you're the better team and coming up short. Sounds like a life lesson... "it's not whether you win or lose..." Maybe next week will be better! While both boys actually do play, sideline shots are much easier for a mom to get sitting up in the stands!

Football in Full Swing...

It's officially football season. I'm excited, but at the same time gearing up for a busy schedule! Ty has games on Thursdays and Justin plays on Mondays. Along with practices that never seem to start or stop at the same time it definitely keeps us on the run! We're so excited that Grandma is here! She's already lightened the load of driving! It was a nice, hot day... uncomfortably hot to play in but, Grandma and I enjoyed it sitting in the bleachers!

Last night was their annual scrimmage. Ty (8th graders) scrimmaged the 7th graders. Justin wasn't quite as lucky- the Freshmen were up against the Sophomores. He's facing off against a much bigger #69 in this bottom photo.

The Military Poster Couple

I'm so proud of my honey! After months and months of studying, Jim tested in February for his next rank- Master Sergeant. We found out in June that he passed his test- so exciting! With just under 13 years in the military, he's done so well to work his way up the chain. It's been a lot of discipline and countless hours of studying. The frustrating part for us is he doesn't get to sew his new stripe on until June of 2009. The way they work promotions is mind-boggling to me! Those who have been in the longest who make the rank get to sew it on first. Since he's one of the younger ones, with the least amount of time in he has to wait. I've NEVER hear of this system until the military and I think it's crazy.

The raise won't kick in until next June as well, but the responsibility sure has! He's already been put in a new position as Flight Chief in charge of Support- a job that he'd happily hand off to anyone who would like it!

Last night, to honor those moving to the upper ranks of enlisted military, they had a nice induction ceremony and dinner. Not too exciting since we're not exactly the "poster couple" for the military...but, it was a nice dinner. I had to laugh a little while singing "off we go... in to the wild, blue yonder..." Grandma saved the day by flying down on Wednesday so we had someone to stay with the boys. Justin and Ty could have managed, but it's much more fun with Grandma here!

Probably the highlight of the evening was being asked if we're newlyweds! Very sweet... I think I told all of my friends when we got married that in 20 or 30 or 50 years, we'd still be madly in love and feel like newlyweds! It just grows stronger by the minute!

Tyler's First Day

Vacation's now over for Tyler as well... 8th grade started today for him! We woke up to thunderstorms and rain so he's a bit more bundled up. It's funny to me that it hits 65 degrees and he thinks he needs a sweatshirt. (He's the one who misses Alaska...) It's also a little darker outside. They start an hour later on Wednesdays, every other day they're picked up at 6:40am... Early mornings!

Justin's off to High School

School's in... Justin's a FRESHMAN! I just can't believe I'm old enough to have a son in high school! I'm 35... but, feel so young! Lucky for him, today's the first day for freshmen and new kids only. Gives him a day to get to know his way around in a more relaxed atmosphere. I think it's a great idea! Ty's vacation ends tomorrow as he starts 8th grade. They're both definitely happy to be in different schools again... if only for this school year!

I hear moms all the time who can't wait for their kids to get back to school... I'm not one of them. I'm almost as sad as they are that our summer break has ended. It's not just that my big boys help me a lot... I just love hanging out with them! Yes, they do fight... but they're great fun most of the time!

Caden offered a little support while they waited for the bus to pick Justin up. Check out these big feet... he's starting this school year in 13's...

Berries & Peaches

This last couple of weeks has been WAY too busy! Too much work... not enough play! After a really long couple of day working last week (plaques covering about every square inch of open space in our house) I told Caden we were going to play the next day- Mommy worked too much! His response, "Where? Where did you work?" As long as he thinks it's all play- guess we're doing alright!
We did take a break last week to visit a farm close to our house for peach and blackberry picking- yum!! I think Tyler and I had the most fun- we were working on peaches while Jim and Justin tried to fill the bucket with blackberries. Coleman and Caden just bounced around mostly enjoying the two dogs the farmer had walking around.
Once our box was full of peaches, we found some full blackberry bushes and picked more than enough in no time!


I have yet to make any pies... or cobbler, but I did make my first batch of jam! It actually turned out better than expected- fun times!

Zip Line and a FAT lip

I'm sure once Coleman and Caden are a bit older, they'll thank their older brothers for toughening them up. They're great older brothers, but sometimes forget that there is a 10-year age gap!

While camping, Justin put Coleman on a zip line that was set up in the campground. I was in the camper, but I'm sure I would have held him as he took his plunge. Apparently, he made it just fine the first time, but crashed on his second attempt. Big fat lip! His whole lip split wide open- he's lucky he didn't knock any teeth out.

While laying on the bed recovering with a mouthful of dirt, Justin felt really bad and laid down next to Coleman to say, "sorry." As Justin made his sincere apology, Coleman said in his sweetest voice, "It's ok Justin, it was my fault- I should have held on tighter."

Oh, if they could always get along this well!

Buzzed

Yes, the hair is gone! We did haircuts about two weeks ago- short for summer! I'm a firm believer as a parent, you have to pick your battles. When "discussing" with the boys, I have to ask myself, "does it really matter?" Hair is one area that is easy to be lenient with them... grades are an area we take more seriously!

I learned this lesson a couple years ago when Justin wanted to grow his hair long and bleach it. At first, I didn't want my clean-cut little boy turning in to a punk kid. He was going in to middle school, but still... Eventually, I gave in and in no time he had the shaggy, bleachy look of an orphan boy. He was still the same sweet kid, so it was alright. It didn't last and he was ready for it to be cut and no longer wanted the highlights. Now, when he looks at photos he can't believe it! I remind him that he begged to grow it out...

At the beginning of June, Justin announced that he was going to grow his hair out. No problem- it didn't last long. He's the one who asked for a buzz. It was a little shorter than he thought it would be, but it's growing. I'll have my clean-cut boys by the time school starts!
Caden's the most drastic, we think. We cut his wild curls off. It was just too much! We'll grow his back out- his curls just fit his crazy personality!

Camping in Style

We decided last weekend to get away for a little Kansas camping. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and we cut our trip short. Too much rain, too much mud. However, it was camping like I've never known. Having only camped in the rugged Alaska outdoors, this was crazy to me! At the same time, enjoyable- we can't wait to go again! Here's my quick list of differences...

1. A/C v. Sweatshirts
We rented a camper and the man really stressed how great the AC was... I didn't think too much of it, but wow! I don't know if I could camp now without it now! In AK, I don't think you go camping without a sweatshirt- even in mid-summer. No sweatshirts, or socks for that matter here! Have I mentioned how much I love this weather? 90's + this week... heaven! Coleman is showing his Grandma that he still knows how to drink out of a bottle... she taught him well.
2. Camper v. Tent
I know there are campers in AK, but I mostly have camped in tents. How nice... a toilet, shower, microwave and of course the AC. It was great. It almost didn't feel like camping. We were at our site not even three hours and Jim was ready to give the little guys their bath. I had to laugh... we both like our kids clean, but I could have let them go a day without being we were camping. It worked- their daddy gave them a shower! I took my shower soon after so I can't really make fun of him.

3. Sheets v. Sleeping bags
Along with the camper came a queen size bed. A real bed. I had to pack sheets, and didn't even use a sleeping bag. Yes, I did line the mattress with a blanket first... but, the sheets felt pretty good. We threw the boys in sleeping bags, of course.
4. Salmon v. Catfish or Bass or whatever else is down here
I've done a little bit of fishing in my life, but never heard of just casting, then setting the pole down until the fish bite. Guess that's the difference when you're not expecting salmon or halibut to pull you in. I've always had a death grip on any pole I've used. The fishing wasn't great, but the boys had fun. If you didn't notice, the boys are holding up the same fish... the same little fish their dad caught!
5. Light v. Dark
After getting the little guys to sleep, the big boys and Jim headed out to fish. How funny to have it dark and have to take a lantern. Camping in AK is never dark. Dusky for a little bit, but not ever dark, dark. Another strange thing... it was dark and warm at the same time. 6. Moose v. Cows?
No moose down here. The boys (Justin) were still a little nervous driving by these cows. We did see some deer, but the cows are abundant! They're still pretty cool looking!

Special Cheese Manicotti

It really isn't hard to make... just takes a little time. Plus, it's messy unless you have that cool tool to squeeze the filling into the shells. The first time I made it, I said I was NEVER making it again because I made a mess... which is why it's probably one of Ty's favorites! Pretty healthy, too- I should make it more. Thanks Traci!

Special Cheese Manicotti

1 pkg (8oz) manicotti (cook according to directions, rinse in cold water, drain)

2 1/2 cups (10 oz) shredded mozzarella, divided

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

3 T minced fresh parsley

1/4 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1/8 t nutmeg

1 egg, slightly beaten

3/4 cup sour cream

1/3 cup Italian salad dressing- straight from the bottle

1/2 cup shredded zucchini ( I use more)

1 jar spaghetti sauce

Combine ingredients. Stuff manicotti and place in 9x13 pan. Pour spaghetti sauce on top. Bake 350 degrees for 35 minutes, covered. Uncover and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese, bake 5 more minutes. Yummy with a green salad!