Vacation Part 2: Vampires vs. Werewolves

This is on the ferry ride to Bremerton. Edward didn't warm us up, nor did he keep us from blowing away. But his good looks made up for it.

We set out Wednesday morning, child free, to Port Angelas. The drive was stunning! We kept seeing Lavander farms, one had an ice cream shop! I would have forced Derek to pull over but with a car load of family I decided my idea of fun might not be evrybodies...in fact, I would have made Derek pull over numerous times and it would have been a week long trip. And now I feel it my destiny to one day own a Lavendar Farm with a bakery inside!
Port Angelas was so much fun (if your a TwiHard or even been forced to watch the movies...this is where the movie theater is and Bella Italia restraunt)! We went into Dazzle Me shop and I thought this map was so cool. A bunch of crazies just like me from all over the world coming to see the home of the men we love, Jacob and Edward.




We had leave Edward here, you know, because of the treaty. We wouldn't want to start any fights.

The weather up until La Push was 75 with sunny blue skies. But as soon as we got to the beach it was 50 something degrees and overcast! Brrrr.



As we turned the corner Jacob was peering at us from behind a curtain! Seriously, these people are funny.



Forks was much too sunny for the vampires to come out and play but we still visited all their hot spots. As you can see, we had a good old laugh, and not one person looked at us funny. I have a feeling the people of Forks have seen just about everything!



Derek has found someone to enjoy also.

At the end of the day we realized who needs Vampires and Werewolves. We have these sexy men in our lives.

Seattle didn't see us comin' (PART 1)

We had ourselves an awesome adventure to Seattle, Portland and...wait for it...FORKS! Laugh if you must but I am telling you, we had a BLAST. We went with Derek's family, a total of 25. It was lovely chaos.

First came Seattle, my kids were troopers and didn't make me crazy in the car, which was a huge blessing because I drove there and Derek flew to meet us.
I felt like we were devout tourist in seeing the truly touristy sights:

Here we are at the Space Needle. My family did NOT want ANOTHER picture which infuriated me to no end, so after freaking Dill out by holding him on the rail (sorry babe but it was caged in) I walked around by myself for awhile until my family felt bad and begged for a nice family picture.





We went to the Pacific Science Center, on a Harbor Cruise, the Aquarium and a glimpse of Pike's Market. All in all I thought Seattle was beautiful and wish I could afford to move there. The weather never let us down- sunny without a cloud in the sky.





I almost forgot! We went to a Mariners/Red Sox game. When Derek and I went to Boston while I was pregnant with Cade, we fell in love with the city and the events/sports that coincide. Boston, along with Cade, hold very dear memories for us. Since then we have always wanted to hit up a Red Sox game. The SafeCo Field is amazing! We took Dillon while Kasi stayed home to swim with the girls, it was a roller coaster ride of feelings for him. First he was cold, and then hot, hungry to no end, and finally sleepy. Needless to say I can't tell you what happened during the game. But I do know Boston lost :(






In Seattle we parted ways, the kids and majority of the dads headed to Sherwood Oregon, and the older girls and my hubby:) giggled our way to Forks. Derek would like me to specify that he did not giggle. (But I swear he thoroughly enjoyed himself)

I love Summer because...

We sleep.
Like no one's business.


We swim.
Like we were meant to be fish :)




We roast.
From hot dogs to smores. Can't forget the marshmallows the size of your fist!



We explore.
And forget to check the amount of gas before we head up the mountain. My kids enjoyed counting down miles, 12 miles left...7...3...


We get dirty :)
Oh man, we are filthy by the end of day!!


I love summer because just staying at home has turned out to be the best place to be! (and the entertainment is free!) We have the greatest friends and silliest times. Early morning playdates turn into game night with friends.
I love summer because there's nothing greater than to end the day with your kids saying, "Could this day have been any better!!"

Just Wrong.

Who's children are they?





...no wait, this one is definently mine.


(Dillon is ALWAYS shirtless. We like to call him Jacob.)

Kasi and Dillon brought us home Garter snakes with help from the neighbor boy. Seriously, WHERE DID I GO WRONG?

And yes, we eat caramel from Leatherby's by the spoonful. This jar only lasted a couple of days:)

The curse of the Sunday sweet tooth

We got home from the in-laws about 6:30 and I couldn't shake it. I needed a sugar fix. Popsicles were available for the taking but I needed something hearty. My mom always made a lemon poppyseed bundt cake and I adored it. I savored every bite. But there was always something it needed- MORE FROSTING! Frosting isn't a problem with this beauty.

By the time I finished making it I noticed Dill and Derek were dead to the world on the couch. I can always count on Kasi though! Yum, more for us.

Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

1 box lemon cake mix

1 box instant lemon pudding

1/4 cup poppy seeds

2/3 cup water

1/2 cup softened butter

3 eggs

(I threw in about 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips, call me crazy)

Blend all ingredients. Grease and flour bundt pan (or bread pan). Pour batter in pan and spread it around evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 min. Cool for 15 min. and then add glaze. (should still be warm)

Lemon glaze

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp . vanilla

3 TBL. milk

3 TBL softened butter

3 TBL. lemon juice (add more if too thick)

mix and drizzle

I don't know if you do this- but by the time I was finished licking the bowls and beaters of the cake and frosting I had met my sugar quota and didn't want any of the finished product . I'm sure tomorrow it will be very tasty!

The power of a post

I spoke too soon - the christmas tree, fence posts, and broken umbrella have been taken to a dumster!

And Dillon had a "late night" (we don't do sleepovers with friends) last night with a friend while Kasidee went to her friends for one. Trying to kill time before she left Kasi made a welcome sign for Luke for when he came over. She showed the sign to Dillon and he said," Um, thanks Kas. But I'd really just like the house to be clean." and when she gave him the "say what" look. He said,"Well, at least put your shoes in your room."
What an angel! (see how easily we moms forget)

Your probably wondering (not really) how my weight loss plan is going-
My die hard sister invited me to a class at the gym, AT 5:45 AM! That alone killed me, but today, let's just say I'm not sure when I will regain full use of my legs.
And to top it off- Today I had three cokes, Apollo burger for lunch, popcorn, a sucker, and-just now- some cake. So yeah it's going well thank you.

And yeah, the red hair was an oops.

So, what's been goin on with you?

It's the question I get from every client. I might need to borrow some stories because I think I have said. "um nothing really" about 50 times this week! Because nobody really care's that I:

Am now a red head, and I totally planned it that way because if you have blue eyes red hair makes them stand out (or so I have heard :) )

Live in a world of TV reruns and old movies.

When Dillon was in the tub I heard him say, "I am finally debt free!"
He also told Derek that he could "trade his gold for cash."
Derek and Dillon can only recite movie lines to each other, anytime, all the time. I had to put my foot down at the dinner table the other day and say we could only talk about what is going on in REAL LIFE.

Am trying to loose weight.

And PLEASE don't comment if your going to tell me "Oh you look fine". Because, ladies and gentlemen, the scales don't lie. And the lady at Smith's asked me when my baby was due.

Am having an argument over home improvement issues with Derek.

Hmm, I don't know, let's try to get something, anything, 100% finished before we move on to something new-like building a pergola because the weather is nice. How about we fix the cracked and flaking tile and grout. Or maybe throw away the old fence and Christmas tree in the backyard. What about the finishing touches I have been asking for in the salon for a year now.

have a 5 year old who is driving me insane!!

go brush your teeth- whine, fit , tantrum
we are going to the gym- whine, fit , tantrum
get dressed for the day at 4:00- whine, fit, tantrum
sorry, you can't play with a friend at 7:00 am- whine, fit, tantrum

AHHHHH!!!! Who is this wildly emotional, lazy, child!!

Am actually pretty happy with the usual, and glad that "nothing really" is going on right now.

A moms spring break!

My mom is the best.
I had such a fun weekend with my mom in Palm Beach! Good food, plenty of sunshine, LOTS of reading, and alligators.

In with the new

This time of year is so...BLAH! Being in the hair biz I notice this time is when everybody is ready for change, whether it's from brown to blonde or from long to short. It's so gross and gloomy outside that we try to give just about anything a face lift. For me it's always my house. For the week I have put down my books (by the way, thanks for all the book referrals and yes... book club here I come) and started to organize and update. I started with my entry. I had this mirror that had hooks on it that I swear I bought at Shopko 9 years ago. Brooke of course would never tell me how ugly something is but I could tell she was rather pleased to see it go, she also said having a mirror by the door projects energy out. You learn something new everyday.


My new entry get-up.

Then onto the toy room. My girlie friend Suzie is such a crafty/creative person. She always has such awesome ideas. So I copied her, literally, right down to the laminated tags. And I have to say this has been the best project yet! My kids play, together (gasp), for hours in the toy room. They haven't played/used the toy room for probably 2 years!!! Brooke said.."duh, it had baby toys." I guess I am slow, but better late than never! My favorite is the closets. I know... weird. But Derek and his Dad put shelving in my closets and you'd think I added a bedroom! All the sudden I have space!!


I love my new craft table! Oh what $35 will get you! Dilly loves his net of lego's and Kasi loves her Lazy Susan with art supplies!


Brooke whipped me up some curtains and Derek put shelves and finished up the closet!


Because of my added space I was able to organize and rearrange my kitchen (all the kids arts and crafts were stored in there). I covered my shelves and bought some cute baskets. And hopefully I can call my pantry my food storage because there is no more room!


New shelving in basement closet! With the art supplies, you would have died if you saw the before picture.


Kitchen pantry with some dressed shelving.

Derek has time off this week so we have a couple for things to finish up. But I love to copy so- if you have any fantastic ideas for organization or just plain cute ideas, let me have 'em!

Readaholic

My name is Brittany, and I have a problem, I love to read!! My love is really starting to get on my families nerves. Dillon said to me the other night in bed while he was watching a movie and I was reading, "Mom, all you ever do is read!!" I replied, "What would you like me to be doing?" And he said "Watch TV." Um.... NO. I would honestly rather read a good book than watch TV. Though my friend told me he would rather stare at a blank wall than read, well, readings not for everyone:) I was lecturing Derek on how he really shouldn't buy 1-2 energy drinks a day because the cost really adds up, then he tapped his finger on my latest book (one of the 3 I bought that week) and I knew to shut up. My hobby costs more, I prefer not to put my name on lists to wait for books at the Library. These books I finished in 4 days:













The 3rd doesn't come out until August, I hate waiting. If your looking for a fun read, these will do the trick. Anywho, if you have a book you love, let me know!

I laid in bed this morning thinking "I should get up and clean". But instead I stayed in bed and read a good book. And then, I recieved this email from my mom, and I felt much better about my decision!

A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the furniture.
Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must .......
But wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter,
bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time . . . .
With shrimp to eat, rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

Birthday, Christmas, more Birthdays!

Are you ready for this monster of a blog?

Kasi turned 9 in November. It was hard to shop for her this year, she's kind of out of the toy stage. For her birthday we took a couple friends to lunch, and then to get their toe nails painted. Kasi and her friends were darling, they gabbed and giggled at their own table and then sat all mature in the pedicure chair. I love the age Kasidee is at, aside from the emotional drama we encounter on an hourly basis, she is funny, caring and very fashion forward. She has also decided to pick up a hobby of eavesdropping, if only she could get the facts straight with the story she overhears-this talent is a work in progress:)



Then came CHRISTMAS. Oh Christmas, we have waited for you so long!! I felt like I had been shopping for years getting ready for the big show. This year we started a new tradition- a service advent calendar. My creative friend gave me the idea and it was a big hit. We sat down for FHE and wrote down all the kind things we would like to do for others. Many of the days were "Free service days" where we could pick our own act of service for the day. I loved that this month my kids really focused on service and hopefully can carry it into the new year.
Overall the kids were happy with their loot (zhu zhu pets and all).


The kids handmade me gifts.
They did for Derek as well...


>

Kasidee serenaded us Christmas Eve with some lovey Christmas music.



All the grand kids on Derek's side.


Ella and my gang rockin out to their new mp3's :)



My birthday, as usual, is the day after Christmas. I had the best birthday ever, thanks to my kids and mom!

Her I am finding my gifts. It's a tradition that we hide the kids gifts and play the "hot and cold" game to find them. This year the kids had me play!! The one gift under the tree was clearly not enough so Kasi and Dill set to work on making me some more and hiding them.

Seriously, ALL mothers should have a toilet paper roll telescope!

Besides the Santa being re gifted, I made out with many priceless items:)

Last but definitely not least. My Dilly! He had some grand ol' plans for his birthday. And I think his imagination played out well with our party plans. We had his party at the church because we needed LOTS of room! It was a SPY birthday- we made passports, got fingerprinted, had an obstacle course (guns and all), a driving range to practice fast getaways, and a scavenger hunt to find the bomb. It was a lot of work but more fun! And what did he ask for?
PICKLES!

His name suits him well.

Dillon is my man. He is quick witted and super smart! The things that come out of his mouth SHOCK and AMAZE me! He still loves to snuggle and is a definite boy-loves his weapons, action figures, scary movies and bodily noises. Dillon is a mini Derek from quoting and memorizing movie lines, their temperament, to facial expressions. What a stud.

I am Thankful

I guess things have been a little crazy around my house. Alot has been going on- good and bad. Just like everyone else, I'm sure. Yesterday was my baby Cade's birthday, he would have been 4! I love him so much, and miss him even more. We (I) decided that we would plant white tulips so that when they come up every year in the spring we can think of him and be happy!
This is hard. I keep thinking every year will get easier. But it is sad that I have had 4 years without him.
I miss my babies. How much we take for granted those wonderful nine months of a miracle inside our tummies. And when they come and they are this little bundle of warmth and love. I know I have two healthy children. Many don't get that opportunity. But because I have had it- I miss it.
Anywho, enough of my pity party. I skipped Halloween and decided I had better show my family off!
Dillon was Indiana Jones, Kasi was a mummy, and Derek was Brett Michaels


I always have my family over for Halloween and I had to show off the dessert my mom made. Seriuosly. With her and Brooke around everything is always spectacular!

Marley turned a year old!! She is such a good dog!! I may not let her lick my face, but I love her. And I love that my kids have dog- and that she is protective of them, and they love her. Wow- thats alot of love!




To make a long blog short- I am THANKFUL.

October was a hard month for our family. Of course we all have our own ways of handling the trials we go through- Dustin's friend passed away from a seriuos car accident. Mike was in the car with a girl friend of his who was in a coma until the day Mike died. I am not sure exactly the extent of her injuries, but she has a very long road of recovery ahead of her. So my amazing brother and his friend have put together this awesome benefit in Mike's name.
The 21st is Cade's birthday and I can't think of a better way I'd like to spend that night than doing something kind for someone else!
And 'tis the season, right. We are always trying to think of a service or something we can do for someone else- well this is it!! Please come and support such a great cause! This is going to be one fun event!! (plus- Dustin and his friends are very easy on the eyes :) )