Things remembered not forgotten.

After a week of a series of unfortunate events that resulted in missing keys, wallets, washing my sons paycheck and other forgetful things.  Despite all of the forgetful, crazed things I did all week, I remembered a few things too.  Tonight when I was most frustrated my girlfriend said to me "Don't do the chores, just go take a bath."  I am paraphrasing but that was truly at the heart of the message.  So I turned on some hot water and jumped in. 

Its amazing how clear things become with a little hot water and silence.  The first thing I remembered was perhaps the most important.  I remembered today while making the bed, I knocked my sons cross off the wall and I broke it. The second I did I knew I would have to fix it.  The truth is I have more than a cross on the wall to fix.  My faith in God has never wavered.  Not for one minute, not for one second but too often I go through my day in task mode not thinking just doing.  While my faith is still as strong as ever, I haven't allowed it to enrich me and make me strong.  That is the cross I need to fix.  Finding a few moments everyday to acknowledge and be thankful for the love and faith I have been given is the first step to fixing my broken relationship with the cross and it is just the kind of healing I need.

The second thing I remembered is that I spent the day getting organized so that I could relax.  I shoulda just relaxed...Brilliant.  Why didn't I think of that.  Again task, task, task...while there is a lot to be said for taking sometime to get this well oiled machine back on track there is a even more to be said for getting me on track.  The hot bath was the first step to get me there.

The other thing I remembered is how much I love my blog.  My girlfriend started blogging about some of her experiences and it prompted me to look back on my blog.  I am so glad I spent a few moments here and there to log my thoughts over the years.  Here in this blog are some pretty amazing moments and it is like visiting the past reading over them.  The words are me and this is a connection to me.  I like it.  Facebook has taken over because its quick and easy and I love love love pictures.  It is so easy to connect with friends and family.  But this blog is for me and its a way to connect to those moments that go by so fast and not just get a snapshot but remember exactly how I felt in that moment and how it has gotten me to the place I am now.  Which despite the missing keys, lost wallet, washed paychecks, broken crosses, is right where I need to be.  So here's to hoping I remember not to forget my faith, baths, relaxing, or writing my blog again. 

(I have in this moment chosen to forget that run-on sentences and bad grammar are lame and instead am chosing to just leave the words on the page, without proof reading, exactly as they lie and go RELAX!.....don't tell any of my smart friends)

Christian's project

Ok, this is a bit ridiculous

As it turns out. I can not post every day...or even every month.

The house is moving along but no we are not quite finished yet. Things are going really well and we are sooo close to the finish line that I can feel it. The new room got carpet installed today and will be trimmed out this weekend. We will make the big shift either this weekend or early next week. One thing is for sure...I still have some painting to do.

The boys are doing great.
Christian just finished a fantastic season of football. He loved it. He was struggling playing for coaches with kids on the team. I can say this b/c we coach our kids. However, he got very frustrated and was feeling like he didn't want to play football. (a sport he truly loves) He got the opportunity to play for the school. He was thankful to be able to go out there work hard and earn his spot based on his own talent. He was one of the two team captains, the starting quarterback and earned a spot starting at defense as well. Overall, it was a fantastic experience for him and he is back to being passionate about the game. The lost the last game of the season and he was so upset he cried. He didn't even cry when the All Star Team took 3rd...One thing is for sure, he really laid his heart out there.

Jonah, my main man, is working so hard this year. Middle School has been such a positive for him and has really made him focus and be accountable to his grades. Kudos to him for his super hard work. He has also been playing football. He is so fun to watch out there. However, the best thing that happened to Jonah is he joined a competitive hip hop team. He is having a ball and getting excited about tearing it up at the school dances. Everywhere we go people know Jonah and it is purely because whereever he goes he spreads love, joy and enthusiasm...Gotta love that kid.

Max- I have to say my favorite part of the day is when he gives me smooches or cuddles in my lap. He is nine but he is still his mommy's little guy. He started playing soccer this year and has really enjoyed it. Soccer is not my favorite sport but I love watching him play and have a great time supporting him. Max has gotten a job as a dog sitter for the neighbor across the street. He loves animals and occasionally gets to babysit. Today he went to Sarahs house and sat down with their dog, 20 minutes goes by and he is still petting the dog. Sarah said "Max do you wanna at least take your backpack off?" It makes me wonder if our busy family should get the dogwhisperer his own pet. I don't know about that...

Anyway, life is good. I am blessed and I am excited for the new year. I can't wait to start living in my house instead of working on it....Who knows relaxation may be in my future.....

Ohhh, Blog there you are.

I haven't been on in so long I had forgotten I changed the format. Then I see all the rain drops and I must have been anticipating fall.

Today is the first day of school. Christian and Jonah are heading off to middle school while Max is still getting his Snooze on. I am nervous for Jonah but I think he will have a good time. I am remembering my favorite middle school days and I can't believe I have two middle schoolers. Where on earth has all the time gone. It doesn't feel that long ago since I met Chris and was smitten with his cute face.

Max is starting fourth grade. I am not too nervous for him. He usually works it out. However, he is soo shy that the first month or so is always interesting. He is so cute and excited. Annie is finally in his class. If he doesn't feel like talking no worries, she will do it for him. I wonder if she can take his tests for him too.

The house is being painted today which is exciting. I finally feel like we are almost done with this crazy thing and can begin living life again without the house drama. Chris and I woke up Sunday morning and read on the porch. It was one of the first times in a long time where I felt we were "living" in the house. That is a good feeling.

A week in Review

Well, I turned 34 which usually prompts my 34 favorite things but it is late. I will get to that later.
The house is really starting to come along. They sided half of the bottom...so I guess that is like 1/4 of the house. Who knows. Siding does definitely feel like progress.

Last night Chris and I went to Costco and I got a new computer. I am very excited to be up and running to my fullest potential. I loved my old laptop but it had seen better days and was kinda sad. I am amazed at how technologically advance I have become. In the last year I have gotten a new video camera, regular camera, a My Touch phone, a Nook and now a laptop. Woo hoo. I am a big girl now. For someone who hates gadgets, I kinda have a few. Now I just hope to put them to use. What I really want is to find some free time to finish the books I have started but never finished....However, I will have to stop reading if I hope to start writing.

Christian plays in his last tourney this weekend. I am excited to go watch him play. I am also excited that this weekend marks the end of baseball for us. I love baseball but I am done and ready to move on. We are going on vacation soon so that will be a nice opportunity to get away from all the activities and find some relaxation.

Tanya took the boys to Alki today while I worked. I am so thankful to have her around. She is awesome. It certainly means a lot to finally have some family that helps me out. She goes over and beyond the call of duty for an auntie and my kids adore her. I don't know how I managed before she moved back home. Mostly I am thankful that someone really puts in the time and effort for my kids. I want them to grow up feeling like they have some sort of family roots...even if there mom is the black sheep.

I took a few pics of the house and will download them soon. I am so excited to get going with my new camera. My part time job has me working full time this week and next. Tomorrow is my 6th day working in a row...I feel like Melanie Griffith in Working Girl..hehehe. I just gotta put some time in next week then off to vaca...I can't wait for vacation Margaritas!!!!!!!

Moving along

Finally we made some progress. After months and months of dealing with a plumber that was terrible I finally hired a new one. He came out yesterday and finished the work in no time at all. It makes me wonder why I kept dealing with the first plumber for soooo long. Not to mention the fact he came out at 10pm one night to fix a problem. The HVAC was hooked up a couple of weeks ago and they said I should call the BBB and report the plumber because the state he left the water heater hook up was terrible. Two different HVAC guys reported that carbon binoxide was being leaked into my home daily!!!! I was soooo upset. That was the last straw for me. I called another plumber and all is done. WOO HOO for us. I am just thanful no one got sick or even worse.

The siding started this week. I am very excited. They are wrapping the house and putting the belly band on. I can't wait to see the final product. The last bits of everything is almost done. The decks are finished. The new overhang is done. Electrical is done all except the lights outside which can't be hooked up until the siding is finished. I am just waiting on siding, insulation and some drywall.....The end is near.

Overall this has been a pretty positive experience (minus the plumber). We are looking forward to enjoy our "new" house soon. Chris and I were talking the other night that even though the flood was terrible in the end the house looks great and it all worked out.