tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8657157716667023222023-11-15T23:24:41.721-08:00Red Screen DoorThree kids. Three chickens. One small house and a whole lot of noise.Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-64387577717415549332018-01-27T19:56:00.000-08:002018-01-27T19:56:36.216-08:00Things I Learned Traveling to Estonia Last Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. If your kid gets invited on a summer travel adventure, figure out a way to tag along! (I was really just supposed to be the carrier pigeon of this operation, but I managed to get two weeks' worth of travel in before I came back and left Jack to finish the adventure without me.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. US playgrounds need to step up their game. Estonian parks and playgrounds are way cooler. Sure, a kid could fall off the Estonian swing and bust his head open, but Estonian kids must be pretty smart 'cause I never saw that happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI4AIWLDtBT8t6pqx_RYum8UqwZg1iGO_m2nYoYEYHJ4QDFoU7J359RXfZZ6GwGe6pn5Qq3jYD2DoxXY-TrM1T0JcZ_0Il3m-5O777_yItw6F0r8t2y9gc_b2UfeG1tjSrqhgbmLyxaI8/s1600/IMG_9698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI4AIWLDtBT8t6pqx_RYum8UqwZg1iGO_m2nYoYEYHJ4QDFoU7J359RXfZZ6GwGe6pn5Qq3jYD2DoxXY-TrM1T0JcZ_0Il3m-5O777_yItw6F0r8t2y9gc_b2UfeG1tjSrqhgbmLyxaI8/s640/IMG_9698.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember those big wooden hamster wheel things that they used to have at Papa's Pizza before they became "too dangerous" and were removed? At least you could climb out of those things! This one closes you in. I kept waiting for someone to get a nosebleed or take an elbow to the mouth when they all three got in it together, but all these kids got from this toy was a bunch of exercise. (This was actually in Finland.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9PZ0ZnwLzAk3vgUibuvzInZs0tZoFSQ2OKo6j90t-qLByQgbXNLbUA2edViVD5rIhE6nuixPpekOEUDmdTXFI1ohY-gdrP-DWkCp9XYC-DD7eSbIFZpaKtKsEUyLsUTzMIBimZmO742e/s1600/IMG_8934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9PZ0ZnwLzAk3vgUibuvzInZs0tZoFSQ2OKo6j90t-qLByQgbXNLbUA2edViVD5rIhE6nuixPpekOEUDmdTXFI1ohY-gdrP-DWkCp9XYC-DD7eSbIFZpaKtKsEUyLsUTzMIBimZmO742e/s640/IMG_8934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really can't tell you why this one is so much fun, so you'll just have to take my word for it. It's like a pogo stick meets a balancing bridge and YES THAT IS REAL ACTUAL CEMENT THAT A KID COULD FALL ON! (Nobody fell.) The object is to stand up on the middle one which is super bouncy and wobbly. I tried and failed many times. I am actually wondering if something like this could be installed in my backyard. I am telling you, this would be a HIT at parties!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN53vfvl6XSiOPcrsYRJ4MabfyhvpFessg_ZGqmCEfNF9D4e4V7cOB2aHBLjPb-isXHKmXTvMuiJZehzAp4dySqR9lHm5WP-jfBq6Tf_ldq72LfTVyt5XcPXUbwDOM9iUATENjmN36vyN/s1600/IMG_9574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN53vfvl6XSiOPcrsYRJ4MabfyhvpFessg_ZGqmCEfNF9D4e4V7cOB2aHBLjPb-isXHKmXTvMuiJZehzAp4dySqR9lHm5WP-jfBq6Tf_ldq72LfTVyt5XcPXUbwDOM9iUATENjmN36vyN/s640/IMG_9574.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. The quality of my life is significantly improved if I eat cake every day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALPNhtEv_rkMFhu-BVs9KnAff34_48FstTjS74TMQRRzpI0Zg9qQVoQHMVPO2Qpw8IxpbiOSkdwQFXPAd7g3fdMBFVLEvEWeHCG9drgtv2EddprkibwwfD7C8na1WvgrEYx3BNx9qO-we/s1600/IMG_9440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALPNhtEv_rkMFhu-BVs9KnAff34_48FstTjS74TMQRRzpI0Zg9qQVoQHMVPO2Qpw8IxpbiOSkdwQFXPAd7g3fdMBFVLEvEWeHCG9drgtv2EddprkibwwfD7C8na1WvgrEYx3BNx9qO-we/s640/IMG_9440.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. I need more cheesemongers in my life. Specifically, I need cheesemongers who want to give me free samples and tell me what cheese pairs best with my wine. Also, I need more wine in my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0UFPHxSMJRadHLy5RrHR1ywLT7bWVmqBmU6LnU9IfWlT8aEdI382s3pUA_fPXiSQcF_gV6fiaM0xfFhhw_CfPR2kZ-xZGL8I_42euiQsWfwSA0AdjcOXRYLCRCedLvB_TLPSwTo9Hw7F/s1600/IMG_8942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0UFPHxSMJRadHLy5RrHR1ywLT7bWVmqBmU6LnU9IfWlT8aEdI382s3pUA_fPXiSQcF_gV6fiaM0xfFhhw_CfPR2kZ-xZGL8I_42euiQsWfwSA0AdjcOXRYLCRCedLvB_TLPSwTo9Hw7F/s640/IMG_8942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
5. I really, really, REALLY love marzipan. Am I the only one who thinks we need handcrafted marzipan painted with all natural fruit and vegetable dyes readily available for our consumption? Look at the marzipan trolls. Marzipan freaking trolls! The Estonians are brilliant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpezz_ccRrbFPYCytLM_HS1kHiri6NPoHtDC0cHb99fo8BeQ1KIVFpX7HKu5ZWIn2q7EvFYx-ndlp6Wg0kcRj1Avx89YgQqTRl9a2TzruJrZLr_5ZBsYuLr1yXjtjF-ClqGulkc6FUyF9Y/s1600/IMG_9175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpezz_ccRrbFPYCytLM_HS1kHiri6NPoHtDC0cHb99fo8BeQ1KIVFpX7HKu5ZWIn2q7EvFYx-ndlp6Wg0kcRj1Avx89YgQqTRl9a2TzruJrZLr_5ZBsYuLr1yXjtjF-ClqGulkc6FUyF9Y/s640/IMG_9175.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Restaurants with outdoor seating provide blankets in case you get cold. I love this so much. Also, I am pretty convinced that there is no bad food in Estonia. Even the gas station I went to had a little deli with fresh salads, soups, and these little open-faced fish and egg on rye bread sandwiches. For my thoughts on open-faced fish and egg on rye bread sandwiches, see list item #3.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. An Estonian girls weekend is a heck of a lot different than any girls weekend I've ever been a part of. For starters, they met at a health spa. Now, I certainly can't speak for all Americans, but my experience with girls weekends has been a lot of eating and drinking and sitting around and more eating and drinking and sitting around. Don't get me wrong, I love overindulgence as much as the next American, but spending our days in the sauna, swimming in the sea, and walking into town for lunch and strolling around for hours before heading back to the sauna left me feeling refreshed. And the funny thing about Estonia is that even though I felt like I drank a lot, I never once had even the slightest hangover. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(I will say, however, that my experience with the Estonian masseuse was somewhat terrifying and I think I will stick to getting massages from someone with whom I can verbally communicate from now on.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltiTpzgB6iZapIOcaU3kd82jsYQ-Iwy1lXfWvCnM_vdmmGzipkbDxrNXTabKTNiS3U-8I0nL2F0YQp15rnWzzPlnphl3tZTKthHMkj6endryIvVV7aqvTh5vhTgw-NWR75l5eO9IjUYYl/s1600/IMG_9350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltiTpzgB6iZapIOcaU3kd82jsYQ-Iwy1lXfWvCnM_vdmmGzipkbDxrNXTabKTNiS3U-8I0nL2F0YQp15rnWzzPlnphl3tZTKthHMkj6endryIvVV7aqvTh5vhTgw-NWR75l5eO9IjUYYl/s640/IMG_9350.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. No matter where you are in Estonia you can always find live music. And Estonian children learn to waltz and so everyone (young and old!) waltzes to live music and it is pretty much the sweetest and most amazing thing ever and we should all learn to waltz right away so that we can bring this trend to the US. Who's with me?</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid0DSrzhvTpCYZ16E58WUuMsrQXrrEWlUvODEUJ4vdjoi8rRJe0Cyyiazj-ACQ2usZndV95-wuwqFe9_vZSj5w-iSlqgIkHuvbQbc0IBeUMtiWyRMwQdxfGFf4ZHxdJbs754gFhCOSjCz/s1600/IMG_9583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid0DSrzhvTpCYZ16E58WUuMsrQXrrEWlUvODEUJ4vdjoi8rRJe0Cyyiazj-ACQ2usZndV95-wuwqFe9_vZSj5w-iSlqgIkHuvbQbc0IBeUMtiWyRMwQdxfGFf4ZHxdJbs754gFhCOSjCz/s640/IMG_9583.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. I needed this picture to be taken. When my mom was sick and knew she was dying we took one last family vacation to Southern California. It must have been incredibly hard for her to travel at that point (she died a few months later) but she put on a happy face and we went to Disneyland and a Dodgers game and tried to have a family vacation knowing that this was it. The end was near. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My brother got this idea that he wanted to try rollerblading (this was the summer of '96 and rollerblading in SoCal was going to be pretty rad). Even though she must have been exhausted and I'm sure no medical professional would have authorized this, my mom put on rollerblades and off she skated with my brother. They posed for a photo together. "This is how I want you to remember me," she said. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, but this photo is how I'd like Jack to remember me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EIqehnNH7RFMHmxLjV24zaJ63QD4MbwJWhUChJfXtUiSVbWb40HIo_9fSMBwq9ykl7xB6kcJaXf-MxZmOBsnxKLpV-8Km7uxPgYOGRR9vmH8Fy4Z6SG-2NuobbOOI_DVIWyF2v0-8-He/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EIqehnNH7RFMHmxLjV24zaJ63QD4MbwJWhUChJfXtUiSVbWb40HIo_9fSMBwq9ykl7xB6kcJaXf-MxZmOBsnxKLpV-8Km7uxPgYOGRR9vmH8Fy4Z6SG-2NuobbOOI_DVIWyF2v0-8-He/s640/IMG_9455.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. I think I might be a happier and more fulfilled person if I spent my days herding cows and making my own cheese. We would all probably be better off if we ate cucumbers with our breakfast. It is actually pretty hard to jump up on a hay bale.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BhRohPpG-vembEgFZ6N21SyOd6Apy_42zkIOMoSGjtJoatZHbkk0J8fd4my4c5ebjAWAZLWG2ID2_AhPSoDoiLvqKFJZ-AXd11ZZ7apvmw-OrceaWkHyGFw1GOwes402hbS3Tv2vJkI6/s1600/IMG_9587+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BhRohPpG-vembEgFZ6N21SyOd6Apy_42zkIOMoSGjtJoatZHbkk0J8fd4my4c5ebjAWAZLWG2ID2_AhPSoDoiLvqKFJZ-AXd11ZZ7apvmw-OrceaWkHyGFw1GOwes402hbS3Tv2vJkI6/s640/IMG_9587+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL7VKxZdf4i9y-pJZ6uw0U1-3vyQmKG6WeFT7LMdCflg6dQLHHWIGPDu_6X5jBCVPAkuGDgiSjBt11gpOtv4X4XyvLHMmXuuS9ZO4bnYEdZbRMr9x1DVowPbT_BFBRelSE0s6_O3O5aI7/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL7VKxZdf4i9y-pJZ6uw0U1-3vyQmKG6WeFT7LMdCflg6dQLHHWIGPDu_6X5jBCVPAkuGDgiSjBt11gpOtv4X4XyvLHMmXuuS9ZO4bnYEdZbRMr9x1DVowPbT_BFBRelSE0s6_O3O5aI7/s640/IMG_9659.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQy1W_1tMa2NzL_tiiDlhCEXaFA0HDm2ScUG-m6M_9F9kE5GVS3DmMNvJo4bNm1nQjgON-hc5BzDwelVbZH3KXm1O5LXwaUuBQY0sjvPtNOvs5XgHo0jvtrOJxdwg4p-fTiF4j7QOBSNs/s1600/IMG_9676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQy1W_1tMa2NzL_tiiDlhCEXaFA0HDm2ScUG-m6M_9F9kE5GVS3DmMNvJo4bNm1nQjgON-hc5BzDwelVbZH3KXm1O5LXwaUuBQY0sjvPtNOvs5XgHo0jvtrOJxdwg4p-fTiF4j7QOBSNs/s640/IMG_9676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11. To travel is always the right decision. (I knew this one already, though.) </div>
Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-67306415308998247592018-01-09T21:46:00.002-08:002018-01-09T21:46:49.313-08:00Renaissance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"I've been thinking about starting the blog up again," I say to Brent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"You've said this before..." he replies tentatively. He's right. I have said this before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think about doing a lot of things. And I always find plenty of excuses for not making those things happen, but I'm pretty sure that I'm not alone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But isn't that just the beauty of January? The promise of a new year always fills me with fresh, naive optimism. 2018 will be my year! I see my fellow hopefuls out running in the mornings with their new shoes and jaunty strides and I wonder if we will see each other again, mostly because I wonder if I will maintain my newly reimposed early morning running routine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so, Brent, I am thinking about starting up the blog again. Here's why:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs8rckN4R_3vdHTzjIAaqp_Dho8o-XMQzTsGqJOwL3OPgreL8-b9ia2StaBZCdf_rs7tA3mWEz6gPJRC9DclQa1hiWMB1qbB-AaLYqSGp2tobXmsxvqjH4lGC8flZkYQSHMDL8pQmafXm/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs8rckN4R_3vdHTzjIAaqp_Dho8o-XMQzTsGqJOwL3OPgreL8-b9ia2StaBZCdf_rs7tA3mWEz6gPJRC9DclQa1hiWMB1qbB-AaLYqSGp2tobXmsxvqjH4lGC8flZkYQSHMDL8pQmafXm/s640/IMG_0671.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhocm8TeC1RQ-FYwPsJ43MN66Qarjt8IPDXCGhHIbl2kMqirCXLUdMRZ4N-dOnubUuvCiIv7Fmrf9KdDe_8oG-TcK-WBLIi7s6J8EQG5oPErlnS85690iBNr4OWTivFiYYu-sz6GXjOCLp/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhocm8TeC1RQ-FYwPsJ43MN66Qarjt8IPDXCGhHIbl2kMqirCXLUdMRZ4N-dOnubUuvCiIv7Fmrf9KdDe_8oG-TcK-WBLIi7s6J8EQG5oPErlnS85690iBNr4OWTivFiYYu-sz6GXjOCLp/s640/IMG_0686.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are too many days where the sun is shining and I forget to notice it. There are too many times when a Sunday afternoon trip to the park seems like an inconvenience until I remember that a Sunday afternoon trip to the park is the perfect reminder that Sunday afternoons should be spent on a bike or on a swing or at a park or ANYWHERE but home folding laundry. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blogging helps me remember that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RZcayjBm5F7oXd4-VuqeTVgT_9r1tTqa7ZgdMHXCCF17wfEOz-qO1WTcWyrkucMNfdXGcdH8Wj4r7v1qsYbQr4fMPDOCVpsBiJr_fuJV6ma0ES5MPymINr1GBFOIoCgyWvCuYGcSLMKf/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RZcayjBm5F7oXd4-VuqeTVgT_9r1tTqa7ZgdMHXCCF17wfEOz-qO1WTcWyrkucMNfdXGcdH8Wj4r7v1qsYbQr4fMPDOCVpsBiJr_fuJV6ma0ES5MPymINr1GBFOIoCgyWvCuYGcSLMKf/s640/IMG_0651.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I'm worried that I'll forget all of the funny stories that make childhood so ridiculous and fucking magical at the same time. Like the time one of our chickens had a mysterious hurt foot and lay dying in the hen house (fun fact- unless you are a chicken- chickens cannot balance on one foot and will die quickly once they become immobile) and Clementine's heart just about burst with sadness. "Oh, Mom, we have to help her!" she cried. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For ten days I hauled that bird out of the henhouse and coaxed her to eat and drink and showed her how to balance with her wing. I praised and encouraged her but also employed some tough love. I'm sure the neighbors assume I am insane. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One day when I came home from work, Clementine greeted me at the door. "She can walk again! We fixed the chicken!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, I really like to make things. Like Buche de Noel cakes:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/cassadie@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetAttachmentThumbnail?id=AQMkADAwATExADBhNy1iY2FiLTA0MTgtMDACLTAwCgBGAAADsUWVke281Eafeg2TsMbgQQcAJvAKeupAbEWbbrCbkXWiTQAAAgEMAAAAJvAKeupAbEWbbrCbkXWiTQACHCjbkAAAAAESABAAPrWm6dRiJUmsVghrPLMZAQ%3D%3D&thumbnailType=2&X-OWA-CANARY=YNvlAO8Fs0WUQJCmTwHWGQBmZjTdV9UYMOr9Ddb4xo2XU_RtKnq65IaGozOXFfJJKHyhNiXCJjU.&token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsIng1dCI6ImVuaDlCSnJWUFU1aWpWMXFqWmpWLWZMMmJjbyJ9.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.c3HjkJ_ZsCPBAVWCx06UZ-XVl1zkP2SqukXGaS4HWnngM3H1P2pbfiwEowe1wLKPFgBZwEsWADHUe1Li4MtYyflt7ewFosykfxEbudgAAOdl7a-b-IDsSJdsWluTTg9c-JfHVUHQAExaFl2egxqRhUyQkpfWyINAu0tdksUnTywcjalJqgfSB-JdwLcUNWaMT-JjhY5IQ9qX4r_onMUrtcPpzaym4gdDzhgUfUTekG7wbnBTg9OC0aqwAHzIG-GSDdpagBf_yg-pO-e4Q6FjWhj_ZxoCUooHI0C0ct5uhV1wFaS6sA4B9iYR_L0l4lhBt1YdD7FKSZ8pCg78pJfASQ&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/cassadie@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetAttachmentThumbnail?id=AQMkADAwATExADBhNy1iY2FiLTA0MTgtMDACLTAwCgBGAAADsUWVke281Eafeg2TsMbgQQcAJvAKeupAbEWbbrCbkXWiTQAAAgEMAAAAJvAKeupAbEWbbrCbkXWiTQACHCjbkAAAAAESABAAPrWm6dRiJUmsVghrPLMZAQ%3D%3D&thumbnailType=2&X-OWA-CANARY=YNvlAO8Fs0WUQJCmTwHWGQBmZjTdV9UYMOr9Ddb4xo2XU_RtKnq65IaGozOXFfJJKHyhNiXCJjU.&token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsIng1dCI6ImVuaDlCSnJWUFU1aWpWMXFqWmpWLWZMMmJjbyJ9.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.c3HjkJ_ZsCPBAVWCx06UZ-XVl1zkP2SqukXGaS4HWnngM3H1P2pbfiwEowe1wLKPFgBZwEsWADHUe1Li4MtYyflt7ewFosykfxEbudgAAOdl7a-b-IDsSJdsWluTTg9c-JfHVUHQAExaFl2egxqRhUyQkpfWyINAu0tdksUnTywcjalJqgfSB-JdwLcUNWaMT-JjhY5IQ9qX4r_onMUrtcPpzaym4gdDzhgUfUTekG7wbnBTg9OC0aqwAHzIG-GSDdpagBf_yg-pO-e4Q6FjWhj_ZxoCUooHI0C0ct5uhV1wFaS6sA4B9iYR_L0l4lhBt1YdD7FKSZ8pCg78pJfASQ&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blogging helps me remember some of our more random holiday traditions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhrqKbflZQMiaaNYErpfShHUA2d_iwFAkL8OP26ON46GLY-7iy9u1es-sQmdEe8DauMtLyCuZxAudZgZPGS9OPg2wRDS06la8djKEKiJ6wmAGwYMx3ktTGUJhLTMzi_kmIiSmCdEjVNmC/s1600/IMG_0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhrqKbflZQMiaaNYErpfShHUA2d_iwFAkL8OP26ON46GLY-7iy9u1es-sQmdEe8DauMtLyCuZxAudZgZPGS9OPg2wRDS06la8djKEKiJ6wmAGwYMx3ktTGUJhLTMzi_kmIiSmCdEjVNmC/s640/IMG_0589.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been thinking a lot lately about how I frame my thinking. Taking pictures has always helped me to really see the beautiful moments that compose my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y5xz_NPmohC8nADbTPijrfpuaX8_9xGThjnyGvVzo2sbrVIkkUKMi7WEiMXYMlZDUCuXTm1Bsrimn6UnDnpfnYwyS1Z-Ap8GoIeeKFiTkZC7f8SKg0kzzO4dep6UlHsZkEH8Ub6jCO4B/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y5xz_NPmohC8nADbTPijrfpuaX8_9xGThjnyGvVzo2sbrVIkkUKMi7WEiMXYMlZDUCuXTm1Bsrimn6UnDnpfnYwyS1Z-Ap8GoIeeKFiTkZC7f8SKg0kzzO4dep6UlHsZkEH8Ub6jCO4B/s640/IMG_0251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But mostly I want to blog again because I want us to remember what 2018 was like. I spent a good part of Christmas Eve poring through our old family albums at my dad's house. Here was my childhood, sandwiched into dusty old books and binders.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This blog is my children's childhood.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrJjHbsMF_0ADQxpDBpfqRpzcQEEWRRaww-0u9MeExxZn1OFU52SjAuUvTmMPzOUZ7Fj6TmiSq8Mup-OvnV9eiVhS_DXG073SNn1BzeGkR4g9LQWih1mgSGxbXwDovyhkNsWv38YpBz3q/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrJjHbsMF_0ADQxpDBpfqRpzcQEEWRRaww-0u9MeExxZn1OFU52SjAuUvTmMPzOUZ7Fj6TmiSq8Mup-OvnV9eiVhS_DXG073SNn1BzeGkR4g9LQWih1mgSGxbXwDovyhkNsWv38YpBz3q/s640/IMG_0621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've grown tired of hearing myself make the same excuse for not doing the things I want to do: I don't have enough time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've grown tired of talking to my friends about how busy we all are and how there's not enough time to hang out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sawyer prattles on about school as we drive to piano practice. I am thinking about what we will have for dinner but I catch something about growth mindset. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"And so my group tells me, 'You're not bad at reading in French, you're just not good at it <i>yet.</i>'"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hmmm. Some rusty wheels have begun to spin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, let's give a shout out to his teacher for teaching the whole child (in addition to math and reading!) and now let's see if we can apply this hippie shit to the real world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, maybe I do have enough hours in my day, I just haven't figured out how to use them <i>yet?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time will tell. I have my running clothes set out for tomorrow morning. I am thinking of ideas for another blog post. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMaYbu3jgNWnCk8JhmBPRXZP4HBgAFTnUFo2mhUew5ce4wRyjmhLh28FcypymRCP22vmVGHaLeZvU9DO6OwUAxNqtIpsXe6sQMWF8URpKFU6oxb_tYHAPOz0uw_Y93TCM5DFSiQAY_MUy/s1600/IMG_0699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMaYbu3jgNWnCk8JhmBPRXZP4HBgAFTnUFo2mhUew5ce4wRyjmhLh28FcypymRCP22vmVGHaLeZvU9DO6OwUAxNqtIpsXe6sQMWF8URpKFU6oxb_tYHAPOz0uw_Y93TCM5DFSiQAY_MUy/s640/IMG_0699.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And let's close this by acknowledging that if Kate Klein can move her entire family to the other side of the world and teach full time while navigating the complexities of life in China AND update <a href="http://hangininshanghai.com/" target="_blank">her blog </a>twice in one week (!!) perhaps it's time for me to stop the bullshit excuses and start writing again.<br />
<br />
Kate, this one is for you. XOXO<br />
<br />
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-28115558187707313982015-05-10T21:05:00.001-07:002015-05-10T21:05:40.634-07:00MomJack's Mother's Day card included a poem thanking me for the things I do: make dinner, drive him around, play basketball with him. These little glimpses into how my kids see me are at times comical and at times humbling. I had no idea he appreciated my basketball playing so much.<br />
<br />
I'm thirty eight years old and I've now lived half my life without my mom. My memories grow fuzzier with every year that passes and all of the new memories I'm storing. I remember that she wore a blue bathrobe that always had kleenex in the pockets. She used hand lotion religiously. She and I decided that sandwiches always taste better if someone else makes them, so we always made them for each other. When I was in high school she would come home on her lunch breaks during the summer and we would watch Days of Our Lives and eat cottage cheese. She had beautiful feet.<br />
<br />
My brother and I were theatrically afraid of bees. When they got trapped in our house, she would assume an alter ego (De-Bee!) and wield two flyswatters to valiantly slay the offending insects. <br />
<br />
She never played basketball with me. I am also fairly certain that she and her friends did not waste their time questioning their ability to mother us. I'm pretty sure that they just woke up in their Pinterest-free worlds and got the hell to work doing whatever <i>felt</i> right. I imagine that defining yourself as a mother back then was a lot simpler than it is today. But I'll never get to hear her thoughts on this.<br />
<br />
I have friends who free-range, I have friends who helicopter. I have friends who push and friends who nudge gently. I drive my kids around from activity to activity a lot more than I'd like to. I wish my kids would eat more vegetables. I compare myself to strangers on the internet and catch myself feeling superior or inadequate. I wonder what my kids will remember about me.<br />
<br />
I wear a purple bathrobe with kleenex in the pockets. It's a good thing too, because my eyes well up when my kids present me with my Mother's Day cards. Some of it is simply sappy sentimentality (I get this from my mom), but with each Mother's Day comes a familiar empty pang that gets swallowed into the happy tears.<br />
<br />
<br />
Today we went hiking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLDmO9iI6Iyt65L5CZbI6tbwNqXR7ehQyRcu6aDOfgO56xqo9QWQ-hZYG-S3ghbxC6dEVbUHKOlOWZZciHq5tZNwFu9twPnZ7cuubF_OUI3AZhhEHYuVUCK72oaTXF7woTsmo3-v7UE95/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLDmO9iI6Iyt65L5CZbI6tbwNqXR7ehQyRcu6aDOfgO56xqo9QWQ-hZYG-S3ghbxC6dEVbUHKOlOWZZciHq5tZNwFu9twPnZ7cuubF_OUI3AZhhEHYuVUCK72oaTXF7woTsmo3-v7UE95/s640/IMG_3304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvVw9PLQctHXAL7oct5PeXSIC89eJxmU2aySjdTet7UGT-arBIf58F309VbsQRL3CI8jk0DWEJMVT2YJGn8iCtXHPQdS-7YaUZ3T5pQNhM3xKH7cQkdMjRThBefuLH6NQRc9bT7seRgkB/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvVw9PLQctHXAL7oct5PeXSIC89eJxmU2aySjdTet7UGT-arBIf58F309VbsQRL3CI8jk0DWEJMVT2YJGn8iCtXHPQdS-7YaUZ3T5pQNhM3xKH7cQkdMjRThBefuLH6NQRc9bT7seRgkB/s640/IMG_3320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3oMzmGrv8904VSxVtYZPfeRKB4AuDa4fNxj8L_AEBLQeaTBg9tNwE6DnAxAQDB4C4Bh0rmmVJKv_w771NFyMBduco4WBXhVIgBQd4dIXVKuBw1XY4PcgTAw0Rc8GEPctK8OLyElvgb4S/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3oMzmGrv8904VSxVtYZPfeRKB4AuDa4fNxj8L_AEBLQeaTBg9tNwE6DnAxAQDB4C4Bh0rmmVJKv_w771NFyMBduco4WBXhVIgBQd4dIXVKuBw1XY4PcgTAw0Rc8GEPctK8OLyElvgb4S/s640/IMG_3326.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNwWfGvy600nbGQHP7qyI97Gxy548_z_vz8XYpMwnuZO7W5n7EMGQ2MtsMQEJroQVZMUaqHz5zgfVBBLNcElnaXb7tDmulD9fiWnsGZqqQqB2laqdDHpjpZfQRqa3texR1b8Sg6yneVRM/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNwWfGvy600nbGQHP7qyI97Gxy548_z_vz8XYpMwnuZO7W5n7EMGQ2MtsMQEJroQVZMUaqHz5zgfVBBLNcElnaXb7tDmulD9fiWnsGZqqQqB2laqdDHpjpZfQRqa3texR1b8Sg6yneVRM/s640/IMG_3328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOhyphenhyphenRRq74MqWusztUEaFbMGokZxF_g3kvHqiZeRMaT3TGE9P9lgRZt2BYY4t-CmFJ0r3EF_QRTzz8Tu1yd-dHz5-phsGQN6nhA3XSyqeIWS-FYJmbYUKQB8nVXldSdvS1wDNSNPfLbcOl/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOhyphenhyphenRRq74MqWusztUEaFbMGokZxF_g3kvHqiZeRMaT3TGE9P9lgRZt2BYY4t-CmFJ0r3EF_QRTzz8Tu1yd-dHz5-phsGQN6nhA3XSyqeIWS-FYJmbYUKQB8nVXldSdvS1wDNSNPfLbcOl/s640/IMG_3330.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpGDFyRL0l_qaInAmq8Bi6PGII2JkUycQkFrWF2uTo_Ynk4uLpNmJlvcTbEpIuJCZV-2JY3XJSDTTsA6_HtztCBKPMvV5Di7ZSpJHBo_3VEKH1twfUShnz5mIhMkjoSj0UkXgMNyRS7Ty/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpGDFyRL0l_qaInAmq8Bi6PGII2JkUycQkFrWF2uTo_Ynk4uLpNmJlvcTbEpIuJCZV-2JY3XJSDTTsA6_HtztCBKPMvV5Di7ZSpJHBo_3VEKH1twfUShnz5mIhMkjoSj0UkXgMNyRS7Ty/s640/IMG_3332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, earbuds.<i> Earbuds!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawq86GmP8xGWZvuhD2kDwUt44GlVgCrHMdh5NKDEedJNKKcMu9XGxptNPVpaXCwvZnXcJqV0Tdcwn3g-ResNsC-0dtvF4evBbQL-KzH0JPiwLjEX2JwzEj7OnFEZIdglJOB6U-7H_KPZi/s1600/IMG_3341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawq86GmP8xGWZvuhD2kDwUt44GlVgCrHMdh5NKDEedJNKKcMu9XGxptNPVpaXCwvZnXcJqV0Tdcwn3g-ResNsC-0dtvF4evBbQL-KzH0JPiwLjEX2JwzEj7OnFEZIdglJOB6U-7H_KPZi/s640/IMG_3341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zugcMUMqzlpYQb1Gg1DILaR9IlJi4nWNTUSljQIojRKzHXQxzIMyjTv9K2PRYJtccjQh83qjH-JQ_rXf1SHbad2SnIg1D2KkVN2GYSMdwl5IoIejHpZwpl0glU-JObKKhGaygwpkAqlj/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zugcMUMqzlpYQb1Gg1DILaR9IlJi4nWNTUSljQIojRKzHXQxzIMyjTv9K2PRYJtccjQh83qjH-JQ_rXf1SHbad2SnIg1D2KkVN2GYSMdwl5IoIejHpZwpl0glU-JObKKhGaygwpkAqlj/s640/IMG_3346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then, of course, I played basketball with Jack. Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-62035678501260072282015-05-04T14:54:00.000-07:002015-05-04T14:54:01.771-07:00A Day"I'm taking tomorrow off," I announce to my sixth-graders.<br />
<br />
"What are they making you do <i>this</i> time?" they wonder, accustomed to my many professional development endeavors and my subsequent episodes of "Guys, let's try something new that I learned about in a teacher training!"<br />
<br />
"It's personal day. I'm taking the day off just for me," I explain, expecting them to wonder what in the world could possibly be more exciting than spending the day talking about the Aztecs or examples of foreshadowing in our current novel.<br />
<br />
Instead they surprise me. "Good for you," they say. "You deserve it."<br />
<br />
And so I sleep in (relatively speaking), and surprise the kids with waffles for breakfast. (From a box. They still count. Waffles are waffles.) The sun shines and Clementine and I go for a run. We cut through the park because I see clouds in the distance and Clementine has brought her doll who apparently wants to go down the slide. An older man is walking a yellow lab off leash. The dog is as thrilled by us as we are by him and jumps up on passers by with Bad Dog Marley enthusiasm. The man apologizes, but we smile because we are just happy to be off leash, too.<br />
<br />
Clementine's doll belonged to my grandma. She used her for making American Girl type clothing and she's one of the many items I inherited when she died. At first I put her up on Clementine's shelf, but then I decided that dolls were meant to be played with and loved. So the doll is with us at the park and she's missing some pretty important parts of her American Girl wardrobe, but no one seems to mind and so we go down the slide.<br />
<br />
I pick up trash from teenagers and I wonder who picked up the trash I left behind in the park when I was a teenager.<br />
<br />
Photography is mostly unrelated.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOoLSNRzP5G-DR4fl9NuWNKeOTn0UjZ8tWQ1ZyeJkm4pvFptQa4jNZtPVSUcWhi6-HwXgUsF_pRJJgwq2QYhRNLy2M2WnAfNeTOCfaIuHryNKeQqaH96dk1qHxiCI3El8sYEmWTfhpntO/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOoLSNRzP5G-DR4fl9NuWNKeOTn0UjZ8tWQ1ZyeJkm4pvFptQa4jNZtPVSUcWhi6-HwXgUsF_pRJJgwq2QYhRNLy2M2WnAfNeTOCfaIuHryNKeQqaH96dk1qHxiCI3El8sYEmWTfhpntO/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWpPmkPcIYnA2trdd5sMRsyi6n0c6Yl7RGvJL6LX9xAKhMqpGxlarHGrn7vxlBWVy-uUXEIgdrlIT6RtBoVutFAi1rZ-7an8PoHj9DrsmG_qi8U6y5Hg5O9fRrWSjKKKs64I__wUYZMLa/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWpPmkPcIYnA2trdd5sMRsyi6n0c6Yl7RGvJL6LX9xAKhMqpGxlarHGrn7vxlBWVy-uUXEIgdrlIT6RtBoVutFAi1rZ-7an8PoHj9DrsmG_qi8U6y5Hg5O9fRrWSjKKKs64I__wUYZMLa/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbWOGEFFrsk6_lN8aQRNkVXtNWHg3jkKfUK2stw8qAGZvxCv0-jVszns4NhC7j6TNhrscerWkjT4bvUzDbQX9sPDZO5BGPcHckhaROMvcSmqRZ_fyxtOoVNXOpm24IvMOzsQW4BaLwqS9/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbWOGEFFrsk6_lN8aQRNkVXtNWHg3jkKfUK2stw8qAGZvxCv0-jVszns4NhC7j6TNhrscerWkjT4bvUzDbQX9sPDZO5BGPcHckhaROMvcSmqRZ_fyxtOoVNXOpm24IvMOzsQW4BaLwqS9/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy5HtDZRrfWA1MAMCNejEPaJ_D7CcHoaqeafsPrlBFjwpJdciiPtf8dQxCfXy3cMrrHhKlQJIsqHKpUmDDQiYnK_tg6HkeejxoinjoNW7qiwzAebO04QHk5N73MDsHJSgJna6_T5TQEOk/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy5HtDZRrfWA1MAMCNejEPaJ_D7CcHoaqeafsPrlBFjwpJdciiPtf8dQxCfXy3cMrrHhKlQJIsqHKpUmDDQiYnK_tg6HkeejxoinjoNW7qiwzAebO04QHk5N73MDsHJSgJna6_T5TQEOk/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyZnUJGgv166ah2B48jgpLhV8XxTnfVxm4IAdJ8wcSGrSYBLLn2lLrWrc-5sxOrVU1pwtsVMxxCmgjjZcjttTY8eUNwKRFA8Detc0mpF_6F2NnCNcUDS3nBdHq8gh3M41-zaeurLIfkcN/s1600/IMG_3283.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyZnUJGgv166ah2B48jgpLhV8XxTnfVxm4IAdJ8wcSGrSYBLLn2lLrWrc-5sxOrVU1pwtsVMxxCmgjjZcjttTY8eUNwKRFA8Detc0mpF_6F2NnCNcUDS3nBdHq8gh3M41-zaeurLIfkcN/s1600/IMG_3283.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Brent and I are so used to the divide and conquer routine that we almost miss the opportunity to pick Sawyer up from school together. We go out for crepes and coffee. We pick up a few beers for later. Sawyer is holding on to some birthday money and so he buys himself a new water bottle and then spends the rest of the day hydrating. Clementine has $5 and buys a tube of chapstick. She reapplies this approximately 200 times in the next few hours.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyTZ2Z4CKJ8_cULsD8AYWTLXX37HtbOo4Wbfrda_c0uLmHJ7NlM4y031fi7p2XhqE1YhSK6nCyPOEV0ucqaGfGrnCtL3xvL00MxVRGKYctsIFXmwToRnNPs1x2fJd3P0OvKk1Op1VfY0j/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyTZ2Z4CKJ8_cULsD8AYWTLXX37HtbOo4Wbfrda_c0uLmHJ7NlM4y031fi7p2XhqE1YhSK6nCyPOEV0ucqaGfGrnCtL3xvL00MxVRGKYctsIFXmwToRnNPs1x2fJd3P0OvKk1Op1VfY0j/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
When Jack gets home we play basketball. Clementine pedals around the block. The boys jump on the trampoline and I laugh so hard at Brent's antics that I get a side ache. I wonder how he bounces with such elasticity and I feel envy. I sneak in a quick yoga session.<br />
<br />
Sawyer has his first soccer game and he scores the first goal. Dark clouds roll in and threaten us, but no rain falls. <br />
<br />
We get pizza for dinner and watch <i>Back to the Future III</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFZPk8M6BOGqNxoxGW7f2DHbIh3kG2FB0Ep2jEdNg_Hpf-hhQS0rWdjXA_7SZuS4rstxySZsUFSZjsc5g_d_T5bSMjvqn97zzjbuWkx1IX0IZxJHTlkSjHVtHYxvc4u62XXup1uXaqXJb/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFZPk8M6BOGqNxoxGW7f2DHbIh3kG2FB0Ep2jEdNg_Hpf-hhQS0rWdjXA_7SZuS4rstxySZsUFSZjsc5g_d_T5bSMjvqn97zzjbuWkx1IX0IZxJHTlkSjHVtHYxvc4u62XXup1uXaqXJb/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I write this post and then it takes three weeks to publish it. I don't know if I'm too busy living to write about living or ir maybe I've run out of things to say. All I know is that I did deserve that day off three weeks ago and I'm glad I took it.<br />
<br />
Beautiful things are happening around me every day. Maybe tomorrow I will pick up the camera again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-90410061588968457412015-03-02T21:23:00.000-08:002015-03-03T20:23:22.901-08:00The Ski Weekend That Wasn't<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Jack turned eight over President's Day weekend. I feel obligated to mourn his fleeting childhood and feel twinges of grief as he outgrows his favorite shirt before my very eyes. I could pontificate about how quickly it all goes by. I could pull myself back into those hazy, milky newborn days and gasp as I'm jolted back into reality by all of those candles on that cake.<br />
<br />
We move forward. Life barrels at us full speed and there's not much time to look back. My family is changing, we're evolving from a family with little kids to a family with big <i>and</i> little kids. I'm the mom of an eight-year-old. Woah.<br />
<br />
I've held babies and rocked babies and changed babies and burped babies for a long time. My hips find that comfortable and familiar sideways sway whenever I hold a friend's baby. I absentmindedly ruffle toddler hair and cup my hand over sharp coffee table edges as friends' babies navigate treacherous living room arrangements. These eight years have forever changed me and how I move through the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYQ8Bycl7AHFwnmSkTYGdc-Y08CZnKDsR3iOPPdFGqzgYLb0ZZJPAtdMEMZK05rNgj0Oi3scPhvmsTpc2_tSDl5fwEzzIXjrWR2zqBkYe-GIcqtPYwdVxLLBrM4erQPUsyxiLjCecMzlG/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYQ8Bycl7AHFwnmSkTYGdc-Y08CZnKDsR3iOPPdFGqzgYLb0ZZJPAtdMEMZK05rNgj0Oi3scPhvmsTpc2_tSDl5fwEzzIXjrWR2zqBkYe-GIcqtPYwdVxLLBrM4erQPUsyxiLjCecMzlG/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYQ8Bycl7AHFwnmSkTYGdc-Y08CZnKDsR3iOPPdFGqzgYLb0ZZJPAtdMEMZK05rNgj0Oi3scPhvmsTpc2_tSDl5fwEzzIXjrWR2zqBkYe-GIcqtPYwdVxLLBrM4erQPUsyxiLjCecMzlG/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-7DN9Q27zqefkGwMjN8V2aJooAVe6NmRSjRkcLVv_OEFxDkxNWFF79iCwMKToBrTdeBHoLWDB1PEfYF4z0CFiarYizlHUseOMtVVt7A160VfiUuqsYtj2EWsvDCBJ178udBOSNIOJ2mS/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-7DN9Q27zqefkGwMjN8V2aJooAVe6NmRSjRkcLVv_OEFxDkxNWFF79iCwMKToBrTdeBHoLWDB1PEfYF4z0CFiarYizlHUseOMtVVt7A160VfiUuqsYtj2EWsvDCBJ178udBOSNIOJ2mS/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack is a real person now. He makes jokes and is trying out sarcasm. He shows me how to use our DVD player and reads this blog over my shoulder. He begs to stay up late and challenges us to Phase-10. He makes a mistake and my mom-eyes see tears of frustration well up, but in a moment he swallows them down and holds his own. He recently discovered Calvin and Hobbes. He has an opinion about everything. He is perfecting his layup in our driveway. He is very much his eight-year-old self.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I see a slight pucker in his mouth and I remember nursing him. In a way this seems awkward now, but if I close my eyes I feel myself sitting in the rocking chair, damp blond curls sticking to the inside of my arm, sweet grunts and soft humming fill my ears. Eight years isn't really that long, when you think about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_QT1IBRfVQ_fUXW7KjUYZb5mZVzj322ZJNo7PLIT-ZIW4tF9u2vMbJg9cRRiv2G0OPmWukPbMenDvDS9AnbEVDOOytRleAb8PzgKT1LCAn49FuaEyiJsuQLHB6Hge43IEitvV57OHKGs/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_QT1IBRfVQ_fUXW7KjUYZb5mZVzj322ZJNo7PLIT-ZIW4tF9u2vMbJg9cRRiv2G0OPmWukPbMenDvDS9AnbEVDOOytRleAb8PzgKT1LCAn49FuaEyiJsuQLHB6Hge43IEitvV57OHKGs/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfTJyA6iT6ATgkQmI-kfnTzPFIQVe1QHjKhZWXWus73sP_50fHwlM3kTXsZO-YW4WuiOj5kGgEE1YE_HLKew3-U7D0Uw3IHrD_FSs-Nus98D6_qZiS9VM2RG2LTlfsbH79x5An3E5htSq/s1600/IMG_2846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfTJyA6iT6ATgkQmI-kfnTzPFIQVe1QHjKhZWXWus73sP_50fHwlM3kTXsZO-YW4WuiOj5kGgEE1YE_HLKew3-U7D0Uw3IHrD_FSs-Nus98D6_qZiS9VM2RG2LTlfsbH79x5An3E5htSq/s1600/IMG_2846.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oGHZ9HAQFduszNX00NO3ZZyDJFFXz48VbnRbOlZL6zv8Tc6iavPEB3N0-H-PYslWgWTPxMr2pVQqEj_OHyHj_m85_j2A0W1EwxEoUEXoHd8y0osse_1z1LCIaettNShBMupItiDHgYQh/s1600/IMG_2868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oGHZ9HAQFduszNX00NO3ZZyDJFFXz48VbnRbOlZL6zv8Tc6iavPEB3N0-H-PYslWgWTPxMr2pVQqEj_OHyHj_m85_j2A0W1EwxEoUEXoHd8y0osse_1z1LCIaettNShBMupItiDHgYQh/s1600/IMG_2868.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85tgPIBFYaxaURC-5UbhtX9QtVaelT28lsSzb0edwTkWcnGQbsw0MUzJcz2EZ92P5RoyT207RhLthTDSbItiDj-wZs6PNsBYZGKr1xGNqKx7KIpAoxa2Y1-H03wfeO0J-NbeZnoBjXT4s/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85tgPIBFYaxaURC-5UbhtX9QtVaelT28lsSzb0edwTkWcnGQbsw0MUzJcz2EZ92P5RoyT207RhLthTDSbItiDj-wZs6PNsBYZGKr1xGNqKx7KIpAoxa2Y1-H03wfeO0J-NbeZnoBjXT4s/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lmex1qNm2u4HPq8ph4lhWkggmNgpKoNyvH70UNQN57nap68pWikbcrpUs0PaIfCFxB0hwrbFc0cMUuucOm2PR_INpg_6WPCV59Tbw-2zfNwwfDmemNsat5TONq_hpK9nEiOeh0n3Vlwg/s1600/IMG_2925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lmex1qNm2u4HPq8ph4lhWkggmNgpKoNyvH70UNQN57nap68pWikbcrpUs0PaIfCFxB0hwrbFc0cMUuucOm2PR_INpg_6WPCV59Tbw-2zfNwwfDmemNsat5TONq_hpK9nEiOeh0n3Vlwg/s1600/IMG_2925.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEdn8AVmMtzpsePZEuD4Fg3_HnQX8zs2QOYsmP4uyyyZj3-5c9_NWlqmUDzSspIlCxVL4opQHpTS-e7bkCMrzcudCkwTQ9cfBhE49dOBqfNESGGrHVw-AVPoGe1M_n3zW7UCZCO8Z9BSQ/s1600/IMG_2951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEdn8AVmMtzpsePZEuD4Fg3_HnQX8zs2QOYsmP4uyyyZj3-5c9_NWlqmUDzSspIlCxVL4opQHpTS-e7bkCMrzcudCkwTQ9cfBhE49dOBqfNESGGrHVw-AVPoGe1M_n3zW7UCZCO8Z9BSQ/s1600/IMG_2951.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoFnDzClmJ4yvq_TOwRRK99H70Jd07cfo-ZUPZPekidcAkP5Qh-DLRuEjyyMFqeKIMW7c6CEseTHhX8gAZ2ZHbtUMEnzPiYLCs9VpKn30wnOELwCRoPfgBpq3BF2s9M5i_C4nNW8m42Co/s1600/IMG_3143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoFnDzClmJ4yvq_TOwRRK99H70Jd07cfo-ZUPZPekidcAkP5Qh-DLRuEjyyMFqeKIMW7c6CEseTHhX8gAZ2ZHbtUMEnzPiYLCs9VpKn30wnOELwCRoPfgBpq3BF2s9M5i_C4nNW8m42Co/s1600/IMG_3143.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our weekend of skiing turned out to be a weekend of sunshine. A few quick trips into Bend for beers and coffee. No snow. No skis. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoFnDzClmJ4yvq_TOwRRK99H70Jd07cfo-ZUPZPekidcAkP5Qh-DLRuEjyyMFqeKIMW7c6CEseTHhX8gAZ2ZHbtUMEnzPiYLCs9VpKn30wnOELwCRoPfgBpq3BF2s9M5i_C4nNW8m42Co/s1600/IMG_3143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPICWmyZ2v8ApVkUYSg5fMwrUfAf_snaWPsgCOUuUvSbCGNE6jZf9h7UqJ9qzI274PzUg-_FPGCVQjSIrVNiQJMDAYQ1SGbY6RbLjJ36T19Kkc5bI7qNGJ5DT2wKLaE6BBIbser5OxgTI/s1600/IMG_2977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPICWmyZ2v8ApVkUYSg5fMwrUfAf_snaWPsgCOUuUvSbCGNE6jZf9h7UqJ9qzI274PzUg-_FPGCVQjSIrVNiQJMDAYQ1SGbY6RbLjJ36T19Kkc5bI7qNGJ5DT2wKLaE6BBIbser5OxgTI/s1600/IMG_2977.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5L1NZ_inq8h3my1fMq56XKSjvypsmnGcdnTsFmo5clfC5GiFD6ZWaIBK0t09nVXZKu9q5ergeDLzmzXlYendYx3LHUyNHpDhP9IwSWbZb3AcuQO14jdaTBHMg2R0hksHuoBHZiP6GnSA/s1600/IMG_2980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5L1NZ_inq8h3my1fMq56XKSjvypsmnGcdnTsFmo5clfC5GiFD6ZWaIBK0t09nVXZKu9q5ergeDLzmzXlYendYx3LHUyNHpDhP9IwSWbZb3AcuQO14jdaTBHMg2R0hksHuoBHZiP6GnSA/s1600/IMG_2980.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdapeWnUSvvOF35n4c6WxuWUzwNxxcCuyjNs7Lueee-SL-Zn0NpTnwKUD5VYqyoWO5dkwMOEYqlfqHd3InqA5b-mdz0lV01QGclLt8z81RWVzYCRf3AJSKejgP9de-DrxMcGliRi9Zh2Wn/s1600/IMG_2988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdapeWnUSvvOF35n4c6WxuWUzwNxxcCuyjNs7Lueee-SL-Zn0NpTnwKUD5VYqyoWO5dkwMOEYqlfqHd3InqA5b-mdz0lV01QGclLt8z81RWVzYCRf3AJSKejgP9de-DrxMcGliRi9Zh2Wn/s1600/IMG_2988.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then we all got in in our heads to climb Black Butte.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hrhASDqiRm71T8aK60wcJHNX-xXfKIQxyr6IahXPZpq9dSMcfLK9PzFr5qHMWh5pGmwsFW13fWiB1_X56QBPoODBnUZyXC7hzG1SqrJ1MAV91ZAeC2DcBhTOCPu33RPN97nX_1RPBFF9/s1600/IMG_3028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hrhASDqiRm71T8aK60wcJHNX-xXfKIQxyr6IahXPZpq9dSMcfLK9PzFr5qHMWh5pGmwsFW13fWiB1_X56QBPoODBnUZyXC7hzG1SqrJ1MAV91ZAeC2DcBhTOCPu33RPN97nX_1RPBFF9/s1600/IMG_3028.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5AbwP6D0HNtTZ4HEFYjbtjKGqe4k40g4Y6bDV90ilpL3vV8ueHkEQqYgaHg5WhVQN9Ifs8t-yf6gPDyfXH3YfBmAmuHuGXiotTpDVDC0NJ-6WTnFDFPJm77HJXN6CYxdoI9LH7h3jCPM/s1600/IMG_3052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5AbwP6D0HNtTZ4HEFYjbtjKGqe4k40g4Y6bDV90ilpL3vV8ueHkEQqYgaHg5WhVQN9Ifs8t-yf6gPDyfXH3YfBmAmuHuGXiotTpDVDC0NJ-6WTnFDFPJm77HJXN6CYxdoI9LH7h3jCPM/s1600/IMG_3052.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv8Ekvu7kixfL9i1dMlf2hIwELIVET_K5KnHKfZDDiHF-MkRMEEsRPvJ1SYKuYaHx9wHnzAZQesKo0bd3v3P5O34yLPQ3jNr5goXvF4cFMHpaxKRTTEzrmBbHNUX_gN1YtpSI8E1jRpVb/s1600/IMG_3062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv8Ekvu7kixfL9i1dMlf2hIwELIVET_K5KnHKfZDDiHF-MkRMEEsRPvJ1SYKuYaHx9wHnzAZQesKo0bd3v3P5O34yLPQ3jNr5goXvF4cFMHpaxKRTTEzrmBbHNUX_gN1YtpSI8E1jRpVb/s1600/IMG_3062.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_9CqqSjgGCxd3wCxv4w-WqfXMYNMhQQ8VUXl9tUtxvoeQsjXqyNKNfFWhc9wuf5CHAGcMGK8pEW577OD5yy28t2G0R9TwasLbFuTJhv_fvxGDDiePgsDisdmI6VbBpfvcu4-QHQMS6Zv/s1600/IMG_3073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_9CqqSjgGCxd3wCxv4w-WqfXMYNMhQQ8VUXl9tUtxvoeQsjXqyNKNfFWhc9wuf5CHAGcMGK8pEW577OD5yy28t2G0R9TwasLbFuTJhv_fvxGDDiePgsDisdmI6VbBpfvcu4-QHQMS6Zv/s1600/IMG_3073.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not the most kid-friendly hike you will ever take. There was some serious cajoling to get Sawyer up and down the mountain on this three hour voyage. Jack blazed the trail without complaint, while Clementine alternated between slowing picking her way through every rock and pine cone and hitching a ride on Brent's back.<br />
<br />
Small, medium, and large. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdMs3Y8LaAV6T0uGEmSpp3oRl8lcC9O3OQdLsce-nmqm3L3h2TKF9_34FSgsfnWEx62Bv8AWLaGTxLchsDGc27bM02Hg8sObZFgeIihzcOcnTdt6cRNfHQNJ07pjuhi-IxnUwkU9tbzaG/s1600/IMG_3078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdMs3Y8LaAV6T0uGEmSpp3oRl8lcC9O3OQdLsce-nmqm3L3h2TKF9_34FSgsfnWEx62Bv8AWLaGTxLchsDGc27bM02Hg8sObZFgeIihzcOcnTdt6cRNfHQNJ07pjuhi-IxnUwkU9tbzaG/s1600/IMG_3078.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyru6LzV3BksaUlMr-OBc85d2WzScQsX8S3kUz3xiozgxSH0XlqTzTQ0cpVNtWIToKfYO-Fn36CYOVNM3OcoJReb2J-CT-u8ZGijSTy_EXI2yjWnwrJk8J7wr-PZgfqxObJkj3f8vQj6pV/s1600/IMG_3084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyru6LzV3BksaUlMr-OBc85d2WzScQsX8S3kUz3xiozgxSH0XlqTzTQ0cpVNtWIToKfYO-Fn36CYOVNM3OcoJReb2J-CT-u8ZGijSTy_EXI2yjWnwrJk8J7wr-PZgfqxObJkj3f8vQj6pV/s1600/IMG_3084.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoMaibNUpG3v19EQ8PKHZGiSfYhz2Sk1GkmlNKORDGpzfYkNnzYnXND3SRLLdHqxYnaLKgBiOBIrTOmweQrG2rYRx5C_dE600oLu00o8qqVJ7vAAwHUe2zNeAv-bKs3koUvpAWBYTZFFA/s1600/IMG_3090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoMaibNUpG3v19EQ8PKHZGiSfYhz2Sk1GkmlNKORDGpzfYkNnzYnXND3SRLLdHqxYnaLKgBiOBIrTOmweQrG2rYRx5C_dE600oLu00o8qqVJ7vAAwHUe2zNeAv-bKs3koUvpAWBYTZFFA/s1600/IMG_3090.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw1HsCLtm8mGPKk3PXvTBCureKIl65pN4bL1e_V6yY5GvZ9RmYozurSROidv7r4xeE3kD-Wrvec8NAKfKvluqAKZvjSkatdqsTnme5NRqPh7N1iu797y6gplCfdMsJ0QVYirZ1YRHt425/s1600/IMG_3096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw1HsCLtm8mGPKk3PXvTBCureKIl65pN4bL1e_V6yY5GvZ9RmYozurSROidv7r4xeE3kD-Wrvec8NAKfKvluqAKZvjSkatdqsTnme5NRqPh7N1iu797y6gplCfdMsJ0QVYirZ1YRHt425/s1600/IMG_3096.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
(There is just something about being with my brother that lends itself to ridiculous photo opportunities. I hope my kids will appreciate each other this much when they are grown.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsFgIzeu4zqkFiVX3SZ6jxVD1mIchehiIwklOvKwylNBPOiCKpQp77tgYYoFCUmzBh6mnOUU_enCA-o1bHvLe8kbWMpaKr-Lh1O51-X2cADs6pHtyCgy8d1mDYG7FW7980dAOkXdZrWDM/s1600/IMG_3099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsFgIzeu4zqkFiVX3SZ6jxVD1mIchehiIwklOvKwylNBPOiCKpQp77tgYYoFCUmzBh6mnOUU_enCA-o1bHvLe8kbWMpaKr-Lh1O51-X2cADs6pHtyCgy8d1mDYG7FW7980dAOkXdZrWDM/s1600/IMG_3099.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0LpTohFCRqYQ59nRe8fFqi4k8dW3XMx8wEYAd_MLj1uBFVoVBgGUsZjx8Ua_2W_k_ImrgTFwEBTGinSIdI3zdjL-Ykgci2hb8n1jGM60SatbY1So2MB8eXSjvDvYvlJbqnxKJ88sGlN_/s1600/IMG_3136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0LpTohFCRqYQ59nRe8fFqi4k8dW3XMx8wEYAd_MLj1uBFVoVBgGUsZjx8Ua_2W_k_ImrgTFwEBTGinSIdI3zdjL-Ykgci2hb8n1jGM60SatbY1So2MB8eXSjvDvYvlJbqnxKJ88sGlN_/s1600/IMG_3136.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
(I actually paid them a dollar each to pose for this photo. Money well spent, I believe.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJGcFVdFwB493xKf4IEBEKzlPO6WHd-VIWnt31LFpqpVqhUk_LptoeZqkv5uoG053-9GqJx_ODUhq3SlxL64T2rN5Qs8PBIU3GlHo-nAYqHfHfSHwqkIUt9H14KPzbEx7it8H39adGJUL/s1600/IMG_3150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJGcFVdFwB493xKf4IEBEKzlPO6WHd-VIWnt31LFpqpVqhUk_LptoeZqkv5uoG053-9GqJx_ODUhq3SlxL64T2rN5Qs8PBIU3GlHo-nAYqHfHfSHwqkIUt9H14KPzbEx7it8H39adGJUL/s1600/IMG_3150.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We gave him a sticker/activity book for his birthday, then surprised him later that night with one more present. "But you guys already got me that sticker book!" he exclaimed. "You didn't have to get me anything else."<br />
<br />
(Oh yes we did. Tickets to see the Portland Trailblazers- his favorite basketball team!)<br />
<br />
We threw a simple birthday party for Jack at a park on a sunny day. He hugged each of his friends as he opened their gifts.<br />
<br />
I want to remember those moments as well as I remember the hours spent in that rocking chair. This is Jack as an eight-year-old and this is just as awesome.<br />
<br />
Eight candles. Eight years. Eight million more things to look forward to.Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-51676448194363801862015-02-02T21:18:00.000-08:002015-02-03T17:31:58.613-08:00Running with Clementine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My alarm rings at 5:40 each morning. I either spring from my bed ready to <i>carpe</i> the heck out of this <i>diem</i> or languish in self-pity and denial as my eyelids pull me back down into that blissful, post-alarm clock sleep. By the time I extract myself from the gravitational forces of my bed, it's time to get this party started... this is <i>my</i> time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I brew coffee and tiptoe around the house. I do sun salutations or read the paper or catch up on my grading. But my favorite thing to do during <i>my</i> time is to run.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I strap on a headlamp and my ruby red running shoes. My iPod is set to NPR. I pass through the hallway like a ninja, I dress in the dark, and I open the front door ever so slowly so as not to wake the lightest little sleeper in the house. Nine times out of ten, I don't make it through this silent dance without hearing a soft voice say,"Mama?" Long pause. Maybe she went back to sleep? Then again, loudly this time: "Mama? I ready get up! I go running with you?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so I ditch the iPod and bundle Clementine in a hat and jacket over footie pajamas and she climbs bleary-eyed into the stroller. "I go running with Mama!" she exclaims proudly as I wheel her into the darkness. <i>So much for my time, </i>I can't help thinking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But before I can resent this full-volume intrusion into my morning zen, I remember that third babies don't get their fair share of anything unless they demand it. This is Clementine staking her claim on her <i>mama</i> time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we run, she and I, into the darkness, through fog and light drizzle, around puddles, over bumpy sidewalks, avoiding the paths of morning commuters. The route is as familiar as our conversations:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"I see moon? Where's that moon? Der it is!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Who's dat? Dat's a dog? Dat's a squirrel? Where dat squirrel go?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"We running?" <i>Yes, we're running.</i> "We running!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My favorite are the whys.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Mama, why we running?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"We're running because Mama wants to be healthy and strong."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Why?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to be healthy and strong because I turned 38 this year and have now lived half of my life without my mom. I want to be healthy and strong so that I can see <i>you</i> turn 38, so that I can know you as an adult and hold my grandchildren. I want to be healthy and strong because exercise is something I can control and getting cancer is something I cannot. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cM-ddR5Wm9KcWB8mRt82tHndZq_QmhSSEnZ7vp0sRgkvbEQeXC7hvEoSpYwu_vtYa1cZXGvlZA4ZHqAfc0zTWQdJwc7FMGx9AlQ6TxLic-b_quBQklLSfcN6pE6HpbpDwu-l-3BStAtR/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cM-ddR5Wm9KcWB8mRt82tHndZq_QmhSSEnZ7vp0sRgkvbEQeXC7hvEoSpYwu_vtYa1cZXGvlZA4ZHqAfc0zTWQdJwc7FMGx9AlQ6TxLic-b_quBQklLSfcN6pE6HpbpDwu-l-3BStAtR/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFAKKg9WOhEQqt33HqRfaN6vnbv05yahxI2NTjQCkGbWiU3oXOxCeBkEFoqUfgH-2o0Cnonf4_hBn4t12dd_pXi4bXFCtWGMJ5Udi6vXJ5I7A16vX7c3boCHlO_RbRocTMmGpdpccvKrP/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFAKKg9WOhEQqt33HqRfaN6vnbv05yahxI2NTjQCkGbWiU3oXOxCeBkEFoqUfgH-2o0Cnonf4_hBn4t12dd_pXi4bXFCtWGMJ5Udi6vXJ5I7A16vX7c3boCHlO_RbRocTMmGpdpccvKrP/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Mama, why we running?"<br />
<br />
"We're running because it's Grandma's birthday and I want to pig out on cheesecake later tonight."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj29Z7civtlV_fFKeJGidEfjy4VFZq79vXHD1PIigqPYmuqhrBOYr-d38jh-EhYo6gQzkuJAwrQhreba0y8Bf7SlClLxAyVCdQdjU4poQxQMxtLnQsKrrB2Cq5bxEhTpwM6BtmI74KLmV/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj29Z7civtlV_fFKeJGidEfjy4VFZq79vXHD1PIigqPYmuqhrBOYr-d38jh-EhYo6gQzkuJAwrQhreba0y8Bf7SlClLxAyVCdQdjU4poQxQMxtLnQsKrrB2Cq5bxEhTpwM6BtmI74KLmV/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Mama, why we running?"<br />
<br />
"We're running because it was Grandma's birthday and we all pigged out on cheesecake last night."<br />
<br />
"Why?"<br />
<br />
We all pigged out on cheesecake because I wanted to make a special dinner for the woman who has taught me as much about mothering as my own mom did. We pigged out on cheesecake because sometimes that's just how you celebrate the birth of someone you love.<br />
<br />
"Mama, why we running?"<br />
<br />
"Because you and Sawyer commandeered my yoga mat and this is the only reliable way for me to get any exercise around here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqyhDkwscJ0iB2O25yuh61G6E_OFx-xp83Gnb4JZTge6HkMgh3p-5mnzI-nnyBhPdF-TYvNBKdt2mDSSfIQtYg-DRdefsebu464N6FDCkbkHDlret8hyphenhyphen4u05PNceOIPbEEhb8gRWEhNmi/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqyhDkwscJ0iB2O25yuh61G6E_OFx-xp83Gnb4JZTge6HkMgh3p-5mnzI-nnyBhPdF-TYvNBKdt2mDSSfIQtYg-DRdefsebu464N6FDCkbkHDlret8hyphenhyphen4u05PNceOIPbEEhb8gRWEhNmi/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfs66vGDIF8bUTlXI9hcmwAfDA_XuWH0r-ga4BpvF1WSA9Dma5z-Ju0p42zGzYqMKqybKpL_aW4Gf_lRanl2UE21htqkirxEDpQN3Jai1oOcZH94c5RW-vwmC7wBVGzDt-p07H85VSxdY/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfs66vGDIF8bUTlXI9hcmwAfDA_XuWH0r-ga4BpvF1WSA9Dma5z-Ju0p42zGzYqMKqybKpL_aW4Gf_lRanl2UE21htqkirxEDpQN3Jai1oOcZH94c5RW-vwmC7wBVGzDt-p07H85VSxdY/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4TyVholyGyyYrYIlj-dmqHDY7X88J32a_m7YBU9pDlvqXH4pkMeWNfEbVhZOvyHt3hP9BXv6oN82FuWftFhOArrmBHWNsAc_RPWcpQrqBTSc87gr4a4hpTsCgX-zTHd39OR5beLQeGcV/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4TyVholyGyyYrYIlj-dmqHDY7X88J32a_m7YBU9pDlvqXH4pkMeWNfEbVhZOvyHt3hP9BXv6oN82FuWftFhOArrmBHWNsAc_RPWcpQrqBTSc87gr4a4hpTsCgX-zTHd39OR5beLQeGcV/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
"Mama, why we running?"<br />
<br />
"We're running because I'm about to spend the next eight hours in a poorly ventilated room with a bunch of sixth-graders and I think my mental health could use the fresh air."<br />
<br />
"Why?"<br />
<br />
I'm going to spend my day with other people's children because long ago Dad and I decided that he would be the one to stay home with you guys. That we really didn't need two incomes if we were willing to make sacrifices. That Dad could work seasonally and find opportunities to take you with him. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszEfE3zn6Il4w2jGR6aSqiId5c75CG7rsi6RnY5X9U69Ow1_YvJPSFuWgbXMJgO6ouwCAt0n3zrDMZtR82chUEr3lJYfGt8qa3UUTEY7oGO5xO53qUK9QwkplhPvwrRumZ8FAXyEId54f/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszEfE3zn6Il4w2jGR6aSqiId5c75CG7rsi6RnY5X9U69Ow1_YvJPSFuWgbXMJgO6ouwCAt0n3zrDMZtR82chUEr3lJYfGt8qa3UUTEY7oGO5xO53qUK9QwkplhPvwrRumZ8FAXyEId54f/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqNCokYT0tD_EDnXHOJQpa5WL9H1aHLyPWdeT9dm2NTYz9zVWN0L08p3fp_0bctmxuvyoyoKkPcKftRDoIEwLE4HBNecdfWjHmII_vboUaoCjCYnWVzA4cXft3wMkH9VyqkCR5wpdeTca/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqNCokYT0tD_EDnXHOJQpa5WL9H1aHLyPWdeT9dm2NTYz9zVWN0L08p3fp_0bctmxuvyoyoKkPcKftRDoIEwLE4HBNecdfWjHmII_vboUaoCjCYnWVzA4cXft3wMkH9VyqkCR5wpdeTca/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41QbnLX4wY0dtq_a4wv-9CrxOSQihGPcmqJfRL0RQr9QaOpe3vuhugJgHAJfDgOk3CDUwyhi1boCkW-k6jFYt4UhVlap4zlGqiB-sm1TNFIik-lK9gGbLrftgP1y0vCfc08lBKRilxyMV/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41QbnLX4wY0dtq_a4wv-9CrxOSQihGPcmqJfRL0RQr9QaOpe3vuhugJgHAJfDgOk3CDUwyhi1boCkW-k6jFYt4UhVlap4zlGqiB-sm1TNFIik-lK9gGbLrftgP1y0vCfc08lBKRilxyMV/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Mama, why we running?"<br />
<br />
"We're running so I can school your brother at basketball. The younger one, at least."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdZMomZLUV5Ad68r01LONXCz-BGzQoh0lm5SBYCkNFwH7tKDZzcORGMTzhbj5ZAaTyp6BSBOnJiTJNz2bxotuhOEdujMcUoPfhDYRmcWWidyZKtKSkRO7x2ibUYkvAHKiiBXue-up9PYC/s1600/IMG_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdZMomZLUV5Ad68r01LONXCz-BGzQoh0lm5SBYCkNFwH7tKDZzcORGMTzhbj5ZAaTyp6BSBOnJiTJNz2bxotuhOEdujMcUoPfhDYRmcWWidyZKtKSkRO7x2ibUYkvAHKiiBXue-up9PYC/s1600/IMG_2561.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
"Mama, why we running?"<br />
<br />
"We're running because I had to taste test the fondue recipe before serving it at a baby shower. And I may have eaten the refrigerated leftovers with a spoon the next day."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4Vhp6Lv47OGNS8YpZ8bbXodrCNa6QQKruZgXM4wxvBJIyHvOikPQAjuzkTFG4yVImzDcSBsQic4097sow61g5ZUvKgOHW2Bif1LfJWhDJnE-G5HoqINKarSMcaq55AQ6lB0bVqVOJPsZ/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4Vhp6Lv47OGNS8YpZ8bbXodrCNa6QQKruZgXM4wxvBJIyHvOikPQAjuzkTFG4yVImzDcSBsQic4097sow61g5ZUvKgOHW2Bif1LfJWhDJnE-G5HoqINKarSMcaq55AQ6lB0bVqVOJPsZ/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Someday soon, Clementine will outgrow that stroller. NPR will still be waiting for me and I'll have plenty of <i>my</i> time. Maybe I won't tiptoe so quietly by her bedroom door tomorrow morning.Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-60519658190091583092015-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:002015-01-18T08:56:29.055-08:00Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In our family I am famous for dragging us all out on ill-fated excursions in the name of family fun. But when it's your birthday and you're turning 38 and you really already have everything you want, I think it's okay to make some demands. Like a day trip to Clear Lake. And some family fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBRz0UJkw4eI1flFFwk_CEM3lHd3bu2nvXkmK6z3WRjivhm3PfDLA0Hu22bN3vky1MGg7DM2pUj5i2041hOUcTaTAVqw7YyhnkZ8LX4j1ScrtGrapIbBxTi3jJEkW16rxZlxKyOtGEKrz/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBRz0UJkw4eI1flFFwk_CEM3lHd3bu2nvXkmK6z3WRjivhm3PfDLA0Hu22bN3vky1MGg7DM2pUj5i2041hOUcTaTAVqw7YyhnkZ8LX4j1ScrtGrapIbBxTi3jJEkW16rxZlxKyOtGEKrz/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBRz0UJkw4eI1flFFwk_CEM3lHd3bu2nvXkmK6z3WRjivhm3PfDLA0Hu22bN3vky1MGg7DM2pUj5i2041hOUcTaTAVqw7YyhnkZ8LX4j1ScrtGrapIbBxTi3jJEkW16rxZlxKyOtGEKrz/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I have mentioned before, <a href="http://redscreendoor.blogspot.com/2012/07/gone-fishin.html" target="_blank">Brent is not overly fond of taking the kids fishing.</a> This is not without reason, but again with the it's-MY-birthdays and here we were:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKVL0QU0JQFSQDC1UzISDQLEtZPVxmoWbVhDueNku-KJrH7hkYcjEp5zOdbamHqlxFhDOtvNoAfLQqdA2QLZ-jzV-qzQE4dw4rOb-Fd0uxCPjEyAfLnToN6jUvync8ASyHQxi1VlGy6X0/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKVL0QU0JQFSQDC1UzISDQLEtZPVxmoWbVhDueNku-KJrH7hkYcjEp5zOdbamHqlxFhDOtvNoAfLQqdA2QLZ-jzV-qzQE4dw4rOb-Fd0uxCPjEyAfLnToN6jUvync8ASyHQxi1VlGy6X0/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Clear Lake is, ahem, very clear. It's also very quiet. Or at least it was, until we arrived and crammed five people into a small boat and... wait, why the hell were the boys armed with slingshots? Anyway, there was this heron sunning himself nearby as we attempted to fish. This heron was like an avian Buddha, peacefully meditating on a log as the boys screeched with excitement and haphazardly threw lines into the water. No fish were foolish enough to be anywhere near us at this point, but no matter. It's all about the experience, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rz23jasVWcMIxWALGY8LvkUTWX6iir2A8tPinZEX84YxsJF0NQ3qUeUFUp2UoMJSLAqMmDo8d6LTsFsUD7_LpUOSZlVvINy72ZxRk184w8DT_IwrfzvBNOGHvVyxMJhoGRhQwWByb_tS/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rz23jasVWcMIxWALGY8LvkUTWX6iir2A8tPinZEX84YxsJF0NQ3qUeUFUp2UoMJSLAqMmDo8d6LTsFsUD7_LpUOSZlVvINy72ZxRk184w8DT_IwrfzvBNOGHvVyxMJhoGRhQwWByb_tS/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a bit of time, I became aware that this heron absolutely did not give one single shit about us, which was awesome. I loved that bird.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04wZHKRgmpv4qcNVLZFqo7jdGwp-yho_TOAMi7H10L36Q9Fv__0J5iLZcGreefruhYl_SGBv3dEv9rhPMdSWV0aynzQDi6_inHEp5tmTiHTdGsFrp_7agYyGyMcJ_dsFEFr-YP3qpmx1y/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04wZHKRgmpv4qcNVLZFqo7jdGwp-yho_TOAMi7H10L36Q9Fv__0J5iLZcGreefruhYl_SGBv3dEv9rhPMdSWV0aynzQDi6_inHEp5tmTiHTdGsFrp_7agYyGyMcJ_dsFEFr-YP3qpmx1y/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWveZx5UwIZ59yfCrNlRBViyiMcY7hnUNvTXy5RuJ0crvnrSA3f_7sFlNISrQ2Upu_HKkBXgXedNGrWQ-g2pLcbGIBfvZaAep-M9gJzP3rTRmcOlKQaedmEaRg8NIT_hr27Dtsi-pUsmW/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWveZx5UwIZ59yfCrNlRBViyiMcY7hnUNvTXy5RuJ0crvnrSA3f_7sFlNISrQ2Upu_HKkBXgXedNGrWQ-g2pLcbGIBfvZaAep-M9gJzP3rTRmcOlKQaedmEaRg8NIT_hr27Dtsi-pUsmW/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs1Ok4C809PVNUQhA0SJ02cLmwheuakDy-ViL6PaXBFxazfewYJk8dG2_fq3hX8MHFuHfksS-X_0XeGVKmqMlt8rEESURVN_sLQZukUHfXL9fCwo1arDUoSUsbFKnnWnieQL6Hl1RMlUT/s1600/IMG_2035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs1Ok4C809PVNUQhA0SJ02cLmwheuakDy-ViL6PaXBFxazfewYJk8dG2_fq3hX8MHFuHfksS-X_0XeGVKmqMlt8rEESURVN_sLQZukUHfXL9fCwo1arDUoSUsbFKnnWnieQL6Hl1RMlUT/s1600/IMG_2035.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack and Sawyer were determined to hike around the lake on a quest for lava rocks. This meant that the boys formed their own search party while the girls meandered along behind. But I always knew just where they were because man those kids' voices sure carry through a silent forest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQArOgJckmDRST156Zc9yjnwdvlR0ASDv_Gr-QpgmuCBOq5UF2QjaAYPmMZvnXgoDJSqur8MusYx36QkX559Rl_8ApdafiiTTEUTLxm-F8YcGsufnYAL5fLuF7n1VefH89u_Ti36PsJR_5/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQArOgJckmDRST156Zc9yjnwdvlR0ASDv_Gr-QpgmuCBOq5UF2QjaAYPmMZvnXgoDJSqur8MusYx36QkX559Rl_8ApdafiiTTEUTLxm-F8YcGsufnYAL5fLuF7n1VefH89u_Ti36PsJR_5/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGkYGyo0ZI9x9wlaR1l9khxrhlvlIvItlFjPhPXz1RSOY0wUG0HeZVbP7sxJFq5oxTd9Q4dT2gJzhWzzl2CTq6H3uErqDHrpMKqRNKdXgNNCl6Aq-tZhgCuNkGkOfdYylRJT8J5q8-lnU/s1600/IMG_2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGkYGyo0ZI9x9wlaR1l9khxrhlvlIvItlFjPhPXz1RSOY0wUG0HeZVbP7sxJFq5oxTd9Q4dT2gJzhWzzl2CTq6H3uErqDHrpMKqRNKdXgNNCl6Aq-tZhgCuNkGkOfdYylRJT8J5q8-lnU/s1600/IMG_2047.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOuiIEbKq5HwK2VAxQyNPnbVEJSZ7kWkfjBjrhSK4tPvNulP2B46GDRgJtHnWenoyMqpGLUXIx26b8mvcOemBCwLA34tasVl4bkaaN_Log7itahzci7Kqqh0JdrHFNa1xFhSkoK_OPuOe/s1600/IMG_2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOuiIEbKq5HwK2VAxQyNPnbVEJSZ7kWkfjBjrhSK4tPvNulP2B46GDRgJtHnWenoyMqpGLUXIx26b8mvcOemBCwLA34tasVl4bkaaN_Log7itahzci7Kqqh0JdrHFNa1xFhSkoK_OPuOe/s1600/IMG_2048.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDXjSqgTDYYNZVx2GHefmaMAm4DhT1KHQ5wzwmc_JxZC22QQf1taSG5YnokTzjtTzwxoQTdIzDUXEHM7lVhCErZECRB_JGq9V3L67MkDmrLT99lz4A1gG9dKQMYjljKSkjOAF1MECVmCb/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDXjSqgTDYYNZVx2GHefmaMAm4DhT1KHQ5wzwmc_JxZC22QQf1taSG5YnokTzjtTzwxoQTdIzDUXEHM7lVhCErZECRB_JGq9V3L67MkDmrLT99lz4A1gG9dKQMYjljKSkjOAF1MECVmCb/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd-q_xupXKqqweSqifWCUYRSDkEKLSAQwyWDD6Hq4zonhk5anmpoBj8eHnxkED3WRPFuFmtil5DMo-kUs1LsnZzfmGLRK6N4BvCbKFsfnAf_UshlLaihHvImXDjHvgPPK6iGddseaylT1/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd-q_xupXKqqweSqifWCUYRSDkEKLSAQwyWDD6Hq4zonhk5anmpoBj8eHnxkED3WRPFuFmtil5DMo-kUs1LsnZzfmGLRK6N4BvCbKFsfnAf_UshlLaihHvImXDjHvgPPK6iGddseaylT1/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then Clementine turned two. People kept asking her what she wanted for her birthday. "Cake!" she chirped again and again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXECV7VyiMD4xG75ir8NeRLYkuA0gNUv0SnS54RyRGd5RsKPxXk5bV0h8nx7EeQRyqnLANpnI_h_Lv3n2hPYqJeGptWokH1XNdP59u7MJibR0ZgAvrpjJB5rBoB3Dppc_MAuQul7sYFxDO/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXECV7VyiMD4xG75ir8NeRLYkuA0gNUv0SnS54RyRGd5RsKPxXk5bV0h8nx7EeQRyqnLANpnI_h_Lv3n2hPYqJeGptWokH1XNdP59u7MJibR0ZgAvrpjJB5rBoB3Dppc_MAuQul7sYFxDO/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly it was Halloween and I realized that no one wanted a homemade costume. "I'm going to be a soccer zombie," Jack informed me.<br />
<br />
"I'll be a.. um.. I guess I'll be a regular zombie," Sawyer added uncertainly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxrS-rtmFuE5GupFhwN708e45wdyxPmuMk9iaxJDVlwppjShUIQcPyEKFzzrD2YHJcX8j1aexievzSD0fTqcmqL9Lrlzin3s0zDUHQ0cKeFSYcaBxiz_J90GwvzlD-Sa4CgoZW52HORHN/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxrS-rtmFuE5GupFhwN708e45wdyxPmuMk9iaxJDVlwppjShUIQcPyEKFzzrD2YHJcX8j1aexievzSD0fTqcmqL9Lrlzin3s0zDUHQ0cKeFSYcaBxiz_J90GwvzlD-Sa4CgoZW52HORHN/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZfKxEyIv2FoxZzibv8empIBnx-Znh3xhl0ou9UhhpBsql9QdD_J05jfLHnr755o8ZgQNhFgv_pkdW2FVpEkVfQFNxySdvSbcShqY5ccblclo75JOtNVBIYFjOJfcjrDVR2QxQfECCZni/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZfKxEyIv2FoxZzibv8empIBnx-Znh3xhl0ou9UhhpBsql9QdD_J05jfLHnr755o8ZgQNhFgv_pkdW2FVpEkVfQFNxySdvSbcShqY5ccblclo75JOtNVBIYFjOJfcjrDVR2QxQfECCZni/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I dug the puppy suit out of the dress up box, Brent applied zombie make
up and wound tattoos, everyone found their pumpkin buckets, and that was
that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a part of me that missed laboring over some elaborate
get up that would be worn once, smeared with chocolate, and then thrown carelessly into the dress up box void. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then there was the heron in me who did not give a shit. </div>
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-68956441136236724532015-01-09T21:05:00.000-08:002015-01-09T21:05:54.091-08:00A Taste of Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week I discovered a forgotten jar of raspberry jam in the freezer. I brought it out and let it thaw in front of the wood stove. Then I cracked it open and we ate it by the spoonful and for a second it was summer once again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been cold. My legs are pasty white and I'm tired of eating grocery store lettuce. The days are too short. And while there are millions of reasons to become a teacher, January ain't one of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some forgotten camping photos. For a second, let's let it be summer once again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sENtBhZdNOBfW27aoENBVo8sZwygEh5fnhXFTSKQoJ-QHJNauSl89CWWukYHyG67322ujUCqx73GfUbMiTu8ZB6N0qCNfBle211cVRmjU-18vChIifNLTWmMNX5sXfZT_MDLSBXesfaR/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sENtBhZdNOBfW27aoENBVo8sZwygEh5fnhXFTSKQoJ-QHJNauSl89CWWukYHyG67322ujUCqx73GfUbMiTu8ZB6N0qCNfBle211cVRmjU-18vChIifNLTWmMNX5sXfZT_MDLSBXesfaR/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wickiup Reservoir with my friend Emily and her family. This is where Sawyer had his first taste of the Sea Biscuit as I watched white knuckled from the relative safety of the speeding boat. "Faster! Faster!" he shrieked. I swallowed bile and forced myself to look away as his small body flew perilously into the air with every bump through the boat's wake. I steadied my breath and tried to smile at his joy, well aware that this moment forebodes much of what is to come with this wild child. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BzaQ32aHv1CUuBwybydfDtIaL-TsPWLMJYLsCSBstxM4CwVzst4iyf34MM0WMpjWwSwcGK-_JWFjlMavauvbEs1VVyawuGjsHS7zJOvpkXdKz9BHo2Ea8k6hyphenhyphenQwARVcf3afbQA_9MZW7/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BzaQ32aHv1CUuBwybydfDtIaL-TsPWLMJYLsCSBstxM4CwVzst4iyf34MM0WMpjWwSwcGK-_JWFjlMavauvbEs1VVyawuGjsHS7zJOvpkXdKz9BHo2Ea8k6hyphenhyphenQwARVcf3afbQA_9MZW7/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7vovNrmo5vxDrwcwetbqs3Td9VgByoOnh3jG_sCVeXjLnS6oFqkzbI8yIM5q84VtOo6XBKQ4xxvyB957f-WkOJtkkWKVNYM0T3L7kRZMtqFTYzosbDNoRFue2WcGnpr0BUeqtXFXs-nK/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7vovNrmo5vxDrwcwetbqs3Td9VgByoOnh3jG_sCVeXjLnS6oFqkzbI8yIM5q84VtOo6XBKQ4xxvyB957f-WkOJtkkWKVNYM0T3L7kRZMtqFTYzosbDNoRFue2WcGnpr0BUeqtXFXs-nK/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PcVVJUDKTNOEDuVHGAAY1soqHd04A5GlTf-LYWJprqOHHwYTqU-CUuGd5N4GA8wmpog30_n6c_G9RP_4S-sZqn35Uk9f-OuHruCmdbTOYoYJ0OVmg_4GoXRA7i7zxskdY9rOjiFSUmJO/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PcVVJUDKTNOEDuVHGAAY1soqHd04A5GlTf-LYWJprqOHHwYTqU-CUuGd5N4GA8wmpog30_n6c_G9RP_4S-sZqn35Uk9f-OuHruCmdbTOYoYJ0OVmg_4GoXRA7i7zxskdY9rOjiFSUmJO/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbF_deN1K_9mJCCUuKOlN-PcenNZ7qAjKdOPhmvjzpNigLwL-Lq898gDVdpzVtIfzR-lZvKbNi-13tprBNj5a6LXnlYSxzKZc_H4mXx3xh49Vsx7m8Xo18D7B4MD4iAEGTaAOukbI2de9/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbF_deN1K_9mJCCUuKOlN-PcenNZ7qAjKdOPhmvjzpNigLwL-Lq898gDVdpzVtIfzR-lZvKbNi-13tprBNj5a6LXnlYSxzKZc_H4mXx3xh49Vsx7m8Xo18D7B4MD4iAEGTaAOukbI2de9/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-xPpggHViKoI7cJJu1tm-5xUGj9_MZG-uNGzLRo7z9Th-UYro0wWh30TUVxgFLvrGuExtL-y92q9EwWYaWP-rj1bso96PivWcetkAefvGeX9I0cDy0cQRmTmR9JbgCWuaPjr2AZij921/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-xPpggHViKoI7cJJu1tm-5xUGj9_MZG-uNGzLRo7z9Th-UYro0wWh30TUVxgFLvrGuExtL-y92q9EwWYaWP-rj1bso96PivWcetkAefvGeX9I0cDy0cQRmTmR9JbgCWuaPjr2AZij921/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFD7Jzol1e77Y5QQUWGbiWxOYaz-NuJ_sWYr8yRxXKbP-ym4oBe3zFkcYHLd05EdF-Cuuj2_SVeZA0yXCGUmVsYL8psuKsvviNsAChSKWEfVBmm3qg-DHQ5GRQOvhKMBH92GG7QcOv3Ub/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFD7Jzol1e77Y5QQUWGbiWxOYaz-NuJ_sWYr8yRxXKbP-ym4oBe3zFkcYHLd05EdF-Cuuj2_SVeZA0yXCGUmVsYL8psuKsvviNsAChSKWEfVBmm3qg-DHQ5GRQOvhKMBH92GG7QcOv3Ub/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5YSJfRNHACuwwJhyQ4Ys6rDb-wUEduuUD15_qfeKkiQzU5LeMEH6lDaeZ6RGfSpRJguZSOAn2xNTbko6KouRE160mHmQv0ohtRaRhHWBTnUXrwp__oZwYbLonh3rzdNHQ4AhEEWJkCim/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5YSJfRNHACuwwJhyQ4Ys6rDb-wUEduuUD15_qfeKkiQzU5LeMEH6lDaeZ6RGfSpRJguZSOAn2xNTbko6KouRE160mHmQv0ohtRaRhHWBTnUXrwp__oZwYbLonh3rzdNHQ4AhEEWJkCim/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_ybTweskfaY_5RyFg_s4QJCYoZ0w7WRwxx6mDTOcDQXi0V5_dW2cCVT5mNUA02Vf0FhOCOhzwnYj-Otx9HEbQbIjsqW9kBQewdMwHsbX23acDhIhS8fb1dUI7lzS0A6b4grc9p85uG-A/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_ybTweskfaY_5RyFg_s4QJCYoZ0w7WRwxx6mDTOcDQXi0V5_dW2cCVT5mNUA02Vf0FhOCOhzwnYj-Otx9HEbQbIjsqW9kBQewdMwHsbX23acDhIhS8fb1dUI7lzS0A6b4grc9p85uG-A/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sunsets rendered us breathless and speechless. Campers were hypnotically drawn to the water's edge, iPhones in hand, hoping to capture this iconic summer camping moment.<br />
<br />
And in August, our friends Steve and Lisa generously offered us the use of their tent trailer for our annual trek to Manzanita. This sort of felt like cheating for a second, and then it rained and my compromised camping morals were quickly put aside. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCIu7bwr8xlbTZiHcR_yVehfDFK1XrcTfj-QYyFtF4h7VQTGeUYV-6_5idaUyNaFsWsqpIqiEvVLlEQmAjqYnb-9KED0vGzToyTyVqGBIZ3czSUUpAMOs4Wh-J5RgCVuFEloSLZYLvu3J/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCIu7bwr8xlbTZiHcR_yVehfDFK1XrcTfj-QYyFtF4h7VQTGeUYV-6_5idaUyNaFsWsqpIqiEvVLlEQmAjqYnb-9KED0vGzToyTyVqGBIZ3czSUUpAMOs4Wh-J5RgCVuFEloSLZYLvu3J/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were sandwiched in between RVs and it was a long, cold walk to the bathrooms. But there were hot showers and a playground and our kids disappeared into the herd and played until we came to collect them at dusk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, of course, there was the beach. If there is one place in this world that truly grounds me and revitalizes my spirit, it is the Oregon coast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U6hvQGI2qF_cZkTUsuFb4KY8pCb5g3Wao2Cinq1R1oIU86lv0nEjsiNER9REyLSbmdLJ68eCWx1FeDuxpI8TJV-1TuuzV68QZgZIt3AN_4emIRY0M1hYJUF1r6mqIPqqrMJ5FlXMzUN5/s1600/IMG_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U6hvQGI2qF_cZkTUsuFb4KY8pCb5g3Wao2Cinq1R1oIU86lv0nEjsiNER9REyLSbmdLJ68eCWx1FeDuxpI8TJV-1TuuzV68QZgZIt3AN_4emIRY0M1hYJUF1r6mqIPqqrMJ5FlXMzUN5/s1600/IMG_1755.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonT7o6VnTEZswkYOkITB3G-sEj2VY60AEkVhFq4dtPV-EDt7pM__q-QUjTIGbEvGJuJdeHh1lSuzFv5BFiPjpWUin-HdTYIVahWXcsORRQNt-9Dv_xdzQuNW-m4uBFDS5MjnGTgFb6yH2/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonT7o6VnTEZswkYOkITB3G-sEj2VY60AEkVhFq4dtPV-EDt7pM__q-QUjTIGbEvGJuJdeHh1lSuzFv5BFiPjpWUin-HdTYIVahWXcsORRQNt-9Dv_xdzQuNW-m4uBFDS5MjnGTgFb6yH2/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CvgY_AiH7K0Qm-ECtfH5koawQupq5zmAiOfbu72xa-SYW1LexZZCS1OfPmqpWDUg9BqjH9EDd6R8JnJInio2Lvlvf7VmOLOagAOfHjTUjghCg81iJXZITKVkvQR7hLOmesJ7GRJVKmUq/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CvgY_AiH7K0Qm-ECtfH5koawQupq5zmAiOfbu72xa-SYW1LexZZCS1OfPmqpWDUg9BqjH9EDd6R8JnJInio2Lvlvf7VmOLOagAOfHjTUjghCg81iJXZITKVkvQR7hLOmesJ7GRJVKmUq/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52ZO4auD2cXjRbcDFsEPfvgFjb95flCPs-AbixwTZuqdQk1KTE3tyQlGtRTSZWxF2Gajgv6AmnfmVLXXmZxucMvG_RjLDnLsoYn0rKOYyus5Ku4iuv3bRHg8F8wXuNNSIWBbramkHq4Co/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52ZO4auD2cXjRbcDFsEPfvgFjb95flCPs-AbixwTZuqdQk1KTE3tyQlGtRTSZWxF2Gajgv6AmnfmVLXXmZxucMvG_RjLDnLsoYn0rKOYyus5Ku4iuv3bRHg8F8wXuNNSIWBbramkHq4Co/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzI48Nfrg7wiHLre-J9O4GPVQUtu2YcDrsOEtHFwUvDwD3Ph5Bd28QHhE82OM00xYVt4gLexcsnXyBVZNhrtm8StwBqLuGf4aJe1AHIlNcAiRYB4O-30hzK9e1j7fIUMfwCTL07-7zzXj/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzI48Nfrg7wiHLre-J9O4GPVQUtu2YcDrsOEtHFwUvDwD3Ph5Bd28QHhE82OM00xYVt4gLexcsnXyBVZNhrtm8StwBqLuGf4aJe1AHIlNcAiRYB4O-30hzK9e1j7fIUMfwCTL07-7zzXj/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwmeqbZ8A6xylJ0jjTyvZAkfEUlwEmm3Vhs-9lMhxakG9fJTUTU36sDVI31zVWYKvoxu9eOLSVj9y-zM1VVufr6clN0vmVPGUbG-Tl-2LC7cVaGq0nz4EogNehhxOHu6zxH_Cbul2LlLB/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwmeqbZ8A6xylJ0jjTyvZAkfEUlwEmm3Vhs-9lMhxakG9fJTUTU36sDVI31zVWYKvoxu9eOLSVj9y-zM1VVufr6clN0vmVPGUbG-Tl-2LC7cVaGq0nz4EogNehhxOHu6zxH_Cbul2LlLB/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIYoIJXACp8dHSoKv4xIYgb_9qlkWYF4muFZcnNJsK-IAfNNWsHZoWNBOVvxe6qzLf2Oy4NHhV_z6InKzTaKBaOScvQoXu4rgFG1rbSleDL6PowpnkwlduLIi947G36CGNd5jzhuPgv2E/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIYoIJXACp8dHSoKv4xIYgb_9qlkWYF4muFZcnNJsK-IAfNNWsHZoWNBOVvxe6qzLf2Oy4NHhV_z6InKzTaKBaOScvQoXu4rgFG1rbSleDL6PowpnkwlduLIi947G36CGNd5jzhuPgv2E/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alas, here we are in January. And yet, there are those glorious moments when the sun shines and the wind calms and we seek the comforting embrace of blue skies and warm rays from above. Children are released from the confines of LEGOs and books and they run like wild horses into whatever wide open spaces we can find.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtu3oAlol1CmfzaAs4KGiHC2mY0muKZpsQgI7Q82mGYA_GKsKub6FZe_Nl9G4eTS-sboU1qoGogM8mmee0-6L3PhqDQp8ImJK1XCoCc05KT8zlJVbjRsNq6GcGVvS1oFwbsldFTJv4TEr/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtu3oAlol1CmfzaAs4KGiHC2mY0muKZpsQgI7Q82mGYA_GKsKub6FZe_Nl9G4eTS-sboU1qoGogM8mmee0-6L3PhqDQp8ImJK1XCoCc05KT8zlJVbjRsNq6GcGVvS1oFwbsldFTJv4TEr/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkR-lL-Xrne26e9a7T0Pvy_iwoDBrmLpF_txn6r5LXHZLWD0f5LSh_u7RTGpq6sacQsyphGPtaCRnp9LzIMElrlNPuKT18hP-XVeJi_ORSKWv-PldBT-VykaUjPr-8gTOL-PUUSwfeBpD/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkR-lL-Xrne26e9a7T0Pvy_iwoDBrmLpF_txn6r5LXHZLWD0f5LSh_u7RTGpq6sacQsyphGPtaCRnp9LzIMElrlNPuKT18hP-XVeJi_ORSKWv-PldBT-VykaUjPr-8gTOL-PUUSwfeBpD/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkR-lL-Xrne26e9a7T0Pvy_iwoDBrmLpF_txn6r5LXHZLWD0f5LSh_u7RTGpq6sacQsyphGPtaCRnp9LzIMElrlNPuKT18hP-XVeJi_ORSKWv-PldBT-VykaUjPr-8gTOL-PUUSwfeBpD/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_AUmpkdrAGeSZg8Tf5htXPn4Aeaenj-H6qWi4dsJICa9tPriGkpCbaPOwa0677fWs7nnNPKUTkpWGVoCGl2cltFWYe8UHGH_-o74_22VL2VipEbNklGZlK93JSDq0rSTXKeNMotQfR66/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_AUmpkdrAGeSZg8Tf5htXPn4Aeaenj-H6qWi4dsJICa9tPriGkpCbaPOwa0677fWs7nnNPKUTkpWGVoCGl2cltFWYe8UHGH_-o74_22VL2VipEbNklGZlK93JSDq0rSTXKeNMotQfR66/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjTY6Yvhu_StioGf1GG6eQ_PrrO0FBZUVJypCr9ZyDA7T4oPczB_bt1Vgu3I1qmNze0xChvwF1yeJ9FcuyWb7brEz0h18ovAhzrnGZVYvATazOhmZlBPUmN323xXbG4rkOnWPhbrUqaTy/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjTY6Yvhu_StioGf1GG6eQ_PrrO0FBZUVJypCr9ZyDA7T4oPczB_bt1Vgu3I1qmNze0xChvwF1yeJ9FcuyWb7brEz0h18ovAhzrnGZVYvATazOhmZlBPUmN323xXbG4rkOnWPhbrUqaTy/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gR5u154Fidf0xiuATpmd0KEqSedP4e7Y0ukyQDHXUnv3Q9N9gvHSBtTgR6jXUoJg4D7DjzFVPgISoX2orP8nM6QtA2ANeOwg23EZXlyqBfc8evfVdCPQSxMptCQdqHi3p2rzvezVlpVj/s1600/IMG_2358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gR5u154Fidf0xiuATpmd0KEqSedP4e7Y0ukyQDHXUnv3Q9N9gvHSBtTgR6jXUoJg4D7DjzFVPgISoX2orP8nM6QtA2ANeOwg23EZXlyqBfc8evfVdCPQSxMptCQdqHi3p2rzvezVlpVj/s1600/IMG_2358.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdic7JjuVwB77Z3zixW4xrdJDdCDT5Wcp_7t75FRRXWWk4ALPAsn7P4Xl6LboS2X4uu1Fh8BgvYvW30UNMs6PBor1kddjFxGcLw2iFh4MSE5anBJC6jCOzSCRAGAJQ8QKQ_l9fPsrJNRe/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdic7JjuVwB77Z3zixW4xrdJDdCDT5Wcp_7t75FRRXWWk4ALPAsn7P4Xl6LboS2X4uu1Fh8BgvYvW30UNMs6PBor1kddjFxGcLw2iFh4MSE5anBJC6jCOzSCRAGAJQ8QKQ_l9fPsrJNRe/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoyXsbagGfDl3JE_YcWQeALpzBDYmaLvCF3Uie4bV71KiCEjaLLEPlxtOxAjDubprOqx3oIXjxF7PptMr8F5eK5YuIC4M1bIvzzvy2YHN3ot0gGdWrqBjWEpS9sJa7KmmaaxRC4_0uobY/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoyXsbagGfDl3JE_YcWQeALpzBDYmaLvCF3Uie4bV71KiCEjaLLEPlxtOxAjDubprOqx3oIXjxF7PptMr8F5eK5YuIC4M1bIvzzvy2YHN3ot0gGdWrqBjWEpS9sJa7KmmaaxRC4_0uobY/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These days are the bites of raspberry freezer jam that remind us how close to the sun we always are. January, you're not so bad after all.</div>
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-9245851821840190222015-01-01T21:19:00.000-08:002015-01-01T21:19:05.205-08:00A Quick Trip to the Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A well-intentioned, older family friend recently shook her head across the noise of my family and clucked at me, "I just don't know how you do it!" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a hard time responding to this without getting defensive. Yeah, I get it. We are loud. We leave a trail of crumbs behind us. We fill a room with bubbles of energy until it overflows and suds cascade down the walls, drowning people who aren't used to our level of being. It's messy. We're often late. We have about a million questions a day. Someone is always hungry. And heaven forbid you should try to have an actual adult conversation with me right smack in the middle of all this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes I feel like I need to justify us or make excuses for my kids and their kid ways. And then I catch myself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Are you <i>sure</i> you want to spend your vacation trapped in a beach house with my crazy family?" I asked Amberlee, my rock star seismologist friend who is Very Important and travels the world imparting her knowledge of all things related to earthquakes and fracking and other seismic events. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Yes, I'm sure. I love your crazy family," was her quick reply.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMfICSLyf9U6Hu-miCR7rPhKvetF0woPUN1nUSTPv-oYji3FcfSePldMwUhr_vuCX8Ki0b11c0JanyvnSs_qYjYldZAXlwz2DIYXRczVrwL-WDVx6eiChHBrM_nO5MTBd9_gbBm2LkF1A/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMfICSLyf9U6Hu-miCR7rPhKvetF0woPUN1nUSTPv-oYji3FcfSePldMwUhr_vuCX8Ki0b11c0JanyvnSs_qYjYldZAXlwz2DIYXRczVrwL-WDVx6eiChHBrM_nO5MTBd9_gbBm2LkF1A/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvw6fkSBMgqgOxj7cUH2l5v6sRX_HCk0vEWM4IikHEryCAF5njLMZWMOg9UDEOUjf-Wx1ZwBiedd0zzboraxWXJXUzFnaJzD8Pywl7Il7BbfPzIdCDMXC-_eION9jdZUqntYgvGwoT6yx/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvw6fkSBMgqgOxj7cUH2l5v6sRX_HCk0vEWM4IikHEryCAF5njLMZWMOg9UDEOUjf-Wx1ZwBiedd0zzboraxWXJXUzFnaJzD8Pywl7Il7BbfPzIdCDMXC-_eION9jdZUqntYgvGwoT6yx/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbKSpN-WbDrwdkwmX8bicqNIHlDqflDtgjHcTzSXuQ_Ee2KgE7bndXa7fkE9t0M7wzVpt4e60n2oGVKdzTxQl0WgMKbZ-omh4UTrCCWSN0sHPlxzepaQRyBWPXi4vqaTC028d5S1pf9uB/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbKSpN-WbDrwdkwmX8bicqNIHlDqflDtgjHcTzSXuQ_Ee2KgE7bndXa7fkE9t0M7wzVpt4e60n2oGVKdzTxQl0WgMKbZ-omh4UTrCCWSN0sHPlxzepaQRyBWPXi4vqaTC028d5S1pf9uB/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And damn it if we didn't have the best time, braving the Oregon coast at its foggiest to take the kids up Cape Perpetua. Cooking for a crowd and shaking sand from small boots and ushering everyone off to bed well past the appointed hour. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfcSyS6C80AVLdlXWdSkhLwWntjk1rA2hmHQ3HiHfj1KYAwGS8II98NG97Z495bX0XHaCnnnfyuDWXuv7fgtwbcq66ShmpN0LkehmH_NLAq20FN2AJ0b7gNr14YZXwOx5loqv12pmcgFU/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfcSyS6C80AVLdlXWdSkhLwWntjk1rA2hmHQ3HiHfj1KYAwGS8II98NG97Z495bX0XHaCnnnfyuDWXuv7fgtwbcq66ShmpN0LkehmH_NLAq20FN2AJ0b7gNr14YZXwOx5loqv12pmcgFU/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxTzUqe39ueUdfPHaZ4zYdijG3vaXvRBRFjQvTxhbJwQsu9_OVodY8ZkD9GSo5apj5TQcJtrz6vd8xWpAH_qKMbsz5uJuP33_CFIepRgwcDs8E0rDUWtG2E54XaDnLF80UNmxDyOReb2O/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxTzUqe39ueUdfPHaZ4zYdijG3vaXvRBRFjQvTxhbJwQsu9_OVodY8ZkD9GSo5apj5TQcJtrz6vd8xWpAH_qKMbsz5uJuP33_CFIepRgwcDs8E0rDUWtG2E54XaDnLF80UNmxDyOReb2O/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkIaf7zX1rQhvIoDmEbsXFQ_2obfVchRm5ecJ42_RCxVZcMifSi-NSdWsdm3jj7JJrxlM3hj0ziZVhP5jqfPfiYY1836oqfpwPL4CI8_xBtyyUHWpRiseTktv-3N3xlX2S2L1uaxDT4M_/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkIaf7zX1rQhvIoDmEbsXFQ_2obfVchRm5ecJ42_RCxVZcMifSi-NSdWsdm3jj7JJrxlM3hj0ziZVhP5jqfPfiYY1836oqfpwPL4CI8_xBtyyUHWpRiseTktv-3N3xlX2S2L1uaxDT4M_/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And my kids can be jerks to each other. There were some tears. A bit of seven-year-old (extra super early) pre-teen angst. It was loud and chaotic and I never once felt anything but happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5O_z2Un6uSa_eKN6vfbmAVLdTuo8lNr7IC_qwRcNGkqHrBmIbYQfiyVDG88KFpOMnjq1IqZe6WrEq8oP-URuMO5RO0eYtfStWBMFPSPs-WLIT_3w9v13teCxRNDziGRwawtgXcWpuPy/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5O_z2Un6uSa_eKN6vfbmAVLdTuo8lNr7IC_qwRcNGkqHrBmIbYQfiyVDG88KFpOMnjq1IqZe6WrEq8oP-URuMO5RO0eYtfStWBMFPSPs-WLIT_3w9v13teCxRNDziGRwawtgXcWpuPy/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
(Brent has been on the quest to make the perfect margarita. He is close!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA18xGEpkhVVvCBWScEL8NBZYtKrTyWDsQSOJJRCzcr1GN38o9CjiBhEWSWzVz8wc9tktOqFV6JbeFoFFsTy2jJLMIfu_Q8W8JYSpu1-zyQNqngZw32a5sVRc0hxKWB3csQPM3ufLB4hW/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA18xGEpkhVVvCBWScEL8NBZYtKrTyWDsQSOJJRCzcr1GN38o9CjiBhEWSWzVz8wc9tktOqFV6JbeFoFFsTy2jJLMIfu_Q8W8JYSpu1-zyQNqngZw32a5sVRc0hxKWB3csQPM3ufLB4hW/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou_KSjCqKWICj2HFMsYy4f2xK7qqtT8gk7WhacK2G4U4typ1NpnTiP9h7_IM3n2WRFegx0HUYuQew-jLr9CyV0XLVCkfWvMFxRBmOP3HJA50rtFxCbwrENvjC1UZkWrXhvigVzTSFCkzU/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou_KSjCqKWICj2HFMsYy4f2xK7qqtT8gk7WhacK2G4U4typ1NpnTiP9h7_IM3n2WRFegx0HUYuQew-jLr9CyV0XLVCkfWvMFxRBmOP3HJA50rtFxCbwrENvjC1UZkWrXhvigVzTSFCkzU/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dasWbmx-RPZivxpCYvJpoWM1WuSTwqAgnHXrXCBe9MWSmlxR9tW3fq4RxPlYNgQAPPs-YHJaQnRcrffbJtar38JctMZPr2uU8GkzABQE1Nqf82xAuFZbGBOUHKH-wFUSWDpctlWweYm3/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dasWbmx-RPZivxpCYvJpoWM1WuSTwqAgnHXrXCBe9MWSmlxR9tW3fq4RxPlYNgQAPPs-YHJaQnRcrffbJtar38JctMZPr2uU8GkzABQE1Nqf82xAuFZbGBOUHKH-wFUSWDpctlWweYm3/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were no clucks of disapproval or raised eyebrows. My kids were kids, and everyone was just fine with that.<br />
<br />
So the next time someone tells me that they "just don't know how I do it," I will resist the urge to look them in the eye and fire back, "Well, I don't know how you don't!" Instead I will smile. And I will take a moment to breathe in the crumbs and snot and noise and chaos. I will remember that there are many people who "love my crazy family."<br />
<br />
Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-20981585831511523562014-12-28T21:25:00.002-08:002014-12-28T21:25:42.031-08:00Christmas Happened<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At four am the sound of little feet padding down the hallway roused me from my Christmas Eve sleep. "Who is it?" Brent groaned, but we both knew who the culprit was. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I corralled Sawyer into our bed and Brent took refuge in the bunkbeds and there was lots of shushing and hissed whispers about going back to sleep and it being THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I tossed around a bit, hoping the cardboard I'd leaned up outside to cover the boys' window would not provoke suspicion at daylight. It had been a long morning in the kitchen as the boys and I made <a href="http://orangette.blogspot.com/2008/12/look-at-that.html" target="_blank">peppermint bark</a> and jam thumbprint cookies and completed the first few steps of <a href="http://redscreendoor.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas.html" target="_blank">the cinnamon rolls</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We hastily arranged a "playdate" at Doug and Mary's house while Brent and Nick raced against the sunset to assemble The Biggest Christmas Present of All Time. I sewed buttons on pajamas and Clementine slept fitfully, seemingly aware of the energy in the house and eager to be a part of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While Brent and Nick continued to toil in the backyard, the kids and I attended a Christmas Eve children's service. My own religious beliefs are hazy at best, but an hour of music, light, peace and joy felt like the right place for us to be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rendezvous point was dinner: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAph-_lB9TRA9ns40tLCz6h-fP86nogFPgDte333J9IFiIOa6ylY9-QQ4Ngidv1IRMKha76pJAIN1SptbDB1V-64xfHbiPZe4SalJj3n2CbM7g6YtfDl7jV3n9_dD5cGIBM9p1sb7DQV6C/s1600/IMG_2260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAph-_lB9TRA9ns40tLCz6h-fP86nogFPgDte333J9IFiIOa6ylY9-QQ4Ngidv1IRMKha76pJAIN1SptbDB1V-64xfHbiPZe4SalJj3n2CbM7g6YtfDl7jV3n9_dD5cGIBM9p1sb7DQV6C/s1600/IMG_2260.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the children were nestled all snug in their beds, we adults fought the urge to stay up late into the night, sipping beers by the fire, wrapping the last few gifts, and savoring the excitement of knowing that in only a few hours Christmas morning would happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The four am wakeup call was thwarted and we managed to stay in our beds until seven. Suddenly the house came alive as the coffee maker gurgled and someone plugged in the Christmas tree. Brent's mom and grandma, who had been waiting outside for signs of life, bustled in the door. The fire was rekindled and the oven preheated. Jack and Sawyer emptied their stockings and Clementine stood in awe of it all. Once she discovered her Hello Kitty slippers and an entire bag of goldfish in her stocking, everything else was forgotten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Gtj7g8f5hv9dXUVoMGybocNFGwiGAnnYeBNRRl4vPe8VbTAP7o0Uu5w-r292VIUser0WuMzdjr1PqQ8182JtZtyUzg93vg1PF_yytIeuTOP3GmMwoi-r9dW-QcdmdwClOvGqcqubVmM/s1600/IMG_2283+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Gtj7g8f5hv9dXUVoMGybocNFGwiGAnnYeBNRRl4vPe8VbTAP7o0Uu5w-r292VIUser0WuMzdjr1PqQ8182JtZtyUzg93vg1PF_yytIeuTOP3GmMwoi-r9dW-QcdmdwClOvGqcqubVmM/s1600/IMG_2283+(2).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I learned a few things about Christmas this year: it really does pay to plan ahead. I spent the week before Christmas sewing those Christmas jammies instead of spending time with my family. I made an emergency trek to Joann's (fucking <i>Joann's!</i>) on December 22nd when it became painfully obvious that Simplicity 3669's version of a size six would fit like a half shirt on my five-year-old. Thankfully Butterick 5586 was there to save the day with its reasonable collar and sleeve instructions and appropriate sizing. Whew. For Clementine's top, I used <a href="http://littlebeanworkshop.blogspot.com/2010/09/long-sleeve-toddler-peasant-dress.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>.<br />
<br />
I also learned that our advent calendar works better when it's filled with things to do rather than things to have.<br />
<br />
My kids don't miss candy if I forget to put it in their stockings.<br />
<br />
They would have been just as happy with half of the presents they received. <br />
<br />
I am a fan of rum-spiked eggnog.<br />
<br />
I really should make those cinnamon rolls more than just once a year.<br />
<br />
After breakfast we all sat around, coffee cups in hand and Christmas wrapping underfoot. "Did you have a merry Christmas? Did you get what you were hoping for?" There were grunts of assent as LEGOS structures were built and remote controlled dinosaurs terrorized our ankles.<br />
<br />
"It looks like you missed one," I said casually, pulling a Christmas Story Red Rider BB gun holiday moment. "What's this?" A small box was retrieved from behind the tree which set off a new round of shrieks and giggles. Inside this small box was a clue. That clue led to another clue and so on. I do love a good scavenger hunt. And finally...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiRVRLksrxj_ESbZPBVI2OCl0ZrATa8OXANV9_x-XO7W_Z1gvOA2VUDh8muu_tUUODJIg9KTV7bESOSvyRiee7FaMzqOL85E-NPiKCDjvNGi1wnNNnJzQ2b76pnsXhap4YujDvKhLPSbP/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiRVRLksrxj_ESbZPBVI2OCl0ZrATa8OXANV9_x-XO7W_Z1gvOA2VUDh8muu_tUUODJIg9KTV7bESOSvyRiee7FaMzqOL85E-NPiKCDjvNGi1wnNNnJzQ2b76pnsXhap4YujDvKhLPSbP/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1yq8pbCb-Rc5sH9ue4zAyl7wpdRCnhCgSggsEzrKzpcOK2z3TH6pDNEHbP8cXkUsphsnEJdkpn1YghatOrMPLzW4LGN7aFWnXchKyOzzaR1BN5RHyIP_8RGIxB_-tgQfSmN4MY64XeUE/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1yq8pbCb-Rc5sH9ue4zAyl7wpdRCnhCgSggsEzrKzpcOK2z3TH6pDNEHbP8cXkUsphsnEJdkpn1YghatOrMPLzW4LGN7aFWnXchKyOzzaR1BN5RHyIP_8RGIxB_-tgQfSmN4MY64XeUE/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh wow. "This is THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!!"<br />
<br />
The aftermath included naps for all of the adults. Nick slid in and out of consciousness, cramming himself comically onto our shorter couch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjultsUV4_dfv-kB-N_h6pZ7dwLjUixZVwBn4GHIlkZklUZGEj3b2EvdZvyV1KRrdYHnXgXcsyEushyphenhyphenbwcw_gkWcAw7VMSONx9H5n9CEymGckY0Iz3P2aS-rwq0b7esOYhfXj0Fra6s0-gN/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjultsUV4_dfv-kB-N_h6pZ7dwLjUixZVwBn4GHIlkZklUZGEj3b2EvdZvyV1KRrdYHnXgXcsyEushyphenhyphenbwcw_gkWcAw7VMSONx9H5n9CEymGckY0Iz3P2aS-rwq0b7esOYhfXj0Fra6s0-gN/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" height="640" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some outtakes from our Christmas card photo shoot:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLz82w128n7eDVXYGmNebH61sMD2sV3M0aa0u1hWCS0CTXjUAoM8wlfyBw9O3oSNOfDItCIlajEkTfEaqBBhHzmd_ZoJxw5sfI2NfST8Sf9kqSONY_Lw9453JneusByu_w7Qz8iZi1JB0/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLz82w128n7eDVXYGmNebH61sMD2sV3M0aa0u1hWCS0CTXjUAoM8wlfyBw9O3oSNOfDItCIlajEkTfEaqBBhHzmd_ZoJxw5sfI2NfST8Sf9kqSONY_Lw9453JneusByu_w7Qz8iZi1JB0/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYq2zeVVPDpgBqSscZFUzJQGW0wV8sn-D1DJf-rdIOmAZqUPpOqsB7-DtV3IWmecjhssH6GfXo2aKxvGBbBu6uxLk6aZEgDejZD-hAFGYZHqgqu9B0X3uoHWgdqg-FOR43WGPOXca3kLH/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYq2zeVVPDpgBqSscZFUzJQGW0wV8sn-D1DJf-rdIOmAZqUPpOqsB7-DtV3IWmecjhssH6GfXo2aKxvGBbBu6uxLk6aZEgDejZD-hAFGYZHqgqu9B0X3uoHWgdqg-FOR43WGPOXca3kLH/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NdPyMJEnUHOPJAecJOANHVoXQwcmGlIpXZ2RHBZe_mO-iEnl9es24eKO0KU6ThVQDkzMDkIGyG1H6b56Uy5UzveBVOboUmiDx-AblohyphenhyphenPqKmCFGwpLVqk2ow1acD4wmzq6KXzjvePWg/s1600/card_photo_print_2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NdPyMJEnUHOPJAecJOANHVoXQwcmGlIpXZ2RHBZe_mO-iEnl9es24eKO0KU6ThVQDkzMDkIGyG1H6b56Uy5UzveBVOboUmiDx-AblohyphenhyphenPqKmCFGwpLVqk2ow1acD4wmzq6KXzjvePWg/s1600/card_photo_print_2014.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I'm always a little sad when it's over. "Mom, why can't Christmas be every day?" Sawyer has asked about a million times.<br />
<br />
All that trampolining is exhausting. At least now we can all catch up on our sleep.Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-7489870324370084672014-11-09T17:22:00.000-08:002014-11-09T17:22:25.826-08:00Encore Montana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brent and Jack are fishing for coho, Sawyer is scaling a tree with his friend who lives across the street, Clementine is sleeping, and I just added more wood to the fire. Leaves fall from the linden tree outside the window and the smell of roasted pumpkin seeds hangs in the air. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the last few weeks we've begun to settle into our familiar fall routine. The firewood's been stacked, the sandbox is covered, cookie recipes have been relocated, and I'm finding a moment to blog. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a second we thought about going somewhere new and exciting this summer. There is a lingering part of a younger version of me who would like to check off something else from my wishful travel list. And yet there is something that just feels so <i>right</i> about a family vacation tradition. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thus we embarked on our fourth family vacation to Flathead Lake in Montana. For the record I will state that Brent's mental health did suffer for the two days that it took us to get there. I'm pretty sure that being stuck in the car with the four of us is Brent's personal version of medieval torture, but I regaled him with internet trivia about John Day and Lewis and Clark. Let's just assume he appreciated that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's always worth it once you get there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYMRhOwgg69qlnLeAlT-X8DYFlfjInisVbSExlM8W5tONhA2U-Zuq9YiHMjLmH6V2_f5AFjsiAD8ac6BZGFA5dk8N-nd91o2RRF3bl0bDDzshHyOXanaIzVFRKhUd2jOvPdvGUuLcUw0/s1600/IMG_1479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYMRhOwgg69qlnLeAlT-X8DYFlfjInisVbSExlM8W5tONhA2U-Zuq9YiHMjLmH6V2_f5AFjsiAD8ac6BZGFA5dk8N-nd91o2RRF3bl0bDDzshHyOXanaIzVFRKhUd2jOvPdvGUuLcUw0/s1600/IMG_1479.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGr8Rl8g1zdbw6c793CmJjZ2wkHrAU_ETjKv8xVrCYzTBKiGylD1ABI-mNK16SwOzksnopsOmfqbANGlyG5bvl8PNTYDS6suzXmBAKkj8h9Hdxqofg_zH1ZhcSBHrpP13rRKBZW7He0Q/s1600/IMG_1476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGr8Rl8g1zdbw6c793CmJjZ2wkHrAU_ETjKv8xVrCYzTBKiGylD1ABI-mNK16SwOzksnopsOmfqbANGlyG5bvl8PNTYDS6suzXmBAKkj8h9Hdxqofg_zH1ZhcSBHrpP13rRKBZW7He0Q/s1600/IMG_1476.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge6W71FGr5yDD3JBoK0M4z3p9NJ8Jxn-2dBJMtqsNuYPazl31lWu3ZXRQaptoFRX-V0RU4jU5_dgCBGJLWJlEXeHDuoETfj4jqpYW02VhSyLfeLXPT9yjWvHd6qfK7t99cXhOwXfDoEg/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge6W71FGr5yDD3JBoK0M4z3p9NJ8Jxn-2dBJMtqsNuYPazl31lWu3ZXRQaptoFRX-V0RU4jU5_dgCBGJLWJlEXeHDuoETfj4jqpYW02VhSyLfeLXPT9yjWvHd6qfK7t99cXhOwXfDoEg/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw62ij8KfwG4xKv4iY1KYS5K3l4sNgHVHuy-OADS8MA70K3mdheFbVo_pB4quov0AmtlYzb3RmqBT91-bJiR_nhc_gxgCZ-Kyob9tiLEgW-wkIG02PHPuw4aMkU-KoYqddZ5qCUiltDQ/s1600/IMG_1504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw62ij8KfwG4xKv4iY1KYS5K3l4sNgHVHuy-OADS8MA70K3mdheFbVo_pB4quov0AmtlYzb3RmqBT91-bJiR_nhc_gxgCZ-Kyob9tiLEgW-wkIG02PHPuw4aMkU-KoYqddZ5qCUiltDQ/s1600/IMG_1504.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EeLcId86t7TXNxfvfgaK2uk4kQ0I3yGZ-Q_BAWF6o4fIDgkrR1RrvjAQQS7TQKGlaDj641-YXpUCTkPRuX7UybGWpE45B-g7kg-VbdTPIC-zK0SPclUV9TvxTmCiMWBtz4HISgrjDRE/s1600/IMG_1512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EeLcId86t7TXNxfvfgaK2uk4kQ0I3yGZ-Q_BAWF6o4fIDgkrR1RrvjAQQS7TQKGlaDj641-YXpUCTkPRuX7UybGWpE45B-g7kg-VbdTPIC-zK0SPclUV9TvxTmCiMWBtz4HISgrjDRE/s1600/IMG_1512.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I read two books. We ate ten pounds of cherries and a $9 loaf of bread. Brent gave us all diving lessons. Clementine wore her sunglasses for the entire trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGsAm0G836ApT1LDel2BvqcVxqSqWi5yx5GgzpOpLIQ0p4v6m5D-QN8iNWxrJpTLXvG_2lpHfcBzUntHa61OhahOMHzBPx5qlkh1KOfohG_4gtSm_vd3yCk9ZF8kpLhQRYOyQLl59I0k/s1600/IMG_1561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGsAm0G836ApT1LDel2BvqcVxqSqWi5yx5GgzpOpLIQ0p4v6m5D-QN8iNWxrJpTLXvG_2lpHfcBzUntHa61OhahOMHzBPx5qlkh1KOfohG_4gtSm_vd3yCk9ZF8kpLhQRYOyQLl59I0k/s1600/IMG_1561.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTbSSXRT9ga8WLnDduopaOy87uWaIAzebZM8glBZH5pgSk67TV9JoaXbz_Wvho4gJKlrPORXbR-KgZqRO_726Ui1y2KcaQ_M1sE2wnGHSt5zLTROjirRCsc_wCcqK0KFjHBhu7Lx7-Ro/s1600/IMG_1552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTbSSXRT9ga8WLnDduopaOy87uWaIAzebZM8glBZH5pgSk67TV9JoaXbz_Wvho4gJKlrPORXbR-KgZqRO_726Ui1y2KcaQ_M1sE2wnGHSt5zLTROjirRCsc_wCcqK0KFjHBhu7Lx7-Ro/s1600/IMG_1552.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZRRAdoMpX68cZyh8UkLDAvoiPMyrKKFci9yVH9FiaQTD3C3AtAY_vXWll7e4ycVXE5F8TETxg64cEdd0EhEUnSeRngyc3yb1U3y9j8byaHIJ9AXguke_7LrjfLAaDVwYOrzV8XJAgSM/s1600/IMG_1550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZRRAdoMpX68cZyh8UkLDAvoiPMyrKKFci9yVH9FiaQTD3C3AtAY_vXWll7e4ycVXE5F8TETxg64cEdd0EhEUnSeRngyc3yb1U3y9j8byaHIJ9AXguke_7LrjfLAaDVwYOrzV8XJAgSM/s1600/IMG_1550.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlsqogpVa5-OcjO4RxEqhm1WAIbkl6o68xHaNlhj85zr6oJp09jTqfLdaov75McpK1gmV61iYhKqgCNf2kZK9oeAhkCk7OcbajLLD4gP6rNgHTbl5_54KtETIjcXRKnl8D4I2lcQW-cA/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlsqogpVa5-OcjO4RxEqhm1WAIbkl6o68xHaNlhj85zr6oJp09jTqfLdaov75McpK1gmV61iYhKqgCNf2kZK9oeAhkCk7OcbajLLD4gP6rNgHTbl5_54KtETIjcXRKnl8D4I2lcQW-cA/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt-M6swy-3AjOqABTTwxaBpKYIpKbugSDQjYReWeeOxVUMfQW9se5f0S8U2OckgnYVW1wtoYFOCjxE9L3luNi7pxS8JRngVAwd3gq6sSvgF7xkt7URPhIoZWMj6_NSNsmEHAvp5SwC0k/s1600/IMG_1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt-M6swy-3AjOqABTTwxaBpKYIpKbugSDQjYReWeeOxVUMfQW9se5f0S8U2OckgnYVW1wtoYFOCjxE9L3luNi7pxS8JRngVAwd3gq6sSvgF7xkt7URPhIoZWMj6_NSNsmEHAvp5SwC0k/s1600/IMG_1531.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The boys remembered their adventures from the last time we came. Jack asked repeatedly why we can't move to the cabin. "But Mom, everything is so perfect here!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRQEfDxmh-pfEpOsUiOPv7m3qXHDW5ygMG3kZWHx97ME8cOKAzQ1oQGuBAr5qizDoU4ciN0v697tm9YcTnDgIM3k7YDthnuN1z99f__gQRtpz8yE14IqatD17Mp4GGL6POE5yt88uYAk/s1600/IMG_1620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRQEfDxmh-pfEpOsUiOPv7m3qXHDW5ygMG3kZWHx97ME8cOKAzQ1oQGuBAr5qizDoU4ciN0v697tm9YcTnDgIM3k7YDthnuN1z99f__gQRtpz8yE14IqatD17Mp4GGL6POE5yt88uYAk/s1600/IMG_1620.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvztDaoJsMo4fGpeSSQF95v5DaxKTC9ndv-5FFshqk0D2XA9d66h10kCPc0piO7dqz50_mWJOYh_Dp7Q_kWXCpWBfinQkgZ6GTtJjX59woX-45l_sNVR0pKsMqaloZyiUJN3DsFhJ70Y/s1600/IMG_1276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvztDaoJsMo4fGpeSSQF95v5DaxKTC9ndv-5FFshqk0D2XA9d66h10kCPc0piO7dqz50_mWJOYh_Dp7Q_kWXCpWBfinQkgZ6GTtJjX59woX-45l_sNVR0pKsMqaloZyiUJN3DsFhJ70Y/s1600/IMG_1276.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4uAhG74rCvEXI5zvxUIoTfDBygVh_ny-nghUpzuIzZsTzxT7J9eFD5XCVm3Igh2JfZ_pL2mVNjNM8UlgQSs2u01qhI7TcrGqDBhuqSIXtS2yA7WyZz8GCEAyjrhYaqV7vOVssfv0vtQ/s1600/IMG_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4uAhG74rCvEXI5zvxUIoTfDBygVh_ny-nghUpzuIzZsTzxT7J9eFD5XCVm3Igh2JfZ_pL2mVNjNM8UlgQSs2u01qhI7TcrGqDBhuqSIXtS2yA7WyZz8GCEAyjrhYaqV7vOVssfv0vtQ/s1600/IMG_1292.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHSQjYd3lGDcnZwVLSxONKFUdIMx4PJcfhDmkDSB-9QFH57G0DDy_8FtFQ0caXaA46QNrxa4eCWKPUQKvnX-za9YjMHg-STL-6pHe_6AWCFm94pDztotKrJNGsByZTkT48N5X4vgKNeE/s1600/IMG_1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHSQjYd3lGDcnZwVLSxONKFUdIMx4PJcfhDmkDSB-9QFH57G0DDy_8FtFQ0caXaA46QNrxa4eCWKPUQKvnX-za9YjMHg-STL-6pHe_6AWCFm94pDztotKrJNGsByZTkT48N5X4vgKNeE/s1600/IMG_1299.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG8Mm3AEr1qEzcrQuSKMLvAI2ulyRy2YNefmCnTIC2VECyAv3HSyedegDnM4NeZYeYpsdkpYP2gAAp56ISbi2s8S3UOrxI9Ma7OePRHtqZh4roBz16fGyR1ttHGOqQssIk5WZYsvMqv4/s1600/IMG_1303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG8Mm3AEr1qEzcrQuSKMLvAI2ulyRy2YNefmCnTIC2VECyAv3HSyedegDnM4NeZYeYpsdkpYP2gAAp56ISbi2s8S3UOrxI9Ma7OePRHtqZh4roBz16fGyR1ttHGOqQssIk5WZYsvMqv4/s1600/IMG_1303.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM5e46fshoJXUpxMarR2wi6Wj5vRglib9qvyb7mnTIsgoUoU8RxoUieMsjv8eTKv8qJZSKYPnhxt3zsStz3wM_2dqVTI8l1AUtGhtP7Dg-31boOMyhT393rRUDQrFQnLrNlG7jPZjdb0/s1600/IMG_1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM5e46fshoJXUpxMarR2wi6Wj5vRglib9qvyb7mnTIsgoUoU8RxoUieMsjv8eTKv8qJZSKYPnhxt3zsStz3wM_2dqVTI8l1AUtGhtP7Dg-31boOMyhT393rRUDQrFQnLrNlG7jPZjdb0/s1600/IMG_1327.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Brent and I drank so much huckleberry beer that we ended the week with a carload of empty bottles. We asked at the grocery store if there was a place we could recycle them. "I don't know," said the clerk. "Let me get my manager."<br />
<br />
Long story short: We ended up driving our beer bottles all the way back to the fine state of Oregon, where glass recycling procedure is common knowledge.<br />
<br />
Montana is not quite perfect, Jack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvw6ngpJbrp8vEa72-qMGe2qW94eCbsXAnK1P1mHNvc7OdJ4mGNDMZHW7wS6TBVDTsBIrSmmxc_jxkLa1o4AqMh9_lMY003ks-EJhYEcvaLb9q8MoYrIng-fiL4CVxOoAMZ0hG6YxceU/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvw6ngpJbrp8vEa72-qMGe2qW94eCbsXAnK1P1mHNvc7OdJ4mGNDMZHW7wS6TBVDTsBIrSmmxc_jxkLa1o4AqMh9_lMY003ks-EJhYEcvaLb9q8MoYrIng-fiL4CVxOoAMZ0hG6YxceU/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtZ3iEhcu668jO2rj5WczFpbAbiOlwB6sKEpaHpLPKugqLx9QmqzglZEEb5YAJhDnxM1VcfAdBLCPJyvAGOuLKGmW1wRgXQZ54r2TTbuc3TomO8uLRWGIFvgp5neJcoiAYUO0RKjJeK4/s1600/IMG_1428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtZ3iEhcu668jO2rj5WczFpbAbiOlwB6sKEpaHpLPKugqLx9QmqzglZEEb5YAJhDnxM1VcfAdBLCPJyvAGOuLKGmW1wRgXQZ54r2TTbuc3TomO8uLRWGIFvgp5neJcoiAYUO0RKjJeK4/s1600/IMG_1428.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKnv9aheCgCE5vvObrXHRPt9Z02QHWxmKK6lFgjABh8wJtkwQ1eAsTqjY8HNsQtNEj1W5S40uIwlvGGFK1F3Vysnz-2T3dQ19hrRAgw-f6QYOBYbBhLcy8FKiquKcvWoDRwjmENBVmrE/s1600/IMG_1417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKnv9aheCgCE5vvObrXHRPt9Z02QHWxmKK6lFgjABh8wJtkwQ1eAsTqjY8HNsQtNEj1W5S40uIwlvGGFK1F3Vysnz-2T3dQ19hrRAgw-f6QYOBYbBhLcy8FKiquKcvWoDRwjmENBVmrE/s1600/IMG_1417.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Baqa178PlxbDN682QGGGlU8qB2WbWQvQrV7ARZ9UxPXgeyUJ-tkLrFM9Z3eLfQg0s8jOC_V8xy7XS8-qfZUUPWrKpVsG2M6KzuEZYghBqBv2HSmPVifeGF3VXeGinbtlcpcdzLXAi0I/s1600/IMG_1387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Baqa178PlxbDN682QGGGlU8qB2WbWQvQrV7ARZ9UxPXgeyUJ-tkLrFM9Z3eLfQg0s8jOC_V8xy7XS8-qfZUUPWrKpVsG2M6KzuEZYghBqBv2HSmPVifeGF3VXeGinbtlcpcdzLXAi0I/s1600/IMG_1387.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzkBeZJ09hIvKsAGxodlHZjAPHQS6CUqNnTwW5sLPAM8-RHFlUOCWlIcoANyIB1vq6i4NgYBU1TWw7o1bjybbyhS7iZz-N2dgmphCwtdHQ1ADY1oFG9uCK4ilyMegKakjIEpfoRpsxcM/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzkBeZJ09hIvKsAGxodlHZjAPHQS6CUqNnTwW5sLPAM8-RHFlUOCWlIcoANyIB1vq6i4NgYBU1TWw7o1bjybbyhS7iZz-N2dgmphCwtdHQ1ADY1oFG9uCK4ilyMegKakjIEpfoRpsxcM/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7GKyjGv2L7Tf2nW6wUlQwsHQzoHQum8VPO-84hG4jLUI5OctlTgOqqedxa5gJIzhxnV_I7BeJupBKRl9UWf7h3d1Im66llLpt6c60JPvs-LGmk04OltASptx9PVUKQtjnntOgkKhcxU/s1600/IMG_1635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7GKyjGv2L7Tf2nW6wUlQwsHQzoHQum8VPO-84hG4jLUI5OctlTgOqqedxa5gJIzhxnV_I7BeJupBKRl9UWf7h3d1Im66llLpt6c60JPvs-LGmk04OltASptx9PVUKQtjnntOgkKhcxU/s1600/IMG_1635.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a><br />
Mental health restored. New memories made. <i>Almost</i> a Christmas card worthy family picture. The wishful travel list will wait.<br />
<br />
Montana 2016? Stay tuned. I could definitely use more diving lessons.Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06905925982452219533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-71484997363983586722014-08-04T22:03:00.003-07:002014-08-04T22:03:39.822-07:00Outdoor's Cool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh hey. Happy summer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess it's been awhile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Full disclosure here: I haven't been too busy to blog, I've just been choosing to do other things. And now that all of those other things have seriously filled all of the space on my camera, it's time to start blogging again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I also kind of wanted to step back and see if I would miss blogging. When I saw my 90 year old grandpa a few weeks ago, the first thing he asked about was the blog. I had missed it, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we are having full disclosure here, I should also mention that I do not have a red screen door anymore. Brent took it down two years ago. There, now I feel better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9UMJrxGKZPXk0Ih3uxF0oReORbgI7QUGsFUqd29vvmkejbulgTPb2Ca5uBmn8yrbuquX1-VayFLuL18BgfWDTwiNcJsbVrXjSMn4LAvUdZjgc1Ucc-Q94LXBxCm7WogMh97RzZw-0pRh/s1600/IMG_0690.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9UMJrxGKZPXk0Ih3uxF0oReORbgI7QUGsFUqd29vvmkejbulgTPb2Ca5uBmn8yrbuquX1-VayFLuL18BgfWDTwiNcJsbVrXjSMn4LAvUdZjgc1Ucc-Q94LXBxCm7WogMh97RzZw-0pRh/s1600/IMG_0690.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went to outdoor school the summer after sixth grade. It was rainy and soggy and I hated it. I remember that the food was gross and that we made raincoats out of garbage bags. I didn't want to poop in such close proximity to my classmates. We counted the rings on trees and made lanterns out of tin cans. I remember being so excited to come home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My students go to outdoor school during the summer <i>before</i> sixth grade. I have read many personal narratives about the experience and no one has ever complained about the food. In fact, everything I'd ever heard about outdoor school made it sound like a lot of fun. Every once in awhile my classroom will erupt in laughter at some inside joke and I'll just stand there wondering until somebody says, "Outdoor school. You had to be there."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So this year, way back in May, I decided to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0nsIVGSiUjqTmf3AyA83qKbQ3inbjJA6lAdxU1LKDMDZoipcO9dIA1bxD52_iL9BwqkKm5hVoATy5CXAf9NplGP17HUoeOnCCk3EPOgGXrmcivhL3SXnp5OeAXUcL-WO9bshH9q5Ninr/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0nsIVGSiUjqTmf3AyA83qKbQ3inbjJA6lAdxU1LKDMDZoipcO9dIA1bxD52_iL9BwqkKm5hVoATy5CXAf9NplGP17HUoeOnCCk3EPOgGXrmcivhL3SXnp5OeAXUcL-WO9bshH9q5Ninr/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0nsIVGSiUjqTmf3AyA83qKbQ3inbjJA6lAdxU1LKDMDZoipcO9dIA1bxD52_iL9BwqkKm5hVoATy5CXAf9NplGP17HUoeOnCCk3EPOgGXrmcivhL3SXnp5OeAXUcL-WO9bshH9q5Ninr/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I took the boys along with me and Kate brought her daughter. Job perks are few and far between in our profession, so getting to bring our kids to outdoor school definitely felt like a treat. And it was Kate's birthday, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjELSrtrdIHMXdqDBaaUVOHtbhUpjhHC2_blCXlpz-T2L553XCumuKWqAUq4dyp0nvz7Ll4PqfipLoO9hMU6v9U2A62Qdzxvbg30t3nXFPgoJE_JNW4Csd0K21Q2OhrlvdPQhLcIQZBkv/s1600/IMG_0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjELSrtrdIHMXdqDBaaUVOHtbhUpjhHC2_blCXlpz-T2L553XCumuKWqAUq4dyp0nvz7Ll4PqfipLoO9hMU6v9U2A62Qdzxvbg30t3nXFPgoJE_JNW4Csd0K21Q2OhrlvdPQhLcIQZBkv/s1600/IMG_0686.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_980FEstVuyexy3uH0Y6dHgpThDaL8BSUyyRlIlLwUa1-2cdUBLdekLoDVk1Blk8rWE3q4rvE5r5MrNOKicpMv1RhAF-SnPFR3nPq6ZMmmTFJNbiUT4DYqhfTpORQpWfrP4PY2RgUaOc/s1600/IMG_0688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_980FEstVuyexy3uH0Y6dHgpThDaL8BSUyyRlIlLwUa1-2cdUBLdekLoDVk1Blk8rWE3q4rvE5r5MrNOKicpMv1RhAF-SnPFR3nPq6ZMmmTFJNbiUT4DYqhfTpORQpWfrP4PY2RgUaOc/s1600/IMG_0688.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />I wondered how my kids would fit in with the fifth graders. I wondered what they would think of the food. Would they get the inside jokes? Would everyone be able to poop?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ciLrHdzidpmCYcC0ONmTTn2Apih41QLIaEur-cdRRupzs9fVJtEPSTGfRfuYkkuC8T7HnSBFiphWRhPab1nW2B4WwOi9k3HPIgANPKLrOArRBPe3QI_B4cAkMuek0rIMcvq8FNpbjqDH/s1600/IMG_0696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ciLrHdzidpmCYcC0ONmTTn2Apih41QLIaEur-cdRRupzs9fVJtEPSTGfRfuYkkuC8T7HnSBFiphWRhPab1nW2B4WwOi9k3HPIgANPKLrOArRBPe3QI_B4cAkMuek0rIMcvq8FNpbjqDH/s1600/IMG_0696.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF7GXcK0vRuCC5VEDKB5bzm77GnlRBrWowBg4q_F5iT56LEbLnWMkw8tyhBxbkywFSXjN_pkiZWZ64JQ49Ot8YbibXRTMAfvQsQHcgxw-nAMGBvMDUQQPSbiGudw5IdQHWF_4YWjm5dpk/s1600/IMG_0721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF7GXcK0vRuCC5VEDKB5bzm77GnlRBrWowBg4q_F5iT56LEbLnWMkw8tyhBxbkywFSXjN_pkiZWZ64JQ49Ot8YbibXRTMAfvQsQHcgxw-nAMGBvMDUQQPSbiGudw5IdQHWF_4YWjm5dpk/s1600/IMG_0721.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNnK9MihliKZ7FhHd64h_RjUo8gu9mZDSt4Cfb_kZZ9IZcFBZveB6dAp7ndHdC8-YJlmbYng1n2ZMOKuHWd8hJP4R0Py7VJGFAeNJy_rrNNB52H-ULoLNM_SokWAEHIVxshUbT2qI0S7E/s1600/IMG_0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNnK9MihliKZ7FhHd64h_RjUo8gu9mZDSt4Cfb_kZZ9IZcFBZveB6dAp7ndHdC8-YJlmbYng1n2ZMOKuHWd8hJP4R0Py7VJGFAeNJy_rrNNB52H-ULoLNM_SokWAEHIVxshUbT2qI0S7E/s1600/IMG_0741.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5qnILUEO2VsYFNXer5u5auMLLB5JUuTyyfxUVzzG-5iGVDrFfPJfSwHwrX9mB8Yc_sAdAtDqyyX3Yc8TGoBT4c0NWg1ha35lB4gT9naw4OCQ0gGZQfhVcGplAYp3NgitxG6PnaxNG2_p/s1600/IMG_0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5qnILUEO2VsYFNXer5u5auMLLB5JUuTyyfxUVzzG-5iGVDrFfPJfSwHwrX9mB8Yc_sAdAtDqyyX3Yc8TGoBT4c0NWg1ha35lB4gT9naw4OCQ0gGZQfhVcGplAYp3NgitxG6PnaxNG2_p/s1600/IMG_0750.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwDRi7zxBVPjRQpPlJ16dNf0OwHPCHWWxfNLjrft4sI_9W8H8aVuN6M9Bo2Uyimnnb5YI3WWAyX3dxO9bzs4wFP1Im85_OaO9A11P5LZPPFKWcSqJyFHyqlu5d-Ou0wdOyUJPwmsK8I23/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwDRi7zxBVPjRQpPlJ16dNf0OwHPCHWWxfNLjrft4sI_9W8H8aVuN6M9Bo2Uyimnnb5YI3WWAyX3dxO9bzs4wFP1Im85_OaO9A11P5LZPPFKWcSqJyFHyqlu5d-Ou0wdOyUJPwmsK8I23/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Your kids are <i>camp kids</i>," the director told me. Yes, yes they are.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK05pCberB4-9iRgL23bNYvb4AWOObdmreKIBLMSVMur6PhOp5E6uFlotlKrrrOx9EwAv5pEDzxLFOdRuJ3nHevPTjPgCevkSLVEGIFHmdfkJH44aBnIBBm1KghkE_mle3sWVV6RUtyoGt/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK05pCberB4-9iRgL23bNYvb4AWOObdmreKIBLMSVMur6PhOp5E6uFlotlKrrrOx9EwAv5pEDzxLFOdRuJ3nHevPTjPgCevkSLVEGIFHmdfkJH44aBnIBBm1KghkE_mle3sWVV6RUtyoGt/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR4fW57hykAW71VHSPv87n9tGm_ABavAJUezc3JAEvHhE2V6Ju79rtCajFUWk8SCtJVZoodrDUgxjLO02h5xDfjTd8dd7C1qNAS6jB6lejvatfxIAkA3Jnb4CnNCSZUPLhktFjjx57q-j/s1600/IMG_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR4fW57hykAW71VHSPv87n9tGm_ABavAJUezc3JAEvHhE2V6Ju79rtCajFUWk8SCtJVZoodrDUgxjLO02h5xDfjTd8dd7C1qNAS6jB6lejvatfxIAkA3Jnb4CnNCSZUPLhktFjjx57q-j/s1600/IMG_0789.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk-yBPdkF38mpqTWNHXG898oFFxnPbROJRkcijoG3kIv2HVQaqB7JxHwPAb-CuvFgZ4lJbDMBzJbiEA43C9tNwoVwczvSXlGfxSsVh9QVV7C7tGmcvKJRbOIwFB2Nq6nPlFMcujpuQbKa/s1600/IMG_0862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk-yBPdkF38mpqTWNHXG898oFFxnPbROJRkcijoG3kIv2HVQaqB7JxHwPAb-CuvFgZ4lJbDMBzJbiEA43C9tNwoVwczvSXlGfxSsVh9QVV7C7tGmcvKJRbOIwFB2Nq6nPlFMcujpuQbKa/s1600/IMG_0862.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lYBsK5vabzln0DLfhiOhgXhwtxAYMo8m_hDuI2O3Ml47NDUTF3oNRfY3a7f5Et4-h45ucVhrv7sCYqv9fgI62zLc6Jb41NAfb9Nro_SPm82F9cQIXXKUXfSEuOl4Z_NUHq3khLhUfEma/s1600/IMG_0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lYBsK5vabzln0DLfhiOhgXhwtxAYMo8m_hDuI2O3Ml47NDUTF3oNRfY3a7f5Et4-h45ucVhrv7sCYqv9fgI62zLc6Jb41NAfb9Nro_SPm82F9cQIXXKUXfSEuOl4Z_NUHq3khLhUfEma/s1600/IMG_0812.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack hung back at first, but was quick to join in once everyone started playing capture the flag and dissecting squid. Sawyer became friends with just about every kid he met and ditched us at mealtimes to hang with his new crowd of fifth grade buddies. I got to spend time getting to know my former students (the counselors) again, now that they are practically adults. That was the best part of outdoor school for me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNdsRjIZ4qF095K-jVepuXRxC0Pc9jt2Pq2OUMnz4dNqb15hHqzcCxc9HHxsVqSG1RrwvlHwHz3xBdGYWd253lzHkw9KaI0u9Fxc7SjQ31Opk9VkzNLdRP3_3F0L5rxbfQtg_RDw6l8Vq/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNdsRjIZ4qF095K-jVepuXRxC0Pc9jt2Pq2OUMnz4dNqb15hHqzcCxc9HHxsVqSG1RrwvlHwHz3xBdGYWd253lzHkw9KaI0u9Fxc7SjQ31Opk9VkzNLdRP3_3F0L5rxbfQtg_RDw6l8Vq/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUUnPAr4S9mAK20aIW05cVZHJk2rXx6wVGjk5xhbrpwzl6GCQn_WPsfiVcxQz8QimnUfIbYsr2Qn9xWiCpf3SOvAycCcz8jQXCP7Zm0tpZVMCf1StECbkukOxlInmiYwDaiVwjSZpVLgB/s1600/IMG_0840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUUnPAr4S9mAK20aIW05cVZHJk2rXx6wVGjk5xhbrpwzl6GCQn_WPsfiVcxQz8QimnUfIbYsr2Qn9xWiCpf3SOvAycCcz8jQXCP7Zm0tpZVMCf1StECbkukOxlInmiYwDaiVwjSZpVLgB/s1600/IMG_0840.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fenin9JfCOyTEYWOAlAaj402uybs4GXlxaoPCix9vMaifDbGaGDqSrXqWZu6kzbIbRAftGVl349j4IfhZrONwwLb84wmNBIAuMo5b-cC3Y85Hbn9pt8W3zpKiDuzHvzo5NKrqQHvkrpf/s1600/IMG_0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fenin9JfCOyTEYWOAlAaj402uybs4GXlxaoPCix9vMaifDbGaGDqSrXqWZu6kzbIbRAftGVl349j4IfhZrONwwLb84wmNBIAuMo5b-cC3Y85Hbn9pt8W3zpKiDuzHvzo5NKrqQHvkrpf/s1600/IMG_0844.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />The food wasn't bad either.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had our own bathroom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hated leaving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess now I am a camp kid, too.</div>
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-49258862959968689252014-05-22T22:45:00.002-07:002014-05-22T22:46:52.165-07:00Hoopla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Mother's Day 2014: Brent made pancakes and the kids greeted me with their special gifts. Jack had written a poem in French for me. Sawyer's teachers had helped him write in a card:<br />
<br />
<i>My mom's name is Cassadie. She is 78 years old. Her favorite color is pink. She loves to go grocery shopping. I love my mom because she takes me to birthday parties.</i><br />
<br />
He also gave me a plant.<br />
<i> </i><br />
(I should point out that not only am I light years away from 78, grocery shopping is my MOST DREADED task, followed quickly by chauffeuring my children around to birthday parties.)<br />
<br />
(But it is the thought that counts.)<br />
<br />
(I think I might have forgotten to water that plant. It's probably dead by now.)<br />
<br />
Ahem. So, after breakfast we loaded up the party chauffeuring bus and took the dog out for a walk at Golden Gardens. I really had my heart set on some pictures of me with the kids, even though Sawyer was sporting some day-old face paint.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfvkMQL4L9X5Y37Knyt43O-kN5sBwjGC00Z4R-1owbdCqy1j0OsLeEpizZYKfKVfLwHMZc5YKBbDnbxnRq2qjAjc3OE1MMVxVNbNL3iGVUnT8LHKBzTdycU6Njdv8EVNNgn5fUOA3HiKL/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfvkMQL4L9X5Y37Knyt43O-kN5sBwjGC00Z4R-1owbdCqy1j0OsLeEpizZYKfKVfLwHMZc5YKBbDnbxnRq2qjAjc3OE1MMVxVNbNL3iGVUnT8LHKBzTdycU6Njdv8EVNNgn5fUOA3HiKL/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzJaq-XZYUM4nLDcKjeMVbsBGtC256KQkRA1v7onlg26bSD_RzAe25f5ozs4cfeeeGMbLLbenkFcJt6S4uI70NfYFnlUr-0dkH9ZC2Q5kK0mZ2DelTXsWFolKwjrB6TWro0DOG5SOuvrj/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzJaq-XZYUM4nLDcKjeMVbsBGtC256KQkRA1v7onlg26bSD_RzAe25f5ozs4cfeeeGMbLLbenkFcJt6S4uI70NfYFnlUr-0dkH9ZC2Q5kK0mZ2DelTXsWFolKwjrB6TWro0DOG5SOuvrj/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuhAN9RPB55WGh3l0qYPJ-rhgMeX5HojTCDvfn0UuHCbJa9yCjU3JBKVVEPMjTL8TAQoT8v3ERz9tbyEyggov2KtYArjPV3qFrMn7fTXFDMm_zV7xomug3z9HuueH7hU-RXrUpz_qpmto/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuhAN9RPB55WGh3l0qYPJ-rhgMeX5HojTCDvfn0UuHCbJa9yCjU3JBKVVEPMjTL8TAQoT8v3ERz9tbyEyggov2KtYArjPV3qFrMn7fTXFDMm_zV7xomug3z9HuueH7hU-RXrUpz_qpmto/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmrnhbfaDjbo7LBAiqZMt0KbC1tHb4BXkceV_rI-s6VVkSikT_tV9T3MXe096xFG0T82IHlf5feKH0BrrhiFk05-qhSSBKcmLkqb1mtxA3-IrQB6ML3a_URdUx24oyfBoglhyphenhyphen9BB2jYP1/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmrnhbfaDjbo7LBAiqZMt0KbC1tHb4BXkceV_rI-s6VVkSikT_tV9T3MXe096xFG0T82IHlf5feKH0BrrhiFk05-qhSSBKcmLkqb1mtxA3-IrQB6ML3a_URdUx24oyfBoglhyphenhyphen9BB2jYP1/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sawyer must have been surprised that instead of going grocery shopping, I wanted to go out to Sarver Winery with Brent's mom that afternoon. Half of Eugene must have had the same idea, but the view was stunning and the wine was delicious and it beat the hell out of standing in line at Fred Meyer or cutting cake in the party room at Skateworld, so <i>success</i>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3NCcDeSliUnpK4Gfi0-mYPu7OHZLvXaj5GBkAu6OVjZ7hsAL_ZxDc-PfRxZn3qWzG2ZJwcuAiqvjpSf9lMR7gSeqqEM-jlAqUQXTJ9jlbtI8jw-sokslU8TpZlxat5vaa01UUczErOfc/s1600/IMG_0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3NCcDeSliUnpK4Gfi0-mYPu7OHZLvXaj5GBkAu6OVjZ7hsAL_ZxDc-PfRxZn3qWzG2ZJwcuAiqvjpSf9lMR7gSeqqEM-jlAqUQXTJ9jlbtI8jw-sokslU8TpZlxat5vaa01UUczErOfc/s1600/IMG_0458.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP2hvCAF5z3tUWXzFRRiWGGQBx9DJUhHHqrkG8ZmLfAI_T357PUrpUC5QmcUns-qMag6QSVHJC9u74kESXrL3Fyh_w4CohxBczh61AMqCE_g1USeOkb1dC5Gog5QQBGkKwRO54FkfwvhV/s1600/IMG_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP2hvCAF5z3tUWXzFRRiWGGQBx9DJUhHHqrkG8ZmLfAI_T357PUrpUC5QmcUns-qMag6QSVHJC9u74kESXrL3Fyh_w4CohxBczh61AMqCE_g1USeOkb1dC5Gog5QQBGkKwRO54FkfwvhV/s1600/IMG_0461.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjBhRRdAWY0lwnDGvTVoDYSLr7dtbTPC7I0oiYk1pClocPBn_LRV-hZCpQNLG39BwiTDy9D3uOwY5Qfk3R1xSd995RN3hwcEQ0Qf3UvO0uvdoa1a6Jp23vFXAisQQhg6mdLOKtcWhH0J4/s1600/IMG_0471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjBhRRdAWY0lwnDGvTVoDYSLr7dtbTPC7I0oiYk1pClocPBn_LRV-hZCpQNLG39BwiTDy9D3uOwY5Qfk3R1xSd995RN3hwcEQ0Qf3UvO0uvdoa1a6Jp23vFXAisQQhg6mdLOKtcWhH0J4/s1600/IMG_0471.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then there was this ridiculous cake that my mother-in-law made. Happy Mother's Day to us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDlo3yux-0bKUHwlvGj3drlmQOzKRk1Aj-LjaaOJaRxKZxZmefcQnrcxdAYYIcnjkN1TF5IZRsiNX9Zv1BlLurmikAYGvuJSTxxDmDcGENatoMBImoat9b3pD5jbqxfZEQoTZZKqSJVh3/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDlo3yux-0bKUHwlvGj3drlmQOzKRk1Aj-LjaaOJaRxKZxZmefcQnrcxdAYYIcnjkN1TF5IZRsiNX9Zv1BlLurmikAYGvuJSTxxDmDcGENatoMBImoat9b3pD5jbqxfZEQoTZZKqSJVh3/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In other alcohol related news (yes, drinking in the presence of our children seems to be a recurring theme on this blog, thanks for noticing), my brother breezed through town on his way back to Portland.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUSS5W1Hn_az3B2exHeOhPf2mxzy0zjr_S1SaWT7Md0ToVVtCjMvPqVxw1sRMeAymlGMHHhy-IeajOAQNIw94dhVykhk0HnYQ9gc1bwuw7WlopPA9pTfm3_y3ZOg7owWnDw-p8AuYxADu/s1600/IMG_0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUSS5W1Hn_az3B2exHeOhPf2mxzy0zjr_S1SaWT7Md0ToVVtCjMvPqVxw1sRMeAymlGMHHhy-IeajOAQNIw94dhVykhk0HnYQ9gc1bwuw7WlopPA9pTfm3_y3ZOg7owWnDw-p8AuYxADu/s1600/IMG_0520.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1ePryyHIWXFkgWHMAC8Fi7HYODkXKlkrihr3tGys2RRpCRrIaBwOheHZSSwwPeUW7MvfQe27SCnqVe9F25k6I1MoYcLMx1T8Zl2VM9v-4piONGJaFJ53H_bL1orxbHtd6fiHpY5bhC8P/s1600/IMG_0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1ePryyHIWXFkgWHMAC8Fi7HYODkXKlkrihr3tGys2RRpCRrIaBwOheHZSSwwPeUW7MvfQe27SCnqVe9F25k6I1MoYcLMx1T8Zl2VM9v-4piONGJaFJ53H_bL1orxbHtd6fiHpY5bhC8P/s1600/IMG_0526.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had been boycotting Agrarian for a reason which now seems sort of petty, but I got over it when we realized that there's really nowhere else to take the kids on a Saturday night where they can run and scream and get all riled up by Uncle Nick without driving everyone crazy.<br />
<br />
So, Agrarian, I am not impressed by your customer service or your menu (or even your beer, for that matter), but your landscape is pretty sweet and kid friendly. And the hula hoops are a nice touch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-O_RcV2ZRt2aQfNoqjWV03-DrhlP8tfeGzZ4ceXJ1LrGv3T8mEOAIqpBYAI1tiQhIzYibxeG9P2DhpPkzXgqSuu2o52ZITQQD0f3QlcDjPTcMu-FyJSV554jPsaTz1sICb2JYexuFz0q/s1600/IMG_0532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-O_RcV2ZRt2aQfNoqjWV03-DrhlP8tfeGzZ4ceXJ1LrGv3T8mEOAIqpBYAI1tiQhIzYibxeG9P2DhpPkzXgqSuu2o52ZITQQD0f3QlcDjPTcMu-FyJSV554jPsaTz1sICb2JYexuFz0q/s1600/IMG_0532.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHSI1xYk7rJd6qBKStEEWBSWfFv4KNjZYertUZ6E2uH_dOILHMl8mKGXrIu_wcsLY5xjyBVnbONeyaWv17PEaeK2mrab5Ol9qgchV6isW0r1Mqx176GUzN45wTpmK9bNL3osn8qnrqLkC/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHSI1xYk7rJd6qBKStEEWBSWfFv4KNjZYertUZ6E2uH_dOILHMl8mKGXrIu_wcsLY5xjyBVnbONeyaWv17PEaeK2mrab5Ol9qgchV6isW0r1Mqx176GUzN45wTpmK9bNL3osn8qnrqLkC/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCRM474Dv6wnSHzkBVWiW9gDkFqAJO5HhBdb_o5zOseBwh3I-GY7QPHTPN9pc2yf6aCChW7E8BCa-duw5VoylmuM7tREdzpecPe-M9qX-pHvcbZr6CzEvfQigwP7iJvHeQdyyPOj42LEE/s1600/IMG_0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCRM474Dv6wnSHzkBVWiW9gDkFqAJO5HhBdb_o5zOseBwh3I-GY7QPHTPN9pc2yf6aCChW7E8BCa-duw5VoylmuM7tREdzpecPe-M9qX-pHvcbZr6CzEvfQigwP7iJvHeQdyyPOj42LEE/s1600/IMG_0555.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwILJ4-X2Potas3bk-H-RQlQDFUFPf3rg8e2jMyYF5AqP6kA-mURt-mo5jSGIVQ54kqICLIL_YyvkNzzFFLKke1GDZ6gux183IFRGE1hqUXYcZLkgLRMvsSZzmciwv2DCJX_FipoZnZPe3/s1600/IMG_0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwILJ4-X2Potas3bk-H-RQlQDFUFPf3rg8e2jMyYF5AqP6kA-mURt-mo5jSGIVQ54kqICLIL_YyvkNzzFFLKke1GDZ6gux183IFRGE1hqUXYcZLkgLRMvsSZzmciwv2DCJX_FipoZnZPe3/s1600/IMG_0585.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Though I am admittedly athletically challenged, I can hula a hoop. So much so that I received an impromptu round of applause from the party next to us. I was pretty proud of my accomplishment until Nick and Brent mocked my octopus arms and wet noodle body and pointed out that my fan club was all drunk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgD4QoLu1XhU7OKMFxKMSwksfUosA6kcHyvN5D-9DxDKvRTV985awDolL0_1b4s7myqKgDlNatMLLilu2HPrFCtIox1pFAyt_HwXrAonAExysxpbKdFo5TxQY7n3JDmkLz6dDQ8pLc1r6/s1600/IMG_0601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgD4QoLu1XhU7OKMFxKMSwksfUosA6kcHyvN5D-9DxDKvRTV985awDolL0_1b4s7myqKgDlNatMLLilu2HPrFCtIox1pFAyt_HwXrAonAExysxpbKdFo5TxQY7n3JDmkLz6dDQ8pLc1r6/s1600/IMG_0601.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywefmg8TJmDrlBj5RgC0ylzHGLkUIL37PgWc0d2Watl-HMlQwPNnLVfr6IIcBdZ6OFlPY-94_w5ujuEzTlSIhLLQHcPK0WVHrmGuZp8qrDeecNj0soOx36ZLKRTA6B2K3L35kSyu7rpL8/s1600/IMG_0603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywefmg8TJmDrlBj5RgC0ylzHGLkUIL37PgWc0d2Watl-HMlQwPNnLVfr6IIcBdZ6OFlPY-94_w5ujuEzTlSIhLLQHcPK0WVHrmGuZp8qrDeecNj0soOx36ZLKRTA6B2K3L35kSyu7rpL8/s1600/IMG_0603.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbYzwKhGEhLpcRNnuVH4QZzbvfpM-8dXPzZrzcahmMWEifSnonSU3azhzekCvbWpxM8ySrEl88IEhwfbc6YfJqWRLyLyE10vuqintigYyHClwu6PwlaQrPMsAH7W_W9THfd4DuncTQSyq/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbYzwKhGEhLpcRNnuVH4QZzbvfpM-8dXPzZrzcahmMWEifSnonSU3azhzekCvbWpxM8ySrEl88IEhwfbc6YfJqWRLyLyE10vuqintigYyHClwu6PwlaQrPMsAH7W_W9THfd4DuncTQSyq/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkaQ91KyzUNlNl_GNEqKhyPV873SrLw_Im2CxJun5krnHvOPOFiBU_c1SHQr3S87iJVTC3rvwl0C1hjo9g105o5A-B31OPpaPwiCBa83TATCX2fIwFvR1E0gEheYkUuOKgubfjDaICgj6/s1600/IMG_0626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkaQ91KyzUNlNl_GNEqKhyPV873SrLw_Im2CxJun5krnHvOPOFiBU_c1SHQr3S87iJVTC3rvwl0C1hjo9g105o5A-B31OPpaPwiCBa83TATCX2fIwFvR1E0gEheYkUuOKgubfjDaICgj6/s1600/IMG_0626.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWva_d6DfK8eGWVFVQUT2mQXVVcWiNjUeimCF6tcPj4VIivpryISn97cLTbBXesj3Xat1qNO4XU_4wwFQNsB_2Sqq12AmQ8wMrikDyw2OLMUrmB6WnaRO75bTwQYIuGYJH-FBAUyGfpyA/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWva_d6DfK8eGWVFVQUT2mQXVVcWiNjUeimCF6tcPj4VIivpryISn97cLTbBXesj3Xat1qNO4XU_4wwFQNsB_2Sqq12AmQ8wMrikDyw2OLMUrmB6WnaRO75bTwQYIuGYJH-FBAUyGfpyA/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Whatever. Haters. I'll show them. Next year for Mother's Day, I'm asking for a hula hoop.<br />
<br /></div>
Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-45813853520061615832014-05-04T21:29:00.000-07:002014-05-04T21:29:00.941-07:00Sweet Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few months ago Brent and I started looking for a new house. 1000 square feet and 1.5 baths has felt crowded for awhile now and spring seemed like a good time to get this ball rolling. We looked at bigger houses, houses with four bedrooms, houses with open floor plans, houses with <i>three </i>bathrooms, even. Big houses with funky kitchens and big houses with funky yards. Big houses with old carpet. Big houses with wood paneling. Big houses in unknown neighborhoods.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we took virtual tours and actual tours, a feeling started nagging at me. Sure, we (Brent) could do a lot of the updating ourselves (himself). We have replaced flooring and remodeled bathrooms. Brent knows how to turn a yard with three strips of English ivy (no joke) into an awesome outdoor living space with garden beds, playhouse, sandbox, and chicken coop. He can build a deck and install sun tubes. I can paint and hang molding. We know how to replace doorknobs and light fixtures. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We know all of this because we've done this to <i>our </i>house. The one we live in now. The one with the sweet yard and updated light fixtures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I realized that 2000 square feet would be a lot of house to clean.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that I really like paying a mortgage we really can afford.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLzIv3L6HhYdhNpM1YC1Xf9DBUg46yzj7cpbx22wptuQ5VbSjRPur-q605O-rR63KOqkwwj_JNtwfj7UUtyF8nR0Vphy0UKOtNE8gfVEspNSv1dDyMi92EHifWgQ6JTDxtDzT2c1v6qhc/s1600/IMG_0259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLzIv3L6HhYdhNpM1YC1Xf9DBUg46yzj7cpbx22wptuQ5VbSjRPur-q605O-rR63KOqkwwj_JNtwfj7UUtyF8nR0Vphy0UKOtNE8gfVEspNSv1dDyMi92EHifWgQ6JTDxtDzT2c1v6qhc/s1600/IMG_0259.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's in our nature to want more. Right now I want to want less.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjJDEGlXFCcNtpnR1DBfUYW-YT8DnAtIe1ndbC03IbFHGTMns50-4IdvTJLAZoVrUSLdyBA7KiBuVL2rkhyphenhyphenNrky_AnBamNZ7CrSX3rhqHGqmeO_awZD9jSV3edcjgxkmFLZbnzvlfejRG/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjJDEGlXFCcNtpnR1DBfUYW-YT8DnAtIe1ndbC03IbFHGTMns50-4IdvTJLAZoVrUSLdyBA7KiBuVL2rkhyphenhyphenNrky_AnBamNZ7CrSX3rhqHGqmeO_awZD9jSV3edcjgxkmFLZbnzvlfejRG/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Birthday merry making. Brent got a scavenger hunt with all of his favorite things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q726gevUqUguVxsXNoNCebz1Hivv5IzWCH6db7vIdawtBkdZPAZ9IzYVD7vL14eKVr0MFhwqTphG0FTDoVDO9PzJ0UM2wxWXDvEVSwWgYvVzpWOehdAEZz0eRMqHg1PgRxUA5AzWzMOv/s1600/IMG_0284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q726gevUqUguVxsXNoNCebz1Hivv5IzWCH6db7vIdawtBkdZPAZ9IzYVD7vL14eKVr0MFhwqTphG0FTDoVDO9PzJ0UM2wxWXDvEVSwWgYvVzpWOehdAEZz0eRMqHg1PgRxUA5AzWzMOv/s1600/IMG_0284.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Easter. Science fair. Soccer. Sunshine. It's been a busy spring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXv1XWCNi07j6QvBfGIjaxNS9qPmus4FNSGrpCPVKfhQoj_DoKiQLVZKG0_-OFTwIdPV6MQM3r9Bwvm-WEcIKG5qHNR2IZJjhm-0MrBjkYB8vYALN-YEXtgHRz9-bD9oSRwDqt_Ze1_Dp/s1600/IMG_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXv1XWCNi07j6QvBfGIjaxNS9qPmus4FNSGrpCPVKfhQoj_DoKiQLVZKG0_-OFTwIdPV6MQM3r9Bwvm-WEcIKG5qHNR2IZJjhm-0MrBjkYB8vYALN-YEXtgHRz9-bD9oSRwDqt_Ze1_Dp/s1600/IMG_0295.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWAZFN9WueC9HoXyW4MgbRDPiSLf0NcT-mcwGu3W6LnLKhxwcIEYbCf8d2sjqBQOZjgQ0AXUDD0mzFOQCL8YJeUb737eLqrtmVIfFcsMWVlgz8mLe8FHcHK4i_zQpm0VYVm6YJB1sbtul/s1600/IMG_0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWAZFN9WueC9HoXyW4MgbRDPiSLf0NcT-mcwGu3W6LnLKhxwcIEYbCf8d2sjqBQOZjgQ0AXUDD0mzFOQCL8YJeUb737eLqrtmVIfFcsMWVlgz8mLe8FHcHK4i_zQpm0VYVm6YJB1sbtul/s1600/IMG_0304.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67vWaOIV96dmuJ_ymIJ9g3tmqXsuQq0PAw1zegHb3sTprG1fWaf5YVf2F_-dD4pHMSXVkZZzXEb9RYwVADsjIMW-f_WUMSO8FyygnhlA2ZUNyPwIIICNPBW0hv7KIiq0-_2GXS_CLVbC8/s1600/IMG_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67vWaOIV96dmuJ_ymIJ9g3tmqXsuQq0PAw1zegHb3sTprG1fWaf5YVf2F_-dD4pHMSXVkZZzXEb9RYwVADsjIMW-f_WUMSO8FyygnhlA2ZUNyPwIIICNPBW0hv7KIiq0-_2GXS_CLVbC8/s1600/IMG_0306.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwvRv5ifjcoYFkvUZglUKrOCq_Au-H0wxybm39eqYPZ4I_uzg-a4z9V4EA8ZZy7zOZSfdWoyYb0Q2Xm-vJmZIY3Rl0luyecvHfVInpIREP9zK4SMTWcjSaGmIUc66TYxf1wA-SDmup8XI/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcEkwR12m_AuM5DV3zZgetZBbSinpyTbhkHui1fJY3vR6kZDzvuKqmfyoSy84K2_zU4R2MQCs5eLraIxBLHueFlgA1tvoJ82wtKj3QmEZcX9ERXzZNskl8L4-7GxMTiCIhbmE4ZqUSU6H/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcEkwR12m_AuM5DV3zZgetZBbSinpyTbhkHui1fJY3vR6kZDzvuKqmfyoSy84K2_zU4R2MQCs5eLraIxBLHueFlgA1tvoJ82wtKj3QmEZcX9ERXzZNskl8L4-7GxMTiCIhbmE4ZqUSU6H/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ou8TemO2UMHGUbNbeMEVsCndAdeGAcGKpuOtjSpR0zkUWnQqS6AFe-tFGnf8J-HRjOYbe0wVyPuTvKS-Il2KuezMQaX8By9sQQzlLKZDe_RKmXcLqrwUexgTqSpcEWtpim0VLRVGcxoA/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ou8TemO2UMHGUbNbeMEVsCndAdeGAcGKpuOtjSpR0zkUWnQqS6AFe-tFGnf8J-HRjOYbe0wVyPuTvKS-Il2KuezMQaX8By9sQQzlLKZDe_RKmXcLqrwUexgTqSpcEWtpim0VLRVGcxoA/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYirl3L1HFbKzlZnV3L83z2kDq2bLV27f2bnTefoyyRx-3NUOoEBzpYY3hVCYbhVPJaYgm59sprWF5K3ltSysO1KsKmMASArXUCAwTJZ9XWGfP_I-fT4CRo2-UAMUXVis94FXNjCsDwsy/s1600/IMG_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYirl3L1HFbKzlZnV3L83z2kDq2bLV27f2bnTefoyyRx-3NUOoEBzpYY3hVCYbhVPJaYgm59sprWF5K3ltSysO1KsKmMASArXUCAwTJZ9XWGfP_I-fT4CRo2-UAMUXVis94FXNjCsDwsy/s1600/IMG_0328.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmp3LBfR3fa5wPjKYnupEkG65m9ULu-yTllulE690iVFlmcGLGGiQ95Y-mm6kftBysdIK4BoekVTqH4n82WwvL1skrOJ65qTj78Jmv6DHEKSUOiPAZVPEVnjfXADF-OceQ9UeWpTC4VBi/s1600/IMG_0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmp3LBfR3fa5wPjKYnupEkG65m9ULu-yTllulE690iVFlmcGLGGiQ95Y-mm6kftBysdIK4BoekVTqH4n82WwvL1skrOJ65qTj78Jmv6DHEKSUOiPAZVPEVnjfXADF-OceQ9UeWpTC4VBi/s1600/IMG_0342.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a90QrxBkfVUdCcyF-s7njzMuDwFQLlkxIBi0HaLzlW-JMEqabSL6sa7of5KXqMpN1PBN5V_cpX-9068lEPcHZMarHqk73kvlRi9WO2R2GE8NVO6Aq0FbvkhmM6VJlEbjQcnypA90tqfW/s1600/IMG_0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a90QrxBkfVUdCcyF-s7njzMuDwFQLlkxIBi0HaLzlW-JMEqabSL6sa7of5KXqMpN1PBN5V_cpX-9068lEPcHZMarHqk73kvlRi9WO2R2GE8NVO6Aq0FbvkhmM6VJlEbjQcnypA90tqfW/s1600/IMG_0343.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZH8KMeXw7GIcYmNfgWowfNt8_JSDWg0e5SolnGyqxlZOeijatPvQZZar8zJsUe6ygFMflSMkv7og8PQ_2VBlcu_5DhaaJsjCpvU9TF2OBD_HbDUmZ7BsL5qNRi0aGM5A5q40iOAjyACx/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZH8KMeXw7GIcYmNfgWowfNt8_JSDWg0e5SolnGyqxlZOeijatPvQZZar8zJsUe6ygFMflSMkv7og8PQ_2VBlcu_5DhaaJsjCpvU9TF2OBD_HbDUmZ7BsL5qNRi0aGM5A5q40iOAjyACx/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnScCAYf2mnqEWl8PyvtGKtzspmieOqnw8TO8nghHcEBR9aTIQ3gA3JluTMmpuiZxfcCOQB64dhN2B4kDm1Oml7nF5OlyoS7z2dWKkps1q1Xiol9itQrkL5Wd9oQhqPovAOitv3RV_8bZ/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnScCAYf2mnqEWl8PyvtGKtzspmieOqnw8TO8nghHcEBR9aTIQ3gA3JluTMmpuiZxfcCOQB64dhN2B4kDm1Oml7nF5OlyoS7z2dWKkps1q1Xiol9itQrkL5Wd9oQhqPovAOitv3RV_8bZ/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWnkZEsNr6YM6yFeM6RJXBpep4eP2_dj701Z7b2ZOur7bvLv1I-jyJlAQCOFlRePAU_POzYu1bLBtyj9c5M1VqZZkbNNK_mscMKxtZ1Y7exSSizSWeBV-HTUm784paWk5IAMKR8F4RhiP/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWnkZEsNr6YM6yFeM6RJXBpep4eP2_dj701Z7b2ZOur7bvLv1I-jyJlAQCOFlRePAU_POzYu1bLBtyj9c5M1VqZZkbNNK_mscMKxtZ1Y7exSSizSWeBV-HTUm784paWk5IAMKR8F4RhiP/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo7K_hTtled9d18i7Z5khYv8ZzGv_JIcMs8Hd_N7mMXLXeLOIoQDu9eTD1x9UNGXYejvWLpzhED1bAayeEPH-rdZW6UjVHYassiYQ_aYev7ByrQyp8J61f6Cy9UzwQ6qq92VQpqutTqhG/s1600/IMG_0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo7K_hTtled9d18i7Z5khYv8ZzGv_JIcMs8Hd_N7mMXLXeLOIoQDu9eTD1x9UNGXYejvWLpzhED1bAayeEPH-rdZW6UjVHYassiYQ_aYev7ByrQyp8J61f6Cy9UzwQ6qq92VQpqutTqhG/s1600/IMG_0364.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee_M2-XNNDbv0edAPBpucl9kRf1pBYAXX-qbkjqtnM6fsh8eAyqRiUotaGD6_pwnez_caEYh0LpB54KStRYQ_nvoCRgdNH1VzZzrFIk03FeAux6EYMF-wTTqneO-vHcuTIBa2xD1FZj9f/s1600/IMG_0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee_M2-XNNDbv0edAPBpucl9kRf1pBYAXX-qbkjqtnM6fsh8eAyqRiUotaGD6_pwnez_caEYh0LpB54KStRYQ_nvoCRgdNH1VzZzrFIk03FeAux6EYMF-wTTqneO-vHcuTIBa2xD1FZj9f/s1600/IMG_0389.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRl_INXyfgThnpi3wy6VHtl4KUOjIJx9MS-UR6v3LwyvgqEgkCJKzw5MQc3lP3fUJoMqesO8BXEU__YShT5ezhYHUQytA9XMBo96cqgI1_sexngQddLbxXc9JS2jPIKNlCLzNbEO94w-X/s1600/IMG_0395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRl_INXyfgThnpi3wy6VHtl4KUOjIJx9MS-UR6v3LwyvgqEgkCJKzw5MQc3lP3fUJoMqesO8BXEU__YShT5ezhYHUQytA9XMBo96cqgI1_sexngQddLbxXc9JS2jPIKNlCLzNbEO94w-X/s1600/IMG_0395.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The doors are open and the air is sweet. The yard is exploding with raspberries and rhubarb and Brent is replacing our back fence. I borrow a steam cleaner from our neighbors, who borrow the trailer from us. The playhouse is filled with neighborhood kids. The evening sunlight pours in through the sliding glass door as we sit down to dinner.<br />
<br />
I think we'll stay.Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-54723452116979160162014-04-03T22:11:00.000-07:002014-04-04T06:31:30.181-07:00Gone Yurting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spring break is usually a week of pancake breakfasts, lounging in pajamas until lunchtime, board game battles, playdates with our busiest friends, popcorn and movie nights, and Brent complaining about the rain while the children slowly succumb to cabin fever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But not this year. Oh, no. This year would be different! This would be there year that we set out on a quest to satisfy our thirst for spring break adventure. This was the year of the yurt!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes I think this blog is simply a collection of beach photos. Today's entry will be no exception. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XwYzJ-_jN-VFOJgELm3GcquExQTJk0omP3EwRtevMxJuGkMa9EAghqrKY_oeCKSkuWPhv1p2IbkwoUbmju4W26tGV0OfxVDKlvIKMHU4fuZab4A4Mg2F8xEZScoZFZjRK4rhS51_HHSu/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XwYzJ-_jN-VFOJgELm3GcquExQTJk0omP3EwRtevMxJuGkMa9EAghqrKY_oeCKSkuWPhv1p2IbkwoUbmju4W26tGV0OfxVDKlvIKMHU4fuZab4A4Mg2F8xEZScoZFZjRK4rhS51_HHSu/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4srMux-pQG-Y51kQf9kRiMDUX2y5KoT0ZneeRFEkE3Rbe3y8Lp9HS9_4abQV9krZQErYfGAn2t1tRC2apYE4vlw_HJOQR8lk0WB9ANWeYoHe5wpZ3NxOtQm2PGVy5xy2J1YppkW9vXQ1u/s1600/IMG_0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4srMux-pQG-Y51kQf9kRiMDUX2y5KoT0ZneeRFEkE3Rbe3y8Lp9HS9_4abQV9krZQErYfGAn2t1tRC2apYE4vlw_HJOQR8lk0WB9ANWeYoHe5wpZ3NxOtQm2PGVy5xy2J1YppkW9vXQ1u/s1600/IMG_0067.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, it's true that we spend a lot of time at the Oregon coast. And for good reason. Many times when the valley is shrouded in grey drizzle, one needs only to drive west to find that the beach has been hogging the sunshine all along.<br />
<br />
And yet, as we loaded the kids and the dog and the snacks and the games and the sleeping bags and the camp stove and the rainboots- just in case- the sky pelted us with angry raindrops and I knew we were not going to be driving out of this spring break deluge anytime soon.<br />
<br />
Kids bickered in the car as we parted curtain after curtain of downpour with our windshield. Brent complained about the rain while I tried to distract everyone with snacks.<br />
<br />
"Well, let's just make the best of it," I chirped about five thousand times as we arrived at the campground and found that yurts are actually pretty small. The sky brightened and we briefly explored the campground and ventured down to the beach before the rain started up again, sending us scurrying back to our tiny shelter.<br />
<br />
Jack was bored, he informed us. About five thousand times. "This is the worst spring break ever!" he wailed theatrically. Sawyer coped by annoying everyone with his loud voice and disregard for personal space. Brent complained about the rain. I opened two beers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCB7B_o7qZsyOwVem72heokxVTZtDEqJWFprOz3whM9NdTT5qNJXfKBPvC2SikBws0HBlQ-pLv1_DTqKoTlZItKYj3NSRi8o-hXBHyE_9DD6MB_jU9pMS9IbnSGWLYPxmwtmAa7PZQlc4/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCB7B_o7qZsyOwVem72heokxVTZtDEqJWFprOz3whM9NdTT5qNJXfKBPvC2SikBws0HBlQ-pLv1_DTqKoTlZItKYj3NSRi8o-hXBHyE_9DD6MB_jU9pMS9IbnSGWLYPxmwtmAa7PZQlc4/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttHsgzgWaTkbJRcDkVHeZ1e_MT4745SoLUv5hmRDnlBQw8W_QZN9yO7c0au9K_gLtaHllmaVUEL461YX5cTFEiT_wpShprCtzE_d4eIDWiJRNizPFvJc0LI2CofDYNSKP5voJH3SuCnmp/s1600/IMG_0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttHsgzgWaTkbJRcDkVHeZ1e_MT4745SoLUv5hmRDnlBQw8W_QZN9yO7c0au9K_gLtaHllmaVUEL461YX5cTFEiT_wpShprCtzE_d4eIDWiJRNizPFvJc0LI2CofDYNSKP5voJH3SuCnmp/s1600/IMG_0092.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Clementine was the happiest camper in our troop. She kept busy by unpacking our camping supplies and stomping in mud puddles, oblivious to the fact that this was "the worst spring break ever." <br />
<br />
As night fell the rain intensified. The sleeping arrangement was less than ideal and it took awhile to get everyone settled in. There was a lot of complaining happening at this point and somehow the yurt seemed to be getting even smaller. "This is impossible," Brent informed me as we attempted to get Clementine to sleep.<br />
<br />
No one was interested in my make-the-best-of-it gospel, so I just kept quiet and finally, AT LAST, after many trials and tribulations, we managed to get everyone to bed. And then we tossed and turned all night long as the rain and wind assaulted our yurt. Sometime in the night Brent turned to me and we whispered a plan to leave the next morning if the weather didn't improve.<br />
<br />
But, miraculously, it did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu1xvqhegWAPPCvKYWCd8STmOGi5tpOuAtBvFOZ73EmxMGF1NSLROBX3h5xUoAQ2rHbno4tOll4mU-SYmA8FlLFILLUoBbyxPnMP8VMhuAK-Ejs1sk_DqfrSyTU5DwF3QTmVZvEsUL49p/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu1xvqhegWAPPCvKYWCd8STmOGi5tpOuAtBvFOZ73EmxMGF1NSLROBX3h5xUoAQ2rHbno4tOll4mU-SYmA8FlLFILLUoBbyxPnMP8VMhuAK-Ejs1sk_DqfrSyTU5DwF3QTmVZvEsUL49p/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgkBXcRP1QgwwWhKW3LewMlFAzfiGH0z5Rl9gQvMdIQV5McaBjcczF-TWypb-tPo_rcEkh-beMHZorZxL0H0CfkIE_iQJffgQCS2djAkJJ5P7nKKh_sEgLMTuR6XkVlBMB42RUdlsaTMB/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgkBXcRP1QgwwWhKW3LewMlFAzfiGH0z5Rl9gQvMdIQV5McaBjcczF-TWypb-tPo_rcEkh-beMHZorZxL0H0CfkIE_iQJffgQCS2djAkJJ5P7nKKh_sEgLMTuR6XkVlBMB42RUdlsaTMB/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We drove south through Reedsport and Coos Bay. Sunset Bay sounded appealing and the clouds broke, giving us nearly an hour of sunny beach exploration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h4HiVzj5l-19Rbkr07el7nMjIG90E51N6ghVKvCRdZqqOg1NYcp1vA1_6DFxSTM6hWaIM28a1_eYes_m_BzVjgYm-b7BS9nQnQ5fHYlnPJEKLXNjcpdK3GOkHNWCK8l2_x38lUnnHnXM/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h4HiVzj5l-19Rbkr07el7nMjIG90E51N6ghVKvCRdZqqOg1NYcp1vA1_6DFxSTM6hWaIM28a1_eYes_m_BzVjgYm-b7BS9nQnQ5fHYlnPJEKLXNjcpdK3GOkHNWCK8l2_x38lUnnHnXM/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3P357s-VR3E3e431LRm8nabVY5KZ7YpcrdglLPg_D8BFBLtDAmX3jhayOCcCkhUlWmx9ge0nOFIIEFj1JJqvdiN6AQYsE1xZ9KcOmUyNQrFrfCprdpShr4zmExDqSElfhiQ_-4igslIl/s1600/IMG_0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3P357s-VR3E3e431LRm8nabVY5KZ7YpcrdglLPg_D8BFBLtDAmX3jhayOCcCkhUlWmx9ge0nOFIIEFj1JJqvdiN6AQYsE1xZ9KcOmUyNQrFrfCprdpShr4zmExDqSElfhiQ_-4igslIl/s1600/IMG_0125.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkei7OoSQQAd9J8KSfjNDpCqGj2NRIHFND5nkTjALmQH1tTWjkOdWZIbZcXH7mfCowYtFrNu2A1nY3jxm6tKnRlnowMzVn_8v-6z5HAPIQqgNFqwto84uIXlRiFAiiiomJw9mWS1OD_rA5/s1600/IMG_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkei7OoSQQAd9J8KSfjNDpCqGj2NRIHFND5nkTjALmQH1tTWjkOdWZIbZcXH7mfCowYtFrNu2A1nY3jxm6tKnRlnowMzVn_8v-6z5HAPIQqgNFqwto84uIXlRiFAiiiomJw9mWS1OD_rA5/s1600/IMG_0155.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEXI8_VDCTJxNaHTK5Iki6BmDDTfeugEGvDqEOsHeJcbJtaXuQJd5-EuIxKf01Ru_UZOqADUHevG1DcxTWpmloSQRKyTa_WSm8bIk9gnjdV72D40VdQVJFodL_ya85GnRgd_AsQ4CMTb4/s1600/IMG_0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEXI8_VDCTJxNaHTK5Iki6BmDDTfeugEGvDqEOsHeJcbJtaXuQJd5-EuIxKf01Ru_UZOqADUHevG1DcxTWpmloSQRKyTa_WSm8bIk9gnjdV72D40VdQVJFodL_ya85GnRgd_AsQ4CMTb4/s1600/IMG_0167.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI7jExotB0GbDFyotQviCKdlrNmwTdbMXKvDtYvCapja4KGwYoEcNUeNjTnDSwynn1oFOhUQZeskeBFAayR6-B-i01jyTFGrGESnEDDGWN7XAdPUQfvu4O832CSs-Cm3xCC7UUZdxLW3v/s1600/IMG_0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI7jExotB0GbDFyotQviCKdlrNmwTdbMXKvDtYvCapja4KGwYoEcNUeNjTnDSwynn1oFOhUQZeskeBFAayR6-B-i01jyTFGrGESnEDDGWN7XAdPUQfvu4O832CSs-Cm3xCC7UUZdxLW3v/s1600/IMG_0174.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We had beers and root beers at Seven Devils Brewery in Coos Bay. We picked up bubble gum and propane before returning to the yurt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3ucUbtO1EMbiaW7f_KCiNrlL2F_6-LbR3b4oHTpsbbuSJJPjKVO8n0aGzLEXeRihq8L4NpV7zgkQuJGgZLNcb9o20psFv0bHXCcwd20pnQpZOP5eHjFkK3ZF5eCsR6p6Ex7XUqUlNvVc/s1600/IMG_0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3ucUbtO1EMbiaW7f_KCiNrlL2F_6-LbR3b4oHTpsbbuSJJPjKVO8n0aGzLEXeRihq8L4NpV7zgkQuJGgZLNcb9o20psFv0bHXCcwd20pnQpZOP5eHjFkK3ZF5eCsR6p6Ex7XUqUlNvVc/s1600/IMG_0196.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Brent strung up a tarp and the kids roasted marshmallows. Sawyer joined Clementine's puddle stomping party. Brent poured me a beer. The sun set and we cozied up in our yurt and watched Wallace and Gromit on the laptop. No one complained and there was no talk of going home early. There was a lesson here about making the best of things and toughing it out, about seeking the silver lining even when it's raining too hard to see the clouds. It's a lesson that we seem to have to learn over and over again in our family. But instead of seizing this teachable moment, we slept as the light rain drummed soothingly onto the roof above us.<br />
<br />
The next morning we woke to a torrential downpour. Fuck this. We loaded up the car in record time and got the hell out of there.<br />
<br />
Spring break was drawing to a close, but would not be complete without a rock star themed birthday party for one of Sawyer's friends. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUl_MhC3fAy5vOFstBnbgJcZiaB9tIstZHk3JlKMtoNNx82n3MtfSxQVwHdSXefISZdDLlR6MKxNw1AXS-QwN_9oMJwa9HaG_NFM0XHACNaAbYr_7Ju0MIVU2aMPwxBKAg5nPlYHzJnE8/s1600/IMG_0205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUl_MhC3fAy5vOFstBnbgJcZiaB9tIstZHk3JlKMtoNNx82n3MtfSxQVwHdSXefISZdDLlR6MKxNw1AXS-QwN_9oMJwa9HaG_NFM0XHACNaAbYr_7Ju0MIVU2aMPwxBKAg5nPlYHzJnE8/s1600/IMG_0205.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2p_tWUQoWxbhO_2SYMBJ5dagA56jT9yThyphenhyphenyWDGosQtb_jEb0yA1EZ_BCZUf0wrI3IAcDpVtfnUbww8Wfr3VuP-0G9pkLO30Qs79kY109PYi99KAJWmddIgbcD4WXK-S03hLFQ_MLJvkq/s1600/IMG_0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2p_tWUQoWxbhO_2SYMBJ5dagA56jT9yThyphenhyphenyWDGosQtb_jEb0yA1EZ_BCZUf0wrI3IAcDpVtfnUbww8Wfr3VuP-0G9pkLO30Qs79kY109PYi99KAJWmddIgbcD4WXK-S03hLFQ_MLJvkq/s1600/IMG_0210.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Guess who won the costume contest?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YfAuTPOD-NVmuNGfb9qFTkDfmp-Zc5_SSexQ25pF0VBrhVhv9-4XNL_Etk0ml48yErwFhHt1Su5IhuOoOgaZx5v1ayRXpamKhmrOi_pf5IGhYdIBQIY7cvWnKdxpw9Eyp6BrJ7xb-7yu/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YfAuTPOD-NVmuNGfb9qFTkDfmp-Zc5_SSexQ25pF0VBrhVhv9-4XNL_Etk0ml48yErwFhHt1Su5IhuOoOgaZx5v1ayRXpamKhmrOi_pf5IGhYdIBQIY7cvWnKdxpw9Eyp6BrJ7xb-7yu/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-43391165318751719692014-03-25T22:49:00.002-07:002014-03-25T22:49:51.993-07:00Cold, Flu, and Birthday Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My poor big kids have the lamest birthdays. Not only are February and March the most grey and wettest months of the year (disclaimer: I might be making this up, I have no professional meteorology training. Let's call this hyperbole and move on), these birthdays fall right smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season. So even if the birthday boys are lucky enough not to be sick themselves, chances are the guest list will be thinned by the latest phlegm producing epidemic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jack's birthday always falls close enough to a three day weekend that we manage to escape town for a mini vacation. This year we spent a snowy long weekend in Black Butte and Jack got to go snowboarding with Brent and Uncle Nick while Sawyer and I broke a sled and crashed into a tree within a matter of minutes.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsCzO4kUCS_3vBDmFn01cnpoRwz7MkU-IDgUORyF1iNWtDzu5gEd9KhnYmxgLA4f2WnIvLmo_GwUcCwh9uOLgXJ9OehuLyjntPCnYe8j4M8PouDYoK7KSs5ZibHBuCvSQj-QupSI0hYPn/s1600/IMG_9936.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsCzO4kUCS_3vBDmFn01cnpoRwz7MkU-IDgUORyF1iNWtDzu5gEd9KhnYmxgLA4f2WnIvLmo_GwUcCwh9uOLgXJ9OehuLyjntPCnYe8j4M8PouDYoK7KSs5ZibHBuCvSQj-QupSI0hYPn/s1600/IMG_9936.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7WNh5DNSu2YmYOy27r_B9EOvvXFX1dmJuSIYI9TTalfYFb7RUy4NTeXz4YcXcZyjNiQE1QeYnI49xzrNfaeF7R_7KRy8ozOTC-dzandco8ck4ZdFXEw7m8E5a4AQ5TBX0MB3YpoyyP4L/s1600/IMG_9934.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7WNh5DNSu2YmYOy27r_B9EOvvXFX1dmJuSIYI9TTalfYFb7RUy4NTeXz4YcXcZyjNiQE1QeYnI49xzrNfaeF7R_7KRy8ozOTC-dzandco8ck4ZdFXEw7m8E5a4AQ5TBX0MB3YpoyyP4L/s1600/IMG_9934.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhnLmvU5HT_3cC6h0CxDrUn_5p9dbhQrzqOX5WXQ5w_YcYKFNxWz47uetXqgrUBmp7xC4D04iGQYgJ3gtw6tQlFrMLvRp7wjTmgeHjmuFy9WhsENcHU8yflPX5D9aOQmljfw7C_COcWQy/s1600/IMG_9901.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhnLmvU5HT_3cC6h0CxDrUn_5p9dbhQrzqOX5WXQ5w_YcYKFNxWz47uetXqgrUBmp7xC4D04iGQYgJ3gtw6tQlFrMLvRp7wjTmgeHjmuFy9WhsENcHU8yflPX5D9aOQmljfw7C_COcWQy/s1600/IMG_9901.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3OAsnxBqMAUL8zfXo6ApYYimIZAv_bYRtuVZHI4_hmLlmI8SddefB2L75801crgSggr4NKO1LsHgB9PDCVWH1aYH9xxSCvhIhLp3qBy23ivFbc44AN3uqByu4oTObyXiRglQC6GAOuV7/s1600/IMG_9865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3OAsnxBqMAUL8zfXo6ApYYimIZAv_bYRtuVZHI4_hmLlmI8SddefB2L75801crgSggr4NKO1LsHgB9PDCVWH1aYH9xxSCvhIhLp3qBy23ivFbc44AN3uqByu4oTObyXiRglQC6GAOuV7/s1600/IMG_9865.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So Jack's actual birthday was a quiet and peaceful affair with chocolate brownie cake and take out pizza. But as soon as we got home he was all about planning a <i>real</i> party.<br />
<br />
Another lame thing about my kids' birthdays is that they have a mom who really can't be bothered to plan a decent birthday party, unless she wins a ridiculously under priced birthday package at the indoor soccer field, and they say lightning never strikes the same place twice. Ahem. Last year's party totally ruled.<br />
<br />
This year, not so much. Jack wanted another soccer party and so we eyed the weather forecast for a few weeks until a sunny Sunday was promised. I quickly rounded up everyone on his guest list who was not suffering from the bubonic plague and we set a date at the park.<br />
<br />
As we were loading the last of our party gear into the car, right on cue, it started to rain. "No one's going to come!" Jack wailed through tears as we drove through the downpour. Thank god his friends are true Oregonians who braved the deluge and slid through the mud to play a soggy game of birthday soccer.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk4SirpT49CiOCrKBL6Ji3GwnHoBoKddUbwXczi7GgDGv7AR4bOwka6MO5wYNU54HAYHN90BanFcu9rspv4m1qLG2DyPgD641-1mKml_KsdmPKBahjzQjiTpff-UfT3XXfzq2Tlv-1K9N/s1600/IMG_9959.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk4SirpT49CiOCrKBL6Ji3GwnHoBoKddUbwXczi7GgDGv7AR4bOwka6MO5wYNU54HAYHN90BanFcu9rspv4m1qLG2DyPgD641-1mKml_KsdmPKBahjzQjiTpff-UfT3XXfzq2Tlv-1K9N/s1600/IMG_9959.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
A week or so after his party, Jack came down with some sort of feverish headachy super sleepy flu. He languished on the couch for a few days, whining for Recharge (hippie Gatorade) and watching way too much TV. Gradually he began to look perkier, until Brent threatened to send him back to school and then he suddenly relapsed.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile Sawyer's birthday was approaching. Sawyer would be easy to please since he only has two friends. "Let's go bowling!" he said. Perfect. Except that by the morning of his party, Brent had succumbed to Jack's feverish headachy super sleepy flu.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5JHGiWKw7hmRQsVrB000yowQG8A13Rw5SShDWUla2dadZ2gP1q5chsjbsrSLiimin0XQa5DtRCtJcCj9abw5EVmNo9Naan0Uf6Ousku9QKfTTdCr-zF_avkTEkJOLxZbiyBfr4Vc8_xu/s1600/IMG_9975.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5JHGiWKw7hmRQsVrB000yowQG8A13Rw5SShDWUla2dadZ2gP1q5chsjbsrSLiimin0XQa5DtRCtJcCj9abw5EVmNo9Naan0Uf6Ousku9QKfTTdCr-zF_avkTEkJOLxZbiyBfr4Vc8_xu/s1600/IMG_9975.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
So he missed Sawyer's birthday, spending the day curled up in the fetal position, sipping Recharge, thanking his lucky stars that the house was quiet as we partied down at the bowling alley with french fries and birthday cake. <br />
<br />
And the next day Sawyer woke up sick with the feverish headachy super sleepy flu.<br />
<br />
I was a rock. I was the glue that held us all together. My immune system and I could singlehandedly pull off a birthday party, care for the sick and downtrodden, restock the Recharge supply, fold laundry, wrap birthday presents, chase toddlers, and fight off this feverish headachy super sleepy flu bug.<br />
<br />
Was it the daily yoga? Was it the probiotics in the yogurt I eat every morning? Superior genes? Excellent hand washing? Steely determination? I was the lone soldier left standing while those around me fell to the ground. I was the picture of health in the gallery of the infirm. I was...<br />
<br />
Well, I was starting to feel a little chilled. And then I was hot. And then my head started hurting. And my eyes wouldn't stay open.<br />
<br />
Another one bites the dust.<br />
<br />
Two days later I was fine. But then the next weekend my <i>superior</i> immune system and I went down with a stomach bug which announced its presence with spontaneous vomiting in the car while Brent was driving us home from Portland. So that was also awesome.<br />
<br />
Aaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnddddddddddd, Jack was in a play! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy9V29lBsA30AGGa54iaQtWG3wShId9X0ul0tGrOTQZrLndZ9G1hup69tHKpDg56HY0TzZk-cGYr8yaWeS8GxsqV3CrT_WiuEzQdlG-PVrXgpzxtY-K7w8FH-NeCxJNOQ7OqSBfs9tibV/s1600/IMG_0021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy9V29lBsA30AGGa54iaQtWG3wShId9X0ul0tGrOTQZrLndZ9G1hup69tHKpDg56HY0TzZk-cGYr8yaWeS8GxsqV3CrT_WiuEzQdlG-PVrXgpzxtY-K7w8FH-NeCxJNOQ7OqSBfs9tibV/s1600/IMG_0021.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My mumbling, awkward, painfully shy now seven-year-old memorized his lines and stood on a stage in front of a crowd and was a talking horse. Who spoke French. And in that moment all of the shuttling and carpooling and carbon footprinting involved in getting this kid across town to the elitist immersion school was all so very worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1_xY_n6UMegRX1bMujspE_a93O86OiT1DeYIX2SENZPjGAfXGMTWP8hzr0UEgZqxdqJsL9lQ1Jgb4HiSrl8qhcmn_DkUceuTBgUmK3YMA88vjmjLlwgNvEQBqC5fkpAFxbdFGTeACQI6/s1600/IMG_0004.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1_xY_n6UMegRX1bMujspE_a93O86OiT1DeYIX2SENZPjGAfXGMTWP8hzr0UEgZqxdqJsL9lQ1Jgb4HiSrl8qhcmn_DkUceuTBgUmK3YMA88vjmjLlwgNvEQBqC5fkpAFxbdFGTeACQI6/s1600/IMG_0004.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
So happy birthday to my toothless horse and to my fearless bowler. I might not throw a great party, but I can sew you a horse costume in 24 hours while battling fatigue and nausea. That's almost as cool as a pinata, right?Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-21191264994882829802014-02-08T22:52:00.000-08:002014-02-08T22:52:01.188-08:00Winter Olympics: Eugene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Event Number One: Maintaining a blog while working full time, retaining sanity, and raising three children. Clearly I am not winning the gold for this one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Event Two: Remembering that the beach is only 1.5 hours from our door and escaping the Willamette Valley fog when it threatens our mental health. I can handle the endless rain. But a week of fog? Now that's taking things too far in my book, Mother Nature. You lose this round.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N49jpKFL173gVNYw9YMvrPgpkZ4uyUiE938-vO47x5QzVHGov7Z-KpOm4mW_Zotw3lanAnANkWnIson83u86inoWmd9tcVPiLHR4Qmcbfa0wmm7brD1vESK8WVihDydOhBYhbRjL0kmy/s1600/IMG_9630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N49jpKFL173gVNYw9YMvrPgpkZ4uyUiE938-vO47x5QzVHGov7Z-KpOm4mW_Zotw3lanAnANkWnIson83u86inoWmd9tcVPiLHR4Qmcbfa0wmm7brD1vESK8WVihDydOhBYhbRjL0kmy/s1600/IMG_9630.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOzuTyoYiu7to6txjZPjbJBwP4Y7UR6ey-jDDcMuZUniVrUqq-08NRmFuZpX5tKxm_PHPxInr3UMrudzeutAf_tLiY75eeM-Pylg3SwLJH_y6KNboeQr0pJtWRrxYJ9kkg3sK5DuMhtKb/s1600/IMG_9659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOzuTyoYiu7to6txjZPjbJBwP4Y7UR6ey-jDDcMuZUniVrUqq-08NRmFuZpX5tKxm_PHPxInr3UMrudzeutAf_tLiY75eeM-Pylg3SwLJH_y6KNboeQr0pJtWRrxYJ9kkg3sK5DuMhtKb/s1600/IMG_9659.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eDq7ORFVK9Fqz16zjta7SKB79cMBB01KxlbwVEqxxUVM_6y7A9PhWewupwh7NIbb_2rzouNoh4qQUuC-qkSEKtOR-JVBx9WXcxeVzB6tgTo8VHBUZ0-m0sIy9z09Fr2-huSh6z7OppXf/s1600/IMG_9661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eDq7ORFVK9Fqz16zjta7SKB79cMBB01KxlbwVEqxxUVM_6y7A9PhWewupwh7NIbb_2rzouNoh4qQUuC-qkSEKtOR-JVBx9WXcxeVzB6tgTo8VHBUZ0-m0sIy9z09Fr2-huSh6z7OppXf/s1600/IMG_9661.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_QaKPQRG4BEsxm6WPaSifuNC454XXBabRn9pONfseCItMLSOxLt_dKwlcfRdl9hIDXXTshRjkVErmZkUoJYxJdUUCYsHN9UF65VJEru-O4Xd4yEotRnBQng4MvydIcvxmvBDzxuotCUO/s1600/IMG_9684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_QaKPQRG4BEsxm6WPaSifuNC454XXBabRn9pONfseCItMLSOxLt_dKwlcfRdl9hIDXXTshRjkVErmZkUoJYxJdUUCYsHN9UF65VJEru-O4Xd4yEotRnBQng4MvydIcvxmvBDzxuotCUO/s1600/IMG_9684.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMgnI94ZxNW-CVESVE_nxDpPIa03IWYQsUFj4EeDIjIyi0Vah3zcj0eNw-M0kuQLdWHGqrohB_-IT-lIWRO5rnNhlJzVzZGu2LdlvhpSRBbRTiPRmgZkAhSBSuvIutesG3OEfXIg2J8K_/s1600/IMG_9708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMgnI94ZxNW-CVESVE_nxDpPIa03IWYQsUFj4EeDIjIyi0Vah3zcj0eNw-M0kuQLdWHGqrohB_-IT-lIWRO5rnNhlJzVzZGu2LdlvhpSRBbRTiPRmgZkAhSBSuvIutesG3OEfXIg2J8K_/s1600/IMG_9708.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Up next: Latte Art. We bought ourselves an espresso machine for Christmas this year, which is actually probably more of an investment because I am pretty sure Brent has been singlehandedly financing the growth of Dutch Bros. Time to sell your stocks, people. Brent wins at the latte art, for sure. (I think he secretly doesn't want me touching the machine, since he is always desperately offering to make me drinks. Or maybe he just wants to be nice? Hard to tell. For now, he's handing me lattes so I have no complaints.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifibgj3Y6GXVdDKkc91G2LfvXafOOgCpdxCWPgpH_smt0YX672yXeO8UVtWLYn5VVNYON69DDIbhoFhnE7XpXp-425KqhLZnXn9KIAqqLNrmlMZHpIAbMjVCfFX7IQcsJm5hoqg3vEFn36/s1600/IMG_9720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifibgj3Y6GXVdDKkc91G2LfvXafOOgCpdxCWPgpH_smt0YX672yXeO8UVtWLYn5VVNYON69DDIbhoFhnE7XpXp-425KqhLZnXn9KIAqqLNrmlMZHpIAbMjVCfFX7IQcsJm5hoqg3vEFn36/s1600/IMG_9720.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course there's been lots and lots of basketball, thanks to the new hoop. And when you lower it to 8 feet, everyone is a winner!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhkOuz6yJBeVlXpM69AlhVljsjieDf0cOwOVSfK5aInuxP4VZL_OTCUnR7jmZ4w-aZ6K4pQRtu3jr36HbZMzrKKLTIYOnKnF8Nk_6tZbW43MG7V1e6J09KDMjmOkCa1IcrGuQWA417Goh/s1600/IMG_9749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhkOuz6yJBeVlXpM69AlhVljsjieDf0cOwOVSfK5aInuxP4VZL_OTCUnR7jmZ4w-aZ6K4pQRtu3jr36HbZMzrKKLTIYOnKnF8Nk_6tZbW43MG7V1e6J09KDMjmOkCa1IcrGuQWA417Goh/s1600/IMG_9749.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcyw8hxPjxtjc9RbNKripIBFSnXLbbg8GV7cN4ozno9bdR59g8ZVbIY-E4ifmJp18lLrrgI9Yhgxkrca5gwMy8hQb9tz-PLjqMdPh7dXmJOyiOeDLUoZUu9Q24GjzisPLhb4DBH465QVa/s1600/IMG_9740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcyw8hxPjxtjc9RbNKripIBFSnXLbbg8GV7cN4ozno9bdR59g8ZVbIY-E4ifmJp18lLrrgI9Yhgxkrca5gwMy8hQb9tz-PLjqMdPh7dXmJOyiOeDLUoZUu9Q24GjzisPLhb4DBH465QVa/s1600/IMG_9740.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kOdcpH1yWkEC6ejGoC20sokk-RZ9MiLmc_Zl4xayBRDDhSU6WJr40vLF3hpSM45vizAjVmz6JAq6e7hxDDYCr9Pzu2N__Y7cw_bY_ACjoIVj8yDcVm-DA2a_fdkRS7E-dhO3k_QC33pI/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kOdcpH1yWkEC6ejGoC20sokk-RZ9MiLmc_Zl4xayBRDDhSU6WJr40vLF3hpSM45vizAjVmz6JAq6e7hxDDYCr9Pzu2N__Y7cw_bY_ACjoIVj8yDcVm-DA2a_fdkRS7E-dhO3k_QC33pI/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brent has the infuriating habit of making things look easy. He's super coordinated and has really good balance and so you'd expect him to be a natural at yoga. I've been keeping at it, and not to get all zen on you or anything, but I am pretty sure that yoga has changed my life. I will probably never be a <i>swan</i>, but I am definitely starting to become a <i>flamingo</i>, so that's progress. Only now that my Groupon has expired, I might need to take out a second mortgage on my house in order to afford the classes. So that means I've been practicing quite a bit at home and Brent has joined me from time to time. </div>
<br />
It turns out that the one thing Brent can't do is yoga. He is totally a penguin. Gold medal for me!<br />
<br />
Event Number Six: Dog Sled Racing. Um, wtf Mother Nature? Just 'cause we beat you at the week of fog doesn't mean you need to get vengeful. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Disclaimer: this event is probably not safe for kids. Or dogs.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFsK5iLbBJTgH0RNMtYY7-7JDCJ7Vtp8HPii8sF4euqDh3mmqUkT_vkrYZfa4hVT8AkWh0CHVZipR4lA7KreaDq1Gk1MGtRrDSllFJxNYvpBZtUUIphU3h1LnlU3ixQbuDByZcmSVWQVY/s1600/IMG_9767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFsK5iLbBJTgH0RNMtYY7-7JDCJ7Vtp8HPii8sF4euqDh3mmqUkT_vkrYZfa4hVT8AkWh0CHVZipR4lA7KreaDq1Gk1MGtRrDSllFJxNYvpBZtUUIphU3h1LnlU3ixQbuDByZcmSVWQVY/s1600/IMG_9767.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BH6CijMWRTp-7V_uvXxG3EB21-Y6IZg5jxisxyLGQkAs1BbXBwBaq82gZn1LcD-TOZp4Cdtz-qEVjwxQwyO6YDZsZN5YK53EPVGOKa7DtHaIzndKm4MYZhdgMuxCEMvocyFDWCykbkzW/s1600/IMG_9769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BH6CijMWRTp-7V_uvXxG3EB21-Y6IZg5jxisxyLGQkAs1BbXBwBaq82gZn1LcD-TOZp4Cdtz-qEVjwxQwyO6YDZsZN5YK53EPVGOKa7DtHaIzndKm4MYZhdgMuxCEMvocyFDWCykbkzW/s1600/IMG_9769.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PJdqPY1fy8ITjcu4THc34nL37Xb-tVVH8O18pIvOYnU4pNKiUm4SkZqfaZvRVOv8FHw4FXl7rSu2Yv8ZJ9MlAjnyXrMBv8qaiiYlIy4bpU0VoCXuivTBKKTSkCKo7hneOmJe0e826qDe/s1600/IMG_9849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PJdqPY1fy8ITjcu4THc34nL37Xb-tVVH8O18pIvOYnU4pNKiUm4SkZqfaZvRVOv8FHw4FXl7rSu2Yv8ZJ9MlAjnyXrMBv8qaiiYlIy4bpU0VoCXuivTBKKTSkCKo7hneOmJe0e826qDe/s1600/IMG_9849.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWTx5NACKMlUvXvonsJR4_r6q-ipwB5DuUwzENRTAXNEf64nY1-GFqkFk9u3sJyHSleLNfy3gJeiiIauBI4MFKdtbXAxZ-LoT3tXN5tdgf8Ly9HPmp3gNNW_iyxjMT60ZQ9rbk81tfzMg/s1600/IMG_9797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWTx5NACKMlUvXvonsJR4_r6q-ipwB5DuUwzENRTAXNEf64nY1-GFqkFk9u3sJyHSleLNfy3gJeiiIauBI4MFKdtbXAxZ-LoT3tXN5tdgf8Ly9HPmp3gNNW_iyxjMT60ZQ9rbk81tfzMg/s1600/IMG_9797.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyv1OrEUni3SH6ddsdHb7PBYBNyLNJTDwzu_ympNkFe2OjZgKRASXiMLIl6uEUsz1StKjpcXXj6tSR00Z6MEVP2aV-cxL6GL5uQVhw5HVkFGw-d6moiOuj9vNcE-EvoPVsb48kiX2Vupf/s1600/IMG_9801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyv1OrEUni3SH6ddsdHb7PBYBNyLNJTDwzu_ympNkFe2OjZgKRASXiMLIl6uEUsz1StKjpcXXj6tSR00Z6MEVP2aV-cxL6GL5uQVhw5HVkFGw-d6moiOuj9vNcE-EvoPVsb48kiX2Vupf/s1600/IMG_9801.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMq6wkzejUR1YwgvzSMHdQ10FgQXVNM7SBo3fach9YVZIZFjcFXRrGoeAktqay9DcbG2aCij9MVTutQpC7P0GSOqyslCtRKfruZJPnIpfujgC6xOj_iqbWJeKl93ldR8lLinkfeCE5c7p/s1600/IMG_9815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMq6wkzejUR1YwgvzSMHdQ10FgQXVNM7SBo3fach9YVZIZFjcFXRrGoeAktqay9DcbG2aCij9MVTutQpC7P0GSOqyslCtRKfruZJPnIpfujgC6xOj_iqbWJeKl93ldR8lLinkfeCE5c7p/s1600/IMG_9815.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not sure this next "event" should be considered for our Eugene
Olympics, but what the hell. I'm gonna go ahead and call Dressing
Clementine an Olympic sport. She has this strange habit of dragging
clothes around and insisting that you layer her outfit with sweaters,
mismatched shoes, pajamas, etc. I think she looks like a homeless person
and I suggested that we buy her a toy shopping cart for Christmas, but
the toy stroller was cheaper so I guess she's not a future bag lady
after all.<br />
<br />
Brent: "Are you getting pictures of this? Are you <i>blogging</i> this?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAcIc1pfc2-yFXXEVeCObSL0ELBPwMFizOVrixx5dMhxaQLAx3KYOPrJSbyzd_wF-G5bvUI8aP0wlLyaNP5TTSBV22GwwJaQoTPgDwOGMfXJBZw4dVz4P7jmH_WdPZu8yQjvm4wtqtmPb/s1600/IMG_9792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAcIc1pfc2-yFXXEVeCObSL0ELBPwMFizOVrixx5dMhxaQLAx3KYOPrJSbyzd_wF-G5bvUI8aP0wlLyaNP5TTSBV22GwwJaQoTPgDwOGMfXJBZw4dVz4P7jmH_WdPZu8yQjvm4wtqtmPb/s1600/IMG_9792.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now this should NOT be considered a sport, but when you have three kids, Find the Baby is a pretty high stakes game. These days Clementine can be found brushing her teeth on the stool in the bathroom. Brent had the brilliant idea of giving her a toothbrush and it's yielded hours of entertainment. Why we ever buy toys for our kids is beyond me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjz-5H3GhRfRSxPyOOcN1gftKe0b1fU5SR1v_aYWnGJPI2iamVR1pbL64EyhKfFPIlJfAD9BMThRVL29r3ykqkUwCUz6wAZ7l9cSt5a5Kn9JCrRBtJ7ofHUMPj7DUpCHmhxO1j3wpXvIR/s1600/IMG_9845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjz-5H3GhRfRSxPyOOcN1gftKe0b1fU5SR1v_aYWnGJPI2iamVR1pbL64EyhKfFPIlJfAD9BMThRVL29r3ykqkUwCUz6wAZ7l9cSt5a5Kn9JCrRBtJ7ofHUMPj7DUpCHmhxO1j3wpXvIR/s1600/IMG_9845.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally, the event that strikes fear into the hearts of all parents of Lego owning kids. I like to call it "Mom, can you find this piece for me?" or, in other words, FML. Ef-Em-El!<br />
<br />
This event requires hours of time spent on your knees pawing through Rubbermaid tubs of Legos, countless episodes of optimism, "Here it is! I found it!" followed by eye rolls and wailing such as, "That's <i>grey</i>, Mom. I need <i>chaaaaarcoal</i>!"<br />
<br />
I think I take the bronze here. I'll let Brent have the gold.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />Team Ross. We do pretty well. Now, where can we get some of those lovely USA sweaters?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-85976099176595862272014-01-08T20:46:00.002-08:002014-01-08T20:46:51.671-08:00Xmas, DC, NYC, et al<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Christmas Eve dinner was at our house this year. Our menu included
spinach balls, stuffed mushrooms, butter lettuce salad, smoked salmon
and potato chowder, Metropol bread, buche de noel cake, and jam
thumbprints. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSuHh8V1H3B2ZBL__44H7THOmibW82icGM2LWuKHoqX_qbZTfpkYBds8p3LvItYBAB8LRqnGYgLPh_WDSZqX8OUOZJ8NigdO8SI1In_b6G4JVOFCb5vCFvj8LUuYGKRB6LyK1ttnG8aMs/s1600/IMG_9338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSuHh8V1H3B2ZBL__44H7THOmibW82icGM2LWuKHoqX_qbZTfpkYBds8p3LvItYBAB8LRqnGYgLPh_WDSZqX8OUOZJ8NigdO8SI1In_b6G4JVOFCb5vCFvj8LUuYGKRB6LyK1ttnG8aMs/s640/IMG_9338.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I watched my
incredulous kids open the biggest present they had ever seen (a long
coveted basketball hoop from Doug and Mary). Everyone sat at the table
and ate and drank and ate some more. The fire was warm and the food was
fine. We were all together, which was the only thing I wanted for
Christmas this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UIj8Kug2ATm4scmfZ0LSQM2th3izMUv-VeX7Gm7Cb0mGBMGTKDSa-nlXIHGnUQ9ONR-DGpjsukgYMVK3nTRjfzM29R-Ge9GH-c0W8U_4eS4DEYQih5AHLEDwcPd3aIeHcsH_yprMLOkb/s1600/IMG_9358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UIj8Kug2ATm4scmfZ0LSQM2th3izMUv-VeX7Gm7Cb0mGBMGTKDSa-nlXIHGnUQ9ONR-DGpjsukgYMVK3nTRjfzM29R-Ge9GH-c0W8U_4eS4DEYQih5AHLEDwcPd3aIeHcsH_yprMLOkb/s640/IMG_9358.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Christmas Eve jammies were finished just in the nick of time. Sawyer's sneeze happened at the exact wrong time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtbigxS-N7A7Pkomzv4Hh0m0k54PbzOyQVIbZLGFDnTCg3ncx4nd_Wyu3JVCKa-KvHug6PfJ7wXEefJ0R8egdmGxZY6i_-mx4gpsLHaFfMuNlpDNKqhhuY3_Yo1TNk_mK1LYwY0Y3SPPH/s1600/IMG_9373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtbigxS-N7A7Pkomzv4Hh0m0k54PbzOyQVIbZLGFDnTCg3ncx4nd_Wyu3JVCKa-KvHug6PfJ7wXEefJ0R8egdmGxZY6i_-mx4gpsLHaFfMuNlpDNKqhhuY3_Yo1TNk_mK1LYwY0Y3SPPH/s640/IMG_9373.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Christmas
morning was cinnamon rolls and ecstatic kids and lots and lots of
coffee. And just when I thought I could never eat again, it was time to
go to Brent's mom's house for Christmas dinner. I regret nothing.<br />
<br />
Just
as the weary winter after-Christmas days began to drag, I boarded a
plane with Clementine and flew across the country to see my best friend
Amberlee in Washington DC.<br />
<br />
I've been sort of paralyzed by photo options for this post, so I finally said screw it and just started uploading. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-jzGWeQaT2NSnuUhM9g2LpkZhCvAE05dWxDsYYEuNORXP4fbZmb1b9ACkC9WD61qRqNXeuiQGSqrdnt0t7XjhQo1ZYKN17V0G7rtrDVTprMtoGQesHHsgQCShOlVOdD5fc6zEz6l6Ik8/s1600/IMG_9418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-jzGWeQaT2NSnuUhM9g2LpkZhCvAE05dWxDsYYEuNORXP4fbZmb1b9ACkC9WD61qRqNXeuiQGSqrdnt0t7XjhQo1ZYKN17V0G7rtrDVTprMtoGQesHHsgQCShOlVOdD5fc6zEz6l6Ik8/s640/IMG_9418.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5V3hYfOkbg00W_vMWHtBplVrU3QUj-CuQiox3wqmVfcVVRYSdTigvy2IWf7Qg87uSumwilp7c8VjRBUR5wTOwlTqU851BcgpuUgTFXNNhoKtJxs89fpSCwISsiMVRB7HMt4Yl9VjWWxB/s1600/IMG_9427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5V3hYfOkbg00W_vMWHtBplVrU3QUj-CuQiox3wqmVfcVVRYSdTigvy2IWf7Qg87uSumwilp7c8VjRBUR5wTOwlTqU851BcgpuUgTFXNNhoKtJxs89fpSCwISsiMVRB7HMt4Yl9VjWWxB/s640/IMG_9427.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I
also don't really know what to say about this trip that won't sound
cliche. It was amazing/awesome/once in a lifetime? Surely I can do
better than that...<br />
<br />
So maybe I will just tell you that
convincing Amberlee to drive us 7 hours through a torrential downpour so
that I could see New York City was one of the best decisions I've made.
And that walking across the Brooklyn Bridge with the lights of the city
mirrored by wet pavement, Clementine snuggled into her stroller, camera
in my hand, and best friend at my side, was a moment that I won't
forget.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzFt2zsOjkcU6ZcU7R7NXhYUblI9yRuo8P6m087HWiuyc1X1jpOnorKKx1rl3nj3UliADHRDrjbBk3zNHxcA2f61t4V-HHE9bcB6fhp3loPsqtxUNtGlFHFQ_cUJFsH5KTLbmGsJzAxIy/s1600/IMG_9466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzFt2zsOjkcU6ZcU7R7NXhYUblI9yRuo8P6m087HWiuyc1X1jpOnorKKx1rl3nj3UliADHRDrjbBk3zNHxcA2f61t4V-HHE9bcB6fhp3loPsqtxUNtGlFHFQ_cUJFsH5KTLbmGsJzAxIy/s640/IMG_9466.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoOWC9kahlBqJGqmIBt3xrkKizbTihvfipVQkhYPCocuOPzuFWedeE5kTsxpjc2QDfMPmRbLVHIQ4yAcGLTJ3Jbfqn5t5vgu-fqR6JM2ogdI0FEaTMFJCceWj8UWGPDOpFjQRttAlMAky/s1600/IMG_9473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoOWC9kahlBqJGqmIBt3xrkKizbTihvfipVQkhYPCocuOPzuFWedeE5kTsxpjc2QDfMPmRbLVHIQ4yAcGLTJ3Jbfqn5t5vgu-fqR6JM2ogdI0FEaTMFJCceWj8UWGPDOpFjQRttAlMAky/s640/IMG_9473.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We
stayed with Amberlee's friends in a tiny apartment where we climbed to
the rooftop for a panoramic view of the city. We drank Six Point beers
until we couldn't keep our eyes open. We went out for bagels and pizza and pickles from
a "real" deli. We rode the subway, ahem, the <i>train</i>, and Clementine
charmed even the most morose looking takers of public transportation. We
saw Times Square and hated it. Rockefeller Center had too many people
and so we pushed our stroller through the crowds and made our way to
Central Park. But not before I popped into the Lego store...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_rt3BaTFWouH_3G1ocGXOh_BvuWlsDvChuPpR381CmVeApC91NIYi441FIE5rt1pOrCQvC47o1yFAoQg40AZV7qnYQj9gB5p8ATKlTcWqx62K1k1pg_8u_Q9ZPBrVsjdHCRe11WWVFZf/s1600/IMG_9496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_rt3BaTFWouH_3G1ocGXOh_BvuWlsDvChuPpR381CmVeApC91NIYi441FIE5rt1pOrCQvC47o1yFAoQg40AZV7qnYQj9gB5p8ATKlTcWqx62K1k1pg_8u_Q9ZPBrVsjdHCRe11WWVFZf/s640/IMG_9496.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZZkmrFoz7gseQtihqzMi_XQOkHlwFN7-FHaBCmRJK6Ppfom8quUesv_dbGYYUUEH335of9LDqO0HsDGq96ocqTCseiZfqc37csM3KJs5BMK1Ii9n9ILktjGqhxVSBunuJj8zpcmfG0aa/s1600/IMG_9503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZZkmrFoz7gseQtihqzMi_XQOkHlwFN7-FHaBCmRJK6Ppfom8quUesv_dbGYYUUEH335of9LDqO0HsDGq96ocqTCseiZfqc37csM3KJs5BMK1Ii9n9ILktjGqhxVSBunuJj8zpcmfG0aa/s640/IMG_9503.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76nnC3wDY2uPeE7HeG396EmqjCAUB0dUxYDt3cRrRAdePIzFUF673-4SPtor4F39g9UDe_v9BCOu9fwO7n_ZqaVdUw7LPi24LqPC7YjiVJ4_IOBfScyFieWSLrJSROcMMVtsWi8tQ4XIT/s1600/IMG_9509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76nnC3wDY2uPeE7HeG396EmqjCAUB0dUxYDt3cRrRAdePIzFUF673-4SPtor4F39g9UDe_v9BCOu9fwO7n_ZqaVdUw7LPi24LqPC7YjiVJ4_IOBfScyFieWSLrJSROcMMVtsWi8tQ4XIT/s640/IMG_9509.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6VJZHtaf7HXlOViv7yB-6sRacDZeVml6V3IgEUwN0HgMiqMb1-LgPLPmlOiWCZegLBLspBO5Sw4pVIsuUEpdpUhYIXccr_FnQzwyUPKPaAF5UsuNz8UoHn13iETUJ28wAfEpnlhNHc0f/s1600/IMG_9511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6VJZHtaf7HXlOViv7yB-6sRacDZeVml6V3IgEUwN0HgMiqMb1-LgPLPmlOiWCZegLBLspBO5Sw4pVIsuUEpdpUhYIXccr_FnQzwyUPKPaAF5UsuNz8UoHn13iETUJ28wAfEpnlhNHc0f/s640/IMG_9511.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdbJXa_ZoH2pMf3ZLXMXxzCsCikn6Xm833HhLz9lxbD4-_BSBtdtEZkNRDIGvkl3VRuJ8zkNoUU17KzR-pLiNEPNMC67wX8DRPestrHtjHwFuCwNs0RlPs5HGtGwFekLau6xYzIZqDd-E/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdbJXa_ZoH2pMf3ZLXMXxzCsCikn6Xm833HhLz9lxbD4-_BSBtdtEZkNRDIGvkl3VRuJ8zkNoUU17KzR-pLiNEPNMC67wX8DRPestrHtjHwFuCwNs0RlPs5HGtGwFekLau6xYzIZqDd-E/s640/IMG_9513.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFqmCyYaBaP8BJjisl4KWBsBvUfJlEcZ4y4vZIG5UqqImW0U_4ZxEW6yuV3PuCbxjqQ-xXy8-gC6zh7ABDkl3g2loRiByIbkn1XH2jNkf9FPVv6bwrpgDOXVlJKsDvfh2EEFS70ez47ZD/s1600/IMG_9510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFqmCyYaBaP8BJjisl4KWBsBvUfJlEcZ4y4vZIG5UqqImW0U_4ZxEW6yuV3PuCbxjqQ-xXy8-gC6zh7ABDkl3g2loRiByIbkn1XH2jNkf9FPVv6bwrpgDOXVlJKsDvfh2EEFS70ez47ZD/s640/IMG_9510.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV05NVAkQAF8c-HwYsRb3IGswSZMNYd0Y37Aa_GLRQkvf6B5H9A1BczJgxkhZEQrThByLjUpOx-plDbuNOXqK85KKQV-K2vaZ6a4l30sy08uuSGIDIiBATqm7vYgbyDjro0Jg3gj1o5lg0/s1600/IMG_9529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV05NVAkQAF8c-HwYsRb3IGswSZMNYd0Y37Aa_GLRQkvf6B5H9A1BczJgxkhZEQrThByLjUpOx-plDbuNOXqK85KKQV-K2vaZ6a4l30sy08uuSGIDIiBATqm7vYgbyDjro0Jg3gj1o5lg0/s640/IMG_9529.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WIAaRgEwMGfTsQAevjBfuahaauI-fIE0GcNz05NkdMf5B9Qj9kLtBZZcMxl1e-f5n4LIQlpIyHRN2CXjyJl-xNVN-i3kELe5fD_avbVqDxDTaxsdxgLTHPo8Rnaq1HE4rZajv5dFpfPd/s1600/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WIAaRgEwMGfTsQAevjBfuahaauI-fIE0GcNz05NkdMf5B9Qj9kLtBZZcMxl1e-f5n4LIQlpIyHRN2CXjyJl-xNVN-i3kELe5fD_avbVqDxDTaxsdxgLTHPo8Rnaq1HE4rZajv5dFpfPd/s640/IMG_9534.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnTPFmSfKWJ3EAZ26rFmrQ_FDels3QoDbYR40mkSHhabCI4UibrsRgripyvYZYWt45YzuadXzj3VOASa5r_QNysj6Wt8miBL30XRi6El7Eq47iBQDlbdnAcUuDhfDjgrBQXmuCIdhjc5c/s1600/IMG_9539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnTPFmSfKWJ3EAZ26rFmrQ_FDels3QoDbYR40mkSHhabCI4UibrsRgripyvYZYWt45YzuadXzj3VOASa5r_QNysj6Wt8miBL30XRi6El7Eq47iBQDlbdnAcUuDhfDjgrBQXmuCIdhjc5c/s640/IMG_9539.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
New
York was cold and dirty and breathtakingly beautiful. I felt small and
insignificant and anonymous and alive. My feet ached and everything was
covered in snot and cracker crumbs. My face hurt from smiling. Amberlee
spilled coffee all over her pants. Clementine's cheeks were rosy and
her fingers turned to ice. We loved you, New York, but it was time to go
back to DC.<br />
<br />
Tollroads. Travel stations. Utz road
snacks. A fruitless quest for Kandy Kakes. Changing a stand up poopy
diaper in a New Jersey bathroom. Tomato pie. It had been a long time
since Amberlee and I had been on a road trip together, and this one did
not disappoint.<br />
<br />
Old Town Alexandria:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9WM2I37dgIUDTjdRFMg_pWcqfCa1sOk37z7uI8ZwKRwXQCY2mbzsnLc8IxjP4C1Ycmt62WWLBdFO4tXgikGV_yiXmXr5U3pfhGA3-PBqIJNnOaawFIKSX_cTriaVfOgnzrXSO1F4PsL1/s1600/IMG_9544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9WM2I37dgIUDTjdRFMg_pWcqfCa1sOk37z7uI8ZwKRwXQCY2mbzsnLc8IxjP4C1Ycmt62WWLBdFO4tXgikGV_yiXmXr5U3pfhGA3-PBqIJNnOaawFIKSX_cTriaVfOgnzrXSO1F4PsL1/s640/IMG_9544.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQSjKFZt_tSr17ukfmiZt1w7SYSvqY8hxjmX2AQ3vJXmirT6E98nwX57SIE5pTrQa4NmBLP_RLqnf3QY1wOtoatixzlpja1yhQAHt_nHNR9FwyT0DDuleewzzhcaG4prWJEV-yn96HDI/s1600/IMG_9548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQSjKFZt_tSr17ukfmiZt1w7SYSvqY8hxjmX2AQ3vJXmirT6E98nwX57SIE5pTrQa4NmBLP_RLqnf3QY1wOtoatixzlpja1yhQAHt_nHNR9FwyT0DDuleewzzhcaG4prWJEV-yn96HDI/s1600/IMG_9548.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX99HXDUmTG5yI9iAW0Qmai43PtE_wF_P5ft_qBzzVMdlE1fGPTOUWvXj1kLzSHRWlF1DkDp-iAJ-3aS4IEB3RdqFNJ3BLKS1hUUJ0_IkGrs6hfjF8x24SUpEDbt4AuDrUrDN4xoV_nIw/s1600/IMG_9555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX99HXDUmTG5yI9iAW0Qmai43PtE_wF_P5ft_qBzzVMdlE1fGPTOUWvXj1kLzSHRWlF1DkDp-iAJ-3aS4IEB3RdqFNJ3BLKS1hUUJ0_IkGrs6hfjF8x24SUpEDbt4AuDrUrDN4xoV_nIw/s1600/IMG_9555.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOTUzs9S0I4uWLDZ8QtaeW-T1WmESu-svOVitidT7r-k5HshbeaBYshHfgkgwmFYGeb7VN65CDAGhZYpwmqNsPZ9A5-MHtxMucCh6HaHKIzK6R_IgVfZIip3AmRcdlKIgf3FzeIFTDnU/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOTUzs9S0I4uWLDZ8QtaeW-T1WmESu-svOVitidT7r-k5HshbeaBYshHfgkgwmFYGeb7VN65CDAGhZYpwmqNsPZ9A5-MHtxMucCh6HaHKIzK6R_IgVfZIip3AmRcdlKIgf3FzeIFTDnU/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmx_oaiUDp-h6wN8zZmVtMEOwW2krp8aEj2z-axEzIy6e0Y8RKYhvVYKSvwFcyfK1B_PKdwGRzwMmC0wQcrAsReZGQT7QJ0TSPPmgiaDqobDmaL0OmWVUIV6mgFbWLLs4dHIunVbXBB5g/s1600/IMG_9561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmx_oaiUDp-h6wN8zZmVtMEOwW2krp8aEj2z-axEzIy6e0Y8RKYhvVYKSvwFcyfK1B_PKdwGRzwMmC0wQcrAsReZGQT7QJ0TSPPmgiaDqobDmaL0OmWVUIV6mgFbWLLs4dHIunVbXBB5g/s1600/IMG_9561.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We
stayed in for New Years and put Clementine to bed early. The evening
was spent drinking wine and champagne, eating cheese and crackers and
leftover pizza from New Jersey, and playing Phase-10. We missed the ball
drop, which was fine with me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcavHg5s7tgkFXSiJ0no8QkNAGWkXDL-ifGUvKiL4TSGfE6hogCh_TB5-oK4gJXZvC6_9vSf4YvOiQ3SqzO8QJczNtqI3b1a0snm1IF1g7OTiTOCAdG3DJ7NPbDD2_lhdJu6Q6-y6hP4/s1600/IMG_9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcavHg5s7tgkFXSiJ0no8QkNAGWkXDL-ifGUvKiL4TSGfE6hogCh_TB5-oK4gJXZvC6_9vSf4YvOiQ3SqzO8QJczNtqI3b1a0snm1IF1g7OTiTOCAdG3DJ7NPbDD2_lhdJu6Q6-y6hP4/s1600/IMG_9565.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWauuSU3l_dZf9SMLo95mZzX8lVA_x2I2lR0jwyLQMbu6sz2w_5B4EJl8DDSg2giMvP0oe-ii-s5O9O6NqAxAVv_H_8no-gvjL6ErKPwbsZWGbJvYMjwWfBCkZ_y2eCvG0KRZmNVdFPrE/s1600/IMG_9572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWauuSU3l_dZf9SMLo95mZzX8lVA_x2I2lR0jwyLQMbu6sz2w_5B4EJl8DDSg2giMvP0oe-ii-s5O9O6NqAxAVv_H_8no-gvjL6ErKPwbsZWGbJvYMjwWfBCkZ_y2eCvG0KRZmNVdFPrE/s1600/IMG_9572.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
New
Years Day was brilliant sunshine and a trip to Baltimore. I had always
wanted to make a pilgrimage to Edgar Allan Poe's grave (I am a big fan!)
and Amberlee made it happen. Clementine did not bring the wine or the
rose, in case you were wondering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykQAQJR_hQcIR_KciDxSh3W7oMht3R187vccG8Csb0il5zEepiVBrNVoGAgZJPfj6AhJ4tVExzSQyN8e5yGa1Ek79lqYUjmCqSe59JBkBd4alQYCrZo-hgkgT-rq91ljNRid6IJYgIzk/s1600/IMG_9591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykQAQJR_hQcIR_KciDxSh3W7oMht3R187vccG8Csb0il5zEepiVBrNVoGAgZJPfj6AhJ4tVExzSQyN8e5yGa1Ek79lqYUjmCqSe59JBkBd4alQYCrZo-hgkgT-rq91ljNRid6IJYgIzk/s1600/IMG_9591.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmFqT7ai9W6D0gP7ozmILlrLJ70-Qi3b7cSh9b6LBgjjOGIqsdxnkqVJwaOsdIm7bEBkG6qX6TsTXIQJn2gM3EZ0fuFFBbrEZPDaG739uGaAMkXYgExn4LP09m5rrclLH_TBiz7Qdlrc/s1600/IMG_9603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmFqT7ai9W6D0gP7ozmILlrLJ70-Qi3b7cSh9b6LBgjjOGIqsdxnkqVJwaOsdIm7bEBkG6qX6TsTXIQJn2gM3EZ0fuFFBbrEZPDaG739uGaAMkXYgExn4LP09m5rrclLH_TBiz7Qdlrc/s1600/IMG_9603.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbY2eWpzACNuqEkGzmPjF7dIyWwaxc4WO9pmoG2UUE_8dHDcaM0yaBkTeTGAL751BiTRhpXZkaI7Q8FqrIHDhf-mAerP97wwnCVQNwUppm6-DLY-6PcOY6hzwnJV_ag05qJBM9Ne0PB0/s1600/IMG_9608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbY2eWpzACNuqEkGzmPjF7dIyWwaxc4WO9pmoG2UUE_8dHDcaM0yaBkTeTGAL751BiTRhpXZkaI7Q8FqrIHDhf-mAerP97wwnCVQNwUppm6-DLY-6PcOY6hzwnJV_ag05qJBM9Ne0PB0/s1600/IMG_9608.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I
had read online about the Poe House, where he had once lived with his
cousin/wife which was now a small tourist museum. According to the
website, the museum was closed and the reviews on this place were pretty
interesting. The Poe House is in an apparently rough part of Baltimore,
so reviewers were saying things like "Don't go there unless you have a
bullet proof vest" and "We tried to go but the cops pulled us over and
told us to get out of that neighborhood." <br />
<br />
So naturally we went.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJc8cKD8A-Pe6_MoObd5w4ksX-O3kFNx0C6KCTTlU8HarJXzJ-CQMdtXzyMZSxNaxVnbZTuqgAjmOmKLgQJWVBbZHDieye4lgfx2noLGeMzasnLuDKOATu0TaB43IHSEr7eGVFsWCkos/s1600/IMG_9612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJc8cKD8A-Pe6_MoObd5w4ksX-O3kFNx0C6KCTTlU8HarJXzJ-CQMdtXzyMZSxNaxVnbZTuqgAjmOmKLgQJWVBbZHDieye4lgfx2noLGeMzasnLuDKOATu0TaB43IHSEr7eGVFsWCkos/s1600/IMG_9612.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We
tried to go to the Annabel Lee Tavern (I told you I am a big fan), but
it was also closed for the holiday. So instead we went to a 24 hour
diner which was supposed to have some of Baltimore's finest crab cakes.
My pacific northwest dungeness crab loving palate could not stomach the
Maryland blue crab, so it's a good thing I liked the Natty Boh so much.<br />
<br />
It
had been a long time since I'd lived out of a backpack. Since I'd slept
the sleep of a person who has walked nine miles and woken to wonder
what new territory I'd be covering that day. It had been a long time
since I'd been so tired or hungry or so smashed into complete strangers
on subways. I hadn't smelled city smells since I can remember, or felt
that real raw, grittiness of urban life. It had been a long time since
I'd washed city grime from my face and hair or smelled the subway on my
clothes. And for Clementine, it was a week of firsts. She proved to us
over and over again that she is a traveler, just like her mom and her
mom's best friend.<br />
<br />
I think this girl of mine will go far in this world. And if I'm lucky, maybe I'll get to go along, too.Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-65240264673113091262013-12-22T22:31:00.001-08:002014-03-22T13:25:21.885-07:00DIY Elf and Yoga with the Swans<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCyaQRHa_a_nXuYPSn6T_PNrmG4YE_V_IAGbsT7aE6ml6I8tg-NY9UWJ1AkmFwRhjrhnVNC8-OiKf6bmQ3CoyFfawT19L1Efy6MqfRXv8qPoY-ftR9HiV8Gh9YxFxqJgcrSNZ0kjjT2yj/s1600/IMG_9292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCyaQRHa_a_nXuYPSn6T_PNrmG4YE_V_IAGbsT7aE6ml6I8tg-NY9UWJ1AkmFwRhjrhnVNC8-OiKf6bmQ3CoyFfawT19L1Efy6MqfRXv8qPoY-ftR9HiV8Gh9YxFxqJgcrSNZ0kjjT2yj/s640/IMG_9292.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A very important package arrived in the mail this week. Yep, that's right, Santa sent us our own Elf on the Shelf. Now, the keen eye might detect a resemblance between this elf and some dolls I have made in the past, but my children do not have keen eyes yet, so it's all good. (If you are curious, about DIY Elves on the Shelves, take a look <a href="http://justmeprints.blogspot.com/2013/11/diy-elf-on-shelf.html" target="_blank">here</a> for inspiration.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZRzgRRgKHsp-DlmElPyGcRD8nQ8_xdyeus7Yf4ChGDwCnHm6OViHeSPE1XyO9uQ5Xu5JO_Kwy68QF6eALaTltfNy85IWc_nW8p1y_7_ka7rn8FOcdba3TCtPNwekEvVBTIMyEk51KUXv/s1600/IMG_9301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZRzgRRgKHsp-DlmElPyGcRD8nQ8_xdyeus7Yf4ChGDwCnHm6OViHeSPE1XyO9uQ5Xu5JO_Kwy68QF6eALaTltfNy85IWc_nW8p1y_7_ka7rn8FOcdba3TCtPNwekEvVBTIMyEk51KUXv/s640/IMG_9301.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I realize that the Elf on the Shelf craze probably peaked two Christmases ago, but I am usually slow to embrace current trends and so I'm perpetually running a few years behind everyone else. So now I have an Elf on the Shelf, own several pairs of skinny jeans, and have decided to try hot yoga.<br />
<br />
Deciding to try something and actually trying it are two different things in my world. Recently I have tentatively stuck my big toe into the vast ocean that is yoga, but following along to yoga DVDs while wearing pajamas in my living room was getting old fast. So when my friend Kate found a Groupon for hot yoga classes, I was all about it, in spite of my limitations when it comes to following directions and any sort of organized movement. The thing about Kate, besides her perfect hair, is that she makes anything possible. I think the proof of this lies in the fact that I've made it this far through teaching sixth grade... Also, she has this obscenely adorable baby:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw5zmENrhxAGTZvccZOlj2umtC5xxHsOF0jGueERKrq8L0Pku2HffA1GoSKZPmrutq445IzizgzmU1Ts7XV_H9baled4Urr5HggTx6UXxOUfqms9Axb3-qOz3h44FiAPD6l7tLC8VTGpT/s1600/IMG_9257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw5zmENrhxAGTZvccZOlj2umtC5xxHsOF0jGueERKrq8L0Pku2HffA1GoSKZPmrutq445IzizgzmU1Ts7XV_H9baled4Urr5HggTx6UXxOUfqms9Axb3-qOz3h44FiAPD6l7tLC8VTGpT/s640/IMG_9257.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, adding to this quickly spiraling cycle of awesomeness was the fact that my friend Alexa teaches at the yoga studio! And in addition to knowing my deficiencies/challenges (both physical and otherwise), Alexa is a crazy talented teacher, which is exactly what I needed. It would take some crazy talent to get a gangly klutz like me doing hot yoga in a room full of strangers, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
More holiday merriment while I build intrigue for the story of my first yoga class.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTisDCvyMeJYnmREG1XIkg7K0ooU4Hxle1sdFVwjfuvxGVl3C1rQPbOhyphenhyphenU04BAroqqhNk5VxMtr6OOahUQH_1f4m4mOVvBS8KGUgbwjKPfEmJYgWQ-kwSZsIZ6o_CDNl-qyw3H3YhQ3wrD/s1600/IMG_9302.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTisDCvyMeJYnmREG1XIkg7K0ooU4Hxle1sdFVwjfuvxGVl3C1rQPbOhyphenhyphenU04BAroqqhNk5VxMtr6OOahUQH_1f4m4mOVvBS8KGUgbwjKPfEmJYgWQ-kwSZsIZ6o_CDNl-qyw3H3YhQ3wrD/s640/IMG_9302.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7VJPGho2c-A6yIh13FcHO9AQBrpNWVGDj7I-GAPACpEWrCLoNkcxGTRK4AQVt5Ph9TePD3w98EbKR1UtafIaomBWw137FMKwm-Dwoc1yOlnb6uLg-0lxY5w4KrwJmqNWfjpikEkxJ5G5/s1600/IMG_9268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7VJPGho2c-A6yIh13FcHO9AQBrpNWVGDj7I-GAPACpEWrCLoNkcxGTRK4AQVt5Ph9TePD3w98EbKR1UtafIaomBWw137FMKwm-Dwoc1yOlnb6uLg-0lxY5w4KrwJmqNWfjpikEkxJ5G5/s640/IMG_9268.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0T8tYDopca95T4DKGaZ2k30tMTrcCmH_cLTsQfohO8FXQaZplo113Ak0wKY8qw42mXqUNBZgg85MaVYcPcWEXyBPsLCe_JW_DAH51-BNXySb3wGNvK5NKvrQKy-C1iR64zDfFVdQzCrV/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0T8tYDopca95T4DKGaZ2k30tMTrcCmH_cLTsQfohO8FXQaZplo113Ak0wKY8qw42mXqUNBZgg85MaVYcPcWEXyBPsLCe_JW_DAH51-BNXySb3wGNvK5NKvrQKy-C1iR64zDfFVdQzCrV/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0T8tYDopca95T4DKGaZ2k30tMTrcCmH_cLTsQfohO8FXQaZplo113Ak0wKY8qw42mXqUNBZgg85MaVYcPcWEXyBPsLCe_JW_DAH51-BNXySb3wGNvK5NKvrQKy-C1iR64zDfFVdQzCrV/s640/IMG_9324.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kate and I committed to a class on Sunday morning. On Saturday she texted me reminding me that I should be hydrating. I was hydrating all right, but not in the way I should have been. There was wine, then some pear cider followed by beer. What can I say? I had seven kids in my house making candy sleighs, these were dark times. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wasn't sure what I should wear until I remembered that I had actual yoga pants that I had purchased years ago and had worn for a variety of purposes, but never for actual yoga. Perfect, I thought.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kate arrived to pick me up bright and early and we equipped ourselves with water bottles (I was cramming for finals with the hydration at this point) and I walked to the closet to grab us some towels.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Oh, we don't need to bring towels," Kate confidently informed me. And because Kate knows everything, my yoga pants and I followed her out the door sans towels.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We arrived and checked in for our class, immediately feeling intimidated by our classmates. Alexa tried to put as at ease, explaining that there were plenty of other newbs in the class that day. "Did you see her?" Kate whispered at me as we unrolled our borrowed mats at the back of the room, gesturing at one of the other first-timers. "She's like 6 feet tall and a professional athlete!" </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The room was HOT. I sort of couldn't breath as Kate and I waited for class to start and whispered to each other about whether or not it was okay to be whispering. The humidity was rolling over us in waves and the smell of tea tree oil hung pleasantly in the air. As someone who is chronically cold, I was actually enjoying the warmth, though it would have been nice to be able to breathe.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Class started and Alexa went fast. I was downward dogging and sun saluting and planking my way right along just fine for about five minutes. Then the directions started getting kind of confusing. Something about my left "peace fingers" and the inside of my right knee and pushing my feet into the ground and extending my back... forehead to the what? I twisted myself up into a pretzel and hoped I was doing okay. They have you looking into a mirror the whole time, which I suppose would help most people, but for me that just made the whole left/right thing more of a challenge. I was a sweaty mess, teetering on some extremity and praying I wouldn't topple over and send us all down like dominoes. And then I make the mistake of looking over at Kate. She is a swan, serenely stretching across the mat in total synchronicity with the rest of the flock. Meanwhile I am playing a game of solitary Twister. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Time goes on. We contort ourselves into frogs and trees. I am a warrior. Sweat drips into my eyes and mouth. I start to really wish I had a fucking towel. The swan sweats gracefully beside me floating her feet and extending her arms as if she has rehearsed this choreography before. I am now sweating so much that I contemplate taking off my yoga pants. Would that be weird? What underwear am I wearing? Am I delirious? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
75 minutes later it's all over. I am a wet noodle as the swan and I gather our things. The room is definitely not smelling like tea tree oil at this point. I realize that hot yoga reminds me a lot of natural childbirth. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I came home to unsigned Christmas cards, two pairs of boys' pajamas that apparently aren't going to sew themselves, a Christmas Eve dinner menu to plan, a missing stocking to locate, and an Elf who can't seem to keep himself out of trouble. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But if I can survive hot yoga, I'm sure Christmas 2013 will be a piece of cake. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
PS: Kate, you bring the towels next time, k?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-22795957486351030762013-12-12T22:28:00.000-08:002013-12-12T22:28:51.892-08:00Saved by the Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I came home from work last Thursday with a ridiculous to-do list.There were so many things going on: crepe making supplies to purchase for my French class, Christmas card photos to order, pies to assemble for my friend Peter who had graciously agreed to let me raffle off the privilege of throwing a pie in his face to my sixth graders, my knock-off Elf on the Shelf sewing project (more on that later) to finish, Christmas jammies to begin, an Egypt unit to plan, a loved one in the hospital to visit, the advent calendar to stuff, a zombie party to mentally prepare for, and, oh shit, what was I supposed to bring to the staff Christmas party on Friday? Etc.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Mom, can I sew a pillow?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"What are we having for dinner?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Did anyone feed the dog today?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You get the picture. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes I can roll with all of this. Some days I am checking items off my list and taking names. Often I am amazed at what I can actually get done in a day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But on Thursday it was all too much. There was a lot of talk about potential winter weather that night, and so I rolled the dice and banked on a snow day for Friday. In other words, I did NOTHING on Thursday night. Not one single thing. Well, I did have a beer and put my feet up, of course, but I did not touch any of those pressing items on my to-do list.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And on Friday we woke up to this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsVKqaFH1XNEIfc-61mXm9YRwR1WEjganxLqQOpApXR8EYYQ-gnzrrzyaijy1X0fln_BT5fLyIWxiY8sCkSEVFuV9XIuobX-8ggqFRxAoUWgIV-R9looClO__mLdQkLljsIEwofBT5pfw/s1600/IMG_9076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsVKqaFH1XNEIfc-61mXm9YRwR1WEjganxLqQOpApXR8EYYQ-gnzrrzyaijy1X0fln_BT5fLyIWxiY8sCkSEVFuV9XIuobX-8ggqFRxAoUWgIV-R9looClO__mLdQkLljsIEwofBT5pfw/s640/IMG_9076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQlHrHaJy3Qdd7RGV9OiJ0dXz1FiErrdOaxF4zs5ohhLHru-nOEA8xWzkzdh2XidOzZvbnYFJHfgK4-tkVkixRi7km29qYu-rfKUkVYf25ytzxGYWh_rgAaD18k4BINroLF8EjAwLb6GI/s1600/IMG_9097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQlHrHaJy3Qdd7RGV9OiJ0dXz1FiErrdOaxF4zs5ohhLHru-nOEA8xWzkzdh2XidOzZvbnYFJHfgK4-tkVkixRi7km29qYu-rfKUkVYf25ytzxGYWh_rgAaD18k4BINroLF8EjAwLb6GI/s640/IMG_9097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintHdqiZPgg0QI96Ipagha5_XL6HhD6bjM73zL2-BMebKumTzKKuHWeTz_w7Dl2xRWRkZCYLEnaXcz7-fBm8tNOBijuLlMshucJP5HpDCcvYtx0fZZV1uDNiMlFdIWcV3SttOti5rg0EdW/s1600/IMG_9102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintHdqiZPgg0QI96Ipagha5_XL6HhD6bjM73zL2-BMebKumTzKKuHWeTz_w7Dl2xRWRkZCYLEnaXcz7-fBm8tNOBijuLlMshucJP5HpDCcvYtx0fZZV1uDNiMlFdIWcV3SttOti5rg0EdW/s640/IMG_9102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDV4KB-t0KBfciq8f1pqZRfDw1BLWzYO1F-e4TcaeyZUgjLlDe4KEW4elYvjDVMhPBOX0S9Ly2vWldNRK-gLSEW_RdInFYY1_xKinG5gt3cd0TVb9miHSnwz90xluKGoKOJLzLspc2LYY/s1600/IMG_9115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDV4KB-t0KBfciq8f1pqZRfDw1BLWzYO1F-e4TcaeyZUgjLlDe4KEW4elYvjDVMhPBOX0S9Ly2vWldNRK-gLSEW_RdInFYY1_xKinG5gt3cd0TVb9miHSnwz90xluKGoKOJLzLspc2LYY/s640/IMG_9115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIr3_K7ynJcv4rpwlpnmu8gO6fTQAYQ73KMVCTzSIFlg7ThMq3j2zFx_FSLS2Ia3RNP2AxDclDGhYWbssmdZbhxHWU2vZUu8aVrqk3dbUwv2nDceVKmYhVuyiCg0pJEc4n1NuBLzGU6R3/s1600/IMG_9124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIr3_K7ynJcv4rpwlpnmu8gO6fTQAYQ73KMVCTzSIFlg7ThMq3j2zFx_FSLS2Ia3RNP2AxDclDGhYWbssmdZbhxHWU2vZUu8aVrqk3dbUwv2nDceVKmYhVuyiCg0pJEc4n1NuBLzGU6R3/s640/IMG_9124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We thought we scored with a three day weekend. I finished the elf and planned for Egypt. Brent ordered the Christmas card photos. The parties were canceled. Clementine joined me for yoga meltdown.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGQUlAe9oXz8Bc__mOhNkO_WDgm46e-ElscI_iAHIC72pcBUGKSimO3u4Ij3pk-p_k_cV5N7NcVkwJXS4XmICYIwCDv_e8CxsAkE1-X3kMG0AIroxAcTfHmgsNz5SO5QVWO4owXs4CudG/s1600/IMG_9073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGQUlAe9oXz8Bc__mOhNkO_WDgm46e-ElscI_iAHIC72pcBUGKSimO3u4Ij3pk-p_k_cV5N7NcVkwJXS4XmICYIwCDv_e8CxsAkE1-X3kMG0AIroxAcTfHmgsNz5SO5QVWO4owXs4CudG/s640/IMG_9073.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiqGYlnEcBjWNwEjrBjCHn8BpXMkMbBcSO9ZHW72ZNEadkJC34MSq2Eq_GqK_JGK-PWz8LJYPCZzC5Bqu-NNAk6i7D8TX3pAxaR-DGPMsYeAcNHrFYyi4Ijn52SYXVgM0knJcDCP2FpwC/s1600/IMG_9140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiqGYlnEcBjWNwEjrBjCHn8BpXMkMbBcSO9ZHW72ZNEadkJC34MSq2Eq_GqK_JGK-PWz8LJYPCZzC5Bqu-NNAk6i7D8TX3pAxaR-DGPMsYeAcNHrFYyi4Ijn52SYXVgM0knJcDCP2FpwC/s640/IMG_9140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As the weekend wore on, I entertained the idea that I might not be going back to work on Monday. Little did I know...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxNY6trLC38917d0iusYrCV01TkJRz2E56QvfUAqreYUS1PvtQFsm4qNi_qK7iwwtTkWGHyJo_mD1AyLcrQY2xOzqpsomqHrL2QtVViMLv_vofOzO3CwkBzIikY-Lyb1FtRoUfQxmhdDZ/s1600/IMG_9158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxNY6trLC38917d0iusYrCV01TkJRz2E56QvfUAqreYUS1PvtQFsm4qNi_qK7iwwtTkWGHyJo_mD1AyLcrQY2xOzqpsomqHrL2QtVViMLv_vofOzO3CwkBzIikY-Lyb1FtRoUfQxmhdDZ/s640/IMG_9158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Brent and the boys discovered the perfect sledding hill in our neighborhood. Since the rules don't apply around here when it snows, it was also the perfect off-leash dog park...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQVYlJNQ9NQMVOPPfaLnqtNyJ9WB_iJ5SYRIy36bPVH_vTjf0-hhiTvkTjiINp2s8gsclJbuW2Dq7QOUcgK0JhYnIwAQsJtWmbV1Of1rWh0THWXF6GP47ybfu_1ZwxZLyswphpVvxxM6u/s1600/IMG_9171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQVYlJNQ9NQMVOPPfaLnqtNyJ9WB_iJ5SYRIy36bPVH_vTjf0-hhiTvkTjiINp2s8gsclJbuW2Dq7QOUcgK0JhYnIwAQsJtWmbV1Of1rWh0THWXF6GP47ybfu_1ZwxZLyswphpVvxxM6u/s640/IMG_9171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
By Sunday we realized that the snow wasn't going anywhere. I was feeling itchy to get the Christmas tree up and so Brent and the boys walked down the road and found one at a local lot. They pulled it home on a sled. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Omx_3HEVKtCk4A25rTnkCdsrfrc9g6uL01jv_y3y78l-sMQk3p2IHgQeOfEl0gG-WECxX4YTytwUyjBTI5Q_6EmecCKb4nCkNF6sIgMteLeTtP7JBOkckxpBO9QG7qmsM3c4MDBbjUNR/s1600/IMG_9208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Omx_3HEVKtCk4A25rTnkCdsrfrc9g6uL01jv_y3y78l-sMQk3p2IHgQeOfEl0gG-WECxX4YTytwUyjBTI5Q_6EmecCKb4nCkNF6sIgMteLeTtP7JBOkckxpBO9QG7qmsM3c4MDBbjUNR/s640/IMG_9208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vgOxm0Nn5xLAnM5sqes61igsIw-G9DEMKpdgcnMi3igfLRezFISxeo93j7Q1RW5NLAOToVNjO0vg2oeGH6VSySq2xE-DLOx5_WcprVLtL6UITnKky9mHAjZyq-yaQkxKt_pkjJ8tAj6J/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vgOxm0Nn5xLAnM5sqes61igsIw-G9DEMKpdgcnMi3igfLRezFISxeo93j7Q1RW5NLAOToVNjO0vg2oeGH6VSySq2xE-DLOx5_WcprVLtL6UITnKky9mHAjZyq-yaQkxKt_pkjJ8tAj6J/s640/IMG_9248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
School was canceled on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We filled our days with sledding and playdates, movies and popcorn, the Nutcracker and pizza with friends, legos and Christmas books by the fire, and Uno and cookies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPD792dZu4ZYwudHDXBpgJtNoJCzLOBOxM6Q_eCMQJzMLXg-p4hahTBNG1b6yJ44qGpMdgt3JttA4pmGpsi8DFYUt8gJsfxEjkfuH9l-bhfQci-iMgdysPhAzx5aiBi9H2EZubn6SMFl9K/s1600/IMG_9218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPD792dZu4ZYwudHDXBpgJtNoJCzLOBOxM6Q_eCMQJzMLXg-p4hahTBNG1b6yJ44qGpMdgt3JttA4pmGpsi8DFYUt8gJsfxEjkfuH9l-bhfQci-iMgdysPhAzx5aiBi9H2EZubn6SMFl9K/s640/IMG_9218.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k4GXil44Acswbz1tdx6snDx2lybgCOOf2YtNlbyprO1dD0ru6qFnTsEVOr3ab9IqPGDHabwHLwHDkoFWxdSfcYY3sMGrLDmj5gSxsrVqlabOq0nD8N35aCfH9VL-zBlKY7K9_II-aPMQ/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k4GXil44Acswbz1tdx6snDx2lybgCOOf2YtNlbyprO1dD0ru6qFnTsEVOr3ab9IqPGDHabwHLwHDkoFWxdSfcYY3sMGrLDmj5gSxsrVqlabOq0nD8N35aCfH9VL-zBlKY7K9_II-aPMQ/s640/IMG_9219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI3tJdlCt57-TLrt0FP-vNYaj05HGraVNxk88MEZMZIvmntU2LQh4zYjJ4R8Uk9KGOXdIgc8v782xNHkXaXjOituUlk0-vBmc9QRuZNMNv_KDumKzZh-z-UZA01clGZoast_1H61iXemY/s1600/IMG_9243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI3tJdlCt57-TLrt0FP-vNYaj05HGraVNxk88MEZMZIvmntU2LQh4zYjJ4R8Uk9KGOXdIgc8v782xNHkXaXjOituUlk0-vBmc9QRuZNMNv_KDumKzZh-z-UZA01clGZoast_1H61iXemY/s640/IMG_9243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I will have to go back to work tomorrow. We finished up all of Jack's homework for the week while decorating sugar cookies tonight, Jubelale in hand, Christmas songs on Pandora. Our washing machine froze during the storm and I've just about made it through the seven loads of laundry that had piled up.<br />
<br />
The Egypt unit is totally fucked. The crepes and pie throwing can wait. <br />
<br />
My loved one is on the mend in the hospital across town.<br />
<br />
Friday, I'm ready! I've totally got this.<br />
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-50909345483031106692013-11-30T15:33:00.000-08:002013-11-30T15:33:35.158-08:00Thanksgiving Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the past four years it has been our Thanksgiving tradition to spend the long weekend at the beach. This year was different because my dad and Mary couldn't join us. We thought about staying home and having Thanksgiving in Eugene, but my dad insisted that we go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we arrived at the beach house and the kids tumbled out of the car into the sunshine, I knew that my dad had been right to send us. We all needed this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You never know what kind of weather you'll get on the Oregon coast in November. For once, Sawyer's shorts and teeshirt combo was the right choice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVZ89K3W0meFCJ34UmNcegx_lxDyoTdVr9MSiT1DB6i4ljS63oP4_Nh8y5ecFxt-cdMMf_VIpDK6wEXgK6ZWgAWNHmFEmPNoO0I708H-e6kWY0jmM6PdSlJ9EFGc7UNG3aDzNO3a_zWG5/s1600/IMG_8859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVZ89K3W0meFCJ34UmNcegx_lxDyoTdVr9MSiT1DB6i4ljS63oP4_Nh8y5ecFxt-cdMMf_VIpDK6wEXgK6ZWgAWNHmFEmPNoO0I708H-e6kWY0jmM6PdSlJ9EFGc7UNG3aDzNO3a_zWG5/s640/IMG_8859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoBSkUKvn3o8g_voqzlJ8LvPPvb0sX-9kN7SJPBJOvqwnWVA4dQQvWkaH51JpHIY5FUWj0mqhNiA6vt-EV1m4elXUbUxfPKHqquF9hFSFwpulNu8iCe3vA172Sj9zBtYlf1vQn2-NbRcV/s1600/IMG_8927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoBSkUKvn3o8g_voqzlJ8LvPPvb0sX-9kN7SJPBJOvqwnWVA4dQQvWkaH51JpHIY5FUWj0mqhNiA6vt-EV1m4elXUbUxfPKHqquF9hFSFwpulNu8iCe3vA172Sj9zBtYlf1vQn2-NbRcV/s640/IMG_8927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qI31oholSBbjyKdIJoWXHIue2Za-Cnt9XQuF5byRLnqmY-OuxeWPLJN_mVrg4f2Gq3oE6R2CV58Y6TJ64tp6ChWt_Cdvn9AAhP_RnQzUnsQDUXm2i7G9poyMzkAEC0MQsaR1EO5Hw0ti/s1600/IMG_8925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qI31oholSBbjyKdIJoWXHIue2Za-Cnt9XQuF5byRLnqmY-OuxeWPLJN_mVrg4f2Gq3oE6R2CV58Y6TJ64tp6ChWt_Cdvn9AAhP_RnQzUnsQDUXm2i7G9poyMzkAEC0MQsaR1EO5Hw0ti/s640/IMG_8925.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0jlqTDpKQzP53UPaApwlKhrLSwfFNHoao1zbGzwacY5sjHBZo9k9qjyxC0CKOwiFmIXgAndJ-nFGkdg-nJJblNHKOZ_9cEdrQ0FFj2jnecaAkitrBlwj5ID1lSd3bnGz909iDSj9-TIx/s1600/IMG_8929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0jlqTDpKQzP53UPaApwlKhrLSwfFNHoao1zbGzwacY5sjHBZo9k9qjyxC0CKOwiFmIXgAndJ-nFGkdg-nJJblNHKOZ_9cEdrQ0FFj2jnecaAkitrBlwj5ID1lSd3bnGz909iDSj9-TIx/s640/IMG_8929.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVI6UD4KbneBoC6gpE-OeiPYXy7M1Tkd8nnaXXC8FQFMuMgt8dHxzxA1D_P7qLNmdgfzvEROC7UJA9XamyLFWvmy8xcuvf8tDhuu0fCL-nSuaUTz4MmRc2Qg2B52nie5j7M_anpx-NZWJx/s1600/IMG_8959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVI6UD4KbneBoC6gpE-OeiPYXy7M1Tkd8nnaXXC8FQFMuMgt8dHxzxA1D_P7qLNmdgfzvEROC7UJA9XamyLFWvmy8xcuvf8tDhuu0fCL-nSuaUTz4MmRc2Qg2B52nie5j7M_anpx-NZWJx/s640/IMG_8959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In 37 years I had never once been in charge of the Thanksgiving meal. We've usually done non-traditional fare like pizza or salmon, but last year Mary made cornish game hen and Jack talked about eating the drumstick for weeks afterwards. This year he requested a Thanksgiving dinner "like you see in the movies."<br />
<br />
Okay.<br />
<br />
So the vegetarian was in charge of cooking a turkey, but as Brent pointed out, with the internet <i>anything</i> is possible. He was right. There was some initial confusion with the neck and the gizzards and the tying of the legs and tucking of the wings, but we managed to pull it off. I am pretty proud of my first turkey, even if I didn't eat any of it...<br />
<br />
Confession: we did not actually sit down to Thanksgiving dinner until almost 8:30, but all those hours of turkey roasting led to a pretty rockin' kitchen dance party which I'm hoping we'll incorporate as a new Thanksgiving tradition in the years to come.<br />
<br />
Especially since more calories burned dancing before dinner means a bigger piece of pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdplbKbNkHCKli5SmTpPW7cTyRcRpMydRVbiZ1Ao2VWhOzApMhssjnScGaxAQUk7k9bvd6uubAK6qkHOsFQutcD5Vg-2EtCr40wz14SIOEDHlu3ZyMpck4GajzrvF_gIvHxhCGgGgi_a5/s1600/IMG_9005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdplbKbNkHCKli5SmTpPW7cTyRcRpMydRVbiZ1Ao2VWhOzApMhssjnScGaxAQUk7k9bvd6uubAK6qkHOsFQutcD5Vg-2EtCr40wz14SIOEDHlu3ZyMpck4GajzrvF_gIvHxhCGgGgi_a5/s640/IMG_9005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAwRqDa4SuKstxSGAqF-ZZa4ACOJTR2hIQ8O9-z0sJse_1qIVS_bX_SlaaORwlAx-4nFDHFuv0f035firDWH4aM4IXHLMwT9Iq5zjWqWCgSsg2iuNIwZ6Ufe7UOgsECf5s3JKKZDDqd1n/s1600/IMG_8862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAwRqDa4SuKstxSGAqF-ZZa4ACOJTR2hIQ8O9-z0sJse_1qIVS_bX_SlaaORwlAx-4nFDHFuv0f035firDWH4aM4IXHLMwT9Iq5zjWqWCgSsg2iuNIwZ6Ufe7UOgsECf5s3JKKZDDqd1n/s640/IMG_8862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxr1umpgy1D0DFF4h0txkJeQnInGQ2ZTDinmlB96hdS7qSYpm28CpylCLST3Jp2XBn6E8wOd4Z1u1XkQHcp26u6IBZSx73xwTA2JCE2PPodB2RSkO-0Q9t_MQymfWr7hfbLMhHG-0p051/s1600/IMG_8884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxr1umpgy1D0DFF4h0txkJeQnInGQ2ZTDinmlB96hdS7qSYpm28CpylCLST3Jp2XBn6E8wOd4Z1u1XkQHcp26u6IBZSx73xwTA2JCE2PPodB2RSkO-0Q9t_MQymfWr7hfbLMhHG-0p051/s640/IMG_8884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM6SNZmv2VbGfbQRufTx3qa0bCfVd9Cblu3zCwGz4ROuQ8sUitY7m0ZPmL-9a2iQZmGEaCTc08zqhC2Rh6g9azJJUSYZYQDt6xvPXALaWTGIR1SsGJUyaP0pvV-xyPljL2W1w1EM6AKyP/s1600/IMG_8898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM6SNZmv2VbGfbQRufTx3qa0bCfVd9Cblu3zCwGz4ROuQ8sUitY7m0ZPmL-9a2iQZmGEaCTc08zqhC2Rh6g9azJJUSYZYQDt6xvPXALaWTGIR1SsGJUyaP0pvV-xyPljL2W1w1EM6AKyP/s640/IMG_8898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHRhxO4G419jx76X2GJ0uas_Hp0WsLxKVgZJPgxjOW9ZzDVUoyR5w93e-txS_qt2wRVdIKcrJm-L05qfZ_njuPsITf6yxWls0eevmT4918mclLzwINGraccK6ne_syOfmzkK94t4jgUEe/s1600/IMG_8902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHRhxO4G419jx76X2GJ0uas_Hp0WsLxKVgZJPgxjOW9ZzDVUoyR5w93e-txS_qt2wRVdIKcrJm-L05qfZ_njuPsITf6yxWls0eevmT4918mclLzwINGraccK6ne_syOfmzkK94t4jgUEe/s640/IMG_8902.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Nick and I have been on this Yoga Meltdown kick which involves us flopping around the living room, toppling over onto each other, and cursing at Jillian Michaels while sweating our asses off.<br />
Sawyer chants half-hearted words of encouragement at us from his vantage point on the couch and occasionally joins us for downward dog. I thought all his enthusiasm for our success was charming until he informed us that he really wants us to get to level two so he can watch Jillian in her <i>blue </i>sports bra.<br />
<br />
I am hoping to get myself back into shape before Christmas so I can totally binge on holiday food. Thank you, Jillian Michaels, for making my pigging out dreams a reality. Probably not what you had in mind when you launched your line of yoga videos, but oh well.<br />
<br />
One more night of Phase-10, a hot tub under a blanket of stars, growler fills from the Yachats Farm Store, Nick's famous Bloody Marys, frisbee on the beach, sand between our toes, and overindulging the kids so that we can have some quality adult conversation.<br />
<br />
This weekend was not exactly what we were expecting, but I guess when life hands you a turkey, you should just go right ahead a make Thanksgiving dinner. Or something like that.<br />
<br />
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-24416156168176933522013-11-25T21:44:00.001-08:002013-11-25T21:44:31.929-08:00Upside Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There have been so many highs and lows in our lives lately that I don't even know where to begin. We have been experiencing a serious health crisis in our extended family for the past week which has wedged some perspective into our busy days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life is full of surprise early Christmas presents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmPC5MKMreyv9Z57vx887VG9WUxsWRGPPQSinp5bjswcJk4WHD5H756sbkkPNyoaAT48xcoJ0BfWEqyVLpzBOFOb6NNj2-o-anhOZQTG5htXLw080vpszZrn103PQTvoT7yCCBwXEbkwb/s1600/IMG_8766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmPC5MKMreyv9Z57vx887VG9WUxsWRGPPQSinp5bjswcJk4WHD5H756sbkkPNyoaAT48xcoJ0BfWEqyVLpzBOFOb6NNj2-o-anhOZQTG5htXLw080vpszZrn103PQTvoT7yCCBwXEbkwb/s640/IMG_8766.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And soccer friends turned basketball buddies. We've juggled siblings on narrow wooden benches while these tiny people attempt to hurl the ball into the basket. When someone actually makes a basket, the whole crowd cheers no matter which team you're rooting for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jU9gURXOGCf-k-FtKZUXad-aDKzbTxQTSGpkT3R45oQFtGyBfVt5mmoD6kQfJnSogRuMpFewQyrNj4cIibBnUS_UcCKSRRAagEe2pjFoFKWTO10ldCllwMoMP80AWjZfZ4xh_DD3QTnD/s1600/IMG_8776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jU9gURXOGCf-k-FtKZUXad-aDKzbTxQTSGpkT3R45oQFtGyBfVt5mmoD6kQfJnSogRuMpFewQyrNj4cIibBnUS_UcCKSRRAagEe2pjFoFKWTO10ldCllwMoMP80AWjZfZ4xh_DD3QTnD/s640/IMG_8776.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ2Iii7uvQqldOwTlzeB8GutOeb2K3jtneRDwZ6YEqDmLhqQwrYH0J6886R66FZW0ASZ-GCIs_pg1sXnKiR1VoaaMLAIwfB01gH6NJ47UYm0l6fgNxqw-i8maDWYK8MpdM3vz3rZWCqdh/s1600/IMG_8784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ2Iii7uvQqldOwTlzeB8GutOeb2K3jtneRDwZ6YEqDmLhqQwrYH0J6886R66FZW0ASZ-GCIs_pg1sXnKiR1VoaaMLAIwfB01gH6NJ47UYm0l6fgNxqw-i8maDWYK8MpdM3vz3rZWCqdh/s640/IMG_8784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Clementine doesn't care if the typewriter was for the boys.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1nBYk3Cujbd4bKefhz_s3HhglsaJKlwunlp8i9Tebayw0-FHq_j3qJiP6me35raq4Q43GVPQ33BLcuHNr4bROdni44wLRAmd6MDQ6tuqopq5gljsRSCXpgx2yAtjKTY7hX7TIqyPrt_p/s1600/IMG_8789.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1nBYk3Cujbd4bKefhz_s3HhglsaJKlwunlp8i9Tebayw0-FHq_j3qJiP6me35raq4Q43GVPQ33BLcuHNr4bROdni44wLRAmd6MDQ6tuqopq5gljsRSCXpgx2yAtjKTY7hX7TIqyPrt_p/s640/IMG_8789.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMWmpsVfhCGGusGrkz9r2wv7GO2_U8weuB00MCkcurWfizfHfYZHLYp62xsJg7gN_rpWm-bdwdl3SAiobnaUmgc9Wh7B-UrEpPfLToVTom-yn6GNosNwm2VPFJY-ldhYzs2iO5JI8IWRg/s1600/IMG_8787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMWmpsVfhCGGusGrkz9r2wv7GO2_U8weuB00MCkcurWfizfHfYZHLYp62xsJg7gN_rpWm-bdwdl3SAiobnaUmgc9Wh7B-UrEpPfLToVTom-yn6GNosNwm2VPFJY-ldhYzs2iO5JI8IWRg/s640/IMG_8787.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1nBYk3Cujbd4bKefhz_s3HhglsaJKlwunlp8i9Tebayw0-FHq_j3qJiP6me35raq4Q43GVPQ33BLcuHNr4bROdni44wLRAmd6MDQ6tuqopq5gljsRSCXpgx2yAtjKTY7hX7TIqyPrt_p/s1600/IMG_8789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
Of all of Brent's hobbies over the years, I like his bread baking the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyfxPfEsWIuyA5eF2-XkFDOKmgYLLzvYoOFfDqdUN2IJY5P3NtI1CY9ZEd17C8gU6QjD1p_2Fy-t5fhdzbgRCpRDIssyv9ywbF2cnGDL3rbWkZ73p8gflrnFnkvLaCkDaBtDxTkBjfjM5/s1600/IMG_8793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyfxPfEsWIuyA5eF2-XkFDOKmgYLLzvYoOFfDqdUN2IJY5P3NtI1CY9ZEd17C8gU6QjD1p_2Fy-t5fhdzbgRCpRDIssyv9ywbF2cnGDL3rbWkZ73p8gflrnFnkvLaCkDaBtDxTkBjfjM5/s640/IMG_8793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And amid all of the typing and hoops and bread loaves there is the nagging thought that your life can be turned upside down at any moment. Thankfully we have people we love to turn it right side up again.<br />
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-73393710016025859022013-11-12T21:20:00.000-08:002013-11-12T21:20:07.204-08:00OutTwo days before Halloween I realized that we hadn't made it to the
pumpkin patch. It was a sunny Monday afternoon and I must have caught
Brent in a moment of weakness because he actually seemed excited about
hauling the kids out to Lone Pine.<br />
<br />
We had never done
the corn maze before, and to be honest, I thought it would be boring.
But the kids raced ahead of us, shouting directions to each other,
shrieking at dead ends, and trampling through mud and fallen corn stalks
while we hung back, following their lead. It was peaceful in that corn
maze as the sun passed quickly overhead, illuminating the brilliant fall
colors around us before sinking quietly into the horizon.<br />
<br />
We
could have just stayed home, I kept thinking. I could be folding
laundry or making dinner right now. Instead we stayed later than we
should have, basking in that perfectly autumn sunset and then had to
scramble to get to Sawyer's school for a Halloween party. Once there,
the kids scarfed up a bunch of candy since we hadn't made it home for
dinner. We came home starving and past bedtime, but it was totally worth
it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt3rdU4x2tATJfwFf3gOQJlb4Fsc5RzzoXJQON4rJO95HTjbsFUhloHSaPHmj3WrBZlBC-72wymG7HLhivJje6LEajjvJwHYl1dvi1U__llbzoswCPylRP0YwtVJEO_oGjVfTiGGFVJB4/s1600/IMG_8639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt3rdU4x2tATJfwFf3gOQJlb4Fsc5RzzoXJQON4rJO95HTjbsFUhloHSaPHmj3WrBZlBC-72wymG7HLhivJje6LEajjvJwHYl1dvi1U__llbzoswCPylRP0YwtVJEO_oGjVfTiGGFVJB4/s640/IMG_8639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9b3YE4ZsST__54AFVSdOchaH1BDpESRpR0DMIJZkhFYiOPXH7FA0vmaB8pipWr4ERRxjSfhpFdjfL8L0WYSRckgzv35ZWdsQVX_t8Y-lqbVHedL6IW93fsxEJkSMRXiot-j7OghrSeZR/s1600/IMG_8640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9b3YE4ZsST__54AFVSdOchaH1BDpESRpR0DMIJZkhFYiOPXH7FA0vmaB8pipWr4ERRxjSfhpFdjfL8L0WYSRckgzv35ZWdsQVX_t8Y-lqbVHedL6IW93fsxEJkSMRXiot-j7OghrSeZR/s640/IMG_8640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7d78hPtkV2nN3Vi5M7XpuXMSnJekogYv6PdcC6h3jetxYLwpi6hm22HKUX5xEKvCJUY5RBO38CZQd8iiJDGNKcG9rYGKjFe3w_RB8y3RF57JsnDnzzGqTyCd3DBZIImjO5e9c7NB4seV/s1600/IMG_8642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7d78hPtkV2nN3Vi5M7XpuXMSnJekogYv6PdcC6h3jetxYLwpi6hm22HKUX5xEKvCJUY5RBO38CZQd8iiJDGNKcG9rYGKjFe3w_RB8y3RF57JsnDnzzGqTyCd3DBZIImjO5e9c7NB4seV/s640/IMG_8642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwlNqM_gUaUKpfIqqSAugpfu6viEwB2tX8nKXSojXe_oOS7itF_zGTbpk0GRPdLFDQVez5h1WGDwdPe7tKxDKSeQ0kHci40Nw5b5lvkXKYDVP_5tf8Hzi3aY2FUXfduSkMeXvdXz4OhN3/s1600/IMG_8651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwlNqM_gUaUKpfIqqSAugpfu6viEwB2tX8nKXSojXe_oOS7itF_zGTbpk0GRPdLFDQVez5h1WGDwdPe7tKxDKSeQ0kHci40Nw5b5lvkXKYDVP_5tf8Hzi3aY2FUXfduSkMeXvdXz4OhN3/s640/IMG_8651.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMh6lvUQASUtA7JQ4_ZFrUnR9Y_uMjIDkhPjL9cZ2cLvP2RSHFFgIWRZ9iFU1NiUfCEnJNJT0jPk5OaFTLOeJCn6JfjSgWhNJFXzQtVesIzDBpE0U9cF7u_uQ79u2gNuzQ3BCZlwiobo-/s1600/IMG_8656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMh6lvUQASUtA7JQ4_ZFrUnR9Y_uMjIDkhPjL9cZ2cLvP2RSHFFgIWRZ9iFU1NiUfCEnJNJT0jPk5OaFTLOeJCn6JfjSgWhNJFXzQtVesIzDBpE0U9cF7u_uQ79u2gNuzQ3BCZlwiobo-/s640/IMG_8656.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zuU6wYbMBXlmOqPitGw-MBZoO3J9dencvIbAse13-YYcW18TFp1B-3U9JahPqaHN-d8sN3VoO6bnvniAEI_Fnu59cW3aORnAKE9AvK0JgX6wBVYA-JCoKzXalZnVU7gZQ5bJj2FJDZnf/s1600/IMG_8662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zuU6wYbMBXlmOqPitGw-MBZoO3J9dencvIbAse13-YYcW18TFp1B-3U9JahPqaHN-d8sN3VoO6bnvniAEI_Fnu59cW3aORnAKE9AvK0JgX6wBVYA-JCoKzXalZnVU7gZQ5bJj2FJDZnf/s640/IMG_8662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYFF9tUI9uQQzZbbtxwTN8Ao4SFQyqMIscvfN0GlN54_X22aLIr3SEOjvE3mvQpP4z2hHczWFaiuqt9kjn2pG7ECLI__vqEnNe__O_yWsd_SiIX2ZtZeR73S9jdy6_NFOcvE1H-SyCTXL/s1600/IMG_8673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYFF9tUI9uQQzZbbtxwTN8Ao4SFQyqMIscvfN0GlN54_X22aLIr3SEOjvE3mvQpP4z2hHczWFaiuqt9kjn2pG7ECLI__vqEnNe__O_yWsd_SiIX2ZtZeR73S9jdy6_NFOcvE1H-SyCTXL/s640/IMG_8673.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xe5h9DNtukRrdnL-5QGZVneuVSlS7JuV2jMhRVRPXCenqJwbCJefq3phC1wIImsqeuhc2c8hZdUGYeSyIjcOdCWWHbbK8F7ugo_kLEEzBS4VqCwvdgrAlN45J18d1WV8Tu-qMD5ildOw/s1600/IMG_8679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xe5h9DNtukRrdnL-5QGZVneuVSlS7JuV2jMhRVRPXCenqJwbCJefq3phC1wIImsqeuhc2c8hZdUGYeSyIjcOdCWWHbbK8F7ugo_kLEEzBS4VqCwvdgrAlN45J18d1WV8Tu-qMD5ildOw/s640/IMG_8679.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Halloween 2013. We are so totally outnumbered by the kids.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWPlmPlkbMzqAzBu9g7Blxb688RArA6oDXjQIiir22roNtLMxdCmvxxYzMdVVlK6l5EqJ_pp_p_iT2Lg3IMMgZx3C8ZDDo268k-RNGomyBxItcIbyVqHSQaOspzgJ1RzBYKV0m6loKtEk/s1600/IMG_8702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWPlmPlkbMzqAzBu9g7Blxb688RArA6oDXjQIiir22roNtLMxdCmvxxYzMdVVlK6l5EqJ_pp_p_iT2Lg3IMMgZx3C8ZDDo268k-RNGomyBxItcIbyVqHSQaOspzgJ1RzBYKV0m6loKtEk/s640/IMG_8702.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
But at least we have this guy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpulWn-iMsuCh-A2kG14PW7tM09-KdDlDWffsjnHbV6ottSK2jAevpOk9AgTOj-LVccL2Yj94dpIVQjmO25Wv-0miGLE602Ypa4Fv4OhvmxsGpMaKerxRKkMK1_OeGIKgvmQrsyH-GdYU/s1600/IMG_8688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpulWn-iMsuCh-A2kG14PW7tM09-KdDlDWffsjnHbV6ottSK2jAevpOk9AgTOj-LVccL2Yj94dpIVQjmO25Wv-0miGLE602Ypa4Fv4OhvmxsGpMaKerxRKkMK1_OeGIKgvmQrsyH-GdYU/s640/IMG_8688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI35nbeRPCYOBvXoymge5T9OG8FX67Ry26qqHITMDhlcsOQTFCLqYX9HCpF0i3MTQjtMxECCHREX-x_SJnIT05l0U_ALPo2lKu1hRiEieLJSLQaYKuJJfweTle4SV8bax03j3JX6dAxmIm/s1600/IMG_8738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
And then there was the annual Play in the Rain Day at Mount Pisgah
(we have been four times and it has never once rained). I texted a
friend to see if she and her kids would be there. Our exchange went
something like this:<br />
<br />
Me: Are you guys going to Pisgah today?<br />
Friend: Yes! But first to the Laboratory for the Bloody Mary bar. Join us?<br />
<br />
Approximately
ten minutes pass before I see this reply. I can't hear my phone over
the howling of simultaneous time outs and babbling baby. Everyone is
still in their pajamas. Brent is hiding in the backyard under the
pretense of doing yardwork.<br />
<br />
Me: Kids are too crazy. Don't think we're gonna make it.<br />
<br />
And
this is where I realize that it really does take a village to raise
children. It takes a village because what my friend texted me next was a
quick slap upside the head that pretty much saved the day. <br />
<br />
Friend:
NOOOOOO! You must leave the house! I promise it will all be better if
you just LEAVE THE HOUSE. I will buy you a Bloody Mary...<br />
<br />
Thank you, village.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI35nbeRPCYOBvXoymge5T9OG8FX67Ry26qqHITMDhlcsOQTFCLqYX9HCpF0i3MTQjtMxECCHREX-x_SJnIT05l0U_ALPo2lKu1hRiEieLJSLQaYKuJJfweTle4SV8bax03j3JX6dAxmIm/s1600/IMG_8738.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI35nbeRPCYOBvXoymge5T9OG8FX67Ry26qqHITMDhlcsOQTFCLqYX9HCpF0i3MTQjtMxECCHREX-x_SJnIT05l0U_ALPo2lKu1hRiEieLJSLQaYKuJJfweTle4SV8bax03j3JX6dAxmIm/s640/IMG_8738.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI35nbeRPCYOBvXoymge5T9OG8FX67Ry26qqHITMDhlcsOQTFCLqYX9HCpF0i3MTQjtMxECCHREX-x_SJnIT05l0U_ALPo2lKu1hRiEieLJSLQaYKuJJfweTle4SV8bax03j3JX6dAxmIm/s1600/IMG_8738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsZQZL8Bl5aO5xaVngfzoRs7ALsoOOvZpvSOcC7OkVrFOBDZIzo5O8nuQck3Hhx4pjK0XUMbFjtN-8hWEKLBgXCnnFS2DQ3Et_Zz_cMxlMYhTi0mVom7zscisxdnyjeKRP96t4CDJxsou/s1600/IMG_8721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsZQZL8Bl5aO5xaVngfzoRs7ALsoOOvZpvSOcC7OkVrFOBDZIzo5O8nuQck3Hhx4pjK0XUMbFjtN-8hWEKLBgXCnnFS2DQ3Et_Zz_cMxlMYhTi0mVom7zscisxdnyjeKRP96t4CDJxsou/s640/IMG_8721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lGn9LSjw1dTPIXR6D0Xm-nSg6sf8SDBk93RDAQU5RUsHGaVYxFlIkwcYZTDlQxh-cNve8LIaOrJPHYxk5fjIO5ZH_TIOyjFmp4FfB-Cs81xtz-h6GanKqeRNiyLHoAzlKLvxNKKAfmRa/s1600/IMG_8743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lGn9LSjw1dTPIXR6D0Xm-nSg6sf8SDBk93RDAQU5RUsHGaVYxFlIkwcYZTDlQxh-cNve8LIaOrJPHYxk5fjIO5ZH_TIOyjFmp4FfB-Cs81xtz-h6GanKqeRNiyLHoAzlKLvxNKKAfmRa/s640/IMG_8743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdst6RP46r0374k9Iuzj9qtt3ndXqhMHsRiouyK1TEX5DwmsBCFDagQ-BYGckWs9_QL51KbwXWs2QsnTQiHKTNpMiIeFUxuzekTodZL0ARFOB5l6aekyIi0odUh2lg1UdY1cCVtkBBZdH/s1600/IMG_8753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdst6RP46r0374k9Iuzj9qtt3ndXqhMHsRiouyK1TEX5DwmsBCFDagQ-BYGckWs9_QL51KbwXWs2QsnTQiHKTNpMiIeFUxuzekTodZL0ARFOB5l6aekyIi0odUh2lg1UdY1cCVtkBBZdH/s640/IMG_8753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO88VWBTBl1QPS29gW1DnpNECDV6ULZqCJ5DlVvuih9X_hbNXvNz_AwqBXQA5R6yvTo-DBKngEoBGGVN60cVg4oUOE43vGHSG2485QRCBYV0proQtbjhyYI-PYtihDLrHqD84Abc83RBE1/s1600/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO88VWBTBl1QPS29gW1DnpNECDV6ULZqCJ5DlVvuih9X_hbNXvNz_AwqBXQA5R6yvTo-DBKngEoBGGVN60cVg4oUOE43vGHSG2485QRCBYV0proQtbjhyYI-PYtihDLrHqD84Abc83RBE1/s640/IMG_8757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Were my kids still crazy when we got to the restaurant? Yes.<br />
Was the Bloody Mary bar everything I had hoped it would be? Yes. And more. Bacon?<br />
<br />
I could have stayed home to fold laundry. Thank god I have my priorities straight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWPlmPlkbMzqAzBu9g7Blxb688RArA6oDXjQIiir22roNtLMxdCmvxxYzMdVVlK6l5EqJ_pp_p_iT2Lg3IMMgZx3C8ZDDo268k-RNGomyBxItcIbyVqHSQaOspzgJ1RzBYKV0m6loKtEk/s1600/IMG_8702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-35695195352245084372013-11-01T22:23:00.000-07:002013-11-01T22:23:11.018-07:00OneDear Clementine,<br />
I felt you missing long before you were born. I couldn't put my finger on it right away, but somehow, as years passed, I knew that there was a little girl out there waiting for me. And then you came and instantly our family felt complete. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc_4QIDFOfGGzNt20U3r-bXwqJn5AbZNku96x15kavKAPQD560UKLgXMUgib_aOOqy57C7EBpDMISnImfwbrEk6spKMR6WesKEQncBdIvmRE1PPhITavFU-ad8X97vT5Ont3_t-Lam_sb/s1600/IMG_8541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc_4QIDFOfGGzNt20U3r-bXwqJn5AbZNku96x15kavKAPQD560UKLgXMUgib_aOOqy57C7EBpDMISnImfwbrEk6spKMR6WesKEQncBdIvmRE1PPhITavFU-ad8X97vT5Ont3_t-Lam_sb/s640/IMG_8541.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You are loved by so many people. Sometimes that love is a bit overwhelming for you, but I trust you'll grow to appreciate the spotlight you were born into.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTg0fUkVEj5s3ArYPAH_VpOchFHuQO39aVQK6TGq0ObWVyeb5XjSeP2hKf0wlob_7YkT_lo4_ZOiBpGCoUgw7FdK3woZ0HnAObY488j4PAeO6k6ofRUObxlcDvqeNQulVIT8c2Q_LPia4/s1600/IMG_8548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTg0fUkVEj5s3ArYPAH_VpOchFHuQO39aVQK6TGq0ObWVyeb5XjSeP2hKf0wlob_7YkT_lo4_ZOiBpGCoUgw7FdK3woZ0HnAObY488j4PAeO6k6ofRUObxlcDvqeNQulVIT8c2Q_LPia4/s640/IMG_8548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You are our sweetest baby. When the boys were your age, I felt like they were on a mission to destroy the house. You just want to look at everything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP9U4CijymaSHM5A94KDX7p_oJfQgHsXdGQ1_luM8wfA7rz_aAIC38Byl5m_0YIb41kOs9iIB1CWJia8uJnufYHhAKYBbujK3GcuIcB2AXVNp1TYZtyaV4QN_IdaBKdbpzT8quanKR4cF/s1600/IMG_8559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP9U4CijymaSHM5A94KDX7p_oJfQgHsXdGQ1_luM8wfA7rz_aAIC38Byl5m_0YIb41kOs9iIB1CWJia8uJnufYHhAKYBbujK3GcuIcB2AXVNp1TYZtyaV4QN_IdaBKdbpzT8quanKR4cF/s640/IMG_8559.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My aunt Bobbi sent me this funny doll that my mom made long ago. It's a cloth mama doll with all her babies in a basket and they all have these weird pinched faces. I studied this doll and her accessories and had to wonder what my mom was thinking when she made this. I didn't know what else to do with her and so I put it on the shelf in your bedroom.<br />
<br />
And then I saw you playing with her, you would take the babies out and inspect them before placing them back into the basket. Somehow it all made sense to me in that moment. My mom made that silly doll for<i> you.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuVmN8qseqiUsnOPaX1uAUNF2MnBSf7FGcGH4l5-kKDn3-_gvMUjh-qav19WNHGSWa44UhKMjo_Op_MWLkFDeiEWbpf1azlpn1ubohDtpFEiZgsRBzD-tkV_W_hHaOq5pGuYn3d7DixGp/s1600/IMG_8568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuVmN8qseqiUsnOPaX1uAUNF2MnBSf7FGcGH4l5-kKDn3-_gvMUjh-qav19WNHGSWa44UhKMjo_Op_MWLkFDeiEWbpf1azlpn1ubohDtpFEiZgsRBzD-tkV_W_hHaOq5pGuYn3d7DixGp/s640/IMG_8568.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We had your birthday party at a bar because that's the kind of family you were born into. You didn't seem to mind. You weren't even really that interested in the cupcake we gave you, but when you received a soft white stuffed bunny, you were absolutely thrilled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tAYHVN527zBGEySKk4kdHbCZ_0aEC517bO3S64vuqvpMf0kTbd0UTwav7dBPetSNaYhHNBIK4iJRDl5dZuPR24RLrOUqmsnD2z01JzYkPerrqQvf6CnrFD5PYXy3eqV5rpf7N-bZbKsp/s1600/IMG_8513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tAYHVN527zBGEySKk4kdHbCZ_0aEC517bO3S64vuqvpMf0kTbd0UTwav7dBPetSNaYhHNBIK4iJRDl5dZuPR24RLrOUqmsnD2z01JzYkPerrqQvf6CnrFD5PYXy3eqV5rpf7N-bZbKsp/s640/IMG_8513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You came into our family at such a perfect time. There is so much kid energy in our lives right now. You fit right in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebULhXK-y8qU3YtIrzIoSIs0PyJF42Cfn-e-jaXrV-i2YOSkZ1J0RvlgDLYCBeh9C5BjajYzJZU55sL15RPqS5kRNRVcDqPJoQFzuOVpd6qEECMigNnI92HWePUuPs0J0dd3qmoIn3lrs/s1600/IMG_8495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebULhXK-y8qU3YtIrzIoSIs0PyJF42Cfn-e-jaXrV-i2YOSkZ1J0RvlgDLYCBeh9C5BjajYzJZU55sL15RPqS5kRNRVcDqPJoQFzuOVpd6qEECMigNnI92HWePUuPs0J0dd3qmoIn3lrs/s640/IMG_8495.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2waVAMkFswG6CyqRG_wzbh7RRynSMFkoHzJipmSKVO-nwe30B3UQbLscz20jLTLBnLS5YtSZG_ZqCMQlYGa0ksUe4izdF54q35i1ziv1UmMW9C0tkHFtR2dxdpk83ZBOUqk0AnCGLJ6A/s1600/IMG_8471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2waVAMkFswG6CyqRG_wzbh7RRynSMFkoHzJipmSKVO-nwe30B3UQbLscz20jLTLBnLS5YtSZG_ZqCMQlYGa0ksUe4izdF54q35i1ziv1UmMW9C0tkHFtR2dxdpk83ZBOUqk0AnCGLJ6A/s640/IMG_8471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ashMfuIyqeL_-TUMgZ5669gXAYqW4PeSO-b0q58mjLfGVy7r9gtcxCoWrc3-YR4TiPMntvPEvZXZoUW6WIa6xREraKOIi2m8DbRaVyoPzhOLbQEqEt3uktGGYDfbZ-Fcvf5ErtINBQXv/s1600/IMG_8594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ashMfuIyqeL_-TUMgZ5669gXAYqW4PeSO-b0q58mjLfGVy7r9gtcxCoWrc3-YR4TiPMntvPEvZXZoUW6WIa6xREraKOIi2m8DbRaVyoPzhOLbQEqEt3uktGGYDfbZ-Fcvf5ErtINBQXv/s640/IMG_8594.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1InlSNh2c9msfrkksHN2sbA8bM2q2vnwDeWQc5mH4WU2DU7c-cLFV9DPfGjiEV-fzYiyHREKm5y_ZEOrSCZdMlH8_4ZlJOUYjW7yscGNsIsnzSd_q9d3SEtkQQcFspOEf46is9vIHJu7/s1600/IMG_8591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1InlSNh2c9msfrkksHN2sbA8bM2q2vnwDeWQc5mH4WU2DU7c-cLFV9DPfGjiEV-fzYiyHREKm5y_ZEOrSCZdMlH8_4ZlJOUYjW7yscGNsIsnzSd_q9d3SEtkQQcFspOEf46is9vIHJu7/s640/IMG_8591.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEfr9FaXLS7lTY19SOUshVet5qmjchqUqH2lNjWtWgYY8yDYe2tDxBYggi_0h8bqLCywIGwJF467FUvWRxH1B_9trEG226pIIbQgUiY_1BpWRu34GCum1CBtb3sK7G8HtCsOYainyCtwB/s1600/IMG_8578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEfr9FaXLS7lTY19SOUshVet5qmjchqUqH2lNjWtWgYY8yDYe2tDxBYggi_0h8bqLCywIGwJF467FUvWRxH1B_9trEG226pIIbQgUiY_1BpWRu34GCum1CBtb3sK7G8HtCsOYainyCtwB/s640/IMG_8578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj9rxRtXZ6y4nrljeAPUMXv5bdalEbEdBnS_tHzUz7c0RQGK_t49uVN8fl040j5UKA5XkAsq7VFYTayH8X0poNXpkOzP5Qza8DxkgfIjxA0zPvAgf5oz0tKslW10KNLEH2MnBpQ1sxyIJ/s1600/IMG_8597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj9rxRtXZ6y4nrljeAPUMXv5bdalEbEdBnS_tHzUz7c0RQGK_t49uVN8fl040j5UKA5XkAsq7VFYTayH8X0poNXpkOzP5Qza8DxkgfIjxA0zPvAgf5oz0tKslW10KNLEH2MnBpQ1sxyIJ/s640/IMG_8597.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXoUYgoftuu2KjxfsEMkgy1dkyCMJml6EBqENM7aixZNvtUBpYEIFGG8SG49vDJlie_4C3rGC0v6UmIoPkS_Wb7c8OstWn1zosCb6cczuR_mYbz7enjl-LOLfuz5RGPEmF5-vhWFpGvUj/s1600/IMG_8605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXoUYgoftuu2KjxfsEMkgy1dkyCMJml6EBqENM7aixZNvtUBpYEIFGG8SG49vDJlie_4C3rGC0v6UmIoPkS_Wb7c8OstWn1zosCb6cczuR_mYbz7enjl-LOLfuz5RGPEmF5-vhWFpGvUj/s640/IMG_8605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFjktMzyAe0WL3T0uicjivSzMiwYl0CJFiaAzBYhXBfuFyAKxy50w0RHx4BFGhFdsPA_kR7vwrcUUbjn7dS4kinOeKj9Ka0RbdSiF3hl8jhNXLKjY2q1pVahqC3HiminbDuNAirtcEIk-/s1600/IMG_8617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFjktMzyAe0WL3T0uicjivSzMiwYl0CJFiaAzBYhXBfuFyAKxy50w0RHx4BFGhFdsPA_kR7vwrcUUbjn7dS4kinOeKj9Ka0RbdSiF3hl8jhNXLKjY2q1pVahqC3HiminbDuNAirtcEIk-/s640/IMG_8617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You took your first steps today. You are well on your way to becoming a toddler and I know that if I blink too many times, you'll be in kindergarten. And while I can't wait to see what kind of five-year-old you will be, I do want these baby years to slow down, please. You are my last baby. Please don't grow up too fast.<br />
<br />
Happy first birthday, Clementine.<br />
<br />
Your family loves you so.Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865715771666702322.post-9794630462994022992013-10-20T21:56:00.000-07:002013-10-20T21:56:59.188-07:00Team BenchwarmerI never played soccer when I was a kid.<br />
<br />
I know, I know. What kid
didn't play soccer? Well, me. The kid who was tall and gangly and
afraid of the ball. I was that kid. I still am. When you lack hand-eye coordination and don't like things being thrown or kicked at you, you're pretty limited in the sports you can play. And if you don't care about winning or losing or being part of a team, maybe you're doing everyone a favor by staying on the sidelines.<br />
<br />
7th grade me showed a serious lapse in good judgement by signing up for basketball, which was really just a precursor for all of the judgement lapses that would soon hallmark my teenage years. Anyway. It didn't take long for me, or the coach for that matter, to realize that I had no business being out there on that basketball court. I'm not sure why my teammates didn't hire out a hitman to bust up my kneecaps or at least vote me off the team, which really would have been the humane thing to do. Instead I played. Well, I "played" if by "playing" you mean that I shuffled up and down the court and ducked/cringed whenever the ball came near me.<br />
<br />
Alas, no valuable life lesson was learned and in the spring I volunteered to be on the softball team. That was much less humiliating since I could just strike out quickly and return to the bench. I think- my memory of middle school grows mercifully hazier as the years pass- that we may have even won some sort of championship, no thanks to me, of course.<br />
<br />
And then I married Brent. A
real soccer guy. He knows and loves the game and I'll never forget the
first time I saw him play indoor soccer because he is an actual athlete, who becomes a completely different person when he steps onto the field. Soccer Brent is super aggressive and loud and smells much worse than Regular Brent.<br />
<br />
Now I recognize that same intensity and drive in Jack. He flies up and down that field. His eye never leaves the ball. And even though you don't technically keep score in first grade soccer, he wants so badly to <i>win</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNkjOHIoZohxaqKw4o0xJVUXLqQ69Dx65AJ9giBXhGXQxw9BE2TBKZOPHwPikV1qRd7pRtxhRlmq13oNzAL80_rlAIF9jFUsT80Dsv1E3WXm0ydZQ9eYMP6AIDQ22LSuxZYFfCbdo43Ei/s1600/IMG_8450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNkjOHIoZohxaqKw4o0xJVUXLqQ69Dx65AJ9giBXhGXQxw9BE2TBKZOPHwPikV1qRd7pRtxhRlmq13oNzAL80_rlAIF9jFUsT80Dsv1E3WXm0ydZQ9eYMP6AIDQ22LSuxZYFfCbdo43Ei/s640/IMG_8450.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It's not about winning and losing when you play first grade soccer. You're supposed to learn about being part of a team and practicing good sportsmanship and all that feel-good stuff that gives kids like me false hope about their athletic futures. Jack will sit patiently through the team-building exercises and play Red Rover over and over and over again, but all he really wants to do is play soccer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o2FQMV0vOrFWEN6veVgO2p2ignrktzxZx-RZQUfG6gni1owggyGFiLtdqZ58WLtXAizEHRHrt8viGQljmIqDOgchWe6vHMPVunxaK0k4vFGVzwDfz2GQPh_5-cq9lby0Au1maIBSODtC/s1600/IMG_8403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o2FQMV0vOrFWEN6veVgO2p2ignrktzxZx-RZQUfG6gni1owggyGFiLtdqZ58WLtXAizEHRHrt8viGQljmIqDOgchWe6vHMPVunxaK0k4vFGVzwDfz2GQPh_5-cq9lby0Au1maIBSODtC/s640/IMG_8403.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcLc3eLfP0D2RW_0Z-V2yvkk3DBTtVkAj46K5qezCISdQzR2aVmdq5TmNDp1qKeqalENKUnzVkrqlI2SAcHudSLVVN4LjICgyrSUTtlk5_EIfJVuseAriBr0TOy8tjmOSzd_kR3me5-ml/s1600/IMG_8426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcLc3eLfP0D2RW_0Z-V2yvkk3DBTtVkAj46K5qezCISdQzR2aVmdq5TmNDp1qKeqalENKUnzVkrqlI2SAcHudSLVVN4LjICgyrSUTtlk5_EIfJVuseAriBr0TOy8tjmOSzd_kR3me5-ml/s640/IMG_8426.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXR6L44Ad66Gj9E4dl5nqZmDGCsZf4kD4Q-2Ecuy4SlQO9dWRDRUOjyvxv5Jd9byPRnUafa9HdDAgntU2bqYSTz_WCrJs1RfP9bEEUJS07TZPx2pJXtQK2t1dT0JVCi_Jzo4G-Mw-HefW8/s1600/IMG_8440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXR6L44Ad66Gj9E4dl5nqZmDGCsZf4kD4Q-2Ecuy4SlQO9dWRDRUOjyvxv5Jd9byPRnUafa9HdDAgntU2bqYSTz_WCrJs1RfP9bEEUJS07TZPx2pJXtQK2t1dT0JVCi_Jzo4G-Mw-HefW8/s640/IMG_8440.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I'll never have that drive. I'll never feel that competitive intensity that pushes you to play to win. But I will have the sidelines.<br />
<br />
Being
the working parent means you sometimes feel disconnected from your
kids' schools. I worried about that in the beginning, especially since
we live across town from our school. Would I get to know the other parents? Would I feel like I belonged? <br />
<br />
I've spent the last month watching Brent out on the field in coach mode while
Sawyer runs with the other little brothers and sisters who will
probably be on <i>his</i> soccer teams someday. I've been a big contributor to the official sideline chatter. I've shared shared snacks and blankets and cheered for kids who we'll know for at least the next 11 years. And while I've watched Jack's circle of friends expanding, I've made new friends of my own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLQUv1WGesj41d3Q3PxcsPj3ASLBbhdR_2ZcEDfHPMr188xbQORuQcxQ5cB9ZRptcOPj-_w4Kcn9JhsZ26QCyAz6zMF_UMnCXPc4V7fkpirnu8yVcGo9f0ytO0hvusGwBLIeIVg1w_zZE/s1600/IMG_8447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLQUv1WGesj41d3Q3PxcsPj3ASLBbhdR_2ZcEDfHPMr188xbQORuQcxQ5cB9ZRptcOPj-_w4Kcn9JhsZ26QCyAz6zMF_UMnCXPc4V7fkpirnu8yVcGo9f0ytO0hvusGwBLIeIVg1w_zZE/s640/IMG_8447.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The last soccer game of the season was a relief, no more evening practices that leave us sitting down to a rushed dinner at 7, no hustle out the door to make a 9am Saturday game. But I have to admit that it's also a bit of a letdown. I have learned to love the game, too.<br />
<br />
But only from the sidelines.<br />
<br />Cassadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16873006487976083337noreply@blogger.com2